Does Washington Really Know Biofuels?

Many in America's renewable energy industry are asking themselves, does Washington really know biofuels? In its second episode released, Biofuel STAT, continues to give Washington an exclusive peek into the C-Suite of the nation's top advanced biofuels companies. The newest episode features Lee Edwards, chief executive officer of Virent, Inc., detailing the next "ah-ha moments" for America's domestic biofuels industry as well as its challenges. The new episode can be accessed at http://www.advancedbiofuelsassociation.com/ . Michael McAdams, president of the Advanced Biofuels Association – ABFA, noted, "Lawmakers and opinion leaders in Washington now have laptop access to real world answers that could help fuel America's next revolution in renewable energy." McAdams added, "Each episode will help Washington better understand that now, is not a time to shy away and remove the public policy instruments that can help drive our nation to the day that Americans pull up to their neighborhood gas stations and fill up with advanced or cellulosic replacement fuels. We're already starting to see advanced biofuels delivering on its promise of creating new jobs, and providing economic and energy security for our nation." Episodes of Biofuel STAT feature the CEO, or other executive, of each member company of the ABFA answering the following questions. What is the biggest challenge to growing your business? What is the next "aha moment" for America's biofuels industry? What does the biofuels industry look like 5 years from now? ABFA: The Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) is a national organization representing the new generation of advanced and renewable technologies that will help drive America's new economy by creating jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels while fueling a sustainable future for the world. The ABFA has quickly become a leading voice for America's domestic biofuels industry since it was established in 2009.

Melvin Wylie

Huntington Beach City School District to Save More Than $15 Million With Solar Upgrades

Huntington Beach City School District and Chevron Energy Solutions today announced the completion of a 592-kilowatt solar electric system that will reduce energy costs for operations at nine elementary school sites in Huntington Beach, saving the District more than $15 million over the life of the project. Coupled with a comprehensive energy education curriculum, the program is designed to inspire students to learn about – and experience – clean energy technologies and concepts. The new system is part of a project that adds solar photovoltaic panels mounted on shade structures to five campuses, upgrades interior lighting at nine campuses, and replaces rooftop cooling/heating unit at two campuses, including upgraded controls. The project is expected to cut the Huntington Beach City School District's electrical utility usage by 30 percent. It is the first energy efficiency and solar project at an elementary school district in Orange County. Chevron Energy Solutions designed and engineered the solar system, provided the installation, and will perform operation and maintenance services, as well as guaranteeing the system's performance, which is expected to meet more than 30 percent of the District's demand for electricity. The company also implemented the energy efficiency improvements to campus heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems, which are expected to reduce the District's annual energy consumption and provide other benefits, including improved lighting quality and aesthetics, reduced maintenance costs and consistent indoor climate quality. "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations at the Huntington Beach City School District – one that allows the community to experience the benefits of clean power without negatively impacting limited resources," said Jon Archibald, Huntington Beach City School District Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services. "In fact, a unique benefit of this solar project is providing protective shade for our students. We are grateful to all those involved for their dedication that has enabled the Huntington Beach City School District to realize the benefits of solar energy to our community." Through energy efficiency improvements and solar power generation, the District is reducing its purchase of utility power and in turn, reducing carbon emissions by more than 850 metric tons, equivalent to removing nearly 167 cars from the road or planting more than 181 acres of trees. Teachers are able to tie information from the project to the California Math and Science curriculum standards through informational displays that provide real-time data on how much solar is being produced and the corresponding environmental benefits. "Huntington Beach City School District is demonstrating fiscal and environmental leadership by improving their energy efficiency and use of renewable power," said Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions. "The project also improves the classroom learning environment, which is an important element in boosting student achievement." Southern California Edison will present an incentive check totaling $1,295,144 to the Huntington Beach City School District at tonight's board meeting at 7:00 p.m., as part of the California Solar Incentive, which is administered by the utility. Students, district representatives, community members and business officials are expected to attend.

Melvin Wylie

Many California Businesses are Overpaying Their Gas Bill by 15% or More

Natural gas deregulation still remains a well-kept and costly secret for business operators In one of the toughest economic climates in recent history one place most business owners fail to look at to increase their bottom line is the gas bill sent by the local utility. On average most businesses are losing hundreds and even thousands dollars by over paying for natural gas. California has deregulated natural gas which allows businesses and even private homes to buy their natural gas from suppliers other than the local utility, the cost savings are often dramatic. The utility still services emergencies and uses its pipeline to deliver the gas, but energy deregulation, very similar to the long distance phone deregulation of the '80s, makes it easy for gas customers to shop and save. The utility companies are unconcerned from where you buy your gas, because their regulated profit comes from the delivery of the gas and not the sale. San Francisco based energy consultant Golden Gate Power Company compares gas rates from several suppliers based on customers' needs and provides the least expensive option and projected savings. The transfer of the gas service is seamless and without cost. All that is necessary to see how much money a business can add back to the bottom line is a quick review of the PG&E bills. "Most business owners are amazed to find out how much money they have been wasting on their gas bill for years. It's a great feeling to help businesses keep more of their hard earned money. For many businesses, a 10 to 18% savings is common and that can mean a lot of money," says Golden Gate Power Company president Alden Wong. Golden Gate Power Company is located in San Francisco and currently serves customers in Northern California, with over one hundred field representatives. They are aggressively hiring more representatives to meet the growing demand in natural gas and energy savings.

Melvin Wylie

10 Green Building Predictions for 2012 from Earth Advantage Institute

Earth Advantage Institute, a nonprofit green building resource that has certified more than 12,000 homes, announced its annual prediction of 10 green building trends to watch in 2012. The trends, which range from a boom in certified multi-family construction to the advent of consumer friendly home energy technology, were identified by Earth Advantage Institute based on discussions with a broad range of audiences over the latter part of 2011. These sectors included policymakers, builders, developers, architects, real estate brokers, appraisers, lenders, and homeowners. "While the economy has not been kind to most new home builders, we have seen a surging interest in home energy management and energy improvement among homeowners," said Sean Penrith, executive director, Earth Advantage Institute. "Those builders and remodelers who have adopted a transparent green message have been quite successful." Urban density. Filling in the spaces is the name of the game as homeowners and builders opt to create more living space through the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), laneway homes (bordering the back lane behind the main house), and build on infill lots. All this because the younger crowd and the empty nesters are opting to settle in the city where they can be closer to cultural activity, mass transit, more sustainable lifestyles, and other like-minded people. Green multifamily homes. As a corollary to the urban density trend, Earth Advantage Institute has seen a large spike in Northwest multifamily building certifications this past year. The increased interest by building owners and operators in energy efficiency savings coupled with 2011's 17% growth in multifamily homes (McGraw-Hill) means that we can expect to see a rise in certifications in this sector, especially in progressive regions. Energy upgrades start to drive home remodels. Builders and remodelers who are plugged into changing consumer preferences (smaller homes, reduced energy bills) have been able to capitalize on energy upgrade work. They have moved into the energy audit and residential retrofit market by either expanding their service offerings or, in the case of large West Coast remodeler Neil Kelly, creating entirely new service groups. In the Northwest, demand has increased, leading to significant new energy improvement business for these firms. Remodelers see such work as a driver to help bring in more remodel leads. Deployment and testing of new materials. Although architects and builders are eager to try new energy-saving materials and systems, these products require significant testing to ensure that the materials and benefits will last the life of the building and to avoid litigation. As a result, national labs and university research departments are partnering with builders to create test beds and sensor-filled buildings that log the energy performance of new materials and equipment.Portland State University's mechanical engineering department recently partnered with a local builder to measure the effects of phase change material used as insulation in a duplex passive house, while Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories is constructing a test bed that will track all performance aspects of new materials and equipment. Consumer friendly home energy tracking devices. The introduction of the Apple-like Nest Learning Thermostat, and Belkin's Conserve Insight energy use monitor that tracks energy use by appliance, are two of many sensor-based energy and water monitoring products for the home that are easy to use and help save money. Large electronics players like Fujitsu and Intel are also developing products, among others. Energy education for commercial tenants. The growing adoption of commercial building energy disclosure (New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle, Austin) has building owners/operators and utilities seeking effective ways to educate tenants on saving energy. Technology can only go so far in conserving energy without tenant participation. Transparency in home marketing. The increasing use of smart devices by consumers to instantly access information at a home site means that buyers are much more informed and can see through any greenwashing claims. Those builders, remodelers, and real estate professionals who can clearly educate their clients about the benefits and features of energy efficient, green homes will be those who earn the buyers' confidence. More accurate appraisals. The old-school appraisal criteria based on a drive-by look at a home – view, approximate square footage – no longer holds. The ability for sellers and buyers to ask their banks for a green-certified appraiser (Certified Residential Green Appraiser) means that the lending community will buy into the idea of the additional value and return on investment offered by new certified homes and remodels. Broader adoption of residential energy ratings for homes. Energy labeling systems are appearing in many states, offering a miles-per-gallon style estimate of a home's energy consumption for homebuyers and homeowners. The Energy Performance Score and the Department of Energy's own Home Energy Score have been rolled out in different climate zones across the U.S. to encourage homeowners to compare energy use and undertake energy upgrade work. Smart grid-compatible high-performance homes. According to Smart Grid News, household appliances (heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, electronics, hair dryers) account for 60 to 90 percent of the residential electricity consumption in the U.S., depending on whose reports you read. Increasing numbers of those appliances are becoming "grid-aware" and are gaining the ability to monitor and report their own usage and to increase or decrease their electricity usage by remote command.

Melvin Wylie

What is Biodegradation

Thanks to my friends over at The Green Scene they have produced this video explaining 'What is Biodegradation'

Melvin Wylie

US House of Representatives Vote to Open ANWR for Oil Exploration

The fight is on to stop Oil Exploration in ANWR Alaska! The US House of Representative had voted to open up the coastal plain of ANWR to oil and gas development. Included in the bill is the opening of the US Outer Continental Shelf areas to oil and gas exploration, encouraging oil shale development nationwide and mandating the approval of the Keystone Pipeline Project. Now the bill moves to the Senate where strong opposition lies for it's future. The President has threatened to veto any legislation including the Keystone Pipeline stating "I strongly reject drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge because it would irreversibly damage a proctected national wildlife refuge without creating sufficient oil supplies to meaningfully affect the global market price or have a discernible impact on US energy security." Native Alaska Inter-Tribal Council which represents 229 Alaskan Tribes officially opposes any development in ANWR. Many tribes live off the land and caribou is one of the primary animals that they depend on for sustenance. Approximately 250,000 migrating herds of caribou use ANWR as their calving grounds. If this bill is passed it's possible that the calving grounds will be destroyed from oil and gas exploration.

Melvin Wylie

30th Episode of GreenNews4U

What's Under Your Athletic Field? In this edition I will be talking about PowerBase which is what goes under the synthetic turf. Well find out how it's made and the pros of using synthetic turf with PowerBase. To do this I have Dan Sawyer who is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Brock International. For those that don't know, Brock International is the leader in performance base systems for synthetic turf. The company produces a premier product called Brock PowerBase which is a shock pad and drainage layer used beneath synthetic turf on athletic fields that enhances player safety, performance and prevents concussions. Nothing like it existed before Dan's team envisioned the technology. Today over 20 million square feet of Brock products is in play underneath athletic fields worldwide. The Boulder, Colorado native is passionate about environmental stewardship.  In October 2011, Brock became the first company in the industry to have a Cradle to Cradle Certification ^CM for its combined drainage and shock pad product. Offering the only product in the market that can be closed loop recycled, the company's technologies reduce the overall energy cost of constructing a field by 50%. Dan has become a vocal advocate for preventing concussions on sports fields. With the perspective of handling hundreds of successful installations for clients ranging from NFL teams and major universities to community parks, he feels many head injuries can be prevented through education as well as better technique, equipment and treatment.  Brock's products have been scientifically proven to reduce the likelihood of traumatic brain injury by up to 50%, provide the same G-Max and playability as a pristine natural grass field and mitigate field hardening over time.

Melvin Wylie