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March 25, 2011

Beautiful Earth Group (BE) Donates EV Charging Station in Brooklyn Bridge Park




Beautiful Earth Solar Powered EV Charging Stations

85 acre Brooklyn Bridge Park was built with sustainability in mind ... from EV service vehicles to reused / recycled construction materials from prior buildings on the site.

" ...  Designed and built by BE, ... the first solar-powered charging station in New York City and one of only a few in the world. ..."

Over the projected 25 year life of the EV chargers will save "... more than $200,000 in gasoline costs ... More than 530 tons of CO2 ..."

The EV charging system has 24 PV panels with battery storage for 7 x 24 availability can produce 5.6 Kw. 

 

Via:  Beautiful Earth Group  LINK

February 04, 2011

Syracuse University Green Initiatives




Syracuse University students worked with consultants to create an eco friendly  green office at the University's Smith Hall.

… teams of ISD 351 students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) presented their green office designs to Syracuse University’s Sustainability Division on Oct. 18. The designs were unique and highly creative. …”

See the video for more details …

Via:LINK

December 27, 2010

Green roof design integrates seasonal landscape for energy savings




New green roof planting at NYC condominium delivers landscape for the seasons to create a more energy efficient and appealing building.  …

…   “Witch hazel will burst into small yellow flowers in January, and striking plants like Japanese maple will have brilliant red foliage throughout summer and fall.”   …

Via New York Times: Green Roof Design.

NYC Green Roof Design

November 09, 2010

Clean energy leader enables NY technology center




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

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

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

University of Rochester: Advanced Technology Center.

September 20, 2010

Zero Energy Homes in New Paltz NY




Green Acres New Paltz Beyond Low Energy homes are Zero Energy Homes (ZEH).  Using technology including geothermal heating and cooling, PV panels, heat recovery ventilation and super insulation and high efficiency windows the homes in Green Acres (New Paltz NY) may be the first ZEH in the world.

" ... first zero energy (ZEH) community in the United States and possibly the world..."

" ... each home has the capacity to generate enough renewable energy to offset its annual energy needs. ..."

 

Via:  Green Acres New Paltz (NY)  LINK

September 18, 2010

Bank of America Tower Certified LEED Platinum




Bank of America logo

 BofA 1 Bryant Park, Manhattan, NY

Bank of America's One Bryant Park in Manhattan NYC has achieved LEED Platinum certification.  This is a first for a US high rise commercial building - achieving LEED platinum.

" ...  glass curtain wall permits maximum sunlight ... under-floor air delivery system ... power comes from an on-site cogeneration plant, which works in concert with an ice storage system ..."

 

The building reuses most all rainwater and sink water saving millions of gallons of potable water yearly. 

 

Via:  Bank of America  LINK

May 24, 2010

Kraft / Philly Cream Cheese Sustainability Efforts




 phiil logo

 

" ... Philly plant in Lowville, NY ... making to reduce our carbon footprint. ... almost ¼ of the Lowville’s total energy use now comes from alternative sources."

" ... converting the waste stream from Cream Cheese production (whey) into methane gas. ... replaces about 1/3 of the natural gas usage and prevents virtually 100% of whey land-spreading. Annual energy savings are approximately 87,000 mm BTUs, or enough energy to heat around 1,100 average sized households for 1 year. ... In early 2008, ... Lowville ... replaced its interior lights with energy efficient T-8 lighting fixtures. ... saves 1,350,068 KWH of usage per year. That’s enough electricity to light 2,164 homes for a year."

" ...  In 2008, ... cut its total water use by 9%. ... [and] sent 33% less garbage to the landfill. ..."


 

Via:  Kraft  LINK

May 03, 2010

Leverage the Strengths of Green Cities to Drive Sustainable Impact




Sustainability can be addressed through leveraging the strengths and capabilities of green cities and regions.  Each area has a legacy that can be repurposed to create positive impact.  …

… “Toledo, Ohio, is building on its strength in auto glass production to build thin-film solar panels. Cleveland hopes to build wind turbines that can be used on Lake Erie. The Pittsburgh and Syracuse, NY, regions are transforming building supply industries into green building suppliers. ”   …

Via Northeastern: Emerald Cities: Urban Sustainability and Economic Development.

May 01, 2010

Growing Organicly in Rooftop Garden in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (NYC)




Roof top Garden - Bklyn,  NYCBrooklyn may not be the first place you thing of when ROOFTOP gardens come to mind ... BUT Roof Top Farms grows pumpkins, peas and other produce - organically.

" ...The garden, 15 m above the GreenRooftop Farmspoint sidewalk, is like a peaceful oasis in an otherwise throbbing industrial district. ..."

" ... Rooftop Farms project started in 2008 ... About 90 tonnes of specially mixed soil from Philadelphia was spread on the roof in March 2009 ... The garden users receive organic waste for their patches from the restaurants who by some of the vegetables, enabling them to avoid the use of artificial fertilisers."

 

Other benefits include controlling water runoff and less water treatment needed as well as possible reduced heating / cooling loads on the buildings.

 

Via: Sustainable Cities  LINK

April 14, 2010

Solar art inspires project




Art renderings will inspire future solar photovoltaic installation. ...
... "Probably only the fact that they are the inspirations for designs submitted by three internationally renowned artists, finalists in a UB-sponsored public art competition for a solar installation to be constructed on the university’s North Campus in partnership with the New York Power Authority (NYPA). " ...
Via SUNY at Buffalo: Vision for solar installation

March 23, 2010

Syracuse University Partners w/ IBM and NY State for Green Data Center




Green data center logoSyracuse University's new green data center follows LEED guidelines and is both green and energy efficient. 

" ... constructed in accordance with LEED ... more than 99 percent of all construction waste ... has been recycled. ... over 1,200 tons ... of waste that did not go to a standard landfill."

" ... anticipated to use about 50 percent less energy than a typical data center in operation today ... "

"IBM intends to showcase the data center and its energy-efficient technologies to help clients design new data centers or improve their current operations...."

"... features an on-site electrical tri-generation system that uses natural gas-fueled microturbines to generate all the electricity ... will be able to operate completely off-grid."

 

Via:  Syracuse University  LINK

February 24, 2010

Low Cost Green Prefab Homes - approx. $100,000




green home

" ... 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 llc

" ... 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

January 24, 2010

Visionaire - Green Living in Battery Park City, NYC.




The Visionaire, NYC

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 ... "

According to an article on the Jan 24th, 2010 Philadelphia Inquirer the building is LEED Platinum Certified.

 

Via:  Greensource  LINK

 

November 15, 2009

FedEx's First 100% Hybrid Facility




FedEx hybrid truckFedEx 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 

October 08, 2009

New York Solar Energy Boost




Governor Paterson accelerates the implementation of solar energy infrastructure in New York with funding and requests for proposal. ...
... "$10 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding is now available through a competitive statewide solicitation for solar energy projects in New York State. The funding is available through NYSERDA's State Energy Program to fund the installation of solar photovoltaic systems. Additionally, Governor Paterson announced that the New York Power Authority is expected to make a formal request for proposals later this year for a 100-megawatt solar initiative, which would increase the State's current installed solar capacity five-fold. " ...
Via New York Governor Paterson Office: NY Solar Energy Expansion

September 13, 2009

Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL)




Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL)

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."Omerga Center for Sustainable Living

" ... 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

July 03, 2009

NYC Carbon Counter - Real Time Carbon Counts




NYC Carbon Counter

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

 

May 24, 2009

Battery and Energy Storage in New York




New York invests $10.5 million in state grants to obtain federal investment of almost $100 million to enable energy research centers. The State will focus its research in the energy storage area, such as batteries. ...
... "Significantly, three of the five awards in New York State are for energy storage technology research, complementing the Governor’s Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (known as NY BEST). There were only six centers nationally that will focus on energy storage, and New York State is home to half of them. " ...
Via State of New York: GRANTS FOR ENERGY FRONTIER RESEARCH CENTERS

Continue reading "Battery and Energy Storage in New York" »

April 15, 2009

Marcal Small Steps - Recycled Paper Produsts




 Marcal Small Steps logo

Marcal has been making recycled paper products for many years.  Their "Small Steps" branding helps bring this to the markets attention.

In addition to providing employment and a use for recycled paper ... trees are not being cut down as new rMarcal Trees Saved countaw materials needlessly.  

Read on for more >>>

" ... Marcal is an "Earth-Friendly Paper Goods Company" ... For over 50 years, Marcal has been making its paper from recycled paper, not from trees. ... saving trees and the wildlife it supports, ..."

" ... over five decades, ... saving trees and reducing landfill ... uses paper collected from curbs in residential neighborhoods in cities and towns across America ...uses recyclables from more than 600 municipalities from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and New England. ..."

Via:  Marcal Paper LLC  LINK

April 06, 2009

Green Empire State Building Renovation Reaches for the Gold




Johnson Controls collaborates with partners, such as the Clinton Climate Initiative, to remake the Empire State Building as the model for sustainability renovation that can be replicated to other commercial buildings. This building retrofit integrates multiple energy efficiency strategies to significantly reduce power consumption. The project schedule is front-end loaded with retrofit tasks that will accrue energy savings early as the building systems are completed. The project team expects the building to to achieve LEED Gold performance levels. ...
... "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

April 03, 2009

Go Green Expo ... NYC and Atlanta





Go Green Expo logoGo 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 ... Go Greeen NYC

- 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 ...  Go Green Expo Atlanta

- 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

March 17, 2009

Timberland's 474 Broadway Store in NYC




Timberland has a solid green business policty and their store on Broadway in NYC is another good example ... "Located at 474 Broadway,... our newest specialty store incorporates salvaged industrial elements with a modern, sustainable aesthetic. ...Green building practices included using materials salvaged or reclaimed from previous occupants, energy-efficient lighting, a more eco-conscious HVAC system, and wall paints and sealants containing reduced chemicals. Via: Timberland Link

December 08, 2008

Rockefeller Center's Solar Powered Christmas Lights




 Rockefeller Center

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" »

November 03, 2008

Energy Saving Tips - Weatherize Your Home




conEd LogoWith 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 ...weatherstripping

"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."
    Energy Star logo
Insulation"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

October 24, 2008

MINI to offer Electric Car





MINI w/ plug in logo on roofThe BMW / MINI is a hot little car and pretty fuel efficient ... designed with lots of energy saving features like lightweight recyclable aluminum and some plastic parts coded for recycling.

The next step might be the electric / plug in MINI.  Read on for more >>

" ... readying an invasion fleet of 500 electric MINIs to launch on the shores of California, New York and New Jersey....will be used by a mixture of corporations and “private individuals”."

" ... electric MINIs are powered by a motor (with 220nM of torque) and by a lithium ion battery ... takes up the place where the rear two seats usually live in the MINI hatchback ... electric motor drives the front wheels and the top speed is just 95mph, ... the MINI E will do 0-62mph in 8.5sec."

" ... plugged into the domestic supply to recharge and all owners will be given a wall-mounted box that will recharge the MINI E in around 2.5 hours....a range of over 100 miles."

 

Via:  Mirror.CO.UK  LINK

 

September 26, 2008

First US Carbon Auction - RGGI




Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative LogoThe 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

 

June 11, 2008

Recycling Guns into Iron




destroying guns for recycling ... Making steel creates a lot of environmental impact ... illegal guns cause a significant societal impact ... so recycling illegal guns into storm drain covers and manhole covers is good for both society and the environment.

In NYC, " ...  periodically takes the guns it gathers ... to a scrap metal processing plant in Elmsford, N.Y. There they are chopped up into tiny pieces and sold for about 25 cents a pound. " 

 

Rather than just destroying illegal guns / guns from crime after they are not needed for evidence ... (shredding, etc.) they are recycled and do not take up dump space ... or as once done ... thrown into the ocean (I guess that criminals finally caught on to this one!!)

 

Via: Freepublic.com Link

 

May 06, 2008

New Yorks MTA Using CFB in Subway Tunnels




CFB in NYC Subway Tunnels

CFL last longer and use less energy for an equivalent light output.  Manufacturers tout them as very suitable for locations where changing bulbs is difficult ...  So ... the NYC Transit is using CFL in Subway tunnels.NYC MTA logo

Read on for more ...  

" ... replacing its incandescent train signaling lights with ... light emitting diode (LED) Signals. ... a 60 percent savings in energy compared with traditional incandescent light. ... improve brightness 150 percent, and they decrease greenhouse gas emissions substantially ... also have an extremely long life, which reduces landfill use and saves labor.To date we’ve replaced 47,000 of our 60,000 signal lights with LED."

" ... replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs in subway stations ... When NYC Transit switched to T12 fluorescent bulbs, station lighting increased 750 percent and power consumption decreased 28 percent. An additional change to T8 bulbs kept lighting as bright as before, but reduced our energy use by an extra 26 percent."

"Compact fluorescent bulbs in this tunnel will last 7,500 to 10,000 hours. Formerly, incandescent tunnel bulbs burned for only 750 hours."

 

Via:  NYC MTA    Link

May 04, 2008

New York's MTA into Recycling in a BIG WAY




 NYC subway cars - becoming artificial reefs

How do you recycle old subway cars?  Many have already been re purposed into artificial reefs off the coasts of NY and NY.

NY City's MTA  " ... made more than 1,200 “retired “Red Bird” subway cars available to Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Delaware and New Jersey.  [for] a new purpose-- to help form artificial reefs and become habitats for marine life. After we stripped the subway cars of components that float (oils, solids, etc.) and decompose, NYC Transit steam cleaned the cars, which were loaded on barges and “buried” at sea."NYC MTA logo

 

Via:  NYC MTA    Link

April 13, 2008

Green Architecture Lecture This Week




Green architecture movement will be discussed this week ...
... "Nicolai Ouroussoff, the chief architecture critic for The New York Times, will discuss green architecture on Thursday, April 17, at SUNY Cortland. Ouroussoff, who has written a number of articles pertaining to the green architectural movement for The New York Times magazine, will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Sperry Center, Room 105. " ...
Via SUNY Cortland: New York Times Critic to Discuss Green Architecture

Continue reading "Green Architecture Lecture This Week" »

January 24, 2008

Greener Gadgets Conference in N.Y.C. Feb 1, 2008




Greener Gadgets ConferenceNew 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."

Some discussion points: 
  • "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"Greener Gadget Conference

Via:  GreenerGadgets.com  Link

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

January 13, 2008

Solar Subway Stop in Coney Island, NY




subway staion

"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. Schott Solar Panel 

"... 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" »

January 08, 2008

2008 New Year's Ball Greenest Yet




NYC 2008 New Year's Eve Ball 

For approx. 100 years, the custom in NYC is to watch the "New Years' Eve ball drop in Times Square to "ring in" the new year.

For 2008 (midnight on 12/12/2007) the ball was new, able to produce millions of colors ... and - energy efficient!  NYC New Years Eve Ball

" ... new solid state lighting technology ... 9,576 Philips Luxeon LEDs replaced the 600 incandescent and halogen bulbs of the previous Ball.  ... the entire Times Square Ball will be lit with approximately the same amount of electricity as it takes to power ten toasters or a single oven/range."

 

Via:  Time Square Alliance   Link 

 

November 14, 2007

New York Governor's Mansion Goes Green




 New York Governor's Mansion

"Silda Wall Spitzer, ... wants to turn the governor's mansion ... into a modern model of energy efficiency ... “Greening the Mansion” will cut its electrical energy consumption by 50% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half.solar panels

Highlights include:

* solar panels
* a fuel cell to  replace back up dielsel powered generator
* energy efficient appliances

Via:  TreeHugger.com   Link

 

Continue reading "New York Governor's Mansion Goes Green" »

September 25, 2007

10 Greenest US Cities




Yahoo picked 10 Cities that "in no particular order -- ...  putting residents first. That means they're obsessed with clean air and clean water, renewable energy, reliable city buses, trams, streetcars and subways, a growing number of parks and greenbelts, farmer's markets and, very important, opportunities for community involvement."

"Portland, Oregon - ... More than 30 years ago, ... tore down a six-lane expressway to make room for a waterfront park. ... set an urban growth boundary to protect 25 million acres of forest and farmland, started a solid-waste program that recycles more than half of the city's trash and erected more than 50 public buildings that meet tough standards set by the United States Green Building Council. ..."

Autsin, Texas "Austin, Texas - Home to the first Whole Foods Market ... 205 parks, 14 nature preserves, and 25 greenbelts. ... plans to meet 20 percent of its energy needs with renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2020. ... a recycling center that dates back to 1970, a dozen outdoor farmer's markets, city buses that offer free rides on 'high ozone' days and an innovative "pay-as-you-throw" trash collection program that rewards residents for being less wasteful ..."

MinneapolisMinneapolis, Minnesota - ... more than 60 percent of downtown workers use public or alternative transportation ... Free parking for registered van and car pools, an extensive bike path and bike lane system and employer-sponsored showers ... Minnesota State Department of Commerce nudging businesses and residents to hook solar systems up to the city's grid, ..."

Boulder, Colorado"Boulder, Colorado - ... city planners started preserving parkland in 1898. ... more than 90 percent of residents recycle, where new water meters are not allowed above certain elevation, thus protecting ridgelines and peaks, and where, when recent federal tax cuts gutted city budgets, residents voted themselves a third sales-tax hike to raise $51 million to buy and protect even more open land."

"Burlington, Vermont - ... More than one-third of all energy used in the city comes from renewable resources, ... laws don't allow the use of pesticides on public parks, land or waterways. ... residents formed an extensive network of citizen-based groups that take on everything from environmental programs to clean up toxic sites to watchdog groups to monitor pollution in Lake Champlain. ..."

"Madison, Wisconsin - ... first city in the United States to offer curbside recycling ... 15,000 acres of lakes and 6,000 acres of parkland ... recycling program gets a whopping 97 percent participation, with 265 tons of material... collected each week.... bike-friendly city with more than 100 miles of bike paths ...a place where there are three bikes for every car."

"New York, New York - ... More than 80 percent of NYC residents use public transportation,... New Yorkers burn gasoline at the rate the U.S. did in the 1920s. ... ... Per capita, New Yorkers use fewer resources and put less pressure on their surroundings than any other city of its size. ..."S

"San Francisco, California - ... bus, subway and ferry services that reach throughout the Bay Area, .. . more than half the city's residents use public or alternative transportation to get to work. ... Prevailing winds ... help keep pollution at bay. ... leader in green building, with more than 20 building projects registered for official green certification. And city residents are willing to tax themselves. Voters said yes to allowing the city to sell $100 million in revenue bonds to support renewable energy."

"Santa Monica, California - ... Three of every four of the city's public works vehicles run on alternative fuel, ... among the largest such fleets in the country. All public buildings use renewable energy. ... the city has cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 10 percent, ...  an urban runoff facility catches 3.5 million gallons of water each week that would otherwise flow into the bay. ..."

Chicago"Chicago, Illinois - ... has 42 green-certified building projects, with more to come. ... city's nine museums and the Art Institute ... converted to run partially on solar power. ... one-third of all residents use public transportation to get to work. ...energy goals, likely to be met, is buying 20 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources this year. ... give tax incentives to homeowners who invest in Chicago's many historic  homes and retrofit them with energy efficient heating and cooling systems, as well as water-saving plumbing. ..."

 

Via:  Yahoo.com  Link

September 17, 2007

Solar Powered Packpack




voltaicsystems logo

Go off the grid with your own solar powered backpack!

"... Voltaic solar bags are mobile power generators, designed to charge your devices without tying you to a power outlet .."voltaic solar powered backpack

"... outside of the bags are three lightweight, tough, waterproof solar panels .."

"Included ...is a Li Ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it - not just when the sun is up. ... can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included). This makes the Voltaic bags just as useful on the grid as off."

close up of solar panels

"Integrating the solar panels into the back pocket of the bag is a key (patent pending) innovation of the Voltaic backpack. It means that unlike a typical solar charger:"
  • "There is no need to unpack and setup the panels"
  • "There is no need to stay in one place, and"
  • "All of your devices can stay securely inside the bag."

    "... panels are built ... in a way that allows them to articulate, so the bag itself does not feel stiff or restrictive."

    "... generate up to 4 watts of power, enough to charge most portable electronics (other than laptops). A typical cell phone will take 4-6 hours to charge in direct sun ...."


  • Via:  voltaicsystems  Link 

    July 13, 2007

    New Yorkers to give up Bottled Water to Go Green?




    The ubiquitous plastic bottle of water is everywhere. 

    Drinking water from a plastic bottle

    While there are many questions about the relative merits of tap vs. bottled water such as taste, quality, etc. there are the facts that bottled water can have a significant impact on the environment:

    - the petrochemicals used to make plastic bottles
    - the energy used for transport; sometime across the world
    - the remaining waste if not recycled.
    - the depletion of local water supplies

    tap water

    Granted; some areas have better water than others and plastic bottles are handy (and safe) to use while traveling) but .... some major cities like Philadelphia and New York are quite proud of the taste and quality of their tap water ....  

    "The City of New York is trying to persuade its people to give up bottled drinks and consume tap water instead to help protect the environment."

    "City officials say their campaign will save people money, and reduce waste."

    "According to environmental groups, four out of five plastic water bottles end up on landfill sites and the production process contributes to global warming. ... Distribution process sometimes involves shipping water halfway around the world."

    "But the Bottled Water Association says it is unfair to single out an industry that is promoting recycling and introducing biodegradable packaging."

     

    Via:  BBC News   Link

    May 22, 2007

    Hybrid Taxicab Fleet Planned For New York City




    Green taxicab fleet will be achieved in New York City through the implementation of emissions and mileage standards for yellow taxicabs, leading to a hybrid fleet by 2012. Mayor Bloomberg is aiming the tougher standards at the over-13,000 taxis in the city, which will have a significant carbon reduction. ...
    ... "The new standards will be phased in over a four-year period and will reduce the carbon emissions of New York City's taxicab and for-hire vehicle fleet by 50% during the next decade, and will also save individual operators an average of $10,000 a year in fuel costs. Also today, internet giant Yahoo! donated 10 hybrid taxicabs to fleet operator Team Systems in recognition of New York's leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. " ...

    Via NYC: MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES TAXI FLEET TO BE FULLY HYBRID BY 2012

     

    March 27, 2007

    Woodstock, NY into Renewable Solar Energy




     Woodstock, NY - Solar Panels on Town Hall

    New York Town Goes Solar!  

    Best known for the Woodstock Festival and Concert in 1969 is now on the leading edge of Green Towns.

    "WOODSTOCK - The Town Board on Tuesday (12-Mar-07) adopted a Zero Carbon initiative ...which aims to reduce the emission of carbons thought to contribute to global warming, includes increasing the fuel efficiency of town vehicles, conforming with the guidelines of the Energy Star and U.S. Green Building Council programs, increasing recycling and promoting the development of renewable energy resources."

    "RESOLUTION'S KEY ELEMENTS"

    "WOODSTOCK - Efforts to make the town a "carbon-neutral community" are outlined in a three-page resolution that would have municipal changes be used as an example for residents.?

    "Among the goals:"

    "* Conform with guidelines of the Energy Star and U.S. Green Building Council programs."

    "* Increase the average fuel efficiency of town vehicles, with an employee education program that would have "anti-idling messages."

    "* Improve pump efficiency in the town water and wastewater system, and recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production."

    "* Increase the amount of recycling done by the town and promote the practice in the community."

    "* Maintain a healthy forest through tree planting for increased shade."

    "The town already has taken steps to improve energy efficiency by subsidizing the creation of wind power installations, installing a 16.8-kilowatt photovoltaic solar panel array on the Town Hall, installing a geothermal heating-cooling system at the town highway garage and ending the use of propane fuel at the town wastewater treatment plant."


    Via:   Daily Freeman   Link 

    February 28, 2007

    Honda Offers Home Fueling for Natural Gas Civic




    Honda Phill - for home fuelingSo, you want a Natural Gas powered car, and you found one.  Honda sells the Civic GX at select dealers in NY and California. Honda Civic GX - Natural Gas Version

    Now about the lack of fueling stations for the average consumer ... There are approximately 16 in the NYC metro area and 200 in California.  Not enough for comfort?  Hmmm.  What to do?

    Honda's sells the Phill - a home fueling system that turns a home natural gas into the required "gas" for the Civic GX.  The Phill can be mounted in a garage and pressurizes the low pressure natural gas found at home to the require 3500 - 3600 psi needed for fueling.  Though slower than a "gas station" it allows flexibility for those far from a Natural Gas station.

    The Phill is safe and Honda Philleasy to use .... see pictures in this post above and below. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Via:  Honda     Link     and     EVWorld     Link