List of Top 10 States for LEED Green Buildings Released

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today released its 2011 list of top 10 states for LEED-certified commercial and institutional green buildings per capita, based on the U.S. 2010 Census information. The District of Columbia leads the nation, with more than 31 square feet of LEED-certified space per person in 2011, with Colorado being the leading state, with 2.74 square feet per person in 2011. Other top states include Illinois, Virginia and Washington, with 2.69, 2.42 and 2.18 square feet of LEED-certified space per person, respectively. The top LEED states per capita, including the District of Columbia: Sq. ft. of space to earn LEED-certification in 2011 Per capita District of Columbia 18,954,022 31.50 Colorado 13,803,113 2.74 Illinois 34,567,585 2.69 Virginia 19,358,193 2.42 Washington 14,667,558 2.18 Maryland 11,970,869 2.07 Massachusetts 13,087,625 2.00 Texas 50,001,476 1.99 California 71,551,296 1.92 New York 36,538,981 1.89 Minnesota 9,591,445 1.81 "Looking past the bricks and mortar, people are at the heart of what buildings are all about," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. "Examining the per capita value of LEED square footage in these states allows us to focus on what matters most - the human element of green buildings." LEED is the internationally recognized mark of green building excellence, with more than 44,000 projects commercial projects participating, comprising over 8 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 120 countries. In addition, more than 16,000 homes have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with more than 67,000 more homes registered. "Our local green building chapters from around the country have been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of green building policies and initiatives that drive construction locally," continued Fedrizzi. "These states should be recognized for working to reinvent their local building landscapes with buildings that enliven and bolster the health of our environment, communities and local economies." "This is a great accomplishment for the D.C. metropolitan region and a testament to the drive, commitment and leadership of all those who live, work and play in our community," said Mike Babcock, board chair of the National Capital Region Chapter of USGBC. "We also realize there is still more to do and hope to effectively guide the effort by engaging, educating and encouraging the dialogue around the value of sustainability." "Being in the top three is a testament to the diversity of stakeholders from across Illinois who understand the significant environmental, economic, and social benefits related to LEED certification," said Doug Widener, Executive Director of the Illinois Chapter of USGBC. "I applaud Illinois' diverse green building community on this outstanding achievement." Notable newly certified projects in 2011 include the Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., which is distinguished as the oldest LEED-certified project in the world; the LEED-Platinum Casey Middle School in Boulder, Colo.; the iconic Wrigley Building in Chicago, Ill.; Frito-Lay in Lynchburg, Va., which earned LEED Gold for the operations and maintenance of an existing building; the LEED Silver Hard Rock Café in Seattle, Wash.; Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Md.; Yawkey Distribution Center of The Greater Boston Food Bank in Mass.; the LEED Gold Austin Convention Center in TX; SFO's LEED Gold Terminal 2 in San Francisco, Calif.; the LEED-Platinum Hotel Skylar in Syracuse, N.Y.; and the LEED Platinum Marquette Plaza in Minneapolis, Minn. In December 2011, USGBC announced that LEED-certified existing buildings outpaced their newly built counterparts by 15 million square feet on a cumulative basis. A focus on heightened building performance through green operations and maintenance is essential to cost-effectively driving improvements in the economy and the environment. For the full list of LEED-certified projects visit: usgbc.org/press.

Melvin Wylie

Natural Gas From Shale Not Suitable as "Bridge Fuel," May Worsen Climate Change

Researchers Note Gas Emissions From Marcellus Shale and Other Sites Linked to Significant Increased Risk of Near-Term Climate Change Far from being a "solution" to climate change, natural gas extracted from shale is a huge contributor of greenhouse gases when both methane and carbon dioxide are considered, according to a major new study by three Cornell University researchers. The natural gas industry already accounts for almost a fifth (17 percent) of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions inventory, when analyzed using recently available new evidence. This percentage is predicted to grow to almost one quarter (23 percent) as shale gas continues to replace conventional natural gas. Methane, which is a far more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, is the culprit, according to the new report. Just accepted for publication in Climatic Change and available online now at http://216.250.243.12/shalegasghgreport.html, the study titled "Venting and Leaking of Methane from Shale Gas Development," is the work of professor Robert Howarth and Renee Santoro, researchers in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology,Cornell University, and Anthony Ingraffea, a professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell. The study follows up on the author's groundbreaking April 2011 paper, which provided the first comprehensive analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from shale gas obtained by hydraulic fracturing, with a focus on methane emissions. Rather than understating the impact by looking only at shale gas used for electricity generation (just 30 percent of U.S. usage), the studies also look at heat generation (the largest use) over both a 20- and 100-year time frame. The new paper emphasizes this 20-year time frame, and analyzes the U.S. national greenhouse gas inventory in that context. The 20-year time frame is particularly important, the authors explain, because it may well be the timing for a "tipping point" for climate change if emissions are not brought under immediate control. The new paper builds on major new findings from the United Nations and from researchers at NASA published over the past six months, highlighting the urgent need to immediately reduce methane pollution globally. Robert W. Howarth, David R. Atkinson professor, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, said: "We believe the preponderance of evidence indicates shale gas has a larger greenhouse gas footprint than conventional gas, considered over any time scale. The greenhouse gas footprint of shale gas also exceeds that of oil or coal when considered at decadal time scales, no matter how the gas is used. We stand by the conclusion of our 2011 research: 'The large [greenhouse gas] footprint of shale gas undercuts the logic of its use as a bridging fuel over coming decades, if the goal is to reduce global warming.'" Anthony Ingraffea, Dwight C. Baum professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, said: "Can shale-gas methane emissions be reduced? Clearly yes, and proposed EPA regulations to require capture of gas at the time of well completions are an important step. Regulations are necessary to accomplish emission reductions, as economic considerations alone have not driven such reductions. And it may be extremely expensive to reduce leakage associated with aging infrastructure, particularly distribution pipelines in cities but also long-distance transmission pipelines, which are on average more than 50 years old in the U.S. Should society invest massive capital in such improvements for a bridge fuel that is to be used for only 20 to 30 years, or would the capital be better spent on constructing a smart electric grid and other technologies that move towards a truly green energy future?"   According to the report: The natural gas industry dominates methane emissions for the U.S., contributing 39 percent of the nation's total methane emissions. On an overall basis, methane makes up 44 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions when considered on the 20-year time frame after emission, including all gases and all human activities. The methane emissions from natural gas systems make up 17 percent of the entire man-made greenhouse gas emission inventory of the U.S., when viewed through the lens of the 20-year time frame. When viewed on the time scale of 100 years following emission, the importance of methane is substantially reduced, but the shorter time frame is critical, given possible tipping points in the global climate system over the coming few decades.

Melvin Wylie

Teamsters, Community Groups Rally To Demand Safety at LA Waste Facility

City Council, Environmental Groups Join Teamsters to Call for Safety Teamster members came in force to rally at the American Reclamation solid waste facility near Glendale to demand that the company provide safer working conditions for its employees. Teamsters were joined by LA City Council members, a former American Reclamation employee and environmental groups under the common banner of workplace safety. "Waste companies have a history of disregard for workers," said Randy Cammack, President of Teamsters Joint Council 42 and International Vice President. "It was this industry that caught the attention of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the last days before his assassination in 1968. We are here to answer the call of waste workers once again." Last October two employees of a solid waste facility in Lamont, Calif., died after being asphyxiated by toxic gas in a drain pipe they were cleaning. According to reports, the company had only provided them with paper-fiber dust masks and rubber boots as protection during their workday. "Workers at that facility had asked for better gear to protect themselves, but were ignored," said Ron Herrera, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 396. "Solid waste facilities are one of the most dangerous workplaces. We're here and we aren't going anywhere until these workers are safe from harm." "The City of Los Angeles cannot wait any longer to address problems in our commercial and multi-family waste system," said Greg Good, Director of the Don't Waste LA Coalition. "We need a system that brings standards and accountability to this industry in order to protect workers, communities and our environment."

Melvin Wylie

Wild Bird Feeding: Is It Ok?

Feeding songbirds in winter has been an American pastime at least since the days of Henry David Thoreau, who wrote about feeding birds at Walden Pond in the latter 1840s. But Americans have enjoyed watching songbirds clean up our table-scraps and waste grains even before then. Thoreau did it to get closer to subjects he enjoyed watching and wanted to know about. Today, many people – particularly those 25 and older – have similar interests. More than 55.5 million Americans feed wild birds and a third of Pennsylvanians observe wildlife around their homes, according to a 2006 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey. More importantly, they spend millions of dollars on these pastimes. Feeding birds is no longer a cute thing that some people do; it's a full-fledged American industry that influences our economy. But is inviting songbirds – and indirectly, other wildlife – closer to our homes a smart move? Are we compelling wild birds to become more dependent on or unnecessarily comfortable with people? Does feeding birds in winter create health risks for songbirds at a time of unquestioned vulnerability? "It is important to get past the, 'Is it ok to feed birds?' question before engaging in any discussion about bird feeding," noted Doug Gross, Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist. "Of course, our preferred answer to the question is for folks to plant vegetation beneficial to birds before hanging feeders. Birds can never have too much good habitat. "But we recognize not everyone has an acre or two, or simply some backyard space, to groom into wild bird-preferred habitat. In these instances, we try to ensure bird-feeding enthusiasts place their feeders in good locations, keep them clean and fill them with seeds capable of attracting the birds they want to see." It all seems easy enough, but there really is a lot to consider before opening a winter bird feeding station on your property. For instance, feeders should be placed near cover to shield songbirds from avian predators, but at least 15 feet away from windows and groundcover roaming cats can hide in or behind. A bird coming to a feeding station in winter usually enters a heightened risk area because the chatter and commotion created by birds at feeders attracts cats on the ground and sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks from the air. Of course, most people who feed songbirds aren't in it to set the table for hawks and cats. So give some thought to feeder placement. Wild birds are counting on you! Although many people don't realize it, windows can be as deadly to songbirds as predators because birds don't see glass. Therefore, it is important to move feeders away from windows. "Millions of birds die annually from window strikes as they leave or flee feeders when startled," Gross explained. "They fly unsuspectingly into the reflection of escape cover or open skies on windows, and when they do, they often hit with such force that they cannot survive the impact." After sorting out where your feeder should be placed, the next step is to identify which species you want to attract and then select the feeder and seeds/food you'll use to attract them. The three easiest ways to attract the greatest number of birds involve using are cylindrical feeders – filled with black-oil sunflower seeds and/or thistle seeds – and suet feeders, and ground feeding with corn, millet and black-oil sunflower seeds. This three-way approach will make just about any yard a food court for birds, so long as there is some nearby cover for birds to use for perching and seed-cracking. "It's always a good strategy to use a diversity of foods," said Gross. "It complements the dietary diversity of most wild birds. After seeds, some great choices are raisins for Carolina wrens and thrushes; peanuts for blue jays, cardinals and nuthatches; even peanut-butter smeared in tree crevices. A heated birdbath also attracts birds; not because it's heated, but rather because it offers accessible water." Although some birds may become dependent on feeders, it likely won't be the only stop on their daily foraging route. Still, if you commit to feeding birds in winter, it's best not to stop in the middle of winter. "When your feeder becomes a part of a bird's routine, the seeds it retrieves become part of its daily resources that fuel its body's needs," Gross said. "Once you begin winter feeding, it is important to remember that those foods you've begun to provide help balance birds intense daily demands for energy to endure frigid winter nights and body heat-robbing winds." Equally important is keeping your feeders clean so birds don't risk contracting avian conjunctivitis, salmonella, trichomoniasis, aspergillosis (fungal infection) and avian pox. Most of these diseases arise from birds contaminating seeds and the feeder through droppings and secretions, and from fungus growing on damp seeds. To learn more about the diseases, visit the Game Commission's Wildlife Disease Reference Library, housed on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) under "Wildlife" in the menu bar at the top of the homepage. The Game Commission recommends first cleaning bird feeders with soup soap and water followed by a solution that is one part of household bleach and nine parts of warm water. Rinse your feeder thoroughly and wait until it is completely dry before refilling it with seeds and placing it outdoors. If you don't want to work with bleach, which is the most effective cleanser, another cleaning solution can be made by mixing one part white vinegar to four parts warm water, but this solution will not kill viruses. If you're not seeing sick-looking birds at your feeder, cleaning it once or twice a month is sufficient. Increase the frequency to once a week if trouble shows. "Another way to reduce the spread of disease at your feeders is to offer seeds in different areas and at multiple heights," Gross explained. "Spread out your feeding sites to reduce crowding. Hang feeders at different heights. Ground feed away from elevated feeders. This feeder approach, combined with regular feeder cleaning, will help the birds visiting your yard remain healthy." Whenever you feed songbirds, there's always the potential to lure into your yard – and sometimes your house – critters you'd rather stay away. The usual list of potential "unwanteds" includes black bears, deer, raccoons, squirrels and field mice. Black bears had a rough fall – acorn crop failure – and some may be more active this winter than usual. Suet and black-oil sunflower seeds would be very appealing to them. Raccoons also are partial to suet. Deer, on the other hand, can be drawn by shelled corn. So can field mice. Squirrels come to just about everything you offer. When feeding wild birds in your yard, you really can't pick your guests. Your offering becomes an open invitation to all foraging animals that happen upon it. And sometimes they decide to take up residence with you. Flying squirrels, field mice and raccoons that feed on your bird offerings sometimes look for and find hideouts in your house or garage to hold them over when they're not feeding at your bird buffet. And once they get in, you have to get them out, find out how they got in and then seal the access point. In agricultural and suburban areas, this problem can be compounded by Norway rats. Other unwanted guests include starlings, house finches and house sparrows. Starlings, in particular, can really crowd feeders, and aggressively chase away other songbirds you may want to see. Corn and suet seem to be starling magnets, so pull in the corn when they start showing up and use suet feeders that require users to cling and feed, which starlings can't do well. Of course, the alternative to putting out a feeder is to plant trees and shrubs that offer songbirds and other wildlife food and cover in winter. But, as now is not planting season, the Game Commission will be offering a variety of wildlife-friendly tree and shrub seedlings in its annual seedling sale. In mid-January, watch the agency's website for information on how to select and order seedlings from the agency's Howard Nursery.

Melvin Wylie

Does Washington Really Know Biofuels?

Many in America's renewable energy industry are asking themselves, does Washington really know biofuels? In its second episode released, Biofuel STAT, continues to give Washington an exclusive peek into the C-Suite of the nation's top advanced biofuels companies. The newest episode features Lee Edwards, chief executive officer of Virent, Inc., detailing the next "ah-ha moments" for America's domestic biofuels industry as well as its challenges. The new episode can be accessed at http://www.advancedbiofuelsassociation.com/ . Michael McAdams, president of the Advanced Biofuels Association – ABFA, noted, "Lawmakers and opinion leaders in Washington now have laptop access to real world answers that could help fuel America's next revolution in renewable energy." McAdams added, "Each episode will help Washington better understand that now, is not a time to shy away and remove the public policy instruments that can help drive our nation to the day that Americans pull up to their neighborhood gas stations and fill up with advanced or cellulosic replacement fuels. We're already starting to see advanced biofuels delivering on its promise of creating new jobs, and providing economic and energy security for our nation." Episodes of Biofuel STAT feature the CEO, or other executive, of each member company of the ABFA answering the following questions. What is the biggest challenge to growing your business? What is the next "aha moment" for America's biofuels industry? What does the biofuels industry look like 5 years from now? ABFA: The Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) is a national organization representing the new generation of advanced and renewable technologies that will help drive America's new economy by creating jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels while fueling a sustainable future for the world. The ABFA has quickly become a leading voice for America's domestic biofuels industry since it was established in 2009.

Melvin Wylie

Huntington Beach City School District to Save More Than $15 Million With Solar Upgrades

Huntington Beach City School District and Chevron Energy Solutions today announced the completion of a 592-kilowatt solar electric system that will reduce energy costs for operations at nine elementary school sites in Huntington Beach, saving the District more than $15 million over the life of the project. Coupled with a comprehensive energy education curriculum, the program is designed to inspire students to learn about – and experience – clean energy technologies and concepts. The new system is part of a project that adds solar photovoltaic panels mounted on shade structures to five campuses, upgrades interior lighting at nine campuses, and replaces rooftop cooling/heating unit at two campuses, including upgraded controls. The project is expected to cut the Huntington Beach City School District's electrical utility usage by 30 percent. It is the first energy efficiency and solar project at an elementary school district in Orange County. Chevron Energy Solutions designed and engineered the solar system, provided the installation, and will perform operation and maintenance services, as well as guaranteeing the system's performance, which is expected to meet more than 30 percent of the District's demand for electricity. The company also implemented the energy efficiency improvements to campus heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems, which are expected to reduce the District's annual energy consumption and provide other benefits, including improved lighting quality and aesthetics, reduced maintenance costs and consistent indoor climate quality. "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations at the Huntington Beach City School District – one that allows the community to experience the benefits of clean power without negatively impacting limited resources," said Jon Archibald, Huntington Beach City School District Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services. "In fact, a unique benefit of this solar project is providing protective shade for our students. We are grateful to all those involved for their dedication that has enabled the Huntington Beach City School District to realize the benefits of solar energy to our community." Through energy efficiency improvements and solar power generation, the District is reducing its purchase of utility power and in turn, reducing carbon emissions by more than 850 metric tons, equivalent to removing nearly 167 cars from the road or planting more than 181 acres of trees. Teachers are able to tie information from the project to the California Math and Science curriculum standards through informational displays that provide real-time data on how much solar is being produced and the corresponding environmental benefits. "Huntington Beach City School District is demonstrating fiscal and environmental leadership by improving their energy efficiency and use of renewable power," said Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions. "The project also improves the classroom learning environment, which is an important element in boosting student achievement." Southern California Edison will present an incentive check totaling $1,295,144 to the Huntington Beach City School District at tonight's board meeting at 7:00 p.m., as part of the California Solar Incentive, which is administered by the utility. Students, district representatives, community members and business officials are expected to attend.

Melvin Wylie

Many California Businesses are Overpaying Their Gas Bill by 15% or More

Natural gas deregulation still remains a well-kept and costly secret for business operators In one of the toughest economic climates in recent history one place most business owners fail to look at to increase their bottom line is the gas bill sent by the local utility. On average most businesses are losing hundreds and even thousands dollars by over paying for natural gas. California has deregulated natural gas which allows businesses and even private homes to buy their natural gas from suppliers other than the local utility, the cost savings are often dramatic. The utility still services emergencies and uses its pipeline to deliver the gas, but energy deregulation, very similar to the long distance phone deregulation of the '80s, makes it easy for gas customers to shop and save. The utility companies are unconcerned from where you buy your gas, because their regulated profit comes from the delivery of the gas and not the sale. San Francisco based energy consultant Golden Gate Power Company compares gas rates from several suppliers based on customers' needs and provides the least expensive option and projected savings. The transfer of the gas service is seamless and without cost. All that is necessary to see how much money a business can add back to the bottom line is a quick review of the PG&E bills. "Most business owners are amazed to find out how much money they have been wasting on their gas bill for years. It's a great feeling to help businesses keep more of their hard earned money. For many businesses, a 10 to 18% savings is common and that can mean a lot of money," says Golden Gate Power Company president Alden Wong. Golden Gate Power Company is located in San Francisco and currently serves customers in Northern California, with over one hundred field representatives. They are aggressively hiring more representatives to meet the growing demand in natural gas and energy savings.

Melvin Wylie

10 Green Building Predictions for 2012 from Earth Advantage Institute

Earth Advantage Institute, a nonprofit green building resource that has certified more than 12,000 homes, announced its annual prediction of 10 green building trends to watch in 2012. The trends, which range from a boom in certified multi-family construction to the advent of consumer friendly home energy technology, were identified by Earth Advantage Institute based on discussions with a broad range of audiences over the latter part of 2011. These sectors included policymakers, builders, developers, architects, real estate brokers, appraisers, lenders, and homeowners. "While the economy has not been kind to most new home builders, we have seen a surging interest in home energy management and energy improvement among homeowners," said Sean Penrith, executive director, Earth Advantage Institute. "Those builders and remodelers who have adopted a transparent green message have been quite successful." Urban density. Filling in the spaces is the name of the game as homeowners and builders opt to create more living space through the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), laneway homes (bordering the back lane behind the main house), and build on infill lots. All this because the younger crowd and the empty nesters are opting to settle in the city where they can be closer to cultural activity, mass transit, more sustainable lifestyles, and other like-minded people. Green multifamily homes. As a corollary to the urban density trend, Earth Advantage Institute has seen a large spike in Northwest multifamily building certifications this past year. The increased interest by building owners and operators in energy efficiency savings coupled with 2011's 17% growth in multifamily homes (McGraw-Hill) means that we can expect to see a rise in certifications in this sector, especially in progressive regions. Energy upgrades start to drive home remodels. Builders and remodelers who are plugged into changing consumer preferences (smaller homes, reduced energy bills) have been able to capitalize on energy upgrade work. They have moved into the energy audit and residential retrofit market by either expanding their service offerings or, in the case of large West Coast remodeler Neil Kelly, creating entirely new service groups. In the Northwest, demand has increased, leading to significant new energy improvement business for these firms. Remodelers see such work as a driver to help bring in more remodel leads. Deployment and testing of new materials. Although architects and builders are eager to try new energy-saving materials and systems, these products require significant testing to ensure that the materials and benefits will last the life of the building and to avoid litigation. As a result, national labs and university research departments are partnering with builders to create test beds and sensor-filled buildings that log the energy performance of new materials and equipment.Portland State University's mechanical engineering department recently partnered with a local builder to measure the effects of phase change material used as insulation in a duplex passive house, while Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories is constructing a test bed that will track all performance aspects of new materials and equipment. Consumer friendly home energy tracking devices. The introduction of the Apple-like Nest Learning Thermostat, and Belkin's Conserve Insight energy use monitor that tracks energy use by appliance, are two of many sensor-based energy and water monitoring products for the home that are easy to use and help save money. Large electronics players like Fujitsu and Intel are also developing products, among others. Energy education for commercial tenants. The growing adoption of commercial building energy disclosure (New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle, Austin) has building owners/operators and utilities seeking effective ways to educate tenants on saving energy. Technology can only go so far in conserving energy without tenant participation. Transparency in home marketing. The increasing use of smart devices by consumers to instantly access information at a home site means that buyers are much more informed and can see through any greenwashing claims. Those builders, remodelers, and real estate professionals who can clearly educate their clients about the benefits and features of energy efficient, green homes will be those who earn the buyers' confidence. More accurate appraisals. The old-school appraisal criteria based on a drive-by look at a home – view, approximate square footage – no longer holds. The ability for sellers and buyers to ask their banks for a green-certified appraiser (Certified Residential Green Appraiser) means that the lending community will buy into the idea of the additional value and return on investment offered by new certified homes and remodels. Broader adoption of residential energy ratings for homes. Energy labeling systems are appearing in many states, offering a miles-per-gallon style estimate of a home's energy consumption for homebuyers and homeowners. The Energy Performance Score and the Department of Energy's own Home Energy Score have been rolled out in different climate zones across the U.S. to encourage homeowners to compare energy use and undertake energy upgrade work. Smart grid-compatible high-performance homes. According to Smart Grid News, household appliances (heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, electronics, hair dryers) account for 60 to 90 percent of the residential electricity consumption in the U.S., depending on whose reports you read. Increasing numbers of those appliances are becoming "grid-aware" and are gaining the ability to monitor and report their own usage and to increase or decrease their electricity usage by remote command.

Melvin Wylie

What is Biodegradation

Thanks to my friends over at The Green Scene they have produced this video explaining 'What is Biodegradation'

Melvin Wylie

US House of Representatives Vote to Open ANWR for Oil Exploration

The fight is on to stop Oil Exploration in ANWR Alaska! The US House of Representative had voted to open up the coastal plain of ANWR to oil and gas development. Included in the bill is the opening of the US Outer Continental Shelf areas to oil and gas exploration, encouraging oil shale development nationwide and mandating the approval of the Keystone Pipeline Project. Now the bill moves to the Senate where strong opposition lies for it's future. The President has threatened to veto any legislation including the Keystone Pipeline stating "I strongly reject drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge because it would irreversibly damage a proctected national wildlife refuge without creating sufficient oil supplies to meaningfully affect the global market price or have a discernible impact on US energy security." Native Alaska Inter-Tribal Council which represents 229 Alaskan Tribes officially opposes any development in ANWR. Many tribes live off the land and caribou is one of the primary animals that they depend on for sustenance. Approximately 250,000 migrating herds of caribou use ANWR as their calving grounds. If this bill is passed it's possible that the calving grounds will be destroyed from oil and gas exploration.

Melvin Wylie

30th Episode of GreenNews4U

What's Under Your Athletic Field? In this edition I will be talking about PowerBase which is what goes under the synthetic turf. Well find out how it's made and the pros of using synthetic turf with PowerBase. To do this I have Dan Sawyer who is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Brock International. For those that don't know, Brock International is the leader in performance base systems for synthetic turf. The company produces a premier product called Brock PowerBase which is a shock pad and drainage layer used beneath synthetic turf on athletic fields that enhances player safety, performance and prevents concussions. Nothing like it existed before Dan's team envisioned the technology. Today over 20 million square feet of Brock products is in play underneath athletic fields worldwide. The Boulder, Colorado native is passionate about environmental stewardship.  In October 2011, Brock became the first company in the industry to have a Cradle to Cradle Certification ^CM for its combined drainage and shock pad product. Offering the only product in the market that can be closed loop recycled, the company's technologies reduce the overall energy cost of constructing a field by 50%. Dan has become a vocal advocate for preventing concussions on sports fields. With the perspective of handling hundreds of successful installations for clients ranging from NFL teams and major universities to community parks, he feels many head injuries can be prevented through education as well as better technique, equipment and treatment.  Brock's products have been scientifically proven to reduce the likelihood of traumatic brain injury by up to 50%, provide the same G-Max and playability as a pristine natural grass field and mitigate field hardening over time.

Melvin Wylie

Mexico and U.S. Sign Technical Collaboration Agreement on Sustainability and Climate Change Through 2016

MEXICO CITY - The following is being released today by Marca Pais – Imagen de Mexico: Mexico and the United States of America recently signed a Technical Collaboration Agreement on Sustainability and Climate Change. Through this Agreement, both nations will implement the Binational Cooperation Program of Climate Change Towards 2016 which represents an investment of nearly US$70 million to be utilized in the next five years. The Program will be led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Mexican Secretary of Environment and National Resources (Semarnat). Civilian organizations and the private sector will also be collaborating in the Program. The investment of US$70 million will be distributed among two programs: USAID's Mexico Low-Emissions Development Program (MLED): To support Mexican efforts to develop and implement a Low-Emissions Development Strategy (LEDS) and strengthen systems for Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of emissions across all emitting sectors of the economy. MLED will also promote the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies and best practices through the development of energy policies, financing mechanisms, and institutional and technical capacity in Mexico. The United Nations' REDD+ Program: An effort to create a financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development. Beyond deforestation and forest degradation, the REDD+ Program also includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. Mexico and the U.S. have a long history in collaborating to best manage natural resources, protect biodiversity, address climate change issues, and offer economic opportunities that are sustainable for communities.

Melvin Wylie

Siemens to Implement U.S. Army's Largest Solar Photovoltaic System at White Sands Missile Range

Solar Array Part of a $16.8 Million Energy Savings Performance Contract Siemens Government Technologies, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center has awarded a $16.8 million task order to implement energy-conserving upgrades, including a 4.465 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power generating system—the largest to date for the U.S. Army—at the White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The solar PV system is the primary component of the energy savings performance contract (ESPC) to be implemented by the Building Technologies Division of Siemens Industry, Inc. The solar PV system will provide the Army with approximately 10,000 solar renewable energy credits annually as well as qualify it for a 30 percent federal cash grant in excess of $4.8 million. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the solar PV system will help White Sands Missile Range achieve 10.8 percent renewable energy by the end of 2012, up from .5 percent and beating the 2013 government mandate by more than three percentage points. This project supports President Barack Obama's directive that federal agencies use ESPCs to make $2 billion worth of energy efficiency upgrades over the next two years, as well as supporting the Army's renewable energy goals. "This project implements a solar photovoltaic array system that will partially offset White Sands Missile Range's energy requirements, improve facilities and operations, demonstrate Army engineering and technology capabilities and align with the Army's Energy Security and NetZero objectives," said Judy Marks, President and CEO of Siemens Government Technologies, Inc. White Sands Missile Range is a Test and Evaluation Command Installation operated primarily for the support of research, development, test and evaluation of weapon and space systems, subsystems and components. Encompassing a missile range/rocket launch range, White Sands is one of the largest military installations in the U.S. covering 3,200 square miles. The facility is unique in the fact that it has several agencies on site as tenants including NASA and the U.S. Air Force. Siemens Government Technologies, Inc. is a Federally-compliant U.S. organization structured to provide answers for some of the nation's most challenging issues within the Federal market in infrastructure, energy, industry and healthcare. The company is the leading integrator for Siemens' innovative products, technologies and services to meet the needs of Federal customers. Siemens Government Technologies, Inc. is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. For more information on Siemens Government Technologies, Inc. please visit http://www.siemensgovt.com/. Siemens Industry, Inc. Building Technologies Division is the world's market leader for safe and energy efficient buildings ("green buildings") and infrastructures. As a service provider, system integrator and product vendor, Building Technologies has offerings for building automation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), fire protection and security. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies

Melvin Wylie

DuPont Announces Goals to Help Feed a Growing World Population

Responding to the challenge of global hunger, DuPont announced goals for its contribution to help improve food security around the world. "No one company, country or non-profit organization can meet the challenge of feeding the world alone. But each of us can commit to doing our part and hold ourselves accountable to make a meaningful contribution to this global challenge," said Ellen Kullman, DuPont Chair and CEO. "Establishing specific, measurable goals for what we can do to address that challenge is key to turning talk into results." DuPont's food security goals – which address innovation, education and rural community development – will be tracked along with DuPont sustainability goals. DuPont was one of the first companies to establish sustainability goals in the 1990s and has consistently surpassed its commitments. The DuPont food security goals, to be achieved by the end of 2020, include: Innovating to Feed the World: Investing $10 billion in research and development and introducing 4,000 new products centered on producing more food; enhancing nutrition, food and agriculture sustainability and safety; boosting food availability and shelf life; and reducing waste. Engaging and Educating Youth: Facilitating 2 million engagements of young people around the world in educational opportunities. Improving Rural Communities: Improving the livelihoods of at least 3 million farmers and their rural communities through targeted collaboration and investments that strengthen agricultural systems and make food more available, nutritious and culturally appropriate. This is in addition to the work already being done to enhance the lives of hundreds of millions of farmers through DuPont's normal business practices. Making a Measurable Difference The DuPont food security goals were developed following a report issued last year by the DuPont Advisory Committee on Agriculture Innovation and Productivity for the 21st Century, chaired by former U.S. Senator Thomas A. Daschle of South Dakota. "I'm pleased that DuPont is marshalling its resources to address key issues from the committee's findings. We need to follow the lead of organizations like DuPont, who commit to doing something about global food security, because they know hunger is at the heart of all other global issues," said Daschle. DuPont – one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals more than 20 years ago – has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue and research and development investment. The goals are tied directly to business growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved new products for key global markets. DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.

Melvin Wylie

Habitat for Humanity Canada partners with ARXX

COBOURG, ON - More families across Canada will have the opportunity to live in safe, energy efficient and affordable homes thanks to ARXX Building Products and Habitat for Humanity Canada (HFHC). Habitat for Humanity Canada has entered into a partnership with ARXX to provide several elements that can contribute to the success of HFHC builds including discount pricing, training and support and national distribution of ARXX Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) to all of HFHC's affiliates. In addition to the energy efficiency provided by the ARXX forms, Habitat for Humanity Canada homes built with ARXX ICF walls and foundations will provide the owners with better indoor air quality, elimination of the risk of water intrusion through the foundation walls and resulting mold, mildew and rot, as well as structural integrity second to none. "ARXX has worked with HFHC affiliates for years and we're very pleased and excited to formalize our relationship so that we can help Habitat for Humanity Canada achieve their goals in communities across Canada. The work that HFHC does is very important and our products go hand in hand with their mission," said Gael Mourant, President and CEO of ARXX. "Our training program and readily-available technical support helps affiliates and volunteers self-perform foundation and building work, and our discounted pricing plan and national distribution platform provides Canadian Habitat affiliates access to our products for their new home builds." About Habitat for Humanity Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada (HFHC) is a national, non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. With the help of over 50,000 volunteers every year and 69 affiliate organizations from coast to coast, their mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to break the cycle of poverty in Canada and around the world. HFHC is a member of Habitat for Humanity International, which has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 500,000 houses worldwide, providing shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information on HFHC, please visit www.habitat.ca. About ARXX ARXX is a leading supplier of Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) for green, energy-efficient residential and commercial construction. ARXX products have been used in more than 105,000 projects, representing 140 million square feet of walls and foundations throughout the United States and Canada. ARXX ICF products enable significant energy savings, greater comfort, security and quiet, and a faster build than conventional construction. ARXX products have been used in numerous LEED-certified projects and have received major industry and sustainability awards. See www.arxx.com for more information.

Melvin Wylie

Alpha Natural Resources Adjusts Central Appalachia Coal Production

BRISTOL, Va. - Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE: ANR) today announced that coal production will be reduced at certain mines in theCentral Appalachia region due to market conditions that have decreased coal demand. Alpha subsidiaries in Kentucky and West Virginia will idle four mines immediately and two others between now and early 2013, while several other mines will alter work schedules or reduce the number of production crews. Altogether 10 mining operations are affected, four in eastern Kentucky and six in southern West Virginia. When completed, the adjustments are expected to reduce annual coal production by approximately 4.0 million tons, most of which originates on the CSX rail system. The total includes approximately 2.5 million tons of thermal coal and 1.5 million tons of lower quality, high-volatility metallurgical coal. Eastern Kentucky operations will scale back thermal coal production by about 1.5 million tons while the remaining reductions will occur in southern West Virginia. Management and human resources personnel at the affected Alpha subsidiaries have met with their employees to outline potential relocation opportunities at other operations with unfilled vacancies along with wage and benefit continuation plans. Alpha expects that, once the available transfer opportunities are filled, approximately 320 employees at affiliated mining companies will be displaced within the next few weeks. "A business decision like this is so difficult because it impacts people and their families, but adverse market conditions left us no choice," said Kevin Crutchfield, Alpha's CEO. "Several mines are encountering weak demand for their products. We examined all options but in the end these operations had to do what was necessary to preserve a sustainable business plan in a challenging environment. In the days ahead, we will be examining all aspects of costs across our entire value chain, including cost reduction reviews with all key stakeholders." Alpha's Central Appalachian businesses are seeing more electric utilities switch from thermal coal to natural gas to take advantage of gas prices at 10-year lows. A series of federal regulatory actions also have prompted utilities to implement plans for shutting down a number of generating stations that have traditionally run on coals sourced from Central Appalachia. Alpha is in the process of evaluating the financial statement treatment and impact of the actions announced today, and plans to give further updates on the production adjustments and its outlook for the thermal and metallurgical coal markets during its earnings conference call scheduled for February 24.   "Tremendous credit goes to these miners and support personnel who worked diligently, day after day, to safely and productively supply coal to our customers," said Kurt Kost, Alpha's president in charge of the company's mining operations. "We're going to do everything we can to help transition these employees who have been so dedicated to their jobs. All employees will receive consideration for other job openings within the Alpha family of companies. We're also seeking the cooperation and involvement of state employment officials and identifying employment opportunities with other coal producers in the area."   About Alpha Natural Resources Alpha Natural Resources is one of America's premier coal suppliers with coal production capacity of greater than 120 million tons a year. Alpha is the nation's leading supplier and exporter of metallurgical coal used in the steel-making process and is a major supplier of thermal coal to electric utilities and manufacturing industries across the country. The company, through its affiliates, employs approximately 14,000 people and operates approximately 150 mines and 33 coal preparation facilities inAppalachia and the Powder River Basin. More information about Alpha can be found on the company's Web site at www.alphanr.com.

Melvin Wylie

Millersville University Professor Discovers New Species of Fish

MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - The world will soon learn about two new species of fish, thanks to the work of Dr. Dominique Dagit, a biology professor at Millersville University of Pennsylvania and a graduate student from California, Jenny Kemper. The two, along with Dr. James Cosentino, a biology professor from Millersville University, recently traveled to New Zealand to study chimaeroids fishes. All three made the 8,000 mile journey to Wellington, New Zealand where they spent two weeks examining an extensive collection of chimaeroids fish. These fish are in the Order Chimaeriformes and are closely related to sharks. The work was funded by the National Museum of New Zealand Te papa Tongarewa and also a "Tree of Life" grant to Dagit provided by the National Science Foundation. In addition to studying this extensive collection of fish, Dagit completed the task of naming all of the unknown species of chimaeroids that live in New Zealand waters. "This will bring the total number of new species of chimaeroids that I've named to 15 which is 31 percent of all known chimaeroids in the world. In other words, of this whole entire Order of fishes, I've described one third of them," explained Dagit. As a result of their research, Dagit and Kemper, a graduate student at Moss Landing Marine laboratory in Moss Landing, Calif., are co-authoring three chapters in a soon-to-be published book titled "Fishes of New Zealand." "We are also describing these two new species of chimaeroid fishes. One of the species will be named for Dr. Cosentino who came along and helped out with our work," said Dagit.

Melvin Wylie

Waterless Urinals Fail in a School - $500,000 to Fix

In Boca Raton, Florida Students had to step over rivers of urin and endure a horid stench of rancid waste after a plan to bring 'green' waterless urinals into bathrooms backfired according to the report. School officals at Spanish River High School wanted an environmentally friendly, cost-savings solution so they turned to Falcon Waterfree urinals. With no water moving through the copper pipes to flush the urine into the sewer system, the waste product eventualy ate through the metal leaving leaky pipes that dripped into the walls and flowed onto the floors. According to Frank Barbieri who told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel 'The girls had to step over a river of urine. I could smell it as soon as I walked into the hallway.'

Melvin Wylie