AAA On Driving Eco Friendly EV’s And Hybrids

Posted on May 13, 2012 by quest

Ok if Paula Patton Co star from the most recent Mission Impossible film was wiling to take a test drive with you in BMW’s new Concept Car even more EV’s would sell. But, are you hoping to decrease your carbon footprint and live a greener life? What and how you drive is a large part of your daily carbon footprint. Electric engines, several hybrid options and even traditional internal combustion engines have become more efficient and emit fewer greenhouse gasses. Even if you’re not in the market for a new car, AAA has tips to help you get the best efficiency and minimize greenhouse gasses no matter what you drive. “There has been an influx of ‘green’ technologies by automakers into the market, which is great for consumers seeking a more environmentally-conscious choice for their next vehicle purchase,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair.

2012 has been an exciting year for full-electric vehicles (EV). These vehicles do not use gasoline and rely solely on battery power. With the average cost for a kilowatt hour of electric energy at approximately 12 cents, to fully charge an EV with a 24KWh battery pack would cost around $2.88. That works out to between 3.0 cents and 4.4 cents per mile for fuel. Making EV’s even more appealing and green; there is no need for oil changes, ignition system maintenance, fuel system service or exhaust pipe and muffler replacements.

In addition to full electric cars there is also the option of Gasoline-Electric Hybrids, Compressed Natural Gas/Diesel Vehicles, and More Efficient Gasoline Vehicles. But fuel economy can be realized in plug-in hybrid powertrains. These vehicles use a rechargeable battery pack that allows the car to travel up to 35 miles before the onboard gasoline engine starts. In some cars, this engine will provide power to the drive wheels. In other models this engine powers a generator that delivers power to the motor driving the vehicle while also recharging the batteries. Unlike fully electric vehicles, a plug-in hybrid is limited only by the range of its gas tank. The Toyota Prius PHEV and 2013 Ford Fusion are great examples of plug-ins in the marketplace today.

Sexy Celebrity Environmentalists Making A Difference

Posted on May 12, 2012 by quest

Sure, celebrities are known for making a lot of green, but few have gained recognition for going green. In celebration of Earth Day 2012, Recently Rodale a source for news and ideas for healthy living on a healthy planet assembled an inaugural list of the “Top 50 Sexiest Environmentalists.” A definitive ranking of actors, adventurers, athletes and influencers, the list rounds up those that are using their star power to make meaningful contributions to environmental causes or dedicate significant time to supporting related nonprofits or organizations.

Of course there are list and then there are list Leo Dicaprio, Natalie Portman and Woody Harrelson have been on a green journey for some time now. And given the reality of what’s gong on with solar energy and the environment the list of celebrities more people greening up is likely to grow. On the list is heart throb Lenny Kravitz and Alexandra Cousteau: The granddaughter of the famous explorer Jacques Cousteau who founded Blue Legacy, a nonprofit that inspires people to take action on critical water problems.

From careers that depend on the conservation of the environment, like those of Olympic snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler and pro-surfer Rob Machado, to lifestyle changes inspired by having a family, like Jessica Alba and Alicia Silverstone’s adoption of healthier consumer practices. Today New York City born actress Rosario Dawson launched National Train day on behalf of Amtrak.

Lenny Kravitz & Ellen DeGeneres

Electric Vehicle World Visionary Award Goes To LA

Solar Powered Light Little Sun Launched

Posted on May 11, 2012 by quest

Little Sun, a small solar-powered light, was launched today at the World Economic Forum in Addis Ababa as part of the WEF’s focus on how art can contribute to changing the world.Leading artist Olafur Eliasson, working with engineer Frederik Ottesen, has been developing Little Sun – a work of art that works in life – over the last two years. Olafur Eliasson said: “Little Sun is a small work of art with a large reach. It brings the different strands of my work together in a new, meaningful context. One part of the artwork is the lamp itself and the activities enabled by its light; the other is the successful integration of Little Sun into off-grid communities – its journey from production to usage.”

Little Sun provides a practical, affordable, and safe source of artificial light to some of the 1.6 billion people worldwide who live without access to mains electricity. Little Sun makes light for living, learning, and earning. Little Sun creates business opportunities in off-grid regions that generate profits for everyone involved, in all stages of production, distribution, retail, and use.The light’s durable, versatile sun-like design utilises a 6 x 6 cm mono-crystalline solar module. When charged for four hours in the sunlight, Little Sun will yield five hours of bright LED illumination.

The Little Sun project will be presented at Tate Modern, London, this summer in a specially created display as part of the London 2012 Festival, the cultural programme that accompanies the London 2012 Olympic Games. Details will be announced shortly. A photo exhibition by leading Ethiopian artists about Little Sun solutions to energy poverty will be presented during the Forum: Tehras Berhe, Mihret Kebede, Desta Madere, Merklit Mersha, Michael Tsegaye, and Helen Zeru.

PlanetSolar Returns To Monaco Sails Into History

Yingli Solar To Power Rio’s Maracana Stadium

Posted on May 9, 2012 by quest

“Yingli Solar,”today announced its partnership with Light ESCO, EDF Consultoria, and the State of Rio de Janeiro to bring solar power to Brazil’s highest-profile football stadium, Estadio do Maracana. As the majority owner and project developer, Light ESCO is joining forces with EDF on the installation and construction, and will be supplying the energy produced to the State of Rio de Janeiro. “Sustainability is one of the key tenants in our vision for the 2014 FIFA World Cup,” said Federico Addiechi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at FIFA. “We hope this landmark project will be the catalyst to spur other football stadiums that may install solar PV systems across Brazil, serving to increase the production and use of renewable power in the country.”

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to supply the most recognizable stadium in Brazil, and to work with two of the preeminent leaders of electricity generation and solar power in the country,” said Mr. Liangsheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy. “Brazil is an important emerging market for Yingli, and we will continue to grow our presence here as the country’s solar energy potential blossoms.”Owned by the State Government, the stadium was opened in 1950 to host the 1950 FIFA World Cup™ and was the world’s largest stadium by capacity at the time. Currently seating 82,238 spectators, the arena will be the host facility for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ final game. Under today’s agreement, over 1,500 YGE 245 Series modules will be placed on a metal ring that will encircle the top of the stadium.

“As the global renewable energy sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Yingli is committed to helping Brazil and FIFA make it the greenest FIFA World Cup in history,” said Robert Petrina, Managing Director of Yingli Green Energy Americas, Inc. “We are pleased to be able to partner on such a historical project, and to provide a roadmap for other stadiums as we join together to leave a lasting, sustainable legacy in Brazil.”

Angelenos Looking Up To Rooftop Solar Power

Solar Window Developer Sees Through

Posted on May 8, 2012 by quest

New Energy Technologies, Inc., a developer of SolarWindow, capable of generating electricity on see-through glass, today announced plans to introduce the Company’s novel electricity-generating technologies to commercial interests and industry participants with the appointment of its Vice President of Business & Technology Development, Mr. J. Patrick Thompson. Mr. Thompson is an accomplished industry executive and glass manufacturing-process engineer who brings particular expertise in solar, plastics and film, glass, and solar-glass segments – all important areas of commercial interest and technology development for New Energy’s SolarWindow™.“The ability to generate electricity on glass windows while remaining see-through is a truly disruptive industry breakthrough which could stand to change the way in which we power our homes, offices, and commercial businesses,” explained Mr. J. Patrick Thompson, the Company’s newly-appointed VP, Business and Technology Development. “I’m excited to be part of advancing New Energy’s SolarWindow™ towards commercialization and very much look forward to helping introduce our technology to industry and commercial interests.”

“Patrick has a proven track record with Fortune 100 companies in industry segments most important to the future development and eventual commercial launch of our novel technologies,” explained Mr. John A. Conklin, President and CEO of New Energy Technologies, Inc. “In the past few months, while serving on our Board of Advisors, Patrick’s advice and counsel have been invaluable. I’m proud to now welcome Patrick to our management team during this very exciting time, especially in light of the important development progress we’ve made with SolarWindow in recent months.”

Recently, the Company has achieved significant milestones in the development of its novel, SolarWindow™ technology, capable of generating electricity on see-through glass. Notably, in March, 2012 New Energy Technologies, Inc. and the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory announced the development of ‘invisible wires’ for transporting electricity on SolarWindow™. Weeks earlier, New Energy and the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory fabricated the institute’s largest-ever organic photovoltaic device. Previously, Company researchers successfully fabricated its latest working SolarWindow™ prototype using a faster, rapid scale-up process for applying solution-based coatings which generate electricity on glass.

Urban Farmers Growing Cities

Top Green Building Opening in Pittsburgh

Posted on May 7, 2012 by quest

Opening on May 23, 2012 at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the new 24,350-square-foot Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL) will emerge as one of the greenest buildings on Earth. Seeking to achieve or exceed the world’s highest sustainable standards, including the Living Building Challenge, LEED Platinum and Sustainable Sites Initiative certification for landscapes, it will also be the largest operational structure pursuing living building status in the U.S. when it opens.

Constructed with local talent and mostly U.S.-made materials, the CSL—home base for environmental education and research—aims to achieve net-zero energy consumption with solar photovoltaics, geothermal wells and a vertical axis wind turbine, as well as passive cooling, heating and lighting methods. It will also save resources by treating and reusing all water captured on site. Additionally, the CSL will interact with its environs as a vital part of daily operation, blurring the lines between the natural and built environments. And, as a global SITES™ pilot project, it will feature a restorative landscape with native plants and a demonstration green roof garden. Other site features include a lagoon, water distillation system, rain gardens, and constructed wetlands.

“Designed and built by Pittsburghers and Pennsylvanians as an innovation for the world, the CSL will serve as a model for how we can all work together with nature to make our communities healthier, safer and more supportive of life,” says Phipps’ Executive Director Richard V. Piacentini. “It will also give visitors the opportunity to see just how beautiful and practical green can be.” A leader in green building and operations, Phipps has also constructed the first LEED visitor center in a public garden—complete with a 3-star Green Restaurant Certified® cafe—and the world’s most energy-efficient tropical forest conservatory when it opened in 2006.