Geological Society goes solar

Posted on November 4, 2010 by quest

The Geological Society of America(GSA) recently celebrated the completion of a 65 kW solar energy system atop its Boulder, CO headquarters. Through it’s more than 22,000 members from academia, government, and industry in more than 97 countries the GSA encourages cooperative research among earth, life, planetary, and social scientists. The new array currently provides 35 percent of the annual electric consumption for the building, avoiding the emission of over 160,000 lbs of carbon dioxide each year. By January 2011 the building will use 100% solar and wind renewable energy for it’s source of electrical power.

“It is very exciting to work with the GSA,” said Andrew McKenna, COO of Bella Energy the company that installed the solar power system. “My family has had a close connection to the organization for many years, as my father was a long-standing member. It is great to see that Bella Energy can help the GSA save money on electrical costs, and continue its environmental leadership efforts.” GSA Executive Director Jack Hess said “We are grateful for the availability of local funding from Xcel Energy and the City of Boulder to make this first of many investments in renewable energy possible for GSA. The Society is committed to demonstrating environmental leadership and we want other commercial and nonprofit entities to know that this funding exists.”

The Geological Society of America was founded in 1888. Through its meetings, publications, and programs, GSA enhances the professional growth of its members and promotes the geosciences in the service of humankind.

EVENTS

Solar in Vegas Baby

Posted on October 31, 2010 by quest

Nevada Senator Harry Reid in a tight race himself against Sharron Angle had time to breakground for a new solar manufacturing plant in Nevada. The groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and attended by dignitaries including U.S. Representative Shelley Berkley, Nevada State Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, and City of North Las Vegas Mayor Shari L. Buck. The clean energy company Amonixreceived a competitive Recovery Act tax credit of $5.8 million to open the 214,000 square foot facility where concentrating photovoltaic cells (CPV) will be manufactured. The project will create Approximately 300 new jobs in the city of North Las Vegas. Amonix designs and manufactures concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems used in sunny and dry climates.

In remarks Senator Reid said “But I know just recovering won’t satisfy Nevada. We want to prosper. We want to lead. We want to be the envy of the world.“That’s why we’re not just creating jobs. We’re creating green jobs. Jobs that can never be outsourced. Jobs that will make Nevada the leader in producing and exporting renewable energy. There is simply nowhere better in the world to generate solar energy than right here in Nevada.

Now we have to turn that energy into jobs.“That’s why I made sure the Recovery Act included almost $6 million in tax credits to help Amonix open this facility. Our investment has helped bring in much more private capital to make this possible. That’s exactly how the stimulus was supposed to work. So the next time you hear someone say the Recovery Act isn’t working, tell them to come here. They should talk to the nearly 300 Nevadans who will be working here every day.   “By next summer, hundreds of Nevadans will be making solar modules right here in this building and even this manufacturing facility is green. Amonix received a $5.8 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act competitive manufacturing tax credit, legislation Senator Reid and Congresswoman Berkley championed, to open the new facility. The company said that it has begun hiring area residents to fill management, technical and production jobs, and that 135 local construction workers will build out the facility over the next few months.

DRIVE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

A GREEN RENAISSANCE Community News & Views

Posted on October 30, 2010 by quest

QuestPoint Solar Solutions continues to expand it services to those who have an interest in the green movement.Today QuestPoint is providing a new platform for readers to share their news and views on the multi faceted green economy. Just what is the green economy? Environmental Strategist and author Andrew Winston suggest, “A new green economy

is just that – a whole new economy, with job openings at all skill levels, from truck drivers to inventors of new battery chemistry. The solar or wind installer is just the tip of a very large iceberg that’s coming our way.” The days of citizen journalism are upon us. The “Cultural Creatives” as LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) describes them are a growing segment of our population whose impact is not just philosophical and environmental, but their influence is now being felt through all aspects of society.”

The interactive nature of the internet and the tools that it offers changes the dynamic of news and information as we used to know it. Thus the ease at which one can respond to information broadens the opportunity for more voices to be heard. Through its’ expanding information sections QuestPoint Solar Solutions continues to move forward on its intended purpose: to provide a constant and diverse flow of news, information, commentary, and knowledge in the solar, renewable energy and green economy. With all the tech talk about solar, climate change, smart grids and going green QuestPoint makes it easier to understand what the green movement is all about.

We invite interesting and meaningful insight as we move toward a greener sustainable world. Ata Green Renaissance – News & Viewsyou can contribute stories, commentary about events happening throughout the green movement. We are a local and global community, a place to share your news & stories about people & green events near you. You can also listen to A Green Renaisaance podcast updates at:

QUESTPOINT N THE MIX

The Power of India

Posted on October 29, 2010 by quest

A new report called “Indian Power Sector Analysis”, indicates there is a huge demand for power in some Indian states due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. Electricity is vital for economic development of a country. The Indian electricity market today offers one of the highest growth potential for private players. Government reforms will be the key factor driving the power sector. Reforms such as The Electricity Act and National Electricity Policy will give impetus to the Indian power sector.

The report conducted by RNCOS a leading market research firm also revealed that alternative energy sources such as nuclear, wind and solar will fulfill a large chunk of India’s energy needs in the coming years. Many states are formulating exclusive policies for renewable energies in order to promote and develop these energy sources. RNCOS E-Services’ report focuses on the growing power sector in India. It thoroughly investigates the current market trends, evolving markets and growth prospects for the power industry. It will help interested parties to analyze the driving forces and leading-edge opportunities critical to the success of the power industry.

Based on the study of the Indian power sector, the report discovered that the total installed capacity will add around 45000 MW by 2013-14. However, demand is much higher than supply with a deficit projected to be more than 12% during 2010-11. The report also found that renewable energy creates huge opportunities for power generators as the commitment to generate clean energy and environmental obligations have become top priority for most of the nations around the world. However, coal based power will remain the dominant source for energy in India.

JAMES CAMERON ON PROP 23

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Yo New York City greens up and so does Yo Valley

Posted on October 28, 2010 by quest

Let’s give it up for green city New York, New York. Just a few days ago Mayor Bloomberg and other city officials broke ground on a new municipal recycling facility in Sunset Park that will process all of the city’s metal, glass and plastic recyclables. The opening represents another step for New York in going green. The Sims Municipal Recycling Facility on the Brooklyn waterfront will minimize the distance that collection trucks travel between pick-up sites and receiving centers and allow Sims to expand its barge and rail-based transport systems which will eliminate over 260,000 vehicle miles traveled annually from New York City roadways. The project will create 100 new jobs when the facility is opened, which is expected in December 2011; with 11,000 more to follow over the next 10 years.

“This state-of-the-art facility is another great example of repurposing our Brooklyn waterfront. And we’re not just talking trash here – this facility will promote recycling, take garbage-hauling trucks off our already overburdened streets and highways, and create jobs as well,” said Borough President Markowitz. “It’s a win-win for everybody, and proves yet again why, when it comes to recycling, Brooklyn and New York City make everyone else ‘green’ with envy.”

Selldorf Architects of the project designer created the facility to be sustainable. It includes green roofs, renewable solar and wind energy production, on-site stormwater treatment, and landscaping that serves to offset heat and provide a pleasing visual aesthetic for the surrounding community. The project will revitalize Brooklyn’s waterfront industrial space, improve pedestrian access to the waterfront by adding 22 acres of new open space, and reduce truck traffic throughout the region by 70,000 truck trips annually. An onsite Visitor Education Center will welcome school groups and visitors who can learn about recycling. It will operate 24 hours a day, six days a week.

YO VALLEY

Like the green movement we know that rap music has spread around the world. French, Chinese and rappers from India all have some swag and lay it down for real. But Yo Valley (Yeo Valley)…who knew, organic farmers rapping from England? I guess it was time for the song “Ole MacDonald had a Farm” to get a makeover…E i… E i… O !

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Mayor Reed sets new sustainable vision for Atlanta

Posted on October 26, 2010 by quest

With the start of Atlanta’s Sustainability Week, now through October 29, 2010 Mayor Kasim Reed set out a new goal for Atlanta to be a top 10 US Sustainable City. The release of Mayor Reed and the City of Atlanta’s Sustainability Plan is the first event of the city’s first Sustainability Week, which runs Oct. 25-29. Each day of the week includes daily activities and programs highlighting different focus areas of the plan, such as water quality and conservation, energy efficiency, jobs growth, local foods, and electric vehicles.

By implementing the plan the City of Atlanta will reduce toxic emissions by 25 percent and reduce energy use for existing municipal operations 15 percent both by 2020. Renewable energy will represent five percent of total municipal use by 2015.
Additionally the plan will bring local food within 10 minutes of 75 percent of all residents by 2020. “Being a more sustainable city not only protects and preserves the environment, it makes economic sense for the city,” said Mandy Mahoney, Atlanta’s first Director of Sustainability. “It helps drive financial savings and efficiency and creates jobs.” The City of Atlanta’s Office of Sustainability already has established a strong track record of success. One of Atlanta’s first wins in sustainability was to become the first city in Georgia to determine its municipal carbon footprint, which occurred in 2008. By 2010, Atlanta reduced its footprint by 12.5 percent.

“I believe the City of Atlanta should be a leading example of how a major urban municipality can take greater responsibility for efficient energy and water use, the conservation of green space, and the promotion of a healthier, cleaner and greener environment,” Mayor Reed said. “It is vital we take concrete, measurable actions around sustainability now to protect the future of our city.”