... "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. " ...Via The Tech, MIT: Turn off your lights
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
... "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.http://bit.ly/aIUj9yThus 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. " ...
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 pe
r 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
leaders in sustainability and will leverage this integration team to identify projects, measure reductions, engage its supply base, and drive proper procedures into each GHG reduction benefit. ...
... "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." ...Via Walmart Stores: http://bit.ly/aBy2pX
Walmart has received constructive feedback from its colaboraters, such as The Environmental Defense Fund. For example, EDF reviewed the WalMart’s Sustainability Report and made these comments: We’d also like to see Wal-Mart present more data that allows readers to verify the information presented. For example, the limited data presented on improvement to fuel efficiency in the truck fleet – an area where we know that WalMart has made progress – leave room for confusion. http://bit.ly/dfdj3s
Continue reading "Walmart green supply chain opportunity wiil target carbon intense products" »
" ... 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
"AT&T ... deployed its 1,000th alternative fuel vehicle in its fleet ... latest deployment is part of a $565 million 10-year investment to replace 15,000 vehicles with fuel efficient models through 2018."
Of a total fleet size of over 77,000 vehicles ... AT&T spent " ... $350 million to buy 8,000 compressed natural gas vehicles over 5 years ... " and will spend "$215 million through 2018 to replace 7,100 fleet passenger cards with alternative fuel models ... estimates it will save 49 million gallons of gas over 10 years."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
Via: Ford LINK
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 ...”
" ... CalTech’s cells have efficiency comparable to solar panels now being installed on roofs.""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
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 me
gawatt 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
... "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. " ...Via Utilimetrics Association for Smart Metering and Innovative Technologies: Energy conservation at Winter Olympics
Continue reading "Olympics Energy Efficiency and Management Strategy" »
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
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."
"... All building fixtures reduce use of potable water, and a blackwater treatment system means that all toilet water in the building is recycled, treated wastewater. Stormwater collection reserves irrigate the green roofs, which cover 70 percent of the roof surface ... a natural gas-powered microturbine on the structure’s roof harnesses its own waste energy to heat water."" ... 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
... "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 ... " ...Via San Bernardino County Sun: Wal-Mart solar panels
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
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."
... "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. " ...Via IBM: Clean Water
Continue reading "Energy Efficiency Meets Water Purification" »
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
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."
" ... GenShock, recovers this energy and utilizes it for fuel economy gains ... improves ride quality ... is a turnkey replacement for standard shock absorbers, requiring minimal installation time and little to no maintenance."
" ... GenShock uses a specialized manifold and a hydraulic motor coupled with an electric generator to provide damping and harvest otherwise wasted energy. In effect, GenShock performs the function of a standard shock while acting as an additional source of power. "
Via: Levant Power LINK
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
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."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
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
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."
Via: Claren Power LINK
... "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. " ...Via CNBC: The New Green is White
FedEx is adding 51 hybrid trucks to its Bronx, NY faciltiy - making it FedEx's first 100% all-hybrid site.
" ... will pick up another 51 gas-electric hybrid trucks from Azure Dynamics ... Most of those trucks will be added to its Bronx, N.Y. station, which will become its first all-hybrid facility."
" ... Bronx location will have 100 hybrid trucks. FedEx has 325 hybrid trucks total."
" ... FedEx hybrid fleet has logged more than four million miles of revenue service since 2004. ... estimates that it has reduced fuel use by 150,000 gallons and carbon dioxide emissions by 1,521 metric tons. ... received a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for the latest round of hybrid trucks."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
"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
... "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. " ...Via Forbes: Supply Chain
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
... "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. " ...Via MIT's The Tech: Truth or Dare?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 impor
tant 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. ..."
Via: Energy Storage and Power LINK
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
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."
... "With half of its structure made of plastics reinforced with carbon fiber, a composite that is both lighter and stronger than aluminum, and more efficient engines, the 787 could cut fuel costs by up to 20 percent, Boeing says. " ...Via New York Times: The 787 Dreamliner
Listen to Marc Porat, Chairman of the Board of Serious Materials, discus issues surrounding green homes ... from the Greentech MEdia's Green Building Summit ... how many can be built / retrofitted per year ... what does this do for energy savings and job creation ...
" ... Serious Material Chairman Marc Porat discusses the challenges associated with building "green" residential homes. He believes it's important for the green industry to persuade governments to mandate environmentally sustainable buildings in order to speed up construction."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
It is amazing that there are so many energy using devices in our homes. What many fail to realize is that some devices, like TVs, and PCs may still be drawing power when "turned off".
You can save energy by changing the type of appliance - if old it may be worth upgrading to an energy efficient (Energy Star) model.
Sometimes you just need to "turn if off". Sometimes you can made simple substitutions like CFL for incandescent bulbs.
Read on for the 5 Big Energy Hogs in your home ... and how to ZAP them !
" ... Turn down your thermostat to 68 or 69 degrees in fall and winter, and to 76 in the summer ... Heating and cooling are the top uses of energy ... consider upgrading ... to Energy Star ..."
" ... for some homes, small appliances are the second biggest use of energy ... consider turning off your TV ... or ... put your electronics on a SmartStrip to prevent them from creating “phantom loads,” which draw small amounts of power ... even when items are turned off."" ... refrigerator runs constantly. It can pay off to recycle your current model and buy a new EnergyStar rated model."
" ... likely have an inefficient hot water tank ... tankless water heater ... save energy and money by not keeping water hot 24/7. Rather ... heat your water when you demand ... make sure your tank heater and the pipes supplying the water to it are insulated."
" ... swap out the incandescent bulbs in the most used areas of your home ... replace them with CFLs. Here’s a trick you may not have heard of for CFLs: once you’ve installed the fluorescent bulb, turn on the light and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Doing so “burns in” the lamp, which improves its function, and its lifespan. ... dispose of them properly when they burn out in 7 years!"
Via: SustainLane LINK
Prairie Bunkers LLC is repurposing WWII ammunition depots into secure energy efficient data centers. These structures are built to withstand force 5 tornadoes.
In addition to the green aspect of repurposing an existing building ... there are others green features.
"Saves approximately 5000 cubic tons of carbon emission which would be produced by construction of a similar structure ... electrical provider .... has a high percentage of renewable energy, including hydro, wind and nuclear ... On-site solar and wind energy systems in planning stages ... Air Economizers to use “free cooling” from average annual temperature of 54 degrees ... Optional active geothermal ... heat pump system ... Passive Geothermal, provided by the bermed earth covering on three sides and top of bunkers ..."
" .... Native vegetation landscaping minimizes irrigation ... Fire suppression agent has zero carbon foot print ... UPS Options including flywheel technology ... Recycled building products including flooring tiles and cable trays ..."
Via: Prairie Bunkers, LLC LINK
The constant temperature of fluids deep (say 200 - 400 feet deep) can be used for heating and cooling. Check out this geothermally cooled ACT data center in Iowa.
" ... new data center for American College Testing in Iowa City, Iowa ... becomes the first data center in the U.S. to complete LEED Platinum certification. ... data center opened in February 2008 ... 4,000 square feet of raised-floor ... within an 8,000 square foot building ... geothermal “bore field” - a system of vertical holes drilled into the earth’s surface which house a closed-loop piping system filled with water and/or coolant. ..."
" ... other environmentally-friendly attributes include a high performance HVAC system, 30% recycled content during construction, and numerous renewable materials used in the interior design. ..."
Via: datacenterknowledge LINK
Energy Ball is a wind turbine that generate electricity at very low speeds. Read on for more about this Netherlands based company.
" ... low-noise turbine ... six curved rotor blades which are attached to the rotor hub with both ends ... the wind blows parallel to the rotor hub through the rotor. ..." 
"... creates a wind flow pattern that converges ... then accelerated through the rotor, resembling the rapids in a river ...translates into a higher aerodynamic efficiency compared to conventional wind turbine designs. "
" ... producing electric energy as from very low wind speeds and has therefore a very low standstill time. ..."
Via: Home-Energy Link
Imaging a ZERO energy home. Sound realistic? GE thinks so !
GE's “Net Zero Energy Home” ..." ... combines GE’s most efficient appliances and lighting, GE’s new energy management systems, and GE power generating and storing technologies. ... together, the system will enable a homeowner to achieve net zero energy costs by 2015."
" ... the Home Energy Manager, the central nervous system for the Net Zero Energy Home. ... smart thermostats will also be introduced ... to work in tandem with the energy manager. ... plans to develop residential power generation products like solar PV and residential wind products that will also contribute to the net zero concept."
" ... respondents in the U.S. and ... in the U.K. say they are willing to pay an increased monthly rate for smart grid technology if there is a corresponding reduction in overall energy costs by 15 percent."
Via: GE LINK
I have this recollection from years ago that VW offering "Start - Stop" engines in the US. Basically the engine turned off at stop lights and fired back up when the accelerator was pushed. Automatic "Start - Stop" systems eliminate wasteful idling at lights and other stops.
Do you recall this in earlier VWs - from the mid 1980s?
In any case ... Ford is bring this technology to it's fleet over the next several years.
" ... start-stop systems ... shut down the engine to prevent idling ... in the US, only hybrids have that capability ... Barb Samardzich, VP of Global Powertrain engineering stated that over the next several years all Ford vehicles will get the auto-stop capability. Currently, only the Escape, Mariner, Fusion, and Milan hybrids have it here ..."
Via: autobloggreen LINK
" ... SolarChill ... aims to create a stand-alone solar powered refrigerator that not only preserves food, but also meets the World Health Organization's standards for vaccine storage ... One SolarChill unit can serve a population of 50,000 people for preserving vaccines. ... for use in emergency relief where electrical supply has been disrupted by war or natural disaster."
" ... energy is stored in ice instead of batteries. An ice compartment keeps the cabinet at desired temperatures during the night. ... key to the technology is the use of a direct current compressor ... first ever application of a direct current hydrocarbon compressor in the world."
"SolarChill is currently at the prototype field-testing stage. ... in Indonesia, Cuba and Senegal...."
Via: Greenpeace LINK
Via: SolarChill LINK
A current trend in office space for smaller companies or those looking for a remote presence is to rent by the day. the HUB offers "GREEN Meeting and Event Centers" on an as needed basis.
" ... only privately-held LEED Silver Rated Meeting and Event Facility in the U.S. ...[LEED is] ... nationally accepted standard for certifying high-performance green interiors that are healthy, ... less costly to operate and maintain, and reduce environmental footprint ...achieved a LEED-CI Silver rating at its Cira Centre location ..."
There are many GREEN design elements incorporated including use of recycled materials, reduced water usage, brownfield redevelopment, and use of local materials.
"... The Hub is 100% wind powered, ... aggressively recycles ... discontinued the use of plastic water bottles in all of its facilities ... More than 15% of the new materials ... were recycled ... More than 20% of the materials ... are of local origin (manufactured within 500 miles of the location) ... constructed on a rehabilitated "brownfield" railyard ..."
Via: the HUb LINK
... "Studies show that white roofs reduce air-conditioning costs by 20 percent or more in hot, sunny weather." ...Via New York Times: White Roofs Cut Energy Costs
Ace Hardware is teaming up with Honeywell to sell a home sized wind turbine.
" ... Honeywell Wind Turbine is a gearless, "free wheeling'' turbine that generates power from the blade tips ... By practically eliminating mechanical resistance and drag ... creates significant power (2000 kWh/yr) operating in a greater range of wind speeds (2-45 mph) than traditional wind turbines. The highest output, lowest cost per kWh installed turbine ever made. ..." 
"installed cost is approximately 1/3 of the cost of traditional turbines with a lower installed cost per kWh than any turbine on the market. Adding to the value are federal and state rebates covering anywhere from 30% to 100% of the overall cost."
Check out this video for more information ....:
Via: Earthtronics LINK
... "As I look back at our progress over the past few years, I think the most difficult challenge has been to measure the sustainability of our products. It’s in this area where I believe we can truly accelerate and broaden our efforts in sustainability… with a more elegant, research-driven approach. " ...Via WalMart Stores: Sustainability Meeting
Continue reading "Walmart Sustainability Index for Efficient Products" »
Here is an interesting non turbine wind power generator. I saw the idea for this in the TerraPass Blog; another one of the Blogs I follow.
See the link below for a video with the details ... basically the vibrating film causes a magnet to move between coils ... which is effective in light breezes ...
" ... Shawn Frayne, a 28-year-old inventor ... saw the need for small-scale wind power to juice LED lamps and radios in the homes of the poor. ...took a new tack, ... Frayne's device, ... is a taut membrane fitted with a pair of magnets that oscillate between metal coils. Prototypes have generated 40 milliwatts in 10-mph slivers of wind, making his device 10 to 30 times as efficient as the best microturbines. ..."
Via: Popular Mechanics LINK
Philadelphia is a city of row houses ... unfortunately many are in blighted condition and when they are town down the newly created "end units" are poorly insulated. Cleaning up the blighted homes causes the other homeowners to have basically little or no insulation on a large surface of their home.
"In the interest of creating local green jobs, the city hopes to find a local manufacturer." " ... product consists of layers of insulating foam (for thermal protection), high-density foam (to absorb impact), fabric (to prevent penetration of sharp objects), and a latex-stucco finish. ... produce it in 2-by-4-foot panels that will be affixed to a wall with a foaming adhesive."
" ... Philadelphia University's help was enlisted after the city determined that existing exterior-wrap products were too expensive and not sufficiently durable."
Via: Philadelphia University LINK
You can only manage what you can measure .. the old adage about management ... applies to energy usage as well. A new Microsoft product, Microsoft Hohm, will allow individuals to monitor their energy usage and make changes based on recommendations to SAVE MONEY and ELECTRICITY. 
" ... Microsoft Hohm, a new online application that enables consumers to better understand their energy usage, get recommendations and start saving money. ... uses advanced analytics licensed from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy to provide consumers with personalized energy-saving recommendations. ... beta application is available at ...http://www.microsoft-hohm.com."
Not long ago data centers were concerned with maximum density and processing power. But as electricity cost have risen and supply becoming a gating factor - the data center is changing ..
" ... companies have become increasingly concerned over the state of the environment.... new generation of servers: machines that deliver more performance per watt a
nd, perhaps to a lesser degree, are built in a more environmentally responsible manner. Hardware makers are stepping up to meet the challenge, "
" ... HP, ... a new line of ProLiant G6 servers that, claims the company, deliver twice the performance of the previous generation of ProLiant servers -- while using half the energy. ... replacing servers purchased prior to 2006 with new HP ProLiant G6 servers, customers can slash their energy bills in half."
" ...HP is certainly not the only vendor touting the green credentials of its server hardware. ... AMD and Intel are working furiously to make CPUs that are high on performance and low on energy consumption."
Via: Infoworld.com Link
One easy way to save energy and money is to turn off the lights when no one is around. Older buildings often have lighting that can only control half or a quarter of a building's floor. That is why so often you see all the lights on in a large section of an office building at night ... one person working and all the lig
hts on.
Lightolier's iGEN is one way to fix this problem ..." ..flexible lighting control solutions, whether you are connecting a few luminaires in a private office or hundreds in a building-wide system. ...building owners and architects seek effective digital lighting technology for intelligent buildings and green building design... iGEN delivers the means and the materials for sustainable, cost-efficient lighting practices ..."
Via: iGEN / Lightolier LINK
Wired Magazine has created their Smart Home .. which is Green + Wired. The design uses green materials and techniques along with tools to allow you to be GREEN with energy.
" ... high-design demonstration homes ... technologies we present aren't stuck in beta, but are available now. Trends driving the developments? Environmentally smart architecture, affordable automation systems, and real-time energy monitoring."
" ... use prefab construction ... automation systems we use are affordable, and upgradeable ... same access to energy data as the latest car dashboards, showing daily and weekly electricity and water consumption, as well as up-to-the-minute electricity pricing to help homeowners make smart decisions."
The Wired Home is open from March 19th, 2009 through January 3red, 2010. If you are in Chicago and want to tour the home ... CLICK FOR DETAILS.
Via: Wired Link
Green living options are increasing in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia. Manayunk is accessible to the R6 regional rail line to center city and is a very walkable village ...
Sheldon Crossing is a new Platinum LEED (to be certified) development ...
" ...16-unit carriage home development in Manayunk, PA, ... to meet and surpass green standards, which will earn us a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum level of certification. As we are redefining eco-conscious living, we have not lost sight of the importance of design. ..."
" ... less energy and resources consumed ... will result in significant savings for the homeowner as utility bills dwindle. ... Sheldon Crossing homes will use less energy, water, and natural resources. They create less waste, have less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. ... features to highlight are PV solar panels, green roofs, Icynene insulation, high efficiency heaters, WaterSense plumbing fixtures, water purification, heat recovery ventilators, smart home technology, Energy Star appliances, windows and doors and much more. ..."
Via: SheldonCrossing LINK
... "IT is willing to pay a premium for energy efficient products. Two-thirds of respondents said they would pay at least 10 percent more, while 41 percent are willing to pay at least 20 percent more. Additionally, 89 percent of respondents said IT product efficiency is either important or very important. " ...Via Symantec: Green IT Practices
... "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
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
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
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
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
... "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
Comcast's HQ in Philadelphia is now LEED Gold certified ... and the tallest such building in the US.
Read on for more >>>
" ... received LEED Gold certification for the building's core and shell from the national organization. ... using 40 percent less water than a typical office building, with fixtures that save more than 3 million gallons of drinking water annually and waterless urinals in all restrooms that save 1.2 million gallons."
" ... a shaded plaza reduces the heat-island effect caused by pavement by 70 percent and ... low-E coating ... blocks 60 percent of heat while allowing in 70 percent of the sun's visible light, reducing energy used for air conditioning while using natural light to its fullest."
Via: Philadelphia Business Journal LINK
I was in Washington DC this past weekend and saw some small buses with the Smithsonian log on the side - promoting them as green hybrids. This prompted me to see what else our nations museum is up too in the green space.
Turns out quite a bit ... Read on for more >>>
" ... in 2008, 3.7 percent of our electricity came from renewable energy sources. ... reducing our carbon footprint [by]... 4.2 metric tons of greenhouse gases..."
" ... Smithsonian manages a fleet of over 700 vehicles ... As we finished 2008, over 76 percent of that fleet is now either hybrid electric or capable of working off of alternative fuels."
" ... have several people on staff who are LEED accredited professionals, ... design managers, architects and some engineers and are there to assist Smithsonian in seeking these LEED certifications."
Via: Smithsonianmag.com LINK
CelluBlox is a man made building block - similar in some ways to cinder blocks but made with a high percentage of recycled materials.
"... CelluBlox ... is a structural building block made from recycled materials. It averages a rate of about 89% recycled materials with no harmful bi-products ... is virtually fireproof, with exceptional R-value and sound deadening qualities. Its incredible strength to weight ratio provides for ease of installation and a quality finish."
" ... a composite of materials, re-cycled and man-made products that when mixed together form an incredible bond. ... were created to not only offset the cost of construction prices, but to allow eco-friendly people and those that are concerned about the devastation of natural resources, the ability to do something about it ..."
Via: cellublox LINK
Check out this BBC video of a prefab house ... some neat ideas that make for green living ...
" ... One of the exhibits at the TED2009 conference is a pre-fabricated house that boasts state-of-the-art technology and a sustainable design that promotes a green way of living. ... Peter Bowes was given a look inside the home. "
>>> To see the video "Inside the new 'green' house" ... LINK
Via: BBC Link
... "The program is expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 38 percent and will provide a replicable model for similar projects around the world. Work has already commenced, and building systems work is slated to be completed by year-end 2010. The balance of the work in tenant spaces should be concluded by end of 2013. Work that is scheduled to be completed within 18 months will result in over 50 percent of the projected energy savings. The balance will be an additional 36 months completed by 2013. The project will prove the viability for energy efficiency retrofit projects to dramatically increase building energy efficiency and reduce its overall carbon output with sensible payback periods and enhanced profitability. At the end of the project definition process, the team analyzed the steps to be taken in conjunction with other steps towards sustainability as part of the Empire State ReBuilding program within the framework of the existing USGBC LEED rating system. Internal calculations show that the Empire State Building will be able to qualify for GOLD certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings ... " ...Via Johnson Controls: ENERGY EFFICIENCY RETROFIT PROJECT AT EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
Go Green Expo for NYC (April 17 - 19) and Atlanta (June 26 - 28) are on the way. Go Green Expo has already been to LA and Philadelphia ...
The Green Dude and Green Tech both visited the Phila show and came away impressed by the information available. Among the neat things I saw were ... 
- solar powered garbage can ... when the trash level crosses a light beam it is crushed down ... it can be equipped with a wireless devise to alert you when full ...
- paper made from elephant dung ... used for business cards and fine writing paper ... 
- several manufacturers of dry cleaner garment bags ... you take your dry cleaning to the cleaners in these bags and they are returned in the same bag -- eliminating the need for plastic bags. There were several models available ... from organic cotton to bags made with recycled plastic bags (though a much heavier fabric).
>>> QUESTION to our readers ... I am considering getting one of the dry cleaner bags (permanent end to plastic bags) ... have any of you tried these and how hove your cleaners responded?
Via: Go Green Expo LINK
Honda launched the first electric car with the Insight and it was available during the 2000 - 2006 model years. Honda is introducing it's new version for 2010.
" ... 2010 Honda Insight has made its debut on America's streets. ... hybrid technology ... affordable price and 41 mpg* combined fuel economy. ... increased the green factor with a sophisticated new system called Eco Assist™"
"*40 city/43 hwy/41 combined mpg. Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel-economy methods beginning with 2008 models."
Via: Honda LINK
"Greenbuild365 expands USGBC's Greenbuild Conference to a year-round interactive green building learning portal. Educational opportunities ... are now available to anyone, anywher
e. It is through green building education, outreach, and the sharing of best practices that USGBC's mission of a sustainable built environment within a generation will be achieved."
"Resources ... are organized into four primary categories, [ALSO] ...Course Catalog – Search for USGBC's core LEED offerings, ... Green Bytes – Download short videos, podcasts and articles to expand your knowledge even while you're on-the-go. ... Greenbuild Expo Media Library – Watch videos of Greenbuild's keynote speakers ..."
Via: USGBC LINK
" ... energy-efficient hardware components in the new Mac mini wo
rk ... can dynamically adjust power consumption to reduce the energy used overall. ... uses an advanced power management system ... allows Mac mini to use ... up to 45 percent less power at idle than its predecessor. And it makes Mac mini the most energy-efficient desktop computer."
" ... meets ...ENERGY STAR certification. ... meets the latest efficiency requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Specification ..." 
" ... following features to reduce environmental impact: ... BFR-free ... PVC-free (internal cables) ... Highly recyclable aluminum and polycarbonate enclosure ...retail packaging is 31 percent smaller ... volume of the shipping box has decreased by 60 percent ..."
Via: Apple Link
" ... Putting idle servers to sleep when they're not in use is part of University of Michigan researchers' plan to save up to 75 percent of the energy that power-hungry computer data centers consume.... Thomas Wenisch, ... and students David Meisner and Brian Gold will present ... on March 10 at the International Conference on Architectural Support for Programming Languages and Operating Systems in Washington, D.C."
" ... PowerNap, the plan to put idle servers to sleep, and RAILS, a more efficient power supplying technique. (RAILS stands for Redundant Array for Inexpensive Load Sharing.)"
"Data centers waste most of the energy they draw. The facilities are inefficient because they must be ready for peak processing demands ... typical industrial data center, the average utilization is 20 to 30 percent."
"While PowerNap would require a new operating system to coordinate the instantaneous sleeping and waking, most of the other technologies that would make this possible already exist, Wenisch says."
Via: University of Michigan Link
Continue reading "PowerNap for Data Centers Can Save Energy" »
EPA identifies the Top 25 ranked cities with EnergyStar rated buildings. ...
... "1. Los Angeles, CA 2. San Francisco, CA 3. Houston, TX 4. Washington, DC 5. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX 6. Chicago, IL 7. Denver, CO 8. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN 9. Atlanta, GA 10. Seattle, WA 11. Boston, MA 12. New York, NY 13. Austin, TX 14. Detroit, MI 15. Milwaukee, WI 16. San Antonio, TX 17. Philadelphia, PA 18. Charlotte, NC 18. Portland, OR 20. Grand Rapids, MI 21. Sacramento, CA 22. Phoenix, AZ 23. Miami, FL 24. Riverside, CA 25. Madison, WI " ...Via EPA: EnergyStar Labelled Buidlings
Starbucks Shared Planet is " ... commitment to doing business in ways that are good to the earth and to each other ... it's using our size for good....committed to minimizing our environmental footprint, tackling climate change, and inspiring others to do the same"
One shining example of this is their new (Feb 19th - 2009) South Carolina " ... state of the art roasting plant ... an example of the company's global commitment to green design and has been awarded LEED® Silver certification for New Construction by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)."
" ...20 percent – of building materials were from recycled content and over 75 percent of construction waste was recycled. ... drought tolerant landscape and a portion of the power used for operations will be green power supplied by wind energy."
Via: Starbucks Link
... "Closed-Loop Control Systems for the Datacenter, a project aimed at improving the energy efficiency of datacenters by selectively putting idle servers into a low-power state while maintaining service response times ... " ...Via Microsoft: Future Computing Technologies for more efficient datacenters
Continue reading "Microsoft Closed-Loop Data Center Control" »
So what is a "smart grid" and how does it differ from the current grid.??? >>> The current grid has little "smarts" or feedback to either power generators, distributors or end consumers. The "smarts" in the form of meters or controls allow monitoring of many points in between the generation plant and the end user to allow for more efficient distribution and control. Ultimately this can lead to reduced demand for new generation as you can better balance supply and demand. "Silver Spring Networks builds networks that enable a utility to ... improve efficiency, reliability and customer service while reducing costs. Built for real-time networking, open standards ... allows for continued seamless integration of new networking technologies while continuing to provide proven redundancy, integrity and reliability ... Network interface cards (NICs) from Silver Spring Networks are here today and empower endpoints that meter gas, water and electricity, and automate load-control devices ..." "Silver Spring Networks ... Smart Grid, known as a Smart Energy Network ... . addresses the challenges of running multiple applications and devices on a common networking infrastructure using multiple transport technologies, dramatically improving efficiency, lowering costs and ensuring the reliable delivery of services. ... more efficient grid could cut the growth rate of worldwide energy consumption by more than half over the next 15 years and drastically reduce carbon emissions."
Via: Silver Spring Networks Link
Cisco has developed EnergyWise, an approach to monitor, control and report on energy use across the enterprise.
With EnergyWise you can ..." Reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) footprint. ... Monitor the power of all Cisco network-connected devices, from Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices to IP-enabled building controllers. ... Report aggregated power consumption ... Optimize overall power usage ..."
Via: Cisco LINK
" ... SolFocus ... has signed an agreement in Greece to produce electricity from its concentrated solar arrays ... will produce 1.6 megawatts, enough to power 
about a town of about 2,500 residents at any given moment. ..."
" ... SolFocus, ... one of the leading companies in a race to validate concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technology for utility use. ... the most common design uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto expensive, high-performance solar cells. Typically, they have mounting systems that track the sun over the course of the day.
" ... these arrays squeeze more electricity out of solar cells. SolFocus' 1100S ... concentrates the light 500 times, allowing it to convert 25 percent of sunlight into electricity."
Via: CNet News LINK
Below are some ways to become a GREENER IT organization ...
" ... (*) ...telecommute. ... big green benefit is fewer people commuting, which means fewer cars on the road emitting CO2. (*) Virtualize your servers. ... (*) ... Begin using thin-clients. They use less power and require fewer materials to make. ...(*) greener hosting provider. Ask if they have solar or wind power, virtualized servers, carbon offsets, adaptive power (PDF), etc. I...(*) ... projectors in conference rooms. ... instead of printing handouts.
Via: TechSoup stock LINK
The 6th Renewable Energy World Conference is March 10 - 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
" ... Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America (formerly POWER-GEN Renewable Energy & Fuels) ... now in its 6th year ... offers a worldwide audience who will hear papers, panel discussions and presentations during technical sessions related to technology, markets, business strategies and policy covering the wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal, ocean/tidal/wave, bio-power, bio-fuels hydrogen and energy sectors. ... Connecting 5,000 renewable energy power professionals with 300 exhibitors for three days of networking, new business negotiation and the exchange of important ideas and information impacting the renewable energy industry today.
Listen to why YOU should attend ... .
Via: Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America Link
Check out this copy of "GREEN CHECKUP" available at participating NADA car dealers. Read it to find ways you can save gas and wear on your vehicle.
Some tips are DIY such as watching your speed (every mph over 55 lowers mpg by 1%) or emptying your truck of unneeded items to getting a tune up. Stop getting 0 mpg by excessive idling ...
There are 10 tips that collectively are said to be able to save approx. $1,600 for a car and $2,400 for an SUV on an 
annual basis based on gas at $4 / gal.
Check it out!
Via: NADA LINK
Toshiba is working on a small sized nuclear reactor that can be situated where needed ... it is designed to use liquid sodium for coolant (not water) resulting in higher efficiencies.
One problem with our energy infrastructure is that the power transmission system is often not able to handle extra power .. this allows the source to be situated near the demand ... cutting back load on the infrastructure.
Dubbed 4S "... Super-safe, Small, and Simple ... a new class of micro size Nuclear Reactors that are designed to power large apartment buildings or small city sections. ... only 20 feet by 6 feet, could change everything for small remote communities, businesses or even a group of neighbors who are fed up with the power companies and want more control over their energy needs."
" ... 10 MW Toshiba-designed reactor is engineered to be fail-safe and totally automatic ... whole process is self sustaining and can last for up to 30 years without refueling, producing electricity for only 5 cents per kilowatt hour, about half the cost of grid energy. ... expects to commercialize the reactor after the mid 2010's."
Via: Pure Energy Systems Wiki LINK
Power Grid management is becoming an important tool since the ability to get more out of an existing infrastructure is very cost effective ... new plants are large cost items ... and give big increases ... getting more efficiency from the grid is usually much less costly. Additionally -- deferring new construction offers environmental benefits ...
Read how Optimal Technologies AEMPFAST is helping in this area. >>>
"AEMPFAST™ (Advanced Energy Management & Power Flow Analysis System Technology) ... identifies 10+% additional effective capacity and increased system reliability ... provides end-to-end optimization technologies to the electric power industry ... allows for multiple significant environmental benefits to be met, including improved air quality; cleaner water; natural gas, and other natural resources conservation."
Contessa's plant in Los Angeles, California was designed to minimize it's environmental impact ...
Read on for more >>>
" ... Contessa’s Green Cuisine plant ... reduces its energy use and CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions by more than 65% daily ... the first environmentally responsible, LEED... is carbon neutral ... uses recycled and recyclable materials in its packaging, and recycles paper, materials and equipment in its operations and offices."
" ... Individuals can make a difference in mitigating climate change. But manufacturers can do more toward achieving that goal in a single hour than 100 well-intentioned people can accomplish in an entire year."
Via: Contessa Green Cuisine LINK
< Via: ZDNet Link
Pixtronix offers flat panel display technology that enables ultra-low power consumption and exceptional image quality. Pixtronix's technology, called PerfectLight, delivers a 75% power reduction over traditional LCD displays, while improving color viewing performance. ...
... "Exceptional Image Quality - Full speed video with 24-bit color depth, 105% NTSC color gamut, high contrast ratio, and wide view angles; Ultra-Low Power Consumption - 75% power reduction of LCD displays; Programmability - Simultaneously optimized image quality and power consumption enabling additional power savings for any application on any device ... " ...Via Pixtronix: Ultra-Low Power Consumption Flat Panel Displays
As part of their 2020 Low Carbon Roadmap .... PECO opened their first "green" building in West Chester (Chester County) Pa.
" ... $2 million, 8-month project to open PECO's first 'green building' at the company's service site in West Chester, Chester County. ... expected to use about 20 percent less energy and 40 percent less water. ... the use of reflective roofing materials; low flow water devices; recycled construction materials, ... energy efficient lighting, ... and more .."
Via: PECO LINK
... using innovative optics ... SolFocus systems dramatically reduce the amount of expensive and often supply-constrained solar material used in the system."
"SolFocus CPV solar panels are the only CPV technology listed by the California Energy Commission as qualified for California Solar Initiative (CSI) incentives. ... panels are constructed primarily of readily available and cost-effective materials such as aluminum and glass resulting in systems which are over 95-percent recyclable. ...has a very low carbon footprint in manufacturing and short energy payback period. "
Via: SolFocus Link
... "One would be to devise a variable consumption tax in such a way that a gallon of unleaded gasoline at the pump would never go below a floor of $4 or $5 (in 2008 dollars), fluctuating to accommodate changing oil prices and other costs. " ...Via The New York Times: Gas Tax
Here is the first I have read about Green Dentistry ... an established practice (over 50 years) in Aston, Pa that is 
renovating to become GREEN.
" ...Dental Health Care Associates ... undergoing a major renovation ... and will soon become the first LEED certified "green" dental office on the East coast."
"... measures are being taken to create a state-of-the-art facility that will meet or exceed the Gold certification standards for LEED ... buildings. ... renovations include, but are not limited to:
" ... recycled building materials ... Geothermal HVAC ... Solar and wind-powered energy ... No-VOC cabinetry, carpets, flooring, and paints ... rainwater collection tank ... Water-free landscaping ..."
Via: PAGreenDentist.com Link
PECO is changing the lighting system at its skyline tower message board at 23rd and Markets Sts. The Message Board is well known to those in Philadelphia. They are replacing the current lighting system with longer life energy saving LEDs ...
" ... new, energy efficient LED lighting system with color and graphic capability. ... expected to be unveiled mid-summer 2009. 
" ... displaying community messages ... since July 4, 1976. ... the original Crown Lights electronic messaging board consists of a total of 2,600 individual bulbs. ... ... is 38 feet high, 148 feet long along the North and South ... and 71 feet long along the East and West side."
" ... will utilize the latest in LED lighting technology, ... is expected to use 20 percent less energy and provide several thousand dollars of additional savings in bulb replacement costs. ..."
VIA: PECO LINK
Now that it is cold and wintry, in the northeast at least, it is a good time to look at simple home energy saving tips and materials.
Check out Duck Products line of window films, switch plate inserts, and the like to keep drafts and the cold out.
Check out the video on sealing widows with plastic film ... LINK
Check out their website for more information on how to get started ... LINK
Via: DuckProducts LINK
Honda has always been known for its fuel efficient and low emissions vehicles ... it is now known for its LEED cetrified data center in Longmont, Colo.
" ... 61,000-square-foot data center, ... certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system for green building construction. ... selected building materials based on proximity to the data center's location and ... recycled 73% of the construction waste ... left much of the site undeveloped and replanted trees and shrubs indigenous to the area."
" ... administrators were ... advised to decommission unused equipment quickly and to use management tools to ensure that servers are optimally provisioned...."
Via: Informationweek.com LINK
It is time to inject some "smarts" into the nations energy grid. A consortia to be based in Austin, Texas plans to do just that. The smarter grid will be much more efficient and possibly delay / eliminate the need for additional power plants.
Read on for more >>>> " ... nonprofit organization, the Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technology ...made up of investor-owned utility companies, a high tech firm, and six public universities ... has set out to apply the latest in communication and information technology to the grid in the form of a "smart energy network," ... will make the grid more reliable and more efficient ..."
Via: AustinChronical.com Link
So ... you are finally convinced to switch from incandescent bulbs to LEDs for your tree and house ... and other decorations? Good idea ... but what to do with the old bulbs?
Holidayleds.com will take them for you and recycle them and give you a discount off products.
Read on for more >>>
" ... Mail them in and the company recycles the lights and the box they were shipped in, ... will send you a coupon for 15 percent off LED light purchases through their site. ..."
" ... lights will be processed and any material that cannot be recycled (i.e. loose bulbs)is discarded. ... we take them to a 3rd party recycling facility ... recycling company puts the lights through a commercial shredder, ... the various components ... are separated and transported to a region center for further processing...."
Via: Holiday LED LINK
Want to make it a GREEN Christmas this yer? Wondering what you can do to be GREEN this holiday season?
Read on for more ...
"... LED Light ... switch from ... incandescent lights to LED (light emitting diode) ... and watch your energy bill and carbon footprint drop. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ten incandescent Christmas light strands, running all night, produce 300 pounds of CO2, versus 30 pounds with LED lights."
" ... Rent a Tree ... The Living Christmas Tree Company in Portland, Ore., will deliver ... then return and pick up the tree after Christmas and deliver them to local parks, schools and other groups who pay $10 to have the trees planted on their property. ..."
Click the LINK below for lots more ...
Via: earth911.com LINK
Rockefeller Center has solar powered lights on its huge tree. Just like last year the popular tourist attraction in NYC has solar powerred lights.
" ... the solar-powered Christmas tree ... is sending a good clean message to cities and towns far beyond the city limits ..."
Via: energyrefuge / godcleantech LINK
Continue reading "Rockefeller Center's Solar Powered Christmas Lights" »
The California Academy of Sciences is an example of GREN design - from solar cells, to green roof, to skylights to reused literature ...
See the Video for more ...
Via: ZDNet LINK
Many utilities are offering coupons with their bills for lower cost energy savings kits. One from PECO (servers Philadelphia and region) with electricity and Natural Gas (ex-Philadelphia) includes 3 CFB, Energy Tips wheel, faucet aerators, and other goodies.
Via: PECO LINK
"Think of Green Festival™ as a walk through a sustainable community. ... Individuals along with business and community leaders come together .... Organizations and businesses showcase programs and products th
at restore the planet and all that inhabit it ..."
" ... the nation's premier sustainability event, where you will see the best in green. ... renowned authors, leaders and educators; great how-to workshops; cutting-edge films; fun activities for kids; organic beer and wine; delicious vegetarian cuisine and diverse live music. Shop in our unique marketplace of more than 350 eco-friendly businesses ..."
"Green Festival™ is the largest sustainability event in the world ... is the only green event that screens exhibitors for their commitment to sustainability, ecological balance ... offsets 100% of its electricity emissions with clean, renewable energy. ... walks its talk: each year it gets closer to being a zero-waste event.."
The next 2 GreenFestivals are:
Wasington, DC - Nov 8 and 9
San Francisco, California - Nov 14, 15, and 16
Via: GreenFestivals Link
Newly opened condominiums in the Western Suburbs of Philadelphia combine energy efficiency, LEED design standards, a green roof and is within easy walking distance of 2 t
rain stations.
" ... highly efficient energy and mechanical systems meet stringent environmental certification requirements ... making Pembroke North the first multi-family residential buildings to be registered for LEED-certification in the Philadelphia area ...".
" ... buildings have heating and cooling systems that employ heat pumps connected to extensive underground thermal pipe systems for tremendous energy efficiency. ..."
"LEED FEATURES ... High-Efficiency Window Glass ... Well-Insulated Roof and Exterior Walls ... Natural Light and Views ... Geothermal Heating and Air-Conditioning ... Tankless Hot Water Heaters ... "
Nearby Radnor Middle School also has a green roof ... that's 2 green roofs (at least0 in Radnor, Pa!
Via: Pembroke North Link
With all that us going on in the GREEN TECHNOLOGY space (new technology, alternative fuels, etc.) there are still PLENTY of ways to make an impact by saving energy. Not all are expensive and many are D-I-Y type projects.
Here are a few that deal with home winterizing - not to late for those in the northeast ...
"Weatherization ... cut your heating and cooling costs by 15 to 30 percent and increase your comfort at the same time."
" ... do-it-yourself energy audit. With a simple walk-through, you can spot many problems on your own. Learn how at http://www.eere.energy.gov"
" ... Use caulk or weather stripping to seal up any air leaks from window frames, baseboards, ... and other openings, such as pipes and wiring coming through ceilings, floors, and walls."
"When purchasing new windows and doors, look for the ENERGY STAR label."
" ... ceilings and walls are properly insulated. Learn more about insulating your home at http://www.eere.energy.gov and http://www.ornl.gov "
Via: ConEd LINK
With all we read about being green and sustainable - it often seems that you need to spend a lot of money "to get there". Well check out the quiz that Johnson Controls has at ingenuitywelcome.comThere are sections for your car, house and office. Lots of little things that can add up to make you more sustainable. It is pretty neat!
Take the quiz and see what you already know ... and what you might learn.
>>> Look for their 2 age add with the quiz n magazines ... an easy read!
Via: ingenuitywelcome LINK
Saving energy means saving money == common sense. " ...Take an online room-by-room tour of the ENERGY STAR at home interactive house and learn what you can do to reduce your energy consumption....Calculate your savings with these free Energy Savings Calculators... Learn more about the benefits of CFLs including the proper methods and locations for disposal....Download an Energy Saver$ booklet, a guide that offers valuable tips to save energy in your home ..."
Know how to get started? PECO has some ideas for their residential consumers ... including on line calculators to help determine savings and payback times and a PDF format booklet you can download with energy saving tips ...
... "Joined by officials of the European Commission focused on environment and information society policy, Mr. Dell discussed the power of Green IT in mitigating environmental and climate change problems across the economy. He said Green IT tools can drive efficiency and productivity in all sectors of the economy, enabling improvements in the use of energy resources. " ...Via Dell: Michael Dell European Union Green Leadership
... "So what are the financial benefits of PC power management? By turning off or at least powering down your PCs during periods of inactivity – such as at night or over the weekend – Energy Star estimates that firms can save anywhere between $25-$75 per PC per year. " ...Via Forrester Blog: PC Power Management
"... Eco-Sol provides a unique integrated approach to renew
able energy and sustainable agriculture while emphasizing solutions that are truly environmentally friendly when compared to current “Green” industry practices."
" ... eliminating unnecessary processing, transportation, and chemicals, but to minimize our environmental impact and carbon footprint as well. ... careful selection of oilseed feedstocks from area and climate suitable ecosystems, with an eye to reducing the water and energy used in all aspects of production. ... will provide a value added, locally grown, low maintenance/low input source of raw material for biodiesel production while driving agricultural economic development."
Via: Eco-Sol, LLC Link
... "Super Energy Saver classroom kits, designed for grades K-5, are available for purchase through your local Touchstone Energy cooperative. The kits are packed with materials that will teach kids how to become Super Energy Savers at home ... " ...Via Touchstone Energy Cooperative: CFL Charlie Ready for Classroom
Cisco embraces Green Technologies and Ideas.
Check out this 13 minute videa where Cisco shows ..." video-conferencing system, energy-efficient data centers, and a new office environment that encourages employees to work from unassigned spaces."
Via: Techrepublic Link