Environmentally-friendly technologies - everything you need around the house to protect the environment from electric and hybrid cars to solar panels to water-saving shower heads.
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Envirotech
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Vinod Khosla
Entrepreneurial legend Vinod Khosla has agreed to keynote at the MIT Energy Conference – “Solving Tomorrow’s Energy Crisis” www.mitenergyconference.com on May 13th! Our other distinguished keynotes include, Don Paul, the CTO of Chevron and Joseph Romm, author of "The Hype about Hydrogen" and the Executive Director of the Center of Energy and Climate Solutions. Remarks will be made by Professor Ernest Moniz, Former US Under-Secretary of Energy and MIT Director of Energy Studies (LFEE). The panels and showcases feature top name speakers and researchers from across the MIT energy ecosystem, the venture capital space, the policy world and the energy industry. Reservations can be made on our website or through our prospectus below.
Mr. Khosla, founding CEO of Sun Microsystems and venture capitalist partner with Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers is widely considered one of the most influential investors in the world. In 2004, he founded Khosla Ventures http://www.khoslaventures.com/ to “assist great entrepreneurs determined to build companies with lasting significance.” More recently, Vinod and his partners at KPCB have publicly announced their plans to make significant investments in the CleanTech energy space. In addition to renewable energy, Vinod has been a force in microfinance, affordable housing and public health based ventures in the developing world.
In addition to presenting the afternoon keynote, Mr. Khosla will also be speaking on our Biofuels panel. Please note that tickets for this conference are limited.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Technology boost for millions of Chinese farmers - SciDev.Net
Technology boost for millions of Chinese farmers - SciDev.Net: "Technology boost for millions of Chinese farmers
[BEIJING] Millions of Chinese farmers are to gain access to new technologies and be taught how to use them under a US$8 million project launched last week (20 April).
The initiative is a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).
The UNDP's China representative, Khalid Malik says the project would 'offer innovative and environmentally friendly technologies to Chinese farmers to increase their income and promote sustainable rural development'."
AutoblogGreen launched and in full swing - Autoblog
AutoblogGreen launched and in full swing - Autoblog: "AutoblogGreen launched and in full swingPosted Apr 24th 2006 11:33AM by John NeffFiled under: Etc., GreenFor those who are just returning from their weekend revelry, you all missed the launch of AutoblogGreen, Autoblog's first ever spin-off. AutoblogGreen was launched this past Saturday, the 36th annual celebration of Earth Day. It was a fitting launch for a blog covering every type of green car technology, green car culture and green car politics. Check out the site's first feature article that highlights a microbrewery in Cleveland using a big rig running on veggie oil to deliver beer. Stay tuned to AutoblogGreen to keep up on all things eco in the auto world."
Hybrid trends
Woman Motorist new car prices, used car pricing, auto reviews,
buying guide: "Model year 2006 sees the continued growth of the hybrid market, as well as an increase in the selection of vehicles with extremely low tailpipe emissions. Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) branch out into the midsize sport utility category this year with the introduction of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h. Averaging around 30 miles per gallon while achieving the cleanest tailpipe emissions ever of a midsize SUV, these vehicles are proof that clean, efficient vehicles can be produced in virtually any format. Echoing that sentiment is the new Mercury Mariner Hybrid, twin to last year's notable newcomer, the Ford Escape Hybrid. Offering a 40 percent improvement in fuel economy over the 4wd gasoline Mariner, the Mariner Hybrid offers a new, upscale spin on Ford's eco-friendlier SUV.
On the conventional vehicle front, models continue to receive
advanced, environment-friendly technologies. Cylinder deactivation,
the recent fuel-saving engine design in which some cylinders shut
off when maximum power is not needed, is being incorporated into
greater numbers of vehicles this year. Known under branded names
such as 'displacement on demand' (Chrysler), 'active fuel management' (GM), or 'variable cylinder management' (Honda), this
technology offers modest fuel economy improvements with no loss of
performance. Furthermore, thanks in large part to tailpipe emissions
standards launched in 2004, a greater number of new conventional
models are being certified to cleaner and cleaner tailpipe standards, reducing today's vehicles' overall contributions to
smog-forming emissions."
Sunday, April 23, 2006
BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Energy cost of PCs on standby
BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Energy cost of PCs on standby: "Astonishing figures
All around the house we bleed power. The modern home is permanently on standby, full of equipment that sits 'half on', waiting to spring immediately to life when we ask it to.
Figures from the Energy Saving Trust on standby power use in the UK home are astonishing:
Stereos on standby cost �290m and produce 1.6 million tonnes of CO2
VCRs and DVD cost �263m and produce 1.06 million tonnes of CO2
TVs on standby cost �88m and produce 480,000 tonnes of CO2
It means that in one year, in the UK alone, our equipment on standby produces a total of 3.1 million tonnes of CO2."
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Save Energy
The Pink Panther's got a new blog and a new job . . .
Save Energy: "It is official: I have a new job
Effective today I am the CEO at Owens Corning, the big insulation maker and sponsor of this blog. No, I won't be running the company; Dave Brown is still the Chief Executive Officer but he named me Chief Energy Officer. The new title does have a much nicer ring to it than 'TV commercial actor' or 'spokescat.' This is the news I mentioned in an earlier post that I couldn't share then."
Apple offers free Computer Take-Back Program | MacMinute News
Apple offers free Computer Take-Back Program | MacMinute News: "Apple today announced an expansion of its successful recycling program, offering free computer take-back and recycling with the purchase of a new Macintosh system beginning in June. US customers who buy a new Mac through the online Apple Store or Apple's retail stores will receive free shipping and environmentally friendly disposal of their old computer as part of the Apple Recycling program. Equipment received by the program in the US is recycled domestically and no hazardous material is shipped overseas. Earlier this week, Apple was named a %u201CForward Green Leader," one of the top ten environmentally progressive companies recognized by the Sierra Club and its investment advisor, Forward Management."
Saturday, April 15, 2006
For Mike
: "As many as 21 contracts on purchasing and transferring environmental technologies were signed right on the first day of an international exhibition in Ha Noi on April 14.
At the International Environmental Technology Exhibition 2006, the Green Environmental Technology Joint-stock Company, Seraphin, signed a contract to build a 3.5 million USD plant in Vientiane, Laos, to dispose of 300 tonnes of garbage per day, and a contract to build a 42 billion VND facility in Ha Tay province to treat 200 tonnes of solid waste per day.
The Viet Nam Environmental Protection Fund pledged 4.8 billion VND in loans to the Vinh Phu Garment Company and the Duy Linh Cement Plant to invest in environmental treatment technologies."
Online NewsHour: Rising Gas Costs Increase Appeal of Biofuels -- April 13, 2006
Online NewsHour: Rising Gas Costs Increase Appeal of Biofuels -- April 13, 2006: "Rising gas prices have increased the
interest in alternative fuel sources such as biodiesel made from old cooking oil
and ethanol made from corn."
Computer Recycling Effort - A Win-Win for Gonzales ISD - IT Services/Network Mngt | NewswireToday
Press Release: Computer Recycling Effort - A Win-Win for Gonzales ISD - IT Services/Network Mngt | NewswireToday: "The National Safety Council estimates that over 500 million obsolete computers nationwide are just being stored and waiting for disposal with only about 11 percent actually ever getting properly recycled.
Old computers are filled with components that are loaded with toxic chemicals linked to birth defects, brain damage, and cancer. These toxins can escape into the water and air when dumped in landfills or incinerated.
In Texas, The Gonzales Independent School District worked with Austin-based e-recycler ScrapItOut.com, which coordinates the proper recycling, disposal and removal of nearly 3 million pounds of discarded computers and electronics per year.
ScrapItOut.com Spokesperson Jennifer Green said, 'The Gonzales collection packed three 25-foot trailers and the district should be commended for their commitment to the environment.'
She emphasized Scrapitout.com's viewpoint is that broken, outdated and obsolete computers need to be recycled properly, detailing their company's commitment to keeping reusable technology in the marketplace and reclaiming plastics and metals through demanufacturing computers and then melting them down and recovering the raw materials for reuse in new items. 'None of the computers we collect or components we handle end up in going to landfills.' Green said."
Sunday, April 09, 2006
A word from the owner/webmaster
My paper on environmental NGOs/activists was awarded Best Paper Proceedings at the Academy of Management Conference. I will present it in Atlanta this August!
Born to be mild: Firm touts electric scooter
Born to be mild: Firm touts electric scooter: "Born to be mild: Firm touts electric scooter
Steve Miloshev, of Greenwit Technologies, sits on the Vancouver company's Motorino GTH, an electric scooter that has a top speed of 70 km/h.
VANCOUVER - Scooters have always been miserly on gasoline, but a Vancouver company is showcasing a model that uses none at all.Greenwit Technologies showed off its Motorino electric scooter as one of dozens of companies exhibiting a wide range of environmentally friendly technologies and products at the Globe 2006 trade fair and conference this week in Vancouver.However, don't expect to go very far, or very fast, but if you're looking for zero emissions at a cost of only pennies, then this may be your ride."
Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/31/2006 | Fumo, Street join the push for waterless urinals
Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/31/2006 | Fumo, Street join the push for waterless urinals: "Fumo, Street join the push for waterless urinals
The Plumbers Union opposes the devices, which are sought for the Comcast Center.
People make their way past a new skyscraper, the Comcast Center, being built in downtown Philadelphia. In a city known for the political clout of its unions, the plumbers union has been raising a stink about a developer's plans to install 116 waterless, no-flush urinals in what will be the city's highest skyscraper.
Two Philadelphia officials declared their determination yesterday to clear the blockage from the city's waterless-urinals imbroglio so the Comcast Center tower can compete for the title of America's tallest green building."
Science News Article | Reuters.co.uk
Science News Article | Reuters.co.uk: "The German government plans to invest around 500 million euros ($605.8 million) in alternative fuel technology research over the next 10 years, Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee said on Saturday. 'This technology needs to get a boost in Europe. We need new incentives that lead away from oil,' Tiefensee said on Saturday at the Leipzig car show. He said that by 2020, hydrogen and fuel-cell technology would likely be ready for mass production. In the meantime Germany would need to try to get a headstart in developing new fuel technology."
Pvt equity cos & VCs pump it up for energy- The Economic Times
Pvt equity cos & VCs pump it up for energy- The Economic Times: "The rising demand for power resources in India, China and other emerging markets has brought into vogue new
energy and energy-efficient technology companies amongst private equity (PE)
players and VCs. While there%u2019s now global euphoria among investors for
companies involved in the power capex cycle, India is also getting a bit of the
action.
In India, VC and PE players are looking at new projects in the energy space with special interest in renewable energy. Last week, VC and PE firm, Bessemer Venture Partners invested Rs 100 crore in Chennai-based Shriram Group company%u2019s engineering services arm.
Shriram EPC will fund its expansion plans for windmills, to acquire new technologies and to consolidate its position in providing energy solutions. Similarly, NRI businessman, Sivasankaran also announced an investment of Rs 600 crore in the wind energy sector. Phase I of his project will see the generation of 150 MW in the first year. "
Features
Independent Online Edition > Features: "
DRIVE YOUR EXISTING CAR BETTER
Cut out the powerslides. Even if you run a Jaguar or a Ferrari, say, you can do your bit next time you get behind the wheel by sticking to speed limits, driving smoothly, avoiding excessive acceleration and braking. This style is also safer. Turn off your air conditioning and use cruise control where possible. Satellite navigation can help you avoid getting lost and wasting fuel. Some modern cars have mpg read-outs; watch them. A new car will be much greener than the equivalent of, say, 20 years ago but it isn't always the answer. Keeping your old motor going could be an option: a great deal of energy is consumed in the manufacture of a car - although Ford, for example, now uses renewable wind energy at its UK engine plant. It may also be possible to convert your existing car to run on other fuels such as LPG
SWITCH TO TWO WHEELS
Scooters came into fashion in the 1950s and made that form of two-wheeled transport, at least, irreversibly sexy. Anything powered on two wheels will use less fuel than a car. The world of bikes doesn't bother much with alternative fuels, although you'll find some interesting electric examples in these pages. The US firm Hayes Diversified Technology produces multi-fuel motorcycles that can run on diesel and aviation kerosene, mainly for the military, which likes to simplify its supply lines; it's handy for it to operate motorcycles that run on the same fuels as its other vehicles. Honda and the US firm eCycle have developed experimental hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell bikes. Cycling is best of all, of course.
DO EVERYTHING ONLINE
It seems obvious; order everything online from home instead of driving to the shops. But you'll undo the good work if you end up booking cheap flights, speccing up your new SUV online, or ordering stuff from the other side of the world just because it's a few quid cheaper. The more local (eg, seasonal produce) the better.
BUY CARBON OFFSETS
Climate Care (www.climatecare.org) helps you to calculate the impact of activities in terms of CO2 emissions, and provides a mechanism for off-setting these. Payments made via the site are spent on renewable energy, energy-efficiency measures and reforestation. For example, 10 spent on these activities is claimed to offset 1.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to about 4,000 miles of car travel. The CarbonNeutral Company (www.carbonneutral.com) manages an offset scheme for Honda that applies for the first three months of ownership. Do carbon offsets really work? Well, at the very least, they're a start."
East Japan Railway Company to Test World's First Fuel Cell-Powered Train
East Japan Railway Company to Test World's First Fuel Cell-Powered Train: "East Japan Railway Company, also known as JR East, is set to test the world's first fuel cell-powered train. According to Fuji Sankei, the one-carriage prototype, powered by two 65-kilowatt fuel cells, will be able to reach speeds of 100km/hr.The technology is expected be ready for use in Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures, a mountainous region that lies just to the west of Tokyo, by the summer of 2007.The fuel cell-powered automobile market continues to gain momentum due to positive public opinion of its environmentally friendly technology.
JR East states 'contributions to the global environment' as one of five goals in its research and development program.JR East, the largest of six passenger railway companies established after the division of Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1987, is preparing to apply fuel cell technology to commercial trains. JR East operates in the upper half of Honshu, the main island of Japan, including the Tokyo metropolitan area."
