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... "This one-day workshop will provide a thorough overview of PV technology by one of the leading manufacturers of PV modules in the world. Sharp is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic modules. The company has a manufacturing facility in Tennessee. " ...Via Appalachian State University: Photovoltaic workshop
... "The project will feature an on-site electrical tri-generation system that will use an array of natural gas-fueled microturbines to generate all the necessary electricity for the center and provide cooling for the computer servers. The data center will be able to operate completely off-grid. IBM and SU will create a liquid cooling system that will use double-effect absorption chillers to convert the exhaust heat from the microturbines into chilled water to cool the data center's servers, with sufficient excess cooling to handle the needs of an adjacent building. Server racks will incorporate IBM's Rear Door Heat eXchanger cooling doors that use chilled water to remove heat from each rack far more efficiently than conventional room-chilling methods. " ...Via IBM: Syracuse University Green Data Center
... "The Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center will be located on NASA property at Kennedy Space Center and, when completed, will produce an estimated 10 megawatts of clean, emissions-free power for FPL customers, which is enough energy to serve roughly 1,100 homes. FPL is also building a separate solar facility of approximately one megawatt that will provide clean power directly to Kennedy Space Center, helping NASA meet its renewable energy goals. " ...Via Florida Power and Light: New solar array at Kennedy Space Center
... "The pavement surrounding the building is porous and will absorb almost all storm runoff. Waterless composting toilets will eliminate a major use of water and enable the collecting of waste that will be used as fertilizer for the surrounding grass. A 17-kilowatt photovoltaic system will power the facility. " ...Via Washington University in St. Louis: Greenest building opens
.jpg "POTUS Oboma at Nellis with Solar Panels")
May 27th, 2009 - Nellis AFB - Nevada.
U.S. president Obama went to Nellis AFB to see " ... the nation's largest photovoltaic array and speak ... about the importance of alternative energy initiatives. ... highlighted Nellis' 14-megawatt solar project as a stellar example of environmental stewardship and innovative energy technology."
Facts about the Nellis system:
" ... completed in December of 2007, is America's largest solar photovoltaic array. ... will generate more than 30 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually and supply approximately 25% of the total power used at the base, ... covers 140 acres ... 33 acres of which are a capped landfill which has been reused for this "green" energy project. ... over 72,000 solar panels which track the sun to maximize the solar renewable energy we can receive. ... will reduce carbon emissions by 24,000 tons annually."
Via: WhiteHouse.gov Link
Via: Nellis Air Force Base Link
This system uses panels that track the sun as it moves during the day to gather approx. 30 % move power than fixed position panels.
" ... cost over $100M to construct ... cost the AF less than $100,000 in capital costs, yet saved Nellis over $1.2M in its first year of operation. ... is joint venture between the U.S. Air Force; Renewable Ventures; SunPower Corporation; and N.V. Energy. ... took over 200 workers to build the array."
Via: WhiteHouse.gov Link
Via: Nellis Air Force Base Link
... "In tests conducted at HaWi's facility in Eggenfelden / Munich, a structure representing obstructions shaded a portion of a conventionally wired solar photovoltaic system. Although 16 percent to 20 percent of the array was shaded, it resulted in average power losses of nearly 28 percent. However, an identical solar array fitted with National's SolarMagic power optimizers produced on average between 7 percent and 21 percent more electricity in the same conditions, effectively recouping 54.4 percent of the lost power. National developed SolarMagic technology to improve the energy harvest of solar installations. Real-world conditions such as shading, debris and panel aging can lead to disproportionate power losses in solar arrays. For example, shading of less than 10 percent of the surface of a solar panel can slash power output by 50 percent. " ...Via National Semiconductor: Energy Field Trial
Taiwan has built a solar powered stadium that can generate 100% of it's powder needs and can send power to the grid when the stadium is not hosting an event.
" ... solar-powered stadium that can generate 100% of its electricity from the sun. ... can hold 50,000 spectators and is made with over 8,000 solar panels."
"...will officially open in July for the 2009 World Games. ... ntegrates many other sustainable features such as permeable paving and maximum use of domestic materials and local labor."
" .... [when] not being used, the government plans to feed surplus energy into the local grid, where it will meet approximately 80% of the neighboring area's demand. This equates to approximately 660 tons of carbon dioxide per year! "
Via: WholeTravel blog LINK
... "What: Is it Solar’s Time in the United States? Where: International Gasteemphang West at EG at the Messe When: Thursday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Who: Winfried Hoffmann, VP and CTO Energy and Environmental Solutions, Applied Materials Rhone Resch, President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association, a leading trade association for the solar energy industry in the United States John Antone, VP of Marketing, Energy and Environmental Solutions, Applied Materials Special Guest " ...Via Applied Materials: U.S. Renewable Energy Policies
One of the easiest ways to make you home more energy efficient ... and save on your heating and cooling bills is to insulate to the proper levels. A poorly insulated (or not insulated) house is just letting your heat or air conditioning pass through the house.
Recommended minimums for walls and ceilings are based on your geographic location ... LINK to see the appropriate R-Values for your location.
" .. high-efficiency thermal insulation and effective R-value. ... Reduce nuisance noise when used in walls. ... made from 85% recycled paper fiber. ... Support energy conservation programs focused on en
vironmental responsibility."
" ... forms a monolithic blanket of protection—blocking air infiltration and convection currents that are both primary causes of energy loss. ... ... remains consistent through a greater temperature and application range than that of loose-fill fiberglass, ... can increase a wall's fire resistance by 22-57%. ..."
Via: greenfiber LINK
... "Significantly, three of the five awards in New York State are for energy storage technology research, complementing the Governor’s Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (known as NY BEST). There were only six centers nationally that will focus on energy storage, and New York State is home to half of them. " ...Via State of New York: GRANTS FOR ENERGY FRONTIER RESEARCH CENTERS
... "This achievement by SANYO represents the first time that a photovoltaic manufacturer has broken through the 23% mark in conversion efficiency at the research-level for practical-sized solar cells, and further cements the leadership of SANYO’s HIT solar cell which is renowned for its high conversion efficiency. For now on SANYO will continue to advance its efforts into applying this research-level achievement into mass production, and promote further research into energy efficiency, as well as reductions in cost and materials. " ...Via Sanyo Electric: HIT Solar Cells Reach Highest Energy Conversion Efficiency of 23.0%
The U.S. Geothermal Energy Technology, Finance and Development Workshop will be held June 3rd, 2009 in Seattle, Washington.
Geothermal is becoming more popular as a renewable source of clean energy ... LINK
" ... U.S. Geothermal Energy Association is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses."
" ... GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles "
Via: U.S. Geothermal Energy Association LINK
The western part of the US has a large geothermal potential ... as ween from the map below ... the red areas have temperatures of over 100 C. Nevada Geothermal Power is making the most of this potential ...basically energy free energy ... 
Read on for more >>>
" ... Nevada has over 16 power plants, with ...approximately 333 MW of geothermal power. ...Geothermal is not the future; geothermal is NOW!" 
Geothermall is / has " ... Clean, renewable electricity, Low or no emissions. Proven technology, No fuel required; energy cost not an issue, Low operating costs ..."
Via: Nevada Geothermal Power LINK
... "ENER-G’s CHP systems create electricity and heat simultaneously and reduce carbon emissions by around 20% while cutting electricity costs by approximately one third. They can be powered by natural gas or renewable biogases and ENER-G has installed and operates in excess of 120MW of biogas generation, primarily from landfill gas. " ...Via Energ-E: Manufacturing Capacity Expansion
The Obama administration has announced significant fuel economy standards to be effective by 2016 and a single emissions standard country wide - rather than allowing some states - like California - to have their own emission standards.
Washington - DC - May 19th, 2009 -
" ... President Barack Obama outlined ... the nation's first comprehensive effort to curb vehicle emissions while cutting dependence on imported oil, ... will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the vehicles sold in the next five years. ..."
" ... new fuel and emission standards for cars and trucks will save billions of barrels of oil, they are expected to cost consumers an extra $1,300 per vehicle by the time the plan is complete in 2016. Obama said the fuel cost savings would offset the higher price of vehicles in three years."
" .... requiring ... carbon dioxide emissions be reduced by about one-third by the target date,... requires the auto industry to be building vehicles that average 35.5 miles per gallon."
" ... by 2016, with passenger cars reaching 39 mpg and light trucks hitting 30 mpg ..."
Via: Yahoo News Link
... "The company's experience in designing networks based on industry standards will bring much-needed expertise to utilities striving to integrate smarter, on-demand energy utilization capabilities that result in greater energy conservation, lower greenhouse gas emissions and innovative end-user services. " ...Via Cisco: Strategy for Smart Grid Infrastructure
I first saw the Big Belly at the Green Expo in Philadelphia in April [LINK]. The benefits seemed compelling ... solar power allows siting away from power sources, ability to compact trash 5:1 and it can be outfitted with a wireless connection to signal when full so trash / recycling trucks bypass containers that do not need to be emptied.
This morning [May 18th, 2009)] I saw several being installed along Market St East in center City Philadelphia. Th.jpg "BigBelly - 8th and Market St, Center City Philadelphia")
is photo is of a container on the SE corner of 8th and Market.
"BigBelly is the world's only solar-powered cordless compaction system. ... Increased capacity reduces collection trips and can cut related fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by 80%. ... has proven successful in urban streets, parks, colleges, arenas - and in all weather conditions."
" ... can hold 150 gallons of trash, ... gets 100% of its energy from the sun and uses less than 5 watt hours/day ..."
Philadelphia is scheduled to get approx. 500 Big Bellies!
Via: BigBelly LINK
... "But the chip’s lower speed and other architecture tweaks help it keep power consumption and costs low. For example, the new Dell servers cost less than $400 a pop ... " ...Via New York Times: Dell with Via Creates Green Server
... "This year the center piloted a new service-learning course that helped to install a solar array on a school in Honduras and created an opportunity for Honduran electricians to learn about solar energy systems. " ...Via Penn State: Sustainability Programs
Starbucks is solidly behind the green 
movement ... from it LEED roasting facility to it "take the mug pledge". Some folks just want / need a "to go " cup ... and Starbucks is working to make that a greener cup.
Read on for more >>>
" ...environmental impact of our disposable ... cups is a big area of concern to our customers and we are committed to significantly reducing this impact by 2015. ... spent more than ten years looking for ways to decrease the environmental impact of our disposable cups ... In 2006 we launched the industry's first hot beverage paper cup with post-consumer re
cycled fiber. ... in 2008,... we rolled out a new plastic cup that has less of an environmental impact than our original plastic cups."
" ... a 10-cent discount in the U.S. and Canada to ... customers to use their own reusable mugs for their beverages. Customers staying in a store can also request that their beverages be served in a ceramic mug."
Via: Starbucks LINK
Check out these links on GOOGLE.org for ways to save energy. Some are NO COST and others are eitehr low or moderate cost ...
Read on for more and to get the actual LINKs ... >>>
" ... Grist, Alliance to Save Energy, Department of Energy, Carbon footprint calculator, ACEEE, Home Energy Savers, Get a home energy audit ..."
Via: Google LINK
electronics. The Dell supply chain, including external partners involved in the process, will track the disposition leg of the electronics lifecycle and the results will be audited. And, Dell will focus its efforts on avoiding landfill disposal or incineration in the first place. The company's business policy for disposal of electronics is positioned to exceed external industry standards. ... 
The former Strawbridge and Clothier flagship department store in Philadelphia is being remodeled in a green way. PA. REIT has posted window signs and made green dioramas in the store's street side display cases (most of the building has been closed for some time).
" ... bring together 16 state agencies in a former retail space, a 13-story historic building on Market Street, bringing renovations and modernizations throughout the space. ... the arrival of the state agencies will bring 750. employees to the Market East section of Center City, as the state consolidates agencies ... PREIT, which controls everything from the sub-basement to the sixth floor, will renovate vacant space to make room for retail on the first, second and third floors, while maintaining the historical aspects of the building and complying with LEED silver certification requirements."
Photos to follow ...
Via: Phila Biz Journal LINK
... "Reduce the overall number of printers used by the organization and replace with multi-function devices with green printing defaults wherever possible and where security issues allow. " ...Via Environmental Leader: Green IT Performance Goals Development
China is full of business opportunities and is also looking to become / embrace the green movement. The China Green Business Summit - 2009 is being held May 13 - 15th in Beijing, China.
Via: China Green Business Summit 2009 LINK
... "The Phillies are looking for friendly volunteers from local colleges and community organizations to join the Phillies Ballgirls and help collect recyclable materials from fans in the seating bowl throughout each game at Citizens Bank Park. " ...Via Phillies: Red Goes Green
Green Supply Chain helps business get greener by working on their supply chain ... the process of getting raw materials / making goods and delivering to the customer
" ... address how being green in the corporate world can translate to reduced waste, increased efficiency and a positive impact on the bottom line–how supply chain operations can be automated to help reduce carbon footprints ..."
" ... our own commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. ...team also plans and implements programs in the following areas: Waste Reduction and Recycling, Energy Conservation, Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, Water Conservation, Sustainable Building, Alternative Transportation, and Corporate Social Responsibility. ..."
Check their resources section LINK for Blogs, Resources, White Papers, etc ...
Via: GreenSupplyChain LINK
... "The Inverted Metamorphic Multijunction (IMM) Solar Cell was named a winner of the 2009 Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer by the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. The original IMM cell was invented by Mark Wanlass of NREL’s Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV) Group. The design established a solar cell efficiency of 37.9% under concentrated light equal to 10 suns in 2005. In 2008, a modified version of the IMM design set a new record of 40.8% efficiency under 326 suns at NREL. " ...Via National Renewable Energy Lab: Solar Cell Wins Federal Tech Prize
... "The City of San Francisco is currently planning a five megawatt solar photovoltaic system on the roof of the City’s largest reservoir, located at 24th and Ortega Streets in the Sunset district. " ...Via Recurrent Energy: San Francisco Sunset Reservoir Solar Installation
Many crops have been considered / experimented with as a source of bio fuel or bio diesel. Some carry risks of causing unintended consequences as land is cleared for farming -- Now the mushroom is looming large!
" ... biofuels from corn and soy ... destructive to the planet in certain ways as farmers in developing nations slash and burn forests to grow new crops. ... alternative: a ... genetically-modified mushroom that yields a large biomass which can be converted into a first-rate biofuel."
" ... genetically-engineered them to be ... more sustainable in culture during fermentation, and have both enhanced growth rate and spore production...."
Via: TreeHugger LINK
... "U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announces awards: "Meeting this challenge will require significant scientific advances. These centers will mobilize the enormous talents and skills of our nation's scientific work force in pursuit of the breakthroughs that are essential to make alternative and renewable energy truly viable as large-scale replacements for fossil fuels. " ...Via Princeton University: Energy Frontier Research Center
I noticed an improved packaging design while buying some sunscreen at my local Costco. The packaging was 
marked as 100 % recyclable and called EnviroShell ; made by Winterborne, Inc.
Basically there is a top and bottom cardboard layer with a cut-out in the top layer for the items ... these are protested by a #1 plastic inset ... the package is sandwiched together and is all secure ... but comes apart into cardboard and a recyclable plastic that most locals can recycled.
The packaging is secure / tamper resistant / proof, uses eco-freindly adhesives, has post consumer recycled content and is recyclable!
Via: EnviroShell LINK
... "The 23 units of the V90-3.0 MW wind turbine for the Ardenville wind farm will be supplied and commissioned by Vestas, with delivery in mid-2010 and commissioning scheduled to be completed in early 2011. The order includes a five-year service and maintenance agreement. " ...Via Vestas: V90-3.0 MW Wind Turbine Order in Canada
eBay has many green aspects to its business model ... including the basic eBay design - helping people sell unneeded / unused stuff ...
They are also greening their campus by making the most of available sunlight, using a smart irrigation system, recycling / using recycled materials, using SOLAR and designing for and achieving LEED ... ...
" ... newest building, in San Jose, California, was designed and built to the ... (LEED) Gold standard."
" ... automatic dimming system detects the amount of natural light ... and adjusts the electric light accordingly, resulting in an estimated 39% energy savings.... Recycled materials are used throughout, including 95% recycled structural steel, 38% recycled carpet tiles and 100% recycled workstation fabric. ... smart irrigation system ... monitors weather conditions, including forecasts, dewpoint and relative humidity levels to determine the optimal and most efficient irrigation pattern."
" ... a 650 kW solar installation at our San Jose North location ... 3,248 panels cover more than a football field of roof space and will take up to 18% of our energy demand at that campus off the grid completely."
Via: ebay Link
... "Located on the 110-acre campus of SAP North America and adjacent to its existing LEED-certified building, the new building features a floor-to-ceiling glass exterior and an open-space plan that takes maximum advantage of daylight. The green grass roofs, the use of native and regional vegetation species in landscaping and the maintenance of extensive open space highlight SAP's goal of integrating the building with the surrounding natural environment. The new building also incorporates numerous innovative features to reduce water use. Rainwater from the green roof and other areas is collected in a 50,000-gallon cistern, which supplies water for landscape irrigation and the flushing of toilets in some of the building's bathrooms. Additionally, low-flow bathroom fixtures will greatly reduce water usage, with an expected saving of over one million gallons of water per year. Energy-efficient features abound in the building. Geothermal wells use the constant ground temperature of the earth to both heat and cool areas of the building. Lighting systems based on the concept of daylight harvesting are controlled by sensors that dim the lighting levels and raise or lower window shades based on the level of sunlight coming through the triple-glazed glass exterior wall. A hybrid air conditioning system produces ice during the overnight hours when energy demands and electric rates are lowest, with the chilled water from the melting ice used to cool the building during the heat of the day. " ...Via SAP: New LEED Platinum Building
I am looking to install solar panels on my house and would like to know ... before teh vendors start coming by .... what my "solar value" amounts to.
RoofRay is a "BETA app" that uses GOOGLE maps to find your building / house location and determine the solar potential. You trace out the viable roof areas, show the slope direction and get an estimate of the roof solar potential.
You can use it to check out your current house .... or a property you might be interested in purchasing ...
Check out the YouTube video ...
Via: RoofRay LINK
... "Skyline’s HGS architecture delivers ten times more energy per gram of silicon versus traditional flat-panel systems in sunny locations and offers industry-leading energy density. Skyline HGS arrays combine industry-proven silicon cells, durable reflector materials and single-axis tracking into a complete, easy-to-deploy system. Built primarily out of commodity materials with globally available manufacturing processes from the PV and automotive industries, Skyline HGS simultaneously improves financial payback and scalability. As a result, Skyline Solar believes the HGS architecture is the fastest path to grid parity. " ...Via Skyline Solar: Manufacturer of Patented, High Gain Solar (HGS) System
Everyone has lots of unused electronics at home. I must have 5 old cell phone, several cordless phones, DSL routers, old TVs, VCRs, etc ...
How to safely get rid of this stuff?
(1) try Freecycle
(2) try donating to a charity if of decent vintage
(3) try selling it on eBay
(4) get the manufacturer to take it back!
We all know about (or should by now) " ... "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" motto — but when it comes to gadgets, being environmentally responsible isn't quite so easy. .... electronics are neither easy for manufacturers to create nor simple for recyclers to disassemble. ...laws on handling e-waste are inconsistent between countries, states and even cities. ... it's confusing as hell for consumers."
Many manufactures have programs to take their stuff back ... some are free, some are free with a new purchase , etc ...
>>> To see a fairly comprehensive list of manufactures programs LINK
Via: Wired's How to Wiki LINK
... "For example, Red Lodge Ales Brewing Co. is in the process of moving to a new facility. The new location has the largest solar array in the state and a refrigeration unit that detects when the outside air temperature is cool enough to allow it to shut down. " ...Via Montana State University: Documentary about Montana microbreweries
Most potted plants come in #5 PP containers that are not very easy to recycle (few facilities) or in plastic that is not marked. Bonnie Plants offers plants in biodegradable containers so there is no plastic to throw away ... 
" ... Bonnie Plants ... introduced a new line of earth-friendly products this season under the "Going Greener for You" banner. ... is a company-wide effort toward environmentally friendly products. ...Included in the first phase ... are ... Exclusive biodegradable peat pots ... Jumbo biodegradeable fiber pots ... New recycling and reuse practices and facilities"
"Peat pots,... have already prevented more than 100 million pounds of plastic from ending up in landfills. ... are the country's largest wholesaler of vegetable and herb plants for home gardeners."
" ... recycling facility at our headquarters reuses and recycles supplies, tags, pots, and plant container trays."
Via: Bonnie Plants LINK
... "The project primarily will utilize open space on the West campus and will meet nearly all of its energy needs, said David Brixen, ASU interim vice president of university services. It is part of the second phase of ASU’s overall solarization project on all of its campuses. " ...Via Arizona State University: West campus solar project