|
|
Thursday, February 16, 2006
|
|
| |
If you’re thinking
that a brave new world of agriculturally derived, clean-burning
biodiesel fuel is going to wean us off petroleum, you’d better think
again. Not even the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) thinks that. In the
near future, NBB believes (based on Department of Energy estimates)
that biodiesel could at best supply 10 percent of America’s fuel needs.
It will complement, not replace, fossil fuels. [Source: E: The Environmental Magazine]
11:21:53 AM Google It! 
|
|
Weddings—and world conferences—go CO2 neutral. [Source: E: The Environmental Magazine]
11:20:21 AM Google It!
|
|
With the implementation of successful indoor air quality programs,
schools can see an increase in productivity and higher test scores
overall. By Bob Clarke [Source: GreenerBuildings.com]
11:17:47 AM Google It!
|
|
|
The U.S. Department of Energy offers 20 ways for industry workers to
start saving energy in combustion systems, including steam boiler
systems and process heating systems -- without expensive equipment or
changes in operating practices. Includes links for further information
on all combustion systems, steam generation systems, and process
heating systems.
11:16:29 AM Google It!
|
|
Oft-maligned institutional food is giving way to cuisine that won't
bite the land that feeds you. Here are some tips from Joel Makower,
founder of GreenBiz.com. [Source: Grist Magazine via GreenBiz.com]
11:14:32 AM Google It!
|
|
The home building market is expected to have lots of energy in 2006. A
new survey of home builders, released by Lowe's at the recent 2006
International Builders' Show, demonstrates one of the biggest trends in
home building is a strong focus on energy-efficient materials and
products. In fact, nine out of ten builders surveyed say they are
incorporating energy-saving products into new homes at all price
levels. [Source: GreenerBuildings.com]
11:13:13 AM Google It!
|
|
As building owners and architects take substantive measures toward
creating more energy-efficient buildings, "daylighting" has emerged as
a consistent design strategy. [Source: GreenerBuildings.com]
11:12:05 AM Google It!
|
|
A coalition of evangelical leaders has called on the U.S. government to
pass national legislation that will reduce CO2 emissions that are
contributing to climate change. [Source: Refocus]
11:10:49 AM Google It!
|
|
The U.S. Department of Energy will provide US$100,000 to each team that
competes in a solar competition next year. A team from UIUC has been
selected to compete. [Source: Refocus]
11:09:38 AM Google It!
|
|
The state of Florida could produce US$420 million in tradable renewable
energy credits by 2014, by increasing the use of renewables and energy
efficiency, both of which are eligible for new federal tax credits. [Source: Refocus]
11:05:45 AM Google It!
|
|
The European Commission has called for new action to develop biofuels
to avoid reliance on traditional power sources. [Source: Refocus]
11:03:24 AM Google It!
|
|
Applications due:
May 17, 2006
While there are many definitions of sustainability and sustainable
development, perhaps the most cited definition of sustainable
development is from the Brundtland Commission – “development that meets
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs” (Brundtland, 1987). Aspirations
for sustainability are complicated by projections that over the next 50
years, the world’s population is expected to grow 50%, global economic
activity is expected to grow 500%, and global energy and materials use
is expected to grow 300% (Matthews et. al., 2000). These trends present
a challenge to environmental sustainability that will demand informed
design, planning and decision-making at all levels - global, national,
and regional; community and individual; and industrial.
To encourage innovative thinking about practical applications of
science (including social science) and engineering for sustainability,
ORD is funding the Collaborative Science and Technology Network for
Sustainability (CNS). CNS projects will bring together diverse sets of
partners to explore and learn about new approaches for environmental
protection that are systems-oriented, forward-looking, and preventive
and also link to economic and social dimensions. The collection of
funded projects will inform practical learning on analytical tools,
collaborative approaches, and informed decision-making that support
progress towards sustainability. The analytical tools developed will
draw on a scientific understanding of the consequences of decisions and
actions. Information on projects currently funded under CNS can be
found at http://www.epa.gov/ncer/cns.
10:56:05 AM Google It!
|
|
Application due date:
Mar 20, 2006
The grants to be awarded under this grant announcement may involve
geospatial information.
The Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) for Regions, initiated
in FY90, provide applicants an opportunity to carry out projects to
develop and refine comprehensive wetland programs. The authority for
the grant program is Section 104(b)(3) of the Clean Water Act (CWA)
which restricts the use of these grant funds to improving wetland
programs by conducting or promoting the coordination and acceleration
of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations,
surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent,
prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. All proposed
projects must be linked to environmental results and demonstrate how
they will contribute to the ultimate goals of healthy communities and
ecosystems.
10:54:22 AM Google It!
|
|
Ford Motor Company is bringing its commitment to the American heartland
by promoting the popularity, visibility and availability of
energy-saving vehicles. Teaming up with energy partners, city and state
governments, the public, and private companies to expand hybrids and
vehicles capable of running on E85 ethanol, Ford will launch the
beginnings of a Midwest Ethanol Corridor in Illinois and Missouri
through its partnership with VeraSun Energy, a renewable energy company. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
10:44:01 AM Google It!
|
|
Two large U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail-processing centers in
California are now home to major energy-efficiency improvements with
the completion of a unique hybrid alternative power plant -- combining
two solar technologies and hydrogen fuel cell generation -- announced
by Chevron Corp. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
10:42:44 AM Google It!
|
|
The New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA)
announced $8.5 million in funding opportunities for renewable energy
projects in the state. The funding covers nearly every renewable energy
technology and would help fund new manufacturing operations or business
development within state borders. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
10:41:23 AM Google It!
|
|
|
The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson
International Center for Scholars -- a project supported by The Pew
Charitable Trusts -- announced on Feb. 8 a series of meetings and a
symposium that should result in a report about how to apply the
principles of green chemistry and green engineering to nanotechnology.
This new GreenNano series at the Project on Emerging
Nanotechnologies aims to advance development of clean technologies
using nanotechnology, to minimize the environmental and human health
risks associated with the manufacture and use of nanotechnology
products in general, and to encourage replacement of existing products
with new nano products that are more environmentally friendly
throughout their lifecycle.
For a complete schedule of GreenNano programs over the next six months, see: http://www.nanotechproject.org. [Source: Environmental Protection E-News]
10:31:58 AM Google It!
|
|
|
The ING Unsung Heroes
Awards are given to K-12 educators pioneering new methods and
techniques that improve student learning. Educators may submit
applications describing projects they have initiated or have envisioned
for the future. Their applications are judged on innovative teaching
methods, creative educational projects, and ability to make a positive
influence on the children they teach. At least one $2,000 award is
given in each state, provided one or more qualified applications are
received from each state. All full-time K-12 education professionals
from accredited public and private schools in the U.S. may apply. The
application deadline is May 1, 2006.
10:30:16 AM Google It!
|
|
The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) has begun accepting nominations for
this year’s Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards. The awards are
administered annually to organizations, companies, individuals, or
other entities that have demonstrated significant and tangible commitment to “the cause of
energy efficiency and/or contribution to the energy security of our
nation.” Previous winners of Stars of Energy Efficiency awards include
the Burlington (Vermont) Electric Department, Ted Turner of Time
Warner, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, and Southern California Edison.
ASE encourages nominations from throughout and beyond the energy
sector. Nomination forms are available from ASE; the early-bird
deadline for nomination is February 14, with all nominations due by
March 31, 2006. Once received, a judging committee evaluates nominees’
demonstration of outstanding contribution, quantifiable energy savings,
ingenuity, and other criteria. The Stars are awarded at a black tie
dinner and ceremony on September 12, 2006.
10:28:42 AM Google It!
|
|
IC Corporation, a school bus manufacturer, and Enova Systems are
collaborating on what is said to be the nation's first hybrid school
bus. The prototype, which has a hybrid diesel-electric drive train that
is currently undergoing testing, would considerably increase fuel
economy. The completed hybrid school bus is expected to be delivered in
spring 2006. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
10:26:16 AM Google It!
|
|
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) will demonstrate the
feasibility of producing biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas, a non-edible
oil-bearing crop in a project in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh
expected to take 10 years with funding from BP for $9.4 million. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
10:24:42 AM Google It!
|
|
Just a week after President George W. Bush proclaimed his support for
renewable energy technologies, the nation's premier renewable energy
laboratory has been forced to announce layoffs because the Bush
Administration's proposed budget doesn't adequately fund the
laboratory's current staff. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
For a more personal account, see:
Plug Pulled on Renewable Energy Gurus [Source: The Denver Post -- Thanks to Joy for the link]
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3506521
10:22:13 AM Google It!
|
|
Getting solar photovoltaic modules in the U.S. can be a major
challenge, says Jigar Shah, Managing Partner of Maryland-based
SunEdison. He should know, too. His company, in partnership with a
Nevada-based project integrator, announced construction will soon begin
on an 18 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project that would provide power to
a U.S. military base in the Nevada Desert. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
10:20:09 AM Google It!
|
|
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency today announced that funds are available to support
community-based partnerships to reduce toxic risks in local
communities.
EPA will award about $2.7 million in cooperative agreements in two
levels through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE)
program. Level I cooperative agreements will help establish
community-based partnerships and set priorities for reducing toxic
risks in a community. EPA anticipates awarding eight to10
cooperative agreements under Level I, ranging from $75,000 to
$100,000.
Level II cooperative agreements are for communities that already have a
broad-based collaborative partnership, have identified risk reduction
priorities and are ready to implement risk reduction strategies.
EPA expects to award six to eight cooperative agreements, ranging from
$150,000 to $300,000.
A range of community groups may apply for funding, including county and
local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and
universities. EPA will conduct two conference calls, Feb. 21 and
24, for prospective applicants to ask questions about the application
process.
The CARE program, which began in 2005, helps to build broad-based local
partnerships for reducing risks from toxic pollutants that come from
numerous sources. For additional information about CARE, projects
awarded in 2005, or how to apply for the cooperative agreements, visit the CARE web site.
10:17:30 AM Google It!
|
|
Application deadline:
Mar 31, 2006
The purpose of this solicitation notice for Tribal Indoor Radon Program
Grants is to support the achievement of USEPA’s Objective, Goal 1,
Objective2, (under the Government Performance Results Act (GPRA)) that
by the year 2005, 15 million more Americans will live or work in homes,
schools, or office buildings with healthier indoor air than in 1994.
This Congressional Mandate, under IRAA, is being met through this
funding opportunity in Tribal lands to meet Tribal needs.
10:14:42 AM Google It!
|
|
|
|
© Copyright
2006
Laura L. Barnes.
Last update:
3/6/2006; 11:32:10 AM.
|
|
| February 2006 |
| Sun |
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
Sat |
| |
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| 5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
| 12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
| 19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
| 26 |
27 |
28 |
|
|
|
|
| Jan Mar |
|
