Electric Vehicles Zipping Around Chicago

Posted on March 23, 2012 by quest

Zipcar, Inc. the world’s leading car sharing network, today announced the launch of the company’s first large-scale electric vehicle (EV) pilot program in Chicago. Beginning today, five Chevrolet Volts are available to members by the hour, with up to 20 additional EVs to be added into the Chicago fleet during the course of 2012. The new Zipcar EVs will be placed in pods located throughout the city, including locations on the University of Illinois at Chicago campus, as well as in the Loop, South Loop, River North, Gold Coast, Streeterville, Lincoln Park, and Albany Park. Zipcar is working with a number of partners on this program, including 350Green, which is installing the EV charging stations where the Zipcar EVs will be located. Other partners include the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Tishman Speyer, LAZ Parking and Cityfront Place Apartments, all of which are providing locations for the Zipcar EVs and charging stations in commercial and residential buildings, private parking lots and along the CTA rail system.

The first EVs to join the Zipcar Chicago fleet are five Chevrolet Volts, which are now available at Cityfront Place Apartments 400 N. McClurg Ct. and 260 E. Chestnut St. in Streeterville, 210 N. Wells St. in the Loop, and in University Village at the University of Illinois-Chicago at 915 S. Paulina St. and 701 W. Maxwell St. These vehicles are available for reservation by Zipcar members starting from just $10 per hour. The Chevrolet Volt is a full-performance and full-speed electric vehicle with extended range, which can travel gas-free up to an EPA-estimated 35 miles, after which it shifts a gas generator which produces electricity to keep it going an additional 375 miles on a full tank of gas. Because many trips taken by Zipcar members are fewer than 35 miles, these trips taken in the Volts will be powered solely by electricity rather than fuel.

“We are looking forward to providing our Chicago Zipsters with increased opportunities to reduce their environmental impact and drive some of the most technologically-advanced vehicles on the road as we roll out this EV program over the coming months,” said Charles Stephens, general manager, Zipcar Chicago. “Freedom has always been a hallmark of the Zipcar experience, and now members can have the best of both worlds – the low carbon experience of an electric car with the back-up security of a gas engine – as we introduce the new Volts into our fleet this week.” Zipcar is working with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition to launch the EV program in support of the Chicago Climate Action Plan. Over the course of 2012, the City of Chicago is installing hundreds of electric vehicle charging stations for public use to help expand the EV infrastructure throughout the city. Along with this effort, the Zipcar EV program will help provide increased access to EVs and emission-free driving to car sharing members throughout the Chicago community.

Rosario Dawson On Fracking

$rosario dawson fracking 300x169 Electric Vehicles Zipping Around Chicago$ Solar Trees Powering New Las Vegas City Hall

Solar Energy Powering Viking River Cruises Longships

Posted on March 14, 2012 by quest

Viking River Cruises a leading world river cruise line, announced today that it has commissioned six more Viking Longships for delivery in 2013. The six vessels will be joining Viking Freya, Viking Idun, Viking Njord, Viking Odin, which will be christened on March 21, 2012, and Viking Embla and Viking Aegir, which will be delivered later in 2012.”The new orders reflect the great interest in Viking River Cruises and its revolutionary Longships,” said Viking’s Chairman Torstein Hagen.Viking Longships integrate patent-pending* design and cutting-edge technology with comfortable amenities that reflect guest preferences and current travel trends, to include; Sustainability upgrades, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines that reduce vibrations for a remarkably smooth ride.

Viking River Cruises, is a leading river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards as well as recognized as the World’s Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards and by the editors of Cruise Critic as “Best River Cruise Line” in the website’s 4th Annual Editors’ Picks Awards.

The Viking Longship series has been designed by celebrated maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten and Los Angeles based Rottet Studios. They are all being built at the Neptun Yard in Germany, part of the Meyer Neptun group.”At Viking, we are proud of our Norse heritage. The ancient Vikings were the ultimate explorers, and that tradition lives at Viking River Cruises today. For that reason, we have honored our new Viking Longships — and our beautifully refurbished Russian fleet — with names of celebrated Viking gods and heroes,” said Hagen. With the six additional vessels, Viking will have invested over $400 million in its fleet development program over three years.

Empire State Building greens up its energy

Green Empire State Building for Sale

Eagles Green Solar Leaders in American Sports

Posted on March 5, 2012 by quest

NRG and the Philadelphia Eagles today announced a new sustainable energy partnership to make the Eagles’ vision of clean power for Lincoln Financial Field a reality. When construction is completed late in December 2012 the Eagles’ home in Philadelphia will be among the greenest major sports facilities in the U.S. and in the world. NRG will design, build and operate a unique, integrated sustainable energy solution including solar panels and micro wind-turbines that together will provide annually about six times the power used during all Eagles home games. In addition, NRG will be the official supplier of grid power to Lincoln Financial Field and a major sponsor of the Eagles to go.

“The Eagles were pioneers in embracing sustainability when they launched their Go Green! campaign back in 2003, now we are pleased to be their partner in making on-site renewable energy the centerpiece of their commitment to a sustainable future,” said David Crane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Princeton, N.J.-based NRG. “The new clean energy facilities in and around Lincoln Financial Field will make it clear to all that renewable energy makes sense, economically, aesthetically and environmentally, for businesses and individuals in and around Philadelphia.”“The Philadelphia Eagles are proud to announce this new partnership with NRG, a respected leader in the energy field,” said Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie. “We believe that companies everywhere can find ways to Go Green with business practices that help the environment and the bottom line. Together with NRG, we’re eager to use this project at Lincoln Financial Field to continue our leadership role on environmental issues.”

Added Christina Weiss Lurie, “This is another example of our comprehensive, integrated approach to running the greenest business we can. Adding clean energy sources to our existing recycling and energy conservation efforts is the right way for the Eagles to go

NASA Finds Sea Ice Decline Driving Rise in Arctic Air Pollutants

SF Green Festival Is Lights! Camera! Action Steps!

Posted on February 1, 2012 by quest

Back for round two, The San Francisco Green Film Festival announced today their film program and special events line up for the Festival’s 2nd annual film fest, taking place March 1-7, 2012. SFGFF is the Bay Area’s only festival dedicated to films and new forms of media that explore green issues and sustainable living. This year’s films include local premieres of 40 films from around the globe, with 50 visiting filmmakers and guest speakers. The festival will also feature special events, parties, panels and educational programs, inviting festival attendees to get involved and take action with environmental causes important to them. This year’s festival will take place at the San Francisco Film Society Cinema, with additional events at the Superfrog Gallery, both located at 1746 Post St. “We are thrilled to be bringing some of the world’s most innovative and inspiring films about green issues and sustainable living back to the Bay Area for the 2nd Annual San Francisco Green Film Festival,” says Rachel Caplan, the Festival’s Founder and Director. “With thousands of attendees at our inaugural festival last year, we are excited to be able to have the opportunity to bring an even more provocative and compelling line up of programming, panels and parties to an even wider audience this year.”

It was President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives who electrified attendees at the United Nations climate Conference in Copenhagen. The Maldives President also a proponent of solar energy, is being featured in The Festival’s Opening Night Film Premiere of “The Island President.” It was the winner of the Audience Award at the 2011 Toronto Film Festival. Local filmmaker Jon Shenk’s latest critically acclaimed film is about President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives as he confronts a problem greater than any other world leader has faced – the literal survival of his country and everyone in it. Due to rising sea levels, his country could end up under water. The film follows the president’s journey as he fights to get the voice of his small nation heard within the global climate change debate. The film features fourteen songs by Radiohead as well songs from indie band Stars Of The Lid. Samuel Goldwyn Films will release the film theatrically in San Francisco at Landmark Theatres on April 6th. The film will be followed up with the opening night party featuring local organic food and drinks.

Each SFGFF screening includes compelling post-film programs where audiences engage in discussions with filmmakers and activists and meet sponsors and partners. This year SFGFF is launching “Lights! Camera! Action Steps!” linking festival attendees with leaders in local environmental causes to get involved. The program will provide attendees with take-away action steps, web resources, a video story booth at the venue, and group activities that promote tangible ways to stay involved in the issues of environmental justice presented in the festival’s films.The Closing Night film is a sneak preview of Emily James’s energetic “Just Do It: A Tale of Modern-Day Outlaws” which takes a fresh and animated look at illegal activism and civil disobedience through engaging characters fighting capitalism and trying to raise awareness about the environment…a nod for sure to the ongoing Occupy movement activities taking place throughout the world today. Closing night party will follow the film. The Closing Night film is a sneak preview of Emily James’s energetic “Just Do It: A Tale of Modern-Day Outlaws” which takes a fresh and animated look at illegal activism and civil disobedience through engaging characters fighting capitalism and trying to raise awareness about the environment…a nod for sure to the ongoing Occupy movement activities taking place throughout the world today. Closing night party will follow the film.

Energy is a Human Right Says Solar Electric

Yingi Solar Meets New Sustainability Footprint

Posted on January 19, 2012 by quest

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited one of the world’s leading vertically integrated photovoltaic product manufacturers, today announced that it has accomplished the carbon footprint lifecycle assessment of its multi-crystalline and mono-crystalline PV modules. The Assessment was conducted according to the international carbon footprint standard, a publicly available specification that provides a method for assessing the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of various goods and services. The Assessment was controlled and verified by TUV Rheinland Group, a leading global services provider in the testing of PV modules and components. Yingli Green Energy is the first company in the global PV sector to obtain Product Carbon Footprint Verification from TUV Rheinland. According to the Assessment, the carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacturing phase is significantly less than that will be reduced during the 25-year usage phase.

Ralf Scheller, CEO of TUV Rheinland Greater China said “We are pleased to have supported Yingli for the pioneer project in the global PV industry. We are also impressed by Yingli’s strong commitments to corporate social responsibility, carbon emission reduction, environmental protection and sustainable development. With our expertise in carbon management and energy efficiency, TUV Rheinland looks forward to continuously working with Yingli to contribute to the global climate change issue.”

“As a leading renewable energy company, Yingli Green Energy has long been committed to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility,” said Mr. Jingfeng Xiong, Vice President of Yingli Green Energy. “We have gained a comprehensive understanding of the lifecycle emissions of our products, and remain dedicated to ensuring a low energy pay-back period for our modules. As a result, we plan to launch more carbon-neutral products in the future, optimize our energy management systems and keep improving energy efficiency within our manufacturing facilities. With today’s Verification from TUV Rheinland, we are able to further support our customers and end users who care about carbon footprint reduction.”

Jessica Alba Launches Eco-Friendly Business

Ed Begley Jr. Shinning For Panasonic Solar 

Posted on January 10, 2012 by quest

Jim Doyle, President of Panasonic Eco Solutions North America has announced an exclusive brand license and endorsement agreement with noted environmentalist endorsement of Ed Begley Jr. for Panasonic HIT solar panels. “Mr. Begley is not only a well known actor but his view of helping the environment matches Panasonic’s mission to be the number one green innovation company in the electronics industry by 2018, the 100th anniversary of the company’s founding. Ed will be a recognizable and trusted voice to the customer about how they can help the environment by installing solar panels.”

“Environmental lifestyles have changed much over the past few years. Solar has become an alternative to people who want to do something sustainable in their lives as well as save money. Solar can help them do both with quality solar panels like Panasonic’s HIT, government incentives, and solar leasing,” said Mr. Begley. “This agreement will help me reach customers and educate the public on the benefits of going solar. It has always been my mission to help people make greener lifestyle choices, and consequently create a brighter, healthier future for all of us.”

HIT stands for “heterojunction with intrinsic thin-layer”, and the solar cells used are a hybrid with a unique structure comprised of a thin mono-crystalline silicon wafer surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. HIT solar modules are known for having one of the world’s highest conversion efficiencies and excellent temperature characteristics, allowing HIT modules to generate more power throughout the year, even during peak summer months, compared to other types of crystalline modules. The panels were originally developed by Sanyo Electric, which Panasonic Corporation acquired on April 1, 2011.