Analysis: New facilities spotlight next-generation biofuels
by: Reuters: Green Business News, 2012-05-18 22:50:22 UTC
(Reuters) - After a decade of promise, advanced biofuels makers are entering a crucial make-or-break period with the first of a new generation of production facilities about to come on line.
Apple to use only green power for main data center
by: Reuters: Green Business News, 2012-05-18 12:42:27 UTC
(Reuters) - Apple Inc plans to power its main U.S. data center entirely with renewable energy by the end of this year, taking steps to address longstanding environmental concerns about the rapid expansion of high-consuming computer server farms.
Machine Lifecycle and Sustainability
by: Environmental Leader, 2012-05-18 10:44:21 UTC
HESCO and Rockwell Automation present an overview of machine lifecycle and sustainability.
Apple Data Center to be 100% Powered by Renewable Energy
by: Environmental Leader, 2012-05-18 06:29:02 UTC
Apple said it will power its 500,000-square-foot data center in Maiden, N.C., entirely with renewable energy by the end of the year. The announcement, which was posted on Apple’s website, follows protests against Apple by Greenpeace activists who criticized the company for powering its iCloud using coal-fired power plants. Apple received the fifth-lowest score in Greenpeace’s [...]
Sip coffee and rent a bike for a quick ride at the Bicycle Club
by: The Design blog, 2012-05-18 07:27:03 UTC
Jaspreet Kaur Walia:
NL Architects, based in Amsterdam, has come up with an incredible design that will answer all the needs felt by cycling enthusiasts in a city space. Christened the Bicycle Club, it will be situated in Hainan, China, and is a multipurpose bike pavilion.
Bike Pavilion
The place will be dedicated to all the bicycling fanatics, which will further accelerate the love for this great sport. The pavilion will help bring people together and let them sweat out together in a cool way. The bike pavilion will also comprise of a cafe (placed in the center) and is being built as a part of the resort development that the Dutch firm has undertaken in China. Keeping the tropical temperatures in mind, the company thought of giving the project a roof that will provide shade but won’t look like any other regular construction. This is how they decided to give the roof a curvy and fenced off velodrome.
The rooftop cycling area will have a breezy cafe at the ground level, which will be enclosed by glass. The curvilinear roof looks somewhat like a pagoda. Safety issues won’t rise as the presence of a fence lining inside the curve makes sure no cyclist comes crashing down as people sip coffee downstairs. If you feel like going for a ride when you are done chilling out, then hire a bicycle and paddle your way to good health and some fun. Bicycle Club is pretty impressive and is bound to inject some doses of adventure in to everyone visiting the place as they feel the itch to hire a bike.
Via: Bustler
Porsche's upcoming 918 Hybrid Hypercar revealed
by: Ecofriend, 2012-05-18 10:23:04 UTC
Surbhi Sharma:
With technological advancements, it is getting easier for eco lovers to opt for eco friendly products. Porche – a leading brand in the automotive industry declared that testing of its long-awaited 918 hybrid model was on its way. The eco friendly supercar is scheduled for production in September 2013. This is referred as Porsche 918 Spyder prototype as only 918 vehicles of this model will be produced to maintain its exclusivity. As if now the tally of booking numbers for this model was not available, as suggested by a Porche spokesman.
Porsche Releases Test Photos of 918 Hybrid Hypercar
Picture Gallery
Porsche Releases Test Photos of 918 Hybrid Hypercar
When Porche claimed that this hybrid model was in making, it also released the photographs of this 918 Spyder plug in on a test track. The release of an impeccable, black sports coupe with a sleek and slippery black finish closely echoed the concept of the 2011 Detroit auto show’s 918 RSR hybrid racecar. The headlamps have been accentuated with shades of white which conjure memories of Porche 917 racecars while for Americans it takes them to the hot rods from the 1950’s.
The prototype’s hybrid powertrain is the cornerstone of this modern hardware. It is tagged along with a long lasting and durable internal combustion engine clubbed with two electric motors. One of them is on the front axle and the other one towards the drivetrain. With more than 770 horsepower, it is set to give the rider excellent fuel efficiency. It is assembled with a carbon-fiber armored plastic monocoque along with a unit carrier. The company experts stated that the track results were in line with the expectations.
Via: NYTimes
Seoul to arm itself with 29 hydrogen fuel cell plants to battle power crisis
by: Ecofriend, 2012-05-17 11:05:06 UTC
Sonia Renthlei:
The capital city of Seoul in South Korea looks to be taking the bull by the horns in its quest to provide proper power supply to its citizens. In September of 2011, the country was hit by blackouts, affecting millions and even leading to the resignation of its minister holding the portfolio of energy affairs. To offset any chance of a similar incident occurring again, the city has decided to construct 29 hydrogen-based fuel cell power plants in the next two years.
Hydrogen fuel cell power plant in seoul
The initiative will see Seoul being able to supplement its energy demands and provide for emergency power supply in the event of a crisis. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity by an electrochemical reaction. The resulting power supply is smooth and the process sees no harmful carbon emissions and noise. Till date, hydrogen fuel cells have been used for transportation, residential use and power generation.
To get the ball rolling, the Seoul government has announced that it will work to attract investors from electricity firms as well as private companies. The funding will be used to construct 102 fuel cells in buildings in the next two years as well. If all goes according to plan, the city will see the fuel cells produce about 230MW of power by 2014 which will cater to the energy needs of 400,000 households.
The hydrogen power plants will be scattered across the city to counter any future blackouts and power cuts the city may face in future in water supply systems and subways.
South Korea is increasingly looking towards fuel cells and other renewables to make its mark in the world of green energy. Back in 2011, Daegu City became home to what is pegged to be the planet’s largest fuel cell park. The 11.2-MW facility provides electricity to a utility in Daegu while the heat generated as a byproduct is utilized by a wastewater treatment plant.
Via: Yonhapnews
Body and Mind by Pratt Design Students & Herman Miller
by: mocoloco, 2012-05-18 06:47:46 UTC
Pratt Institute industrial design students have collaborated with furniture maker Herman Miller on designs that promote physical and mental well-being. Above, Pete KL's Memoro design.
PLOF Recycles an Array of Production Waste into Colorful Ottomans
by: Inhabitat , 2012-05-17 16:20:58 UTC
Thoughtful designers, like those at Atlier Belge, are looking for new and innovative ways to create furniture that incorporates sustainable solutions. PLOF is an eco-friendly and durable way to reuse different types of production waste. Colorful textile leftovers are shredded into smaller pieces and upholstered with see-thru PE plastic to create furniture benches. The combination of colors and textures is unique to each bench, and no two are the same. Like any upholstered piece PLOF is padded with several knots topped by shiny white buttons adding comfort and elegance. This unique bench gives new life to waste textiles and will make for a creative and colorful addition to your home — indoors or out.
+ Atlier Belge
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The Quadrofoil: Ecologically-sound electric hydrofoil sportscar for the water
by: Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine, 2012-05-17 07:53:56 UTC
The Quadrofoil is new form of watersport recreation - a two-person electric hydrofoil which offers a thrilling and dynamic 40 km/h (25 mph/22 knot) ride along with completely silent running. Due to the remarkable efficiency of hydrofoils, it achieves all this with just one 3.7 kW electric motor, and thanks to its lightweight (150 kg/330 lb) carbon fiber and Kevlar body and in-built 4.5 kWh lithium batteries, it has a range of 100km (62 miles).
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The Quadrofoil: Ecologically-sound electric hydrofoil sportscar for the waterSection: On the WaterTags: Hydrofoil,
Quadrofoil,
Water Sports,
Watercraft
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