I must start with the opening cautionary note. Traveling to Asia is expensive. Staying hotels that claim to be “green” is expensive too. When you approach such things a clear and and a ask all the questions you can thing of are 2 good attitudes to have. Finally I have never used any of these commercial enterprises so I nor CES can vouch for them.  As always check with the Better Business Bureau first.

http://www.wildasia.org/

My Opinion: Green Is Always The Way To Go

As a commercial contractor, I have had my fair share of opportunities to see the implementation of green building materials. This has led to the advent of LEED-certified constructions. However, what piques my interest the most are the individuals who have used these facilities in an eco-friendly manner, particularly the facilities where I actually work. Such individuals and I acknowledge that what’s going on shouldn’t be recognized solely from a standpoint concerning LEED certification.

In Asia, such efforts that contribute to saving the environment are applauded. Categories such as cultural preservation, community engagement and development and resource efficiency are among those recognized. An Asian based accommodation provider the “Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards”, hands out awards to various organizations.

Las Vegas is one of the major destination spots making strides in preserving the economy. This is evident by the fact that many hotels in Las Vegas have committed to using items that meet LEED-certified standards. Recently the Las Vegas Palazzo Resort was deemed the “Most Eco-Friendly Hotel in America”. It relies on a number of self-sustaining elements and reuses most of its own waste. Las Vegas hotels have clearly set an example that all hotels throughout America, and elsewhere, can follow. Most of the hotels in NYC have also gone the extra mile to reduce their carbon footprints and accommodate for waste recycling. The ink48 Hotel, in particular, has an amazing program called Earthcare. This allows members of the program to have a platform for discussing the ways in which they can contribute to the betterment of the planet.

Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful thing, in my opinion, to see people act in one accord, making their facilities more sustainable and eco-friendly. It’s 10 times sweeter when you’re directly involved in such work. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of hotel rooms, and Las Vegas alone managed to pull in more than 40,000,000 travelers last year. If others followed the Palazzo and ink48’s lead, we will all see an extremely positive impact.

:}

Go there and look around. More next week.

:}

I was recounting in the last post about a “handicapped” workshop that had an amazing experiential component to it. There were 4 common ailments included – that everyone got to try out, being blind which I described, being in a wheelchair which was kind of boring but boy has that changed since 1977, having an arm amputated and being deaf. Like I said the wheelchair experience was just rolling around in this large open space. They did not want us to take them outside because we could break them or we could be hurt ourselves. They did give each of us a cautious trip down some stairs at the door to the outside. There were three of them and it was creepy. My grandma was in a wheelchair so I did it better than most.

They had an extra attraction called being a child, which I will talk about tomorrow. So here is a wheelchair lift.

http://www.freedomliftsystems.com/WheelchairAccessibleVerticalPlatformLifts.asp?gclid=CKKJ0f_7jbMCFdEWMgodawoAjg

Wheelchair Platform Lifts

A simple and inexpensive wheelchair porch lift uses less space and is often a much more attractive and affordable solution than the alternative of installing a ramp.

These reliable vertical lifts can be installed outdoors or indoors and are designed to be completely resistant to the harshest weather conditions.

Wheelchair platform lifts for residential and commercial installations are easily installed and have a lifting range from 28″ up to as much as 12 feet (144″).

Our systems are an economical way to offer home / building accessibility.

Twenty years of manufacturing experience has resulted in the most durable and economical solution for wheelchair platform lift access in North America.

We will help you have a successful project, starting with offering four categories of wheelchair platform lifts.

Residential lifts for home use provides an attractive and practical solution for making your home accessible for a wheelchair user.

:}

Go there and read. More next week.

:}

They have more people without electricity then there are in the United States. MAN! So solar might seem inadequate but I do not think so. I believe if China keeps pumping out the panels.

Written by Varun Mittal | 02 July 2012

India’s per capita consumption of electricity per is around 481 units or one-fifth of world average of 2596 units. Compare it to 900 units per month consumption of electricity in US. Such a low electricity use in India adds to the challenge of development because in order for India to be energy secure, the country needs to first match its supply of power with the demand. In addition, it must add the capacity year on year with respect to the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, power being a primary ingredient in economic development.

Gap between supply and demand of power

Source: CEA report, 2011

Solar power in the renewable energy mix

India needs to sustain an 8% to 10% economic growth rate, over the next 25 years, and it needs, at the very least, to increase its primary energy supply. Fortunately there is an abundance of solar energy across India. About 5000 trillion kWh per year energy is incident over India’s land area with most parts receiving 4-7 kWh per square mile per day. The annual average global solar radiation on horizontal surfaces, incident over India is about 5.5 kWh per square metre per day or 1650 Kwh per square metre per year.

Fortunately there is an abundance of solar energy across India.

Based on such promising solar energy potential across India, the government of India rolled out

Based on such promising solar energy potential across India, the government of India rolled out the central policy “Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission: JNNSM” on 23 November, 2009 to add 20,000MW grid-connected solar power capacity, which is 27.62% in grid-connected renewable power capacity by 2022.  However, along with the central policy, 3 states (Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka) have come up with their state solar policies that are independent or concurrent to central policy while other states are planning their solar policies such that the total contribution of solar will be much higher in the renewable power mix. Therefore, the percentage of renewable power in the cumulative grid-connected power capacity will be increased.

:}

Go there and read. More tomorrow

:}

Back in the 1990s I was working with a group that was trying to “buy back” the  utility that services New Orleans because it was so badly run. Now look at them.

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2012/03/entergy_new_orleans_to_highlig.html

Entergy New Orleans to highlight energy-efficiency techniques at Home and Garden Show

Published: Friday, March 02, 2012, 9:51 AM     Updated: Friday, March 02, 2012, 9:54 AM

By Richard Thompson, The Times-Picayune

Entergy New Orleans representatives will be on hand to demonstrate new interactive online tools for maximizing savings from improving a home’s energy-efficiency and to provide info about Energy Smart incentives and rebates this weekend at the 57th annual New Orleans Home and Garden Show.

The show, billed as the largest consumer home show in the region, highlights recent advances in energy-efficient technologies and products for home remodeling, green building, decorating and landscaping. It starts today and runs through Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

At the Entergy New Orleans booth (# 600-601), utility officials will discuss tips and incentives aimed at giving customers the opportunity to save money on power bills.

There will also be a game show in which contestants can answer questions about energy efficiency to win gift cards for new Energy Star appliances, courtesy of Entergy New Orleans. For the second straight year, the game show is slated to be hosted by HGTV’s Jim Parks.

In addition, Entergy lineman will demonstrate on Saturday and Sunday the danger of getting too close to live electrical lines, and explain and demonstrate safety equipment used when working on power lines.

:}

Go there and read. More tomorrow.

:}

People traditionally do not think of their car or other forms of personal transportation as part of their residential energy package but I think it only makes sense. In between gas and insurance along or electricity now, they can be some of the most expensive things in your life. And it is a big part of of your carbon footprint. This would sure make a differenced.

http://digg.com/newsbar/topnews/fold_up_car_of_the_future_unveiled_at_eu

Fold-up car of the future unveiled at EU

January 24, 2012

A tiny revolutionary fold-up car designed in Spain’s Basque country as the answer to urban stress and pollution was unveiled Tuesday before hitting European cities in 2013.

A tiny revolutionary fold-up car designed in Spain’s Basque country as the answer to urban stress and pollution was unveiled Tuesday before hitting European cities in 2013.

The “Hiriko”, the Basque word for “urban”, is an electric two-seater with no doors whose motor is located in the wheels and which folds up like a child’s collapsible buggy, or stroller, for easy parking.

Dreamt up by Boston’s MIT-Media lab, the concept was developed by a consortium of seven small Basque firms under the name Hiriko Driving Mobility, with a prototype unveiled by European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso.

Demonstrating for journalists, Barroso clambered in through the fold-up front windscreen of the 1.5-metre-long car.

“European ideas usually are developed in the United States. This time an American idea is being made in Europe,” consortium spokesman Gorka Espiau told AFP.

:}

Go there and read. More tomorrow.

:}

You wonder why I go on about all the things you can do in your house to save power. Well the following article tells the whole story. As I said this a joke and the joke is on you. They will never get to the “smart” meters and once they do, so what. Then all you become is a part of the utilities load flattening program. Big whoop. Who wants to do laundry at 2 o’clock in the morning. Nice piece of writing though.

http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-9550-ameren-illinois-launches-10-year-modernization-plan.html

Thursday, January 12,2012

Ameren Illinois launches 10-year modernization plan

Proposed new rates could mean a decrease for some customers

By Neil Schneider

Ameren Illinois, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, took its first step in implementing its Modernization Action Plan (MAP) on Tuesday, Jan.3. The plan will provide customers with a more reliable and modernized electric distribution system.

In a press release, Ameren said that over the next decade an additional $625 million will be invested in updating the Ameren Illinois electric delivery system, while also creating 450 new jobs during the program’s peak year. Ameren Illinois serves 20,767 customers in Sangamon County.

“Today’s filing with the Illinois Commerce Commission marks the beginning of an initiative that will enable Ameren Illinois to modernize its electric distribution system over the next 10 years in order to meet the service expectations of our customers in the 21st century,” said Craig Nelson, senior vice president of Ameren Illinois.

The filing includes the deployment of about 750,000 automated “smart” meters, greater use of advanced distribution system automation, the modernization and expansion of electric substations and the installation of new transformers.

Smart meters allow consumers and utility companies to monitor electricity more closely during the day through the usage of wireless transmitters, while also allowing a utility company to “talk” to the meters and adjust power usage and distribution throughout the day.

Ameren spokesman Leigh Morris said that a major advantage of the “smart” meters is Ameren customers will be able to take advantage of a “time-of-use service.”

Morris said that there is the potential, for people who choose to use the “time-of-use service” to save money.

“Customers can choose to buy electricity at a certain time of the day, at the certain price it is offered at during that time,” Morris said. “You can imagine that electricity is typically going to cost more at three in the afternoon than at seven in the morning. Like anything else, it is about supply and demand.”

:}

Go there and read. More next week.

:}

Do you want to have you home weatherized and not travel to do it.  Have the supplies delivered by mail from Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=495368

2.

3M 2145C Indoor Insulator Film Mounting Tape, 1 in x 500 inches

Buy new: $7.08 $5.54

25 new from $2.95 1 used from $2.99

Get it by Tuesday, Oct 25 if you order in the next 7 hours and choose one-day shipping.

(5)

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.

3.

3M 2149W Indoor Oversized Insulator Kit 84-inch-by-237-inch

Buy new: $29.28 $21.41

18 new from $18.00

Get it by Tuesday, Oct 25 if you order in the next 7 hours and choose one-day shipping.

(20)

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.

:}

This is only a very small sample of what they offer. Go there and see. More tomorrow.

:}

Corporate America was slow to come to recycling because they know a shift to a steady state economy means their demise. Still they come kicking and screaming because they can not withstand the the force of history. It would be nice if they recycled real things like electronics and building materials. Sooner or later it will happen. For now:

http://www.recycleaway.com/office_recycling_containers.html?gclid=CILF7Ljj0asCFcsBQAod9jSETw

Office Recycling Bins

We offer unbeatable prices and the best selection of office recycling bins and office recycling containers. From recycling signs and deskside recycling containers, to space efficient and attractive recycling receptacles, Recycle Away has everything you need to expand your office recycling program.

Shop by Category
Deskside Recycling Bins	Attractive Recycling Containers	Custom Recycling Containers
Recycling Bins for Bottles & Cans	Recycling Bins for Paper	Recycling Bins for Lobbies and Meeting Rooms
Plastic Recycling Bins	Fiberglass Recycling Bins

;]

More tomorrow.

:}

Nuff said.

http://www.agr.state.il.us/isf/

CARNIVAL SPECIAL
NEW THIS YEAR- The Illinois State Fair will be offering Bargain Bracelets for all rides (excluding Giant Slide and SkyGlide). It will be conveniently available for purchase at the Carnival and Adventure Village when you arrive to enjoy the fair. This Bargain Bracelet will replace Children’s Miracle Network Wristbands.

Grandstand reserved seats and track tickets on sale Saturday, April 30, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster Phone centers (800-745-3000, TTY-800-359-2525) and all Ticketmaster outlets. Grandstand ticket office will accept Mail Orders starting Monday, May 30, 2011. Grandstand box office will open for walk-up sales starting June 4, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. All adults and children 3 years of age and older MUST have a ticket for Concerts.MAIL ORDER WILL BE ACCEPTED – after May 30, 2011 at: The Illinois State Fair Ticket Office, P.O. Box 19427, Springfield, IL 62794-9427.

Order tickets via U.S. mail with our order form.

:}

More tomorrow maybe.

:}

Again these type systems are not for lower or working class families. They need basic energy conservation techniques and ultimately to be moved off the grid. But for those who can afford it this is pretty cool.

http://www.magnumenergysolutions.com/resident.php?top_menu_id=1

Venergy home is a complete home automation solution. The Venergy system allows homeowners to control all the lights in their home from a series of self-powering switches, Thermostat HVAC control, and electronics connected to the Venergy outlet. In addition the home owner has complete home automation through the Venergy software for entertainment, security alarm, cameras, real time smart energy monitoring and much more!

New Home Construction or Retrofit Benefits:

Reduce build costs in new construction with the Venergy new home 16 channel controller, which eliminates the need for switch legs.

100% whole house dimming, which results in dramatic energy savings and extended bulb life with the Venergy new home controller

Because all switches are 100% movable, homeowners can change switch locations any time they want or need to.

Terminate Standby power to electronics with the Venergy outlet.

Know to the kHw or penny how much energy your home is consuming with the Venergy Smart Monitor.

Turn on lights, control temperature, monitor your home while out of town with your iPhone, Blackberry or web browser and the Venergy software interface.

The Venergy home automation solution is a simple retrofit or new construction system which provides the home owner with basic or advanced control as they desire.

:}