Irene Lane To Address Ecotourism Conference

Posted on June 29, 2011 by quest

Eco-entrepreneur, Irene Lane, is poised to speak at the 2011 Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference(ESTC) this September hosted by Hilton Head Island, South Carolina,. A native of Greece and founder of sustainable travel web hub, Greenloons.com, Lane will discuss the relationship between tourism and heritage preservation, presenting Alonissos, Greece as a model of how tourism can be leveraged to effectively raise awareness and contribute to wildlife restoration on a global scale.

Lane’s presentation will center on the Aegean island of Alonissos, whose endangered Mediterranean monk seals feed on fish local fishermen depended on to make a living. To halt the depletion of commercial fisheries and the resolve the issue of subsistence fisherman killing the monk seals out of economic necessity, the National Marine Park of Alonissos was created by government proclamation in 1992. The managers of the minimally funded national habitat then joined forces with the surrounding communities in the Northern Sporades islands to provide sustainable tourism planning and conservation education. The collaborative effort has succeeded in helping the people of Alonissos elevate their standard of living as well as protect one of the world’s most endangered species.

“The methods used successfully by the stakeholders in Alonissos can be replicated in other areas of the world also struggling between environmental responsibility and economic livelihood,” says Lane. “I look forward to discussing the Alonissos effort and its implications in more detail at the ESTC conference.” The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2011 will be bringing together 500+ business leaders, industry professionals and community stakeholders from September 19-21, 2011 at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

SUNNY DAY FOR SOLAR STOCKS

Top Artists To Perform For Solar and Renewable Energy In Japan

Posted on June 28, 2011 by quest

Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Jason Mraz, The Doobie Brothers, Tom Morello, John Hall, Kitaro, Jonathan Wilson, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and special guests are coming together for a special benefit event on Sunday, August 7, at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA. Proceeds from the concert will be distributed to Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) to support Japan disaster relief efforts, and organizations worldwide working to promote safe, alternative, non-nuclear energy. The presenting sponsor VantagePoint Capital Partners is the leading global investor in energy innovation and efficiency. The show will begin at 3 PM. Children 10 and under admitted free on the lawn with an adult ticket. Tickets are on sale at Livenation

“The disaster in Fukushima is not only a disaster for Japan. It is a global disaster. We come together now across cultural boundaries, political and generational boundaries, to call for changes in the way we use energy, and in the ways we conduct the search for solutions to the problems facing humanity,” says Jackson Browne. “We join with the people of Japan, and people everywhere who believe in a non-nuclear future.” “From solar power plants and next-generation wind turbines to energy-efficient LED lighting and electric vehicles, we see technology innovations solving our most important energy needs,” says Alan Salzman, Managing Partner of VantagePoint Capital Partners, a global leader in funding the transformative energy companies of the 21st century. “We join with the many artists involved in this concert to raise funds for the Japan disaster relief efforts and call for sensible and clean energy solutions.”

It was shortly after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered multiple meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan that the decision was made to coordinate a benefit. Shoreline Amphitheatre was chosen because of its close proximity to the Pacific Rim, Northern California’s history and deep association with Japan. “The MUSE concert will not only be a great show, it will hopefully entice the public to become better informed of the tremendous dangers of nuclear power,” says Graham Nash. “We have to keep real and true information flowing so that people can act on it.” “We’re so lucky to have been able to bring back some of the original MUSE team to collaborate with some new and younger artists for MUSE 2, so that we can immediately help with the Japan relief effort and raise funds and awareness for the no nukes issue,” says Bonnie Raitt. “I’m excited to be a part of this important and truly collaborative effort. It’s going to be a very special, one of a kind event.”

The concert stage will be powered by an integrated system of clean, alternative energy sources, using solar, biodiesel, and wind technologies. The energy-saving GRNLite LED lighting rig for the show has been donated by Bandit Lites, and Schubert Systems has donated the sound rig. In addition, Shoreline is the largest Green certified concert venue in the United States and is a founding member of the Green Music Group. One goal is that the concert will inspire musicians in other areas to organize shows that both employ and promote safe energy alternatives, and that raise funds for disaster relief efforts and for groups—local, regional, national, and international alike—advocating non-nuclear programs and initiatives.

ENERGY FROM THE WIND AND WAVES

Clinton Global Initiative Recognizes Standard Solar

Posted on June 27, 2011 by quest

Standard Solar, Inc., today announced it has been recognized by theClinton Global Initiative (CGI) as a featured example of a new domestic business venture that has succeeded at becoming a fast-growth solar service company. Standard Solar and its Founder Neville Williams are participating in the invitation-only CGI America on June 29-30 in Chicago. Standard Solar is one of six organizations highlighted by the CGI, which was founded by President Bill Clinton to solve world problems.“Solar energy is the world’s fastest growing business,” said Williams. “Last year the solar power industry grew 96 percent with $6 billion in PV installations. Nearly 4 gigawatts of solar power now feed the U.S. electric grid, from small home systems to multi-megawatt solar farms. Solar energy offers the biggest growth opportunities and the brightest prospect for jobs and economic prosperity in America today.”

“We are honored to be recognized by this prestigious organization for our commitment to bringing solar energy to thousands of residents and businesses,” said Tony Clifford, CEO, Standard Solar. “This recognition further establishes Standard Solar as a successful organization dedicated to helping solve global issues, one solar energy system at a time.”

Standard Solar has grown from two employees in 2006 to 81 today, with plans to hire another 20 to 25 workers by the end of the year. The company also supports employee efforts to bring solar power to economically distressed areas. Plans for this year include projects in distressed neighborhoods in Washington, DC and in developing countries including Haiti, Tanzania and South Africa.These achievements and others will be recognized at CGI America, the first CGI event dedicated completely to U.S. issues. CGI America will bring together more than 600 leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and all levels of government to develop and highlight ideas for spurring economic growth and creating jobs in the United States. CGI America is focused on seeking ways to unleash innovation, spur entrepreneurship, reshape core American industries, and build the infrastructure for a clean energy economy.

CLIMATE CHANGE: VIDEO BHUTAN

Infineon Raceway Goes Solar Cuts Energy Usage

Posted on June 26, 2011 by quest

Infineon Raceway, in partnership with Panasonic, has completed a major milestone in energy conservation with the successful installation of 1,652 solar panels at the famed Northern California raceway. The project, part of Infineon Raceway’s long-standing sustainability initiative, was unveiled to the racing world. The event offered members of the media the opportunity to examine the installation, meet key Infineon Raceway and Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company executives, and learn more about Panasonic’s plan to become the number one green innovation leader in the electronics industry by 2018 and Infineon’s goal of becoming one of the most energy-efficient raceways in the world.

The high-efficiency solar panels, manufactured by Panasonic’s Sanyo division, will cover 41-percent of the raceway’s energy usage. In a further move designed to reduce energy consumption, Panasonic has also provided the raceway with a low-energy LED video board, replacing the current installation on Highway 37. To emphasize the importance of energy conservation, Infineon Raceway had the solar panels installed so that they would be visible to the majority of fans attending events at the facility. Panels have been placed above the Turn 10 Sound Wall, the Main Grandstand, the administration office and the Raceway Cafe, as well as the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School building. Race fans will have an opportunity to see them during this weekend’s Toyota/Save Mart 350.

Separate from the energy savings achieved by the solar panel arrays, Panasonic’s new full-color, dual-sided LED video board will use less energy than the previous sign, which was powered by 7,000 traditional light bulbs. Easily visible from Highway 37, the new board measures 5.77’ high by 17.32’ wide, and uses 57,600 LEDs to create messages brighter than the older technology. Yet, it consumes just 50% of the energy of the board it replaces. As part of its commitment to achieving a sustainable future, Infineon Raceway has already introduced low/no carbon racing, boasts a comprehensive recycling program and even uses 3,000 sheep to trim the grass around the track and grounds. The photovoltaic cells in Panasonic’s solar panels are manufactured in the United States in Salem, Ore. The aggregate impact of the installed panels is generation of 353 kilowatts of power. It is estimated that the installation will save 34,000 barrels of oil over 30 years.

QUESTPOINT SOLAR ON YOUR MOBILE

Pythagoras Solar Window Wins GE ecomagination

Posted on June 24, 2011 by quest

Pythagoras Solar, provider of Photovoltaic Glass Unit (PVGU) technology, the industry’s first solar window to simultaneously deliver energy efficiency, high power density and transparency, has been selected as a winner of GE ecomagination Challenge, which recognizes the most promising building energy innovations. Winners were selected from nearly than 5,000 entrants based on originality, feasibility and potential impact. Pythagoras Solar’s window technology, an innovation for the real world, revolutionizes the design and construction of buildings, and answers market demand for aesthetically appealing architectural solutions that offer sustainability benefits and fast return on investment. With commercial installations underway, a growing project pipeline, and this prestigious award, Pythagoras Solar is well positioned for success in the global marketplace.

“After one year and $134 million committed to new partners, we delivered on our goal to scale and commercialize the best new ideas through open innovation,” said Beth Comstock, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, GE. “The power of networked ideas, collaboration and partnerships to accelerate innovation represents a gathering force whose impact will be a significant driver in the future of business.” “GE sets high standards and we are proud that our technology has been recognized as a distinctive solution, ready for the real world and set to enable a market shift towards net zero energy buildings,” said Udi Paret, VP Marketing and Business Development, Pythagoras Solar. “This award, along with its $100,000 prize, validates our proposition and supplements the increased interest we are seeing from successful pilots, first commercial projects and growing product demand.”

The Challenge, a collaboration of venture capital firms RockPort Capital, KPCB, Foundation Capital, and Emerald Technology Ventures is part of GE’s ecomagination initiative, a global commitment to build innovative clean energy technologies. The other innovation award winners include PlottWatt, Suntulit, Viridity and Xergy.

GROW ORGANIC

Pilot Flies Landmark Biofuel 747 To Paris Airshow

Posted on June 21, 2011 by quest

By Kerry Reals: One of the pilots who flew the biofuel-powered Boeing 747-8 Freighter from Seattle to Le Bourget has described the landmark flight as uneventful, with nothing out of the ordinary to report.

Speaking to Flightglobal on board the aircraft, Captain Rick Braun said the fact that all four General Electric GEnx-2B engines were powered by a blend of 15% camelina-based biofuel and 85% kerosene had “no impact at all” on operations. The aircraft consumed the same amount of fuel as it would have done on the same flight using 100% kerosene, and the refuelling process took the same amount of time.

Boeing director of sustainable aviation fuels Darrin Morgan is hoping the “wow factor” of the flight – the first across the Atlantic of a large commercial jetliner with all four engines powered by sustainable jet fuel – will now be “replaced by the wow factor of airline customers starting revenue services [using biofuel blends].”Boeing could have used up to a 50/50 blend of camelina-based fuel and kerosene for the flight, but chose to use just 15% biofuel because “most airline customers won’t use higher blends than this at first”, said Morgan. The airframer chose to use camelina for the flight over other feedstocks simply because it “happened to be available, but there will be many options”, he added. “Going forward, we will use different blends. This is the next step.”

Camelina is a rotational crop, which in this case was grown in Montana. The goal is for each region to use locally available feedstocks.