Small Business Owners Go Green for Environment
Columbus, Ohio As consumer demand for environmentally responsible products and services continues to grow, businesses can't simply call themselves green–they must actually do their part. According to a survey by Manta, the largest website on and for small businesses, more than 90 per cent of small businesses selling green products/services or implementing green practices in the workplace genuinely care about the environment. Forty-six per cent of the 421 respondents also cited consumer demand as a major reason for "going green", the second most popular reason for doing so. These results also suggest that green initiatives have become part of everyday business.
In light of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and considering that approximately 80 percent of U.S. companies have nine employees or fewer (U.S. SBA & Census,) the Manta survey sought to discover how small businesses view environmental consciousness. The business owners surveyed all employ 100 people or fewer and have identified green initiatives on their claimed Manta profiles. Manta found that:
·79 per cent implement green practices in the workplace and also offer green products or services.
·79 per cent recycle or compost.
·76 per cent conserve energy by turning off lights or cooling and heating systems when not in use.
·31 per cent encourage taking public transportation, carpooling, walking or biking to work.
Despite high participation rates in low-cost green initiatives, small businesses want to do more for the planet and believe they need the government to support the cause.
·Only five per cent feel the government does enough to support small businesses taking on green initiatives.
·72 per cent believe the government doesn't do enough.
·43 per cent would like to receive cost incentives or tax breaks for being green.
·23 per cent would do more if there were better resources to make being green easier, such as in-building or curbside recycling and compost pickup.
"It's not surprising that small businesses have gone green," said Pamela Springer, Manta president and CEO. "Being innovative is part of their nature, and innovative practices often result in the production of environmentally friendly products and services. They have the right attitude about caring for the environment, and given that most businesses in the U.S. are small, they're bound to make a big difference in the long run. Hopefully the government will be inspired to implement the incentives many business owners need to go a step farther in protecting the planet".
With profiles of more than 64 million businesses and organizations, Manta is the Web's largest free source of information on and for small businesses. Manta aims to provide a free Web presence and networking capability for small business owners who may not have the resources to operate their own websites. With hard-to-find information such as estimated revenue, number of employees, company contacts, business descriptions and more, Manta enables business professionals to promote their companies and connect with the more than 14 million monthly visitors.
Survey Methodology
Manta surveyed its users using Zoomerang from April 13 to April 19, 2010, via email. The survey received 421 responses from small business owners whose companies were identified as having 100 employees or fewer and as employing some kind of green initiative in their workplace.
About Manta
Manta (www.manta.com) is the largest free source of information on small companies, with profiles of more than 64 million businesses and organizations. Business owners and sales professionals use Manta's vast database and custom search capabilities to quickly find companies, easily connect with prospective customers and promote their own services. Manta.com, founded in 2005, is based in Columbus, Ohio.
Showing posts with label Initiatives around the world. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Initiatives around the world. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Google searches for smart, green energy investments
Google searches for smart, green energy investments
LondonGoogle is looking to expand into the energy smart meters business and to invest in renewable generation projects in Europe, the head of green business operations at the internet giant.
Gulf Oil Spill
The aim of smart metering technology is to let customers view real-time electricity and gas consumption and allow them to optimize usage and therefore cut energy waste and save money by using energy during low demand periods.
Through Google.org, the philanthropic arm of the Internet firm, the company has developed a free web-based application called PowerMeter, which collects data from smart meters and displays the data on a customizable customer webpage.
"We're looking at getting more utility partners and more device partners. We're always looking for a broader reach and we're talking to utilities in all the major markets," Ben Kott told on the sidelines at a news briefing in London.
In partnership with British independent energy retailer, First Utility, Google is providing an opt-in service to the utility's 30,000 smart meter customers.
"I think in the UK, people are relatively open to this, not only focusing on cost but also efficiency. It is also a highly liberal energy market, so there are opportunities for companies like First Utility who wouldn't be able to operate in other markets," Kott said.
He said there were no plans to charge for the PowerMeter web application.
"There's no money going backwards and forwards," First Utility chief executive Mark Daeche said.
Google is also looking at investing in renewable power generation projects in Europe, following a $38.8 million U.S. wind farm investment in North Dakota in early May.
"We're newcomers in the field and we're quite aware of that. We're not yet ready for very risky investments, but it is something that could become very interesting in a few years. Now we're looking more at onshore wind and solar project," Kott said.
LondonGoogle is looking to expand into the energy smart meters business and to invest in renewable generation projects in Europe, the head of green business operations at the internet giant.
Gulf Oil Spill
The aim of smart metering technology is to let customers view real-time electricity and gas consumption and allow them to optimize usage and therefore cut energy waste and save money by using energy during low demand periods.
Through Google.org, the philanthropic arm of the Internet firm, the company has developed a free web-based application called PowerMeter, which collects data from smart meters and displays the data on a customizable customer webpage.
"We're looking at getting more utility partners and more device partners. We're always looking for a broader reach and we're talking to utilities in all the major markets," Ben Kott told on the sidelines at a news briefing in London.
In partnership with British independent energy retailer, First Utility, Google is providing an opt-in service to the utility's 30,000 smart meter customers.
"I think in the UK, people are relatively open to this, not only focusing on cost but also efficiency. It is also a highly liberal energy market, so there are opportunities for companies like First Utility who wouldn't be able to operate in other markets," Kott said.
He said there were no plans to charge for the PowerMeter web application.
"There's no money going backwards and forwards," First Utility chief executive Mark Daeche said.
Google is also looking at investing in renewable power generation projects in Europe, following a $38.8 million U.S. wind farm investment in North Dakota in early May.
"We're newcomers in the field and we're quite aware of that. We're not yet ready for very risky investments, but it is something that could become very interesting in a few years. Now we're looking more at onshore wind and solar project," Kott said.
Nokia unveils bicycle charger
Nokia unveils bicycle charger
New Delhi: Nokia unveiled its first bicycle charger targeting consumers with limited access to electricity.
The charger kit consists of a charger, dynamo and a holder to secure the phone to the bike. Priced at about 15 euros (Rs 860), the kit will be available later this year, said a company spokesman.
When the kit is installed, the dynamo - a small electrical generator - uses the movement of the wheels to charge the handset through the standard 2mm charging jack used in most Nokia mobile phones.
"Bicycles are the most widespread means of transport in many markets around the world, so this is just one more benefit to be gained from an activity people are already doing. This is a great solution to a real challenge, whether people will use it due to limited access to electricity, or to be more environmentally responsible," says Alex Lambeek, vice president at Nokia.
Designed for tropical climates the Nokia bicycle charger is humidity and dust resistant.
New Delhi: Nokia unveiled its first bicycle charger targeting consumers with limited access to electricity.
The charger kit consists of a charger, dynamo and a holder to secure the phone to the bike. Priced at about 15 euros (Rs 860), the kit will be available later this year, said a company spokesman.
When the kit is installed, the dynamo - a small electrical generator - uses the movement of the wheels to charge the handset through the standard 2mm charging jack used in most Nokia mobile phones.
"Bicycles are the most widespread means of transport in many markets around the world, so this is just one more benefit to be gained from an activity people are already doing. This is a great solution to a real challenge, whether people will use it due to limited access to electricity, or to be more environmentally responsible," says Alex Lambeek, vice president at Nokia.
Designed for tropical climates the Nokia bicycle charger is humidity and dust resistant.
Govt, UN initiative on encouraging 'green jobs'
Govt, UN initiative on encouraging 'green jobs'
New Delhi: Recognising the importance of jobs that contribute to environment protection, Government and the ILO have come together to organise the first national conference on 'green jobs' here next week to discuss emerging trends and policy options.
It will delve into issues relating to the creation of new green jobs, their adaptation in existing forms of employment and share inspiring cases from India and around the world, said an ILO official, adding the conference will be held on June 24 and 25.
According to the United Nations Environment Program, work in agricultural, manufacturing, research and development, administrative and service activities that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality come under green jobs.
The conference will be organised by ILO in collaboration with the labour and employment ministry. ILO is already working with the government for supporting transition to a greener economy with decent jobs.
Other key elements of the conference's agenda, said the ILO official, include employment and labour market implications of environment-related measures and promotion of green jobs in the Indian policy framework.
Besides, the agenda would include promotion of jobs which help in transition to more sustainable economies and societies and sectoral discussions related to renewable energy, waste management and green buildings.
Participants from various government departments, employers' and workers' organisations, international agencies, private sector players, civil society organisations and research institutes are expected to attend the two-day conference, the official said.
New Delhi: Recognising the importance of jobs that contribute to environment protection, Government and the ILO have come together to organise the first national conference on 'green jobs' here next week to discuss emerging trends and policy options.
It will delve into issues relating to the creation of new green jobs, their adaptation in existing forms of employment and share inspiring cases from India and around the world, said an ILO official, adding the conference will be held on June 24 and 25.
According to the United Nations Environment Program, work in agricultural, manufacturing, research and development, administrative and service activities that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality come under green jobs.
The conference will be organised by ILO in collaboration with the labour and employment ministry. ILO is already working with the government for supporting transition to a greener economy with decent jobs.
Other key elements of the conference's agenda, said the ILO official, include employment and labour market implications of environment-related measures and promotion of green jobs in the Indian policy framework.
Besides, the agenda would include promotion of jobs which help in transition to more sustainable economies and societies and sectoral discussions related to renewable energy, waste management and green buildings.
Participants from various government departments, employers' and workers' organisations, international agencies, private sector players, civil society organisations and research institutes are expected to attend the two-day conference, the official said.
Silicon Valley all aglow on green lighting
Silicon Valley all aglow on green lighting
San Francisco: Silicon Valley has seen the light, and it's LED.
The incandescent light bulb has had the global lighting market in its grip for more than 130 years, building into a more than $100 billion industry.
But green concerns about efficiency spell an end to the era, and the U.S. technology capital sees light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, as the new king.
"Lighting is going to completely change over the course of this decade," said Alan Salzman, chief executive of Silicon Valley-based venture fund VantagePoint Venture Partners.
His firm has $4.5 billion in committed capital in startups across different sectors, but lighting is an area he is very bullish on.
"The largest sector in terms of companies in our portfolio is lighting," Salzman said.
While many love the look of the light cast by incandescent bulbs, none like the high-energy bills. Nations around the world, including the United States, are phasing in efficiency standards that will eliminate the incandescents if no major energy improvements happen.
Investors are betting on other technologies taking hold.
Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs so far have been the only real alternative to conventional bulbs but they contain mercury and many don't like the quality of the light.
LED lights, on the other hand, contain no mercury, have a long life and are very energy efficient.
LEDs, made of diodes or chips, have come a long way since the first practical LED was a developed in 1962. Its sole color was red. Now developers produce light colors across the spectrum.
They consume only about 20 percent of the energy used by incandescent bulbs. With about 20 percent of the world's electricity used for lighting, switching to LEDs would generate significant energy savings and cut greenhouse gas emissions while nations debate how to price carbon dioxide pollution.
Cost challenge
There is one major hurdle for mass adoption of LEDs -- they cost too much. Experts say that for the market to take off, good quality LED lights need to available under $10. Current bulbs cost many times that.
Investors are betting heavily the cost will fall quickly as LED start-ups achieve scale and the technology advances.
"The market really started shifting in the last 12 months," said Warner Philips, co-founder of LED start-up Lemnis Lighting and great grandson of the founder of Dutch electronics giant Philips Electronics.
Lemnis introduced its first LED bulb, called Pharox that can go into a standard light socket about four years ago. The latest version can last around 25 years, based on four hours of daily operation, but it costs $25.
The price has halved in a short time. Lemnis had been selling LED bulbs around $50 only about six months ago and Philips expects the price to fall below the crucial $10 level soon.
"That will be probably be in the first half of next year," he said.
Bullish growth projections
LEDs by 2020 will account for nearly half of the $4.4 billion U.S. market for lamps in the commercial, industrial and outdoor stationary sectors, predicted Pike Research, which tracks the market.
Even at the current high price, some commercial establishments and retailers are switching.
Late last year, retail giant Wal-Mart said it would install LEDs in 650 of its stores and picked Cree Inc, one of the few public companies in this space, to supply the lights.
Other companies switching to LEDs include coffee retailer Starbucks Corp, Red Robin restaurants and Yum! Brands Inc.
Cree's shares hit an all-time high of $83.38 this April, rising almost 49 percent from the start of the year, partly due to bullish expectations on the LED market. The global economic slowdown has ratcheted back expectations, though, and sent shares down toward $65.
In the first quarter of 2010, venture capitalists invested $100 million in 14 LED lighting companies, up from $14 million in the same quarter a year ago, according to Cleantech Group.
California's Bridgelux, which makes high-power LED chips specifically for the lighting industry, is in the process of opening a Silicon Valley plant and investors are eager to join in.
Bridgelux raised $80 million earlier this year and turned away some would-be investors.
"We had a lot of people pounding on our doors," said Chief Executive Bill Watkins.
San Francisco: Silicon Valley has seen the light, and it's LED.
The incandescent light bulb has had the global lighting market in its grip for more than 130 years, building into a more than $100 billion industry.
But green concerns about efficiency spell an end to the era, and the U.S. technology capital sees light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, as the new king.
"Lighting is going to completely change over the course of this decade," said Alan Salzman, chief executive of Silicon Valley-based venture fund VantagePoint Venture Partners.
His firm has $4.5 billion in committed capital in startups across different sectors, but lighting is an area he is very bullish on.
"The largest sector in terms of companies in our portfolio is lighting," Salzman said.
While many love the look of the light cast by incandescent bulbs, none like the high-energy bills. Nations around the world, including the United States, are phasing in efficiency standards that will eliminate the incandescents if no major energy improvements happen.
Investors are betting on other technologies taking hold.
Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs so far have been the only real alternative to conventional bulbs but they contain mercury and many don't like the quality of the light.
LED lights, on the other hand, contain no mercury, have a long life and are very energy efficient.
LEDs, made of diodes or chips, have come a long way since the first practical LED was a developed in 1962. Its sole color was red. Now developers produce light colors across the spectrum.
They consume only about 20 percent of the energy used by incandescent bulbs. With about 20 percent of the world's electricity used for lighting, switching to LEDs would generate significant energy savings and cut greenhouse gas emissions while nations debate how to price carbon dioxide pollution.
Cost challenge
There is one major hurdle for mass adoption of LEDs -- they cost too much. Experts say that for the market to take off, good quality LED lights need to available under $10. Current bulbs cost many times that.
Investors are betting heavily the cost will fall quickly as LED start-ups achieve scale and the technology advances.
"The market really started shifting in the last 12 months," said Warner Philips, co-founder of LED start-up Lemnis Lighting and great grandson of the founder of Dutch electronics giant Philips Electronics.
Lemnis introduced its first LED bulb, called Pharox that can go into a standard light socket about four years ago. The latest version can last around 25 years, based on four hours of daily operation, but it costs $25.
The price has halved in a short time. Lemnis had been selling LED bulbs around $50 only about six months ago and Philips expects the price to fall below the crucial $10 level soon.
"That will be probably be in the first half of next year," he said.
Bullish growth projections
LEDs by 2020 will account for nearly half of the $4.4 billion U.S. market for lamps in the commercial, industrial and outdoor stationary sectors, predicted Pike Research, which tracks the market.
Even at the current high price, some commercial establishments and retailers are switching.
Late last year, retail giant Wal-Mart said it would install LEDs in 650 of its stores and picked Cree Inc, one of the few public companies in this space, to supply the lights.
Other companies switching to LEDs include coffee retailer Starbucks Corp, Red Robin restaurants and Yum! Brands Inc.
Cree's shares hit an all-time high of $83.38 this April, rising almost 49 percent from the start of the year, partly due to bullish expectations on the LED market. The global economic slowdown has ratcheted back expectations, though, and sent shares down toward $65.
In the first quarter of 2010, venture capitalists invested $100 million in 14 LED lighting companies, up from $14 million in the same quarter a year ago, according to Cleantech Group.
California's Bridgelux, which makes high-power LED chips specifically for the lighting industry, is in the process of opening a Silicon Valley plant and investors are eager to join in.
Bridgelux raised $80 million earlier this year and turned away some would-be investors.
"We had a lot of people pounding on our doors," said Chief Executive Bill Watkins.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Copenhagen CityBike: Free Bicycles in Copenhagen, Denmark
The Bottom Line
In Denmark's capital Copenhagen, office workers and government officials are seen every day pedaling to work. The bicycle is a Danish favorite and you should definitely give this service a try!
Pros
* 110+ bike-parking stations
* Cycling is safe and regulated in Copenhagen
* It's free!
Cons
* Maybe not comfortable enough for longer tours
* City bikes aren't found as easily at Freeport Terminal
Description
* Just deposit a DKK 20 coin - it is returned upon drop-off.
* City Bikes is a green, eco-friendly form of transportation.
* Copenhagen has no hills - not too much exertion.
Guide Review - Copenhagen CityBike: Free Bicycles in Copenhagen, Denmark
Cycling is a popular form of transportation in Copenhagen - there are bicycle lanes beside most roads with their own traffic lights. Over 150,000 Copenhageners annually cross the city center boundary by bicycle, and the city of Copenhagen has made it possible for tourists to do the same. CityBikes is a free alternative transportation service available to everyone.
Denmark's capital has over 1,300 CityBikes which are parked in over 110 bicycle stations downtown. You get your deposit back when you drop off the bike at one of those stations.
Copenhagen expands the net of bicycle lanes and routes continually, making this free alternative form of transportation quicker than cars and busses. City Bikes are available all the time (limited or no availability during servicing January - March).
Fun fact: The City of Copenhagen gave one of the bikes as an official gift to the American president Bill Clinton, when he visited Copenhagen in 1997. His bicycle was called "City Bike One" (in reference to Air Force One).
why cant the same model be applied throughout the world???
In Denmark's capital Copenhagen, office workers and government officials are seen every day pedaling to work. The bicycle is a Danish favorite and you should definitely give this service a try!
Pros
* 110+ bike-parking stations
* Cycling is safe and regulated in Copenhagen
* It's free!
Cons
* Maybe not comfortable enough for longer tours
* City bikes aren't found as easily at Freeport Terminal
Description
* Just deposit a DKK 20 coin - it is returned upon drop-off.
* City Bikes is a green, eco-friendly form of transportation.
* Copenhagen has no hills - not too much exertion.
Guide Review - Copenhagen CityBike: Free Bicycles in Copenhagen, Denmark
Cycling is a popular form of transportation in Copenhagen - there are bicycle lanes beside most roads with their own traffic lights. Over 150,000 Copenhageners annually cross the city center boundary by bicycle, and the city of Copenhagen has made it possible for tourists to do the same. CityBikes is a free alternative transportation service available to everyone.
Denmark's capital has over 1,300 CityBikes which are parked in over 110 bicycle stations downtown. You get your deposit back when you drop off the bike at one of those stations.
Copenhagen expands the net of bicycle lanes and routes continually, making this free alternative form of transportation quicker than cars and busses. City Bikes are available all the time (limited or no availability during servicing January - March).
Fun fact: The City of Copenhagen gave one of the bikes as an official gift to the American president Bill Clinton, when he visited Copenhagen in 1997. His bicycle was called "City Bike One" (in reference to Air Force One).
why cant the same model be applied throughout the world???
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Environmental Education in Guinea Bissau
Environmental Education in Guinea Bissau
A hot topic for the classrom
Written by Tim
The Presidential Palace in Guinea Bissau lies derelict and burnt out. You can walk amongst the shards of broken crockery, blackened banisters and singed carpets. Its empty rooms are a fitting metaphor for this failing state.
Teachers in the public sector have not been paid in years. Portuguese, the official language, is hardly spoken by young people and the nation is reverting to a creole contributing to its international isolation.
In a country which ranks 10th from the bottom on the UN’s Human Development Index and where life expectancy is 47 there are perhaps more pressing concerns than educating people about climate change.
However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is doing just that. Nelson Gomez Dias, Country Director in Guinea Bissau, described the mobile laboratory used to educate children in Guinea Bissau on one of its most pressing environmental challenges. Biomass fuel.
Biomass fuel (charcoal and wood) is the single greatest contributor to deforestation in the world. The rural roads of Guinea Bissau are lined with sacks of the stuff on sale to truck drivers to transport to urban markets. And there is great demand as 80% of Africans rely on biomass for energy.
The IUCN takes its laboratory to schools across the country. Climate change per se is not on the curriculum. They believe you can only encourage people to act sustainably if you offer them a tangible improvement to their quality of life.
They ask children to boil two litres of water, trialling three methods: the traditional three stone fire with charcoal, with wood, and a biomass burning stove made from termite mud, cow dung and rice stalks. The latter performs better against all criteria: time to boil, amount of fuel required, energy required to fetch fuel, cost of fuel and associated health implications.
The lesson encourages children to use their resources more sustainably, teaching them how to make the stoves, using materials available throughout Guinea Bissau. Children are also extremely effective agents of change, nagging their parents to adopt the new stoves.
The programme targets the most vulnerable members of society, reducing women and children’s daily chores, whilst bringing cost savings and health benefits. Effective environmental education in a country where formal education has gone up in smoke.
Source: http://www.atlanticrising.org/case-studies/view.asp?id=19
http://www.atlanticrising.org/gallery/photo-view.asp?id=21
A hot topic for the classrom
Written by Tim
The Presidential Palace in Guinea Bissau lies derelict and burnt out. You can walk amongst the shards of broken crockery, blackened banisters and singed carpets. Its empty rooms are a fitting metaphor for this failing state.
Teachers in the public sector have not been paid in years. Portuguese, the official language, is hardly spoken by young people and the nation is reverting to a creole contributing to its international isolation.
In a country which ranks 10th from the bottom on the UN’s Human Development Index and where life expectancy is 47 there are perhaps more pressing concerns than educating people about climate change.
However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is doing just that. Nelson Gomez Dias, Country Director in Guinea Bissau, described the mobile laboratory used to educate children in Guinea Bissau on one of its most pressing environmental challenges. Biomass fuel.
Biomass fuel (charcoal and wood) is the single greatest contributor to deforestation in the world. The rural roads of Guinea Bissau are lined with sacks of the stuff on sale to truck drivers to transport to urban markets. And there is great demand as 80% of Africans rely on biomass for energy.
The IUCN takes its laboratory to schools across the country. Climate change per se is not on the curriculum. They believe you can only encourage people to act sustainably if you offer them a tangible improvement to their quality of life.
They ask children to boil two litres of water, trialling three methods: the traditional three stone fire with charcoal, with wood, and a biomass burning stove made from termite mud, cow dung and rice stalks. The latter performs better against all criteria: time to boil, amount of fuel required, energy required to fetch fuel, cost of fuel and associated health implications.
The lesson encourages children to use their resources more sustainably, teaching them how to make the stoves, using materials available throughout Guinea Bissau. Children are also extremely effective agents of change, nagging their parents to adopt the new stoves.
The programme targets the most vulnerable members of society, reducing women and children’s daily chores, whilst bringing cost savings and health benefits. Effective environmental education in a country where formal education has gone up in smoke.
Source: http://www.atlanticrising.org/case-studies/view.asp?id=19
http://www.atlanticrising.org/gallery/photo-view.asp?id=21
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Milk and Juice Carton Recycling Made Easy
Milk and Juice Carton Recycling Made Easy
Tropicana and Waste Management recently announced they are joining forces to launch a national initiative to increase the rate of juice and milk carton recycling. The initiative kicks off the long-term goal to increase beverage carton recycling nationwide, a program being promoted through the Carton Council.
Milk and juice cartons are made largely from paper sources and fall under the material category of paperboard. Though not accepted by all municipal curbside programs, more than 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to paperboard recycling.
Though 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to paperboard recycling, not all paperboard recyclers will accept milk and juice cartons. Photo: G-can.net
Waste Management will be accepting juice and milk cartons at all its recycling processing facilities across the country in order to increase their recycling rate. Waste Management separates the cartons from the other recyclables and sends them to a secondary mill for recycling.
Recycled through a process called hydropulping, which recovers a material’s paper fibers, the cartons are recycled into paper towels, tissue and other paper products. A typical Tropicana carton is made of 85 percent paper and 15 percent polymer, making the product largely recyclable.
“We are proud to be working with Waste Management to promote the expansion of carton recycling across the country and finding new ways to recycle our products into environmentally beneficial products,” says Andre Hartshorn, senior marketing manager for Tropicana Products, Inc.
This national carton recycling program builds off a successful pilot program in Tampa, Fla., where Tropicana and Waste Management, along with the Carton Council and Dean Foods, successfully expanded carton recycling availability and educated consumers about carton recycling.
Tropicana and Waste Management recently announced they are joining forces to launch a national initiative to increase the rate of juice and milk carton recycling. The initiative kicks off the long-term goal to increase beverage carton recycling nationwide, a program being promoted through the Carton Council.
Milk and juice cartons are made largely from paper sources and fall under the material category of paperboard. Though not accepted by all municipal curbside programs, more than 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to paperboard recycling.
Though 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to paperboard recycling, not all paperboard recyclers will accept milk and juice cartons. Photo: G-can.net
Waste Management will be accepting juice and milk cartons at all its recycling processing facilities across the country in order to increase their recycling rate. Waste Management separates the cartons from the other recyclables and sends them to a secondary mill for recycling.
Recycled through a process called hydropulping, which recovers a material’s paper fibers, the cartons are recycled into paper towels, tissue and other paper products. A typical Tropicana carton is made of 85 percent paper and 15 percent polymer, making the product largely recyclable.
“We are proud to be working with Waste Management to promote the expansion of carton recycling across the country and finding new ways to recycle our products into environmentally beneficial products,” says Andre Hartshorn, senior marketing manager for Tropicana Products, Inc.
This national carton recycling program builds off a successful pilot program in Tampa, Fla., where Tropicana and Waste Management, along with the Carton Council and Dean Foods, successfully expanded carton recycling availability and educated consumers about carton recycling.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Newest Material for More Ecological, Efficient and Economic Refrigeration Systems
An Extract from ScienceDaily dated Apr. 21, 2010 — Two teams based at the Barcelona Knowledge Campus, one from the University of Barcelona and one from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, have worked with a group from the University of Duisburg-Essen to develop a new solid material that produces a caloric effect under hydrostatic pressure (solid-state barocaloric effect). The work was carried out using a high-pressure system developed by the UPC, which is the only one of its type in Spain.
This research was described in an article published in the scientific journal Nature Materials and was inspired by guidelines in the Kyoto protocol on renewing current refrigeration systems based on the compression of harmful gases.
Research into materials showing large caloric effects close to room temperature is 1 of the areas currently being explored to develop new refrigeration systems. Until recently, the most promising materials for applications in this field were giant magnetocaloric materials, which change temperature under the influence of an external magnetic field. The authors of this new study show that application of a moderate hydrostatic pressure to a nickel-manganese-indium alloy (Ni-Mn-In) produces results comparable to those achieved with the most effective magnetocaloric materials.
According to Mañosa, a professor with the Department of Structure and Constituents of Matter at the UB and principal investigator of the study, "the aim of this field of research is to identify materials that are efficient, economic and environmentally respectful, and the advantages of the alloy used in this study is that all of the component materials meet these requirements."
In addition, Antoni Planes, a professor with the same UN department, explains that, "this type of material can produce much greater caloric effects with only slight variations in pressure, which makes it ideal for domestic refrigeration systems (refrigerators, air conditioning and other cooling systems)." When these alloys are submitted to an external field, either magnetic or pressure, the material undergoes a solid-state phase transition, and Mañosa explains that, "this phase change generates a considerable latent heat exchange." The physical principle involved is the same as the effect observed when an ice cube is placed into a glass of water: the ice absorbs heat from the water, lowering its temperature.
The experiments were carried out using a unique high-pressure system developed by the Materials Characterization Group at UPC, directed by Josep Lluís Tamarit, a professor with the Department of Nuclear Physics and Engineering. The system was designed to measure the temperatures during state changes according to the pressure and heat exchanged in the process.
According to the researcher Maria Barrio, who works for the same UPC department and co-authored the study, "studying the behaviour of materials under different pressures has a wide range of uses in many fields," and applications include various types of refrigeration systems, such as domestic refrigerators and air-conditioning systems, food storage facilities, industrial machinery and supercomputers. Scientists have understood the magnetocaloric effect for some time, and it has been used extensively in work requiring extremely low temperature, but it was not until the 1990s that experts discovered materials capable of producing a large magnetocaloric effect close to room temperature, or giant magnetocaloric effect.
In 2005, an article in Nature Materials presented the inverse magnetocaloric effect, under which the temperature of a material submitted to an external magnetic field decreases instead of increasing, which is the standard response of most magnetic materials.
The study, carried out as preparation for the doctoral thesis of Xavier Moya, under the direction of Lluís Mañosa (UB), was awarded the 2009 Ramon Margalef Prize by the UB Board of Trustees.
In addition to the barocaloric effect described above, the Ni-Mn-In alloy also exhibits the inverse magnetocaloric effect. As such, the magnetic field can be combined with exertion of hydrostatic pressure to produce the caloric effect, which can be modulated with a series of parameters to control the temperature. With this new material it is possible to observe the pressure and the magnetic field to control the state change at a desired temperature.
Story Source:
Adapted from materials provided by Universidad de Barcelona, via AlphaGalileo.
Journal Reference:
1.Lluís Mañosa, David González-Alonso, Antoni Planes, Erell Bonnot, Maria Barrio, Josep-Lluís Tamarit, Seda Aksoy, Mehmet Acet. Giant solid-state barocaloric effect in the Ni-Mn-In magnetic shape-memory alloy. Nature Materials, 2010; DOI: 10.1038/nmat2731
This research was described in an article published in the scientific journal Nature Materials and was inspired by guidelines in the Kyoto protocol on renewing current refrigeration systems based on the compression of harmful gases.
Research into materials showing large caloric effects close to room temperature is 1 of the areas currently being explored to develop new refrigeration systems. Until recently, the most promising materials for applications in this field were giant magnetocaloric materials, which change temperature under the influence of an external magnetic field. The authors of this new study show that application of a moderate hydrostatic pressure to a nickel-manganese-indium alloy (Ni-Mn-In) produces results comparable to those achieved with the most effective magnetocaloric materials.
According to Mañosa, a professor with the Department of Structure and Constituents of Matter at the UB and principal investigator of the study, "the aim of this field of research is to identify materials that are efficient, economic and environmentally respectful, and the advantages of the alloy used in this study is that all of the component materials meet these requirements."
In addition, Antoni Planes, a professor with the same UN department, explains that, "this type of material can produce much greater caloric effects with only slight variations in pressure, which makes it ideal for domestic refrigeration systems (refrigerators, air conditioning and other cooling systems)." When these alloys are submitted to an external field, either magnetic or pressure, the material undergoes a solid-state phase transition, and Mañosa explains that, "this phase change generates a considerable latent heat exchange." The physical principle involved is the same as the effect observed when an ice cube is placed into a glass of water: the ice absorbs heat from the water, lowering its temperature.
The experiments were carried out using a unique high-pressure system developed by the Materials Characterization Group at UPC, directed by Josep Lluís Tamarit, a professor with the Department of Nuclear Physics and Engineering. The system was designed to measure the temperatures during state changes according to the pressure and heat exchanged in the process.
According to the researcher Maria Barrio, who works for the same UPC department and co-authored the study, "studying the behaviour of materials under different pressures has a wide range of uses in many fields," and applications include various types of refrigeration systems, such as domestic refrigerators and air-conditioning systems, food storage facilities, industrial machinery and supercomputers. Scientists have understood the magnetocaloric effect for some time, and it has been used extensively in work requiring extremely low temperature, but it was not until the 1990s that experts discovered materials capable of producing a large magnetocaloric effect close to room temperature, or giant magnetocaloric effect.
In 2005, an article in Nature Materials presented the inverse magnetocaloric effect, under which the temperature of a material submitted to an external magnetic field decreases instead of increasing, which is the standard response of most magnetic materials.
The study, carried out as preparation for the doctoral thesis of Xavier Moya, under the direction of Lluís Mañosa (UB), was awarded the 2009 Ramon Margalef Prize by the UB Board of Trustees.
In addition to the barocaloric effect described above, the Ni-Mn-In alloy also exhibits the inverse magnetocaloric effect. As such, the magnetic field can be combined with exertion of hydrostatic pressure to produce the caloric effect, which can be modulated with a series of parameters to control the temperature. With this new material it is possible to observe the pressure and the magnetic field to control the state change at a desired temperature.
Story Source:
Adapted from materials provided by Universidad de Barcelona, via AlphaGalileo.
Journal Reference:
1.Lluís Mañosa, David González-Alonso, Antoni Planes, Erell Bonnot, Maria Barrio, Josep-Lluís Tamarit, Seda Aksoy, Mehmet Acet. Giant solid-state barocaloric effect in the Ni-Mn-In magnetic shape-memory alloy. Nature Materials, 2010; DOI: 10.1038/nmat2731
Thursday, April 22, 2010
'Paltry' Copenhagen carbon pledges point to 3C world
'Paltry' Copenhagen carbon pledges point to 3C world
Poorer nations are unlikely to make a low-carbon switch without a Western lead
Pledges made at December's UN summit in Copenhagen are unlikely to keep global warming below 2C, a study concludes.
Writing in the journal Nature, analysts at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impacts Research in Germany say a rise of at least 3C by 2100 is likely.
The team also says many countries, including EU members and China, have pledged slower carbon curbs than they have been achieving anyway.
They say a new global deal is needed if deeper cuts are to materialise.
"There's a big mismatch between the ambitious goal, which is 2C... and the emissions reductions," said Potsdam's Malte Meinshausen.
"The pledged emissions reductions are in most cases very unambitious," he told BBC News.
In their Nature article, the team uses stronger language, describing the pledges as "paltry".
"The prospects for limiting global warming to 2C - or even to 1.5C, as more than 100 nations demand - are in dire peril," they conclude.
Between now and 2020, global emissions are likely to rise by 10-20%, they calculate, and the chances of passing 3C by 2100 are greater than 50%.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this implies a range of serious impacts for the world, including
* significant falls in crop yields across most of the world
* damage to most coral reefs
* likely disruption to water supplies for hundreds of millions of people.
Chances of a 3C rise are higher than evens, the team calculates (simplified from Potsdam Institute's Nature paper)
More than 120 countries have now associated themselves with the Copenhagen Accord, the political document stitched together on the summit's final day by a small group of countries led by the US and the BASIC bloc of Brazil, China, India and South Africa.
The accord "recognises" the 2C target as indicated by science. It was also backed at last year's G8 summit.
Many of those 120-odd have said what they are prepared to do to constrain their greenhouse gas emissions - either pledging cuts by 2020, in the case of industrialised countries, or promising to improve their "carbon intensity" in the case of developing nations.
Some of the pledges are little more than vague statements of intent. But all developed countries, and the developing world's major emitters, have all given firm figures or ranges of figures.
The EU, for example, pledges to cut emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020; China promises to improve carbon intensity by 40-45% by 2020 compared against 2005; and Australia vows an emission cut of 5-25% on 2000 levels by 2020.
The Potsdam team concludes that many of the detailed pledges are nowhere near as ambitious as their proponents would claim.
They calculate that the EU's 20% pledge implies an annual cut of 0.45% between 2010 and 2020, whereas it is already achieving annual reductions larger than that.
The Potsdam team calculates that the EU's emissions have fallen on average by 0.6% per year since 1980
During 2009, emissions from the bloc's power sector alone fell by 11% owing to the recession
Consequently, the current 20% by 2020 pledge equates to 0.45% per year - less than the historical average
China's 40% minimum pledge also amounts to nothing more than business as usual, they relate; and among developed countries, only pledges by Norway and Japan fall into the 25-40% by 2020 range that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommends as necessary to give a good chance of meeting the 2C target.
Hot air
Whereas many countries, rich and poor, have indicated they are willing to be more ambitious if there is a binding global deal, the Potsdam team notes that in the absence of a global deal, only the least ambitious end of their range can be counted upon.
Writing in the BBC's Green Room this week, Bryony Worthington from the campaign group Sandbag argues that the EU can easily move to its alternative higher figure of 30% - and that it must, if it wants to stimulate others to cut deeper.
"Many countries are looking to Europe to show how it is possible to achieve growth without increasing emissions," she said.
"Only when they see that this is possible will they be inclined to adopt absolute reduction targets of their own."
An additional factor flagged up in the analysis is that many countries have accrued surplus emissions credits under the Kyoto Protocol.
Countries such as Russia and other former Eastern bloc nations comfortably exceeded their Kyoto targets owing to the collapse of Communist economies in the early 1990s.
Without a binding global agreement preventing the practice, these nations would be allowed to put these "banked" credits towards meeting any future targets - meaning they would have to reduce actual emissions less than they promised.
These "hot air" credits could also be traded between nations.
Stern words
This is not the first analysis of the Copenhagen Accord pledges, but it is one of the starkest.
Lord Stern's team at the Grantham Research Institute for Climate Change and the Environment in London has also run the figures; and although their conclusions on the numbers are similar, they do not see things in quite such a pessimistic light.
Cocahambaba delegate
The Bolivian-hosted "Mother Earth" summit is lobbying for faster cuts
"You cannot characterise an emissions path for a country or the world by focusing solely on the level in 2020 or any other particular date," said the institute's principal research fellow Alex Bowen.
"It is the whole path that matters, and if more action is taken now to reduce emissions, less action will be required later, and vice versa."
The Potsdam team acknowledges that if emissions do rise as they project, it would still be possible to have a reasonable chance of meeting 2C if very strict carbon curbs were applied thereafter, bringing emissions down by 5% per year or so.
"In an ideal world, if you pull off every possible emission reduction from the year 2021 onwards, you can still get to get to 2C if you're lucky," said Dr Meinshausen.
"But it is like racing towards the cliff and hoping you stop just before it."
They argue that positive analyses may "lull decision-makers into a false sense of security".
The UN climate process continues through this year, with many countries saying they still want to reach a binding global agreement by December.
But stark divisions remain between various blocs over emission cuts, finance, technology transfer and other issues; and it is far from certain that all important countries want anything more binding than the current set of voluntary national commitments.
Poorer nations are unlikely to make a low-carbon switch without a Western lead
Pledges made at December's UN summit in Copenhagen are unlikely to keep global warming below 2C, a study concludes.
Writing in the journal Nature, analysts at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impacts Research in Germany say a rise of at least 3C by 2100 is likely.
The team also says many countries, including EU members and China, have pledged slower carbon curbs than they have been achieving anyway.
They say a new global deal is needed if deeper cuts are to materialise.
"There's a big mismatch between the ambitious goal, which is 2C... and the emissions reductions," said Potsdam's Malte Meinshausen.
"The pledged emissions reductions are in most cases very unambitious," he told BBC News.
In their Nature article, the team uses stronger language, describing the pledges as "paltry".
"The prospects for limiting global warming to 2C - or even to 1.5C, as more than 100 nations demand - are in dire peril," they conclude.
Between now and 2020, global emissions are likely to rise by 10-20%, they calculate, and the chances of passing 3C by 2100 are greater than 50%.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this implies a range of serious impacts for the world, including
* significant falls in crop yields across most of the world
* damage to most coral reefs
* likely disruption to water supplies for hundreds of millions of people.
Chances of a 3C rise are higher than evens, the team calculates (simplified from Potsdam Institute's Nature paper)
More than 120 countries have now associated themselves with the Copenhagen Accord, the political document stitched together on the summit's final day by a small group of countries led by the US and the BASIC bloc of Brazil, China, India and South Africa.
The accord "recognises" the 2C target as indicated by science. It was also backed at last year's G8 summit.
Many of those 120-odd have said what they are prepared to do to constrain their greenhouse gas emissions - either pledging cuts by 2020, in the case of industrialised countries, or promising to improve their "carbon intensity" in the case of developing nations.
Some of the pledges are little more than vague statements of intent. But all developed countries, and the developing world's major emitters, have all given firm figures or ranges of figures.
The EU, for example, pledges to cut emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020; China promises to improve carbon intensity by 40-45% by 2020 compared against 2005; and Australia vows an emission cut of 5-25% on 2000 levels by 2020.
The Potsdam team concludes that many of the detailed pledges are nowhere near as ambitious as their proponents would claim.
They calculate that the EU's 20% pledge implies an annual cut of 0.45% between 2010 and 2020, whereas it is already achieving annual reductions larger than that.
The Potsdam team calculates that the EU's emissions have fallen on average by 0.6% per year since 1980
During 2009, emissions from the bloc's power sector alone fell by 11% owing to the recession
Consequently, the current 20% by 2020 pledge equates to 0.45% per year - less than the historical average
China's 40% minimum pledge also amounts to nothing more than business as usual, they relate; and among developed countries, only pledges by Norway and Japan fall into the 25-40% by 2020 range that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommends as necessary to give a good chance of meeting the 2C target.
Hot air
Whereas many countries, rich and poor, have indicated they are willing to be more ambitious if there is a binding global deal, the Potsdam team notes that in the absence of a global deal, only the least ambitious end of their range can be counted upon.
Writing in the BBC's Green Room this week, Bryony Worthington from the campaign group Sandbag argues that the EU can easily move to its alternative higher figure of 30% - and that it must, if it wants to stimulate others to cut deeper.
"Many countries are looking to Europe to show how it is possible to achieve growth without increasing emissions," she said.
"Only when they see that this is possible will they be inclined to adopt absolute reduction targets of their own."
An additional factor flagged up in the analysis is that many countries have accrued surplus emissions credits under the Kyoto Protocol.
Countries such as Russia and other former Eastern bloc nations comfortably exceeded their Kyoto targets owing to the collapse of Communist economies in the early 1990s.
Without a binding global agreement preventing the practice, these nations would be allowed to put these "banked" credits towards meeting any future targets - meaning they would have to reduce actual emissions less than they promised.
These "hot air" credits could also be traded between nations.
Stern words
This is not the first analysis of the Copenhagen Accord pledges, but it is one of the starkest.
Lord Stern's team at the Grantham Research Institute for Climate Change and the Environment in London has also run the figures; and although their conclusions on the numbers are similar, they do not see things in quite such a pessimistic light.
Cocahambaba delegate
The Bolivian-hosted "Mother Earth" summit is lobbying for faster cuts
"You cannot characterise an emissions path for a country or the world by focusing solely on the level in 2020 or any other particular date," said the institute's principal research fellow Alex Bowen.
"It is the whole path that matters, and if more action is taken now to reduce emissions, less action will be required later, and vice versa."
The Potsdam team acknowledges that if emissions do rise as they project, it would still be possible to have a reasonable chance of meeting 2C if very strict carbon curbs were applied thereafter, bringing emissions down by 5% per year or so.
"In an ideal world, if you pull off every possible emission reduction from the year 2021 onwards, you can still get to get to 2C if you're lucky," said Dr Meinshausen.
"But it is like racing towards the cliff and hoping you stop just before it."
They argue that positive analyses may "lull decision-makers into a false sense of security".
The UN climate process continues through this year, with many countries saying they still want to reach a binding global agreement by December.
But stark divisions remain between various blocs over emission cuts, finance, technology transfer and other issues; and it is far from certain that all important countries want anything more binding than the current set of voluntary national commitments.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Best Earth Day Events
On April 22, countries around the world will gather together to celebrate the Earth in one of the most historic environmental events of the year: Earth Day.
Founded by former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, the first Earth Day took place in 1970 and was originally intended as a collective environmental protest “to shake up the political establishment and force the issue onto the national agenda.”
Today, the celebration of Earth Day is primarily aimed at raising awareness and encouraging everyday citizens around the world to do their part in preserving the Earth, from recycling to reducing one’s carbon footprint.
Celebrations of Earth Day are as diverse as the cultures themselves. The real beauty of this holiday, however, is the sheer range of events that take place in every country.
Here are a couple of highlights to watch out for, both big and small.
(And if you can’t make it to any of these events, check out Earth911’s Twitter Contest – you can play from anywhere in the U.S. and have the chance to win some cool, green prizes!)
Students in Bangkok raise recycling awareness
A community of students in Bangkok are teaching adults the importance of measuring one’s carbon footprint. Sangam Malani, a student at KIS International School in Bangkok, decided to form an Environmental Committee, which would sell cloth bags, recycled plastics and reusable water bottles at his school fair.
Together, the students formed their own booth and promised to donate 100 Baht from whatever they made to an organization called “Bring the Elephant Home,” which aims to restore the natural habitat of elephants by planting more trees.
“We were selling the bags smartly. However, as the day wore on, the customers began to ignore us,” Malani says. “I realized that many of our customers didn’t understand what we meant when we talked about carbon footprint. And at the end of the day, when I found out that we failed to break even, I noted that next time we would use simpler phrases to get our message across.”
This initial setback did not deter Malani and his Environmental Committee from doing more good work for his community. Shortly after the school fair, the Environmental Committee placed new recycling bins around campus to encourage students to recycle their plastics. Malani adds, “Despite setbacks, what we did was that we made an effort to recycle.”
General Motors to release revolutionary electric car
General Motors, the largest automobile manufacturer in the United States, is planning on releasing an electric car that practically screams eco-friendly.
The Volt will also use only 2,520 kilowatts per hour of energy, which is less than a central air conditioning unit, a water heater and a refrigerator. Photo: Flickr/Passion84Photos
Proving that going green oftentimes just takes a little creativity and resourcefulness, the Chevy Volt uses recycled blue jeans in its car doors to buffer noise and recycled cardboard in its roof to improve acoustics. Even the door handle brackets are made from old carpet.
The Volt may just be the dream car we have all been waiting for, especially as consumers will be able to save an average of 500 gallons of gasoline per year.
The Volt will also use only 2,520 kilowatts per hour of energy, which is less than a central air conditioning unit, a water heater and a refrigerator.
Because 80 percent of U.S. drivers commute 40 miles or less on a daily basis, the Volt is designed to have a battery power of up to 40 miles without using gasoline.
In addition to the Chevrolet Volt, GM now hosts 55 facilities that are landfill-free, meaning that absolutely no production waste or garbage from these factories can be traced to a landfill. These landfill-free facilities recycle or reuse more than 95 percent of all waste, while the remaining 5 percent are usually converted to energy.
The Climate Rally at the National Mall
The growing dependence on Middle Eastern oil and the lack of a major climate bill are only two of the many environmental problems existing in this country. This is why the Earth Day Network is organizing a climate rally at The National Mall in an effort to encourage Congress to pass effective clean energy and climate legislation in 2010.
The climate rally is the highlight of the Earth Day Network’s nine-day festival at the National Mall, and will feature live music from stars like Sting, The Roots, Passion Pit, John Legend, Bob Weir and Booker T.
Other media figures, including film director James Cameron, Reverend Jesse Jackson, author Margaret Atwood and Olympian Billy Demong will be speaking on the necessity for change on both a national and international scale in the fields of clean energy and global warming.
Sebastian Copeland, an art ambassador of Earth Day Network, is taking a photographic journey into the Arctic where he will witness in person the effect that global warming has had on the poles.
Artist explores global warming in the Arctic
Sebastian Copeland, an art ambassador of Earth Day Network, is taking a photographic journey into the Arctic where he will witness in person the effect that global warming has had on the poles.
The Arctic, which receives the smallest amount of sunlight on Earth, should technically be the coldest habitat on Earth. However, due to rising temperatures and melting glaciers, the poles are now warming twice as quickly as the rest of the Earth.
Copeland says on his blog, “As one of the great climate regulators in the Northern hemisphere, vast ice losses in the North threaten the thin balance of its ecosystem, in place for hundreds of thousands of years, and spells trouble for the world.”
Copeland’s photographic expedition will take him across Greenland, where he will capture the disappearing glaciers and the wildlife that exists in the Arctic.
London hosts the Green I.T. Awards
To reward the efforts of green distributors, suppliers and companies, Green I.T. Magazine will be hosting the annual Green I.T. Awards on Earth Day. The ceremony seeks to highlight and honor organizations and projects that have changed the face of the I.T. industry’s environmental performance.
The Green I.T. Awards is historically significant because it comes at a time when individuals and governments are putting more pressure than ever on corporations to take responsibility for their waste and impact on the environment.
Several notable figures will be in attendance at the ceremony, including the Right Honorable Lord Hunt OBE, representatives of Climate Change and the Minister of Energy from the Department of Energy.
Winners, ranging from vendors to nonprofit organizations to distributors, will be announced at the London Zoo in Regents Park in honor of Earth Day and the growing eco-friendly I.T. sector.
Jane Goodall Institute teaches carbon footprint to students in China
On Earth Day, the Jane Goodall Institute in China will be teaching students and instructors in the city of Beijing how to reduce their carbon footprint by switching from conventional tissue paper to handkerchiefs.
Their lesson plan will include games featuring a traditional handkerchief song and dance and a fun lecture on low-carbon treasures and fashion.
The focus of the lesson is to encourage as many students as possible in Beijing to make the easy transition from wasting boxes upon boxes of tissue paper to reusing handkerchiefs. At the end of the lesson, students will sign a large banner declaring their support for the environment and understand that living a low-carbon life “starts right under [their] noses” from all the small changes they can make in their everyday lifestyles.
Artist highlights ‘What is Missing’ on Earth
Can you imagine that every 20 minutes a living plant or animal species disappears forever from the face of the Earth? Or that at this rate, as much as 30 percent of all the Earth’s living flora and fauna will be headed for extinction in just a century’s time?
According to artist Maya Lin, this is a nightmare that may very well come true if we fail to recognize the threat we pose to ecosystems around the globe.
To raise awareness of the Earth’s diminishing biodiversity, Maya Lin created “What is Missing?”, a Web site scheduled to launch on Earth Day that will compile photographs, videos and information from her various art exhibitions.
All of her sculptures share an environmental theme that serve collectively as a digital memorial to the species and habitats we have already lost.
These installations range from the Listening Cone, a permanent sculpture that contains sound and text, to a billboard video featuring a five-minute movie that shows images of extinct and endangered species.
The billboard video will be broadcast in cities across the world on Earth Day, and has already won a highly coveted position on MTV’s billboard in Times Square.
Perhaps the most haunting of Lin’s exhibitions is a creation she calls The Empty Room, which is a traveling show where visitors will actually be able to catch and hold onto projected images drifting in mid-air. Species featured range from songbirds to whales, while each panel will include information that viewers can read.
Founded by former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, the first Earth Day took place in 1970 and was originally intended as a collective environmental protest “to shake up the political establishment and force the issue onto the national agenda.”
Today, the celebration of Earth Day is primarily aimed at raising awareness and encouraging everyday citizens around the world to do their part in preserving the Earth, from recycling to reducing one’s carbon footprint.
Celebrations of Earth Day are as diverse as the cultures themselves. The real beauty of this holiday, however, is the sheer range of events that take place in every country.
Here are a couple of highlights to watch out for, both big and small.
(And if you can’t make it to any of these events, check out Earth911’s Twitter Contest – you can play from anywhere in the U.S. and have the chance to win some cool, green prizes!)
Students in Bangkok raise recycling awareness
A community of students in Bangkok are teaching adults the importance of measuring one’s carbon footprint. Sangam Malani, a student at KIS International School in Bangkok, decided to form an Environmental Committee, which would sell cloth bags, recycled plastics and reusable water bottles at his school fair.
Together, the students formed their own booth and promised to donate 100 Baht from whatever they made to an organization called “Bring the Elephant Home,” which aims to restore the natural habitat of elephants by planting more trees.
“We were selling the bags smartly. However, as the day wore on, the customers began to ignore us,” Malani says. “I realized that many of our customers didn’t understand what we meant when we talked about carbon footprint. And at the end of the day, when I found out that we failed to break even, I noted that next time we would use simpler phrases to get our message across.”
This initial setback did not deter Malani and his Environmental Committee from doing more good work for his community. Shortly after the school fair, the Environmental Committee placed new recycling bins around campus to encourage students to recycle their plastics. Malani adds, “Despite setbacks, what we did was that we made an effort to recycle.”
General Motors to release revolutionary electric car
General Motors, the largest automobile manufacturer in the United States, is planning on releasing an electric car that practically screams eco-friendly.
The Volt will also use only 2,520 kilowatts per hour of energy, which is less than a central air conditioning unit, a water heater and a refrigerator. Photo: Flickr/Passion84Photos
Proving that going green oftentimes just takes a little creativity and resourcefulness, the Chevy Volt uses recycled blue jeans in its car doors to buffer noise and recycled cardboard in its roof to improve acoustics. Even the door handle brackets are made from old carpet.
The Volt may just be the dream car we have all been waiting for, especially as consumers will be able to save an average of 500 gallons of gasoline per year.
The Volt will also use only 2,520 kilowatts per hour of energy, which is less than a central air conditioning unit, a water heater and a refrigerator.
Because 80 percent of U.S. drivers commute 40 miles or less on a daily basis, the Volt is designed to have a battery power of up to 40 miles without using gasoline.
In addition to the Chevrolet Volt, GM now hosts 55 facilities that are landfill-free, meaning that absolutely no production waste or garbage from these factories can be traced to a landfill. These landfill-free facilities recycle or reuse more than 95 percent of all waste, while the remaining 5 percent are usually converted to energy.
The Climate Rally at the National Mall
The growing dependence on Middle Eastern oil and the lack of a major climate bill are only two of the many environmental problems existing in this country. This is why the Earth Day Network is organizing a climate rally at The National Mall in an effort to encourage Congress to pass effective clean energy and climate legislation in 2010.
The climate rally is the highlight of the Earth Day Network’s nine-day festival at the National Mall, and will feature live music from stars like Sting, The Roots, Passion Pit, John Legend, Bob Weir and Booker T.
Other media figures, including film director James Cameron, Reverend Jesse Jackson, author Margaret Atwood and Olympian Billy Demong will be speaking on the necessity for change on both a national and international scale in the fields of clean energy and global warming.
Sebastian Copeland, an art ambassador of Earth Day Network, is taking a photographic journey into the Arctic where he will witness in person the effect that global warming has had on the poles.
Artist explores global warming in the Arctic
Sebastian Copeland, an art ambassador of Earth Day Network, is taking a photographic journey into the Arctic where he will witness in person the effect that global warming has had on the poles.
The Arctic, which receives the smallest amount of sunlight on Earth, should technically be the coldest habitat on Earth. However, due to rising temperatures and melting glaciers, the poles are now warming twice as quickly as the rest of the Earth.
Copeland says on his blog, “As one of the great climate regulators in the Northern hemisphere, vast ice losses in the North threaten the thin balance of its ecosystem, in place for hundreds of thousands of years, and spells trouble for the world.”
Copeland’s photographic expedition will take him across Greenland, where he will capture the disappearing glaciers and the wildlife that exists in the Arctic.
London hosts the Green I.T. Awards
To reward the efforts of green distributors, suppliers and companies, Green I.T. Magazine will be hosting the annual Green I.T. Awards on Earth Day. The ceremony seeks to highlight and honor organizations and projects that have changed the face of the I.T. industry’s environmental performance.
The Green I.T. Awards is historically significant because it comes at a time when individuals and governments are putting more pressure than ever on corporations to take responsibility for their waste and impact on the environment.
Several notable figures will be in attendance at the ceremony, including the Right Honorable Lord Hunt OBE, representatives of Climate Change and the Minister of Energy from the Department of Energy.
Winners, ranging from vendors to nonprofit organizations to distributors, will be announced at the London Zoo in Regents Park in honor of Earth Day and the growing eco-friendly I.T. sector.
Jane Goodall Institute teaches carbon footprint to students in China
On Earth Day, the Jane Goodall Institute in China will be teaching students and instructors in the city of Beijing how to reduce their carbon footprint by switching from conventional tissue paper to handkerchiefs.
Their lesson plan will include games featuring a traditional handkerchief song and dance and a fun lecture on low-carbon treasures and fashion.
The focus of the lesson is to encourage as many students as possible in Beijing to make the easy transition from wasting boxes upon boxes of tissue paper to reusing handkerchiefs. At the end of the lesson, students will sign a large banner declaring their support for the environment and understand that living a low-carbon life “starts right under [their] noses” from all the small changes they can make in their everyday lifestyles.
Artist highlights ‘What is Missing’ on Earth
Can you imagine that every 20 minutes a living plant or animal species disappears forever from the face of the Earth? Or that at this rate, as much as 30 percent of all the Earth’s living flora and fauna will be headed for extinction in just a century’s time?
According to artist Maya Lin, this is a nightmare that may very well come true if we fail to recognize the threat we pose to ecosystems around the globe.
To raise awareness of the Earth’s diminishing biodiversity, Maya Lin created “What is Missing?”, a Web site scheduled to launch on Earth Day that will compile photographs, videos and information from her various art exhibitions.
All of her sculptures share an environmental theme that serve collectively as a digital memorial to the species and habitats we have already lost.
These installations range from the Listening Cone, a permanent sculpture that contains sound and text, to a billboard video featuring a five-minute movie that shows images of extinct and endangered species.
The billboard video will be broadcast in cities across the world on Earth Day, and has already won a highly coveted position on MTV’s billboard in Times Square.
Perhaps the most haunting of Lin’s exhibitions is a creation she calls The Empty Room, which is a traveling show where visitors will actually be able to catch and hold onto projected images drifting in mid-air. Species featured range from songbirds to whales, while each panel will include information that viewers can read.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Roll-up for the world’s largest mangrove planting project
Roll-up for the world’s largest mangrove planting project
Seeds of conservation success in Sandicoly, Senegal
Written by Tim
"Become a superhero, plant your mangrove today”, declared the poster.
Eager to enter the pantheon of mangrove superheroes we headed to the Saloum Delta in Senegal where the world’s largest ever mangrove planting project is underway. Organised by local NGO, Oceanium, almost 30 million mangroves have been planted since June.
The mangrove itself is a hero among flora. It provides firewood for cooking and smoking fish, branches for tortoise-shaped village rooftops, and breeding grounds for countless species of fish, including oysters that cling stubbornly to the mangroves’ spider-like roots.
Abdoulaye Diouf, Chef de Zone in Sandicoly, tells us that the fishermen had noticed a decline in the number of fish in recent years. This was attributed to over-fishing and a decline in mangrove coverage caused by unseasonal heavy rains.
As well as replenishing depleted mangrove stocks, Jean Goepp, Oceanium’s Project Coordinator, says that the project teaches people to conserve their resources. “People must re-plant their common resources, not just their gardens”, he says. Mr Diouf says the village is now aware that it must use all its resources sustainably – sea, forest and mangroves.
The mangroves were chosen as the resource to launch this behaviour-changing initiative because once planted they require no human input. Occupying the swampy inter-tidal zone they require no watering and are naturally protected from bush fires and hungry cattle.
80,000 people have been involved in the project, planting and collecting seedlings from the flowering mangrove trees for which they are paid 1,000 CFA (about £1.50) per sack. Oceanium provides a financial incentive to the community as well.
Planting is simple. You create a hole in the wet inter-tidal sand with an extended index finger and plug it with a seedling. Superhero status is easily attained.
In Sandicoly, the project has been accompanied by footballing success and the village is through to the regional cup final. They plan to use the mangrove money to take their supporters to the match. It will be ice creams all round as m
Seeds of conservation success in Sandicoly, Senegal
Written by Tim
"Become a superhero, plant your mangrove today”, declared the poster.
Eager to enter the pantheon of mangrove superheroes we headed to the Saloum Delta in Senegal where the world’s largest ever mangrove planting project is underway. Organised by local NGO, Oceanium, almost 30 million mangroves have been planted since June.
The mangrove itself is a hero among flora. It provides firewood for cooking and smoking fish, branches for tortoise-shaped village rooftops, and breeding grounds for countless species of fish, including oysters that cling stubbornly to the mangroves’ spider-like roots.
Abdoulaye Diouf, Chef de Zone in Sandicoly, tells us that the fishermen had noticed a decline in the number of fish in recent years. This was attributed to over-fishing and a decline in mangrove coverage caused by unseasonal heavy rains.
As well as replenishing depleted mangrove stocks, Jean Goepp, Oceanium’s Project Coordinator, says that the project teaches people to conserve their resources. “People must re-plant their common resources, not just their gardens”, he says. Mr Diouf says the village is now aware that it must use all its resources sustainably – sea, forest and mangroves.
The mangroves were chosen as the resource to launch this behaviour-changing initiative because once planted they require no human input. Occupying the swampy inter-tidal zone they require no watering and are naturally protected from bush fires and hungry cattle.
80,000 people have been involved in the project, planting and collecting seedlings from the flowering mangrove trees for which they are paid 1,000 CFA (about £1.50) per sack. Oceanium provides a financial incentive to the community as well.
Planting is simple. You create a hole in the wet inter-tidal sand with an extended index finger and plug it with a seedling. Superhero status is easily attained.
In Sandicoly, the project has been accompanied by footballing success and the village is through to the regional cup final. They plan to use the mangrove money to take their supporters to the match. It will be ice creams all round as m
Monday, April 12, 2010
Emirates Environmental Group - Recycling Facilities
HSBC, a long time supporter of EEG, has once again come on board to give a boost to our Waste Management Programs based on the principle of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”.
EEG has installed, in about 18 schools in the UAE, HSBC-sponsored recycling centers. These centers are a group of three large metal cages and are specifically meant for recyclables such as paper, plastics and aluminum cans.
HSBC-Sponsored Recycling Centers
Once the recycling center is full, school authorities can notify the EEG who sends its volunteers to empty out the same. EEG coordinates with its partner collection companies to transport the waste for recycling.
The HSBC-sponsored recycling centers from EEG inculcate in students a sense of responsibility towards the environment. They also teach students the importance of segregating wastes. HSBC and EEG, together, provide a unique platform to students and schools who want to help the environment in their own little way.
.............................................................................................................................................
For the past decade experts and organizations have been preaching the benefits of recycling, but unfortunately none had managed to put together a practical and convenient method to implement recycling. Therefore for a very long time this waste management tool remained confined to the realm of theory and preaching, but did not translate into actual and habitual practice.
The Emirates Environmental Group, in its continuous quest for an innovative way to combat the problem of solid wastes and establish waste management solutions, introduced a modest can collection programme in local schools in 1992. Initially very few schools responded and joined in this campaign but as the years passed by, this initiative came to attract not only academic institutions but also private and government organizations. The response to this pilot project inspired the Group to open doors for new ideas to include the collection of waste paper, used toner and ink cartridges, for recycling purposes. Through the implementation of these recycling projects, EEG has gained a reputation for its effective, efficient and most importantly sincere initiative to help the government and the private sectors to sensitize the community about the fragility of the earth and the need for appropriate environmental action to preserve its irreplaceable resources.
As we expand from one activity to another, the results and feedback that we get from the participants of these campaigns amply demonstrates that people are willing and able to contribute to recycling initiatives provided they are given the right information, facilities and incentives. The recycling centre project was conceptualized with this lesson in mind.
The aims and objectives of this project are as follows:
* To reduce, reuse, segregate and recycle wastes to minimize the quantity sent to landfills and prevent land, water and air pollution.
* To contain depletion of natural resources, promote water and energy conservation, and facilitate material recovery from waste streams.
* To offer an aesthetically pleasing and effective one-spot collection centre for voluminous assorted wastes, for the use of the entire community.
* To influence social and environmental behavior of the community and promote an environment conscious culture among them.
* To complement the waste management efforts of the local authorities.
* To formally announce the successful implementation of the first phase of the project a press conference was organized by EEG. The conference was hosted by The Fairmont Hotel on March 31st, 2003, which was well attended, by the government and public sectors as well as the educational institutions.
In 2001, EEG started to place Recycling Centres in deserving private schools that were active in recycling campaigns, as well as government schools to support and motivate them. The schools were chosen as the ideal place to start with, as the problem of waste management can be successfully addressed when started at the base level of the community, with the youth as the primary target.
Recycling Center Stats
Sl No. Emirate Recycling centers
1 Dubai 115
2 Sharjah 31
3 Abu Dhabi 21
4 Al Ain 11
5 Ras Al Khaimah 5
6 Ajman 4
7 Fujairah 4
8 Umm Al Quwain 2
Total 193
Usually, the most difficult part of making a recycling project work is getting wastes segregated, which must be done at the source. This requires a lot of effort, will power and coordination from individuals, who are used to the habit of casually dumping their assorted waste all together in one place. The Recycling Centres offer the opportunity to collect large volumes of segregated wastes without impinging on space or aesthetics. It was pointed out that recycling offers an ideal solution to our growing solid waste problem.
The country has the necessary facilities for recycling different products but the challenge lies in how these recyclable materials can be reached to the concerned companies. This is the main role of EEG, to serve as an intermediary between the different concerned parties.
EEG has installed, in about 18 schools in the UAE, HSBC-sponsored recycling centers. These centers are a group of three large metal cages and are specifically meant for recyclables such as paper, plastics and aluminum cans.
HSBC-Sponsored Recycling Centers
Once the recycling center is full, school authorities can notify the EEG who sends its volunteers to empty out the same. EEG coordinates with its partner collection companies to transport the waste for recycling.
The HSBC-sponsored recycling centers from EEG inculcate in students a sense of responsibility towards the environment. They also teach students the importance of segregating wastes. HSBC and EEG, together, provide a unique platform to students and schools who want to help the environment in their own little way.
.............................................................................................................................................
For the past decade experts and organizations have been preaching the benefits of recycling, but unfortunately none had managed to put together a practical and convenient method to implement recycling. Therefore for a very long time this waste management tool remained confined to the realm of theory and preaching, but did not translate into actual and habitual practice.
The Emirates Environmental Group, in its continuous quest for an innovative way to combat the problem of solid wastes and establish waste management solutions, introduced a modest can collection programme in local schools in 1992. Initially very few schools responded and joined in this campaign but as the years passed by, this initiative came to attract not only academic institutions but also private and government organizations. The response to this pilot project inspired the Group to open doors for new ideas to include the collection of waste paper, used toner and ink cartridges, for recycling purposes. Through the implementation of these recycling projects, EEG has gained a reputation for its effective, efficient and most importantly sincere initiative to help the government and the private sectors to sensitize the community about the fragility of the earth and the need for appropriate environmental action to preserve its irreplaceable resources.
As we expand from one activity to another, the results and feedback that we get from the participants of these campaigns amply demonstrates that people are willing and able to contribute to recycling initiatives provided they are given the right information, facilities and incentives. The recycling centre project was conceptualized with this lesson in mind.
The aims and objectives of this project are as follows:
* To reduce, reuse, segregate and recycle wastes to minimize the quantity sent to landfills and prevent land, water and air pollution.
* To contain depletion of natural resources, promote water and energy conservation, and facilitate material recovery from waste streams.
* To offer an aesthetically pleasing and effective one-spot collection centre for voluminous assorted wastes, for the use of the entire community.
* To influence social and environmental behavior of the community and promote an environment conscious culture among them.
* To complement the waste management efforts of the local authorities.
* To formally announce the successful implementation of the first phase of the project a press conference was organized by EEG. The conference was hosted by The Fairmont Hotel on March 31st, 2003, which was well attended, by the government and public sectors as well as the educational institutions.
In 2001, EEG started to place Recycling Centres in deserving private schools that were active in recycling campaigns, as well as government schools to support and motivate them. The schools were chosen as the ideal place to start with, as the problem of waste management can be successfully addressed when started at the base level of the community, with the youth as the primary target.
Recycling Center Stats
Sl No. Emirate Recycling centers
1 Dubai 115
2 Sharjah 31
3 Abu Dhabi 21
4 Al Ain 11
5 Ras Al Khaimah 5
6 Ajman 4
7 Fujairah 4
8 Umm Al Quwain 2
Total 193
Usually, the most difficult part of making a recycling project work is getting wastes segregated, which must be done at the source. This requires a lot of effort, will power and coordination from individuals, who are used to the habit of casually dumping their assorted waste all together in one place. The Recycling Centres offer the opportunity to collect large volumes of segregated wastes without impinging on space or aesthetics. It was pointed out that recycling offers an ideal solution to our growing solid waste problem.
The country has the necessary facilities for recycling different products but the challenge lies in how these recyclable materials can be reached to the concerned companies. This is the main role of EEG, to serve as an intermediary between the different concerned parties.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Japanese policy mix needs strong shot of emissions trading
okyo, Japan: An effective policy approach to turn Japan into a low-carbon economy needs emissions trading at its heart, a WWF report has found.
The new research shows that a strong emissions trading scheme would have little impact on the Japanese economy, while allowing the Hatoyama government to effectively reach its ambitious targets for emission reductions.
“Japan has wasted years playing around with voluntary emissions trading, so it’s high time to finally get serious and design a strong scheme for this country, in order to regain our role as a competitive and modern economy”, said Naoyuki Yamagishi, Climate Programme Leader at WWF Japan.
At the centre of WWF’s new Policy Mix Proposal is an economy-wide cap and trade scheme, covering 60% of the country’s CO2 emissions and setting caps in line with Japan’s mid-term and long-term targets for emission cuts – 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 against 1990 levels.
The report includes comparative analysis of emissions trading schemes in Europe and America, suggesting that auctioning should be the preferred approach to allocating emission allowances to companies covered by the scheme, i.e. making polluters pay rather than giving them a free ride.
However, the report also looks at alternative allocation approaches for the initial phase of the scheme and other measures to assist polluting industries and major emitters in adjusting to operating in a carbon-constrained world.
“Our research shows that reaching the ambitious targets enshrined in the government’s Climate Bill is possible, and that a strong emissions trading scheme is key to making Japan fit for the low-carbon future”, said Yamagishi.
“Attempts by industry groups to weaken the targets in the Climate Bill or the emission trading scheme are essentially attempts to weaken Japan’s prospects to catch up with countries like Germany that are currently leading the race towards a low-carbon economy.”
The WWF report highlights that emissions trading approaches can also be applied to decarbonise non-industrial sectors which would not be covered by a cap and trade scheme. For example, it recommends reducing emissions from commercial buildings by strengthening a scheme developed for the Tokyo metropolitan area which could then be extended to include the rest of the country.
“We welcome the launch of Japan’s first real emissions trading scheme in Tokyo this week”, said Yamagishi.
“Tokyo’s example shows that the debate for or against emissions trading is over. Our entire country should now follow the capital’s lead to reap the benefits of going low-carbon. The question is no longer if we need such schemes, but how we can design them in optimal ways.”
Apart from emissions trading, the WWF report also outlines a range of other options for rapid decarbonisation in different sectors, e.g. reforming the fuel efficiency standards under the Top Runner scheme that’s aimed at cleaning up the transport sector, starting a nationwide “Energy Conservation Concierge” programme to reduce emissions from private households through advice on smart energy consumption, or introducing a carbon tax on fossil fuels Japan imports from overseas.
“Japan has been in a depression for a long time, and we urgently need to get this country back to dancing”, said Yamagishi.
“Our proposal is basically the perfect recipe for a low-carbon policy cocktail that would do the trick. And the best thing is: it comes almost for free.”
For further information:
Naoyuki Yamagishi, Leader, Climate Programme WWF Japan, m: +819064711432, p: +81337693509, e: yamagishi@wwf.or.jp; Masako Konishi, Project Leader, Climate Change Programme, WWF Japan, p: +81337693509, e: konishi@wwf.or.jp
Notes to editors:
The Policy Mix Proposal was written by WWF Japan and a group of scientists from various Japanese universities led by Professor Toru Morotomi of Kyoto University. An English translation of the report’s summary will be available by the end of April. The Japanese version of the report can be found at: http://www.wwf.or.jp/torihiki/
The Basic Bill on Measures to Prevent Global Warming was adopted by the Japanese cabinet on 12 March and includes the goals to cut emissions 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. It highlights emissions trading as a key policy to make these emission cuts reality. The bill is going to be discussed in the Diet (the Japanese parliament) over the coming months, with a vote expected by June when the current Diet session closes.
In addition to this debate about a legislative "framework", there are also ongoing discussions led by the Ministry of Environment on what is referred to as the "roadmap", dealing with the question how exactly the 25% emission reduction target for 2020 is going to be reached. In parallel to that, discussion on a so called "Energy Basic Plan" led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry focus on ideas for Japan’s energy strategy towards 2030. Both processes are aiming at reaching conclusion by June as well. One key aspect in these processes is the design of the Japanese emissions trading scheme and carbon tax approach. WWF’s Policy Mix Proposal is meant as a concrete input to these multiple discussion processes on framework and substance at government and parliamentary level.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is launching its emissions trading scheme on 1 April. This will be the first real emissions scheme trading that gets implemented in Japan, after previous national governments only experimented with voluntary schemes.
The new research shows that a strong emissions trading scheme would have little impact on the Japanese economy, while allowing the Hatoyama government to effectively reach its ambitious targets for emission reductions.
“Japan has wasted years playing around with voluntary emissions trading, so it’s high time to finally get serious and design a strong scheme for this country, in order to regain our role as a competitive and modern economy”, said Naoyuki Yamagishi, Climate Programme Leader at WWF Japan.
At the centre of WWF’s new Policy Mix Proposal is an economy-wide cap and trade scheme, covering 60% of the country’s CO2 emissions and setting caps in line with Japan’s mid-term and long-term targets for emission cuts – 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 against 1990 levels.
The report includes comparative analysis of emissions trading schemes in Europe and America, suggesting that auctioning should be the preferred approach to allocating emission allowances to companies covered by the scheme, i.e. making polluters pay rather than giving them a free ride.
However, the report also looks at alternative allocation approaches for the initial phase of the scheme and other measures to assist polluting industries and major emitters in adjusting to operating in a carbon-constrained world.
“Our research shows that reaching the ambitious targets enshrined in the government’s Climate Bill is possible, and that a strong emissions trading scheme is key to making Japan fit for the low-carbon future”, said Yamagishi.
“Attempts by industry groups to weaken the targets in the Climate Bill or the emission trading scheme are essentially attempts to weaken Japan’s prospects to catch up with countries like Germany that are currently leading the race towards a low-carbon economy.”
The WWF report highlights that emissions trading approaches can also be applied to decarbonise non-industrial sectors which would not be covered by a cap and trade scheme. For example, it recommends reducing emissions from commercial buildings by strengthening a scheme developed for the Tokyo metropolitan area which could then be extended to include the rest of the country.
“We welcome the launch of Japan’s first real emissions trading scheme in Tokyo this week”, said Yamagishi.
“Tokyo’s example shows that the debate for or against emissions trading is over. Our entire country should now follow the capital’s lead to reap the benefits of going low-carbon. The question is no longer if we need such schemes, but how we can design them in optimal ways.”
Apart from emissions trading, the WWF report also outlines a range of other options for rapid decarbonisation in different sectors, e.g. reforming the fuel efficiency standards under the Top Runner scheme that’s aimed at cleaning up the transport sector, starting a nationwide “Energy Conservation Concierge” programme to reduce emissions from private households through advice on smart energy consumption, or introducing a carbon tax on fossil fuels Japan imports from overseas.
“Japan has been in a depression for a long time, and we urgently need to get this country back to dancing”, said Yamagishi.
“Our proposal is basically the perfect recipe for a low-carbon policy cocktail that would do the trick. And the best thing is: it comes almost for free.”
For further information:
Naoyuki Yamagishi, Leader, Climate Programme WWF Japan, m: +819064711432, p: +81337693509, e: yamagishi@wwf.or.jp; Masako Konishi, Project Leader, Climate Change Programme, WWF Japan, p: +81337693509, e: konishi@wwf.or.jp
Notes to editors:
The Policy Mix Proposal was written by WWF Japan and a group of scientists from various Japanese universities led by Professor Toru Morotomi of Kyoto University. An English translation of the report’s summary will be available by the end of April. The Japanese version of the report can be found at: http://www.wwf.or.jp/torihiki/
The Basic Bill on Measures to Prevent Global Warming was adopted by the Japanese cabinet on 12 March and includes the goals to cut emissions 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. It highlights emissions trading as a key policy to make these emission cuts reality. The bill is going to be discussed in the Diet (the Japanese parliament) over the coming months, with a vote expected by June when the current Diet session closes.
In addition to this debate about a legislative "framework", there are also ongoing discussions led by the Ministry of Environment on what is referred to as the "roadmap", dealing with the question how exactly the 25% emission reduction target for 2020 is going to be reached. In parallel to that, discussion on a so called "Energy Basic Plan" led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry focus on ideas for Japan’s energy strategy towards 2030. Both processes are aiming at reaching conclusion by June as well. One key aspect in these processes is the design of the Japanese emissions trading scheme and carbon tax approach. WWF’s Policy Mix Proposal is meant as a concrete input to these multiple discussion processes on framework and substance at government and parliamentary level.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is launching its emissions trading scheme on 1 April. This will be the first real emissions scheme trading that gets implemented in Japan, after previous national governments only experimented with voluntary schemes.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Daimler Chrysler To Release Emission Free Smart Car
Zero to 60MPH in 6.5 seconds, a sleek design that’s compact but stylish and plenty of torque – no, we’re not talking about the newest Porsche. This is the Daimler Smart Ed, a zero emissions, super eco-friendly smart car.
Refilling Smart Car The Smart Ed features a range of 71 miles using a Tesla provided 14 Kwh lithium-ion battery, while the cars 30kW electric motor pushes out an impressive 120 Newton metres of torque.
Originally the Smart Ed was set for an Early 2010 release, now Daimler has announced that their Hambach, France plant will have them ready to go by November 2009.
Smart Car Guage
Unfortunately due to extensive testing that still needs to be completed throughout European cities they won’t be readily “available to anyone interested” until 2012. Of course by 2012 I’m pretty sure 71 miles on a single charge will seem ridiculously out of touch with current models available at that time.
Refilling Smart Car The Smart Ed features a range of 71 miles using a Tesla provided 14 Kwh lithium-ion battery, while the cars 30kW electric motor pushes out an impressive 120 Newton metres of torque.
Originally the Smart Ed was set for an Early 2010 release, now Daimler has announced that their Hambach, France plant will have them ready to go by November 2009.
Smart Car Guage
Unfortunately due to extensive testing that still needs to be completed throughout European cities they won’t be readily “available to anyone interested” until 2012. Of course by 2012 I’m pretty sure 71 miles on a single charge will seem ridiculously out of touch with current models available at that time.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS 2010) - India
Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS 2010) - India
Beyond Copenhagen: New Pathways to Sustainable Development
banner dsds 2010_new23
The meteoric rise of the DSDS (Delhi Sustainable Development Summit) as a flagship event of TERI, dedicated to the universal cause of environment and sustainable development, is a testimony to its uniqueness and global appeal. Over the years, the summit has enjoyed global support from over 60 countries. Distinguished world leaders, brilliant opinion-makers and high-level global participants have made DSDS a coveted event.
It is a unique global forum for analysis of and debate on some of the most crucial environmental and climate change challenges being faced by humanity at large. Informed discussions among participants from corporates, governments, international agencies, and institutes provide critical mass, for formulation and delineation of strategies to take the sustainable development agenda forward.
TERI would celebrate the 10th anniversary of its widely acknowledged flagship event, from 5-7 February 2010 in hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi focusing on the overarching theme Beyond Copenhagen: new pathways to sustainable development.
The DSDS 2010 would be the first major gathering of leaders drawn from every part of the globe and from every sphere of human endeavour to focus on the new pathways that the world is expected to explore and move along as a consequence of the Copenhagen Conference of the Parties in December 2009. It promises to be packed with great sessions, dynamic speakers from world over and fabulous displays.
Speakers will deliberate on the following sub themes bringing in their expertise and perspective providing in-depth information on.
Sub themes:
- Accelerating socio-economic development: key to adaptation challenge.
- Role of technology in the new development paradigm.
- Building institutions for effective climate governance.
- From sustainable livelihoods to sustainable development.
- Sustaining business in a climate constrained world.
- Financing opportunities post Copenhagen.
- In pursuit of sustainable development: ethics, equity, and social justice.
- Mitigating emissions for climate stabilization: policies, consumption, and lifestyles.
- Indo-US cooperation for climate change and sustainable development.
- Climate challenges in Africa.
- Role of emerging economies in fostering climate cooperation.
Beyond Copenhagen: New Pathways to Sustainable Development
banner dsds 2010_new23
The meteoric rise of the DSDS (Delhi Sustainable Development Summit) as a flagship event of TERI, dedicated to the universal cause of environment and sustainable development, is a testimony to its uniqueness and global appeal. Over the years, the summit has enjoyed global support from over 60 countries. Distinguished world leaders, brilliant opinion-makers and high-level global participants have made DSDS a coveted event.
It is a unique global forum for analysis of and debate on some of the most crucial environmental and climate change challenges being faced by humanity at large. Informed discussions among participants from corporates, governments, international agencies, and institutes provide critical mass, for formulation and delineation of strategies to take the sustainable development agenda forward.
TERI would celebrate the 10th anniversary of its widely acknowledged flagship event, from 5-7 February 2010 in hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi focusing on the overarching theme Beyond Copenhagen: new pathways to sustainable development.
The DSDS 2010 would be the first major gathering of leaders drawn from every part of the globe and from every sphere of human endeavour to focus on the new pathways that the world is expected to explore and move along as a consequence of the Copenhagen Conference of the Parties in December 2009. It promises to be packed with great sessions, dynamic speakers from world over and fabulous displays.
Speakers will deliberate on the following sub themes bringing in their expertise and perspective providing in-depth information on.
Sub themes:
- Accelerating socio-economic development: key to adaptation challenge.
- Role of technology in the new development paradigm.
- Building institutions for effective climate governance.
- From sustainable livelihoods to sustainable development.
- Sustaining business in a climate constrained world.
- Financing opportunities post Copenhagen.
- In pursuit of sustainable development: ethics, equity, and social justice.
- Mitigating emissions for climate stabilization: policies, consumption, and lifestyles.
- Indo-US cooperation for climate change and sustainable development.
- Climate challenges in Africa.
- Role of emerging economies in fostering climate cooperation.
Seven Jewish Principles To Heal Planet Earth
As the U.S. Senate is taking up the issue of climate policy, the world’s governments are trying to shape international policy at a crucial conference starting this week in Copenhagen. The governments will take vigorous action only if the grass-roots public insists on serious change.
This year, Chanukah, the festival of energy conservation, overlapped the Copenhagen conference. It is a period when we recall that one day’s oil met eight days’ needs; when we honor grass-roots action that transformed society despite elephantine top-down power centers; when we celebrate “Not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit, Breath of Life.”
We encourage you to take action—before, during and after Chanukah—rooted in the following Seven Principles that should underlie Jewish and interfaith efforts to shape U.S. and world policy on healing the climate crisis.
1. Our planet has always been a living demonstration that “YHWH Echad” (“the Breathing Spirit of the universe is One”)—but the climate crisis invites us into the clearest awareness in all human history of that truth. The planet is in this as One; policy must reflect that. (Underlying Jewish
principle: the Sh’ma, especially the traditional second paragraph on rain and crops, etc.)
2. The cost of spewing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere must be greatly increased, by taxes and/or “cap & trade” that require payment from the carbon producers according to the damage they are causing. (Underlying Jewish principle: Exodus 21: “If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull must be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull must be stoned and the owner also must be put to death. However, if payment is demanded of him, he may redeem his life by paying whatever is demanded.)
3. The pool of money this brings in must be used to prevent damage to the poor and middle class through higher costs of fuel and energy. The climate healing fund should be used in rebates, more for the poorer people, etc. (Underlying Jewish principles: tithing, gleaning and obligatory tzedakah to
assist the poor, orphans, widows, the landless)
4. Big Coal or Big Oil have great political power, but their power must be limited so they cannot distort needed policy in order to expand their own power and profits. Important example, the EPA must continue to have power to enforce carbon dioxide limits upon coal-burning power plants. (Underlying Jewish principle: resistance to top-down unaccountable powers Pharaoh, Antiochus, Rome)
5. Inside the United States, industries and regions that are specially endangered by climate/energy reform (e.g. coal mining, oil drilling, autos) must be given special help for retraining in green jobs. (Underlying Jewish principle: Maimonides’ eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
6. Outside the United States, poor nations must be given major help by the rich for two purposes: pursuing economic development through non-fossil pathways, and meeting urgent crises already swamping/flooding/scorching them. (Underlying Jewish principles: Again, Maimonides eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
7. Public policy must start encouraging what we usually think of as “personal” choices for non-climate-destroying practices: Much more restful and reflective time for family and neighborhood, much less “production/consumption” time. Frugality in energy use, eating less meat. Simplicity in life-path. More money for learning, arts, etc.; less for making Things. Taxes, subsidies, wages/hours laws, etc., are all ways of encouraging these directions.
Underlying Jewish principle: Shabbat, traditionally an earth-healing as well as human-healing practice, was a communal commitment, not just individual choice.
Of these principles, we suggest the following yardstick for measuring proposed U.S. policies: Do they promote American energy independence and security, and the healing of our planet by: Immediately ending all governmental subsidies to the production of oil and coal? Radically and swiftly reducing the burning of oil and coal from all sources, foreign and domestic? Simultaneously using all possible measures to build an energy base for the American economy on solar, wind and other sources of waste-free, sustainable energy and on urgent steps for energy conservation? Making “green jobs” and the creation of a green infrastructure the central focus of transition to a new American economy? Giving aid to poor nations to pursue a non-fossil path for economic and social development?
If the Jewish community and other American faith communities undertake this effort, not only Chanukah, which means “dedication,” but our lives as a whole can become a practice of Rededication to the One.
Rabbi Arthur Waskow, a Baltimore native, is the director of The Shalom Center, http://www.theshalomcenter.org/, as well as the author or editor of many books on Jewish practice, eco-Judaism and U.S. public policy.
This story reprinted courtesy of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
This year, Chanukah, the festival of energy conservation, overlapped the Copenhagen conference. It is a period when we recall that one day’s oil met eight days’ needs; when we honor grass-roots action that transformed society despite elephantine top-down power centers; when we celebrate “Not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit, Breath of Life.”
We encourage you to take action—before, during and after Chanukah—rooted in the following Seven Principles that should underlie Jewish and interfaith efforts to shape U.S. and world policy on healing the climate crisis.
1. Our planet has always been a living demonstration that “YHWH Echad” (“the Breathing Spirit of the universe is One”)—but the climate crisis invites us into the clearest awareness in all human history of that truth. The planet is in this as One; policy must reflect that. (Underlying Jewish
principle: the Sh’ma, especially the traditional second paragraph on rain and crops, etc.)
2. The cost of spewing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere must be greatly increased, by taxes and/or “cap & trade” that require payment from the carbon producers according to the damage they are causing. (Underlying Jewish principle: Exodus 21: “If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull must be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull must be stoned and the owner also must be put to death. However, if payment is demanded of him, he may redeem his life by paying whatever is demanded.)
3. The pool of money this brings in must be used to prevent damage to the poor and middle class through higher costs of fuel and energy. The climate healing fund should be used in rebates, more for the poorer people, etc. (Underlying Jewish principles: tithing, gleaning and obligatory tzedakah to
assist the poor, orphans, widows, the landless)
4. Big Coal or Big Oil have great political power, but their power must be limited so they cannot distort needed policy in order to expand their own power and profits. Important example, the EPA must continue to have power to enforce carbon dioxide limits upon coal-burning power plants. (Underlying Jewish principle: resistance to top-down unaccountable powers Pharaoh, Antiochus, Rome)
5. Inside the United States, industries and regions that are specially endangered by climate/energy reform (e.g. coal mining, oil drilling, autos) must be given special help for retraining in green jobs. (Underlying Jewish principle: Maimonides’ eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
6. Outside the United States, poor nations must be given major help by the rich for two purposes: pursuing economic development through non-fossil pathways, and meeting urgent crises already swamping/flooding/scorching them. (Underlying Jewish principles: Again, Maimonides eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
7. Public policy must start encouraging what we usually think of as “personal” choices for non-climate-destroying practices: Much more restful and reflective time for family and neighborhood, much less “production/consumption” time. Frugality in energy use, eating less meat. Simplicity in life-path. More money for learning, arts, etc.; less for making Things. Taxes, subsidies, wages/hours laws, etc., are all ways of encouraging these directions.
Underlying Jewish principle: Shabbat, traditionally an earth-healing as well as human-healing practice, was a communal commitment, not just individual choice.
Of these principles, we suggest the following yardstick for measuring proposed U.S. policies: Do they promote American energy independence and security, and the healing of our planet by: Immediately ending all governmental subsidies to the production of oil and coal? Radically and swiftly reducing the burning of oil and coal from all sources, foreign and domestic? Simultaneously using all possible measures to build an energy base for the American economy on solar, wind and other sources of waste-free, sustainable energy and on urgent steps for energy conservation? Making “green jobs” and the creation of a green infrastructure the central focus of transition to a new American economy? Giving aid to poor nations to pursue a non-fossil path for economic and social development?
If the Jewish community and other American faith communities undertake this effort, not only Chanukah, which means “dedication,” but our lives as a whole can become a practice of Rededication to the One.
Rabbi Arthur Waskow, a Baltimore native, is the director of The Shalom Center, http://www.theshalomcenter.org/, as well as the author or editor of many books on Jewish practice, eco-Judaism and U.S. public policy.
This story reprinted courtesy of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Pollution control: India ranks 123rd
WASHINGTON: India and China rank 123rd and 121st in pollution control respectively, reflecting the strain rapid economic growth imposes on the
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environment, according to the 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI).
However, among the other newly industrialised nations Brazil and Russia rank 62nd and 69th, suggesting that the level of development is just one of many factors affecting pollution control.
Iceland leads the world in addressing pollution control and natural resource management challenges, according to the index produced by a team of environmental experts at Yale University and Columbia University.
Presented Thursday at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2010, the EPI ranks 163 countries on their performance across 25 metrics aggregated into ten categories including environmental health, air quality, water resource management, biodiversity and habitat, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and climate change.
Iceland's top-notch performance derives from its high scores on environmental public health, controlling greenhouse gas emissions, and reforestation, according to a media release from Yale University. Other high performers include Switzerland, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Norway.
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Email Print Save Comment
environment, according to the 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI).
However, among the other newly industrialised nations Brazil and Russia rank 62nd and 69th, suggesting that the level of development is just one of many factors affecting pollution control.
Iceland leads the world in addressing pollution control and natural resource management challenges, according to the index produced by a team of environmental experts at Yale University and Columbia University.
Presented Thursday at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2010, the EPI ranks 163 countries on their performance across 25 metrics aggregated into ten categories including environmental health, air quality, water resource management, biodiversity and habitat, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and climate change.
Iceland's top-notch performance derives from its high scores on environmental public health, controlling greenhouse gas emissions, and reforestation, according to a media release from Yale University. Other high performers include Switzerland, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Norway.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Chevron
The global demand for energy will increase in the coming decades, and this rising demand presents significant opportunities for our industry. As demand increases, however, the complexities of global climate change also pose serious questions for the energy industry and the broader society. At Chevron, we are working to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and expand our energy supply portfolio to meet the demands of customers for affordable, reliable and lowerimpact supplies of energy.
Our multifaceted response to climate change involves seeking ways to reduce GHGs from the use of fossil fuels, expanding the use of alternative fuels and renewables, and improving energy efficiency.
Climate Change and Chevron's Response
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states in its Fourth Assessment Report that most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to manmade GHGs. Chevron is working to be part of the solution to the energy and climate challenge facing the world. Near-term mitigation actions, development of advanced energy technologies for the long term, and adaptation to the potential impacts of climate change are needed to meet the challenge.
Our Action Plan on Climate Change
Now in its seventh year of implementation, Chevron's Action Plan on Climate Change continues to guide our activities, including emissions reduction, efficiency improvements, research investments, business opportunities and advocacy positions. While we continued to grow our business, our total GHG emissions remained relatively flat due to the efforts that follow.
In 2008, our total emissions were 59.6 million metric tons, which is better than our goal of 62.5 million metric tons.1 Our preliminary goal for 2009 is 60.5 million metric tons, slightly higher than 2008's actual emissions. This goal accounts for emissions growth from new major capital projects and emissions reductions from anticipated declining production from maturing fields, continued energy efficiency in our operations, and continued reduction in flaring and venting. We estimate that combustion of our products resulted in emissions of approximately 382 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 20082 — about 5 percent less than the 404 million metric tons in 2007. When compared with the International Energy Agency's Key World Energy Statistics (2008 edition), these emissions represent approximately 1.4 percent of global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. Our GHG emissions intensity in 2008 was approximately 37 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per 1,000 barrels of net oil-equivalent production from our upstream operations and 36 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per 1,000 barrels of crude oil that was input into our refineries.
Reducing Emissions
Flaring
Routine flaring and venting of the natural gas associated with crude oil extraction are a significant source of our total corporate GHG emissions. We remain committed in our efforts to reduce routine flaring and venting in our operations. Since 2003, we have reduced emissions from flaring and venting by about 15 percent on an equity basis, and we continue to work aggressively to reduce routine flaring and venting in our operations wherever technically and commercially feasible.
Chevron's flaring reduction standard is aligned with the World Bank–led Global Gas Flaring Reduction voluntary initiative, a public-private partnership that is active in several developing countries where we operate. While we have made significant progress in reducing routine flaring and venting from our operations, we face many challenges, including local security, approval delays, partner funding, competing government investment priorities, materials availability and the lack of infrastructure. In these limited circumstances, flaring is currently the safest and most feasible way to manage the associated gas in the near term.
We are actively pursuing projects to further address this challenging problem in Angola, Kazakhstan and Nigeria. These long-term projects include major processing capacity to convert gas into liquid fuel that can be more readily used in the marketplace, and the commissioning of a new pipeline that will carry natural gas from the Niger Delta to Ghana and other markets. Construction is completed on the pipeline and testing is under way before the line is put into service.
Reinjection is one option to reduce flaring when there are suitable reservoir conditions and when the comparatively large financial investment is justified by the technical feasibility and expected life of the project or the expected duration of the need for injection. An example of a feasible and successful reinjection project is at the Agbami deepwater field in Nigeria. Other projects, for example, those that have a strong likelihood of near-term development of gas markets, are not generally candidates for reinjection.
Carbon Sequestration
Chevron holds large natural gas reserves in Australia and is making major investments to reduce GHG emissions. Our Gorgon project, located more than 81 miles (130 km) off the northwest coast, will produce liquefied natural gas, a lower-carbon fossil fuel. The project will include large-scale reinjection and storage of carbon dioxide. Gorgon represents the world's first commercial-scale GHG storage project to undergo an environmental impact assessment including public review and comment. In addition, Chevron and its joint-venture partners — ExxonMobil and Shell — committed to public disclosure of monitoring data from the injection project to assist in the further development of sequestration technology.
Improving Efficiency
Improving our energy efficiency lowers the life-cycle emissions of our products. In 2008, we updated our energy efficiency evaluation process to design new capital projects to optimize energy use. This allows cost-effective conservation measures to be part of the initial design. We incorporate the cost of carbon emissions in our decision-making process for capital projects. In 2008, we initiated a major effort to upgrade our GHG evaluation tools and methodology, which will improve our ability to assess the potential impact of the GHG emissions from our proposed activities and to identify the most cost-effective ways to address those emissions.
As of 2008, Chevron reduced the total energy consumption required to complete all of its business functions by 28 percent compared with the energy the company would have consumed in 1992 to complete the same business functions. In 2008, the cost of energy to the company was approximately $7.6 billion. For our company's operated assets, the total energy consumption in 2008 was approximately 914 trillion Btu. Because fuel combustion is the largest source of GHG emissions from our operations, improving our overall energy efficiency represents a corresponding reduction in our carbon emissions. We are increasingly attentive to opportunities to save on energy costs — as seen in the projects that follow.
As part of the upgrades planned for our refineries in El Segundo and Richmond, California, we proposed adding to the existing cogeneration facilities at both locations. Onsite cogeneration is a highly efficient technology that replaces the need for generating steam in a boiler and for purchasing electricity offsite.
The Richmond Refinery is the most energy efficient of all Chevron's operated refineries, and the workforce is always looking for ways to make the refinery more efficient. Approximately one-fourth of the refinery's annual operating costs represent fuel costs associated with producing steam throughout the facility. With strong support from senior management at the site, a coordinated team of operations, maintenance staff and facility engineers are working together to look for ways to optimize overall steam use and minimize venting waste steam. Compared with 2007, Richmond reduced its annual use of fired steam by about 17 percent, representing significant cost savings and the avoidance of an estimated 90,000 metric tons of GHG emissions.
Chevron Energy Solutions Co. assisted our Richmond, California, refinery in installing 55 kilowatts of solar power generation to help meet the facility's electricity needs with clean, renewable energy.
We continued to improve fuel efficiency in our shipping fleet by instituting a propeller painting and polishing initiative on our oil tankers. By reducing resistance across the propeller blades, we are able to decrease the amount of oil required to power each tanker by approximately 24 barrels per operating day.
We joined with the other members of the European Petroleum Industry Association to develop and launch an industrywide driver awareness campaign to promote more fuel-efficient driving habits among Europe's motorists.
Through a variety of employee-based programs, such as supporting vanpooling and public transit subsidies in some locations, we encourage our workforce to reduce miles traveled. And our recently launched "I Will" campaign, visible to the public, deals with energy conservation and efficiency, sharing facts about our corporate efforts and highlighting energy saving measures of individuals, such as vanpooling and unplugging appliances not in use.
Pursuing Business Opportunities and Investing in Research, Development and Technology
Chevron invests in research partnerships to develop alternative fuels whose life-cycle production results in less CO2 than do conventional liquid fuels per unit of energy.
Chevron Technology Ventures is working on a number of research projects and partnerships to develop low-carbon fuel from biomass.
Through our partnerships with universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California at Davis, we are supporting innovative research in the environmental and economic impacts of climate change as well as in energy efficiency and other strategies to help reduce overall GHG emissions.
Chevron participates in joint-industry projects to enable the development and safe, widespread deployment of significantly lower-cost carbon capture and storage technologies. These projects draw on the best talent offered by the participating companies, universities, government and private research organizations to investigate a broad range of potential technologies in order to commercialize those that offer the most benefit to the participants. Chevron actively participates in the Cooperative Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (http://www.co2crc.com.au) and the CO2 Capture Project (http://www.co2captureproject.org). In addition to financial support, Chevron provides industry guidance, technical expertise, and program management. Results from these research efforts are being integrated into Chevron's Gorgon liquefied natural gas project in Australia and may be considered for potential future projects involving CO2 capture and storage.
Supporting Flexible and Economically Sound Policies
Our Seven Principles for Addressing Climate Change summarize the fundamental aspects of achieving a sustainable and economically viable carbon management program. We are actively engaged with governments and nongovernmental organizations in several jurisdictions currently considering climate policies — including in Australia, Canada and the United States (in California and other jurisdictions) — advocating for sound climate policy in line with our Seven Principles.
1. Chevron's net decrease of approximately 0.8 million metric tons of CO2- equivalent emissions from 2007 to 2008 can be attributed primarily to reduced flaring accounting for 1 million metric tons at the Cabinda (Angola) and Nigeria operations. Flare reductions in Nigeria are attributed to the Escravos Gas Plant facility and shutdowns caused by sabotage to pipelines. Continuing energy efficiency improvements also helped to minimize growth in emissions. Additional significant reduction of GHG emissions is attributed to decreased production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and California. Chevron Shipping Co. also lowered its emissions. Decreases were offset by emissions from a new deepwater operation in Nigeria; increased GHG emissions from Chevron’s share of the Yeosu Refinery in South Korea, which saw a new heavy oil unit come onstream; increased throughput at Chevron’s Richmond Refinery; and increased production from Chevron’s U.S. midcontinent upstream operations.
Chevron's 2007 emissions have been restated to 60.4 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent from 60.7 million metric tons due to a correction in data primarily from two business units.
Chevron's 2008 GHG emissions data are reported on an equity basis for all businesses in which Chevron has an interest except where noted as follows. The following entities are not currently included in the Chevron corporate GHG inventory: Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, the Azerbaijan International Operating Co., the Chad/Cameroon pipeline joint venture, Caltex Australia Ltd.'s Lytton and Kurnell refineries, and other refineries in which Chevron has an equity interest of 16 percent or less. These are entities over which Chevron does not have full operational control or which do not generally follow Chevron’s corporate GHG inventory protocol or a compatible protocol.
Due to rounding, individual numbers may not sum to the total numbers.
2. Product emissions are calculated based on total 2008 upstream liquids, gas and coal production figures from Chevron's 2008 Annual Report. The emissions factors used are from the American Petroleum Institute's Compendium of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimations Methodologies for the Oil and Gas Industry, published in 2004.
Updated: May 2009
Our multifaceted response to climate change involves seeking ways to reduce GHGs from the use of fossil fuels, expanding the use of alternative fuels and renewables, and improving energy efficiency.
Climate Change and Chevron's Response
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states in its Fourth Assessment Report that most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to manmade GHGs. Chevron is working to be part of the solution to the energy and climate challenge facing the world. Near-term mitigation actions, development of advanced energy technologies for the long term, and adaptation to the potential impacts of climate change are needed to meet the challenge.
Our Action Plan on Climate Change
Now in its seventh year of implementation, Chevron's Action Plan on Climate Change continues to guide our activities, including emissions reduction, efficiency improvements, research investments, business opportunities and advocacy positions. While we continued to grow our business, our total GHG emissions remained relatively flat due to the efforts that follow.
In 2008, our total emissions were 59.6 million metric tons, which is better than our goal of 62.5 million metric tons.1 Our preliminary goal for 2009 is 60.5 million metric tons, slightly higher than 2008's actual emissions. This goal accounts for emissions growth from new major capital projects and emissions reductions from anticipated declining production from maturing fields, continued energy efficiency in our operations, and continued reduction in flaring and venting. We estimate that combustion of our products resulted in emissions of approximately 382 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 20082 — about 5 percent less than the 404 million metric tons in 2007. When compared with the International Energy Agency's Key World Energy Statistics (2008 edition), these emissions represent approximately 1.4 percent of global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. Our GHG emissions intensity in 2008 was approximately 37 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per 1,000 barrels of net oil-equivalent production from our upstream operations and 36 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per 1,000 barrels of crude oil that was input into our refineries.
Reducing Emissions
Flaring
Routine flaring and venting of the natural gas associated with crude oil extraction are a significant source of our total corporate GHG emissions. We remain committed in our efforts to reduce routine flaring and venting in our operations. Since 2003, we have reduced emissions from flaring and venting by about 15 percent on an equity basis, and we continue to work aggressively to reduce routine flaring and venting in our operations wherever technically and commercially feasible.
Chevron's flaring reduction standard is aligned with the World Bank–led Global Gas Flaring Reduction voluntary initiative, a public-private partnership that is active in several developing countries where we operate. While we have made significant progress in reducing routine flaring and venting from our operations, we face many challenges, including local security, approval delays, partner funding, competing government investment priorities, materials availability and the lack of infrastructure. In these limited circumstances, flaring is currently the safest and most feasible way to manage the associated gas in the near term.
We are actively pursuing projects to further address this challenging problem in Angola, Kazakhstan and Nigeria. These long-term projects include major processing capacity to convert gas into liquid fuel that can be more readily used in the marketplace, and the commissioning of a new pipeline that will carry natural gas from the Niger Delta to Ghana and other markets. Construction is completed on the pipeline and testing is under way before the line is put into service.
Reinjection is one option to reduce flaring when there are suitable reservoir conditions and when the comparatively large financial investment is justified by the technical feasibility and expected life of the project or the expected duration of the need for injection. An example of a feasible and successful reinjection project is at the Agbami deepwater field in Nigeria. Other projects, for example, those that have a strong likelihood of near-term development of gas markets, are not generally candidates for reinjection.
Carbon Sequestration
Chevron holds large natural gas reserves in Australia and is making major investments to reduce GHG emissions. Our Gorgon project, located more than 81 miles (130 km) off the northwest coast, will produce liquefied natural gas, a lower-carbon fossil fuel. The project will include large-scale reinjection and storage of carbon dioxide. Gorgon represents the world's first commercial-scale GHG storage project to undergo an environmental impact assessment including public review and comment. In addition, Chevron and its joint-venture partners — ExxonMobil and Shell — committed to public disclosure of monitoring data from the injection project to assist in the further development of sequestration technology.
Improving Efficiency
Improving our energy efficiency lowers the life-cycle emissions of our products. In 2008, we updated our energy efficiency evaluation process to design new capital projects to optimize energy use. This allows cost-effective conservation measures to be part of the initial design. We incorporate the cost of carbon emissions in our decision-making process for capital projects. In 2008, we initiated a major effort to upgrade our GHG evaluation tools and methodology, which will improve our ability to assess the potential impact of the GHG emissions from our proposed activities and to identify the most cost-effective ways to address those emissions.
As of 2008, Chevron reduced the total energy consumption required to complete all of its business functions by 28 percent compared with the energy the company would have consumed in 1992 to complete the same business functions. In 2008, the cost of energy to the company was approximately $7.6 billion. For our company's operated assets, the total energy consumption in 2008 was approximately 914 trillion Btu. Because fuel combustion is the largest source of GHG emissions from our operations, improving our overall energy efficiency represents a corresponding reduction in our carbon emissions. We are increasingly attentive to opportunities to save on energy costs — as seen in the projects that follow.
As part of the upgrades planned for our refineries in El Segundo and Richmond, California, we proposed adding to the existing cogeneration facilities at both locations. Onsite cogeneration is a highly efficient technology that replaces the need for generating steam in a boiler and for purchasing electricity offsite.
The Richmond Refinery is the most energy efficient of all Chevron's operated refineries, and the workforce is always looking for ways to make the refinery more efficient. Approximately one-fourth of the refinery's annual operating costs represent fuel costs associated with producing steam throughout the facility. With strong support from senior management at the site, a coordinated team of operations, maintenance staff and facility engineers are working together to look for ways to optimize overall steam use and minimize venting waste steam. Compared with 2007, Richmond reduced its annual use of fired steam by about 17 percent, representing significant cost savings and the avoidance of an estimated 90,000 metric tons of GHG emissions.
Chevron Energy Solutions Co. assisted our Richmond, California, refinery in installing 55 kilowatts of solar power generation to help meet the facility's electricity needs with clean, renewable energy.
We continued to improve fuel efficiency in our shipping fleet by instituting a propeller painting and polishing initiative on our oil tankers. By reducing resistance across the propeller blades, we are able to decrease the amount of oil required to power each tanker by approximately 24 barrels per operating day.
We joined with the other members of the European Petroleum Industry Association to develop and launch an industrywide driver awareness campaign to promote more fuel-efficient driving habits among Europe's motorists.
Through a variety of employee-based programs, such as supporting vanpooling and public transit subsidies in some locations, we encourage our workforce to reduce miles traveled. And our recently launched "I Will" campaign, visible to the public, deals with energy conservation and efficiency, sharing facts about our corporate efforts and highlighting energy saving measures of individuals, such as vanpooling and unplugging appliances not in use.
Pursuing Business Opportunities and Investing in Research, Development and Technology
Chevron invests in research partnerships to develop alternative fuels whose life-cycle production results in less CO2 than do conventional liquid fuels per unit of energy.
Chevron Technology Ventures is working on a number of research projects and partnerships to develop low-carbon fuel from biomass.
Through our partnerships with universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California at Davis, we are supporting innovative research in the environmental and economic impacts of climate change as well as in energy efficiency and other strategies to help reduce overall GHG emissions.
Chevron participates in joint-industry projects to enable the development and safe, widespread deployment of significantly lower-cost carbon capture and storage technologies. These projects draw on the best talent offered by the participating companies, universities, government and private research organizations to investigate a broad range of potential technologies in order to commercialize those that offer the most benefit to the participants. Chevron actively participates in the Cooperative Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (http://www.co2crc.com.au) and the CO2 Capture Project (http://www.co2captureproject.org). In addition to financial support, Chevron provides industry guidance, technical expertise, and program management. Results from these research efforts are being integrated into Chevron's Gorgon liquefied natural gas project in Australia and may be considered for potential future projects involving CO2 capture and storage.
Supporting Flexible and Economically Sound Policies
Our Seven Principles for Addressing Climate Change summarize the fundamental aspects of achieving a sustainable and economically viable carbon management program. We are actively engaged with governments and nongovernmental organizations in several jurisdictions currently considering climate policies — including in Australia, Canada and the United States (in California and other jurisdictions) — advocating for sound climate policy in line with our Seven Principles.
1. Chevron's net decrease of approximately 0.8 million metric tons of CO2- equivalent emissions from 2007 to 2008 can be attributed primarily to reduced flaring accounting for 1 million metric tons at the Cabinda (Angola) and Nigeria operations. Flare reductions in Nigeria are attributed to the Escravos Gas Plant facility and shutdowns caused by sabotage to pipelines. Continuing energy efficiency improvements also helped to minimize growth in emissions. Additional significant reduction of GHG emissions is attributed to decreased production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and California. Chevron Shipping Co. also lowered its emissions. Decreases were offset by emissions from a new deepwater operation in Nigeria; increased GHG emissions from Chevron’s share of the Yeosu Refinery in South Korea, which saw a new heavy oil unit come onstream; increased throughput at Chevron’s Richmond Refinery; and increased production from Chevron’s U.S. midcontinent upstream operations.
Chevron's 2007 emissions have been restated to 60.4 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent from 60.7 million metric tons due to a correction in data primarily from two business units.
Chevron's 2008 GHG emissions data are reported on an equity basis for all businesses in which Chevron has an interest except where noted as follows. The following entities are not currently included in the Chevron corporate GHG inventory: Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, the Azerbaijan International Operating Co., the Chad/Cameroon pipeline joint venture, Caltex Australia Ltd.'s Lytton and Kurnell refineries, and other refineries in which Chevron has an equity interest of 16 percent or less. These are entities over which Chevron does not have full operational control or which do not generally follow Chevron’s corporate GHG inventory protocol or a compatible protocol.
Due to rounding, individual numbers may not sum to the total numbers.
2. Product emissions are calculated based on total 2008 upstream liquids, gas and coal production figures from Chevron's 2008 Annual Report. The emissions factors used are from the American Petroleum Institute's Compendium of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimations Methodologies for the Oil and Gas Industry, published in 2004.
Updated: May 2009
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