Tag Archives: u.s
WTF? Residential Solar So Much Cheaper in Germany
In a follow-up to a 2012 study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL), researchers found that the average number of man-hours to install a PV system on a residence in Germany is 39. That’s a significant difference from the 7.5 man-hours LBL’s researchers found when they surveyed German PV installers in Sep. 2012, [...]
In Focus: President Obama’s Next-Generation Energy System Plan
Tuesday’s State of the Union (SOTU) speech included much that was music to environmentalists’ ears. The headline, of course, is the commitment to take serious action to address the most significant challenge our generation faces – climate change. And, with it, the extreme weather and public health burdens that are already making life harder for [...]
In Focus: What LEED Thinks They Do
While the USGBC believes that LEED is helping save the world from environmental degradation and climate change, others may have a different view. Many project managers, even if they are interested in sustainable design and resource efficient practices, shutter at the amount of additional paperwork that is required for actually achieving a LEED Certification. The [...]
In Focus: Obama’s SOTU Climate Change Remarks
Those who haven’t seen my writing elsewhere may be surprised to learn that I’m a self-described proud, Liberal progressive Democrat who enthusiastically supports President Obama. Last night’s speech had a lot in it that I liked–and I’m well aware that many of my readers will disagree. But like I say, it takes all kinds… He [...]
U.S Voters Support Carbon Tax
The last-minute fiscal cliff deal offered short-term salvation for important clean energy tax incentives, but critical programs across-the-board still face “sequestered” cuts starting in March if US lawmakers can’t agree on where to trim the budget. The Department of Energy alone faces an 8.2% cut if sequestration takes effect. A new survey suggests that rather than just slashing [...]
Doubling U.S. Energy Productivity By 2030
The Alliance Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy released a report today with recommendations that would put the U.S. on a path towards doubling its energy productivity by 2030. The Commission, which is chaired by U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) and National Grid U.S. President Tom King, is a diverse coalition of energy leaders that [...]
IKEA: Florida’s Largest Non Utility Solar Owner
While Ikea’s newest rooftop solar installation in Sunrise, Fla. makes the Swedish furniture manufacturer and retailer the largest non-utility solar owner in the state, it also illustrates the company’s commitment to sustainability. “We think it’s very significant,” said spokesman Joseph Roth. “Not many folks make the investment to purchase their own systems. We think it [...]
Energy Science, Innovation and the Future of America
What does it really mean to change the game in energy technologies? Not to change a single game – as with a last-second shot at the buzzer, a Hail Mary pass, or a diving catch to close out the inning – but to transform the entire game, with new rules, new technologies, and often-unexpected new [...]
It’s Official: Steven Chu Officially Leaving DOE
Last month we reported on the likely departure of Dr. Steven Chu as head of the DOE and we listed some potential replacements. But there have been conflicting statements as to Chu’s current status. Bloomberg reports that Chu’s resignation announcement is imminent. In response two weeks ago, the DOE issued a statement saying that, “Dr. [...]