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July 17, 2010

Solar experience supports academic career path




Candidates for the new Dean of the Sciences college bring technical experience that includes focus on society’s challenges, including renewable energy from the sun.  …

…   “Fisher also works to improve solar cell efficiency, develop composite nanomaterials and explore environmental applications for plasma chemistry.

Her group has been a world leader in contributing new understanding of chemical mechanisms … ”   …

Via Washington State University: College of Sciences Search for New Dean.

July 09, 2010

Washington State University Battery Research




Washington State University logo

Research at Washington State University (Pullman, Washington) has developed a new compact battery with significantly greater power storage capacity.

" ... created a compact, never-before-seen material capable of storing vast amounts of energy.

" ... it is the most condensed form of energy storage outside of nuclear energy ... "

" ... is possible to store mechanical energy into the chemical energy of a material ..."

While not yet available for commercialization it could lead to a new class of compact powerful batteries.

 

 

Via:  Washington State University  LINK

May 03, 2010

Redmond green building trends




Redmond, Washington creates a set of indicators to track trends in the community.  Urban development trends are tracked through the volume of LEED rated buildings.  …

… “To qualify for LEED certification, a development must earn a certain number of credits, each linked to a green building practice.  Eight buildings were LEED certified in Redmond during 2009.”   …

Via City of Redmond, Washington: Community Indicators 2010 (PDF).

November 02, 2009

Teanaway Solar Economic Study




The Teanaway Solar Reserve will have a positive impact on county tax revenues and job creation during construction and then at a lower, but on-going, sustainable rate when it reaches steady state operations. ...
... "The application is currently being reviewed by the county. If approved, construction is planned to begin in 2010. The 75-megawatt reserve is the largest PV solar project ever proposed for the Northwest and if built on schedule, would be one of the largest operating in the world. " ...
Via Teanaway Solar Reserve: Results of Economic Study (PDF)


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July 12, 2009

Washington State Solar Reserve Project




Teanaway project is planned for a four hundred acre site near Cle Elum, Washington and will generate a significant amount of power from solar panels. ...
... "The Teanaway Solar Reserve is the largest photovoltaic solar project ever proposed for the Northwest. Once completed, it will be tied to the utility grid and generate up to 75 megawatts of clean, renewable energy ... " ...
Via Teanaway Solar: Reserve


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June 20, 2009

Vashon Island Washington Solar Initiative Time Lapse







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Continue reading "Vashon Island Washington Solar Initiative Time Lapse" »

May 21, 2009

U.S. Geothermal Energy Technology, Finance, and Development Workshop




Geothermal Energy Association logo

The U.S. Geothermal Energy Technology, Finance and Development Workshop will be held June 3rd, 2009 in Seattle, Washington.

Geothermal is becoming more popular as a renewable source of clean energy ... LINK

" ... U.S. Geothermal Energy Association is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses."

" ... GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles "

 

Via:  U.S. Geothermal Energy Association LINK

April 14, 2009

Green Catering in Seattle, Washington




Cameron Catering logo

Cameron Catering of Seattle Washington, is a green caterer ... just what is a green caterer - what sets them apart from your regular caterer ?

" ... We also believe that we need to protect the earth and the people who live on it. That is why we research our menus with an eye towards ethics and sustainability and treat our environment with respect. ... commits to: ...  Take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables from local producers ... Incorporate alternative energy vehicles into our delivery fleet ... Recycle everything possible ... Maintain partnerships with like-minded organizations "

" ... Cameron Catering offers a "zero waste" events.  ... an event where all the items on the table are 100% compostable.  ... able to find corn based products to replace all traditional plastic products.  ...  all food are compostable through our commercial composting service.  In 60 days, these items become nutrient rich soil.  ..."

Via:  Cameron Catering LINK

March 18, 2008

Microsofts Chief Environmental Strategist




Microsoft logoSeattlePi

Microsoft " ... created the new position of chief environmental strategist ... Rob Bernard, to fill it. Here's his mission, as described in an e-mail from a company spokesman:

"... to assess the company's environmental impact and opportunities at all levels, ... to minimize their impact on the environment, assuring responsible business practices that work to reduce the company's direct and indirect environmental impact, and working ... on global environmental issues."

 

Via:  SeattlePi.com   Link

December 07, 2007

Seattle Washington's Green Power Program




Seattle's Green Power Program

 

The citizens of Seattle, Washington have several green power options.  Seattle has a long history of grren power ... in 1905 they built their first hydroelectric plant.

green up!

  • "Buy green power for a portion of your electricity through City Light's Green Up Program"

    >>> This allows customers to pay an additional amount to get up to 100% of their power from renewable sources.


  • "Pay a little more on your bill to support renewable energy demonstrations, including local solar electricity projects, through City Light's Green Power Program".

    >>> This funds demonstrations of renewable energy methods not curently bieung used in Seattle.


Via:  www.Seattle.gov    Link

Via:  City Light Power  Link
 

September 28, 2007

BP Solar Committed to Solar Power




BP is committed to alternative power solutions.  In addition to manufacturng Solar panels they have partnered with several groups to make it easier to buy (with Home Depo).

>>>  Read on for more.

In 2005, "... expanded state-of-the-art facility in Frederick, Md. to more than double our production of solar panels. ... contains all of the elements of solar product manufacturing processes. These are vertically integrated to ensure the overall quality of the finished products. ... In fact, BP already is one of the world's largest producers of solar panels." 

See photo at right.

 

house with solar panels

"Residential customers in southern California can visit one of many of The Home Depot® centers and purchase a complete home solar system via the BP Solar Home Solution program. ... [also] available in New Jersey, California and New York."

" ... BP Solar has partnered with Sun Edison to create "SunE Solar Fund 1," a $60 million fund ... to support the installation of as many as 25 U.S. solar electric systems. The funds kickoff by installing BP Solar Energy Solutions systems at several Staples stores in California and New Jersey. When fully operational, these three systems will generate a total of 680 kWh of electricity."
 
"... the BP Solar Neighbors Program. ... Actor Edward Norton broached the idea of giving low-income families in Los Angeles access to solar power after he installed a BP Solar system in his own home. ... a community partnership between BP and the Enterprise Foundation called the BP Solar Neighbors Program. Also joining in this ground-breaking collaboration is the Environmental Media Association.
Every time an invited celebrity has a BP Solar system installed on his or her home, BP donates a system to a low-income family living in South Central L.A. More than 25 families have received the gift of clean solar power through this program to help lower their electricity bills."
 
Via:  BP.com            Link

July 07, 2007

Flexcar - The US' First Car Sharing Company




Flexccar

Here is another option to owning a car that you really do not need to use every day. 

"Flexcar ... [has] ... low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles ... conveniently parked near homes and workplaces.  Members use them when they need them, paying just a simple hourly rate ... It’s far less expensive than owning and operating a car, and much more convenient than renting. ..."

Flexcar locations .... Link  Flexcar

"Since 2000, more than 30,000 individuals and more than 400 businesses have become members. Study after study has shown ..."

  • "More than 80% report riding public transit as much or more than they did before joining"
  • "About 60% report selling and existing car or avoiding buying another car"
  • "The majority report driving fewer miles per year"

"Applying this data ... it is easy to see ... the impact of the Flexcar program is.

  • "Reduced Congestion: ... Flexcar has effectively taken more than 10,000 vehicles off the roads."
  • "More Open Space: Assuming that there are on average three parking spots needed per car (home, work, shopping area), ... Flexcar has removed the need for 30,000 parking spots. With each spot requiring three and a half tons of concrete, the need for 105,000 tons of concrete has been removed."
  • "Less Pollution: Assuming each car taken off the road averages 25 mpg, and the owner drove 12,000 miles per year (US average), Flexcar has removed 96 million pounds, or 144,000 tons of carbon from the air."

Via:  Flexcar.com   Link

March 03, 2007

Green Library in Seatte, Washington




Seattle Green Power

 Seattle's Ballard Library is GREEN.  Here's the details:

"The new 15,000 square foot library, ... key features ... including the gently arched roof, which is capped with green plants and solar "green" power."
Solar Panels onb Seattle's Ballard Library
"While the sod roof provides roof insulation and helps retain rainwater to slow stormwater flows, the solar modules act as a sponge for solar energy, helping to reduce the building's electricity requirements."

Some of the features that make THIS LIBRARY GREEN:

 

Via:  www.Seattle.Gov   Link