Green Technology

Sustainability is integrated into the design of the Arizona State University College of Nursing & Health building.  This green building has achieved LEED Gold status through its design principles and construction materials and techniques.  …

…   “The sustainable LEED-NC Gold certified building features solar water heating, which harvests Arizona's abundant renewable energy while reducing the building's carbon footprint.

More than three-quarters of construction waste (967 tons) was diverted from conventional landfills, materials used for the project contained recycled content and 70 percent of all wood products were certified by the Forest Stewardship.”   …

Via Arizona State University: LEED Gold Building Design.

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Lowering the cost of platinum catalyst helps make hydrogen fuel production more cost effective and, when paired with solar energy generation, also lower carbon impact dramatically.  …

…   “Chen explains that when powered by renewable energy sources such as wind- or solar-based technologies, the generation of hydrogen from the electrolysis of water produces a high-energy-density mobile energy carrier without any associated carbon dioxide emissions.

At low temperatures, this water-splitting process can take place in a variety of electrochemical devices …”   …

Via University of Delaware: Hydrogen Production.

Jingguang Chen Research Program.

Research Group.

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Dow Chem JV will recycle CO2 by-product to other industrial processes.  …

…   “Equate Petrochemical Co., a venture between Petrochemical Industries Co. of Kuwait and Dow Chemical Co., plans to capture carbon dioxide from its existing facilities starting 2012 …”   …

Via Bloomberg: CO2 Capture.

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Study attempts to understand the impact of clouds on global warming.  The reduction of cloud cover would accelerate climate change and this study indicates that the impact may be underestimated.  …

…   “The disagreement among models is mainly due to the different representation of clouds. Some models predict that global mean cloud cover will increase in a warmer climate and the increased reflection of solar radiation will limit the predicted global warming.”   …

Via University of Hawaii: Climate Study.

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will enable Stanford scholar to pursue his dreams.  …

…   “Varun S. Sivaram, 21, of Monte Sereno, Calif., is a senior majoring in engineering physics and international relations. He plans to pursue a doctorate of philosophy in solar energy materials at Oxford.”   …

Via Stanford University: American Rhodes Scholars.

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Samsung's Evergreen is one GREEN phone.

" ... built with recycled plastics, is hazardous substance free and comes with all sorts of eco-themed apps and tools ...  packaging is green, made 80% of recycled paper and uses soy ink."

Via:  Samsung  LINK

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PepsiCo and Waste Management are trying to increase the rate of plastic bottle recycling from the current 34 % to " 50 % by the year 2018.

A key tool may be the Dream Machine ... which has " ... a personal reward system that allows consumers to collect and redeem points for each bottle or can they recycle in the kiosk."

Currently about 12% of spaces have a recycling container.  The Dream Machine will bring recycling to thousands of locations and facilitate recycling away from home - who wants to carry bottles home for recycling?

In case you are asking what you can do ... the numbers are  are compelling for individuals to make a change.  If each household in the country recycled just 3 more plastic bottles a month the result would be over 23 millions pounds diverted from landfills !

Wow!  3 more bottles a month - that is not hard to do !

Via:  PepsiCo  LINK

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E-A-G-L-E-S … Eagles.  S-O-L-A-R … Solar.  W-I-N-D … Wind.  Philadelphia Eagles launch an integrated renewable energy program at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium with the help of Solar Blue.  …

…   “Solar Blue, based in Florida, is going to invest close to $30 million over the next year to build, install, maintain and operate this new power system that will include approximately 80 spiral-shaped wind turbines, 2,500 solar panels and an onsite dual-fuel cogeneration plant.

The power system is targeted to be ready to go for September, 2011.

Solar Blue anticipates employing 200 local residents during the one-year design & installation period. Fifty of these jobs will be permanent operational positions.”   …

Via Philly Eagles: Environmental Initiative.

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UT Dallas professor Babak Fahimi develops smart grid interface device for renewable energy generation.  A research prototype electronic interface switches power intelligently from renewable sources to the grid or to electrical storage.  The unit is being readied for field testing in California and Texas.  …

…   “This converter utilizes an adaptive controller to optimally increase efficiency and reliability for each operational condition while performing energy management algorithms to ensure the best performance. 

Five years in development, the converter would be perfect for use by small to medium-size businesses, large residential buildings and shopping centers that decide to make an investment in renewable energy.”   …

Via University of Texas: Electric Interface Device.

Babak Fahimi Renewable Energy Lab.

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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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Celanese will invest in new manufacturing facilities to covert coal to ethanol for fuel.  …

…  “Celanese will build on methods it already uses in China to turn pulverized coal into acetic acid and related acetyls used in paints and plastics.”   …

Via Forbes: Celanese plans.

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developed by IBM and McKesson to optimize efficiency and climate impact.  …

…   “Now, McKesson is breaking new ground by using IBM's new Web-based analytics offering called the Supply Chain Sustainability Management Solution (SCSM) to simultaneously minimize both its carbon dioxide emissions and its distribution costs.”   …

Via IBM: Greenhouse Gas Reduction.

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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.

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using microfluidic technology could enable consumers to generate their own bio-derived fuel.  …

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Professor Frank Jones discusses fuel production using technology that enables micro bioreactors. 

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General Electric announced that they would purchase 25,000 EV by 2015.  This is the largest EV purchase announced so far and will get GE closer towards their goal of having half their global fleet being EV by 2015.  

The plan is to buy 12,000 Chevy Volts (General Motors) starting in 2011 and then buy from other manufacturers as they are brfought to the market.

GE will initially purchase 12,000 GM vehicles, beginning with the Chevrolet Volt in 2011, and will add other vehicles as manufacturers bring them to market. By 2015 GE will convert at least half of its global fleet of 30,000 vehicles and will partner with its fleet customers to deploy a total of 25,000 EVs.

GE's Jeffery Immelt says ..." Wide-scale adoption of electric vehicles will also drive clean energy innovation, strengthen energy security and deliver economic value.”"

Via:  GE  LINK

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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

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Sheldon Crossing in Manayunk (Philadelphia) Pa offers the latest in GREEN LIVING.   In addition to being LEED certified they offer a Coulomb Technologies electric  car charging station.

" ... will earn a Platinum LEED certification ... homes will use less energy, water, and natural resources ... "  Features include " ... solar panels, vegetative green roofs, insulation, plumbing, HVAC, water purification and smart home automation ..."

The model home's Charging Station for electric vehicles is the first in the city of Philadelphia.  Picture >>>>>

Via:  Sheldon Crossing  LINK and Philadelphia Inquirer LINK

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Sarah Nettleton designs structures with sustainability in mind.  She will lecture next week at the college to educate and inspire the next generation of designers.  …

…   “acclaimed green architect Sarah Nettleton will present a lecture in Wallenberg Auditorium, Tuesday, November 16 at 4:30 p.m. on the Gustavus Adolphus College campus. As part of this day-long residency, one of Nettleton’s creations, The Spear House on the Ottawa Road, will be open to the public to tour from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. that same day. ”   …

Via Gustavus Adolphus College: Green Architecture.

Sarah Nettleton Architects.

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We all know to "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle "---  Want to learn more about recycling?  Are you doing all your can?  Do you have questions ... ?

" ... here to help answer your questions and help make recycling easier, more fun, and even profitable. ... simply give you practical information so that you can do your part."

Recycling is easy and there just might be more you can do with little effort involved ... check it out.

Be sure to check out >>>  the "Greener Choices Search Engine"

Via:  Recycling Revolution  LINK

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requires push through government incentives, mandates and subsidies.  The US trails other countries who have shifted their energy portfolios with renewable sources.  …

…   “In Germany, for example, government mandates and subsidies have pushed 17% of electric power generation to alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass, compared with just 1% to 2% in the United States.”   …

Via Knowledge at Wharton: Infrastructure Investment.

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New leaders are appointed to Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences which spurs technology collaboration and innovation.  Green technology leader, Paul Ballentine, joins the tech center in a development role.  …

…   “Ballentine joins CEIS from Austin, Texas, where he has been helping new companies get started in the clean energy market. He is the founder and principal in Solennium, a consulting firm specializing in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and smart grid.

He is also the co-founder of the Solar Energy Entrepreneurs Network, an organization with more than 1,500 members. Ballentine earned his doctorate at the University of Rochester and was one of the founding members of CVC Partners.”   …

University of Rochester: Advanced Technology Center.

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Appalachian State receives $350,000 grant from Lowes to support its construction of the Solar Homestead project, slated to participate in the 2011 Solar Decathlon.  …

…   “Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation’s gift, a grant of $250,000, will be used to help construct the Solar Homestead. The grant was recently announced during a board cutting at the project headquarters on East King Street in Boone. ”   …

Via Appalachian State: Lowes Gift.

The Solar Homestead.

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Emerson's data center in Missouri is green ... boasting solar panels, design features to minimize wiring needed and reuse of construction waste.

" ... more than 550 solar panels can generate 100 kilowatts ... enough to power the average American home for more than three days ..."

" ... 80 percent of the construction waste ... diverted from landfills through recycling ...  ."

LEED Gold from USGBC is expected.

Via:  Emerson  LINK

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USEP partners with Johnson Controls to deploy solar energy to schools throughout the state.  73 solar arrays are planned for installation.  …

…   “The Utah State Energy Program selected Johnson Controls to oversee the design and installation of the solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays at schools throughout the state, with at least one array in each of the state's 41 districts.

Johnson Controls will install 5kW PV systems as a part of the Solar for Schools program. The program is funded by a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).”   …

Johnson Controls.

Utah State Energy Program (USEP).

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Ever wonder what the real impact of your purchase are ... the total environmental impact?  GoodGuide - an app for the iPhone can help.

Scan the items bar code and GoodGuide does the rest ... " ... instant access to over 65,000 products and ratings at your fingertips. Check a product, see top-rated products in a category, and access your personalized recommended list to quickly find safe & healthy products."

For those w/o an iPhone you can use text messaging to get the same kind of information.

Text to:   41411.  Start each message with gguide and the item name or of 12 digit UPC bar code.

Via:  Good Guide  LINK

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Can we emulate nature’s use of solar energy?  MIT researchers are inspired by biological mechanisms in their project on photosynthesis.  Project team members Cao and Ji-Hyun Kim are studying the capabilities and configurations of chromophores, nature’s light sensors, to efficiently convert light to energy.  …

…   “The hope, being pursued by various research teams around the world, is to be able to eventually produce synthetic chemical systems that mimic nature’s process of photosynthesis and thereby produce a more efficient way of harnessing the sun’s energy than today’s photovoltaic panels, and that can be used to produce some kind of fuel that can be stored and used when needed, eliminating the intermittency problems of solar power. ”   …

Via MIT: Photosynthesis.

Chromophores.

Control chromophore orientation.

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Does daylight savings time help save energy?  …

…   “several studies have suggested that daylight saving time doesn't actually save energy—and might even result in a net loss. ”   …

Via Nat Geo: Daylight Savings Time.

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e-waste does not belong in landfills - so what do you do with your old electronics?  How many old cell phones, etc. are laying around your house ? 

Here are several companies that will take and safely recycle old electronics.  Check each for specifics on what they will take.

Among those taking electronics are .."Target, Best Buy, Verizon,Staples, Goodwill, Close the Gap, EcoSquid, ..."

Another good option if there is useful life left in the product is to FREECYCLE it ... reuse is a great way to keep something out of a landfill.

Each offers some type of recycling ... Stables takes old cell phones and printer cartridges, Best Buy takes old PC monitors (charges $10 but gives a $10 gift card so it is essentially free) ... check each out find a way to  safely dispose of e-waste.

Via:  ZDNet  LINK

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Follow the simple directions on the bag and you could be on your way to saving 2000 gallons of water a year with Scott Smart Flush^™.  Smart Flush^™ is a bag that sits in the water tank of the toilet and reduces each flush by 1 liter. 

Currently available in 8 and 12 pack rolls of Scott Naturals.

This is a simple and for now free way to save water and money - and be GREEN.

Via:  Scott  LINK

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Italy embraces renewable energy in the face of higher power costs.  Small towns are adapting and learning together.  …

…   “More than 800 small towns and villages in Italy are investing in green energy and making it work. Consider the mountain village of Tocco, population 2,700.”   …

Via Texas A+M: Italian Wind Power.

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UCLA researchers develop efficient and effective method for creating thin film conductive polymers that could improve solar power applications.

…   “A team of UCLA chemists and engineers has developed a new method for coating large surfaces with nanofiber thin films that are both transparent and electrically conductive.

Their method involves the vigorous agitation of water, dense oil and polymer nanofibers. After this solution is sufficiently agitated it spreads over virtually any surface, creating a film. “   …

Via UCLA: Polymer thin films that conduct electricity.

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through the USDA.  …

…   “Cal Poly Agribusiness Professor Lynn Hamilton will lead workshops on USDA renewable energy grant program REAP – Rural Energy for America Program in Bakersfield, Fresno and Tulare on Nov. 18, 19 and 30. “   …

Via Cal Poly: Workshops.

Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, makes $70 million dollars available each year for 2011 and 2012, under the current Farm Bill. 

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Can bacteria power the hydrogen economy?  University of Washington professor will explore the opportunity and insights from research projects at this local lecture.  …

…   “Caroline Harwood, a distinguished microbiologist at the University of Wisconsin, will discuss microbial production of hydrogen gas as a biofuel in a lecture at UC Santa Cruz on Tuesday, November 9, from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 240, Physical Sciences Building. ”   …

Via University of California at Santa Cruz: Bioenergy Lecture.

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in an environmentally friendly way so that it may be reused when needed?  Research project will explore nano materials for energy storage purposes.  DOE awards University of Texas funding to pursue this objective.  …

…   “The goal of the project is to develop a fundamental understanding of how nanostructured materials can be used to improve all aspects of electrical storage, from energy density to power density to energy stored per dollar. 

We will work toward developing solid-state electrical energy storage that is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than current technologies … ”   …

Via University of Texas at Dallas: Electrical Energy Storage Project.

Institute for Intelligent Energy Systems at UT Dallas.

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