Energy Management

March presents several webinars, discussions and networking opportunities in the San Francisco Bay Area encompassing various environmental sectors.

Events include:... read more

Clean technology (CleanTech) has become a prominent sector in many countries; some call this emerging sector a revolution. However what, in point of fact, is done? Where are we headed, where are we behind and what are the next steps? How does Information Technology (IT) leverage clean tech innovations?

When it comes to green technology, is the US moving forward fast enough to make a difference globally?

Check the following events:... read more

RollingStone has published an article on the individuals who are single-handedly posting the biggest threat to our planet.   It is an interesting list and includes:

• Warren Buffett - the dubious number 1 spot who seems to be banking on the failure of the clean energy bills with huge investments tied to coal.
• Rupert Murdoch -  #2 due to the Fox News propaganda machine.
• Sen. James Inhofe - who proudly guarantees that the GOP will be able to block carbon curbing legislation and bemoaned not landing in the number 1 position on the RollingStone list.
• George Will - for writing lie after lie in his column - thus using his reputation as the Conservative Intellectual to give credibility to disinformation.
• John McCain - Flip-flopping to try and save his political life.

The common theme to the list seems to be age (most on the list are over 70, wtf - they don't need the planet that much longer?)... read more

Have you ever opened and worked on your car engine while it is still hot?  Ouch - the average temperature of a running engine is 170-200 degrees farenheit. One thing I have never considered - cars (and basically all things that run hot) are creating heat waste.   Wasted heat  is created as a by-product of the conversion process of fuel into usable energy. 

Heat

One of the ideas that really caught my attention at the Cleantech Open was presented by finalist Alphabet Energy Inc.  They are working on technology that will recapture waste heat.   According to Alphabet Energy, the average power plant is only 30% efficient and the same efficiency number has been cited for automobiles. ... read more

Electric bikes and tricycles have become environmentally responsible hybrid commuter vehicles with excellent mileage and very low operating costs - 3 miles per penny!

Both ebikes and tricycles might transform urban mobility, as more and more people take to them. As a replacement for short car rides, they emit minimal carbon dioxide, compared to a car ride, and help residents reduce their total carbon footprint.

In addition to environmental benefits, ebike lovers indicate 5 more reasons to prefer electric bike or trike:

(Click here to read about electric bicycles environmental benefits)

1) Health benefits – Electric bikes enable people with temporary or long-term physical limitations to enjoy biking. Many ebike models offer simultaneous motor and pedal use for some degree of physical activity.2) Convenience – It’s always there for you and enables easy riding around town, running errands, and even shopping (it can fit a small load of grocery bags). Parking is never an issue. Some models fit child-seats or a trailer. For longer trips, most models are light and easily fit into an average car trunk.3) Money consideration - Cheaper than a car and you don’t need to pay for car insurance, taxes, and maintenance costs, even parking tickets. There are also considerations of rising gasoline prices.... read more