Wind Could Drive 20% of World Power Needs By 2030

On October 12, 2010, in Green Energy News, by admin
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Fast Company reported today that by the year 2030, wind could be powering 20% of the world’s need with China in the lead. With Google offering up $200 million in support for a large wind farm off the East Coast that will be up and running by 2016.

New technologies in wind energy are expected to begin producing upwards of 12.3& of global energy needs over the new several years leading to around 21.8% by 2030. Use of wind power would lead to potentially 34 billion tons less carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere.

China is expected to take the top spot in wind energy in 2010. If China can benefit from this free energy, so can you!

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Solar power coming to the White House

On October 5, 2010, in Green Energy News, by admin
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CNN is reporting that the White House is installing solar panels and a solar water heater. According to Energy Secretary Steven Chu, “This project reflects President Obama’s strong commitment to U.S. leadership in solar energy and the jobs it will create here at home.”

The solar panel system, which should be installed by next spring, will convert sunlight directly to electricity, while the solar hot water heater will have a solar collector facing the sun to heat water for use in the White House residence.

The announcement comes on the one-year anniversary af an executive order signed by the president that called on the federal government to lead in the establishment of a clean energy economy.

Perhaps Obama should investigate adding some wind power to the White House as well!

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Wind and Solar Powered Eco Community Unveiled in Brazil

On August 17, 2010, in Green Energy News, by admin
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Brazil is moving towards sustainable…A new community with a total of 58 homes have been unveiled. The community is built on the concept of zero waste! Two mini wind turbines on the roofs of every home will provide 40% of the needed energy. Green areas with gardens and rainwater storage are also featured.

Read more about the community at Inhabitat. If you’re interested in using green energy in your own home, visit Noreaster Wind and Lights for more information on on and off-grid wind turbines.

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Study: People feel more productive, healthy in green buildings

On August 13, 2010, in Go Green!, Green Energy News, by admin
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According to a new study, people feel more productive, healthy in green buildings. Employees tend to feel healthier and feel more productive in office-spaces that are sustainable and energy-conscious.

The study was done on a group of employees before and after their building was converted to LEED Certified. LEED certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry association. It is the dominant “green” program for buildings in the U.S.

According to the study, “small benefits to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time.”

Improvements in lighting and energy sources are great ways to improve the green atmosphere of your workplace. How are you going green in your office?

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What’s your water footprint?

On August 9, 2010, in Go Green!, by admin
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Not only is it a good idea to keep an eye on your energy consumption, you should also be aware of water consumption. According to National Geographic, the average American life is kept afloat by over 2,000 gallons of water per day. This is nearly twice the global average. What may surprise you is that nearly 95% of your water consumption comes from the food you eat, energy you use, products you buy, and services you rely on.

National Geographic has set up a water calculator to determine your consumption and gives some great tips for you to start conserving. Every little bit helps!

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USA’s Greenest Cities…

On August 5, 2010, in Green Energy News, by admin
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USA Today recently published their report of the greenest cities in America. As I suspected, Seattle was on the list. However, with all of the traffic in Chicago, I was quite surprised to see them on the list.  The rankings are based on energy use per capita, renewable power investments, efficiency efforts and conservation incentives.

Cities are realizing that cutting down on energy costs and reducing pollution is helping the economy and improving resident life.

What’s your city doing to go green? We’ve seen quite a few hybrid systems popping up around Southeast Wisconsin. We’d love to hear from you about your community!

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