Green Technology

... "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." ...

Continue reading "Walmart green supply chain opportunity wiil target carbon intense products" »

Posted by Green Tech at 02:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You cannot manage what you cannot measure ... everyone is hearing about the increasing carbon / greenhouse emissions .. but just how big a number is it?  How fast is it growing?

To get a real time view take a look at the 10 character - 70 foot "meter" in New York's Times Sq on the Deutsch Banks billboard.

" ...displays the amount of equivalent greenhouse gas emissions in terms of carbon in the atmosphere, and is constantly updated based on measurements from NASA, NOAA, and supporting research from MIT. ... the number is a reflection of all greenhouse gas emissions (methane, nitrous oxide, etc.) by their impact equivalencies in carbon. It even accounts for dips and rises in the amount of carbon in the atmosphere due to seasonal changes so not to appear to be slowing down certain times of the year.

"Before ... the information was only updated every five years. ... displaying the count in real time "allows people to begin to engage in the debate around the issue." ... the counter creates a sense of urgency, a call to action, and is intended to spur action to take the steps necessary in saving our planet."

Track the carbon count in real time on your PC ... download the Carbon Counter widget ... LINK

Via:  SustainLane  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "HFO-1234ze is non flammable according to European Union standards, has zero ozone-depletion potential and a GWP of six. In some aerosol applications, HFO-1234ze serves as a direct replacement for HFC-134a, which has a GWP of approximately 1,300. GWP is a measure of a gas’s contribution to global warming. It is a relative scale that compares the gas in question to carbon dioxide, which has a GWP of one. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 07:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "In addition to releasing the commitment statement, a crucial first step in evaluating the university’s sustainability was conducting Vanderbilt’s first greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. This first inventory provides a baseline of detailed information to help stakeholders make informed decisions to determine reduction strategies and compare future changes in greenhouse gas emissions on campus, said Judson Newbern, deputy vice chancellor for facilities and environmental affairs. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 05:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Sulfuryl fluoride was introduced as a replacement for methyl bromide, a widely used fumigant that is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol because of its ozone-destroying chemistry. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 08:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Fox TV Show "24" " ... becomes the first carbon neutral television production."

" ... Nearly a year after announcing its aim to reduce its carbon footprint and inspire its viewers to do the same, "24," ... has far exceeded its carbon-reduction goals and will be the first television production ever to achieve carbon neutrality.  ... reduced the carbon emissions associated with its production by a staggering 43%, and ... has purchased high-quality carbon offsets to address its remaining unavoidable emissions. "

24 Going Green PSA - Kiefer Sutherland
Via:  Fox  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 09:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The new reporting requirements would apply to suppliers of fossil fuel and industrial chemicals, manufacturers of motor vehicles and engines, as well as large direct emitters of greenhouse gases with emissions equal to or greater than a threshold of 25,000 metric tons per year. This threshold is roughly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from just over 4,500 passenger vehicles. The vast majority of small businesses would not be required to report their emissions because their emissions fall well below the threshold. The direct emission sources covered under the reporting requirement would include energy intensive sectors such as cement production, iron and steel production, and electricity generation, among others. The first annual report would be submitted to EPA in 2011 for the calendar year 2010, except for vehicle and engine manufacturers, which would begin reporting for model year 2011. " ...

Continue reading "CO2 Reporting Proposal" »

Posted by Green Tech at 07:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative held the first US Carbon auction int he US on September 25th, 2008 with two more scheduled for December 17th, 2008.

RGGI is a non profit corporation incorporate in Delaware and based in NYC, NY.

"Ten states participate... Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. ...are implementing the first mandatory cap-and-trade program in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

"Regulated power plants will be able to use a CO₂ allowance issued by any of the ten participating states to demonstrate compliance with an individual state program. In this manner, the ten individual state programs, in aggregate, will function as a single regional compliance market for CO₂ emissions."

Via:  Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Green Tech at 09:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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)

... "So my proposal is this: By the end of next year, America and other nations will set a long-term global goal for reducing greenhouse gases. To help develop this goal, the United States will convene a series of meetings of nations that produce most greenhouse gas emissions, including nations with rapidly growing economies like India and China. In addition to this long-term global goal, each country would establish midterm national targets, and programs that reflect their own mix of energy sources and future energy needs. Over the course of the next 18 months, our nations would bring together industry leaders from different sectors of our economies, such as power generation and alternative fuels and transportation. These leaders will form working groups that will cooperate on ways to share clean energy technology and best practices. It's important to ensure that we get results, and so we will create a strong and transparent system for measuring each country's performance. This new framework would help our nations fulfill our responsibilities under the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. The United States will work with all nations that are part of this convention to adapt to the impacts of climate change, gain access to clean and more energy-efficient technologies, and promote sustainable forestry and agriculture. The way to meet this challenge of energy and global climate change is through technology, and the United States is in the lead. " ...

Via White House: President Bush Discusses United States International Development Agenda

Posted by Green Tech at 08:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thirty-one states (70% of U.S. population) become members of The Climate Registry to support national effort to positively impact climate change.  Participants include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the Campo Kumeyaay Nation and two Canadian provinces: British Columbia and Manitoba.  ...

 ...   "The newly formed climate registry is a tool to measure, track, verify and publicly report GHG emissions accurately, transparently and consistently across borders and industry sectors. This is a critical first step in developing robust programs to reduce GHG emissions. The Registry will support voluntary, market-based and regulatory GHG emissions reporting programs. "   ...

Via Climate Registry: STATES JOIN THE CLIMATE REGISTRY TO TRACK GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS (PDF) ...

Posted by Green Tech at 08:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 
How can you be green and travel - especially by plane?  Air travel is one of the largest contributors to global warming by virtue of all the greenhouse gases emitted.

You want to travel ... you want to be green ... you can only install so many Compact Fluorescent bulbs ...
>>>> What Can You Do?

"Commercial aviation worldwide ranks among the biggest single emitters of greenhouse gases linked to global warming ... So, a few entrepreneurs and environmental groups have devised a simple way to compensate for this damage: Plant a tree."

"Trees serve as what scientists call a "carbon sink," each absorbing more than a ton of carbon dioxide from the air over the course of roughly a century. At least two companies, the Welsh-based Treeflights and the U.S.-based travel booking site Travelocity, now offer a way for travelers to plant trees for every trip they take." 

"For about $18.70, ... will plant the tree of your choice ... estimates that the typical tree absorbs 1.25 tons of carbon dioxide over the course of its lifetime, which is equivalent to the amount emitted by a commercial airline during a round-trip flight between New York and London."

>>> See www.treeflights.com for details   Link 

Via:  Philly.com   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Did you Know .... Tree FAQs:

"Over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion. "

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”Anonymous

"One tree can absorb more than a ton of carbon over its lifetime."
Via:  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Trees reduce storm water runoff and erosion, and they remove harmful chemicals from the soil to prevent them from running into streams and rivers.
Via:  USDA Forest Service

For details on trees for your local clime .... Link 

Via:  National Arbor Day Foundation    Link

Posted by Green Dude at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Enterprise Rent-A-Car celebrates its 50th Anniversary in February 2007.

As part of their 50th Anniversary celebration they have partnered with the National Arbor Day Foundation to plant 50 Million trees in our National Forests.

"Enterprise has formed a partnership with the Foundation to plant 50 million trees over the next 50 years – a gift, in total, of more than 50 million dollars."

"In an outstanding example of a public-private partnership, The National Arbor Day Foundation will work with the U.S. Forest Service to plant these trees – one million of them each year – in National Forests located in the United States, Canada, and Europe to restore areas damaged by fires, storms, and disease, as well as to help expand and preserve habitats for endangered species."

What Does Planting Trees do for the Environment?  "The 1 million trees planted this year by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, when they reach maturity, will absorb 15,000 tons of CO₂ and produce 10,000 tons of oxygen per year – enough to meet the needs of 45,000 people."

>> For more information on the National Arbor Day Foundation   Link

Via:  Enterprise Rent-A-Car   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 09:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

How does one go about living a Low Carbon life?  What are some of the easy ways to become "green" and lower your impact on the environment?

 There are lots of little things that add up ... each comes with varying costs or inconveniences.  Here are some ideas

Travel:
Walk or use a bicycle ... Take public transportation ... Drive at 55 MPH or less ... Buy a fuel efficient car or Hybrid ... Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned ...  Keep your the car properly tuned ... Empty the trunk / car of unneeded items ... Join a car share program

Home: 

"8% of electricity consumed at home is from items we aren't using - so don't leave the TV and other things on "standby"." ... Use setback thermostats ... Set temperatures at 72 deg in the summer and 62 in the winter ... Wear a sweater when cold ... Use fans rather than Air Conditioning ... switch to compact florescent bulbs ... Insulate your water heater ... Put outdoor lights on a timer or motion sensor ... Insulate the walls and ceilings to the proper level based on climate

Food:

Purchase locally grown / raised foods ... Use a string web (reusable forever) shopping bag ... Recycle plastic shopping bags ... Buy in bulk where possible / avoid single use sizes if possible ... Grow your own vegetables - tomatoes, pepper and peas are easy! 

Posted by Green Dude at 01:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We all want to be "green"; but sometimes life or business "gets in the way.  When your employer send you to Europe you (gladly?) go.  But being environmentally oriented ... on the long flight over muse over your contributions to greenhouse gases.

"Q"  What to do?
"A"   Buy a Carbon Offset!

First you need to determine your Carbon load and buy an offset.  This scenario involves a round trip from Philadelphia International (USA) to / from Milan, Italy.

The round trip flight creates approx. 1.83 Tonnes of CO2.  These can be offset for GBP 13.73 or ER 20.92 (exchange rate for 19-Jan-07). 

Currency Conversion >>   Link

Via:   Climate Care   Link

Posted by Green Dude at 12:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jan 9, 2006:  At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Michael S. Dell announced that Dell has a new goal - planting trees. 

Dell "announced a global carbon-neutral initiative that plants trees for customers to offset the carbon impact of electricity required to power their systems. The first of its kind program, announced at the Consumer Electronics Show here, underscores Dell’s commitment to continued broad environmental stewardship."

"Dell will be the first global technology company to offer customers the opportunity to offset the emissions associated with the electricity used to power their computers through its ‘Plant a Tree for Me’ program. Dell is partnering with The Conservation Fund and the Carbonfund.org, non-profit organizations that will use the funds to plant trees in sustainably managed forests, absorbing carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere from generated electricity. The company said that 100 percent of the donations received by the "Plant a Tree for Me" program will be used by partners to facilitate planting trees.

A customer donation of $2 for a notebook and $6 for a desktop will go toward the planting of trees which will absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, offsetting the equivalent emissions resulting from the production of electricity used during the average three-year use of a computer."

Dell also offers free recycling of old computers to customers.  "Dell currently offers consumers no-charge recycling of any brand of used computer or printer with the purchase of a new Dell computer or printer. This service includes home pick-up of the used computer at no charge.

Under its new policy, Dell will provide consumers no-charge recycling of any Dell-branded product, regardless of whether a replacement product is purchased."  Link

Details of Plant a Tree, Help the Environment   Link

Details of Dell Recycling Program           Link

Via:  Dell Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Know where your automobile club dues are going? ...

...   "In 1999, AAA opposed new rules that required cleaner-burning exhaust systems for cars, trucks, and SUVs, and two years prior assailed an EPA proposal requiring states to reduce levels of smog and soot. In 1990, AAA even fought the strengthening of the Clean Air Act - a measure supported by three fourths of Americans - on the grounds that it would limit the personal mobility of motorists. "   ...

Via GreenLAGirl and BetterWorldClub: Link

Posted by Green Tech at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "NatureWorks polymer is the first man-made polymer to come from 100% annually renewable resources. Sugar is extracted from corn and is then fermented to create lactic acid which is then transformed into the new biopolymer - polylactide. This polylactide is branded as NatureWorks polymer and designed for use in packaging, consumer packaged goods, and a broad range durable applications where traditional petro-based plastics find use. The same polymer is used to create a new generation of textile fibres, identified under the Ingeo brand. This fibre is a real and sustainable alternative for fashion, home and personal care items - many products that consumers experience next to their skin in their every day lives. Being derived from plants, not oil, requires less fossil fuel usage for production and helps make NatureWorks polymer the first greenhouse-gas-neutral polymer available in the world today. " ...

Via NatureWorks: New Reality for Bioplastics

Posted by Green Tech at 09:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you know your Carbon Footprint ?

What is it:   Your Carbon Footprint is "is the quantity of CO2 emitted to the atmosphere as a result of household energy use, transportation and waste disposal in one year."  It is a way to look at your impact on the planet.

Calculate it:  You can determine your Carbon Footprint by using one of many "calculators".  Inputing answers to questions about where you live, how big your family is, what kind of housing / heating / air conditioning you have, etc and some magic you get a number and a comparison to the national average.

I found a good Carbon Calculator at BPs website.  Link

I trtied the Calculator and got these results:

Reduce it:   To reduce your Carbon Footprint
* Check out the Calculator and see what different choices make in the results
* Take the Quiz   -   Link
* Look at the FAQs   -   Link
* Look at What You Can Do - Link

Via:  BP.Com   Link:

Posted by Green Dude at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The Act and subsequent Notice of Intent to regulate demonstrate a clear commitment to the establishment of short-, medium- and long-term industrial air pollution targets. These fixed targets would compel polluters to respect emissions limits and will be at least as stringent as those in other leading environmental countries. Over the next three years, new regulations, targets and timelines will be discussed and set. " ...

Via Environment Canada: Canada’s Clean Air Act delivered to Canadians ...

Posted by Green Tech at 09:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Inventor Isaac Berzin, 37, founder of GreenFuel Technologies Corporation, has designed a new device that converts power plant exhaust into renewable energy using sunlight and the green slime we call algae. The Museum of Science exhibit featuring Berzin's invention is on display in the main lobby. " ...

Via Boston Museum of Science: Museum Showcases Innovative Energy Technology

GreenFuel Technologies Corporation is the leading developer of systems for recycling rich CO2 streams from power and/or manufacturing plant flue gases to produce biofuels such as biodiesel, ethanol or methane. The company, which was founded in 2001, is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Posted by Green Tech at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Governor Scharzenegger signs legislation that requires green performance standards for purchasing of electricity by utilities.  ...

...   "Gov. Schwarzenegger also signed other important environmental legislation, including:   SB 1368 by Senator Don Perata that requires the California Energy Commission to develop and adopt by regulation a greenhouse gas emissions performance standard for long-term procurement of electricity by local publicly owned utilities. The California Energy Commission must adopt the standard on or before June 30, 2007 and must be consistent with the standard adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission for load-serving entities under their jurisdiction on or before February 1, 2007.  AB 2600 by Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) that increases by 10,000 the number of permits for hybrids to be allowed to use high occupancy vehicle lanes. "   ...

Via California Governor Office: Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Biomonitoring, Greenhouse Gas and Other Important Environmental Legislation ...

Posted by Green Tech at 08:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Carbon sequestration is seen as a part of the overall plan for reducing the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere.  California town of Thorton will participate in a test of carbon sequestration, where liquid CO2 will be pumped deep undergound.  ... 

...   "For 30 years, the oil and gas industry has pumped carbon dioxide into waning oil fields to get at the last drops. "   ...

Via The Oakland Tribune: Hole holds hopes for fighting global warming ...

Via American Petroleum Institute: Sequestering Carbon Dioxide: "The company expects to sequester about 29 million tons of CO2 over the lifetime of its Salt Creek and Monell projects, thereby reducing overall CO2 emissions in the State. "

Posted by Green Tech at 06:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

School makes smart energy choice by investing in an on-site biomass energy facility to reduce its carbon footprint.  Nan Jenks-Jay, Director of Environmental Affairs, outlines Middlebury College's plan to construct a biomass plant, which will cost up to $11 million.  The facility will generate power from wood chips rather than fuel oil, which is something that the surrounding forests have an abundance of.  Construction is slated to begin in 2007 and start operations in late 2008.  When placed into service, the biomass facility will cut the college’s greenhouse gas emissions by 12,500 metric tons annually.  The school will leverage suppliers of wood chips that use sustainable practices.  ...

...   "Middlebury’s primary objective for the biomass facility is to provide a sustainable, local and renewable fuel source for heating, cooling and electricity for the campus. According to Jenks-Jay, the college’s long-range goal is to obtain wood chips harvested in an environmentally friendly manner from local sources. Our hope is that the college’s entry into biomass will greatly stimulate the growth of the local, sustainable wood chip market and bioenergy economy in Addison County and Vermont, she said. The college estimates that it will require 20,000 to 21,000 tons of chips per year.

The biomass plant will cut the college’s use of number six fuel oil in half, from about two million gallons to one million gallons a year. Increasing the diversity of Middlebury’s energy sources, the facility will leave the college less dependent on the global oil supply and subject to the fluctuating price of oil. Use of the plant will also make it unnecessary to pay for the transportation by ship and truck of one million gallons of oil a year from thousands of miles away to Middlebury. There will be a reduction of carbon emissions produced in the fuel delivery process as well. Most of the money previously spent on the oil and its transport will continue to be spent on energy costs, but now these dollars will remain in Vermont and New England. "  ...

Via Middlebury College: New biomass facility to reduce greenhouse gases by almost 12,500 tons a year ...

Middlebury is one of the country's top liberal arts colleges. It offers its students a broad curriculum embracing the arts, humanities, literature, foreign languages, social sciences, and natural sciences.  It is located in the Champlain Valley of central Vermont, with Vermont's Green Mountains to the east and New York's Adirondacks to the west.

Posted by Green Tech at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, AB32, has been signed by Governor Schwarzenegger.  The bill requires the California Air Resources Board to create statewide greenhouse gas emissions cap for the year 2020, that will reduce the emissions to 1990 levels, adopt mandatory reporting rules for significant sources of greenhouse gases, and create a plan for regulations, market influencers, and other compliance tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  ...

...   "Gov. Schwarzenegger signed AB 32 by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles), California's landmark bill that establishes a first-in-the-world comprehensive program of regulatory and market mechanisms to achieve real, quantifiable, cost-effective reductions of greenhouse gases.

AB 32 requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop regulations and market mechanisms that will ultimately reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020. Mandatory caps will begin in 2012 for significant sources and ratchet down to meet the 2020 goals.  In the interim, CARB will begin to measure the greenhouse gas emissions of the industries it determines as significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The bill also provides the Governor the ability to invoke a safety valve and suspend the emissions caps for up to one year in the case of an emergency or significant economic harm. "   ...

Via State of California: Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Landmark Legislation to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...

Posted by Green Tech at 08:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Chemistry Professor Gabriele Centi, from the University of Messina in Italy, is researching chemical process techniques, such as catalysis, to convert the CO2 generated from combustion back in fuel.  This would lower the amount of greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.  ...

...   "When hydrocarbon fuels are burned, they produce water and carbon dioxide (CO2). The technique, developed by researchers at the University of Messina, effectively reverses the process, creating hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and water. "   ...

Via MSN UK: Greenhouse gas reused as petrol

Gabriele Centi, of the University of Messina, is the coordinator of IDECAT.  IDECAT is an EU-financed Network of Excellence on catalysis.  The organization's objective is the creation of a European Research Institute on Catalysis, the reference body for European catalysis research.  Around 40 research labs from 17 bodies in 12 countries are associated with IDECAT.  IDECAT wants to strengthen the introduction of nanoscience concepts and technologies in catalysis with the aim of designing radically new catalysts and extending the use of knowledge on catalysis to new area of application - among others: sensors, advanced smart materials, coatings and energy.

Microchemical reaction systems are being evaluated for conversion of CO2 into fuel.  ...

Via Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Carbon Dioxide Conversions in Microreactors (pdf) : "NASA's In Situ Resource Utilization program is seeking novel methods for conversion of atmospheric CO2 to fuels during manned missions to Mars. Two possible methods for these conversions include Sabatier methanation and the reverse water-gas shift (WGS) reaction. The applicability of these reactions in microreactors is discussed. "

Another research group has a chemical catalysis pathway to polymers using CO2 as a raw material.  ...

Sweet and environmentally beneficial discovery: Plastics made from orange peel and a greenhouse gas: "By using their catalyst to combine the limonene oxide and CO2, the Coates group produced a novel polymer -- called polylimonene carbonate -- that has many of the characteristics of polystyrene, a petroleum-based plastic currently used to make many disposable plastic products.  The Coates research team is particularly interested in using CO2 as an alternative building block for polymers. Instead of being pumped into the atmosphere as a waste product, CO2 could be isolated for use in producing plastics, such as polylimonene carbonate. "

Australia is evaluating alternatives for carbon dioxide capture and sequestration, such as storing CO2 underground.  ...

SECURING AUSTRALIA'S ENERGY FUTURE (PDF): "A set of technologies involves capturing carbon dioxide as part of electricity generation or other industrial processes and storing it deep underground in either depleted petroleum reservoirs or saline aquifers (known as geosequestration).  These technologies could substantially lower emissions from coal and gas electricity generation. Some of the basic technology for achieving this exists. Technologies for separating carbon dioxide from natural gas, for example, are proven and the petroleum industry routinely reinjects gas into active oil fields to increase production. "

Solar alchemy turns fumes back into fuels: "The researchers chemically reduced CO2 to produce eight and nine-carbon hydrocarbons using a catalyst of particles of platinum and palladium confined in carbon nanotubes. These hydrocarbons can be made into petrol and diesel. "

Via University of Queensland, Australia: UQ trial project turns Greenhouse gas into useful product: "The environmentally friendly project aims to convert unwanted Greenhouse gases into methanol, a valuable chemical feedstock/solvent for manufacturing formaldehyde, acetic acid and dimethyl ether. "

DOE: Catalytic Methane Decomposition for CO2-Free Hydrogen Production: "To realize a greenhouse gas-free hydrogen economy, CO2 must be sequestered or not produced. This catalytic route offers a promising path for economical, environmentally sound production of hydrogen without production of CO2. "

Posted by Green Tech at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BP uses its market influence, through targetneutral, to support projects that reduce CO2 emissions to offset the emissions created by automobile exhaust.  A portfolio of emissions reduction and alternative energy projects will be funded and independently monitored.  ...

...   "targetneutral allows a driver to calculate the cost of the annual CO2 reduction required to make their vehicle CO2 neutral. An average car, driven 10,000 miles in a year, generates approximately four tonnes of CO2. To neutralise this amount of carbon emissions via www.targetneutral.com will cost around GBP20 a year.  Four tonnes is the equivalent of filling a medium sized hot air balloon with pure CO2. A huge amount of CO2 could be neutralised if all 40 million drivers in the UK signed up to targetneutral.  BP has initiated targetneutral, providing all set-up funding and will meet all ongoing running costs.

The money generated by targetneutral goes to a portfolio of CO2 reduction projects including alternative and renewable energy.  Replacing traditional energy production methods with low CO2 emitting alternatives, is one way CO2 reductions are achieved.  Initially there are five projects including a biomass energy plant in Himachal Pradesh; a wind farm in Karnataka, India and an animal waste management and methane capture program in Mexico.  As targetneutral grows, more projects will be added.  Strict procedures are followed to ensure the projects' integrity. These are modelled on those created by the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) for emissions reduction projects developed under the Kyoto Protocol. All project activity is overseen by the targetneutral Advisory and Assurance Panel. "   ...

CO2 Emissions Neutral: Via BP: BP Launches targetneutral ...

Posted by Green Tech at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The ability to cut global warming emissions is within our grasp.  We can seize it with a few simple steps to challenge ourselves.  US Public Interest Research Group publishes report and recommends six simple steps to managing global warming in the US.  These steps include stabilizing vehicle travel, increasing vehicle fuel economy standards to 40 miles per gallon, setting fuel economy standards for large trucks, and replacing 10% of vehicle fuel with biofuels or other clean alternatives.  ...

...   "The report finds that the U.S. can reduce its global warming emissions by nearly 20 percent within the next 15 years by boosting energy efficiency and renewable energy.  The report details six challenging but feasible steps to improve the energy efficiency of our economy and use more renewable energy. These strategies, coupled with strong, mandatory limits on global warming emissions, would reduce U.S. global warming emissions by 19% below 2004 levels by 2020. At the same time, the steps would improve American’s long-term economic and energy security. "  ...

Cut Global Warming Emissions: Within Our Grasp: Via US PIRG: Rising to the Challenge: Six Steps to Cut Global Warming Pollution in the United States (PDF) ...

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

California's Global Warming Solutions Act, sponsored by Speaker Fabian Nunez and Assembly Member Fran Pavley, creates a state-wide greenhouse gas emission limit that will cut emissions up to 25% by 2020.  The act implements a mandatory reporting system that tracks and monitors greenhouse gas emission levels.  This effort will reduce California emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020.  ...

...   "California can achieve these emission reductions through pollution-cutting investments and programmatic initiatives in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, cleaner cars, alternative fuels, improved transportation systems, and water conservation. These investments and initiatives will also provide economic and environmental benefits. For example, reducing the air pollution from mobile and stationary sources as well as catalyzing the technological ingenuity of California entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses.

AB 32 is symbolic of California's history of leadership on environmental issues.  AB 32 establishes a limit on greenhouse emissions – reducing emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. The bill also requires the California Air Resources Board to institute a mandatory emissions reporting and tracking system to monitor and enforce compliance with the emissions limit. "   ...

Greenhouse Gas: California Plan: Via State of California: AB 32 – GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS ACT OF 2006 (PDF) ...

Background info on the California greenhouse gas emissions strategy ...

Via SPEAKER FABIAN NUNEZ: Speaker Nunez and Assemblymember Pavley Introduce Groundbreaking Bill to Curb Global Warming, Spur Technology Investments: "In addition to setting a binding limit on greenhouse gas emissions, AB 32 requires the California Air Resources Board to institute a mandatory emissions reporting and tracking system to monitor compliance with the emissions limit. The limit would ensure that global warming pollution would be reduced by 145 million tons by 2020 or to 25% below forecasted emissions (reduced to 1990 levels by 2020). The limit is consistent with the goal set by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in Executive Order EO S-3-05 last summer. "  

Analysis of historical data shows that a green approach to life can be rewarding ...

Speaker Urges Passage of Historic Legislation to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Weekly Radio Address: "Whenever we act to protect the environment, some always question whether it will hurt the economy, or hurt us in the pocketbook.   It’s a legitimate question that can be answered by looking at California's past efforts to fight pollution.  A 2005 study by experts at Stanford University found each Californian typically saved about $1,000 per year between 1975 and 1995 just through energy efficiency standards for buildings and appliances. And energy efficiency has helped the California economy grow an extra 3 percent – a $31 billion gain – compared to business as usual during the same 20-year period.  The study also forecasts the job growth created by technological innovations in the energy-efficiency industry will generate an $8 billion payroll over the next twelve years. "

California's large sources of greenhouse gas emissions are automobiles and power plants ...

Via ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES: California Greenhouse Gas GHG Emissions: "The term GHG emissions refers to gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydroflurocarbons, and perflurocarbons that when allowed to build up in the atmosphere causes a rise in the average temperature of the earth's surface.  In California, nearly 40% of our GHG pollution comes from our 24 million motor vehicles and over 30% comes from the growing number of power plants that burn natural gas. "

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