Wind Energy Causes Pollution?!?!
A new report claims that coal based power plants create more emissions than they normally would because utilities must comply with pro-wind energy policies.
A Pared-Down, Oil-Friendly Senate Energy Bill to Be Released Monday
The latest Senate bill would only implement a cap and trade program for electricity-producing utilities, at least initially, though it won't be called that because cap and trade has become a dirty word.
The Good and Bad of LED Lighting
In this podcast, Lisa Cohn of realenergywriters.com interviews Ron Harwood, president of Illuminating Concepts, about the advantages and disadvantages of LED lights.
Three Options for Energy-Efficient Data Centers
The best options for cost-effective data center retrofits that significantly reduce energy consumption include electrical equipment upgrades, server virtualization and cooling optimization, according to an article written by Coy Stine, director of Data Center Services for Bluestone Energy Services for Data Center Knowledge.
Report Signals Rebound in Energy Efficiency Spending
The Energy Efficiency Indicator found that energy efficiency projects are on the rise, but many organizations still lack carbon reduction strategies.
DOE Seeks Participants for Commercial-Building Initiative
As part of an ongoing effort to reduce energy use in new and existing commercial buildings, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) invites commercial-building owners and operators and technical experts to join its Commercial Building Partnerships (CBP) initiative.
Photo by andjohan
Light emitting diode (LED) fluorescent tubes are all the rage in the lighting market. The technology promises to be more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and more economical than traditional fluorescent tube lighting. However, there is still a lot of debate over whether the technoligy is ready for widespread commercial use.
This blog post from Houston Neal at Software Advice features a survey on LED fluorescent vs traditional fluorescent tubes. There is a link to the survey on the website. The results should be interesting.
Four Reasons Why CFOs Need a Plan for Energy Efficiency
Increasing energy prices, the hidden cost of carbon, growing risks from energy supply disruption, and climate-change compliance issues are four key reasons why finance executives need a multi-year energy efficiency strategy.
Federal Buildings Go Green with $4 Billion in Recovery Act Funds
The United States has invested $4 billion in Recovery Act funds for the energy-efficient construction and renovation of federal buildings nationwide. The money is being spent on new construction and upgrades such as high-efficiency heating and cooling, solar panels, and solar water heaters.
LEED-Certified Building Stock Still Small, but Growing
LEED certification is gaining speed, even if only a fraction of U.S. buildings have qualified. The total inventory of LEED-certified buildings is 4,825. "We're at a fraction of a percent of the built environment," said Scot Horst, Green Building Council senior vice president.
Intel Eyes Personal Energy Management
Intel, best known as a computer chip developer, is looking to get into the energy business. In his keynote address at the company's Beijing forum, CEO Justin Rattner said, "We want to be a part of the technology industry that ushers in the era of person energy management."
Target Lights up Savings with LED Retrofit at 500 Stores
Target expects to save nearly 16 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year by upgrading display case lighting to LEDs at about 500 stores. Target has already upgraded displays cases in 150 stores and an additional 350 are projected for 2010.
Sustainable Electricity is the Foundation of Economic Recovery
The Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) released its North American policy paper in Washington DC, entitled "The Integrated Electricity System: Sustainable Electricity as the Foundation for Economic Recovery in North America."
Why Warren Buffett's Possible Successor is Against the Climate Bill
The bill would be damaging to consumers because through a cap and trade system consumers would basically pay twice (once through utilities altering plants for renewables, and once for the carbon offsets).
Data Center Efficiency Standard Could Stifle Innovation
Leading tech companies are protesting a new data center efficiency standard from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The group, which includes Google and Microsoft, says the standard is "too prescriptive" and stifles innovation.
Geothermal Grows 26% in 2009
The US geothermal power industry continued strong growth in 2009, according to a new report by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA).
Big Oil Does the Math, Proposes a New Tax on Itself
A snowflake may have just fallen in Hell: Several large oil companies, including Shell and BP, have reportedly helped design a new gas tax for the United States that would add a significant cost to fuel for consumers and businesses.
Photo by joiseyshowaa
The Looming Fight Over Consumer Energy Data
Calls are mounting from tech companies, environmental nonprofits and even legislators to open up consumer energy information.
GE Fast Forwards to Future of LED Lighting
Unveils Unique LED Bulb Designed to Distribute Light Like an Incandescent Bulb, Last 17 Years
Florida Businesses to Benefit from Utility's Energy Conservation Program
A new energy-efficiency goal set by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) has prompted a new energy conservation plan from Progress Energy Florida that will help provide energy efficient retrofits to Florida businesses.
Cheatsheet: The Metrics of the Bulb
Energy efficient LED light bulbs that can fit in a standard socket, last over a decade, and save users money over the life of the bulb, are starting to slowly trickle onto the market. Here's a quick cheatsheet on the metrics of the bulb.
Texas Smart Grid Software to be Checked
In addition to testing Oncor's smart meter units, Navigant Consulting, the independent consultant hired by the Texas Public Utilities Commission will also test the software systems used to relay customer data to back-office systems to make sure the data is being processed accurately.
Demand Response Facilitates Integration of Renewables
Consumers with the demand response enabled air conditioner may experience a difference in comfort on a few unusual days, but considering that many of us prefer to consume renewable energy, it may be worth the small sacrifice.
Canada, US to Collaborate on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations
Canada will not unilaterally impose limits on greenhouse gas emissions from industry, saying on Thursday that it will work in tandem with the United States, as it is doing with vehicle standards.
Five Tips to Cut Energy Costs by 10-40%
Businesses and homeowners can save plenty of green by following several key steps to reduce their energy use and eliminate energy vampires that can consume a significant percentage of a home's energy costs.
DOT, EPA Boost Fuel Economy, Set GHG Emission Limits for Light Vehicles
As part of stringent new fuel economy standards, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued the first-ever federal rules that establish greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for all new cars and light trucks sold in the country.
How the iPad could Disrupt the Home Energy Market
Whether you see Apple's tablet the iPad as the catalyst of a digital media revolution, or just another gadget that Steve Jobs wants you to spend your hard-earned cash on, it's hard to avoid the black hole that is the iPad buzz this week.
Photo by ATempletonPhoto.com
Office equipment-such as computers, printers, and copy machines-is the fastest growing source of energy consumption in the commercial sector. In fact, a 2008 U.S. Department of Energy study estimated that office equipment accounts for nearly 10% of overall energy consumption in commercial facilities. Making energy-smart choices on high performance office equipment, you can lower facility energy costs, reduce air-conditioning loads, improve occupant comfort, and increase worker productivity.
The following are some key steps to take in reducing the "plug load" (the energy consumed by plug-in equipment) for a business.
Copiers
Even though photocopiers are not actively being used most of the time, they still consume large amounts of energy. Copiers can consume 40-75 watts while in stand-by mode, and 20 to 30 times that during active copying. Take the following steps to decrease copier energy use:
- Be sure the copier is appropriately sized for the office. A mid-volume copier can use 70% more power than a small-volume copier. Large offices are more likely to benefit from a single large-volume machine than several smaller units.
- Make fewer copies by using email, posting documents on the Internet, or by routing a single copy.
- Copy in batches and use the automatic document handler. This allows the copier to spend less time in active mode.
- Use duplex settings on the copier. Copying on both sides of the paper not only saves paper costs, but also reduces copier operation time.
- Purchase ENERGY STAR copiers that have an energy-saver sleep setting. All ENERGY STAR® copiers come with this feature, however be sure that the feature is activated upon installation.
- Turn the copier off at the end of each work day.
Computers
Newer computers tend to be more energy efficient than older ones, partly because demand for laptop computers has led to the development of more energy-efficient components that have begun to appear in desktop models as well. At the same time, most offices have a PC at every desk and the energy consumption can be significant. These tips can help take a "byte" out of your energy bill.
- Use laptop computers whenever possible. They use far less energy than PCs.
- Make use of energy management settings on all computers. These allow equipment to enter a low power state after a period of inactivity.
- Turn off all monitors and computers at the end of each workday.
Purchase only ENERGY STAR monitors, computers, and laptops.
- Do not rely on screen savers to save energy used by your monitor unless they turn off the screen. Graphic screen savers can use as much energy as operating a word processing program.
Printers and Fax Machines
The energy used by printers and fax machines can vary widely, however the energy-saving ideas should work in most office settings.
- Use a high-end ink jet or bubble-jet printer if there is no need for the higher speed and quality of laser printing. Not only are they cheaper initially, printers and fax machines using ink jet technology can use 70%-90% less energy than laser machines. Ink jet printers generally also do well with used paper, allowing you to print on two sides of a sheet or print a draft on the back of an old piece of work.
- Purchase ENERGY STAR models with power-down features and LEDs (light-emitting diodes), which can use half the energy of standard laser printers.
- Turn off the laser printer when not printing. Laser printers can typically draw about one-third of their printing power when they are in standby mode.
- Use email, Web site posting, or fax modems whenever possible.
- Purchase newer combination machines with copying, fax, printing, and scanning features. They cannot only save you space, but they also save energy by eliminating the standby energy losses of four separate machines.
With these tips, you can save energy and reduce your operating costs, and establish energy-efficient habits among your employees.
Like this article?
For more just like it, subscribe to the Prenova Energy Insider, our monthly email newsletter
Photo by Jiri Brozovsky. Article courtesy of Questline.
The top energy management stories from the last week . . .
Are Electricity Meters Accurate?
In the smart meter backlash, some fingers point to old, slow mechanical meters. Here's why it's a red herring.
Five Simple Conservation Actions save Money and the Environment
The Ontario Power Authority offers five simple, meaningful conservation actions to save money and the environment.
Heat Recovery Chiller System to Save Military Hospital 27% on Energy
A military hospital in Fort Belvoir, Va., will use a heat recovery chiller system along the way to 27 percent in energy savings.
Governors' Coalition Recommends Federal Initiatives for Wind Power
A coalition of 29 U.S. governors has issued a series of recommendations to accelerate the adoption of wind power, including measures to develop both onshore and offshore resources.
How Not To Roll Out Smart Meters
Texas utility Oncor admits that 1,827 customers were overcharged on their electric bills after having smart meters installed. The concession came during testimony before the Texas Public Utility Commission in Austin on Thursday morning.
Businesses Say Solar Rules Will Add $250 Million in Energy Costs
Businesses, energy suppliers and business groups in Massachusetts are complaining that a new state mandate to increase solar power could cost electricity customers up to $250 million more annually, reports the Boston Herald.
Tighter MPG, Emission Rules Go on the Books for 2012
The Obama administration has just finalized the country's first ever national regulation to curb greenhouse gas emissions and raise the bar on efficiency requirements for new cars and trucks.
Security Firm Reveals Smart Meters' Vulnerability
According to an AP report, smart meters are vulnerable to hackers or other cyber attacks. Among the possible scenarios is remotely turning off a household's power, either by reprogramming the actual meters or wirelessly by using a laptop.
EPA Sets Greenhouse Gases Permitting Requirements for Major Sources
US EPA has announced the timing for major sources of greenhouse gases to revise their permits, or to obtain new permits under the new greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting and permitting regulations.
From Hype to Reality - Not All Algae Are Created Equally
Solazyme defies skeptics on its rapid path toward commercialization of algae-based fuels.
Photo by Velo Steve