The Green Governor will be back

Posted on November 18, 2010 by quest

“We can’t afford to wait for national and international movement. Action is needed now, and action is what we’re taking with R20,” said Governor Schwarzenegger at the closing of the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3. “The role of subnational governments is more important than ever, and California has shown that state and regional governments can institute policies that will grow the green economy, create jobs and clean our environment. With this unprecedented level of cooperation and collaboration, R20 will continue this leadership around the world and will help influence national and international action.”

R20 is a global coalition committed to fast tracking the development of clean technologies, climate resilient projects and green investment, and influencing national and international policies. As a first-of-its-kind, the innovative subnational public-private alliance will work toward climate change solutions and building the global green economy. It is composed of subnational governments and private and nongovernment partners. Schwarzenegger has also just announced a new Clean Energy Job Training Program targeted at providing training for professional sales people. The training will teach the specifics of sustainability and energy efficiency. It will consist of 40 hours of immersion in those topics and graduates will be interviewed by electrical contractors and hired to sell sustainable energy projects.

As Arnold Schwarzenegger winds down his term as governor it’s his action on implementing California’s job creating climate change legislation; AB32 and his involvement in helping to defeat Prop 23 which will most define his accomplishments. Arnold seems passionate in his role as a green mover and shaker and it’s a pretty safe bet…he’ll be back!

EXPLORE BUILDING GREEN

PlanetSolar on world tour heading for Miami

Posted on November 6, 2010 by quest

After a four days stopover, the largest solar powered boat, PlanetSolar left Las Palmas. After its stay on the Canary Islands the solar catamaran continues its transatlantic crossing, setting course for Miami. The boat is expected in Miami by end of November / beginning of December. For the 1st solar boat expedition has commenced and the longest leg since the start in Monaco at the end of September. The goal of the PlanetSolar is to circumnavigate the globe driven exclusively by solar energy.

The current routing around the globe (subject to suitable weather and nautical conditions) foresees stopovers in Miami, Cancun, San Francisco, Sydney, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and returning to Monaco. The project PlanetSolar will inform the public about the importance of sustainability and
renewable energies. PlanetSolar has already made technological developments possible in many fields such as the production of composite materials and structures, and also the production and storage of solar energy (or electricity). Each stage in the project and each day that PlanetSolar sails will enable science to progress. At the heart of this project is the conservation of our planet by the promotion of solar energy, energy efficiency and eco-mobility. This is a great occasion to advance knowledge and to inform and make the general public aware of the importance of renewable energy

Planet Solar has an impressive group of supporters such as IMMOSOLAR, Candino Swiss Watch, SunPower and Jean Verne, Great-Grandson of the writer, Jules Verne who writes, ” In the spirit of the PlanetSolar project that calls upon scientists, technicians, industries, financiers and scholars who are working together on an “extraordinary voyage into known and unknown worlds,” I am writing these few words at the same time our society is asking the unthinkable question of its own survival. A special thanks to my Great-Grandfather Jules Verne who has given the PlanetSolar team the idea, the will, the audacity and who has inspired such an exciting, valuable project.”

The leading-edge solar catamaran (without flaps) boosts 31m in length, 16m in width, and approximately 540 square meters of solar panels as the solar generator. The specially developed energy storage should permit the boat to move for approximately 3 days and nights without sunlight. The MS
TÛRANOR PlanetSolar was designed by the extraordinary designer and constructor Craig Loomes and his company LOMOcean (New Zealand). It has been built by high-performance yacht builder Knierim, based in Kiel (Germany). The boat is navigating under Swiss flag.

PLANETSOLAR ON WORLD TOUR

VISIT THE SOLAR WALL

Singapore Airlines committed to environment

Posted on November 6, 2010 by quest

Singapore Airlines Cargo has signed a three-year agreement for Pratt & Whitney’s environmentally friendly EcoPower engine wash service. The washes will be performed by Eagle Services ASIA, a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and Singapore Airlines Engineering Company, for the airline’s PW4000-94″ engines powering its fleet of Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft.

Tan Kai Ping, President of Singapore Airlines Cargo said, “We are committed to continually improving our environmental performance.” “EcoPower engine wash will help us achieve this by reducing our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and fuel burn.”
“Pratt & Whitney is excited to provide Singapore Airlines Cargo with a quick and effective way to further advance its environmental performance,” said Andrew Tanner, vice president, Product Line Management, Pratt & Whitney.”EcoPower engine wash provides quantifiable environmental and economical benefits. This is demonstrated by the more than 15,200 washes performed on 54 different engine models.”

Singapore Airlines Cargo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines formed in 2001, is one of the world’s largest operators of B747-400 freighters. Singapore Airlines Cargo flies more than 600 flights a week throughout its network of over 70 cities in more than 30 countries around the world.

Pratt & Whitney’s patented EcoPower engine wash system reduces fuel burn by as much as 1.2 percent, eliminating approximately three pounds of carbon dioxide emissions for every pound of fuel saved, while also decreasing engine gas temperature thus increasing the amount of time an engine can stay on wing. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.

ENVIRONMENT

Solar power sustains winemaking operations

Posted on November 5, 2010 by quest

The Sonoma Wine Company and Cogenra Solar have entered into an energy power agreement to purchase the heat and electricity generated from the installation of a new 272-kilowatt (kW) installation, now supplying renewable heat and electricity to support the company’s winery operations. Under the company’s Heat and Power Purchase Agreement (HPPA) Cogenra will maintain ownership of the solar cogeneration modules, and Sonoma Wine Company will hedge against rising and volatile electric and gas prices throughout the 15-year contract.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Vinod Khosla of Khosla Ventures were among honored guests at a ceremony yesterday afternoon to flip the switch on the new solar power plant. Khosla Ventures is the lead investor in Cogenra and former British Prime Minister Blair was appointed as a senior environmental advisor to Khosla Ventures in May of this year. In his remarks Tony Blair said, “It’s up to companies that are both visionary and savvy, like Cogenra, to set us on the right path to decrease our use of fossil fuels and build a more sustainable future.”

The historic commissioning represents the first commercial-scale installation of its kind, combining proven photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies in one solar array in an important move toward more affordable and efficient utilization of solar energy.“In vetting renewable energy solutions for Graton, we found Cogenra was the perfect match — high impact without high cost,” stated Derek Benham, founder and owner of Sonoma Wine Company. “Their solar cogeneration offering serves our energy requirements for hot water and electricity, and Cogenra’s innovative financing solution provides all the benefits and savings of on-site generation without the capital costs.”

“This is a very significant milestone for Cogenra as we bring our first project online in California’s wine country and toast to a bright future with solar cogeneration,” Cogenra CEO Dr. Gilad Almogy said in his welcoming remarks. “Cogenra’s technology merges the best photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies to meet two valuable industrial needs, low cost heat and electricity. Our solution produces five times more energy and three times the greenhouse gas reductions over traditional solar offerings.”The solar cogeneration installation employs 15 individual Cogenra SunBase™ modules to displace approximately 64,000 kilowatt-hours and 12,500 therms of natural gas annually. The solar thermal element will heat water to 165°F to sustainably fuel Sonoma Wine Company’s wine tank wash and wine barrel washing system. Implementing the system will eliminate more than 120 metric tons per year of greenhouse gases, the equivalent of removing nearly 25 passenger cars from the road annually.

ECO FRIENDS SHOP

America fertile ground for organic food

Posted on November 3, 2010 by quest

As the solar and renewable energy industry continues its growth, the organic food market in the US has also been one of the fastest growing industries. According to RNCOS a leading market research and information firm: During 2000-2008, the average annual growth of the industry ranged between 16%-21%. In 2009, the industry successfully endured economic slowdown effects and posted positive year on year growth rate, which was well ahead of total food sales growth in 2009. With the government’s monetary and regulatory support and increasing acceptance of organic food in the country, the industry is expected to grow 13% during 2010-2014.

Increasing health awareness, environment protection, food safety, and animal welfare are fuelling the growth of the industry. The demand for organic products and natural produce is growing rapidly thus, making a niche market for the food and beverages industry. As the world’s largest economy the US provides a fertile environment for the organic food industry to grow and prosper. With California leading the organic food movement other states such as Wyoming, Texas, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and South Dakota have shown tremendous market potentials for investment. Not only in urban areas but in rural parts of the country as well, consumers are showing phenomenal interest in both organic farming and organic food consumption.

“US Organic Food Market Analysis” is a comprehensive report and objective analysis of organic food market potentials in the US. The report provides historical, current, and future projected market performance of all prominent segments including fruit & vegetables, beverages, dairy, packaged foods, bread & grains.

It also provides insight on emerging market trends along with regulatory initiatives, and industry outlook. Additionally, the report facilitates information/statistics on organic farm land infrastructure, consumer behavior analysis, supply chain mechanisms and an overview of prominent industry players.

ORGANIC FRUIT FARM

WHY URBAN FARMING

Environment and jobs the winners in California

Posted on November 3, 2010 by quest

by Wade Wade Crowfoot
Political Director, Environmental Defense Fund

I join millions of Californians in celebrating the defeat of the dirty energy ballot initiative, Proposition 23. While not quite as raucous as the World Series victory (Go Giants!), the defeat of two Texas oil companies was just as sweet. The result couldn’t be clearer: Californians overwhelming rejected Prop 23 and voted for a clean energy future.
By rejecting Prop 23, Californians voiced their support for economic expansion in the booming clean tech sector and improved air quality and public health. By supporting the implementation of the landmark AB 32 clean energy law, California will be able to pioneer a range of pollution reduction measures that spur cleaner energy technology. It’s a true win-win situation for a state with 12.5% unemployment and in which 91% of residents live in a county with substandard air quality.

AB 32 also helps ensure the United States can compete with China and the European Union, countries that are aggressively pursuing this booming market. In 2010, the market was $10 billion. By 2020, it will reach $80 billion, becoming the world’s third-largest industrial sector.
Darkest before Dawn – Earlier this year, climate deniers and a few bad actors in the oil industry from Texas took aim at