February 16, 2010
The Interview: Dan Juhl
by David Wagman, Chief Editor, REWNA Magazine
Oklahoma, United States [Renewable Energy World North America Magazine]
Wind turbines have been part of North America's rural landscape for well over 150 years, known best to farmers and ranchers as windmills. Rather than generate electricity, these machines pumped water out of the ground for domestic use, livestock and irrigation.
Today, the development of large-scale wind farms–containing dozens or even hundreds of wind turbines spread over many square miles–has brought a new breed of wind-driven machine to rural landscapes. They have not always been welcomed. Billboards along I-70 in Kansas in 2007 protested against the "industrialization" of rural parts of the state as large-scale wind farm development advanced.
Such opposition to wind farm development–and related transmission–threatens to slow growth in parts of the country where populations are small, viewsheds are wide and wind resources are robust.
Dan Juhl understands the depth of feeling that motivates opponents to large-scale wind farms. But he also recognizes the long-term benefits that can come to rural areas by developing such resources.
"Creating jobs in rural America is a big deal," says the 60-year-old Juhl, who is chairman of the board and CEO of the company that bears his name. As a comparatively small-scale wind developer based in Woodstock, Minn., Juhl Wind has championed the idea of community-based wind project ownership since the 1980s when Juhl returned to his home state after spending some time in California. He based his community ownership ideas on approaches used by the Dutch and the Germans, who kept project ownership in the hands of local landowners. During the 1990s Juhl worked to encourage policymakers in Minnesota and Nebraska to adopt rules encouraging similar types of local ownership. And since 1999 his company–whose stock trades over the counter using the symbol "Juhl.OB"–has developed 130 MW of community-owned wind power in both midwestern states.
"The genesis was no big thing," says Juhl. "Just a bunch of folks trying to make things happen." Having spent his childhood on a farm, Juhl grew up with wind technology. Now his focus is on using development tools to "help people who own the wind benefit from it."
The company has fewer than two dozen employees and the corporate office has been off the grid for 10 years. Electricity for the office comes from a hybrid wind/solar system and heat comes from a corncob burner. Juhl drives an electric car to and from work.
The essence of Juhl Wind's approach is to exploit wind resources for electricity generation while keeping the economic benefits as close to home as possible.
Through the community wind approach, the company involves land owners and the local community by establishing a limited liability company. This structure extends ownership to participants along with an initial equity investor. Once the equity investor receives its targeted rate of return, long-term project ownership flips to the community. As project developer, Juhl Wind helps in finding financing, secures utility power purchase agreements, negotiates with turbine suppliers for equipment and operates the wind farm once it's completed.
"We want economic development and to keep jobs in our communities," says Juhl. "The revenue stream stays in the community."
To the extent possible, the company uses local contractors, including electricians, engineers, installers and maintenance workers.
"When we build these projects we are small enough that we can utilize local talent," he says.
To date, the company's work has focused on the Buffalo Ridge area of southwestern Minnesota. At an elevation of around 2,000 feet, this 60-mile-long expanse of rolling hills offers good wind resources. To date, Juhl Wind has developed 14 wind farms with a total of 117 MW installed capacity. The company has another two dozen projects under development with a potential total capacity of 425 MW.
Much of the developed wind capacity connects to the grid via 69kV lines, which means the projects generally remain at the sub-transmission level. As a result, most of the electricity never makes it to the broader grid but is consumed locally. Juhl Wind prefers to develop projects sized between 5 MW to 20 MW and that represent a capital investment of $10 million to $40 million. That leaves them nowhere near mega-project size, but of a dollar and megawatt scale that's "still big to me," Juhl says.
Since the company went public in June 2008 it's attracted more attention and opened new sources of capital. Retired General Wesley Clark joined the board of directors in January 2009, having contacted the company to express an interest in its development approach. And Juhl Wind is investigating setting up an equity fund with the backing of "socially responsible firms" to develop more opportunities.
Community wind is a relatively small part of the larger wind development industry, representing roughly 2 percent of U.S. wind power capacity, according to one study. Projects are concentrated in a handful of states, including Minnesota, Iowa and Texas. (One Massachusetts community-owned wind project is profiled on page 67.)
A 2009 conference paper written by two researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory said that while all wind energy projects offer an economic development component, local communities may see only a small benefit from the investment. The researchers said it is not uncommon for less than 15 percent of project-related construction spending to remain in the state where the project is built.
Community wind projects such as those developed by Juhl Wind can boost local economic benefits in three principal ways, according to the authors. First, more local labor and materials may be used during development and operations. Second, profitable projects with local ownership provide dividends to local shareholders. Third, community wind projects often depend on local banks for construction financing and operating loans.
Comparing community wind to a fictional "absentee" project, the authors found that construction employment effects can be 1.1 to 1.3 times higher and operations-period impacts 1.1 to 2.8 times higher for community wind.
The NREL researchers concluded that community wind projects have "greater economic development impacts than absentee-owned projects" and recommended that policies prioritizing higher levels of local ownership are "likely to result in increased economic development impacts."
Community ownership may help ease the sort of opposition to large-scale wind development that led to anti-wind billboards being posted along I-70 in Kansas.
Large-scale wind farms and transmission lines are becoming a major issue in rural America, Juhl says. "You just can't plop huge amounts of power" on rural areas, he says. "At some point the people who own the land become upset."
The NREL-written conference paper said that as wind penetration levels approach 20 percent, the likelihood rises that more people will encounter wind projects and infrastructure. While increased exposure will be a welcome change to some, the risk exists that people living in a wind project's footprint may resist project development. This may be especially true if "outsiders" or "corporate interests" are seen as benefiting more than local residents, the paper suggested.
Community wind can counteract opposition by increasing the amount of economic development benefits that remain local. At the same time, community wind may ease perceptions that "outsiders" are benefiting from wind projects.
Juhl admits his projects generate electricity that may cost more than what larger developers can offer, primarily because of differences in scale and scope. But he argues the difference "vaporizes" when amortized across the rate base and after accounting for other economic development benefits. State regulators, however, often need to be reminded of the benefits community wind can offer.
"Regulators don't care about anything but the cost of energy," he says. "But we're the ratepayer; we create all these jobs and keep revenue in the community."
Juhl Wind receives a steady flow of inquiries from communities intent on developing their own wind resources. The company's small scale limits the extent to which it can join even the most interesting projects. "I have to be honest with them," Juhl says. "It's difficult being a small player."
Difficulties aside, Juhl remains committed to the goals of community-based wind that first inspired him 30 years ago.
"If we can use this to help rural economies prosper that's the thing," he says. "It makes a huge difference in the larger economy."
2.28.2010
National Call In Week, Repower America
Dear Blog Reader,
Next week could make or break America's climate and energy future.
Last summer, the House passed a comprehensive clean energy and climate bill that could create millions of clean energy jobs and begin to address the climate crisis. Now, a new Senate version, with significant support from key Senators, could be less than a week away* -- but lobbyists from Big Oil and Coal are already lining up to do whatever they can to gut critical provisions.
We can't let lobbyists and special interests win. America needs clean energy and the jobs it will bring to our economy.
That's why we're launching our biggest calling campaign ever. We're joining forces with a coalition of climate groups to create a perfect storm of grassroots pressure from Tuesday through Thursday of next week. We're holding an event near you where local members can call other supporters around the state and connect them to our Senators. Can you join us?
RSVP to a phone bank for clean energy near you.
Your calls were crucial to shutting down Senator Lisa Murkowski's attack on the Clean Air Act last month.
Now, with the Senate negotiating the contents of this critical new bill, its fate is in our hands too. We need to keep our Senators' phones ringing off the hook -- the more they understand that passing this bill is our top priority, the more they will make it theirs.
To get it done, we're setting the ambitious goal of 20,000 calls from the Climate Protection Action Fund alone next week. And to reach that number, we'll need the help of committed supporters like you to make it happen. Can you help us reach our goal?
Help us flood the Senate with calls. RSVP for a local phone bank next week.
Successful legislation isn't just important here in the U.S. As we saw at the Copenhagen climate conference, countless nations are relying on our action to catalyze global efforts to promote clean energy and reduce carbon pollution.
But for this bill to make a real impact, it's got to include two things:
1) Strong investment in clean energy to create American manufacturing and construction jobs, and
2) A cap on carbon pollution that limits the amount of carbon companies can emit, giving them incentives to reduce emissions while holding violators accountable.
Your calls have made a difference before. And next week, your barrage of phone calls will tell our Senators to stop wasting time, stop caving to big oil and coal, and finally pass a strong clean energy and climate bill -- because we can't afford the consequences of their inaction.
Please RSVP to a phone bank today.
Thanks,
Dave Boundy
Campaign Manager Repower America
* Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson, "Reid demands climate bill ASAP," Washington Post - Post Carbon blog, http://views.washingtonpost.com/climate-change/post-carbon/2010/02/reid_demands_climate_bill.html
Next week could make or break America's climate and energy future.
Last summer, the House passed a comprehensive clean energy and climate bill that could create millions of clean energy jobs and begin to address the climate crisis. Now, a new Senate version, with significant support from key Senators, could be less than a week away* -- but lobbyists from Big Oil and Coal are already lining up to do whatever they can to gut critical provisions.
We can't let lobbyists and special interests win. America needs clean energy and the jobs it will bring to our economy.
That's why we're launching our biggest calling campaign ever. We're joining forces with a coalition of climate groups to create a perfect storm of grassroots pressure from Tuesday through Thursday of next week. We're holding an event near you where local members can call other supporters around the state and connect them to our Senators. Can you join us?
RSVP to a phone bank for clean energy near you.
Your calls were crucial to shutting down Senator Lisa Murkowski's attack on the Clean Air Act last month.
Now, with the Senate negotiating the contents of this critical new bill, its fate is in our hands too. We need to keep our Senators' phones ringing off the hook -- the more they understand that passing this bill is our top priority, the more they will make it theirs.
To get it done, we're setting the ambitious goal of 20,000 calls from the Climate Protection Action Fund alone next week. And to reach that number, we'll need the help of committed supporters like you to make it happen. Can you help us reach our goal?
Help us flood the Senate with calls. RSVP for a local phone bank next week.
Successful legislation isn't just important here in the U.S. As we saw at the Copenhagen climate conference, countless nations are relying on our action to catalyze global efforts to promote clean energy and reduce carbon pollution.
But for this bill to make a real impact, it's got to include two things:
1) Strong investment in clean energy to create American manufacturing and construction jobs, and
2) A cap on carbon pollution that limits the amount of carbon companies can emit, giving them incentives to reduce emissions while holding violators accountable.
Your calls have made a difference before. And next week, your barrage of phone calls will tell our Senators to stop wasting time, stop caving to big oil and coal, and finally pass a strong clean energy and climate bill -- because we can't afford the consequences of their inaction.
Please RSVP to a phone bank today.
Thanks,
Dave Boundy
Campaign Manager Repower America
* Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson, "Reid demands climate bill ASAP," Washington Post - Post Carbon blog, http://views.washingtonpost.com/climate-change/post-carbon/2010/02/reid_demands_climate_bill.html
2.27.2010
Energy Efficiency, Demand Response "DR", Utility Companies
Info Supplied by: Scotty, Scott's Contracting-St Louis Renewable Energy Missouri Information found at:http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2010/02/getting-to-energy-efficiency-with-two-little-magic-words-demand-response?cmpid=WNL-Friday-February26-2010
Getting to Energy Efficiency with Two Little Magic Words (Demand Response)
Here’s how to be super cool in Silicon Valley: Mutter the words “demand response” or, better yet, the acronym “DR.” Wait for somebody to start talking about Energy Efficiency (somebody will) and then say “demand side management” or its acronym, “DSM.”
The more the cost of electricity rises, the more the electricity-devouring Silicon Valley high tech companies become energy conscious. Google recently got permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to become a utility just so it can exercise more control over its energy mix, add more New Energy to its supply and implement better control of its Energy Efficiency (EE).
The Silicon Valley IT giants long ago took the standard EE steps like improving their insulation, windows and doors. Now what they are studying is how they can more effectively reduce their demand during periods like hot summer afternoons when the price of electricity peaks because everybody in California is running their air conditioners. This is called demand response (DR).
The chip wizards are also competing to invent the best demand side management (DSM) technologies for utilities so that they can interact with customers electricity consumption, via a smart grid, to prevent brownouts or blackouts when sudden fluctuations in supply or demand threatens the utilities’ capability to keep the lights on.
Coordination of Energy Efficiency and Demand Response; A Resource of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, from researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is an examination of how EE and DR fit together.
(1) Establishing Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency as a High-Priority Resource
(2) Developing Processes to Align Utility and Other Program Administrator Incentives Such That Efficiency and Supply Resources Are on a Level Playing Field
(3) Establishing Cost-Effectiveness Tests
(4) Establishing Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification Mechanisms
(5) Establishing Effective Energy Efficiency Delivery Mechanisms
(6) Developing State Policies to Ensure Robust Energy Efficiency Practices
(7) Aligning Customer Pricing and Incentives to Encourage Investment in Energy Efficiency
(8) Establishing State of the Art Billing Systems
(9) Implementing State of the Art Efficiency Information Sharing and Delivery Systems
(10) Implementing Advanced Technologies
The LBNL paper (1) summarizes the research on the relationship between energy efficiency and demand response, (2) presents new information from program administrators, customers, and service providers, on current practices and opportunities in the coordination of energy efficiency and demand response, and (3) discusses the barriers to coordinating energy efficiency and demand response programs.
The goals of the Silicon Valley circuit and system builders are simple: (1) Make gads of money and (2) save the world. EE is the easiest cheapest way to begin doing both those things. The LBNL paper demonstrates that DR is a valuable means toward achieving EE, which makes DR pretty cool.
Getting to Energy Efficiency with Two Little Magic Words (Demand Response)
Here’s how to be super cool in Silicon Valley: Mutter the words “demand response” or, better yet, the acronym “DR.” Wait for somebody to start talking about Energy Efficiency (somebody will) and then say “demand side management” or its acronym, “DSM.”
The more the cost of electricity rises, the more the electricity-devouring Silicon Valley high tech companies become energy conscious. Google recently got permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to become a utility just so it can exercise more control over its energy mix, add more New Energy to its supply and implement better control of its Energy Efficiency (EE).
The Silicon Valley IT giants long ago took the standard EE steps like improving their insulation, windows and doors. Now what they are studying is how they can more effectively reduce their demand during periods like hot summer afternoons when the price of electricity peaks because everybody in California is running their air conditioners. This is called demand response (DR).
The chip wizards are also competing to invent the best demand side management (DSM) technologies for utilities so that they can interact with customers electricity consumption, via a smart grid, to prevent brownouts or blackouts when sudden fluctuations in supply or demand threatens the utilities’ capability to keep the lights on.
Coordination of Energy Efficiency and Demand Response; A Resource of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, from researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is an examination of how EE and DR fit together.
It was written in support of the 10 implementation goals of the 2008 National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency Vision for 2025, an agreement between 50 major electric and gas utilities, state utility commissioners, state air and energy agencies, energy service providers, energy consumers, and energy efficiency and consumer advocates under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The goals:
(1) Establishing Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency as a High-Priority Resource
(2) Developing Processes to Align Utility and Other Program Administrator Incentives Such That Efficiency and Supply Resources Are on a Level Playing Field
(3) Establishing Cost-Effectiveness Tests
(4) Establishing Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification Mechanisms
(5) Establishing Effective Energy Efficiency Delivery Mechanisms
(6) Developing State Policies to Ensure Robust Energy Efficiency Practices
(7) Aligning Customer Pricing and Incentives to Encourage Investment in Energy Efficiency
(8) Establishing State of the Art Billing Systems
(9) Implementing State of the Art Efficiency Information Sharing and Delivery Systems
(10) Implementing Advanced Technologies
The LBNL paper (1) summarizes the research on the relationship between energy efficiency and demand response, (2) presents new information from program administrators, customers, and service providers, on current practices and opportunities in the coordination of energy efficiency and demand response, and (3) discusses the barriers to coordinating energy efficiency and demand response programs.
The goals of the Silicon Valley circuit and system builders are simple: (1) Make gads of money and (2) save the world. EE is the easiest cheapest way to begin doing both those things. The LBNL paper demonstrates that DR is a valuable means toward achieving EE, which makes DR pretty cool.
This post is based on Coordination of Energy Efficiency and Demand Response; A Resource of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency by Charles Goldman, Michael Reid, Roger Levy and Alison Silverstein (January 2010, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)
2.26.2010
Natural Living Expo Sunday, February 28, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This Sunday please join StLouisGreen.com at the
Healthy Planet Natural Living Expo!
Information Provided by:
Scott's Contracting, Green Builder St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri
Learn To Live More Naturally
at the 19th Healthy Planet Natural Living Expo
February 28 In Webster Groves
Cure your cabin fever at The Healthy Planet, St. Louis’ Green & Natural Living magazine, hosts its 19th Natural Living Expo Sunday, February 28, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Webster Groves Recreation Center, 33 E. Glendale Road (I-44 at Elm Avenue) in Webster Groves.
This popular event will include more than 70 exhibit booths offering a variety of eco-friendly, healthy and natural products, services and information. There will be numerous food and product samples to enjoy from Whole Foods Market, Sappington Farmers Market, Chipolte Mexican Grill, Schnucks Market & more. Enjoy seasonal beer tasting by Schlafly Beer and Wine Tastings hosted by Crown Valley Winery and Sappington Farmers Market. Eco-Friendly businesses will be on hand to show you how you can live a “greener” and more sustainable life at home, the office and in the community. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Native American Flute by John MacEnulty and the heavenly melodies of Harpist Terri Langerak.
Expo visitors will have an opportunity to help the Haitians by making a donation to the Sisters of Loretto who will administer the funds directly to the Haitian people. The first 300 visitors will take home a complimentary eco-friendly, reusable tote bag courtesy of Whole Foods Market, Sappington Farmers Market, and Schnucks Markets.
Receive a free health screening or chair massage. Enter a free drawing for a family weekend at Trout Lodge YMCA of the Ozarks ($600 value), or Amtrak train Tickets. If you are interested in living a healthier and more eco-friendly life, then don’t miss this event! The first 100 paid visitors receive FREE passes to Missouri Botanical Garden, too! Plenty of door prizes and something for everyone in the family! Even your pets!
Adult admission is $8.00, children under 16 are free! Two for one tickets are inside the February issue of The Healthy Planet magazine. For more information please call The Healthy Planet magazine at 314-962-7748, or email expoinfo@thehealthyplanet.com.
For more info, please call 314-962-7748
Healthy Planet Natural Living Expo!
Information Provided by:
Scott's Contracting, Green Builder St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri
Learn To Live More Naturally
at the 19th Healthy Planet Natural Living Expo
February 28 In Webster Groves
Cure your cabin fever at The Healthy Planet, St. Louis’ Green & Natural Living magazine, hosts its 19th Natural Living Expo Sunday, February 28, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Webster Groves Recreation Center, 33 E. Glendale Road (I-44 at Elm Avenue) in Webster Groves.
This popular event will include more than 70 exhibit booths offering a variety of eco-friendly, healthy and natural products, services and information. There will be numerous food and product samples to enjoy from Whole Foods Market, Sappington Farmers Market, Chipolte Mexican Grill, Schnucks Market & more. Enjoy seasonal beer tasting by Schlafly Beer and Wine Tastings hosted by Crown Valley Winery and Sappington Farmers Market. Eco-Friendly businesses will be on hand to show you how you can live a “greener” and more sustainable life at home, the office and in the community. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Native American Flute by John MacEnulty and the heavenly melodies of Harpist Terri Langerak.
Expo visitors will have an opportunity to help the Haitians by making a donation to the Sisters of Loretto who will administer the funds directly to the Haitian people. The first 300 visitors will take home a complimentary eco-friendly, reusable tote bag courtesy of Whole Foods Market, Sappington Farmers Market, and Schnucks Markets.
Receive a free health screening or chair massage. Enter a free drawing for a family weekend at Trout Lodge YMCA of the Ozarks ($600 value), or Amtrak train Tickets. If you are interested in living a healthier and more eco-friendly life, then don’t miss this event! The first 100 paid visitors receive FREE passes to Missouri Botanical Garden, too! Plenty of door prizes and something for everyone in the family! Even your pets!
Adult admission is $8.00, children under 16 are free! Two for one tickets are inside the February issue of The Healthy Planet magazine. For more information please call The Healthy Planet magazine at 314-962-7748, or email expoinfo@thehealthyplanet.com.
For more info, please call 314-962-7748
2.24.2010
Combat "Greenwashing"
Provided by: Scotty, Scott's Contracting, St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri
Article by:Shades of Green-By:Rich Binsacca
The term “greenwash-ing” has been aroundabout as long as its root word, relied upon to unearth exaggerated or untrue claims (made on purpose or unwittingly) about the environmental impact or value of a given product, including homes.
But given the rapid proliferation of both green products and buildings across the country, efforts to better define the term—and ferret out offenders—are relying more on science than trial-and-error or taking a label of ingredients at face value. “The trend now is to scientifically certify green claims against a battery of standards and test methods,” says Ed Wyatt, program manager for material content certification at Scientific Certification Systems in Emeryville, Calif., one of an increasing number of independent entities and public agencies providing that service.
Even then, however, Wyatt and others see manufacturers and builders misusing the certifications they earn once the marketing staff takes over. “There’s no such thing as an ‘eco-friendly’ certification,” he says, recalling a recent manufacturer’s packaging claim. Far more prevalent than misleading PR, he says, are truly unsubstantiated claims for which no scientific basis exists.
To combat greenwashing, builders and specifiers are asking for more information and third-party verifications, and applying comprehensive, software-enabled life-cycle analysis metrics to gain a more solid footing for their projects.
They also are relying on green building program standards to guide them to the greenest products and building practices. “They give you a framework with which to judge if something meets the qualifications of a truly green product,” says Fort Worth, Texas–based builder Don Ferrier, such as specific water flow rates for plumbing fixtures, as verified by a third party, as opposed to something simply marketed as a low-flow faucet.
Failing to go the extra mile can put builders at risk of becoming greenwashers themselves. “Currently, it’s easier to greenwash a building than a product or material,” says Carl Seville, owner of Seville Consulting in Decatur, Ga. Even if a builder is diligent in his specifications, he says, the value of the greenest materials can be wasted on a poorly built and ill-performing house. “You can’t put lipstick on a pig.”
Just as builders, architects, and specifiers are starting to hold manufacturers accountable for their environmental impact claims, home buyers are becoming more eco-savvy, says Wyatt, perhaps to the point of questioning the value of using environmentally sustainable products and materials on a 4,000-square-foot house that required more material to build and uses more energy—even if efficiently so—than a smaller home. “It’s a slow process, but eventually they’ll put the products in a larger context.”
Scott's Contracting, Green Builder- St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri
Article by:Shades of Green-By:Rich Binsacca
The term “greenwash-ing” has been aroundabout as long as its root word, relied upon to unearth exaggerated or untrue claims (made on purpose or unwittingly) about the environmental impact or value of a given product, including homes.
But given the rapid proliferation of both green products and buildings across the country, efforts to better define the term—and ferret out offenders—are relying more on science than trial-and-error or taking a label of ingredients at face value. “The trend now is to scientifically certify green claims against a battery of standards and test methods,” says Ed Wyatt, program manager for material content certification at Scientific Certification Systems in Emeryville, Calif., one of an increasing number of independent entities and public agencies providing that service.
Even then, however, Wyatt and others see manufacturers and builders misusing the certifications they earn once the marketing staff takes over. “There’s no such thing as an ‘eco-friendly’ certification,” he says, recalling a recent manufacturer’s packaging claim. Far more prevalent than misleading PR, he says, are truly unsubstantiated claims for which no scientific basis exists.
To combat greenwashing, builders and specifiers are asking for more information and third-party verifications, and applying comprehensive, software-enabled life-cycle analysis metrics to gain a more solid footing for their projects.
They also are relying on green building program standards to guide them to the greenest products and building practices. “They give you a framework with which to judge if something meets the qualifications of a truly green product,” says Fort Worth, Texas–based builder Don Ferrier, such as specific water flow rates for plumbing fixtures, as verified by a third party, as opposed to something simply marketed as a low-flow faucet.
Failing to go the extra mile can put builders at risk of becoming greenwashers themselves. “Currently, it’s easier to greenwash a building than a product or material,” says Carl Seville, owner of Seville Consulting in Decatur, Ga. Even if a builder is diligent in his specifications, he says, the value of the greenest materials can be wasted on a poorly built and ill-performing house. “You can’t put lipstick on a pig.”
Just as builders, architects, and specifiers are starting to hold manufacturers accountable for their environmental impact claims, home buyers are becoming more eco-savvy, says Wyatt, perhaps to the point of questioning the value of using environmentally sustainable products and materials on a 4,000-square-foot house that required more material to build and uses more energy—even if efficiently so—than a smaller home. “It’s a slow process, but eventually they’ll put the products in a larger context.”
Scott's Contracting, Green Builder- St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri
2.22.2010
Ground Source Heat Pumps, University of Missouri
U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Geothermal Technologies ProgramLarge Scale GSHP as Alternative Energy for American Farmers
This is a summary of a project funded on a cost-shared basis by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP). This work is one of several projects funded by GTP under its mission to conduct research, development, and demonstration to advance geothermal energy technologies. This summary was prepared as part of the application process by the subsequent recipient of a funding opportunity grant and is offered only as a general overview of the project's scope and direction at the time of the award.
view complete article here:http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/projects/projects.cfm/ProjectID=109?print
Geothermal Technologies ProgramLarge Scale GSHP as Alternative Energy for American Farmers
This is a summary of a project funded on a cost-shared basis by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP). This work is one of several projects funded by GTP under its mission to conduct research, development, and demonstration to advance geothermal energy technologies. This summary was prepared as part of the application process by the subsequent recipient of a funding opportunity grant and is offered only as a general overview of the project's scope and direction at the time of the award.
view complete article here:http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/projects/projects.cfm/ProjectID=109?print
2.20.2010
Congressman Jay Inslee on energy policy, 'global weirding'
Posted on February 18, 2010 Podcast: Congressman Jay Inslee on energy policy, 'global weirding'
Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., is "somewhat optimistic" that Congress will pass energy legislation this year, but added that he is realistic about the challenges to attaining that goal.
He would like to see an energy bill passed very soon. U.S. policies and incentives are not happening at nearly the speed needed to compete in the renewable space with China, Inslee said. In order for any legislation to be effective, he said U.S. policy must include pricing on carbon pollution, saying that as long as it is free, carbon emissions will continue.
Inslee spoke with SNL Energy on Feb. 11 to discuss the release of the paperback version of the book he co-wrote with Bracken Hendricks, "Apollo's Fire: Igniting America's Clean Energy Economy." Hendricks is a senior fellow at think tank Center for American Progress. The title comes from their comparison of U.S. renewable development to the space race between the United States and Russia in the 1960s.
When asked about the recent snowstorms that have slammed the East Coast, Inslee said they are an example of the increase in number and intensity of storms as a result of climate change and agrees with New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman that it should be referred to as "global weirding."
To hear the full interview, visit SNL Energy's podcast library.
provided by: Scotty, St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri article found on:
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2010/02/podcast-congressman-jay-inslee-on-energy-policy-global-weirding
Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., is "somewhat optimistic" that Congress will pass energy legislation this year, but added that he is realistic about the challenges to attaining that goal.
He would like to see an energy bill passed very soon. U.S. policies and incentives are not happening at nearly the speed needed to compete in the renewable space with China, Inslee said. In order for any legislation to be effective, he said U.S. policy must include pricing on carbon pollution, saying that as long as it is free, carbon emissions will continue.
Inslee spoke with SNL Energy on Feb. 11 to discuss the release of the paperback version of the book he co-wrote with Bracken Hendricks, "Apollo's Fire: Igniting America's Clean Energy Economy." Hendricks is a senior fellow at think tank Center for American Progress. The title comes from their comparison of U.S. renewable development to the space race between the United States and Russia in the 1960s.
When asked about the recent snowstorms that have slammed the East Coast, Inslee said they are an example of the increase in number and intensity of storms as a result of climate change and agrees with New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman that it should be referred to as "global weirding."
To hear the full interview, visit SNL Energy's podcast library.
provided by: Scotty, St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri article found on:
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2010/02/podcast-congressman-jay-inslee-on-energy-policy-global-weirding
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or ...
-
Making a decorative axe from melted copper wire by u/SinjiOnO in oddlysatisfying Thank You for stopping by the Gree...
