Thinking Energy

News

November 21, 2008

November 20, 2008

  • Canada wants North American-wide emission trading
    Canada would work to develop a North American-wide emission trading system to limit emissions of greenhouse gases. "We will work with the provincial governments and our partners to develop and implement a North American-wide cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases," the government said, according to Reuters. Environment Minister Jim Prentice told reporters that Canada's policy in part reflected Obama's election. Canada walked away from the Kyoto protocol on climate change in 2006, and has until now focused on cutting the intensity of emissions rather than imposing outright curbs. - 1 day
    source: (Energy & Enviro Finland News)
  • LEED Platinum Home Breaks Records

    Gottfried Home - LEED Platinum

    We've seen a ton of LEED Platinum homes on this site, but today's home achieves something new.  USGBC founder David Gottfried and his family recently finished the green renovation of their 1440 square foot Craftsman bungalow, a home that was originally built in 1915, and took it through the LEED for Homes certification process.  In doing so, they received a total of 106.5 points (out of a total 136) and the noteworthy accomplishment of being the highest-scoring green home renovation since LEED-H launched earlier this year.  The Platinum home is designed to be net-zero energy and utilizes technology such as solar photovoltaics and a solar- and hydronic-powered water heating system. 

    The Gottfried Home captures rainwater for use in toilets and recycles graywater to maintain the landscaping.  You'll notice from the images, also, that David installed a Lifepod in the backyard -- a 120 sf steel building with 50% fly ash floors.  When it comes time to go to work, he skips the commute and walks into the backyard, easily getting down to business in the comfort of a work space topped out with solar panels.   

    Beyond the green features and record-breaking certification, however, there's a more important lesson on display.  This home is an unassuming, renovated, 1440 square foot space healthily housing a four-person family.  It's so refreshing!  With the burgeoning belt of American life pushing the average size of American homes to ~2500 square feet, the Gottfried Home represents true leadership from a seasoned green building leader and his family. 

    Gottfried Home

    Lifepod Solar Power

    Image credits: David & Sara Gottfried.

    Other LEED Platinum Homes:
    = LEED Platinum Home of the Future
    = Margarido House Going LEED Platinum
    = Platinum Leapfrog House Springs Green
    = World's First LEED Platinum Home Remodel
    = 5ive Home Secures Platinum Paper
    = Project7ten, the Real Green Deal

    - 1 day
    source: (Jetson Green)
  • Bailout Bill Rescues Renewable Energy

    Did you know that the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, also known as the “bailout bill,” actually included some good news for renewable energy? Wind, solar and geothermal all got a boost.

    - 1 day
    source: (Renewable Energy)

November 19, 2008

  • Vote for the X Prize Energy and Environment Crazy Green Idea

    The X Prize Foundation needs your vote to help them decide their next X Prize.

    - 1 day
    source: (Renewable Energy)
  • MAX Update No. 17: No Business Like Show Business

    Wow, I'll tell you, the only people crazier than camera people are stunt performers ... and that's not by much.

    Last week, we had a crew from the Science Channel at the shop (which is why you're not getting the promised wind-tunnel-without-a-wind-tunnel update 'till next week), shooting a piece for Brink.

    MAX on Brink TV
    PHOTO BY DAVE LEVISON
    What's Brink? Beats me, I've never seen it. I don't get cable and besides, the series isn't on yet. From what they tell me, it's about people and things on the brink of scientific achievement. MAX is just the sort of thing they're looking for, so they ended up on our doorstep.

    It appears the show is rather personality-driven, and the ideal personality for Brink is a low-budget mad scientist. I'm good for two out of three (I'm still a little weak on the 'scientist' part), so I fit right in.

    Plus, I'm game and cooperative. So when they told me to stand by the car and look “seriously cool,” I gave it my best and didn't laugh. I was a fully poseable action figure, and in exchange, they let me talk about MAX and why we’re building it.

    And then we went off to show how much fun MAX is to drive, with the camera woman in the passenger's seat. We hit some back roads and went zipping around in fine sports car style, until she decided she could shoot better from on top of the car. I agreed, but refused to zip, which is why those particular shots are going to look a tad reserved.

    Next, she wanted highway shots from the front, which she took by sitting on the trunk of Dave's Miata while I tailgated in MAX. She took it all in stride, but I was sweating, hoping Dave hadn't waxed his car recently and wondering how quickly I could hit the brakes if she started sliding my way. Apparently this is the norm in show biz, but if a police officer had wandered by we would all have been written up for Acting Stupid in or About a Motor Vehicle. Need I add, kids, don't try this at home?

    - 2 days
    source: (Energy Matters)
  • Vote for the X Prize Energy and Environment Crazy Green Idea

    The X Prize Foundation chose three videos out of 133 for their $25,000 “What’s Your Crazy Green Idea?” Contest. The competition encouraged people to create a two-minute YouTube video that explained their idea for the next X Prize in Energy and Environment.

    Submissions ended on Oct. 31 — and now it’s up to you to decide which idea is best. The three ideas involve creating a more efficient battery, reducing home energy usage, and making it easier for homes to have complete energy independence. Which one is most important to you?

    The public can vote here through November 30.

    - 2 days
    source: (Energy Matters)
  • Energy Star Sets Criteria for Dishwashers

    Dishwashers will soon be using less water now that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) changed the water use criteria for any such product bearing the Energy Star label. This is the first dishwasher-related change that Energy Star has ever made, and it could save American citizens more than $25 million in energy and water bills in the first six months it takes effect.

    The changes will be made in two separate phases; one by Aug. 11, 2009 and the other by July 1, 2011. The first change will require Energy Star dishwashers to be at least 48 percent more efficient than federal standards require, saving more than 500 million gallons of water per year. The second will require dishwashers to be at least 13.5 percent more efficient than the previous restrictions, saving another 330 million gallons of water per year.

    Please comment below and discuss any other ways that you and your family save water when washing dishes.

    - 2 days
    source: (Energy Matters)
  • California and states of Brazil, Indonesia to fight against tropical deforestation
    The state of California and six forest-rich states in Brazil and Indonesia have agreed to work together on new programs for protecting and restoring tropical forests as an essential strategy to combat climate change. A signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a step forward for the concept of carbon emitters in industrialized societies paying for the service provided by tropical forests in absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It recognizes the need for climate change actions at the state level "as a means to furthering national and international efforts". It also signals the intention of California to be proactive in combating climate change as looking forward to evolving U.S. federal climate legislation and the conclusion of UN negotiations in Copenhagen. - 2 days
    source: (Energy & Enviro Finland News)
  • Smart Tech Helps NY Times Building Cut Lighting Costs Dramatically!

    NY Times Building

    Last summer, it was the ceramic rod curtain wall.  Now, it's the lighting system.  Various green aspects of the New York Times Building continue to make high profile news and it's only been a year since the modern building opened.  Here's the deal: The Times Company installed Lutron's Quantum solution, a total light management system that includes daylight, occupant, target set point, time clock, and emergency lighting controls.  Although the building was originally designed to use approximately 1.28 watts per sf of lighting power, with the Lutron technology, it's actually using only 0.38 watts per sf of lighting power -- a 70% reduction in lighting use.  That means, based on New York City electric rates, they're saving ~$315,500 and preventing the emission of 1,250 metric tons of CO2 annually.  These are some serious numbers.  Here's where they recognized the most in terms of lighting energy savings:

    Nytbldg

    • 30% - daylight harvesting
    • 10% - occupancy sensing
    • 2%  - scheduling
    • 58% - light level tuning

    Goes to show you that significant savings can be recognized by using smart systems that optimize lighting based on the amount of natural light already in the building. 

    Building systems are all related and energy savings are only one aspect of an owner's considerations.  In setting up the advanced lighting system, the Times Company was particularly worried about glare control and employee comfort.  Apparently, though, everything went as planned and employee satisfaction has increased since the installation.  So they recognize lower operating costs and higher employee satisfaction -- how much more clear can the case for green buildings be?

    [+] NY Times Lighting System Case Study [PDF]

    Nytint

    Nytinterior

    Nytstairs

    Photo credits: Nic Lehoux.

    - 2 days
    source: (Jetson Green)