Green Technology

Tierra Energy and Cheyenne Light collaborate to bring renewable energy to Cheyenne, Wyoming through wind power at its Happy Jack Project.   ...

...   "The 30-megawatt (MW) Happy Jack Windpower Project will be the first generating project of its kind for Cheyenne Light, providing the region with a reliable source of environmentally friendly renewable energy. On becoming fully operational in 2008, the project will provide Cheyenne and the surrounding community with roughly 100,000,000 kilowatt-hours per year of safe, reliable wind energy at a competitive price. Happy Jack will benefit the local community by creating opportunities for area businesses, contributing to the local tax base, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil consumption, while reducing air pollution. "   ...

Via Tierra Energy: New Wind Power Project to Provide Cheyenne With Renewable Energy (PDF) ...

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... "This hybrid SUV will use a modified version of GM's 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology, a Lithium Ion battery pack when ready, highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors to achieve significant increases in fuel economy. A plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle differs from non-plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles by offering extended electric-only propulsion, additional battery capacity and the ability to be recharged from an external electrical outlet. The Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is expected to offer electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles. At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine and electric power or engine power only will propel the vehicle.

In addition to plug-in capabilities and the modified 2-mode hybrid system, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV's powertrain will feature Lithium Ion battery technology, two interior permanent magnet motors and GM’s 3.6L V-6 gasoline engine with direct injection. When ready for production, the Lithium Ion energy storage system will be replenished when the battery charge is depleted to a specified level by utilizing the 2-mode hybrid system’s electric motors and regenerative braking systems. When the vehicle is parked, the battery can be recharged using a common household exterior 110-volt plug-in outlet.

The 2-mode hybrid system will be altered for use with plug-in technology. It maintains two driving modes – one for city driving, the other for highway driving – and four fixed mechanical gears to maximize efficiency while maintaining performance. In addition, special controls will be utilized to enable higher speeds during electric-only propulsion and maintain electric-only propulsion for longer periods of time. " ...

Via General Motors: GM Announces Intention to Produce Plug-in Hybrid SUV

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... "The facility, which will process more than 39 million bushels of corn annually and employ roughly 50 skilled workers upon completion, will take approximately 16 months to construct. The 110 MMGY facility will also yield 350,000 tons of dried distillers grains (DDGS) annually. The plant is being engineered by ICM, Inc., of Colwich, Kansas, and the general contractor is Fagen, Inc., of Granite Falls, Minnesota. " ...

Via VeraSun Energy: VeraSun Energy Breaks Ground on Hartley, Iowa, Ethanol Facility 110 MMGY Facility Scheduled for Startup Q1 2008

VeraSun Energy Corporation, is the second-largest ethanol producer in the U.S. based on production. The company has two operating production facilities located in Aurora, South Dakota, and Fort Dodge, Iowa, is constructing facilities in Charles City and Hartley, Iowa and has an additional facility under development in Welcome, Minnesota.

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

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 E-Waste is growing and when improperly disposed can lead to environmental and medical problems for those living near waste dumps. 

"The world's richest nations are dumping hazardous electronic waste on poor African countries, says the head of the UN's Environment Programme (Unep)".  Enep estimates that "up to 50 million tonnes of waste from discarded electronic goods is generated annually".

When handled properly; e-waste can be recycled into a stream of sellable  materials - when dumped improperly it can pollute the environment by releasing toxic materials such as lead that can contaminate water supplies.

"E-waste is thought to be the fastest growing part of municipal waste in the developed world."  Partly this is due to the ever dropping price of electronic goods and the shorter cycle times for new products being developed.

A typical PC contains many toxic materials.  See below for waste by the numbers (source BBC News).

Via: BBC News Tues Nov 28, 2006  Link 

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MicroPro Computers introduces an environmentally-friendly PC, called iameco, which is developed as a zero-waste personal computer.  The company is striving to become the only PC maker in the world to earn the European Union's prestigious Eco-Label mark, for high-quality consumer products that meet the highest environmental standards.  ...

...   The new range of PCs, designed and assembled in Ireland, are free of many of the harmful materials, such as brominated flame retardants, PVCs and heavy metals like lead, cadium and mercury that have been regularly used in computer manufacture for years. Moreover, this new range of high-specification computers are housed in carefully designed, and beautifully finished cases, which come in several varieties of solid natural woods, including Ash, Maple, Beech and Ebony. iameco PCs also come with matching wood-finish keyboards, mice and flat-screen monitors which double as high-definition TVs.   ...

Via iameco: MicroPro Computers launches Ireland’s first environmentally-friendly PC-iameco™

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Broin Companies discusses plans to build a cellulose-to-ethanol production facility in Iowa, targeting completion in 2009. This investment was announced at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines with Jeff Broin, CEO of Broin Companies, Iowa Governor Thomas Vilsack, and Iowa Governor-Elect Chet Culver.  See Video of the announcement.  ...

...   "Voyager Ethanol, located in Emmetsburg, Iowa, will be converted from a 50 million gallon per year (MGPY) conventional corn dry mill facility into a 125 million gallon per year commercial scale bio-refinery designed to utilize advanced corn fractionation and lignocellulosic conversion technologies to produce ethanol from corn fiber and corn stover. Broin Companies has applied for matching grant funds through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to assist with the project.  Known as Project LIBERTY, the expansion will utilize an existing infrastructure with projected costs for the project at just over $200 million dollars. Pilot research for this project has been conducted and the expansion is slated to begin in February with a commercial production timeline set approximately 30 months later. Project LIBERTY, which stands for Launch of an Integrated Bio-refinery with Eco-sustainable and Renewable Technologies in Y2009, will create commercialization results that include 11 percent more ethanol from a bushel of corn and 27 percent more ethanol from an acre of corn while using 83 percent less energy needed to operate a corn to ethanol plant. Technology efforts for Project LIBERTY began several years ago and escalated when Broin and the DOE jointly funded a five-year research initiative to develop and improve dry mill fractionation with the assistance of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and South Dakota State University. The project provided for the commercialization of Broin’s fractionation technology, or BFrac, which together with Broin's raw starch hydrolysis process (BPX), creates the foundation for biorefining in the future. The results of BFrac include producing higher ethanol yields, but more importantly it creates additional value-added products and streams – including the intended use of fiber in the production of cellulose to ethanol. "   ...

Via Broin: Broin Companies to Expand Voyager Ethanol in Emmetsburg, Iowa to Include Cellulose to Ethanol Commercial Production

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... "Bioversion is utilizing an exclusive patented technology owned by Woodland Chemical Systems Inc. Woodland utilizes Biomass such as wood waste, or other organic materials, as the fuel stock. This provides a very significant cost advantage over traditional ethanol production methods, such as corn fermentation. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Realtors are going Green. 

Realtors are seeing that "being green" can be an asset in marketing homes.  "Lisa Hough is the first Pennsylvania Realtor to receive an "EcoBroker" designation".  Lisa says ... "There is a gap between what home buyers want and what developers are willing to build".

Green building starts with the way a home is built (reduced waste during construction, using recycled products, installing high efficiency heating and A/C, etc.) and continues with how the home owner lives in the house (automatic set back thermostats, using compact flourescent bulbs, washing laundry in the lowest temperature to get the job done and other energy saving tips).

As the demand for Green housing increases (more buyers) the volume goes up (more sold) and the added cost comes down.  Green components are becoming a little more commodity like and  

 According to EcoBroker International "there are 200 certified EcoBroker designees and that 450 agents are in the process of earning the designatin". 

The program was started in 2002 and consists of three courses...

• EcoBroker Environmental Advantage
• EcoBroker Energy Advantage
• EcoBroker Green Market Advantage

 To learn more about the EcoBroker program Link

Via:  The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sunday Nov 5, 2006.   Link 

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... "Erin McKean, editor in chief of the New Oxford American Dictionary 2e, said: The increasing use of the word carbon neutral reflects not just the greening of our culture, but the greening of our language. " ...

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The need to safely disposing of "e-waste" is becoming a looming issue as the number of PCs continues to grow and the stockpile of unused PCs and peripherals pile up in storage closets and basememts.  Add computer games, cell phones, televisions and other electronics and you get quite a lot of junk.

Let's be honest ... who does not have a horde of PCs and or peripherals that are not used but kept because you do not know what do to with them?

I personally have a good bit in the basement as well as much that I have safely - environmentally - disposed.  Once, via Dells website, I recycled a box of computers and peripherals for $10. and received a coupon off a future Dell product.  They sent a prepaid label and all I had to do was contact the shipper and leave the box at my front door!

For individuals some other options are to:

• Toss in the garbage
  - Bad  choice as this pollutes beyond the contribution of junk in a landfill
  
• Give to a charitable organization
  - Getting harder to do as these organizations want high end machines now
• Take to a township or county recycling program
  - I have done this more than once - and it was free

To find a place that will accept your e-waste check the major PC manufacturers:

• Dell
• IBM
• Toshiba
• HP
  

Or Link

What are your experiences with PC recycling?  What have you found that works for you? 

Posted by Green Dude at 10:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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How does Corporate America get rid of their surplus PCs? 

Environmentalists and public officials are beginning to see that they need some unified plan and that allowing people to toss PCs and peripherals in with their trash is not a good idea. 

While not all e-waste recyclers are reputable many of the major manufacturers have programs of free or low cost recycling.  "Hewlett-Packard, I.B.M., Dell, Sharp, Panasonic and Sony, among others, all advertise free programs on their Web sites.  Some will arrange for pickups or pay shipping costs". 

 Among the issues are that "most people are unaware of the programs.  And those who make themselves aware are not the problem, anyway" referring to people who toss e-waste out with the rest of their trash.

Link  The New York Times Sat, Nov 11, 2006

Posted by Green Dude at 06:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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... "XcelPlus Global Holdings Inc. currently owns and controls cutting edge alternative fuel technologies including Flextek technology which converts gasoline powered vehicles into flexible fuel vehicles capable of running on E85 ethanol, and Diesenol technology which is a 95% ethanol substitute for diesel and bio diesel fuels which can be burned in any modern diesel engine. The company's business plan includes bringing inexpensive cellulosic ethanol to key urban areas to drive Flextek sales while the ability to burn ethanol fuels in any modern vehicle will ensure a large ethanol market. " ...

Via XcelPlus Global Holding: XcelPlus Global Holdings Inc. Plans Expansion

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... "Corporate Sustainability Management (CSM) is a management paradigm that considers management activities of a company in a balanced, integrated manner from three perspectives - economic profitability, social responsibility, environmental soundness. Through the report, SK Telecom plans to communicate with domestic and foreign parties including investors, academia and NGOs and proactively reflected their ideas to heighten understanding and credibility of the company. " ...

Via SK Telecom: SK Telecom Issues Sustainability Management Report

Corporations are trending towards an emphasis on sustainability.  The corporate sustainability trends in Asia are discussed in the following.  ...

Via Institute for Global Environmental Strategies: "The three major targets of CSM are part of what is called the triple bottom line. While sustainability indicates the ideal way to operate the socio-economy, the triple bottom line is a term perceived from the corporation's point of view and places importance on achieving three targets simultaneously: environmental, social, and economic values. "

Roche uses a network model for permeating leadership of sustainability and integrating it into its organization.  ...

Sustainability management at Roche: "The Corporate Sustainability Committee (CSC) develops and coordinates the Group's strategy for sustainable development and reports on efforts and progress in this area. Conceived from the start as a networked organisation consisting of a Core Team ... "

Posted by Green Tech at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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... "Environmental technologies, including basic engine and other technologies and technologies related to alternative fuels. " ...

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Much has been written about E85 as the fuel of the future.  Car companies have been saying that for a little extra money a car can be built to be E85 compliant.

E85 is a blend of 85% corn based ethanol and 15% gasoline.  According to Underwriters Laboratories "E85 ... could be eating away at the metal and plastic parts in pumps being used ... at gasoline stations". 

This news has caused BP to "delay the expansion of E85 at its American gasoline outlets ... "

Iowa growst he most corn of any state and E85 could have a very positive impact on it's economy.  Iowa state law does not require U.L. certified pumps until July 1, 2009.  The state fire marshall has indicated that this will not "have any immediate impact on the dispensing of E85 in the state".

Wal-Mart previously announced it would consider E85 at Sam's Clubs and Wal-MArt stores.  A spokesman indicated "we are still in the consideration phase ... and ... this is one more thing to consider".

Via: The New York Times, Friday, October 27, 2006, Ethanol Could Corrode Pumps, Testers Say. Link

Posted by Green Dude at 10:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Platte River achieves certification of its renewable energy production, by meeting Green-E standards.  ...

... "The Platte River Power Authority supplies wholesale electricity and services to the Cities of Fort Collins, Longmont, Estes Park, and Loveland. The renewable energy supplied by Platte River Power Authority comes from wind resources located in Colorado, Wyoming, and Oklahoma and meets strict Green-e standards for eligible renewable energy. The Green-e certified product will be sold by the Cities of Fort Collins, Longmont, and Loveland. " ...

Via Center for Resource Solutions: GREEN-E CERTIFIES NATURE'S ENERGY PROGRAM FROM PLATTE RIVER POWER AUTHORITY

Platte River Power Authority: Platte River Receives Award for Environmental Stewardship: "Renewable Energy -- Platte River and Fort Collins Utilities partnered to become the first Colorado utilities to provide wind energy to customers in 1998. Since then, Platte River's wind generation facility has been expanded to 10 wind turbines. The latest addition came in 2005 with the construction of a wind turbine -- the first of its kind in the world -- with an innovative design that makes more efficient use of low-to-moderate winds. "

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Wind farm project gets closer to fruition in Maryland as local utility commission gives the nod.  The need for alternative energy and potential impacts on local flora and fauna are being considered and balanced.  An unusually high number of bird and bat deaths have been seen in nearby wind farms as the area supports migration path.  ...  

... "And in Maryland, that somewhere may be remote Backbone Mountain, at 3,360 feet the highest point in the state's Appalachian Plateau and the proposed site for Annapolis-based Synergics Inc.'s mountaintop wind farm. " ...

Via Baltimore Sun: Link

Per NPR Podcast: Wind Farms Blamed for Killing Migrating Bats: "But as wind power becomes more popular, biologists say the windmills kill thousands of bats. "

Via Washington Post: Wind Turbine Bat Deaths: "Thousands of bats have died at Backbone and on another nearby wind farm in Meyersdale, Pa. "

Posted by Green Tech at 08:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Everyone knows that one easy way to save money is to replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Flourescent Bulbs (CFB).  The ideal time is when an old bulb burns out.  The idea behind CFB is that they give more light per Watt than regualr incandesecent bulbs. 

CFB are more efficient at turning electricity into light - less energy is lost to heat compared to an incandescant bulb.  To see for your self touch (carefully) an incandescant bulb and a comparable flourescent bulb.

One benefit of this is that CFB are cooler and last longer.  The longer life and added cost mor than offset the extra cost.  Ans since they last longer they are an ideal choice for bulbs that are hard ti change.

What is the typical energy difference between incandescant and flourescent bulbs?  For example:

• A  60 Watt equivalent in a CFB uses 13 Watts (+ / -)
• A 100 Watt equivalent in a CFB uses 27 Watts (+ / -)

Along with the good there is a slight downside.  Many feel that CFB do not have the same pleasing light as an incandescent bulb.  Many do not but some are improving their lighing color to get closer to an incandescent bulk. 

I recently found 3 great places to buy CFB.

• Costco (or any of the buying clubs).  They have great deals on 4 packs of 100 Watt equivalent (23 Watt actual) and  8 packs of 60 Watt equivalent (13 Watt actual)
• Ikea has ab incredible supply of CFB in all wattages.  They even have them enclosed in glass bulbs so they look like a standard light bulb
• Home Debot has a neat 3 way (50/100/150) CFT.  As the bulb is longer than a typically 3 way bulb the "kit" includes two plastic extenders that lift the lamp shade an inch or so higher.  I found it worked for some but not all of my 3 way fixtures.

Check out ...

Costco at www.costco.com
Ikea at www.ikea.com
Home Depot at www.homedepot.com

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

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... "Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), a worldwide corporate sustainability ranking, recognized TELUS as an economic, environmental and social leader. Once again, TELUS is the only North American telecommunications company included in the global index. This year, TELUS received a perfect score for its environmental reporting. Other areas for which the judges gave TELUS high marks included: environmental management, risk and crisis management, human capital development, talent attraction and retention, stakeholder engagement and social reporting. " ...

TELUS Reports Third Quarter Results ...

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... "By continuing to expand production and improve our technology and manufacturing process, we believe that we can further reduce our manufacturing costs per Watt and improve our cost advantage over traditional crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers. " ...

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... "What is the Green Rating?: The Green Rating measures a vehicle's environmental friendliness on a scale of 1 to 100. The higher a vehicle's Green Rating, the greener it is and the lower its harm to both human health and the health of the planet. " ...

Via Yahoo Autos: About the Green Rating

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... "Features of the house include an earth-air heat exchanger system to improve thermal comfort, a grey water management system to re-use shower water for flushing and a rainwater-harvesting system to supply water for the washing machine, shower, gardens and external washing. There are also sunpipes to maximise use of natural light, passive and active solar heating and a ventilation/heat recovery system. " ...

Via The University of Nottingham: New research house to guide future home development ...

The University of Nottingham undertakes world-changing research, provides innovative teaching and a student experience of the highest quality. Ranked by Newsweek in the world's Top 75 universities, its academics have won two Nobel Prizes since 2003. The University is an international institution with campuses in the United Kingdom, Malaysia and China.

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