The new nanoparticles could replace the electricity powered street light with biologically powered light that removes CO2 from the atmosphere 24 hours a days.

"In the future, bio-LED could be used to make roadside trees luminescent at night," said Yen-Hsun Su in an interview with Chemistry World. "This will save energy and absorb CO2 as the bio-LED luminescence will cause the chloroplast to conduct photosynthesis."

The gold, sea urchin shaped nanoparticles are the key to turning a material that normal absorbs light into one that emits it.

Chlorophyll, the photosynthetic pigment that gives leaves their characteristic green color, is widely known for its ability to absorb certain wavelengths of light. However, under certain circumstances, such as being exposed to violet light, chlorophyll can also produce a light of its own. When exposed to light with a wavelengths of about 400 nanometers the normally green colored chlorophyll glows red.

Violet light is hard to come by though, especially at night, when glowing leaves would be useful to drivers and pedestrians. The scientists needed a source of violet light, and found it in the gold nanoparticles.

When shorter wavelengths of light, invisible to the human eye, hit the gold nanoparticles, they get excited and start to glow violet. That violet light strikes the nearby chlorophyll molecules, excites them, and the chlorophyll then produces the red light.

The scientists, who published their work on bio LEDs in the journal Nanoscale, hope that that trees treated with the gold nanoparticles would produce enough light that they could replace electric or gas street lights.

For now however, the effect is limited to the scientist’s test subject, an aquatic plant known as Bacopa caroliniana. Expanding to terrestrial plants, the kind that line streets, should be possible, said Krishanu Ray, a scientist at the University of Maryland, with some additional work.

"They certainly could be used as street lights," said Ray. "But that’s a long way away."

Via: Discovery News

Due to their comparatively early stage of development, OLEDs typically emit less light per unit area than inorganic solid-state based LEDs similarly designed for use as point-light sources. Despite this, OLEDs are used in television screens, computer monitors, mobile phones and PDAs, watches and can also be used in light sources for general space illumination and in large-area light-emitting elements.

But traditionally, OLEDs have had some disadvantages. Probably the biggest technical problem was the limited lifetime of the organic materials (historically around 14,000 hours compared to 60,000 hours of LCD or LED technology). And a second issue has been a color unbalance problem, because material used to produce blue light degrades significantly more rapidly than the materials that produce other color. And there has been also a final problem, the power consumption. While displaying primarily black images with an OLED would consume around 40% of the power of an LCD, the proportion is over three times as much power to display an image with a white background. But quick improvements have changed this situation radically!

Novaled, a leading company in OLEDs for display and lighting applications, has demonstrated white top-emitting devices with a lifetime exceeding 50,000 h and a power efficiency of 30 lm/W at an initial luminance of 1,000 cd/m². It’s by far a better power efficiency than conventional 60-100W incandescent light bulbs (which produces around 15 lm/W) but still far beyond standard fluorescent lights (which can produce up to 100 lm/W). But at least is an important step and there is hope for optimism.

Furthermore, active matrix OLEDs offer colour range equals or exceeds NTSC standards. Contrast ratios in the range of 1,000,000 to 2,000,000:1 make these colours look even more brilliant. And OLEDs refresh takes microseconds as opposed to LCDs’ milliseconds, and there is no loss of contrast at off angles.

OLEDs represent an interesting future for a vast array of completely new lighting applications. By combining colour with shape, organic LEDs can introduce a new way to use light for decorating and creating personalized surroundings. Additionally, OLEDs offer the potential to become even more cost and energy-efficient than energy-saving bulbs. Do you want to see some examples of the potential of OLEDs? Just check this out.

Via: Inhabitat | Novaled

The first step taken by Alfredo was to avoid using wood treated with CCA (chromated copper arsenate). This is a common practice in the Atlantic Coast of Argentina, where CCA is widely used to preserve pine wood. Instead, in Apart Silvestris, hardwoods are used, which are just painted given that they do not need the CCA.

Moreover, the hotel cares for the electricity consumed by lighting. Through the use of LEDs (light emitting diodes), the energy required to illuminate the hotel was reduced 80 times. The 6750 watts consumed earlier, today are 84 watts. The total electricity consumption decreased by 66%.

Renewable energies could not be missing in Apart Silvestris. Today there is a solar collector used to heat water. Previously, 3000 liters of gas were required per year for this task. Thanks to solar power, total gas consumption fell by 40%. Furthermore, the pool water is salinized, thereby reducing the need to use chemicals for cleaning and maintenance at 80%. Further, the water of the jacuzzi is sent to the pool with a pump so as to avoid having to heat more water and not waste jacuzzi water.

Another strategy to minimize water use is gray water recycling, resulting in savings of 2,000 liters of water daily. Also, guests are invited to wash their towels only when needed, which led to reducing the washing of towels by 60%.

As for waste generation, since January the Apart Silvestris has begun to measure the amount of waste per day, the composition of these and the recycle rate achieved. Alfredo has produced a spreadsheet in which he writes down the pounds of PET, cardboard, glass, wet waste, etc. recorded daily.

As for the impact guests can have, they are asked to collect the oil they use if they cook, and are given a cloth bag when they arrive, so as to avoid the usage of plastic bags when shopping.

Alfredo has planned great things for the hotel. One of his major ambitions is for the Apart Silvestris hotel to become self-sufficient at the energy level within three to five years. Further, in April, the hotel will close for 30 days for the construction of an eco-spa.

In an interview with Sustentator, Caryn Heilman says finding the organic materials the Inn uses “took an incredible amount of research”, yet it enabled them to get to know green companies and artists, which was “so gratifying”.

The inn powers itself partly with solar photovoltaic panels. For heating and hot water generation, it uses biodiesel. Resorting to biodiesel allows the inn to emit 78% less carbon dioxide. When you’re taking your eco-friendlier hot bath, you also have access to organic shampooing. While in the bathroom, another useful gadget is the dual flush toilet, which helps reduce water consumption.

Caryn says most of the inn’s green products are more expensive than regular ones, including the organic beds, linens, bath and bodycare products, breakfast, fair trade coffee and tea, nontoxic building materials, FSC-certified wood, recycled insulation and efficient appliances. Besides, she adds that biodiesel is very expensive. Solar panels were also costly but they “will pay back within 5 years”, thanks to the savings on electric bills. All this spending and efforts in greening the inn are a great source of marketing; thus by attracting more guests, the costs are offset.

What about the lighting of the inn? Of course, LEDs (light emitting diodes) are used, including for the “exit” signs.

Both Nana and Caryn were always interested in sustainability, and were led to the Berkshires because of its “mix of nature and culture”; that’s why they felt they “needed to respect the environment”.

The floors of the hotel are a whole different subject. The wood is certified FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). The carpets are 100% pure wool.

When asked how the guests respond to the inn’s green way of functioning, Caryn says that “most people are happy to try our products and notice a positive difference in their ability to sleep.  They are impressed with the lack of allergens and general quality of the air and environment.”

Among Caryn and Nana’s current projects, they are aiming at getting LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. They also are looking for sponsors to build a community arts center, that will include a number of sustainable features, such as a green roof, renewable energies, and LED lighting.

More: Topia Inn

Today we will analyze the case of the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), which was awarded $16.8 billion for its programs and projects.

The funds are being allocated into either energy efficiency projects or renewable energy ones.

We’ll start with energy efficiency. There are several projects in this area.

1) Solid-state lighting

$37 million have been awarded to more than 15 projects. Some of them will research, others will manufacture, and develop this type of lighting which includes LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes). This solid-state lighting system has the “potential to be 10 times more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lighting”, according to the EERE. Besides, lighting consumes around 24% of the electricity generated in the US.

2) Industrial technologies

In this area, projects will work on the application of energy efficiency to industries, and information technology (IT) sectors. The funding they have received amounts to more than $200 million. The information technology sector is growing very much, hence the importance of it to consume energy efficiently. Funds are going to projects that research, develop and demonstrate equipment and software that optimize energy use, as well as investigate ways in which to minimize the amount of power lost and the heat generated during the power supply chain. And lastly, projects will explore and analyze how to cool IT equipment using the least amount of power possible. IT and telecommunications facilities use up 3% of the energy in the US.

Regarding the greening of industries, projects include the development of industrial combined heat and power systems, and district energy systems for industrial facilities. Industries as a whole use more than 30% of US energy, and emit around 30% of US greenhouse gases.

3) State and local energy program

This area receives around $6 billion in funding. On the one hand, we have the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), which provides funds to “US states, territories, local governments and Indian tribes that develop and implement projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions in their communities”.

On the other hand, there is the State Energy Program (SEP), which funds US states in their quest for adopting renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.

4) Weatherization Assistance

In this area, the Recovery Act works with the Weatherization Assistance Program, which seeks to lower energy spending for low-income families by increasing home energy efficiency. The total funding available is $5 billion, and it is distributed in all US states.

5) Vehicle technologies

Funding is around $3 billion. Projects include improving efficiency in trucks and passenger vehicles, as well as investigating alternative fuels and transportation electrification, among others.

In the next article, we will address funding for renewable energy projects.

VIA: Scientific American

For more: US Department of Energy EERE

It’s been a few years since they’ve been working on their environmental impact. Lately, they’ve been developing quite interesting initiatives, and have many plans.

Their work is organized in a number of areas.

Energy consumption

Their latest decision has been to replace conventional light bulbs for LEDs in 8,000 stores. Thanks to this, each store will be saving about 10% in electricity consumption. These LEDs are a special design made for Starbucks by General Electric.

Starbucks has undertaken an energy audit, through which it learned that 80% of its carbon footprint comes from energy use. That’s why this particular area represents the biggest opportunity and challenge to improve. The company has set the goal of consuming 50% renewable energy by 2010, of the total used energy.

Also, many stores are being upgraded and new stores are being built to use 25% less energy. Starbucks has decided that all new stores will be certified green by the end of 2010.

Among other current efforts, stores conserve energy by allowing temperatures to reach 75 degrees instead of 72 on warm days, and so reduce air-conditioning use. Further, in 2008, it bought renewable energy credits that represent 20% of all electricity consumed in US and Canada stores.

Green construction

Starbucks is trying to make its stores greener by improving design, building and operation of the stores. Some actions include the incorporation of sustainable building materials and furnishings, also measures of efficient energy and water usage into store designs.

An important goal that has been established is to make all new stores certified green. Starting in late 2010, all new company-owned stores will be created to function in a green manner, and will follow LEED criteria. Besides, in spring 2010, Starbucks plans to open 10 pilot stores that will test different strategies to reduce energy and water use, and will be LEED certified.

Recycling

Starbucks wants to make 100% of cups reusable or recyclable by 2015.

For the time being, it is promoting customers to bring their own reusable mugs. Customers that bring their own mugs get 10 cents off their price. The company is trying to participate in commercial recycling, avoiding its waste to end up in landfills.

These are the main courses of action developed by Starbucks. I think its initiatives are numerous and interesting. It is encouraging to see how large and successful companies are able to gradually integrate capitalism with a more responsible impact on our environment.

More: Starbucks

The US Open is a tennis tournament that is known worldwide and is held once a year. It receives attention from the media and people all over the world, and about 700,000 fans attend. This gives even more value to the actions taken by the organization, since they have the ability to reach a lot of people.

The USTA worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Environmental Resources Management (ERM), an NGO and a consulting firm, respectively. Together they evaluated the feasibility of a series of ecological initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of the US Open 2009.

They established a program for recycling plastics and cans, placing recycling containers for these materials in all of the buildings for the tournament. They met their goal of recycling between 18,000 and 20,000 ball containers. They also committed to reusing the 60,000 balls that will be used during the US Open. These will be reused or donated to community programs.

They also took interesting measures with respect to energy consumption. Last year, IBM used 60 servers for the US Open; this year they will use 6. Yes, the number was reduced from 60 to 6! The consumption of energy was reduced by 40%. Furthermore, USTA purchased renewable energy certificates to compensate for energy consumption during the tournament.

They also attempted to raise awareness among tournament attendees. They promoted the use of public transportation and publicized and distributed practical ecological suggestions. Even the tickets for the event were printed on paper made of 30% recycled material.

And finally, organic waste from two of the restaurants in the US Open buildings will be recycled.

This is an excellent initiative. We hope that it continues and spreads to other events.

For more info:

www.usopen.org

www.usta.com

www.constellation.com

www.nrdc.org