IKEA To Host Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Posted on July 16, 2011 by quest

IKEA, a leading home furnishings retailer, today announced a partnership with ECOtality, Inc., a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies, to host Blink electric vehicle charging stations at select IKEA stores in the Western United States. IKEA locations being considered for hosting the charging stations include 10 stores in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington. These sites will be evaluated for feasibility and installation needs; operational charging stations could be available as early as Fall 2011. This initiative represents the first project of its kind for IKEA.

“We are excited this partnership will make charging stations more accessible to the many people choosing to drive electric vehicles,” said Mike Ward, IKEA U.S. president. “Hosting charging stations at IKEA locations known for regional draws furthers our commitment to a smaller carbon footprint and technological opportunities that help protect the environment. This project is part of a global effort to promote the sustainable transport of people.”ECOtality is the project manager of The EV Project, a public-private partnership funded in part by a federal stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Energy made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to provide the necessary infrastructure to support the deployment of EVs. ECOtality is overseeing the installation of approximately 14,000 commercial and residential charging stations in 18 cities and major metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia. IKEA stores are in four of those states.

In addition to this sustainable project, IKEA U.S. has solar energy installations operational in eight locations – including a Denver-area store opening this year in Centennial, CO that also has a geothermal system – as well as solar projects underway at 12 other locations. IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and strives for its operations to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates all locations regularly for energy conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material (paper, wood, plastic, etc.); incorporating environmental measures into the construction of buildings in terms of energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water conserving restrooms; and operationally, phasing out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and facilitating recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs.

GREEN INVESTING

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

Solar Charges iPhones

Posted on January 10, 2011 by quest

GoSolar USA and Xiamen Solar Electronics have joined up to develop of the revolutionary Volt Solar Charger accessory for the Apple iPhone. Tyson Rohde CEO of GoSolar USA said, “I’m pleased to say that we’re developing a strong partnership with Xiamen Solar Electronics. “We feel that XSE is an ideal partner for GoSolarUSA because the Volt Solar Charger represents a true breakthrough in applying renewable solar energy to the world of consumer electronics. We are very impressed with the device’s worldwide sales potential. With Verizon Wireless, the largest mobile phone provider in the U.S., strongly rumored to be preparing to offer the iPhone to subscribers, we anticipate the growth of new Apple users to accelerate in the coming years.”

The Volt Solar Charger is an external battery pack that attaches to the iPhone and extends its battery life using a top-of-the-line, built-in solar panel. The Volt is capable of harvesting solar energy to charge all versions of the Apple iPhone with the same device. By capturing free, renewable solar power, the Voltrecharges the iPhone’s battery first before charging its own internal battery, nearly doubling the smartphone’s talk time. The Volt includes a larger battery than its competitors and is the only iPhone battery pack known to the company to include a reception corrector.

With so many iPhones in circulation, a battery pack such as the Volt has the potential to make solar energy a part of the daily lives of millions of North Americans. North America is the world’s largest market for Apple product accessories, and GoSolarUSA has been active in funding new accessory technologies for commercialization. In 2010, GoSolar USA inked a profit participation agreement with the PREE Corporation, developers of the PREEcharge accessory for the iPhone and iPad.

WORK RECYCLING

Green innovators connect to create electric vehicles

Posted on November 21, 2010 by quest

Green Vehicles a plug electric car innovator and battery industry leader Leyden Energy have created a new technology partnership at Green Vehicles’ new factory location in Salinas, CA. The company has also recently received a $2.05 million grant from the California Energy Commission. President and co-founder Mike Ryan said “Green Vehicles is innovating in a new category of automobile, clean commuter mobility. The Triac directly addresses the growing demand among daily drivers who want affordable transportation that is the most environmentally responsible available.” The company aims for zero waste in manufacturing and vehicle recycling — making the Triac truly green, not just on the road, but throughout its product life cycle.

Leyden Energy will co-locate its battery test equipment alongside the manufacturing operations at the 80,000 square-foot Green Vehicles factory. This integration into the production process improves whole-system quality assurance and reduces production time. “Leyden Energy lithium-ion battery technology innovator formerly known as Mobius Power, sees great potential in partnering with Green Vehicles to address the needs of environmental and cost-conscious commuters,” said Leyden Energy CEO Aakar Patel. “Our high energy-density, highly reliable battery technology is a perfect fit for efficient, lightweight automotive applications like the Triac.”

Green Vehicles was born out of necessity in 2007. The company’s founders wanted all-electric transportation options for their day-to-day needs, but no practical solutions then existed. Green Vehicles has been building and shipping vehicles based on lithium-ion battery technology since 2009.

RECYCLING WORKS

Solar powered Resort opens at the Roof of the World

Posted on November 21, 2010 by quest

Lhasa known as the“Place of the Gods” by ancient Tibetans is now home to a 150 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and 12 spacious villas and suites. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort is blending Tibet’s rich culture and exotic natural surroundings with sustainable features including solar panels, locally-sourced produce and herbs for the resort’s restaurants and an underground water recycling system. Guest accommodations feature beautiful residential interiors, custom-designed furniture and spacious marble bathrooms in addition to luxurious linens and amenities such as high-speed internet and plasma televisions in room. “Lhasa is one of the most intriguing and beautiful cities in the world,” said Magdy Anis, General Manager of The St. Regis Lhasa Resort. “We are honored to be opening Tibet’s first luxury resort, offering global St. Regis guests the opportunity to experience Tibet’s mysterious traditions and stunning beauty while enjoying St. Regis signature amenities and services.”

The resort boasts awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas and the Lhasa Valley. St. Regis will also premiere its new spa brand, the Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Lhasa Resort and an array of epicurean taste and experiences in a variety of culturally designed settings.The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will present the first wine bar in the region serving over 140 labels of wine, liquors and aged cigars. Also the first of its kind, the Tea Room will offer guests a relaxing afternoon with different blends of local and imported teas, and serving vintage teas aged from 10-25 years.

The first St. Regis was opened in New York City over a century ago is owned by Starwood Hotels a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences around the world.

DEEP TIBETAN MEDITATION MUSIC

ECO FRIENDS SHOP

Recycling organically

Posted on November 11, 2010 by quest

Organic

is one of those words that gets used so much you might just forget what it really means…. simple and healthful and close to nature, “an organic lifestyle.” And recycling? To use again in the original form or with minimal alteration: So that’s it! Core values on going green. Reusing what it close to nature with minimal alteration. Seems that’s what Recycling.com and OrganicAuthority.com are doing with a new partnership they’ve created. An online resource that provides a wide range of information while educating the public about the benefits of buying and choosing organic produce, meats, and products, while promoting sustainable living and an organic lifestyle. From Los Angeles