There are hundreds (if not thousands) of websites devoted to energy efficiency and sustainability. But who has time to read them all? You don't. We like to focus on what really matters. So twice each week, Prenova brings you five energy management stories we think you'll find interesting.
New Study Explores Value of 'Recycling' Old Buildings
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Cascadia Green Building Council, and the Green Building Services sustainable development consultancy have launched a study project to quantify the economic and environmental value of reusing existing buildings.
The Oil Industry's Plan to Survive the Gulf of Mexico Spill
You name the oil company, they're leaving the Gulf.
Energy Efficiency Investment Remains Strong Despite Downturn
Investment in energy efficiency remained high last year despite the economic downturn, according to a survey conducted by Johnson Controls. Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports that financial institutions in particular are beginning to see the value of investments in energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR Announces New Measures to Enforce Energy Efficiency Compliance
The famous blue and white logo of the ENERGY STAR program, jointly run by the U.S. Department of Energy and Environment Protection Agency, has lost some of its luster thanks to a few high-profile manufacturers who failed to comply with the program's energy efficiency guidelines.
How Should Regulators Encourage Energy Efficiency?
Finding the right regulatory framework to reward investor-owned utilities for energy efficiency has been a holy grail in the electricity business. Would any successful organization be excited about selling less of its product?
Photo by chrissatchwell
The Feng Shui of Building Management
Great tips on saving power from the poster child of efficiency
How 'Energy Sleuths' Pursue the Ideal Green Building
The practice of commissioning, in which an engineer monitors the efficiency of a structure from its design through its initial operation, may be the most effective strategy for reducing long-term energy usage, costs and greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. So why is it so seldom used?
DOE Connects High-Efficiency Window Suppliers with Buyers
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the Highly-Insulating R-5 Windows and Low-e Storm Windows Volume Purchase Program, as part of a multi-year integrated strategy to help drive the use of high-efficiency windows.
Most Large Companies Plan to Increase Spending On Climate
Seventy percent of firms with revenue of $1 billion or more say they plan to increase spending on climate change initiatives in the next two years, a global survey reported.
EIA: Renewable Energy to Grow Rapidly Over the Next 28 Years
Renewable energy is expected to be the fastest-growing energy source through 2035, according to projections from DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). But coal power and natural gas consumption will also continue to rise, causing a 43% increase in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
Photo by BeTanabatas
Report Emphasizes Need to Reduce U.S. Consumption of Petroleum
An attempt to account for the energy security costs of domestic and imported oil finds higher security costs for imported oil. However, the costs are low compared to the direct cost of oil, implying that U.S. energy security efforts should focus on lower petroleum use, regardless of its source.
Demand Side Energy Management Gains Converts
David Konkle, Energy Office Director of the ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability - speaks at a Northwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum workshop focusing on demand side energy management.
T-RECs Invade California Energy Market
To meet renewable goals, California utilities can buy power from Arizona households. It's a new ball game.
Doors Open to Offshore Energy Production in Virginia
The National Ocean Industries Association announced its support of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R) and the Virginia General Assembly for their bipartisan agreement in enacting two state laws supporting energy development off the state's coast.
Smart Grid May Need Security Tutoring
Smart meters have the potential to both lower electrical costs for consumers around the world and promote emerging M2M applications for the corporate world. But at last week's RSA Security Conference in San Francisco, a panel of experts also outlined some key areas of vulnerability for IP-based smart grids.
Home Depot Works to Further Reduce Energy Use
Home Depot already has made changes that reduced its energy use by 16% -- enough to power more than 200,000 U.S. homes for a year. Other plans include lowering lighting wattage and upgrading heating and cooling systems.
California to Regulate Potent GHG Emitted By Utility Equipment
California will regulate the emissions of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) from electric utility equipment starting in 2011, reports the New York Times. SF6 is used to insulate switches typically found in high-voltage transmission systems, which accounts for about 80 percent of California's total SF6 emissions.
Strategizing for the Ethanol Industry
Should Congress extend the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC), which essentially pays petroleum producers for complying with US law? The Corn industry thinks so, but not everyone agrees.
Is Energy Storage a Product or Service?
Why sell utilities the cow when they can get the electricity for a fee?
Is Nuclear Necessary? Duke Study Touts Power of Renewables
How necessary is nuclear power? A new study from Duke University suggests renewable energy, including solar, wind and hydroelectric, can meet all but 6% of North Carolina's electricity needs.
Photo by Gideon Tsang
Cold January Temperatures Affected U.S. Use of Power and Natural Gas
January 2010 was a cold month for many people in the United States, particularly in the Southeast. The need for extra power and natural gas for heating caused natural gas spot prices to soar in early January, but prices are expected to be lower for the majority of the coming year.
Nike, Starbucks Lead Push in Oregon for Clean Energy Economy
Kicking off a race to jumpstart American jobs in a clean economy, Nike, Starbucks, and other businesses, unions and youth groups in Oregon are urging Congress to approve a comprehensive climate change legislation this year, reports The Oregonian.
Feds Moving Forward on Smart Grid Security and Privacy
The latest draft from NIST prescribes responses to growing unease about access to data.
Biodiesel as an Alternate Fuel
Biodiesel refers to a vegetable oil or animal fat based diesel fuel consisting of long chain alkyl is typically made by chemically these oils with an alcohol. Biodiesel is meant to be used in standard diesel engines and is thus distinct from the vegetable and waste oils used to fuel converted diesel engines.
Is the Smart Grid too Expensive?
The cost of upgrading the entire electric infrastructure in the United States will top $165 billion over the next 20 years. Regional projects are carrying big price tags as well. Some consumer advocates are questioning how it will all be paid for.
Saudi Arabia Fears a Peak in Oil Demand
Saudi Arabia's concerns that demand for oil will peak in the next decade is pushing the world's largest producer of crude to embrace clean energy in an effort to diversify its economy.
Whole Foods, Bed Bath & Beyond to Cut Suppliers Sourcing Fuel from Oil Sands
To cut their carbon footprints, retailers Whole Foods Market and Bed Bath & Beyond are dropping suppliers that source fuel from Canada's oil sands (also known as the Alberta Tar Sands), reports the Financial Times.
Photo by guy schmidt
01.15.2010 - Don't Blame Higher Electric Bills on Meters
Consumers have been unfairly blaming their higher electric bills on newly installed smart meters, concludes a Texas utility investigation.
01.14.2010 - CA Approves Stringent Statewide Building Code
California approved the most stringent, environmentally-friendly building code in the United States that will apply to new commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, shopping malls and homes, reports USA Today.
01.14.2010 - A Blueprint for Greening New York City's Buildings
Buildings in the United States consume more energy than any other sector of the economy. A new report looks at the challenges posed by green buildings and strategies to address it.
01.13.2010 - EIA Sees Gasoline Hitting $3 per Gallon by Summer
DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) is predicting that the price for regular-grade gasoline will rise above $3 per gallon by summer. The EIA's most recent "Short-Term Energy Outlook" also projects an increase in the price of diesel fuel to around $3 per gallon.
01.13.2010 - Four Solid State Lighting Trends for 2010
How will technical advancements in 2010 improve quality and drive down pricing for LED lighting? Will the much discussed mass adoption of solid state lighting finally arrive?
01.12.2010 - OPEC Grows Accustomed to $100 per Barrel Oil
According to Imad Al Atiqi, Kuwait's senior OPEC representative, crude prices would have to rise to $100 per barrel, or more than 22%, before the organization's member countries would consider changing production quotas.
01.12.2010 - Leading Economist Says Cap & Trade is a Ticking Time Bomb
According to Dr. Severin Borenstein, an outspoken economist and thought leader on energy-related issues, cap & trade models represent a ticking time bomb.
01.11.2010 - Ten Green Building Trends for 2010
The Earth Advantage Institute has released a list of the top ten "green" building trends in 2010 that range from energy "scores" for homes to web-based displays that track energy usage in real time.
Photo by BlatantNews.com
The top energy management stories from last week . . .
12.18.2009 - Keep Your Eye on DME
Di-methyl-ether (DME) may be the best hope yet for a sustainable alternative to gasoline and diesel fuel. So why isn't it being explored in North America? [read more]
12.18.2009 - Nuclear Industry Wish List
To meet the current goals for greenhouse gas emissions, the U.S. would have to build 187 new nuclear plants by 2050. But the industry will settle for 25 to 30 by 2030. [read more]
12.17.2009 - Three Solutions for the Supply Side of the Energy Efficiency Equation
While serious discussion has taken place at the U.N. climate change conference in Copenhagen, the lack of any concrete policy so far shouldn't stop us from making real progress when it comes to providing cleaner, smarter, more efficient energy options. [read more]
12.17.2009 - Is Green Energy Our New Plastics Industry?
If The Graduate were written today, Mr. McGuire's career tip to Benjamin probably would have been "green," rather than "plastics." But what does this really mean and how will it change the world? [read more]
12.16.2009 - Why Business Should Care About Climate Negotiations
Business should be more engaged in international climate talks, writes Truman Semans. Companies with high carbon emissions have a stake in negotiations. [read more]
12.16.2009 - EIA: U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions to Grow 8.7% by 2030
In the absence of new policies, the U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide from energy use will increase from 5,814 million metric tons in 2008 to 6,320 million metric tons in 2035, according to the early release of the "Annual Energy Outlook 2010" from DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). [read more]
12.15.2009 - ExxonMobil Buys in to Natural Gas Production
ExxonMobil moved Monday to replenish its dwindling domestic energy resources and dive into the fast-growing and environmentally palatable market for natural gas by acquiring the USA's largest gas producer. [read more]
12.14.2009 - Chu's $350 Million Clean-tech Offer
To demonstrate a commitment to combating climate change at the Copenhagen summit, Energy Secretary Stephen Chu has promised to establish a $350 million fund for innovations in clean-energy technology. [read more]
12.14.2009 - Smart Meters: the Next Boom
No matter where you are in the world, the smart meter will one day become common place in all homes and business. An insurrection has begun that will revolutionize the way we all use and consume energy. [read more]
Photo by huntz
The top energy management news from last week . . .
12.04.2009 - Energy Management Has Tax Advantages in Philly
Philadelphia has become the first city in the nation to provide a pilot tax incentive for certified sustainable businesses, according to True/Slant, and more cities may follow. [read more]
12.03.2009 - Kohl's Aims for Carbon Neutrality by Close of 2010
Kohl's Department Stores has set its sights for its U.S. stores, distribution centers and corporate offices to operate with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the close of 2010. [read more]
12.03.2009 - EPA Lauds Coors, Kodak, Gap, 5 Others for GHG Reductions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is recognizing eight companies for meeting their long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals as part of the EPA's Climate Leaders program. [read more]
12.02.2009 - DOE Launches Save Energy Now LEADER Program with 32 Companies
DOE has begun the Save Energy Now LEADER Program, with 32 U.S. industrial firms signing a voluntary pledge to reduce energy intensity by 25% over the next decade. [read more]
12.02.2009 - It's the Off-Grid Data Center
IBM and Syracuse University plan to build a 6,000 square foot data center that runs on gas turbines and cools with waste heat. [read more]
12.01.2009 - Fresh & Easy Uses 32% Less Energy Than Supermarket Average
When compared to energy used at other supermarkets, Fresh & Easy is using about 32 percent less energy per square foot across its 130 locations. [read more]
12.02.2009 - Drowning in Oil: U.S. Refiners Face Tough Road Ahead
There is an oil glut in the United States and the fourth quarter for U.S. refiners will likely be as tough as the last. [read more]
12.01.2009 - U.S. Natural Gas Production Dip Does Little to Dent Glut
Natural gas production in the United States has finally dipped - and the news has come not a moment too soon for energy companies that have grappled with low prices for months. [read more]
11.30.2009 - Three Gallons per Mile
Ever wondered how fuel efficient commercial airlines are? A modern 757 burns about three gallons per mile, meaning it's more efficient than many hybrids. [read more]
11.29.2009 - Study Finds LED Lighting Delivers Substantial Energy Savings
While compact fluorescent light bulbs are more energy-efficient than conventional light bulbs, the real breakthrough is in the next generation of lighting: LED. [read more]
Photo by Tony the Misfit
11.21.2009 - PG&E Smart Meter Problem a PR Nightmare
The problems raised by the massive Pacific Gas & Electric smart grid installation in California will serve as a valuable lesson for other utilities around the world. [read more]
11.20.2009 - California City's Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
New commercial buildings in San Mateo, Calif., will have to be constructed to minimum environmental standards now that a previously voluntary green building ordinance has become mandatory. [read more]
11.20.2009 - Ontario May Follow California's Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
Following California's decision earlier this week to require elevated energy efficiency standards for TVs, the Canadian province of Ontario is considering a similar move. [read more]
11.19.2009 - Fossil Fuel Emissions Rose 29% since 2000
A report by scientists shows that emissions are outpacing the ability of ocean and land carbon sinks to soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). [read more]
11.19.2009 - Data Centers That Feed Power to the Grid?
Locust Storage, which came out of stealth at the GreenBeat Conference, says it has a data storage system that can deliver power to the grid, and cut down IT power. [read more]
11.18.2009 - Experts Say Smart Grids a Privacy Concern
Concerns have already been raised regarding smart grid security but now experts are saying smart grid technology raises major privacy concerns. Utility companies could use smart meter data for a new way to market services to people, for example. [read more]
11.18.2009 - Green Buildings Do Double Duty: Reduce Energy Use, Lower Financial Risk
The potential for energy use reductions in old and new buildings is significant, according to a report from KPMG. [read more]
11.17.2009 - US & China Commit to Clean Energy
President Barack Obama and China President Hu Jintao came to terms on a clean energy package that both countries can build on in the future. [read more]
11.17.2009 - Clean Energy and Climate Policy for U.S. Growth and Job Creation
This study finds that a robust climate bill could boost the U.S. economy by about $111 billion by 2020 and create as many as 1.9 million jobs. [read more]
11.16.2009 - Solar Research Hits the Sunshine State
University researchers in Florida are exploring ways to use sun's power for desalination and killing germs in water. Other ideas possibly on the way involve module containing a solar cell and a LED and lithium-ion battery. [read more]
Photo by Neil Lall