Green Technology

DuPont Danisco J.V. to Make BioFuelds from Non Food Sources

2008-05-16T10:48:28Z

Delaware based DuPont and Copenhagen based Danisco announced a 50/50 JV to produce ethanol from the non food parts of plants - IE corn cobs and not corn.

May 14, 2008 - " ... DuPont and Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S,... an agreement to form DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC, ... to develop and commercialize the leading, low-cost technology solution for the production of cellulosic ethanol -...biofuel produced from non-food sources –..."

" ... will initially target corn stover and sugar cane bagasse. Future targets include multiple ligno-cellulosic feedstocks including wheat straw, a variety of energy crops and other biomass sources."

" ... goal is to maximize efficiency and lower the overall system cost to produce a gallon of ethanol from cellulosic materials ..."

"... The global joint venture expects its first pilot plant to be operational in the United States in 2009, and its first commercial-scale demonstration facility to be operational within the next three years. ..."

Via: DuPont Danisco Link

Liquid Metal Solar Photovoltaic Concentrator

2008-05-16T01:09:06Z

IBM solar research efforts discover breakthrough in photovoltaics technology by concentrating solar power. A record amount of power (230 watts) have been concentrated on a centimeter square solar cell. The cell then converts the solar energy into 70 watts of usable electrical power. The results have seen about five times the electrical power density of typical solar cells, using this concentrator technology in solar farms. ...

... "The trick lies in IBM's ability to cool the tiny solar cell. Concentrating the equivalent of 2000 suns on such a small area generates enough heat to melt stainless steel, something the researchers experienced first hand in their experiments. But by borrowing innovations from its own R&D in cooling computer chips, the team was able to cool the solar cell from greater than 1600 degrees Celsius to just 85 degrees Celsius. " ...

Via IBM: Breakthrough In Solar Farm Technology]]> Liquid Metal: "The IBM research team developed a system that achieved breakthrough results by coupling a commercial solar cell to an advanced IBM liquid metal thermal cooling system using methods developed for the microprocessor industry. Specifically, the IBM team used a very thin layer of a liquid metal made of a gallium and indium compound that they applied between the chip and a cooling block. Such layers, called thermal interface layers, transfer the heat from the chip to the cooling block so that the chip temperature can be kept low. The IBM liquid metal solution offers the best thermal performance available today, at low costs, and the technology was successfully developed by IBM to cool high power computer chips earlier. "

Element by Westin - New Eco Friendly Hotel Chain

2008-05-15T10:11:50Z

Element is a new hotel chain from Westin - owned by Starwood. Element takes into account the 3Rs .... Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. For those who would like to continue being GREEN when they travel this might be the way to go.

Read on for more >>>

" ... being kind to the environment. All ... guest room ... kitchen appliances are Energy Star rated. ...use as many recycled materials as possible in design and construction."

" ... incorporates eco-friendly materials wherever possible. ... carpets with up to 100% recycled content and recycled carpet cushions. Art ... is mounted on a base made from recycled tires. And low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints improve indoor air quality ..."

" ... silverware and glassware to reduce waste generated by plastic utensils and paper cups. Bath amenities are in a dispenser system rather than wasteful multiple mini-bottles. ... guest rooms include recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass."

The first locations are: Lexington, MA, (summner 2008), element Summerlin (Las Vegas, NV);
element Houston Vintage Park (Houston, TX), and element Arundel Mills (Baltimore, MD)

Via: Element by Westin Link

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More about Element ... " ... has made a brand-wide commitment for all element hotels to pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Certification,..."

Via: Element by Westin Link

Green Career Event

2008-05-15T01:25:26Z

Learn more about careers in the green approach to design and construction. ...

... "Career Moves announces Green Careers I, on Tuesday, May 20, 6 -- 8 p.m. to focus on careers in green building. At NEXUS Green Building Resource Center, 38 Chauncy St., Seventh Floor, Boston. " ...

Via Wicked Local West Roxbury: Regional calendar of Events

California's Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP)

2008-05-14T22:41:52Z

Want to help reduce waste and get recognition for it? California's WRAP program rewards businesses with the right to use the WRAP logo on products and advertising.

Read on for more info:

" ... Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) ... administered by the California Integrated Waste Management Board. ... an opportunity for California businesses to gain public recognition for their outstanding waste reduction efforts and lets the community know your business takes waste reduction seriously. ... also provides businesses with examples of successful waste reduction techniques, which they may adopt as their own."

" ... businesses ... with California facilities are encouraged to apply for an annual WRAP award. ... Award winners receive authorization to use the WRAP winner logo with their products, advertising, and business websites to publicize waste reduction efforts."

Via: WRAP - California Integrated Waste Mgt Board Link

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2007 Award Winners ...

Via: California Integrated Waste Mgt Board Link

"Waste reduction (or prevention) is the preferred approach to waste management because waste that never gets created doesn't have any associated waste management costs."

"Waste reduction also helps conserve resources for future generations and contributes to a cleaner environment. ... "

Via: WRAP Waste Reduction Techniques Link

Campaign Insights on Climate Plans and Alternative Energy Support

2008-05-14T00:20:22Z

Here's some contrasting points of view on McCain's commitment and position on global warming and the actions that he is most likely to promote. ...

... "John McCain delivered an address in Portland, Oregon on global warming. But McCain’s approach to global warming is heavy on subsidies to existing industries - like oil and coal - and overlooks investments in the future like wind and solar power and energy efficiency. " ...

Via Google News: Comments by Dan Weiss, Senior Fellow and Director of Climate Strategy Center for American Progress

41pounds.org - Reduce Junk Mail!

2008-05-13T11:12:16Z

Junk Mail seems to be an inevitable part of life; but it does not have to be. Here is a possible solution that helps you and the environment.

Read on for more ... 41pounds.org is named after the approx. 41 pounds of "junk" mail received annually by each adult in the US.

Did you know that ".... average adult receives 41 pounds of junk mail each year. ... stops 80-95% of unwanted catalogs and junk mail for you. We’ll contact dozens of companies on your behalf to STOP YOUR JUNK MAIL and PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT."

" ... Junk mail wastes an incredible amount of natural resources and contributes to global warming. Our nonprofit service covers your entire household for five years, "

" ... donate more than 1/3 of your fee to the environmental or community organization of your choice: EcoMom Alliance, StopGlobalWarming.org, Sierra Business Council, The Ocean Project and others. "

Via: 41pounds.org Link

]]> Here is an interesting set of specifics on the impact of junk mail ...

" ... we found out some staggering statistics ... about how costly junk mail is ... To produce and process 4 million tons of junk mail a year, 100 million trees are destroyed, 28 billion gallons of water is wasted, and energy equivalent to 2.8 million cars is spent ... In addition, $320 million of local taxes are spent to dispose of junk mail each year ..."

Via: 41pounds.org Link

Nokia offers FREE Cell Phone Recycling

2008-05-13T10:28:29Z

Wondering how to recycle that old cell phone so it does not go into a landfill??

Wonder no more .. Nokia to the rescue! Fill in the on line Web form and Nokia will send a postage paid mailing label for your old phone.

"Nokia is committed to the environment. ...Be gentle on the environment and let Nokia recycle it in a way that conserves our natural resources at no charge to you. Recycle your old phone today."

See site for more details ...

Via: Nokia Link

Green Building Standards Analysis

2008-05-12T23:49:44Z

AIA reviews green building rating systems and makes recommendations that goals are established for efficient use of water resources and the life cycle value of a community or project is understood, in addition to construction costs. ...

... "U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED NC 2.2 system: This is good example of a rating system which provides a measurement of environmental achievement. Continued developments in life cycle assessment, requirements for renewable energy or carbon reduction targets for certified projects will continue to make this system an effective resource for architects. " ...

Via American Institute of Architects: AIA Study of Three Green Building Rating Systems

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Power Management Software Increases Energy Efficiency

2008-05-11T16:03:04Z

Forrester Research recognizes Verdiem for the impact it can have on an enterprise's energy efficiency, naming it to the "Hot Company to Watch" list for innovative technology. ...

... "Power management software not only reduces energy costs and helps eliminate IT energy waste, but empowers companies to achieve environmental sustainability faster and in a measurable, sustainable way. Equally important, SURVEYOR reduces energy consumption by an average of 200 KWH per PC annually, equal to a 30 percent reduction in network energy use. In an organization with 10,000 PCs, SURVEYOR results in a carbon dioxide savings equal to taking 220 mid-sized cars off the road for an entire year. " ...

Via Verdiem: Named Company to Watch by Forrester Research

Nanofuels Research at ASU

2008-05-11T01:31:51Z

Nanotechnology shows promise for fuel efficiency according to ASU researchers. ...

... "The presence of the nanoparticles likely enables the fuel to burn more efficiently, and increases the volumetric heat content of the fuel. Previous work has already shown that adding nanoparticles to other liquids, such as water, improves the heat and mass transfer inside the liquid, in part because of the stirring caused by the nanoparticles' Brownian motion. " ...

Via Arizona State University: Nanoparticle-Filled Liquid Fuels for Efficient Energy Conversion

A123 Plug-In for Toyota Prius

2008-05-08T10:52:42Z

A123 Systems has developed a Plug-In conversion kit for the Toyota Prius. While not developed by Toyota - nor approved by Toyota - here are the details!

By inserting another battery between the normal (small) battery and the computer control systems the Prius is tricked to keep running on battery as there is more battery power. This additional battery boost can carry many people through their daily commute ... allowing them to power the car mostly by electric from their home.

" ... ... half of the cars in the U.S. are driven just 25 miles a day or less....Plug-in Conversion Modules enable your vehicle to achieve outstanding fuel economy by electrically supplementing the hybrid drive train for up to 40 miles. When the Hymotion L5 module is fully depleted, your vehicle will function as a standard hybrid until you recharge."

" ... plug your car into your house using an extension cord and a standard 120V outlet. Your L5 module will be fully charged when you are ready to go in the morning. ..."

Via: A123 Systems Link

Hospital Green DataCenter

2008-05-08T01:13:00Z

IBM and Siemens team to offer hospitals and integrated technology solution that increases efficiency and improves energy efficiency. ...

... "As an additional benefit to the community, the highly reliable IBM BladeCenter Servers offer a proven open, easy and green technology that demands less energy and is easier and less costly to cool than other alternatives. " ...

Via IBM: Solutions Help Community Hospitals Reduce Operating Costs

Pepsi to use Less Plastic in Bottles

2008-05-07T10:52:20Z

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Plastic bottles are already recyclable (#2 type). Now companies are looking at the amount of plastic per bottle.

Now Pepsico (owner of Pepsi Cola) has announced that they are " ... introducing its lightest 500mL flavored non-carbonated beverage bottle yet. ... has reduced the plastic in this bottle by 20%, which will eliminate approximately 20 million pounds of waste ... The lighter bottles will begin hitting store shelves this month."

" ... In addition to a 20% reduction in the plastic resin, there will be a 10% reduction in the label size and a 5% reduction in the shrink wrap film used to wrap the multi-packs."

“ ... challenge was to deliver significantly lighter packaging that would provide the same shelf life as the heavier bottle, withstand the manufacturing and distribution process yet not compromise aesthetics,” ..."

Via: Pepsico.com Link

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See our post on Poland Spring for another company making a similar move to reduce packaging.

Via: Greentechnolog Link:

GM Wagoner on Energy Diversity

2008-05-06T23:12:14Z

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