Green Technology

 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

Continue reading "Element by Westin - New Eco Friendly Hotel Chain" »

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... "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. " ...

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One of the initatives of IBM's Project Big Green is to look for ways to resuce its' own energy needs and those of its clients.

"GIB-Services today announced a new energy efficient "green" data center ... will offer a first-of-its-kind energy model where a direct heat exchange will take place between the data center and a public swimming pool in the town."

"Located in Uitikon, Switzerland, ... is expected to create 2,800 MWh of wasted heat per year ... at full capacity -- the same amount of energy needed to supply up to 80 houses with heating and warm water for one year...."

"... Through reclaiming the heat, approximately 130 tons of carbon emissions can be saved. This corresponds to the carbon dioxide discharge of mid-size cars driving 500,000 miles."

Via:  IBM  Link

Continue reading "Excess Data Center Heat Heats Pool" »

Posted by Green Dude at 07:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Iqua has created and marketed the first Solar powered Bluetooth Headset.

" ... first solar-powered Bluetooth headset in the world. ... has got a photovoltaic cell that uses any available light - outdoors and indoors - to charge itself and extend the operation times of the headset ..."

" ... Iqua SUN to be selected as an “Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Award” honoree in the Wireless Handsets Accessories product category. ..."

Via:  Iqua.com   Link 

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Radnor Township (Delaware Country, Pa) recently opened their new Middle School.  It was designed from the ground up to be environmentally friendly as well as to provide a healthy environment for the students and staff.

Some of the energy saving features include: " ... Geothermal heating and cooling, ...'green roof' with plants that absorb storm-water, keep the building cool, and give off oxygen, Waterless urinals and motion-activated sinks, Motion sensors that adjust / turn off classroom lights reducing electrical load..."

" ... is the only green-roof school in Delaware County [PA]  ... . is eligible to receive LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council ..."

Via:  PhiladelphiaSustainabilityAwards.com   Link

Continue reading "Radnor (Delaware County, PA) Schools Go Green" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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... "An Intelligent Utility Network is a digital, open standards-based network of sensors, metering, communications, computer processors, and analytics which connects an entire utility company - from power plant to plug. These connected systems provide a utility with near real-time data and information to better manage the grid infrastructure, enabling fewer and shorter power outages, improved customer service, and the ability to source and deliver power more efficiently, including renewable energy. Country Energy is pursuing the Intelligent Network concept to improve reliability, support the growth of renewables like solar and wind, and make energy efficiency simpler for customers. " ...

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There seems to be a lot of energy in waves.  Anyone who has body surfed them in from the sea to the beach knows that.  So how do you get electric from this potential?

EMEC, in Orkney, Scotland is hoping to answer this question.

"... established to help the evolution of marine energy devices from the prototype stage into the commercial market place.... by harnessing the power of waves and tidal streams."

" ...  first centre of its kind ... anywhere in the world, ... opportunity to test full scale prototype devices in unrivalled wave and tidal conditions. ... connected to the National Grid via seabed cables running from open-water test berths. ..."

Via: EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre)  Link

Continue reading "Scotland Prototypes Electric from Waves" »

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... "What is needed, Mr. Sachs and others say, is the development of radically advanced low-carbon technologies, which they say will only come about with greatly increased spending by determined governments ... " ...

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... "As world population grows, a tripling of energy use is predicted by the end of this century, with the additional challenge to decrease carbon dioxide emissions from current levels. According to Barteau, a whopping 40-fold increase over today's renewable energy production would be required to meet those future needs. " ...

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" ... toward the goal of creating a building that functions like a home and serves as a laboratory ... will provide an exemplary model and testing environment of an improved approach to home life while specifically improving the lives of the individuals inhabiting the house."

The sSmart House will focus research on 5 Areas:

• "Environment ... decrease the environmental footprint ...implement sustainable and environmentally friendly products"
• "Energy ... investigate alternative energy sources, such as solar and geothermal, ... ultimate goal is to generate all energy on site.
  
• "Interaction ... addressing the way in which people interact with technology ... to create an intelligent and aware living environment. "
• "Health ... Indoor air quality ... will be incorporated into the Smart House. "
• "Lifestyle ... increase the efficiency of our day-to-day living. ... more efficient living and work spaces..."

Via:  Drexel University SmartHouse  Link

Continue reading "Drexel University Smart Home" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Seeking to show that they can be both innovative and integrate traditional practices ... Abu Dhabi is planning aGREEN city in the desert.

" ... six square kilometres plans to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions and zero waste ..."

" ... completion by late 2009, ... part of a series of projects adopted by the emirate recently to curb the greenhouse gas effect on the climate."

Abu Dhabi also plans a 100-megawatt solar power plant. ... expandable to 500 mega-watts, with a target to generate enough power for 500,000 households ..."

Via:  Gulf News   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 08:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Wind powered sailing ships are not new - the first effective ships to cross the oceans were wind powered vessels.  Now with crude oil reaching and passing the $US100 / bbl mark they are getting closer attention as a viable "assist" to modern freight vessels.

"... SkySails represents the only suitable model: no bothersome masts on deck, no restriction of stowage space, no hindrances to loading and discharging, no risk to the crew, cargo or ship as well as reliable overall performance. ... wind energy ... makes it possible to provide relief to the main engine ... when the sail is scaled up to 320 square metres ... potential savings of 20 to 30 percent are definitely feasible and realistic. ..."

An interesting observation is that in the picture to the left the vessel is carrying wind turbine equipment!

Via:  SkySails   Link 

Via:  The Beluga Group  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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"... Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept demonstrates the potential ... a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel to give 300 hp and 400 Nm (295 ft.lbs.) of torque - ..."

"... Its current BioPower models are the top-selling flex-fuel vehicles in Europe, ... offering both more power and producing less CO2 emissions when operating on E85 fuel compared to when fueled by only gasoline. ..."

"...  engine is optimized for E85 fuel (85% bioethanol, 15% gasoline) ..."

"Engine efficiency is also improved by the use of direct injection (DI) and continuously variable valve timing (VVT) on both the inlet and exhaust sides. ..."

Via:  SaabUSA.com  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 07:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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New York City is hosting the Greener Gadget Conference on Feb 1, 2008.  The one day event details:
 

10am - 6pm
McGraw-Hill Conference Center
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York City, NY

"... industry leaders, entrepreneurs, [and others] ... will gather to discuss the business case for the greening of the consumer electronics industry. ... featuring ...  consumer electronics companies ..., innovators from academic thinktanks, members of startups ... and some of the leading minds in the word of sustainable design and business. Topics to be addressed include: design for sustainability, product life cycle management, take-back and recycling programs, energy efficiency, greener materials, and green lifestyle and product marketing. An attached gallery space will feature a green prototype office display and technology exhibits from companies on the cutting edge of green tech."

" ... will showcase revolutionary design and tech innovations that will shape the future of the consumer electronics and change your world... for the better."

• "Environmental initiatives from leading consumer electronics companies, such as take-back and recycling programs"
• "New environmentally sensitive materials, product lifecycle and design for sustainability"
• "Innovations in renewable energy technologies, such as fuel cells, kinetic energy, wind and solar power"

Via:  GreenerGadgets.com  Link

Continue reading "Greener Gadgets Conference in N.Y.C. Feb 1, 2008" »

Posted by Green Dude at 07:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Jan 7, 2008 - Hong Kong - "Hong Kong's two electric power companies agreed ... to ...rate of return on assets based partly on how much pollution they emit, an approach that could someday be a model for mainland China's ..."

"If either company exceeds regulatory limits for any pollutant, then it would be required to charge less for its electricity, reducing its allowed rate of return  ...[if] manage to cut their pollution by even more than required, then they raise prices so as to earn bonuses ...on their rate of return. A complicated calculation also allows them to charge slightly more for electricity as they make progress in using more renewable energy."

Via:  International Hearald Tribune Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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"The Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn has just installed a 76,000-sq-ft solar roof, ... touted to be “one of the most sustainable mass transportation sites ever built in the U.S.,”..."

" ... 2,730 building integrated photovoltaic panels that create a shelter  ... panels are each 5′ by 20′, made of silicon thin-film, which is less costly to install than other solar panels because it requires minimal framing.  

"... providing 250,000 kilo-watt hours of power to the station each year, ... and ... the transparent roof of panels that lets in plenty of natural light."

Via:  Inhabitat  Link

Continue reading "Solar Subway Stop in Coney Island, NY" »

Posted by Green Dude at 07:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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Here is an interesting idea ... harness the body heat from commuters to warm a building.  instead of radiating into the air ... an interesting idea in Sweden uses that heat to heat a new nearby office building.  

>>> Read on for more.

" ... heat from hundreds of thousands ...  will be used to heat a new office building..."

Continue reading "Sweden's "People Powered Heating" System for Buildings" »

Posted by Green Dude at 08:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

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The normal process is to burn a hydrocarbon and get CO2.  A possible novel new process would turn the CO back into a Hydrocarbon. 

CO2 ==> CO ==> Hydrocarbon ... just add concentrated sunlight!  Pretty neat!  

"... research team from Sandia National Laboratories is building a prototype ... to chemically “reenergize” carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide ... carbon monoxide could then be used to make hydrogen or ... combustible fuel, such as methanol or even gasoline, diesel and jet fuel."

"... Counter Rotating Ring Receiver Reactor Recuperator (CR5, for short), ..."

"... “Sunshine to Petrol” (S2P). “Liquid Solar Fuel” is the end product — the methanol, gasoline, or other liquid fuel made from water and the carbon monoxide produced using solar energy."

Continue reading "Possible Route to Hydrocarbon Fuel from Air" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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frogdesign is putting their creative spin on the LED lightbulb.

"... goal, ... was to ...demonstrate how companies can make a difference by creating sustainable designs. ..."

The actual bulb does not exist yet .... but is an intersesting design idea ...  

Via:  fastcompany.com   Link

Via:  frogdesign.com  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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Recovering the potential "fuel" in materials has been the driving force behind oil shale and oil sands.  Global Resource Corp, a NJ company, has found a way to "crack "the energy" from materials using RF energy.

" ... GRC’s hydrocarbon specific frequencies are generated by much higher RF klystrons that actually crack the hydrocarbon chain into its characteristic fuels.

"... no CO2 or CO produced ... because there is no oxidation... "

"... designed klystron machinery for gasifying hydrocarbons where they exist or in fabricated systems. In-situ meaning processed deep in the ground, rock formations or anywhere naturally occurring and off-situ meaning processed above ground that is mined or material removed from site.

"... GRC ...now possess the technology that will free America from foreign oil imports.

Click the LINK to see a YouTUBE video of converting COAL into natural gas and hydrogen fuel.

Via:  Global Resource Corporation    Link 

Continue reading "Energy Recovery by RF Frequency" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Carry your laptop and other electronics in a cool looking bag and have a handy source of never ending power at the same time.  

"Eclipse Solar Gear is a leading source of innovative solar charging cases  ...patented line of solar backpacks ... designed to charge the batteries of common handheld electronics ..."

"... a solar backpack or any solar charger can extend the use of your personal electronics and contribute to the protection of the environment.  ..."

Via:  eclipsesolargear.com   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 05:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Want to know more about Green building materials and services?  Looking for that special green product or service?

>>>> Checkl out rateitgreen.com .... a "... diverse community of individuals and professionals interested in finding and sharing the best in green building and design products and services.  ... offers several key ways to learn from and share information with your peers:

• "Find green building products and services... "
• "Rate/review products and services ..."
• "Share your opinions or read other people's views in The Green Forum.
• "Find green building resources on our Green Links and Green Building Basics pages."

Via:  rateitgreen.com   Link

Continue reading "Green Building Supplies and Services" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Want to learn more about green building?  Want to meet others who share this desire and learn what is new in the industry?

>>>> Then check out greenbuild in Chicago on Nov 7 - 9, 2007 in Chicago! 

"... Come join 18,000 other people who agree that green building is a good idea and good for business at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. ... will take place in Chicago at the new McCormick Place West Building."

"At Greenbuild 2007 we'll explore "Accelerating Green Communities" with outstanding educational sessions, exciting speakers, special events and tours, and our largest exhibit hall ever."

" ... is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties."

Via:  greenbuild  Link 

Continue reading "Greenbuild Conference - Nov 7 - 9, 2007 in Chicago" »

Posted by Green Dude at 05:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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"The four-story 250,000 SF, Green Exchange, ... 2545 West Diversey Avenue, is to be converted in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, with an aspiration to achieve a Silver certification. ... creating an epicenter for green businesses and organizations in the Midwest U.S."

" ... the Green Exchange when it (hopefully) ... tenants ... currently on board include an eco-freindly printer, a sustainable furniture store, an eco-clothing store, a car sharing service, and a bike shop. ..."

• Located 10 minutes north of the Chicago Loop, at a full-service interchange fronting I-94 with access to major Chicago streets and public transportation
• Loft style spaces with tremendous natural light
• 9,000 SF courtyard garden area
• State of the art green roof
• High-efficiency HVAC, water and energy systems
• Energy efficient windows and doors
• Building paint and stains all eco-friendly for clean air quality
• State of the art communications technology

• Bike room and showers
• Car-sharing service
• Priority hybrid parking
  
  

Via:  GreenExchange   Link
           and
Via:   Ecorazzi.com   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Oct 7th, 2007!

The ASES (American Solar Energy Society) National Solar Tour is Saturday Otc. 7, 2007 all across the USA.

As the green dude is from PA and the green tech is from NJ let's see what is planned for those states ...

"... ASES National Solar Tour is the largest tour of sustainable energy features for buildings in the U.S.  Now in its 12^th year, some 100,000 people ... see how neighbors are using clean sources of energy to save on energy bills and protect the environment. Through a series of open-houses and informative tours participants learn about renewable energy options, energy efficient design, real-world costs, current rebates available, and other valuable insights."

Look for a report later in the month ...  

PA ASES Solar Tour   Link

NJ ASES Solar Tour  Link

Via:  ASES  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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"Wal-Mart ... [NYSE: WMT] ...will open ... [Jan. 18, 2007] in Kansas City, Mo. the first ...High-Efficiency stores that will use 20 percent less energy than a typical Supercenter.  ... will help the retailer move one step closer to achieving its  environmental goals, which include using less energy and producing less waste."

"In 2005, Mal-Wart opened two experimental stores in McKinney, Texas, and Aurora, Colo., to test several different environmentally friendly technologies, ranging from wind power to pervious pavement, from waterless urinals to light-emitting diodes. ... plans to open the next High-Efficiency store in Rockton, Ill., this spring."

"To achieve the 20 percent energy reduction ... the company will target two main energy-consuming units: the heating and air conditioning system (HVAC), and the refrigeration system. ... the new HVAC and more efficient refrigeration systems are fully integrated so that 100 percent of the heat rejected by the refrigeration system is reclaimed into the HVAC. The reclaimed heat is then converted into usable energy. By incorporating a loop-piping design, the ... system also reduces the amount of installed copper and the total refrigerant charge required."

"Other energy-saving technologies ... include the installation of ultra-efficient case fans, glass doors on medium temperature grocery cases, RollSeal® quick response doors to seal air in areas such as the Garden Center, and a top-of-the-line dehumidification system. ... a daylight harvesting system, which uses skylights to refract daylight throughout the store and light sensors ...  During periods of higher natural daylight, the system then dims or turns off the store lights when they aren’t needed, ..."

"... also features GE’s energy-saving light-emitting diode (LED) refrigerated case lighting. LEDs have a longer life span than fluorescent bulbs, produce less heat and use significantly less energy than typical grocery case lighting. ... motion sensor-driven LED lights have been installed in all freezer and medium-temperature refrigerated cases.  ... the lights in these cases automatically turn off, and quickly turn back on when a customer approaches."

"...is committed to selling products that sustain our resources and our environment. As part of this store’s grand opening events,...donation of 21,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), Wal-Mart will aid the city’s campaign to distribute CFLs to low-income and senior citizen households in Kansas City, Mo. ..".

Via:  Wal*Mart.com  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
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