Tag Archives: efficiency
Intel to Raise Efficiency Across the Board
Last month we reported that Intel ranks first in the nation for using renewable energy, holding onto its position since 2008. In 2011, Intel used renewable energy for 88% of electricity, almost double that of the previous year. The company gets renewables from biomass, geothermal, small-hydro, solar and wind, by buying certificates and from on-site generation. Since 2009, it’s [...]
How Software Improves The Efficiency of Solar PV Power Plants
Planning a solar PV power plant to make them efficient is a complex task, but German researchers have developed a software that makes conceptual design simpler. Researchers at the Fraunhoger Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM in Kaiserslautern, in conjunction with Siemens Energy Photovoltaics, have a developed a new software that improves the process both in [...]
Germany Loves Their Renewable Energy
Electricity rates in Germany drop by up to 40% during the hours in which solar power or wind power are active — and this is what Merit Order ranking is all about, using the cheapest available electricity source first - and then filling in the gaps with more expensive coal-fired electrical power generation. Merit Order ranking (M.O.R.) is a system [...]
The 3 Biggest Energy Efficiency Myths
With the push continuing to conserve as much energy as possible, individuals are coming up with a huge number of tips and tricks that they are convinced save both electricity and money. However – which are myths and which are true? Below we’ll take a quick look at a few myths that you may want [...]
Energy Monitoring For Small Businesses
There’s no getting around one of energy efficiency’s biggest PR problems: it’s just not as sexy as some other sustainable energy choices. People love the idea of something like solar, producing their own clean energy — and for good reason! We love solar, too. But energy efficiency is frequently overlooked, especially on existing buildings, when [...]
Saving Energy in the Office
Every small office needs to ensure that the energy costs are minimized. A small business that chooses to take small environmentally steps are able to help reduce energy costs and help the environment simultaneously. A few easy steps will increase a business’s profit margin and help the environment. One easy step to a greener office [...]
NY State Buildings: 20% Less Energy Consumption by 2016
The state of New York will invest $800 million in government buildings to reduce energy consumption 20% by 2016. To finance the projects, the New York Power Authority will issue debt, which will retrofit state buildings ($450 million) and local government, schools and public hospitals ($350 million). Retrofits will not only decrease energy demand, but will create thousands of green jobs, [...]
Aspen Fights Climate Change
Aspen, Colorado has long been known as a skiing destination, but it’s the city’s Chamber of Commerce that’s recently been making headlines. As reported in the American Independent, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) recently voted 11-1 to withdraw its membership from the national US Chamber of Commerce organization. The town, which suffered a big [...]
In Focus: Hybrid SUVs
No auto encapsulates the term “gas guzzler” more than the gigantic SUVs feeding American in-sensibilities, but popular car makers have made attempts at going green by offering hybrid varieties of standard favorites. While none of them are reaching the 40+ mpg point, many have cut down on the gas usage of their traditional counterparts. The [...]