Green Technology

PSE&G is using the thermal energy from a sewage plant in Camden, NJ to help heat the facility.  The system is closed loop – meaning the sewage does not enter the building – but the heat energy is extracted and used to offset the need for electric to heat the facility.

The “ … $1.3 million project … is one of 18 funded by PSE&G toward meeting a state requirement that utilities invest in improving energy efficiency …”

“ … project is believed to be the first of its kind in the United State …”

The waste heat system is expected to save “ … $80,000 a year on electricity bills, about a quarter of its heating costs.”

In addition to the energy / electric savings there is a positive environmental impact.

Via:  Philly.com  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Follow the link below for some very easy ways to save energy, reduce your carbon footprint and green your lifestyle.

Here are some …
- wash laundry in cold water
- turn down the temperature on your water heater
- insulate your water heater
- use reusable shopping bags
- compost what you can

Via:  Wise Bread  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Data centers use a lot of energy to power servers and in doing so generate a lot of heat.  Additional energy is then needed to keep the servers and other equipment from overheating (air conditioning or chiller systems).  Could the heat from servers be repurposed instead of cooled ?

According to a research paper (link below) “ … “data furnaces” could offer a lower carbon footprint … [in] home offices or office buildings. … servers could … become a primary heating system for these buildings …”

There are obstacle to overcome but in theory it seems to make sense.

What do you think ?  Will there ever be a server farm in your apartment building / complex or office tower?

>>> To read the Microsoft research paper LINK

>>> Fujitsu is using a similar concept for heat reuse – using it to drive data center cooling systems LINK

Via: ZDNet   LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The nest self learning programmable thermostat solves an interesting problem.  Programmable thermostats should be able to save lots of energy – but they are difficult to program.  Thermostats no longer have the energy star rating as the energy savings did not materialize ….

>>> nest programs itself around they way you live … analyzing when you adjusts the thermostat and using sensors to see if there are people in the house so it can determine when to lower the thermostat

“10% of all U.S. energy is controlled by thermostats. That’s the equivalent of 1.7 billion barrels of oil per year.” …  so there is a lot of money and energy at stake …

The YouTube video gives more information …

Via:  nest LINK

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Creating solar panels takes lots of energy and time in a furnace.  A new “Optical Cavity” furnace developed by the NREL can create more efficient solar cells.

“ … Optical Cavity Furnace … uses optics to heat and purify solar cells at unmatched precision while sharply boosting the cells' efficiency.”

“ … can … maximize efficiency while minimizing heating and cooling costs.”

The end result is more efficient solar panels.

Via:  National Renewable Energy Laboratory  LINK

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ecoATM wants to make electronics recycling easy and convenient.

ecoATM created a self serve Kiosk that takes your used electronics and gives you cash or store credit.

The kiosk “ … patented, advanced machine vision, electronic diagnostics, and artificial intelligence to evaluate and buy-back used electronics directly from consumers for cash or store credit. …”

Watch this video to see how easy the process is for the user …

Currently (Sept 2011) there is a cluster of ecoATM locations on the west coast stretching from just north of Los Angeles to just south of San Diego and two others – one in Kansas City, Kansas and one in Redmond, Washington.

Via:  ecoATM  LINK

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GE’s recently announced Platinum LEED data center in Kentucky is a rare breed.  It is GE’s first Platinum LEED data center and one of just a few in the world.

• Materials were over 50% locally sourced, approx. 30 % had recycled content and 80 plus % of construction waste was recycled and not landfilled.

Approx. 6% of LEED facilities in the world meet Platinum certification.

Here are some key highlights:

“ … reducing water consumption inside the building by 42 percent …”

“ … offset 35 percent of the data center’s predicted annual energy consumption through the purchase of off-site renewable energy … “

“… Outside … reducing water consumption by 100 …”

Via:  GE LINK

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The US DOE is sponsoring the 2011 Solar Decathlon – where 20 colleges and universities bring houses they designed and built to DC to compete in an “energy-off”. 

The winner will be determined by the team that “ … best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.”

Houses should be …. “affordable, attractive …”  and provide a healthy / comfortable living space and ideally generate more energy that it uses from wind and / or solar systems

Check it out if you are going to be in or near DC … and look for teams from around the world as well as the US.

Via:  US DOE LINK

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President Obama increases fuel economy by establishing challenging standards for the automotive industry.  The standard looks into the future to model years from 2017 through 2025.  Transportation efficiency targets the largest component of our annual oil consumption.  Light duty vehicles, trucks, and buses consume over sixty percent of U.S. petroleum requirements.  …

…   “These new standards will cover cars and light trucks for Model Years 2017-2025, requiring performance equivalent to 54.5 mpg in 2025 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 163 grams per mile.  Taken together, the standards established under this Administration span Model Years 2011 to 2025. They will save consumers money, reduce our dependence on oil, and protect the environment:”   …

Via The Whitehouse: Fuel Economy Standards.

Automotive fuel economy has become a key decision factor for owners.  While buyers of small vehicles are most likely to put fuel economy toward the top of their list of purchase considerations, fuel economy has jumped in importance in nearly all vehicle segments since 2001, recent research survey finds.

Driving Efficiency: Cutting Costs for Families at the Pump and Slashing Dependence on Oil (PDF) Report.

Posted by Green Tech at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Consultancy KPMG is committed to being green.  With their Living Green program they have made significant progress in key areas such as reducing carbon footprint and waste between 2007 and 2010.

Notable achievements include " ...reduce ... carbon footprint by 25 percent... reduce waste by 10 percent ... Achieve ... (LEED) certification with 100 percent of new construction ..."Increase alternative transportation by 5 percent

Via:  KPMG  LINK

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Johnson Controls Institute for Building Efficiency survey provides insights into the energy mindset of building owners and operators around the world.  The amount of available energy data is increasing, however the processes and roles to act of this information is lacking.  …

…   “Building owners have greater access to energy data, but few are taking advantage of it.

More than eight in 10 measure and record data at least weekly or monthly, but fewer than two in 10 review and analyze that data at least weekly.

Those who have implemented smart grid/smart building technology such as advanced energy metering and management systems are nearly 3 times more likely to review and analyze their data frequently.”   …

Via Johnson Controls: Energy Efficiency Survey.

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 EvoLucia Aimed LED Lighting is not only more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than other light sources, it is also much more effective. Through our patented Aimed Optics™ technology, we have demonstrated that less overall light is needed if the light is correctly focused on the target area, which allows for more efficient lighting solutions. We have identified an immediate opportunity, particularly in the outdoor lighting market, to supply high quality energy-efficient lighting solutions through this patented technology. We continue to develop and refine our products to serve the market and are actively pursuing alliances that will allow us to drive down the cost of producing our “Aimed LED Lighting” products.

Simply put, “aimed LED lighting” is the method of providing exactly the light that’s needed, where it’s needed. Through our patent-pending Aimed Optics™ technology, EvoLucia optimizes utilization of LEDs to put the most foot-candles on the ground, in the pattern required, with the best uniformity, using the fewest LEDs and the least power consumed.

While traditional luminaires are utilize one single, omni-directional light source per fixture, such as a metal-halide light bulb, EvoLucia’s Aimed Optics™ lighting technology platform uses multiple LEDs. A reflector directs the light in the desired pattern and provides the requisite number of foot-candles exactly where they’re needed.

It is both cost advantageous and energy-efficient to minimize the number of LEDs used to achieve the required number and uniformity of foot-candles in the pattern desired. In order to do this, each LED (or small group of LEDs) must be aimed and focused optimally. The method for doing this is the basis for the Aimed Optics platform.

Via:  EvoLucia Lighting  LINK

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Research Frontiers, Inc's SPD technology uses suspended particles in glass to react to a small voltage to change from clear to nearly blocked. With voltage is applied the glass is clear.

This would allow for large glass windows for light and letting the same windows block direct sun to reduce A/C load and reduce UV damage to fabrics.

' ...provides exceptional control over solar energy..." 

" ... ability of architectural smart glass to improve the energy efficiency of buildings by effectively controlling solar heat gain and harvesting daylight ..."

Via:  Research Frontiers, Inc.  LINK and LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Dow Chemical Company and Cobblestone Homes have collaborated on a second highly energy efficient  home.  This one is at 5018 Butterfield Dr. in Midland, Michigan - home to Dow.

The home was build for approx. the price of the average new home in the U.S. - $250,000 - bringing energy efficiency closer to the mass market.

The home is called “InVision Zero” and is expected to " ... to save $2,441 in energy costs and avert 30,233 pounds of CO₂ annually ...".  These figures are achieved using a number of Dow technologies and products resulting in a very "tight" home that is free of drafts (and the resulting heat / cooling losses).

The home has a DOE HERS (House energy rating) value of -4.  Energy Star Homes have a rating of about 85 and Net Zero homes rate a 0.  This home is very energy efficient.

Via:  Dow Building Solutions  LINK

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United has a green sustainability program called eco-skies.  Among the highlights of the program are ...

... over 300 planes with winglets that reduce emissions by up to 5% ... 3600+ service vehicles that are either electric or alternative fueled ... recycling over 3 millions lbs plastic and aluminum from flight service over a 5  year period ... 

"First U.S. biofuel and synthetic fuel demonstration flights and signed letters of intent to advance cost-efficient and environmentally responsible alternative jet fuels derived from biomass feedstock ..."

Via:  United  LINK

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Certain Honda Civics have an easy way to save fuel .... by pushing the ECON button.  When pushed " ... the Civic's engine and other energy-consuming systems are automatically configured to operate more efficiently..."

Better fuel economy at the push of a button ! 

Via:  Honda  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With energy costs still climbing interest in energy efficient homes continues to grow. 

Blu Homes manufactures very energy efficient homes.  " ...cost on average 50 to 70 percent less to operate on a monthly basis than conventional homes. Performing significantly beyond even Energy Star standards, ... " . 

Lower energy costs translate to lower operating costs, lower energy use and a lower carbon footprint.

Check out the details on the Breezehouse (a green home with lots of natural light) - from BluHomes.  Green features include passive solar, high efficiency heating / ventilating / AC systems, solar panels and tight insulated construction.

Via:  Blu Homes LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MIT scientists have found a novel way to use virus' to improve the efficiency of PV cells.   The virus' " ... perform detailed assembly work at the microscopic level ... based on findings that carbon nanotubes ... can enhance the efficiency of ... solar cell's surface."

The virus' are used to " ... control the arrangement of the nanotubes ... so they can’t short out the circuits ..."

Improvements in power conversion efficiency are close to 1/3.

Via:  MIT LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

San Francisco's new Terminal 2 was retrofitted to be green by design.  It is the first Airport Terminal in the US to achieve GOLD LEED. 

Among the green features in the design were waste reduction (achieved by reusing or recycling all construction waste), reduced water use (achieved by a closed loop reclaimed water system for the toilets and urinals that is treated on site) and Greenhouse Gas - GHG - reductions (achieved by eliminating the need for airplane auxiliary power units by providing preconditioned air and power at the gate).

Via:  SFO  LINK

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Graduate and undergraduate education in energy efficiency is offered at the University of California, Davis with a focus on fundamentals, economics, and innovation.  …

Via UC, Davis: Energy Efficiency.

Posted by Green Tech at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Facebook hones its craft at the Prineville, Oregon datacenter, where it drives down energy consumption and increases efficiency.  The company has chosen to provide its engineering details as open source to collaborate with industry advancing the performance of green datacenters.  …

…   “We decided to honor our hacker roots and challenge convention by custom designing and building our software, servers and data centers from the ground up. 

The result is a data center full of vanity free servers which is 38% more efficient and 24% less expensive to build and run than other state-of-the-art data centers.”   …

Via Facebook: Energy Efficient Data Centers.

Posted by Green Tech at 08:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Passive homes are designed to be so energy efficient that they do not need to have normal heating and cooling systems !  There is an air exchange system that brings in fresh air but keeps the heat in the houses.  This efficiency is achieved without compromising the comfort or looks.

" ....  refers to a ... ultra-low energy construction standard developed over the past twenty years by the PassivHaus Institut in Germany. ..."

See video below for more about a home that Solar Knights upgraded to become a Passive Home.

Via: Solar Knights Construction  LINK  

        and Smart Planet LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Seattle Mariners have joined other professional sports teams to form the Green Sports Alliance, an organization that encourages professional sports teams to be  greener and make reductions in their "... impact on the environment...."

Members are " ... urged to initiate strategies that reduce energy and carbon emissions, ... encouraged to promote their greening initiatives throughout their respective leagues and surrounding communities. ..."

For more information on the Green Sports Alliance visit www.greensportsalliance.org. 

Via:  Seattle Mariners  LINK

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85 acre Brooklyn Bridge Park was built with sustainability in mind ... from EV service vehicles to reused / recycled construction materials from prior buildings on the site.

" ...  Designed and built by BE, ... the first solar-powered charging station in New York City and one of only a few in the world. ..."

Over the projected 25 year life of the EV chargers will save "... more than $200,000 in gasoline costs ... More than 530 tons of CO2 ..."

The EV charging system has 24 PV panels with battery storage for 7 x 24 availability can produce 5.6 Kw. 

Via:  Beautiful Earth Group  LINK

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Portland, Maine has signed a deal with Ameresco to cut its carbon footprint.  The project covers approx. 15 years and is to cost $9.4 million.  The city expects to save $17 million over the life of the project.

What is unique about this engagement is that there is no upfront cost to Portland.  "Ameresco will guarantee ... cash flows ... will exceed the cash requirements for the project, offsetting the costs ..."

Per their website ... Ameresco "delivers ... solutions on both sides of the meter ... leverage renewable energy and achieve ... sustainability goals for our ...customers."

Part of the improvements will be a 2,000 watt solar array at one of the schools.

The agreement covers 45 city buildings and 15 schools.

Ameresco is based in Framingham, Mass. 

Via:  Ameresco  LINK

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Murphy’s Run in Cecil County Maryland offers buyers a home in a certified green development.  “ … is one of only twelve developments nationwide to be green certified by the National Green Building Certification Program. “

The homes are insulated with SIS or structural insulated sheathing and equipped with “ … energy star windows and appliances … CFL bulbs … low-flow shower heads …”

See the video for more … 

Via:  ABC News  LINK

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The Dow Chemical Company and Cobblestone homes have collaborated to build Michigan's FIRST Net Zero Energy Home.  The home uses techniques like  "...insulation, sealants, geothermal heating and solar generation."

The home is @ 3118 Summerhill, Bay City, Michigan LINK

This home showcases some cutting edge technologies ... but all homeowners can make a positive energy impact on their homes but choosing CFL or LED for lighting, and making sure storm windows fit ... and of course using the right amount of insulation.

Via:  Vision Zero Home LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After building a very efficient building in Boulder, Colorado, the NERL is building an extension that is 17 % more efficient.  How ?  By looking at changes in available technology in the last year that can bring energy improvements.

One area for change was the windows.  Those in Phase 1 are very efficient but still those on the southern exposure were cold ... changes made for Phase 2 included making them slightly smaller and increasing the thermal break to slow air infiltration that can cause temperature changes.  When these savings are multiplied over 600 windows the energy efficiency is significant.

Posted by Green Dude at 07:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here is a very interesting story from Sweden.  Engineers in Sweden have found a way to recover the excess heat generated by commuters in Stockholm’s main train station.

The technology is really not that different from any other heat exchange process but is certainly unique.  Certain factors help to make this application workable including the low winter temperatures in Sweden and their relatively high cost of energy. 

The energy created from businesses (like bakeries and restaurants that generate heat) and people is able to help a nearby office block reduce their heating costs by 20%.  For a large office block this can really add up … this waste heat from the Central Station is a valuable energy for an office block nearby.

Check out this video of more details … 

Posted by Green Dude at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Prysm Laser Phosphor Display (LPD) technology uses significantly less energy than other large format displays.

"... Unlike traditional technology that wastes light with filters and layers, LPD uses a patented Laser Engine to convert low-power, solid-state lasers into pure light. "

" ... Fundamentally different from LED or LCD-based display technology ... the industry’s smallest environmental footprint. ..." 

Via:  PRYSM  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Students act as doctors to diagnose and solve energy waste to reduce consumption and conserve power across the campus, targeting a net zero footprint.  …

…   “The House Energy Doctor program, started in 1986, is a course where graduate architecture students prescribe how buildings can save more energy. This semester, the UA Office of Sustainability suggested the students target the UA campus.”   …

Via University of Arizona: Energy Use.

House energy doctor brochure (PDF).

Posted by Green Tech at 09:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Army and its operations are energy intensive.  Getting energy to remote or war ravaged areas is both expensive and dangerous.

The Army is looking into tents that incorporate PV solar panels that can be used to charge batteries and small electronics like computers.  In addition to not having to bring in fuel they can travel lighter by not needing a generator (or a smaller one).

Using " ... Flexible Photovoltaics (PV), ... convert light energy into electricity ... ideal for charging up batteries, making sure your (communications), night vision goggles and computers are powered ..."

The key is technology that makes PV "panels" flexible so they are lightweight and foldable / packable.  While still in the testing phase they may be deployed soon.

Via:  US Army LINK

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Home energy management system is being commercialized by Verizon.  It keeps you connected to your home’s energy use allowing you to optimize your building power consumption. 

The service has entered the trial phase and is expected to be available in the first half of 2011.  Verizon customers will be able to lock doors remotely; see what's going on at home via networked cameras; and set, adjust and control lights, smart thermostats and appliances -- all by using a smartphone.  …

…   “Verizon will be demonstrating its new connected home service, complete with energy management, which the telco is piloting in New Jersey starting this month.”   …

Via Reuters: CES Green Tech Highllights.

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New green roof planting at NYC condominium delivers landscape for the seasons to create a more energy efficient and appealing building.  …

…   “Witch hazel will burst into small yellow flowers in January, and striking plants like Japanese maple will have brilliant red foliage throughout summer and fall.”   …

Via New York Times: Green Roof Design.

Posted by Green Tech at 06:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Students learn from real-world experiences at Elon University and senior team integrates classroom education with problem solving by proposing solutions to energy problems at campus building.  …

…   “As a part of their Environmental Studies Senior Seminar class, they are creating a proposal for green renovations and enhancements of the Powell House throughout the semester.”   …

Via Elon University: Senior Project.

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University of California, Davis faculty are researching solutions to a number of climate and environmental challenges, ranging from using energy more efficiently, transforming our transportation systems, and producing renewable energy.  For example, Cal prof Michael Siminovitch leads the UC Davis California Lighting Technology Center and pursues the development and deployment of more efficient lighting systems.  …

…   “more efficient lighting systems can lead to energy savings throughout the nation. The CLTC conducts both cooperative and independent activities with lighting manufacturers, electric utilities and the design/engineering professional community.”   …

Via University of California, Davis: Faculty Focused on Solving Climate Change Challenges.

Posted by Green Tech at 05:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thinkeco has a way to find the energy wasters in your house.  Appliances are big power users and can even draw power when "off".  Some refer to this as vampire poser draws.

We sort of know that many electronic devises are drawing power all the time but also realize that it is not practical to unplug all you appliances when not in use; or even to be sure which are drawing the most power.

modlet solves this problem.

" ... plug the modlet into an existing electric outlet and plug your appliances into it. ... use your web browser to wirelessly monitor and manage your power consumption."

It is expected that the modlet can save 10 - 120% on your energy bill and pay for itself in 6 months.  It is expected to be available for sale on-line and else where this year.

Via:  thinkeco  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GreenBuild 2010 " is in Chicago this Nov 17 - 19.  It is a great chance to hear from industry experts about what is new in the greenspace for green buildings.

Did you know that Chicago was : ... one of the first cities to adopt LEED for public buildings and ... is home to more LEED-certified buildings than any other...

Check out the Video Link  to see what collect students are doing in the green space.  

Via:  GreenBuild  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What's a quick easy way to save money .... year after year? 

Insulate !!

EcoBatt insulation is made from "bio-based" binders - not petroleum derived raw materials and is certified to GREENGUARD standards so it is safe for children and use in schools.

 " ... reduces binder embodied energy by up to 70%, and does not contain phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors used to make traditional fiberglass insulation."

" .... combines sand ... renewable resources, post-consumer recycled bottle glass ... to create ... sustainable insulation…"

Via: EcoBatt  LINK

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Here is a nice success story of carbon footprint reduction that reinforces the theme of simple, low-tech, low-cost solutions to energy efficiency.  This small business uses an opportunistic strategy to enhance its sustainability, since it is constrained from making large investments but committed to the objective.  …

…   “The results of these simple steps have been extraordinary. By the end of 2008, we had reduced greenhouse-gas emissions by 65 percent, gasoline use by 63 percent, landfill waste by 45 percent, and water use by 18 percent.”   …

Via Yale: Small Business Success Story.

The Small Business Guide to Energy Efficiency (Link).

Quick Tips for the Energy Efficient Small Business (Link).

Energy Management Tools.

Posted by Green Tech at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Home Power Magazine is full of ideas on renewable energy for home owners and professionals.

" ... information exchange has helped create an industry with ... a common goal: reducing the use of polluting fossil fuels and replacing ... with the infinite supplies of renewable energy that surround us. ..."

Issues have covered subjects including " ... solar, wind, and microhydro electricity, energy efficiency, solar hot water systems, space heating and cooling, energy-efficient building materials and home design, ..." and more.

Via: Home Power Magazine LINK

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University of Virginia team will develop research that reduces HVAC energy use by up to 50 percent with a cost target less than five hundred dollars per home to achieve a return on investment within a two years timeframe.  …

…   “The researchers will focus on reducing energy used by buildings' heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. These systems are estimated to account for about 43 percent of all energy used by U.S. homes, and more than 60 percent used by homes in colder climates. Annually, HVAC use accounts for about 28 percent of the nation's electricity use … ”   …

Via University of Virginia: NSF Research Grant.

Univ VA Research Building.

Posted by Green Tech at 08:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Beyond Low Energy homes are Zero Energy Homes (ZEH).  Using technology including geothermal heating and cooling, PV panels, heat recovery ventilation and super insulation and high efficiency windows the homes in Green Acres (New Paltz NY) may be the first ZEH in the world.

" ... first zero energy (ZEH) community in the United States and possibly the world..."

" ... each home has the capacity to generate enough renewable energy to offset its annual energy needs. ..."

Via:  Green Acres New Paltz (NY)  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bank of America's One Bryant Park in Manhattan NYC has achieved LEED Platinum certification.  This is a first for a US high rise commercial building - achieving LEED platinum.

" ...  glass curtain wall permits maximum sunlight ... under-floor air delivery system ... power comes from an on-site cogeneration plant, which works in concert with an ice storage system ..."

The building reuses most all rainwater and sink water saving millions of gallons of potable water yearly. 

Via:  Bank of America  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Solar power for consumers has lots going for it ... renewable energy, clean power, being green ... and one near term stumbling block --- cost.  Most systems are EXPENSIVE for the initial capiital outlay.

Clarian Power Inc may be able to help lower the price with both affordable and easy to install (DIY type install) products.  Payback can be 3 - 4 years after factoring in rebates and credits.

"Sunfish™ is a plug-in solar power module that’s affordable and easy to install ... SmartBox™ technology allows homeowners to plug solar power into an existing outlet ..."

Via:  Clarian Power Inc.  LINK

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 EPA Fuel Economy stickers are on all new cars and light trucks and ahve been for decades. They list the city and highway mpg as well expected annual feul costs and some information about emissions.

The EPA is now looking to modify (again) the labels ... to allow meaningful comparisons between newer type vehicles ... such as hybrids where MPG does not really apply.  They might group cars by letters like A, B, and C.

" .. provide ... simple, straightforward energy and environmental comparisons across all vehicles types, including electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and conventional gasoline/diesel vehicles. ... information, such as ratings on fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions, and other air pollutants ..."

Via:  EPA  LINK

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Lennar builds the PowerSmart home in several states.  These homes have efficiency and energy savings build it.

" ... PowerSmart home by Lennar. ... green home designed to save you money while ... saving the environment. ..."

Via: Lennar ™ LINK

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New survey highlights the unrealized opportunity to save energy through behavior change and taking informed actions.  Survey data confirms that people are only realizing the low hanging fruit of energy savings which does not translate into significant aggregate impact.  Educating consumers on making energy efficiency investments and understanding the acceptable financial payback period could enhance our energy savings performance.  …

…   “The research from Columbia University’s Earth Institute and the university’s Center for Research on Environmental Decisions is the latest attempt to probe the psychological roots of the energy problem … ”   …

Via National Geographic: Energy Savings.

Columbia University’s Earth Institute.

Center for Research on Environmental Decisions.

Posted by Green Tech at 05:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

EcoMotors International has developed the OPOC engine - opposed-piston opposed-cylinder engine.  This engine can run on a number of fuels and is lighter in weight and produces more power than a conventional engine.

The engine has 2 pistons per cylinder and multiple "units" can be coupled for a more powerful engine.

" ... demonstrate, in 2010, the automobile industry's first 5-passenger car capable of 100 mpg on the EPA highway cycle."

" ... ground-breaking internal combustion engine ... eliminates the cylinder-head and valve-train components ... lighter, more efficient and economical, with lower exhaust emissions compared with conventional designs...."

Via:  EcoMotors International  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Howard University, Washington, DC, has entered into a partnership with Parento Energy to create a microgrid for the university campus.

Mircogrid growth is being driven by concerns about the robustness of the national energy infrastructure as well as green jobs and green technology growth.  Along with the smart grid they are seen as the futur

e way power will be brought to users.

" ... Microgrids are decentralized power systems that often utilize renewable energy, ... "

" ... will support critical infrastructure ... while greatly reducing the carbon footprint ... will utilize highly efficient cogeneration technologies ..."

Via:  Howard University LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GREENandSAVE has a Website and Blog with lots of good "green" information.  In addition to tips to increase your "individual green-ness" there are links to many green items in the news including green job training.

Check out the Experts Tip section for lots of ideas you can use to save energy, money and the planet.  Tips I found include ways to save water this summer and ideas for a greener Christmas.

 ... strives to inform the public about eco-conscious living, environmental matters, ... feature daily news, information and blogs  ... mission is to expand readers’ awareness of environmentally conscious efforts ... and encourage participation."

Via:  Green and Save  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Alfred University alumni at Ceralink win DOE energy efficiency challenge competition with microwave technology that can reduce the energy intensity of key manufacturing processes in industry: lamination, cracking, and calcination.  …

…   “A second project will study the use of microwave heating to reduce energy usage in hydrocarbon cracking. Initial efforts will focus on ethylene, the nation’s largest volume chemical.

The third project will demonstrate limestone calcination …”   …

Via Alfred University: Energy Efficiency Challenge (Link).

Ceralink microwave technology.

Posted by Green Tech at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The University of New Hampshire ranked in the top 5 percent in a recent DOE study for energy efficiency among a group of 180 colleges and universities.   Comparing their energy expenditures to the average they save approx. $7 million per year in energy costs (and it gets cold in New Hampshire in the winter)

" ...  in 2000. In our peer group, UNH was in the top five percent for energy efficiency. ... one of the most energy efficient colleges that offers 4 year programs through post-Doctoral research."

Via:  University of New Hampshire  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Philadelphia is becoming well known for  its green activities ... including solar powered compacting trash bins that can signal when they are full and need to be emptied.

They are also upgrading standard traffic signals with ones that contain LED light "bulbs".  LEDs are even more energy efficient and longer lasting than CFBs - and do not contain any mercury.

" ... funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).  ... reducing energy use and costs, ... and furthering the City’s sustainability priorities."

"Replacing 85,000 traffic lights with new, low energy LED lights."

 Via:  Phila.gov LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Research at Washington State University (Pullman, Washington) has developed a new compact battery with significantly greater power storage capacity.

" ... created a compact, never-before-seen material capable of storing vast amounts of energy.

" ... it is the most condensed form of energy storage outside of nuclear energy ... "

" ... is possible to store mechanical energy into the chemical energy of a material ..."

While not yet available for commercialization it could lead to a new class of compact powerful batteries.

Via:  Washington State University  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

IBM has developed a water cooled supercomputer that uses the extracted heat to heat a building.  Normally A/C is needed to remove the excess heat to prevent damage to computer systems. 

The A/C to remove heat can use almost as much or more energy than that used to power the computers ... resulting in lots of wasted energy and extra carbon footprint  What a waste !!

" ... Aquasar, consumes up to 40 percent less energy than a comparable air-cooled machine. ... carbon footprint is reduced by up to 85 percent."

" ... micro-channel liquid coolers which are attached directly to the processors, where most heat is generated. ..."

"

Via:  IBM  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In June of 2009 Dell announced that they source over 1/4 of their global energy needs from renewable sources. 

" ... powers nine ... facilities in the United States and Europe with 100 percent renewable energy. ... Round Rock, Texas; Twin Falls, Idaho and Oklahoma City, Okla. ..."

In addition to using a significant amount of renewable energy sources they " ... plan to reduce ...  greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2015. ... "

Dell follows a simple 3-step model where they work efficiently (energy-wise), use renewable energyand offset with carbon credits from verified sources.

" ... only company in the computer industry to achieve operational carbon neutrality in August 2008 ..."

Via:  DELL  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Calstar bricks and pavers are targeted to the green market.  Among their features are that they use recycled materials and generate less CO2 when produced and they are priced to b e competitive with their non-green competing products.

" ... architectural facing bricks and durable pavers for the green building market. ...contain 40% post-industrial recycled material, use 90%" less energy ... generate 90% less CO2 than traditional fired clay brick and pavers."

To hear move about the technology and sustainability ... CLICK

Via:  Calstar  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Intel's first GOLD LEED certified site is scheduled to open in June 2010 in Haifa, Israel.  The site is called is a design center called IDC-9 and is " ... first facility in Israel ... with a (LEED) certification. ... Intel’s first  ... has a Gold certification pending for its Octollio campus in Chandler, Ariz."

" ...natural lighting, ... available to about 75 percent of the “populated” areas of the building ... individually controlled lighting for a higher degree of energy efficiency"

Via:  ZDNet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Minesto contributes a solution to the worldwide energy demand by offering a unique technology that explores the vast, renewable and abundant ocean power resource."

" ... new concept for tidal power plants called Deep Green. ... based on a fundamentally new principle for electricity generation from tidal currents. ... is applicable in areas where no other known technology can operate cost effectively due to its unique ability to operate in low velocities...."

Check out this video ... LINK

Via:  Minersto  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Microsoft Hohm is a free software application that lets you improve the energy efficiency of your home.  You can add details about your specific home and see recommendations for improvements ... as well as how you compare to other homes in your area or across the country.

" ... check your energy consumption and compare it to others around the nation. ... [to the left] ... heat map of the United States and the average Hohm Score per state."

Check out the BLOG for useful tips.

Via:  Microsoft Hohm  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

awareness for PECO as their sustained energy in the Stanley Cup Playoffs drives traffic to site.  …

… “They wanted to drive people to their website for a section it has on energy-efficiency tips,” he said. Their traffic to the site has quadrupled during the playoffs.”   …

Via Philadelphia Business Journal: Go Flyers!

PECO site: Smart Ideas.

Posted by Green Tech at 08:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... Philly plant in Lowville, NY ... making to reduce our carbon footprint. ... almost ¼ of the Lowville’s total energy use now comes from alternative sources."

" ... converting the waste stream from Cream Cheese production (whey) into methane gas. ... replaces about 1/3 of the natural gas usage and prevents virtually 100% of whey land-spreading. Annual energy savings are approximately 87,000 mm BTUs, or enough energy to heat around 1,100 average sized households for 1 year. ... In early 2008, ... Lowville ... replaced its interior lights with energy efficient T-8 lighting fixtures. ... saves 1,350,068 KWH of usage per year. That’s enough electricity to light 2,164 homes for a year."

" ...  In 2008, ... cut its total water use by 9%. ... [and] sent 33% less garbage to the landfill. ..."

Via:  Kraft  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Onset introduces wireless sensing hubs that communicate with centralized monitoring to understand energy use and environmental conditions in buildings.  …

…   “HOBO ZW Series data nodes reduce the cost and complexity of data collection by measuring, recording and transmitting real-time energy use and environmental data – from dozens of points – to a central PC. Different from traditional data loggers, HOBO data nodes work together in a self-healing wireless network to transmit logged data to a PC at regular intervals.

This eliminates the need of having to spend time retrieving collected data from individual data loggers deployed throughout a facility.  The wireless nodes can measure temperature, relatively humidity, kilowatt hours, CO2, AC voltage, amps, gauge pressure, and a variety of other parameters. ”   …

Via Onset: Wireless data nodes.

Posted by Green Tech at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My brother and his girlfriend sent photo's of her new Ford Fusion Hybrid.  They and the car live in the Research Triangle Park area in NC ... 

Buying a hybrid can help you as an individual take action and be greener ... here is a real word experience.

They report ..."We went to the beach week before last and got about 39mpg averaging 70mph.  The Fusion has an LCD dashboard display for everything except the speedometer, and uses a “growing  vine” to show how well you are managing the hybrids capabilities."

That is some pretty good MPG ... stay tuned for more updates on the Fusion.

Via:  Greentechnolog and ES  LINK 

Posted by Green Dude at 07:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

About a week ago I wrote about the cool roof project in Philadelphia [LINK].  The winning block was just announced ... the 1200 Block of Wolf Street.

The residents on this block showed tremendous enthusiasm and community spirit in their quest to become the 'Coolest'. Plus, every roof on the block is suitable for a 'cool roof' coating! 

"In the coming weeks, ... this block ... receive its prize-an energy audit and energy-efficient upgrades, such as insulation, air sealing and a 'cool roof'! And we'll celebrate with a block party in June!"

" ...  check out their winning essay!"

"Cool roofs reflect the sun's heat ... are about 50-80 degrees cooler than typical asphalt roofs and come in a variety of colors.  White is the "coolest" because it most efficiently reflects the sun's rays. "

Via:  RetroFit Philly LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bigger Cargo ships are typically more efficient to run than smaller ones ... and are used to carry a huge chunk of global trade.  They also have lots of drag traveling through the oceans ... reduce drag, increase fuel efficiency, save oik.

" .. Synthetic surfaces that are super-hydrophobic already exist, but their ability to repel water is relatively short-lived within water that is moving. ... The water fern is different. ... "

"The shipping industry emitted 847 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2007. The amount was almost 3 percent of human-made CO2 emissions that year ... study suggests a water-fern-like coating on the hull of a container ship could decrease its fuel consumption by 10 percent."

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lenovo's L412 and 512 are " ... are being touted as highly durable and as being the “greenest on the market.”"

Via:  ZDNet.com  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Intel's new design center in Haifa, Israel is LEED Gold certified.  It opened in June.

Some of the highlights ...

"...received LEED Gold certification ... for ... Intel Design Center – IDC 9 – ... in Haifa, Israel ..."

" ... Intel's first certified green facility, IDC 9 is the first building in Israel to receive LEED Gold-level recognition."

" ... was built on land previously occupied by a parking lot to not damage any natural resources. ... "

" ...  rooftop garden to enhance thermal insulation and prevent the building from retaining excessive heat ... A method for capturing and recycling condensate water from the air conditioning system for irrigation. ..."

Via:  Intel  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Starbucks implements LED lighting conversion in stores.  …

We did this by reaching out to GE, who developed a highly energy-efficient LED bulb that complements Starbucks store design approach and fits existing fixtures.

Via Starbucks: Energy-efficient LED Lighting coming to a Starbucks near You

Posted by Green Tech at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sunday, April 25th, 2010, I picked up several packages of CFL at my local Costco at a great price.  In fact the price made it close to impossible to pass up.

$0.99 bought a four pack of 13 Watt CFL  (60 Watt replacement) after instant rebate taken at the register.

$1.79 bought a four pack of 23 Watt CFL  (100 Watt replacement) after instant rebate taken at the register.

The package label indicates the 13 Watt last 13 times longer; save $369 per pack of 4.

The package label indicates the 23 Watt last 10 times longer; save $225 per pack of 4.

Nice deal - great way to save  on your electric bills. 

>>>>> Remember Home Depot collects CFL for safe recycling.

Via: Costcp LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Green Touch is a program at Alcatel-Lucent that focuses on green aspects of technology.  " ... looking at how the world of telecommunications is responding to the urgency of preserving our natural environment.  ... Green Touch ... a consortium of telecoms operators, manufacturers, universities and non-profit organisations with a mission to conceive and demonstrate the effectiveness of this revolutionary low-energy network - all within the next five years… "

To see the associated video follow the link and look for "Innovation at Work / Green Touch" LINK 

Via:  Alcatel-Lucent  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "And yet the 320M, despite being more muscular (it provides an 80% performance gain over the 9400M), is 40% more energy efficient. That boosts the battery life of the laptops as much as three hours ... " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 10:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "in the future it will further improve the economy and power of EcoBoost engines by using more efficient turbochargers and fine-tuning the precision of the direct-injection fuel system. " ...

Continue reading "Ford EcoBoost Engine Tech Deployment" »

Posted by Green Tech at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Folks in Sonoma, California are working to design and refine a Passive House ... but what exactly is a passive home?

" ... a building that has a minimal impact on its surroundings. ... as systems unto themselves. ... well-insulated — virtually airtight — ... most of the “heat” ... comes from the humans and appliances and other stuff running in them. Heat exchangers are used to circulate it. ... in the United States ... focus has been certifying according the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED framework ...."

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you hate to waste energy at home?  How about when you travel?  Some travelers are a little less energy efficient on the road then at home.  Some hotels are helping to change that ...

I remember when I was in Singapore in 1990 and the hotel had a neat way to save energy.  If you wanted the lights and A/C to work in the room you had to put the key chain (actually a block of plastic with metal at  the bottom) in a slot by the door.  This completed a circuit that "turned the power on" in the room.  And when you left ... you took the key and off went the power.

Starwood Hotels Element brand has some interesting ideas to make your hotel room a little greener ...

" ... testing ... energy management system ... that curbs heating and air conditioning usage - the guestroom's biggest energy hogs, ... is invisible to the average customer and doesn't require guests to alter their behavior ... "

" ... motion- and heat-sensitive sensors ... detect when people leave their rooms or fall asleep inside, he said. ... automatically trims heating or air conditioning ... cuts energy use without radically altering the temperature ..."

" ... cut heating and air conditioning use  by 47%, ... equivalent of about 50,000 pounds of CO2 emissions or about 2,500 gallons of gas ... "

Via:  USA Today LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ghost power users are devised that are "turned" off but still draw power.  Included in this  category are batter charges used for cell phones and the like.

Most people leave these charges plugged in all the time and they are "burning power" all the time.  Feel the charger and it is usually warm .... wasting electricity.

"AT&T estimates their customers consume enough energy by leaving idle phone chargers in the walls to power 24,000 homes for a year. ... their new ZERO charger .... Available at the end of May ... will sense when it is not connected to a cellular phone and will block the power supply from the socket."

Via: SmartPlanet LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "energy improvements at TEMA’s manufacturing facilities include: Reducing total energy use by 19 percent per vehicle produced since FY2000 while expanding and adding new facilities; Reducing water usage by 20 percent per vehicle produced since FY1999 through no- and low-cost improvements; The installation of solar panels at the Huntsville, Alabama engine plant – the first Toyota plant in the U.S. to have one. The new five kilowatt solar panel generates enough energy to light four bays of floor space, or over 16,000 square feet; the equivalent of 80 60-watt light bulbs; At the Georgetown, Kentucky plant, the plastics shop reduced their shut down energy use by 83 percent from the previous year. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 05:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Syracuse University's new green data center follows LEED guidelines and is both green and energy efficient. 

" ... constructed in accordance with LEED ... more than 99 percent of all construction waste ... has been recycled. ... over 1,200 tons ... of waste that did not go to a standard landfill."

" ... anticipated to use about 50 percent less energy than a typical data center in operation today ... "

"IBM intends to showcase the data center and its energy-efficient technologies to help clients design new data centers or improve their current operations...."

"... features an on-site electrical tri-generation system that uses natural gas-fueled microturbines to generate all the electricity ... will be able to operate completely off-grid."

Via:  Syracuse University  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "But short of developing a revolutionary technology that will power the whole world, students have to do their part to help the planet by cutting back on energy waste. And that means lifestyle changes. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 03:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Darden Restaurants - owner of Red Lobster and other restaurant brands - is embracing the USGBC LEED Standards.

" ... launching a sustainable restaurant design initiative ... will require that all new restaurants be built to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standards ... need to be built following the LEED Rating Systems code when feasible."

" ... launching with eight restaurants that have been built, or are in the process of being built, to achieve LEED certification."

Via: FORBES LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Volkswagen has made progress in terms of costs, energy efficiency and the environmental balance sheet by replacing more than 52,000 fax machines, printers, photocopiers and scanners with fewer than 17,500 multifunction devices throughout the Group, and then integrating these new devices into a unified IT infrastructure. Seven energy-efficient standard devices take the place of 832 different models of office equipment. Thus Group IT at Volkswagen reduced the pool of devices by 66 percent and eliminated around 35,000 single machines. Stacked on top of each other, they would form a tower 14 kilometers high. The new devices automatically report problems and toner levels to a service center. This enables optimal route planning for the maintenance personnel. Advantages: repairs and maintenance are carried out as needed, storage of consumables on site is no longer necessary, and toner cartridges are always changed in an environmentally friendly way without non-specialist staff needing to get involved. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GE has created a new water heater - a next generation - that saves energy by novel use of technology.  Advanced (for a water heater at least) technology from other areas like sophisticated controls, hybrid modes and heat pumps can result in a very energy efficient water heater.

" ...  GE rethought every aspect of this appliance from the ground up. ... can reduce water heater operating cost up to 62% and save $320 per year ... "

" eHeat™ Mode (most energy efficient mode) ... [using a heat pump] removes heat from the surrounding air, heats the water ... Time required to heat water is longer in this mode, but should be adequate for normal demand households. ... Hybrid Mode (default mode) Combines ... eHeat with the recovery speed and power of standard electric. ...  High Demand Mode ... higher than average water usage ... Standard Electric Mode ... faster than all other modes but it is the LEAST energy-efficient mode."

A control panel at eye level allows for easy access  and control.  Leave it alone or use it as needed to customize your hot water needs . " ... enables the vacation mode " .... system will drop the temperature set point to 50°F to save energy ... preventing the water from freezing ... automatically heats the water to the previous set temperature the day before you are expected to return. ..."

The GeoSpring electric heat pump water heater is the first residential electric water heater with an electronic back-lit LCD display. The panel features a user-friendly control system located at eye-level to eliminate the need to bend down to the floor to adjust temperature settings. Changing the mode and temperature is as easy as following the on-screen menu. This easy-to-use electronic control panel offers both simplicity and flexibility, giving consumers as much or as little control as they like.

Via:  GE LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Selection -- Walmart will focus on the product categories with the highest embedded carbon. This is defined as the amount of life cycle GHG emissions per unit multiplied by the amount the company sells. To find the embedded carbon, the ASC reviewed the GHG emissions associated with all Walmart product categories. This approach ensures the project team focuses on the categories that have the greatest opportunity for reductions. Reductions can come from any part of a product’s life cycle." ...

Continue reading "Walmart green supply chain opportunity wiil target carbon intense products" »

Posted by Green Tech at 02:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

" ... The number of affordable, energy-efficient modular homes continues to increase as Pennsylvania-based builder Excel Homes offers a new line aimed at first-time buyers ... targeted to be sold for under $100,000, and depending on region, for as low as $60,000. ..."

" ... Excel Homes ... has built 28,000 modular homes since its founding in 1984 ...  built in sect

ions ... in Liverpool, Pa., and Marlboro, N.Y., and transported ... where they are assembled... come with the government's Energy Star label for energy efficiency ... prices do not include the cost of land...."

Via: USAToday LINK

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Posted by Green Dude at 07:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Tech at 01:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Dude at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Via:  Ford LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Scientists from CalTech have developed technology that might lead efficient solar cells from silicon nanowires.  This could lead to all sorts of configurations for solar cells including fabrics.

" ... CalTech scientists say they have the underlying technology. Silicon nanowires, arranged in arrays, have been engineered that ... grab power from visible light ..."

" ... a cell geometry that not only uses 1/100th the material of traditional wafer-based devices, but also may offer increased photovoltaic efficiency owing to an effective optical concentration of up to 20 times ...”

"If nanowires can be woven into a viable matrix, combined with other material, it means fabrics can double as solar connectors, once they have a way to off-load the power they create."

Via:  SmartPlanet  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

H-P's newest data center in Wynyard England is cooled ENTIRELY by wind blowing off the nearby North Sea.  The North Sea is cold and so are its winds. It is H-P's greenest data center yet ...

The " ... new 360,00 sq. ft. Wynyard center is 40 percent more energy-efficient than conventional data centers ..."

" ... Traditional data centers use thousands of megawatt hours per year ... if they were classed as a separate industry, they would be the sixth-largest user of electricity ... "

 Other energy saving / carbon saving features of the Wynyard data center are: " ... harvesting rainwater ... to maintain proper humidity levels in the air that’s brought in from outside ... light-colored server racks because they reflect light, allowing for 40 percent less lighting to be installed compared to using black cabinets."

"HP had previously announced that it plans to reduce the combined energy consumption of operations and products by 25 percent below 2005 levels by 2010."

Via:  SmartPlanet LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Tech at 09:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The Power Smart energy tracking system is just one part of a huge focus on conservation at the Games. In its agreement with the Vancouver Organizing Committee, 90 percent of the power that BC Hydro supplies to the Games will qualify as clean energy. " ...

Continue reading "Olympics Energy Efficiency and Management Strategy" »

Posted by Green Tech at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Green buildings and designs are being found all across the country ... the Housing Authority Administration building in Newport, Tennessee is green.  Read about the many green features and technologies used.

" ... 8,585 square foot administration building ... Design included multiple "green" features: photovaltaic solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, premium insulation package, Energy Star windows and lighting, low flow faucets and toilets and low impact site design. Project cost was $1,000,000.00."

Via:  McGraw-Hill Construction Community   LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There is a new Green building in NYC - at the southern tip of Manhattan in Battery Park City.  Read about the Visionaire - it is one very green building - though a very expensive place to live with pricing startling at just under $700,000 and going to a little over $6 million.

" ...  the Visionaire ... a testing ground for urban green architecture."

" ... saves an estimated 42 percent in energy costs against a base-line average. This is largely the result of efficient building systems and the building envelope ... goal was achieved through exhaustive attention to detail ... "

Via:  Greensource  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The WalMart at 4210 East Highland Ave. is one of three locations recently retrofitted with solar panels. ... The system generates about 900,000 kilowatts per year, or about 30 percent of the stores total energy usage ... " ...

Continue reading "Walmart Solar Rooftops" »

Posted by Green Tech at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fluxxlab has an idea to harness the "energy" in revolving doors. Already an energy saver compared to traditional doors in office buildings ... these could generate significsant power in large building with hundreds of workers.

" ... work to date has been focused on sustainable energy harvesting, specifically in the form of converting small amounts of human energy into electricity ..."

"... Revolution Door is a modified revolving ... a redesigned central core replacing that of any existing or new revolving door, a mechanical/electrical system that harnesses human energy and redistributes electricity to an output, and an output device that maps the harnessed energy ... the Revolution Door will directly communicate a single person's contribution to an energy cycle possible through the metabolic relationship between people, technology, and architecture."

 Via:  Fluxxlab  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 02:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Google has been at the forefront of energy efficiency quite some time.  Read on to learn more about Google current initiatives.

They also have lots of data and metrics to compare their energy use per Google search to other activities.

" ... Data centers ... account for most of Google’s energy needs ... take our energy use seriously and, from the very beginning, Google has focused on designing systems that use as little energy as possible ... operating what we believe to be the world's most efficient data centers."

" ... Google-designed data centers use about half the energy of a typical data center ... energy used per Google search is very small ... currently use about 1kJ (0.0003 kWh) of energy to answer the average query ... roughly .2g of CO2 ... often take the place of more carbon- and time-intensive activities, such as driving a car to a library or spending hours navigating shopping malls."

" ... commitment to sustainability goes beyond just electricity and carbon ... two Google facilities currently run on 100% recycled water, and by 2010 we expect recycled water to provide 80% of our total data center water consumption ... share our own data center best practices and are encouraging our industry peers to do the same ..."

" ... if all data centers operated at the same efficiency as ours, the U.S. alone would save enough electricity to power every household within the city limits of Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C."

Via:  Google  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 09:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Membrane filtration is currently one of the most energy efficient techniques for removing salt and improving water quality. But, conventional membranes used today are easily damaged by chlorine, which is commonly added to water to prevent bacterial growth that can cause health problems. Now, the collaborative research team has designed a new concept in membrane materials that combines resistance to chlorine damage and high performance separation behavior in mildly basic conditions, making it suitable for arsenic removal in addition to water desalination. " ...

Continue reading "Energy Efficiency Meets Water Purification" »

Posted by Green Tech at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Japan's Matsushita ... "will claim first place in the race to put commercial home fuel cells on the market ... "

" ... can optimally provide 70 percent of the energy needs for a 1,280 square foot house with four people ... can reduce energy consumption by 22 percent and CO2 emissions by 12 percent as compared to all other power sources ... ".

" ... cogeneration home fuel cell hooks up to the city’s natural gas lines, extracting hydrogen from the gas ... hydrogen is combined with oxygen through a series of polyelectrolyte membranes, a process that creates electricity, heat, and water ... home fuel cell produces between 500 watts and a 1 kilowatt of electricity and captures the heat to warm a tank of water, used for showers, dishes etc."

" ... a contribution to Japan’s goals of reducing global CO2 emissions 50 percent by 2050." " ... fuel cells require a great deal of energy; for example, this unit contains more than 2,000 components. Whether the production of the units negates the energy and CO2 savings gained by customers is unclear."

Check out this video ...

Via: Mother Nature Network LINK

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 Levant Power makes GenShock - a shock absorber that can transform a vehicles suspension motion into energy - and charge a hybrid's battery just like regenerative braking.

"Levant Power Corp. has identified an alternative energy source previously untapped ...  the suspension system ... energy of a vertically oscillating vehicle is significant and currently dissipated as heat through shock absorbers."

Via:  Levant Power  LINK

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Data centers are BIG energy hogs ... withe energy to run them, generating hot CPUs that then need A/C to be kept cool.

"... IBM, which continues to develop technology that could, one day, lead to zero-emission data centers. ... key ... lies in a new cooling technology that IBM is currently toying around with."

"High-performance liquid cooling allows data centers to operate with coolant temperatures above the free cooling limit in all climates, eliminating the need for chillers and allowing the thermal energy to be reused in cold climates. ..."

" ... thanks to this ... cooling technology, IBM has to use less energy than it otherwise would have ... system reuses about 75 percent of the energy initially put into it. It’s that loss of only around 25 percent that makes the whole thing so efficient."

Via: CrunchGear LINK

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Ever wonder why office building always seem to be lit up at night ? Often if is because the lighting controls do not allow for fine lighting control .... lights are either on or off for the whole floor ... or a large portion of the floor. I recall this when I worked in office buildings past the automatic "lights out" time programmed into the lighting relays.

"Commercial office buildings are one of the main culprits of the current climate crisis ... consume large amounts of electricity and release excessive carbon emissions ... Adura Technologies has developed a mesh-based lighting system that is reducing costs and consumption inside buildings. The technology consists of wireless radios that plug into florescent light fixtures giving employees more control over their personal lighting space. ... also created a dual motion sensing-personal control system that is being used at UC Berkeley that allows students to break the hard-wired connection and control their lighting from their desktop PCs."

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LEDs lights offer longer life and less energy usage than traditional incandescent bulbs. HolidayLEDS offers a selection of energy efficient LEDS and a recycling program to safely get rid of your old lights.

"HolidayLED's ... is committed to providing the best LED holiday, Christmas and decorative lighting available ... All of our products are UL listed and Energy Star qualified. ..."

"HolidayLEDs.com has a solution (and a final resting place) for your old and inefficient incandescent Christmas lights--we'll recycling them for you ... recycling program is open now and will continue through the end of February 2010. ...the third year in a row we have operated the program and participation has increased each year. ..."

Some suggestions before you mail in your old bulbs for recycling ... " ... be sure there is not a recycling facility locally who will accept them. ... There is an environmental cost associated with shipping your lights ... cost is greatly reduced if you put your lights together with several family members, friends, neighbors, or local groups. ... Don't use packing material. The lights are going to be placed in a commercial shredder. It does not matter if they get broken ..."

Here is the link to HolidayLEDS recycling program ... LINK

Via: HolidayLEDS LINK

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Bio fuel from Sugar Cane is a good source of renewable energy.  Claren Power, Srlington, Virginia, works with nations rich in sugar cane to develop renewable power using bagasse - the waste material from sugar cane after the sugar has been extracted.

" ... Sugar cane bagasse, the waste pulp that remains after raw cane has been processed, has been a fuel source for decades ... much of the energy is lost to ... inefficient and unproductive technology and suboptimal operating practices ...  effectively using bagasse as a fuel source, Claren is helping to unlock the massive potential for clean and renewable power, creating huge benefits for individual mills,investors, and citizens of the developing world."

"... capitalizing on new regulations that open up national electricity markets as well as the exploding world-wide demand for certified carbon credits, Claren is able to generate tremendous returns for our clients and institutional investment partners."

... "With a white-credit incentive, a firm could save money from reduced energy use, and make additional revenue from selling EECs to a utility or other regulated entity. " ...

Continue reading "White Credits from Energy Efficiency" »

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 "HP recognizes the important role that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector will play in enabling carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions ... committed to reducing our own contribution to climate change as well as developing IT solutions that can help lower or reduce the release of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as CO2 into the atmosphere. ...  In most countries, buildings are the largest driver for both energy use and CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions. The 160 million buildings of the EU, for example, are estimated to use over 40 percent of Europe’s energy and to drive over 40 percent of its carbon dioxide emissions ..."

"HP’s Intelligent Building Competence Center (IBCC) offers the BuilDog solution for the next generation of fully managed and optimized buildings ... manage a buildings heating and cooling and electricity use as well as security, facilities, inventory, telecommunications and more. Smart management ... can result in reductions of 25-35% (in cost) through optimization of the facility as well as resource use and purchase."

Via:  HP LINK

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... "the 20 million or so people who produce and ship what we buy at the supermarket or the hardware store spew almost four times as much carbon dioxide into the air as all 300 million of us do together while at home. " ...

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Samsung recently announced another environmentally friendly phone.  The Blue Earth joins the Reclaim as another environmentally friendly cell phone from Samsung.

To see our blog entry on the Reclaim ... LINK

" ... Previously, eco-friendly mobiles meant lower-energy consuming ... with very limited feature sets. ... Blue Earth combines the latest multimedia features ... while achieving lower energy consumption and incorporating eco-friendly materials."

" ... is made from Post Consumer Material (PCM), which is extracted from water bottles, helping to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions ... is free from harmful substances such as Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Phthalate."

" ...  With “Eco mode,” screen brightness, backlight duration and Bluetooth can be set to an energy-efficient mode with just one click. The “Eco Walk” function allows users to count their steps with a built in pedometer and calculate the reduction in CO2 emission realized by walking ... allows users to see the value of walking by calculating the number of trees that have been saved. "

" ... packaging ... is ... compact. ... made from easy-to-recycle paper and printed in soy ink. It also suggests a simple DIY idea to reuse the package as a photo frame or a pencil box. "

" ... by charging with the solar panel located on the back of the phone, users can generate enough power to use the device anytime and anywhere. Solar energy is considered one of the most eco-friendly energy sources and it helps users reduce usage of energy from non-renewable sources. "

" ... launching in Sweden in October and will soon launch in France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Portugal and other European and Asian countries."

Via:  Samsung  LINK

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... "There must be a way to again unite Americans, this time under the mantle of energy efficiency. The only way to bridge the didactic divide between enlightened researchers, tiresomely bureaucratic policy-makers, and working-class families is to provide a legitimate incentive. " ...

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 Continuing the very green theme at SFO Airport ... you can also rent green cars ... and offers an incentive in the form of a rental discount for renting HYBRIDS.

" ...  offers the nation’s first Green Rental Car program that rewards customers for renting “green” alternative-fueled vehicles. ... rent hybrid cars ... such as the Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid or Toyota PRIUS will receive a $15 discount at the counter."

" ... estimated that more than 4,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year will be eliminated through the implementation of this program."

" ... 10 percent of the rental car fleet ... is comprised of high-mileage cars—such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Focus—in addition to alternative-fuel cars. ... SFO hopes to increase the total number of these cars to greater than 15 percent."

Via:  San Francisco Int'l Airport  LINK

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Data centers use lots of energy ... from electricity to power the servers to electricity to power the AC units to keep things cool ...

Some are looking allowing the temperature to be set a little higher ... a recent 5 year pilot with Toyota and IBM was able to reduce consumption by 10% by looking at inefficiencies in the system. 

Read on for more ...

" ... by visualizing where hot spots and cooling inefficiencies existed and moving to address them, Toyota Motor Sales USA has been able to reduce the electricity demand ..."

"During a five-year pilot program ... Toyota was actually able to switch off two computer room air-conditioners even while maintaining a cooler ambient air temperature and reducing hot spots throughout its facility, ... relied on software from IBM Research called IMB Measurement and Management Technologies ... uses thermal readings from floor to ceiling ... and creates a three-dimensional chart that can be used to find power and cooling inefficiencies ..."

" ... assessment by Southern California Edison verified that these actions have helped reduce energy demand in the data center by more than 10 percent. ..."

Via:  ZDNet LINK

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White roofs are the "hot" thing in roofing ... allowing for a lowed burden on a/c systems.

But dark colored roofs can bring solar gain to warm buildings ... if only roof tiles were smart enough to know ...

The next "hot" thing in roofing might be roofing that can change color based on outdoor temperature to maximize or minimize solar gain.

"MIT researchers have developed roof tiles that change color based on the temperature, turning white when it’s hot to deflect heat and turning black when it’s cold to absorb it ... the tiles can reflect about 80 percent of sunlight when they’re white and 30 percent of sunlight when they’re black. ... white state ... could save as much as 20 percent of present cooling costs ..."

" ... system ... made of a ... polymer in a water solution ... encapsulated between flexible plastic layers, with a dark layer at the back. When the temperature is above a certain level ... the polymer  ... produce a white surface and scatter light.  ... Below that temperature, the polymer stays dissolved, revealing the tile’s black backing and absorbing the sun’s heat ..."

Via: SmartPlanet LINK

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Solar Decathlon 2009 is in full swing on the Mall in Washington DC. 

With the US Capital on one end and the Washington Memorial on the other it is an amazing site.  Sponsored by the U.S. DOE there are 20 houses showing what is possible with green technologies - using current off the shelf products and some very creative thinking.

Most of the teams are from US colleges  with several international entries ... including Spain and Germany.

Given parameters of 800 sq ft there are some very creative solutions.  Some stress extreme insulation, all have some sort of garden area, all have solar PV and some have solar hot water.  Most interesting is the creative use of 800 sq ft ...

As of this writing RICE is in the lead ... thought the difference between top and bottom on the ranking is not all that great.  Yesterday was very sunny so anyone with LOTS of PV was sure to get extra points ...

 Look for more posts and some GREENTECHNOLOG pictures ...

Via:  Greentechnolog.com  LINK

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o

Change yourself - change the world.  The No Impact Project " ... is an international, environmental, nonprofit project ... inspired by the No Impact Man book, film, and blog."

" ...  empower citizens to make choices which better their lives and lower their environmental impact through lifestyle change, community action, and participation in environmental politics. ...  Living low-impact provides a clear entry point into the environmental movement. ..."

Goals are to "Promote behavioral change .... Enable the public ... Engage people who are not already tree-hugging, bicycle-riding, canvas-bag-toting, eco-warriors ..."

Via:  No Impact Project LINK

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Learn more about Green building and design trends .... see booths, vendors, exhibits ... listen to seminars and speeches and see demonstrations.

 Open to industry professionals on Thursday Oct 8th and the public on Friday Oct 9th at the Edison NJ Convention and Expo Center.

The Green Dude and Green Tech visited this same show earlier in the year in Philadelphia and found it both interesting and worth the time to attend ... we may try to get to this one as well ...

Via:  GoGreenExpo  Link

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As both wind and solar power are intermittent - unlike gas, coal, oil or nuclear fired power plants - there is a need for an effective way to store these energy sources until they are needed.  The ability to smooth the supply with the demand is becoming more important as solar and wind start to power the grid.

Compressed Air Energy Storage - CAES " ... stores off-peak energy, in the form of compressed air in an underground reservoir, and releases this energy during peak hours. ... used for load management of intermittent renewable energy resources or as a stand-alone intermediate generation source for capturing energy arbitrage, capacity payments and ancillary services. ..."

"Renewable power sources are critical to addressing climate change. CAES greatly enhances the value of renewable power sources by (1) storing energy produced by renewables when demand is low and releasing it when it is needed, and by (2) rapidly providing power in the event of a sudden loss of renewables generation. ..."

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The Omega Center for Sustainable Living in Rhinebeck, NY is " ... a state-of-the art education center and natural wastewater treatment facility. "

" ... is a pioneering project in the Living Building Challenge and is expected to be the first building in the United States to receive the Living Building designation in addition to receiving LEED Platinum certification."

" ... the Living Building Challenge requires buildings to be informed by their eco-region's characteristics; generate all of their own energy with renewable resources; capture and treat all of their water; operate efficiently; and be designed for maximum beauty. ... six performance areas—site, energy, materials, water, indoor quality, and beauty & inspiration—and certain criteria to be met in each category in order for a building to be designated a Living Building."

Via:  Omega Center for Sustainable Living  LINK

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Serious Materials produces a line of green environmentally friendly building products that help homeowners save energy ...


"... develops and manufactures sustainable green building materials that dramatically reduce the impact of the 'built environment' on the climate."

" ... aim for breakthroughs in product performance, without requiring changes in customer behavior or in how products are used – thus speeding market adoption."

" Serious Windows high-performance insulated windows and glass, which can reduce heating and cooling energy costs and emissions up to 40% ...QuietRock soundproof drywall & QuietHome Windows, which can reduce material use, GreenRock™, a green alternative to standard drywall ... uses 80% less energy to produce its core, resulting in 80% lower CO2 emissions. ... "

" ... manufacture products in ... Sunnyvale, California; Newark, California; Boulder, Colorado; Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. ... to create thousands of green collar jobs ... in the U.S. Products are widely available through building products dealers in the U.S. and Canada."

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