CleanPress

projects at USC, as the University catalogs its portfolio of research funding from the 2009 federal stimulus bill. …

… “P. Daniel Dapkus, USC Viterbi School of Engineering: Energy Frontier Research Center for Emerging Materials for Solar Energy Conversion and Solid State Lighting, $12.5 million from the Department of Energy: To explore new phenomena in organic materials, in thin-layer semiconductor nanostructures, and in hybrid structures in order to improve the efficiency of solar cells and light sources. ” …

Via USC: Impact of the Stimulus Bill

The market for environmentally-friendly products has never been better and the demand has never been stronger. According to Mintel International,“the green marketplace is one of the fastest growing, most dynamic sectors of the US economy.”The market …

總理溫家寶日前指出，特區當前有五大矛盾，包括保持及發展金融中心、航運中心及貿易中心地位、發展優勢產業、與珠三角加強聯繫、政治發展不暢，以及注重改善民生和發展教育。矛盾再…

A Department of Energy report on light emitting diode (LED) technology has some pretty startling numbers to digest. First, 7% of America’s electricity is used to light our homes and businesses. That number is down significantly in the last few years because of the adoption of efficient lighting. But there is still a great deal of ground to be gained. Indeed, as bright white LEDs begin to make their way to the market, the DOE expects their adoption to result in huge decreases in energy use.

The cumulative savings of widespread adoption of this technology over the next 20 years would be about 1.500 terawatt-hours the price of which, at today’s energy prices, is around $120 billion. The savings would eliminate the need for 24 new large power plants, to say nothing of the decrease in carbon emissions.

The DOE has a host of programs to spur growth in the LED market, including a X-Prize style contest, R&D projects and market-baed projects. Of course, we have to do our part too. New technology relies on EcoGeeks to be the early adopters of LED technology. I’ve already got a few lighting up my house.

Rutgers professors are awarded by the American Physical Society for their research efforts, which could contribute to furthering the efficiency of solar energy conversion. ..

… “The prize recognizes Cheong’s work in understanding a class of materials called multiferroics, materials which exhibit both magnetic properties and electrical properties that resemble magnetism. The materials have potential to add new capabilities to semiconductor electronics, boost solar cell efficiency and increase the data storage capacity of hard disk drives.” …

Via Rutgers Univ: Rutgers Professors Recognition for Outstanding Research

The business community must assume some of the responsibility for the lack of results at the UN climate talks last year in Copenhagen (COP15). However, the failure to produce a binding agreement at COP15 has not derailed UN efforts to secure a global a…

Which is less carbon intensive:  electic heat or wood stovfe heat? 

The Sierra Club’s "Hey Mr. Green" tells us …it depends on the quality / newness of your wood stove and where the pollution ends up — at a power plant or in your neighborhood.  No easy answers but some good info.

" … carbon footprint depends on the source of your electric power and the quality of your wood burner. … power … generated from coal or other fossil fuels … footprint might be bigger than if you’re burning wood in a new, efficient, EPA-approved firebox or stove. …"

" … wood burner … releases a lot more other pollutants into the air … releases them right where you and your neighbors breathe … wood … emits 250 times as much global-warming methane as burning coal in a power plant."

Via:  Sierra Club  LINK

Harvard students develop soccket soccer ball that charges during play and can power devices at home, especially useful in emerging economies and off-grid situations. …

… “The magic soccer ball created by Harvard students Jessica Lin, Jessica Matthews, Julia Silverman, and Hemali Thakkar is beautiful in its simplicity. ” …

Via TakePart: Young Women Changing the World

China’s high-speed rail plans get more ambitious by the day.  Not satisfied with having the world’s most advanced and extensive rail line in the world, China is now planning to connect its rail system to 17 other countries in Asia and Eastern Europe where it will join the European rail network.

China plans to have this massive project completed in 10 years.   The rail system will include three major continent-crossing lines running at 200 mph.  One line will connect London to Beijing in a two-day trip and continue on to Singapore.  Another will link Vietnam, Thailand, Burma and Malaysia.  The third will connect Germany to Russia, go across Siberia and back into China.

With travelers able to take major routes like these at high speeds, air travel may become a lot less necessary across Europe and Asia.

China will be financing the project in exchange for access to natural resources from the 17 countries the rail lines will run through.  As an example, Burma will provide China with lithium for its rail connection.

via Daily Telegraph

Bowdoin College is implementing renewable energy projects across its campus. …

… “The project, designed for the roof of Thorne, includes 24 glazed flat plate solar collectors, which will make up a 960-square-foot solar thermal array, and the piping to solar storage tanks. ” …

Via Bowdoin: Solar Hot Water Project for Thorne Hall