A new day for waves of energyQuestPoint

SYDNEY: If just 10% of the near-shore wave energy available along Australia’s Southern coastline could be converted into electricity, half of the country’s current electricity consumption would be met, say CSIRO scientists.
Committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% of year 2000 levels by 2050, the Australian Government aims to produce 45,000 gigawatt-hours/year of additional renewable energy before 2020.
“This total energy quota could be achieved using wave energy alone,” said lead author Mark Hemer of the CSIRO Wealth from Oceans Flagship, Melbourne, “if 10% of the available wave energy resource over a 1,000km section of the Southern Australian margin were converted to electricity.”
Australia lags behind in encouraging wave energy
The World Energy Council identified Australia’s southern margin as one of the world’s most promising sites for wave-energy generation, but governmental policies are still relatively underdeveloped.
“Several countries, particularly in Europe, have much more advanced policies to support uptake of the wave energy industry. This research shows that Australia’s wave energy resource is considerably larger than these other countries which are actively encouraging the industry,” said Hemer.
“As an example, the UK’s wave energy resource has been estimated to be about 50 TWh/yr. This study has shown that Australia’s southern has a sustained wave energy resource of 1329 TWh/yr.”Finding Australia’s best wave energy locations read on

STING – A BRAND NEW DAY

Vestas moving HQ to Historic Portland Building

Vestas, the world’s leader in producing high-tech wind power systems, announced today it will move its North American sales and service headquarters into the historic Meier & Frank Depot Building at 1417 NW Everett St. in Portland’s Pearl District.

Gerding Edlen Development, Inc., will transform the sturdy structure, vacant since 2001, into one of Portland’s newest and distinctive buildings. Construction is expected to begin in October 2010. Vestas plans to occupy the space in early 2012. The building will be designed with the intent to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. There are only 15 buildings in Portland designated as LEED Platinum, the highest rating given by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Gerding Edlen, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is one of the nation’s largest developers of LEED certified properties having developed more than 40 LEED projects since the inception of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Built in 1928, the Meier & Frank Depot Building will undergo a complete historic renovation. When redeveloped, the building will be 172,000 square feet that will include a 22,000 square-foot addition on the fifth floor complete with an ecoroof terrace and gardens. Additionally, the building will have what is believed to be the largest roof-mounted solar energy array in Portland’s central business district. The total project cost for the developer is estimated at $66 million.

“We are making a long-term commitment to Portland,” said Martha Wyrsch, president of Vestas-American Wind Technology, Inc. “As a company devoted to wind power, it makes sense for us to be part of a community that so strongly supports clean energy.”

Working with its development team, Vestas will maintain the integrity of the building’s historic façade. Construction plans call for: contiguous, open work space on five floors; a central auditorium to accommodate up to 250 people; a cafeteria; locker facilities; ample parking; and bicycle storage.

“I am so pleased that Vestas is making a long-term commitment to grow their business here in Portland,” said Mayor Sam Adams. “Today’s announcement shows the success of working strategically to grow quality jobs by building on our competitive advantage as a leader in clean technology and sustainable industries. Moreover, our joint efforts mean that local architects, construction workers and engineers will get to work now converting a Portland landmark into one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the United States.”

Vestas, which employs nearly 400 people in Portland, has occupied its primary building at 1881 SW Naito Parkway since 2004. It also houses employees in two other buildings nearby and another, an IT center, on SW Washington Street. Employees in these four buildings will move to the new headquarters. Vestas also employs 14 people at its training facility near Portland International Airport. These employees will remain in their current location.“We are intent on growing,” Wyrsch said. “Our new headquarters gives us the flexibility to accommodate up to 600 employees.”

The Museum at FIT presents Eco-Fashion: Going Green

Read about Eco-Fashion: Going Green

Fashion & Textile History Gallery – Until – November 13, 2010

The Museum at FIT presents Eco-Fashion: Going Green, an exhibition exploring the evolution of the fashion industry’s multifaceted and complex relationship with the environment. By examining the past two centuries of fashion’s good—and bad—environmental and ethical practices, Eco-Fashion: Going Green provides historical context for today’s eco-fashion movement.

GREEN FOR ALL – PROTECT THE 360 – JOIN

CHICAGO – Green For All – in partnership with the Dew Tour – announced the launch of Protect the 360°, a campaign to engage and activate the action-sports community in efforts to curb climate change. The initiative is a direct response to fans’ concerns over global warming and its impact on outdoor sports.

“Climate change is real,” said Dave Mirra, BMX legend. “It affects everything from snow quality to quality of life. But doing little things – like turning off your lights or riding your bike instead of driving – can add up to make a difference. I am doing my part and I hope fans will join me in doing theirs to protect the 360°.”

The Protect the 360° campaign includes an interactive website that provides simple, useful information about how people can make their lives greener.

“Green For All works to educate new audiences about the benefits of going green,” said Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO of Green For All. “2010 is the hottest year on record and we all have a part to play in curbing climate change.”