energy-efficiency

TVA revamped energy efficiency website

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:58:07 +0100

from Bloomberg Business Week

The Tennessee Valley Authority has unveiled a redesigned website for tips and information about how consumers can conserve energy whether at home, at a business or in an industry.

The utility said in a news release Tuesday that the EnergyRight Solutions website has a simpler layout, more information and easier navigation. TVA supplies power to about 9 million people in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

Bob Balzar, TVA vice president of energy efficiency and demand response, said the website represents a new direction for energy efficiency at TVA and one of several new steps they are planning to make efficiency more accessible.

The website address is www.EnergyRight.com

Winter Energy Efficiency Tips From Energy Star

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:01:29 +0100

from NJ Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The average family spends $2,200 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. With winter approaching and Americans heading indoors, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program is offering easy energy saving tips that increase household efficiency while helping Americans save money and stay warm.

EPA recommends taking the following steps this winter:

Maintain your heating equipment. Dirt and neglect are the top causes of heating system failure. If your heating equipment is more than 10 years old, now is a good time to schedule a pre-season checkup with a licensed contractor to make sure your system is operating at peak performance. Check your system’s air filter every month and when it is dirty, change it. At a minimum, change it every three months.
Use a programmable thermostat. Control your home’s temperature while you’re away or asleep by using one of the pre-programmed settings. When used properly, programmable thermostats can save up to $180 every year in energy costs.
Seal air leaks in your home. If rooms are too hot/cold or you have noticed humidity or excessive dust problems you should consider taking action to seal air leaks. Sealing air leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a significant impact on improving your comfort and reducing energy bills. If you are adding insulation to your home, be sure to seal air leaks first, to ensure you get the best performance from your insulation.
Utilize the Energy Star website. Use Energy Star’s Home Energy Yardstick to compare your home’s energy use to similar homes across the country and see how your home measures up. Energy Star’s Home Energy Advisor can give recommendations for energy-saving home improvements for typical homes in your area.
Look for Energy Star qualified products. Whether you are replacing light bulbs or appliances in your home, Energy Star qualified products can help you save energy and reduce energy bills. The label can be found on more than 60 types of products ranging from heating and cooling equipment to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficiency. Energy Star offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to decrease energy consumption, save money, and help protect the environment. More than 20,000 organizations are Energy Star partners, committed to improving energy-efficiency in homes, products, and businesses.

Information on cutting energy costs this winter: http://www.energystar.gov/heatingtips
Information on other ways to save energy year round: http://www.energystar.gov/changetheworld

Energy efficient products becoming more popular: survey

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:02:09 +0100

form Two Circles

New Delhi : With the rising cost of fuels and power, the number of people and households using energy efficient products has risen sharply in recent years, a survey by consumer advocacy group CUTS International revealed.

More than 43 percent households are currently using energy efficient products in one form or other. An additional 22 percent are aware of such products but are not using them due to various reasons, the survey said.

Commenting on the survey, CUTS International Secretary General Pradeep Mehta said increasing awareness about energy efficiency was a positive development and would benefit consumers as well as the economy.

However, Mehta observed that despite the increasing levels of awareness, energy efficiency was not a primary criterion for purchasing home appliances.

"Product branding and price are the major factors that get primary importance in a purchase decision. This consideration varies from one product to another but in most of the cases, energy efficiency appears to be a laggard," Mehta said.

The survey was conducted by the Jaipur-headquartered CUTS International in association with New Delhi-based Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation.

Over 20,000 households covering 20 states, 500 traders and 50 manufacturers of energy efficient home appliances participated in the survey, CUTS International said in a statement.

Out of those consumers who said they are facing problems in shifting to energy efficient products, high cost of appliances is a major barrier for 34 percent of the respondents, while non-availability is an issue for another 21 percent.

An overwhelming number of households, 67 percent, asked for reduction in the price of energy efficient products, either through subsidisation or reduction in the cost of production.

However, a majority of consumers are willing to pay a reasonable premium for using more energy efficient products. More than 56 percent of surveyed households were willing to pay more if products are of good quality and reduce their energy consumption, the survey said.

According to the survey, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency's labelling programme was becoming popular.

"The Bureau of Energy Efficiency should exploit this positive development with some more focused initiatives, including generating more consumer awareness to usher in an era of energy efficiency in India," Mehta said.

Office Depot HQ gets Energy Star certification

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:23:01 +0100

from South Florida Business Journal

Office Depot's Boca Raton headquarters has been awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star certification, signifying the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency.

Energy Star buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings, and also release 35 percent less carbon, a news release from Office Depot said.

"From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning Energy Star certifications," said Jean Lupinacci, chief of the Energy Star Commercial & Industrial Branch.

Measures Office Depot took include:

Replacing all T5 fluorescent lamps with 27-watt 4100 Kelvin lamps.
Changing all parking garage lights from 150-watt metal-halide to 42-watt fluroescent lamps.
Reducing the amount of lamps that are on during the daylight hours by 70 percent.

The headquarters was LEED gold certified in 2010. In early 2010, Office Depot announced plans to only open LEED for Commercial Interiors-certified stores going forward.

Groundbreaking Energy Efficiency Bill Introduced With Bi-Partisan Support, Ignored by ...

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:26:24 +0100

from Think Press

When mortgage lenders consider whether or not to give a homeowner a loan, they look at a variety of factors like income, value of personal assets, taxes and property value. (At least, they do now after poor lending standards helped create the financial crisis.)

But underwriters are still completely ignoring another very important factor in valuing a mortgage: energy costs.

With the average homeowner spending around $2,000 on energy costs — more than on real estate taxes or home insurance, according to the Institute for Market Transformation — properly accounting for energy use can give American consumers a better picture of how much they’re using. That, in turn, can help homeowners make better choices about what kind of home to buy, and help them determine if they need an efficiency upgrade.

A new bill introduced in the Senate yesterday by a bi-partisan pair of Senators — Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson and Colorado Democrat Michael Bennet — will require mortgage providers to factor energy costs into mortgages. Called the SAVE Act (Sensible Accounting to Value Energy), the law would instruct the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop new guidelines for appraisal that include energy.

In addition to receiving accurate information that will help them with a purchasing decision, the SAVE Act would allow homeowners to finance energy efficiency retrofits through their mortgages.

The economic impact of the SAVE program could be huge. According to an analysis put together by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy and the Institute for Market Transformation, these simple guideline changes could help create around 83,000 net jobs and over $1 billion in energy savings over the next decade. All with no cost to the taxpayer.

Along with support from a bi-partisan team of Senators, the program is backed by dozens of leading real estate companies, business representatives and energy organizations — including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“This is a welcome opportunity for bi-partisanship. We see a very broad coalition of supporters because it simply makes sense and could open up a lot of economic activity,” said Cliff Majersik, executive director of the Institute for Market Transformation in an interview with Climate Progress.

In a joint statement issued by Senators Isakson and Bennet, the two explained why they’re co-sponsoring the bill:

“It is rare to have such diverse interests come together, and that’s because this is a common-sense bill,” said Bennet. “The Save Act would help provide access to useful information about energy usage that home owners, buyers, appraisers and underwriters want and need. It would lead to more complete and accurate mortgage underwriting, would encourage investments in home energy improvements, create more than 80,000 jobs and lighten the load for Colorado families’ budgets.”

“As someone who has 30 years of experience in the resident real estate industry and who has lived through multiple recessions, I understand that recovery in the housing market and job creation in the construction sector is pivotal to getting our economy back on track,” said Isakson. “I place my support behind this bill because it has the potential to create jobs without any cost to taxpayers, and it will also improve mortgage underwriting in this country by including energy as a factor in the process.”

It’s nice to see such a broad coalition support a common-sense program like SAVE. But no mainstream publications have picked it up the news, or bothered to write on the program. Alas, this good piece of news seems to have slipped under the radar as media outlets continue to hammer away at Solyndra.

Daktronics Receives UL Energy Efficiency Certification

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:20:50 +0100

from Market Watch

BROOKINGS, S.D., Oct 19, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Daktronics Inc. announces its Energy Efficiency Certification from Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) for the Galaxy(R), GalaxyPro(R), Vanguard(R) and Series 4100 digital billboard products. These products, made for a wide variety of commercial and transportation applications, now carry the UL Green Leaf symbol as a result of their compliance with a variety of energy efficiency requirements.

"Daktronics has always been committed to reaching new milestones in energy efficiency," says Brad Wiemann, Daktronics vice president of commercial and transportation business. "More efficient light emitting diodes (LEDs) and Daktronics research, design and testing contribute to our ability to reduce overall display power consumption that means lower cost of ownership for our customers."

Products with Energy Efficiency Certification must be UL listed and also meet the stringent California Title 24 standard for energy consumption. The California Energy Commission that established Title 24 leads the country in encouraging responsible energy use and reduction of electricity and natural gas costs. Daktronics meets and exceeds the standards by working closely with suppliers to engineer the industry's leading products for digital displays.

Daktronics continuously works to improve energy efficiency. Through ground-breaking design efforts, Daktronics has consistently enhanced energy efficiency with each new product release.

For more information on UL Energy Certification, talk to your Daktronics representative or visit: www.ulenvironment.com/ulenvironment/eng/pages/

Daktronics is the world's largest supplier of full-color LED electronic message centers, large-format LED display systems, including digital LED billboards, standard and large-screen video displays, and control systems for sports, roadways, airports, mass transit facilities and commercial venues. The company has built and installed tens of thousands of LED displays in more than 100 countries, and offers more than 40 years of dynamic display experience. For more information about digital billboards, visit: http://www.daktronics.com/commercial or email commercial@daktronics.com

STMicroelectronics Enhances Energy Efficiency from the Sun to the Grid

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:32:05 +0100

from Market Watch

GENEVA, Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leading supplier of semiconductor solutions for energy efficiency, is showcasing its latest innovations for the solar farms and energy efficient residences of tomorrow at Solar Power International 2011 in Dallas, USA.

"Solar power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources today. Maximising energy harvesting and conversion efficiency is critical to making solar energy commercially competitive with traditional dirty power-generation methods of burning coal, gas or oil, and this is where ST solutions come into play," said Steve Sachnoff, Vice President, Industrial Business Unit, ST's Americas Region.

At the vanguard of solar power electronics, ST provides complete system solutions that maximize energy-conversion efficiency all along the chain from solar panels to the grid. At Solar Power International, ST will reveal new advances for its SolarPlus reference design portfolio - which includes modules such as power optimizers, junction boxes, smart junction boxes, micro-inverters and inverters - that will enable next-generation installations to be more easily controlled and generate greater quantities of renewable energy.

ST's Solar Energy Booster (SPV1020) maximizes the amount of power harvested from a single solar panel, improving the overall efficiency of a photovoltaic system. It is the industry's first integrated circuit with both power-optimization and power-conversion functions. The device embeds a sophisticated MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) algorithm to guarantee the maximum power deliverable at any weather condition.

Employing the same concept, ST's SPV1040 solar charger suits mobile phones and other small portable devices that are equipped with a solar battery panel. The MPPT functionality compensates for changes in solar cells caused by temperature, ageing, dirt, or unit-to-unit variation, securing the maximum amount of power generation from each single solar cell. This results in longer equipment runtime and avoids an unexpected lack of power when a mains connection is not available.

ST's intelligent switch (SPV1001) enhances the energy-conversion efficiency at the solar-cell level. Compared to the use of traditional diodes, ST's switch operates at a lower temperature, which translates into longer lifetime and higher reliability. The switch minimizes current leakage when the photovoltaic panel is producing energy, by integrating highly efficient power components with logic-control circuitry. Integrated low-loss power switches and precision controllers allow each solar battery panel to deliver more electricity.

ST's micro-inverter plugs directly in the solar panel to create a photovoltaic module that changes DC voltage to AC voltage, a type of power needed to supply home appliances that typically operate off the mains. The micro-inverter helps maximize solar power extraction from each panel by employing the MPPT algorithm at the module level. A distributed approach to the grid-tied inverter technology, where individual modules are connected in parallel on the AC side, reduces the effect of dust, debris and shade on the panel array.

As a complete solution provider, ST also delivers all connectivity elements for solar applications, including power-line modems, ZigBee and Bluetooth modules.

Under the theme "From the Sun to the Grid," ST is exhibiting at Solar Power International 2011 from October 17-20, 2011, at the Dallas Convention Center, Dallas - Booth # 6001.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2010, the Company's net revenues were $10.35 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com .

Free energy efficiency upgrades available in Lehigh

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:20:11 +0100

from Lehigh Acres Citizen

As cooler temperatures begin to retire summer's heat, energy costs remain high and will increase in the dead of Florida's winter. But, a local program can help homeowners keep their monthly energy bills low. The Weatherization Assistance Program at the Lee County Department of Human Services provides free energy related repairs and energy upgrades to eligible, low-income homeowners in Lee County, including residents of Lehigh Acres.

The program hires local contractors to service homes whose entire households are within 200 percent of the poverty guideline. Some of the services provided are weather stripping, caulking and other energy efficiency updates. The focus is on energy conservation and saving low-income residents money on utility costs, with the help of local contractors.

Sue Nagle of North Fort Myers feels so blessed to have received the help of the weatherization assistance program. While very sick and undergoing cancer treatment, she realized she had a leak in her roof. At the time, she worked full time and lived alone.

Her brother told her that she might be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program. So she filled out the paperwork and waiting patiently. It turned out to be well worth the time.

"The inspectors came out to my house and recommended a lot of work to make my home more energy efficient," Nagle said. "They put on a new roof, installed a new air-conditioner and water heater, put all new energy efficient light bulbs and water savers in faucets throughout the house, efficient shower heads, two new skylights, as well as a thermal screen in the front and back of the house."

Sue Nagle's energy bill dropped from nearly $150 per month to as low as $70 per month.

"I can't help but get emotional when I think of how blessed I am. Everyone was so helpful, so professional and very nice, Nagle said. "My overall experience was super plus positive!

Local contractor Kurt Smutney, who with his brother owns SCP Enterprises in Lehigh Acres, believes the Weatherization Assistance Program is good for the families it serves and for the workers he is able to employ as a result.

"Right now, weatherization work is about 50 percent of what our company does but it has been as much as 100 percent of our work," Smutney said. "With the economic turndown, I've had to significantly reduce my workforce. The weatherization work has kept us in business."

When he and his team work on a home, they frequently do such repairs and upgrades to windows, air conditioning work, and insulation. Water heaters are often older and don't perform effectively or efficiently.

"I'm glad we're able to help these local homeowners over half of whom are senior citizens, " Smutney said.

Residents who are interested in the program should visit or call the Lee County Department of Human Services at 239-533-7930 to request an application. Documents required will include Social Security card, driver's license, proof of home ownership, current utility bills, proof of disability (if applicable), and proof of income, along with the names and contact information of their employer(s). All information is held in the strictest confidence.

"We are glad to help those eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program in our community," said Shawn Tan, Housing Program manager at the Lee County Department of Human Services. "These funds will not last forever, so we encourage anyone who is eligible to contact our office and seek out these free services."

As a result of the American Recovery Reinvestment Act or Stimulus Act of 2009, the Lee County Department of Human Services has weatherized 185 homes and created or retained 4 construction-related jobs in Lee County.

The Weatherization Assistance Program is helping low-income Floridians all over the state. For more information, contact the Lee County Department of Human Services at 2440 Thompson Street in Fort Myers, or by phone at 239-533-7930. Online, visit www.FloridaCommunityDevelopment.org/WAP.

City launches energy efficiency program for businesses

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:20:37 +0100

from BizTimes.com

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced four innovative business financing products as part of the Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2) program. The products are designed to assist businesses or other non-residential properties located in the City of Milwaukee in making energy-efficiency projects a reality.

“Smart businesses understand the impact energy efficiency can have on the bottom line,” Barrett said. “Lack of affordable financing, however, can deter businesses from implementing energy-efficiency projects. These Me2 business initiatives address that funding barrier and help businesses make energy-efficiency upgrades that reduce operating costs."

Me2 offers Smart Security Financing that provides collateral on behalf of businesses implementing energy-efficiency projects, allowing for no-money-down financing and mitigating a financial institution’s risk. Other financing opportunities include the Small Business Financing program where businesses can secure low interest, no-money-down loans for energy-efficiency projects through the program’s partnership with Summit Credit Union.

The program also includes a special Clean Energy Financing option that allows property owners to pass a monthly charge to tenants to offset the costs of energy-efficiency improvements while the tenant pays lower energy bills. “It’s a win-win option that helps tenants save money and property owners add value to their building,” Barrett said.

The program also offers businesses an Interest Rate Buy Down option allowing them to take advantage of an energy-related financing interest rate that is reduced by 2 to 3 percent.

“Saving energy is how Milwaukee businesses can shield themselves from rising energy expenses. These financing products, combined with other existing energy-efficiency incentives, such as those offered by We Energies and Focus on Energy, can mean the difference between a business moving forward with an energy-efficiency project or not,” Barrett said.

Business owners interested in taking advantage of Me2’s financing products are encouraged to act quickly as these offers are available for a limited time. Me2 will help businesses get started today. For additional information, visit www.smartenergypays.com/businesses or call (877) 399-1203.

GE Energy Compact Power Line Achieves 80 PLUS Platinum Efficiency

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:16:51 +0100

from Market Wire

DALLAS, TX, Oct 11, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- GE Energy today announced the new CP2000TE OEM power supply for front-end rectifier requirements in datacenter, telecom and other industrial applications. The newest member of the high-performance Compact Power Line portfolio, the CP2000TE achieves the 80 PLUS(R) Platinum certification to help manufacturers easily identify power supplies that lead the industry in energy efficiency while lowering utility and cooling costs.

"GE Energy's Power Electronics business, formerly Lineage Power, was the industry's first power supply manufacturer to achieve the 80 PLUS Platinum certification," said Jeff Schnitzer, president of GE Energy's Power Electronics business. "Today our Total Efficiency(TM) architecture offers a wide range of cost-effective, high-efficiency power electronics that help our OEM customers achieve their sustainability objectives."

80 PLUS is a certification and incentive program funded by electric utilities and energy efficiency organizations, to integrate more energy-efficient power supplies into desktop computers and servers. When using a product certified by the 80 PLUS organization, the customer is assured that the power supply is tested to the highest levels of power efficiency available in the market to help reduce carbon footprints, conserve energy resources and obtain a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). Platinum level certification requires power supplies to have efficiency levels of 90 to 94 percent across multiple load conditions and a PFC of .95 or greater. 80 PLUS-qualified power supplies are an integral part of the latest ENERGY STAR label specification for computers and other devices.

The Compact Power Line portfolio addresses real-world environments by delivering optimized light-load efficiency without compromising efficiency at higher power levels. The CP2000TE is a 48Vdc output power supply that delivers peak efficiency approaching 96 percent at 50 percent of load and nearly 93 percent efficiency at 20 percent of load with power factor correction (PFC) of .99 at full load. The rectifier exceeds the 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency requirements of 90 percent at 20 percent load, 94 percent at 50 percent load and 91 percent at 100 percent load. The 1U high, hot-swappable CP series of rectifiers is available in both Universal AC and wide ranging DC input voltage units. Designed for 4G/LTE mobile Internet infrastructure applications, digital HDTV broadcast equipment, network switches/routers and other technology sector applications, the CP2000TE is typically deployed in high availability applications where active current sharing delivers N+1 fault tolerance, system scalability and load balancing.

Pricing and Availability Available immediately, the CP2000TE rectifier pricing starts at $595 per unit for OEM quantities. For more information please visit http://www.ge.com/powerelectronics or call +1 972 244 WATT.

About GE GE is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world's toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com .

GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy -- GE Power & Water, GE Energy Management and GE Oil & Gas -- work together with more than 100,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.