Natale, who constructs 15 to 20 custom built homes a year in Buffalo and surrounding towns, relies on ENERGY STAR Homes as its competitive edge. Most are single-family houses but some are patio homes and townhomes. Natale highlights the value of the New York ENERGY STAR Homes program to homebuyers. Due to the homebuyer response to that marketing approach, nearly all new home construction by Natale is New York ENERGY STAR Certified.
LaDuca feels that customers who purchase a New York ENERGY STAR Certified Home will appreciate the lower utility costs. Builders can benefit because it sets them apart. “I think we will get business that builders who aren’t participating in New York ENERGY STAR Homes won’t get,” he said.
Builders are offered high-quality program and technical support through the New York ENERGY STAR Homes program. These factors help Natale’s employees understand how to build a better-quality and more efficient home.
LaDuca pointed out the large supply of well-built, available homes constructed in the past 10 to 20 years. With this abundant supply in the market, he said, “If you’re building that same product today as years ago, you don’t have much of a marketing advantage.” Comparing the ENERGY STAR brand as a value akin to endorsement by the Better Business Bureau, he said, “We believe in the product, we believe in being green. It’s better for the environment and it’s better for the client.”
New York ENERGY STAR Certified homes have a tight thermal envelope to keep cooled and warmed air inside the house. Natale uses composite panel construction with insulation sandwiched between structural elements and thorough taping and sealing. The company builds with R40 roof insulation, R25 wall systems and R12.5 basement insulation, insulating the home from top to bottom. LaDuca stressed the need to buy the right products, such as compact fluorescent or light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and proper ventilation. Ventilation is important to avoid health hazards such as moisture build-up that could lead to mold issues. Meeting New York ENERGY STAR Certified Homes standards, LaDuca maintained, makes a house healthier.
Long-term, it’s also more affordable. “You can’t control your taxes,” he noted, “but you can control how much energy you will use in a year.” When selling a home, Natale includes the cost of meeting New York ENERGY STAR Certified Homes program standards in the budget, explaining to buyers that New York ENERGY STAR is the Natale standard and that Natale doesn’t charge more for meeting those standards.
When conducting its standard six-month and one-year follow ups with buyers, the company finds that homeowners are pleased with their energy savings. “One question we always ask is: Are they surprised by their energy bills. And they’re always surprised at how low they are,” said LaDuca.
To LaDuca, a simple comparison of New York ENERGY STAR Certified Homes with conventional homes is persuasive. “If one house is certified as a New York ENERGY STAR Home and the other is a conventional build, I would show the energy costs over 30 years. The difference is thousands and thousands of dollars over time.” Bottom line? “I wouldn’t build any other way,” said LaDuca.
So, if you’re looking for quality luxury home design with energy efficiency that will save you money, Natale Builders provides the best custom built homes throughout Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Lancaster, Orchard Park, and other surrounding Buffalo, NY areas.
2012年8月27日 星期一
Civic body makes a power point
In the wake of severe power shortage in the State, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has cracked the whip on advertising agencies to ensure judicious usage of available power. The advertising agencies within the city limits were ordered not to illuminate hoardings from Saturday evening until further instructions.
GHMC commissioner MT Krishna Babu issued the instructions after a meeting with Mayor Mohammed Majid Hussain on Saturday. “Violation of the instructions will be viewed seriously and action will be initiated against the violators,” said Krishna Babu. Incidentally, 40 per cent of the 3,300 hoardings in the city are illuminated after dark. “We can save much needed power if the illumination is halted,” the GHMC commissioner said.
Krishna Babu also instructed the maintenance staff of GHMC electrical wing to switch on and switch off streetlights at the right time. “Streetlights should be switched on after 7 pm only and should be switched off before 5 am,” he ordered. He said that it was noted that in several areas the maintenance staff was switching on streetlights by 5 pm and leaving them on till 8 am.
He opined that strict regulation of street lighting can save power consumption for 2 to 3 hours every day, which will amount to 20-25 per cent of the total electricity consumption. The GHMC is using 20 million units every month for streetlighting and provision of water supply to the city outskirts. “Also, we are planning to replace sodium vapour lights and tubelights with LED and CFL lamps. However, this plan is getting delayed due to court cases and fund arrangements,” the commissioner said.
With erratic power cuts becoming the order of the day, people are looking for alternative sources like solar invertors.
To promote usage of solar power, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is providing 40 per cent subsidy for purchasing solar inverters.
To promote commercial marketing of solar accessories, ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), had launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission with subsidy for solar lighting and small capacity photovoltaic systems, which would be routed through Nabard.
An amount of Rs 30,000 would be required for installing a solar inverter of which 40 per cent of the amount would be provided by Nabard towards subsidy and 50 per cent of the amount by the commercial banks in the form of loans and the remaining amount shall be borne by the beneficiary.
Nabard has entered into an agreement with Andromedar company for the purpose.
Consumers who own a house may apply for installing solar invertors to the above company.
The consumers have to repay the loan in monthly installments to the banks concerned.
Andromedar has entered into a pact with Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikasa Bank in setting up solar inverters for which Nabard gives the subsidy.
One needs Rs 30,000 for installing a solar inverter for which Nabard would provide a subsidy of Rs 10,800. The consumer has to repay loan of Rs. 3,200 to the bank concerned, so that the remaining amount of Rs 16,000 would be provided by the bank in the form of loan at Pavala Vaddi.
GHMC commissioner MT Krishna Babu issued the instructions after a meeting with Mayor Mohammed Majid Hussain on Saturday. “Violation of the instructions will be viewed seriously and action will be initiated against the violators,” said Krishna Babu. Incidentally, 40 per cent of the 3,300 hoardings in the city are illuminated after dark. “We can save much needed power if the illumination is halted,” the GHMC commissioner said.
Krishna Babu also instructed the maintenance staff of GHMC electrical wing to switch on and switch off streetlights at the right time. “Streetlights should be switched on after 7 pm only and should be switched off before 5 am,” he ordered. He said that it was noted that in several areas the maintenance staff was switching on streetlights by 5 pm and leaving them on till 8 am.
He opined that strict regulation of street lighting can save power consumption for 2 to 3 hours every day, which will amount to 20-25 per cent of the total electricity consumption. The GHMC is using 20 million units every month for streetlighting and provision of water supply to the city outskirts. “Also, we are planning to replace sodium vapour lights and tubelights with LED and CFL lamps. However, this plan is getting delayed due to court cases and fund arrangements,” the commissioner said.
With erratic power cuts becoming the order of the day, people are looking for alternative sources like solar invertors.
To promote usage of solar power, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is providing 40 per cent subsidy for purchasing solar inverters.
To promote commercial marketing of solar accessories, ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), had launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission with subsidy for solar lighting and small capacity photovoltaic systems, which would be routed through Nabard.
An amount of Rs 30,000 would be required for installing a solar inverter of which 40 per cent of the amount would be provided by Nabard towards subsidy and 50 per cent of the amount by the commercial banks in the form of loans and the remaining amount shall be borne by the beneficiary.
Nabard has entered into an agreement with Andromedar company for the purpose.
Consumers who own a house may apply for installing solar invertors to the above company.
The consumers have to repay the loan in monthly installments to the banks concerned.
Andromedar has entered into a pact with Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikasa Bank in setting up solar inverters for which Nabard gives the subsidy.
One needs Rs 30,000 for installing a solar inverter for which Nabard would provide a subsidy of Rs 10,800. The consumer has to repay loan of Rs. 3,200 to the bank concerned, so that the remaining amount of Rs 16,000 would be provided by the bank in the form of loan at Pavala Vaddi.
2012年8月23日 星期四
Pine Street construction affects businesses, residents
Pine Street is full of bars, restaurants and other stores, but some people also call it home. The residents of the Opera House Lofts, located at the Washington end of Pine Street, have had to overcome quite a few obstacles with the construction. Literally.
“When they were working on the sidewalk in front of our entrance, they locked the front door, so we had to get in and out through the back door, which leads to an alley,” resident Traci Hawkins, 22, said. “And since they locked the door, we couldn’t get mail for a week. We weren’t told about that and I was expecting something from my parents.”
Loft residents weren’t the only ones using alley doorways. Several Pine Street businesses allowed customers to use their back doors as a convenient alternative to the construction zone blocking their front doors. However, Scully found a positive outcome for this particular problem.
“We opened up the back door so guests could get in because there was no parking in front but there was parking in back,” Scully said. “We painted and cleaned up the back of building and added some flowers. We also started a back door carryout service. When people order food to go, we take it right to their car to make it easier. We had quite a few customers use it and it’s something we’re going to continue to do.”
Hawkins, a student at UCM, said residents were informed of construction, but not always consistently.
“When they were working on our end of the street, they would sometimes tell us when they would shut off the water,” Hawkins said. Sometimes they would leave a note, but there were times when they didn’t tell us and we just wouldn’t have water.”
While Hawkins had a hard time getting information, some businesses were kept informed throughout the whole process. Scully went to weekly update meetings and received an email every week from Warrensburg Main Street, which partnered with the city of Warrensburg to complete the renovations.
Parking has been another issue that has affected not only Hawkins and her roommates, but Pine Street employees and patrons as well. With occasional road closures and sidewalk construction, most days parking on the street wasn’t an option. And to get to their destination, customers and residents had to walk in the middle of the street when sidewalks were being torn up and re-poured.
Even with intermittent Internet, loud construction, and the occasional fire alarms going off for 30 minutes, the construction hasn’t deterred Hawkins from continuing to live in the lofts.
“It’s not always pleasant when they’re right outside our window,” Hawkins said. “But it will be nice when they get it finished. I’m glad they’re redoing it. It’s just unfortunate that it’s where I’ve been living.”
Scully agreed that she’s glad the construction is behind them, but it was worthwhile for the result.
“I think it was a wonderfully beneficial project,” Scully said. “It all looks aesthetically better and much more welcoming. The beautification will definitely benefit the businesses downtown.”
Now that summer is over, the construction is nearly finished. Visitors can enjoy newly paved sidewalks with brick pavers, stone planters throughout the street, new street lights, and the street has been repaved. The walkway and stairs up to the Culton Street parking lot has also been redone and has better lighting. The street and sidewalks now match those on Holden Street to unify the downtown area. Among the beautification that has been done, a water main and sewer line, which were both about 100 years old, were replaced, coal chutes were filled, and electric lines were removed and put underground.
“When they were working on the sidewalk in front of our entrance, they locked the front door, so we had to get in and out through the back door, which leads to an alley,” resident Traci Hawkins, 22, said. “And since they locked the door, we couldn’t get mail for a week. We weren’t told about that and I was expecting something from my parents.”
Loft residents weren’t the only ones using alley doorways. Several Pine Street businesses allowed customers to use their back doors as a convenient alternative to the construction zone blocking their front doors. However, Scully found a positive outcome for this particular problem.
“We opened up the back door so guests could get in because there was no parking in front but there was parking in back,” Scully said. “We painted and cleaned up the back of building and added some flowers. We also started a back door carryout service. When people order food to go, we take it right to their car to make it easier. We had quite a few customers use it and it’s something we’re going to continue to do.”
Hawkins, a student at UCM, said residents were informed of construction, but not always consistently.
“When they were working on our end of the street, they would sometimes tell us when they would shut off the water,” Hawkins said. Sometimes they would leave a note, but there were times when they didn’t tell us and we just wouldn’t have water.”
While Hawkins had a hard time getting information, some businesses were kept informed throughout the whole process. Scully went to weekly update meetings and received an email every week from Warrensburg Main Street, which partnered with the city of Warrensburg to complete the renovations.
Parking has been another issue that has affected not only Hawkins and her roommates, but Pine Street employees and patrons as well. With occasional road closures and sidewalk construction, most days parking on the street wasn’t an option. And to get to their destination, customers and residents had to walk in the middle of the street when sidewalks were being torn up and re-poured.
Even with intermittent Internet, loud construction, and the occasional fire alarms going off for 30 minutes, the construction hasn’t deterred Hawkins from continuing to live in the lofts.
“It’s not always pleasant when they’re right outside our window,” Hawkins said. “But it will be nice when they get it finished. I’m glad they’re redoing it. It’s just unfortunate that it’s where I’ve been living.”
Scully agreed that she’s glad the construction is behind them, but it was worthwhile for the result.
“I think it was a wonderfully beneficial project,” Scully said. “It all looks aesthetically better and much more welcoming. The beautification will definitely benefit the businesses downtown.”
Now that summer is over, the construction is nearly finished. Visitors can enjoy newly paved sidewalks with brick pavers, stone planters throughout the street, new street lights, and the street has been repaved. The walkway and stairs up to the Culton Street parking lot has also been redone and has better lighting. The street and sidewalks now match those on Holden Street to unify the downtown area. Among the beautification that has been done, a water main and sewer line, which were both about 100 years old, were replaced, coal chutes were filled, and electric lines were removed and put underground.
2012年8月20日 星期一
Toyota Prius+ first drive
The comfortable, user friendly interior and massive load space with seating combinations, makes the Prius+ on paper a good family carry-all vehicle but the purchase price will be a ‘put-off’ for some unless the compelling nature of greener hybrid power outweighs the added financial cost burden.
Less mobile and Motability customers will find the Prius+ worth considering because of the load space for carrying mobility aids and the comfortable easy to get in to and out of cabin style seating. The most likely users are businesses for their company car drivers because of tax and potential fuel saving and promoting the perceived ‘green eco’ credentials of the business. For the company car driver the vehicle can be a roomy load carrier during the week and a frugal to run family bus at the weekend. Even if the family unit has few or no children then the load area can accommodate all manner of cargo or sports and recreational equipment.
The Prius+ also has appeal for business chauffeur and private hire use especially in London because the T4 best selling version is free of Congestion Charges for now. Changes to these charges, together with all VED road tax and BIK company car tax bandings are due next year so like all other cars taxes will be increasing.
The Prius+, like all other Prius family members, is exceptionally easy to drive. It uses the usual fuel frugal petrol 1.8-litre petrol engine with electric motor with drive to the front wheels through a CVT auto transmission. The small joystick gear select lever just has D to go forward, R to reverse, N for neutral and B to select a lower gear for going downhill when engine braking is required. There is a foot operated parking brake. The driver can also select one of three push-button driving modes – Power, Eco and EV, only the latter requires explanation. EV allows the Prius+ to run in electric power only but it only offers a very short driving range of around 1.2 miles before the engine cuts in. Normally the vehicle will pull away, if parked on the flat, in electric drive only before the petrol engine seamlessly cuts-in.
A push Start button brings the car to life; instruments light up, select D or R, release the parking brake, press the accelerator and off you go. Accelerating hard the CVT transmission holds on to the engine revs for too long so the power unit sounds noisy and stressed and it’s the same going up a hill, the CVT changes down and the noise goes up. There was also more road noise intrusion into the vehicle than I expected.
Once in the cruise though and on smoother road surfaces the Prius+ provided a relaxed and comfortable drive. The suspension is on the hard side but the comfortable seats offset that. The firm ride setting means little body roll during cornering and little fore and aft pitching during braking and acceleration so that provides for passenger comfort. The steering, although offering little feedback, is well weighted.
Top speed is 103mph and zero to 62mph takes 11.3 seconds but fuel economy is potentially more impressive with an official Combined Cycle figure 68.9mpg. My test, using motorways, country and town roads ended up with 52.4mpg. This was no better than a diesel powered MPV and on top of that the Prius+ hybrid is more expensive to buy although the various taxes incurred are lower.
Specification for the T4 version includes 16-inch alloy wheels, touch screen audio and multimedia information, 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connection, head-up display, rear view camera, air conditioning, electrically operated windows and door mirrors, panoramic sunroof with blind, rain sensing wipers and LED daytime running lights. The T Spirit additions include leather upholstery, upgraded audio system, Touch & Go navigation system and 17-inch alloys.
Less mobile and Motability customers will find the Prius+ worth considering because of the load space for carrying mobility aids and the comfortable easy to get in to and out of cabin style seating. The most likely users are businesses for their company car drivers because of tax and potential fuel saving and promoting the perceived ‘green eco’ credentials of the business. For the company car driver the vehicle can be a roomy load carrier during the week and a frugal to run family bus at the weekend. Even if the family unit has few or no children then the load area can accommodate all manner of cargo or sports and recreational equipment.
The Prius+ also has appeal for business chauffeur and private hire use especially in London because the T4 best selling version is free of Congestion Charges for now. Changes to these charges, together with all VED road tax and BIK company car tax bandings are due next year so like all other cars taxes will be increasing.
The Prius+, like all other Prius family members, is exceptionally easy to drive. It uses the usual fuel frugal petrol 1.8-litre petrol engine with electric motor with drive to the front wheels through a CVT auto transmission. The small joystick gear select lever just has D to go forward, R to reverse, N for neutral and B to select a lower gear for going downhill when engine braking is required. There is a foot operated parking brake. The driver can also select one of three push-button driving modes – Power, Eco and EV, only the latter requires explanation. EV allows the Prius+ to run in electric power only but it only offers a very short driving range of around 1.2 miles before the engine cuts in. Normally the vehicle will pull away, if parked on the flat, in electric drive only before the petrol engine seamlessly cuts-in.
A push Start button brings the car to life; instruments light up, select D or R, release the parking brake, press the accelerator and off you go. Accelerating hard the CVT transmission holds on to the engine revs for too long so the power unit sounds noisy and stressed and it’s the same going up a hill, the CVT changes down and the noise goes up. There was also more road noise intrusion into the vehicle than I expected.
Once in the cruise though and on smoother road surfaces the Prius+ provided a relaxed and comfortable drive. The suspension is on the hard side but the comfortable seats offset that. The firm ride setting means little body roll during cornering and little fore and aft pitching during braking and acceleration so that provides for passenger comfort. The steering, although offering little feedback, is well weighted.
Top speed is 103mph and zero to 62mph takes 11.3 seconds but fuel economy is potentially more impressive with an official Combined Cycle figure 68.9mpg. My test, using motorways, country and town roads ended up with 52.4mpg. This was no better than a diesel powered MPV and on top of that the Prius+ hybrid is more expensive to buy although the various taxes incurred are lower.
Specification for the T4 version includes 16-inch alloy wheels, touch screen audio and multimedia information, 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connection, head-up display, rear view camera, air conditioning, electrically operated windows and door mirrors, panoramic sunroof with blind, rain sensing wipers and LED daytime running lights. The T Spirit additions include leather upholstery, upgraded audio system, Touch & Go navigation system and 17-inch alloys.
2012年8月15日 星期三
Tri-County students aid the Franklin Food Pantry
Tri-County students Emily Scannell, of Franklin, and Jimmy McCarthy, of Walpole, presented the Franklin Food Pantry with a donation of freshly-picked produce courtesy of the school's very own heirloom vegetable garden.
Scannell, a junior, and McCarthy, a sophomore, earlier this month delivered freshly picked green, purple, banana, and jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, and eggplant to Franklin Food Pantry Manager and Director of Operations Linda Sottile.
"It's with the support of organizations like Tri-County and local farmers, who offer us fresh produce, that we are able to offer healthy options to our clients. It's neighbors helping neighbors," said Sottile of the donation.
The donation marks the third delivery Tri-County students have made to the Franklin Food Pantry as a result of the bounty from the Tri-County heirloom vegetable garden. "It makes me feel good to know that the produce is going to help people," said Jimmy McCarthy, who has helped to water and maintain the garden over the summer in partnership with a group of other students, teachers, and faculty members.
The Tri-County vegetable garden was made possible by a school wide fundraiser organized by members of the Student Council and inspired by a meeting with a representative from National Grid about the benefits of energy conservation. Students raised $2,000 selling compact fluorescent light bulbs and advanced powerstrips, which funded the garden set up.
Tri-County environmental science teacher and TC Green Club advisor Nancy Sibilia and culinary arts instructor and Student Council advisor Nancy Haney volunteered as the garden coordinators. Peter Hefele, a Tri-County English teacher, stepped forward to donate the heirloom vegetables for planting, and herbs for planting were donated by special education teacher Jane Baldi and adult cosmetology instructor Barbara Perron.
During the months of May and June, the garden was prepared and planted in earth boxes around the back of the school building through the cooperative efforts of students in the Facilities Management Career Program, Culinary Arts Career Program, Grade 12 Environmental Science classes, and members of the Student Council and TC Green Club.
During the summer months, Sibilia, Haney, and Lynn Wencus, secretary to the vocational director, took turns tending and watering the garden daily with the help of Tri-County students Scannell and McCarthy, as well as sophomore Sean Duren of North Attleboro, juniors Katherine Cornell of North Attleboro, Joseph Galligan of Medway and Jack Greene of Walpole, and senior Bridget McHugh of Medway.
"It's been great to see the students involved in a project like this. It's another opportunity for them to apply classroom knowledge to a real world experience, especially an experience that includes service to the community," said Nancy Sibilia. "We have many more visits to make to the Food Pantry this summer. Our tomatoes are starting to ripen and we have other types of peppers that are nearly ready as well," she added.
Tri-County RVTHS was honored with a 2012 Secretary's Award for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education at the Massachusetts State House in May, which recognizes schools, teachers, and students involved in school-based programs that promote environmental and energy education.
Scannell, a junior, and McCarthy, a sophomore, earlier this month delivered freshly picked green, purple, banana, and jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, and eggplant to Franklin Food Pantry Manager and Director of Operations Linda Sottile.
"It's with the support of organizations like Tri-County and local farmers, who offer us fresh produce, that we are able to offer healthy options to our clients. It's neighbors helping neighbors," said Sottile of the donation.
The donation marks the third delivery Tri-County students have made to the Franklin Food Pantry as a result of the bounty from the Tri-County heirloom vegetable garden. "It makes me feel good to know that the produce is going to help people," said Jimmy McCarthy, who has helped to water and maintain the garden over the summer in partnership with a group of other students, teachers, and faculty members.
The Tri-County vegetable garden was made possible by a school wide fundraiser organized by members of the Student Council and inspired by a meeting with a representative from National Grid about the benefits of energy conservation. Students raised $2,000 selling compact fluorescent light bulbs and advanced powerstrips, which funded the garden set up.
Tri-County environmental science teacher and TC Green Club advisor Nancy Sibilia and culinary arts instructor and Student Council advisor Nancy Haney volunteered as the garden coordinators. Peter Hefele, a Tri-County English teacher, stepped forward to donate the heirloom vegetables for planting, and herbs for planting were donated by special education teacher Jane Baldi and adult cosmetology instructor Barbara Perron.
During the months of May and June, the garden was prepared and planted in earth boxes around the back of the school building through the cooperative efforts of students in the Facilities Management Career Program, Culinary Arts Career Program, Grade 12 Environmental Science classes, and members of the Student Council and TC Green Club.
During the summer months, Sibilia, Haney, and Lynn Wencus, secretary to the vocational director, took turns tending and watering the garden daily with the help of Tri-County students Scannell and McCarthy, as well as sophomore Sean Duren of North Attleboro, juniors Katherine Cornell of North Attleboro, Joseph Galligan of Medway and Jack Greene of Walpole, and senior Bridget McHugh of Medway.
"It's been great to see the students involved in a project like this. It's another opportunity for them to apply classroom knowledge to a real world experience, especially an experience that includes service to the community," said Nancy Sibilia. "We have many more visits to make to the Food Pantry this summer. Our tomatoes are starting to ripen and we have other types of peppers that are nearly ready as well," she added.
Tri-County RVTHS was honored with a 2012 Secretary's Award for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education at the Massachusetts State House in May, which recognizes schools, teachers, and students involved in school-based programs that promote environmental and energy education.
2012年8月13日 星期一
Star Island considers solar power to meet energy demands
From the Portsmouth coastline, Star Island appears only as a raised speck along the horizon. Although the island goes unnoticed by many on the mainland, the stretch of land acts as a bustling summer community where people flock to enjoy the serenity of the rugged New England landscape, scattered with century old cottages.
Even though the second largest — and most heavily traveled — island has maintained its rustic feel, detached from the hurriedness of the modern world, a committee is looking to embrace change and install solar panels. The proposed photo voltaic (PV) units would reduce the need for the diesel-generated power the island currently uses to meet its peak summer energy demands.
"This project is really interesting because we are a microcosm of society. We supply all of our energy and wastewater needs for the island on site and we can see very quickly how one thing impacts another," Jack Farrell, facilities superintendent on Star Island, said.
Farrell also noted that because the island has so many hurdles to jump from transportation to installation on the 43-acre island, if the committee is able to install "green" energy than most mainland businesses could easily follow in their footsteps.
According to Victoria Hardy, CEO of the Star Island Corporation, the island has been interested in weaning off the fossil-fuel burning generators for a long time due to the volatile price of diesel. The island spends and average of $80,000 to $90,000 each year on powering the three generators, making the installation of an alternative energy source viable. Over 20 percent of the electricity is drawn from the reverse osmosis treatment plant, which converts up to 6,000 gallons of salt water to fresh for island occupants.
Due to the less than ideal conditions, the island committee began researching alternative energies. In 2005, committee members teamed up with a group at University of Massachusetts Amherst to determine the feasibility of wind power. The study found that although the island is exposed to turbulent wind during the winter months — calculated as high as 93 miles per hour in some areas — but not enough in the summer when demand is highest.
The committee again began seeking alternative energy solutions in April 2011, this time working closely with Rockland Maine Island institute — a company geared specifically toward island communities, energy, education and livelihoods of small islands. The study found solar panels were the most feasible option.
Although the panels almost entirely replace the fossil fuel run system, the island would continue to keep one generator as a back up in case of a bad spat of weather.
"The island experiences harsh weather conditions and we have a back up system for everything in case something shuts down, we are still able to provide energy for guests," Hardy said.
Although progress was made, committee members are unsure when the solar panels will be installed. The board recently sent a request for qualification (RFQ) to New-England based companies to be considered for the design, construction and operation of the PV array.
Farrell hopes that the board will choose a company from the solar industry by September.
"It is not a fast process, but we are hoping that certainly within three to four years that we will be effectively carbon neutral. It's a real visionary project that we are excited about," Hardy said.
While Star Island has escaped many of modern day conveniences, with hotel guests continuing to fill pitchers full of hot water to their upstairs rooms and no television access — the installation of panels would catapult the sea-bound land into the future more than most mainland businesses.
Even though the second largest — and most heavily traveled — island has maintained its rustic feel, detached from the hurriedness of the modern world, a committee is looking to embrace change and install solar panels. The proposed photo voltaic (PV) units would reduce the need for the diesel-generated power the island currently uses to meet its peak summer energy demands.
"This project is really interesting because we are a microcosm of society. We supply all of our energy and wastewater needs for the island on site and we can see very quickly how one thing impacts another," Jack Farrell, facilities superintendent on Star Island, said.
Farrell also noted that because the island has so many hurdles to jump from transportation to installation on the 43-acre island, if the committee is able to install "green" energy than most mainland businesses could easily follow in their footsteps.
According to Victoria Hardy, CEO of the Star Island Corporation, the island has been interested in weaning off the fossil-fuel burning generators for a long time due to the volatile price of diesel. The island spends and average of $80,000 to $90,000 each year on powering the three generators, making the installation of an alternative energy source viable. Over 20 percent of the electricity is drawn from the reverse osmosis treatment plant, which converts up to 6,000 gallons of salt water to fresh for island occupants.
Due to the less than ideal conditions, the island committee began researching alternative energies. In 2005, committee members teamed up with a group at University of Massachusetts Amherst to determine the feasibility of wind power. The study found that although the island is exposed to turbulent wind during the winter months — calculated as high as 93 miles per hour in some areas — but not enough in the summer when demand is highest.
The committee again began seeking alternative energy solutions in April 2011, this time working closely with Rockland Maine Island institute — a company geared specifically toward island communities, energy, education and livelihoods of small islands. The study found solar panels were the most feasible option.
Although the panels almost entirely replace the fossil fuel run system, the island would continue to keep one generator as a back up in case of a bad spat of weather.
"The island experiences harsh weather conditions and we have a back up system for everything in case something shuts down, we are still able to provide energy for guests," Hardy said.
Although progress was made, committee members are unsure when the solar panels will be installed. The board recently sent a request for qualification (RFQ) to New-England based companies to be considered for the design, construction and operation of the PV array.
Farrell hopes that the board will choose a company from the solar industry by September.
"It is not a fast process, but we are hoping that certainly within three to four years that we will be effectively carbon neutral. It's a real visionary project that we are excited about," Hardy said.
While Star Island has escaped many of modern day conveniences, with hotel guests continuing to fill pitchers full of hot water to their upstairs rooms and no television access — the installation of panels would catapult the sea-bound land into the future more than most mainland businesses.
2012年8月8日 星期三
Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs May Have Dark Side When It Comes To Health
Everybody knows that one good way to prevent a sunburn is to stay inside, where you're safe from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Right?
Well, that may not be true anymore if your house is lit with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Last month, researchers from the State University of New York at Stony Brook showed in a paper that tiny defects in the bulbs can let through UV light that can damage skin cells and lead to cancer.
The researchers' data, published in the journal Photochemistry and Photobiology, is preliminary, and based on experiments in a lab. In other words, there aren't any known cases of sunburn from light bulbs yet. The researchers say it's also not that hard to avoid the dangerous rays; they recommend putting the light behind glass or keeping a few feet away from the bulb.
But this still isn't great news for compact fluorescent bulbs, which have gained popularity in recent years as federal efficiency standards began phasing out the widespread use of UV-free incandescent bulbs. And naturally, we at Shots wondered if the other big player in the future of lighting — light-emitting diodes, or LEDs — have any health risks of their own.
First we had to understand why a household light bulb would produce UV light in the first place. As it turns out, all fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury vapor, which emits a lot of UV rays when hit with an electric current. Normally that UV is absorbed by a layer of molecules, called phosphors, on the inside of the bulb and reappears as safe white light.
But if that phosphor coating cracks, UV light escapes. And according to the researchers at Stony Brook, defects are common. They saw bald spots in nearly all the bulbs they collected from retail stores.
They blame the manufacturing process, when the bulbs are twisted into their signature spiral shape. "That's when you get into trouble, because [phosphor] is brittle, and it can't take the curve," says materials science professor Miriam Rafailovich, who led the research.
LEDs also typically need phosphors to make white light, but fortunately for the fair-skinned, the similarity ends there. Inside most white LED bulbs is a blue light source, which is converted to a full spectrum of colors by phosphors. Even if the phosphor coating is damaged, the blue light within sits firmly on the visible spectrum, and poses no danger to human skin.
"There is no UV component to LEDs, as far as I know," says Terry McGowan, director of engineering and technology for the American Lighting Association.
On the other hand, all that blue light can trick your body into thinking that it's daytime. That can be a good thing if you work in a windowless office, or suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
But spend too much time under blue light, especially at night, and you may throw off your sleep cycle. "Human beings need bright days and dark nights," McGowan says. So while LED bulbs are a good choice for the workplace, they're a poor choice for the bedside.
Well, that may not be true anymore if your house is lit with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Last month, researchers from the State University of New York at Stony Brook showed in a paper that tiny defects in the bulbs can let through UV light that can damage skin cells and lead to cancer.
The researchers' data, published in the journal Photochemistry and Photobiology, is preliminary, and based on experiments in a lab. In other words, there aren't any known cases of sunburn from light bulbs yet. The researchers say it's also not that hard to avoid the dangerous rays; they recommend putting the light behind glass or keeping a few feet away from the bulb.
But this still isn't great news for compact fluorescent bulbs, which have gained popularity in recent years as federal efficiency standards began phasing out the widespread use of UV-free incandescent bulbs. And naturally, we at Shots wondered if the other big player in the future of lighting — light-emitting diodes, or LEDs — have any health risks of their own.
First we had to understand why a household light bulb would produce UV light in the first place. As it turns out, all fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury vapor, which emits a lot of UV rays when hit with an electric current. Normally that UV is absorbed by a layer of molecules, called phosphors, on the inside of the bulb and reappears as safe white light.
But if that phosphor coating cracks, UV light escapes. And according to the researchers at Stony Brook, defects are common. They saw bald spots in nearly all the bulbs they collected from retail stores.
They blame the manufacturing process, when the bulbs are twisted into their signature spiral shape. "That's when you get into trouble, because [phosphor] is brittle, and it can't take the curve," says materials science professor Miriam Rafailovich, who led the research.
LEDs also typically need phosphors to make white light, but fortunately for the fair-skinned, the similarity ends there. Inside most white LED bulbs is a blue light source, which is converted to a full spectrum of colors by phosphors. Even if the phosphor coating is damaged, the blue light within sits firmly on the visible spectrum, and poses no danger to human skin.
"There is no UV component to LEDs, as far as I know," says Terry McGowan, director of engineering and technology for the American Lighting Association.
On the other hand, all that blue light can trick your body into thinking that it's daytime. That can be a good thing if you work in a windowless office, or suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
But spend too much time under blue light, especially at night, and you may throw off your sleep cycle. "Human beings need bright days and dark nights," McGowan says. So while LED bulbs are a good choice for the workplace, they're a poor choice for the bedside.
2012年8月5日 星期日
City of lights fell into darkness
The city of lights fell into darkness due to prolonged announced and unannounced load shedding, causing trouble to citizens.
As per details on Saturday, two 220 KV and three 132 KV lines suspended electric supply, resulting in suspension of 20 out of all the 60 grid stations of Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC).
Almost 50 percent localities of the city went into darkness for 10 to 14 hours. Areas hit by the problem were North Nazimabad, Orangi Town, North Karachi, Defence, Saddar, Landhi, Garden, Lyari, Malir, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Gulistan-e-Jauhar and various parts of District East, West, and Central.
Massive electricity collapse also affected Eid shopping as except market of Tariq Road there was not a single market, where electricity supply was provided. Crime ratio increased during the period of darkness, as reportedly, 40 cell phones were snatched in every half an hour. Worshippers offering Taraweeh prayers in mosques also faced problems. Karachiites were forced to have Sehri without electricity and water.
In a statement issued here on Sunday, KESC stated that this unprecedented complex tripping had a cascading effect, which in turn led to automatic tripping of approximately 35% to 40% of the Grid Stations supplying power to the city.
The unexpected tripping on the Extra High Tension Transmission (EHT) circuits was brought about by the consistently high levels of stagnant humidity on the outskirts of the city where these transmission lines are located.
In early morning hours of Sunday, Jamshoro Transmission Line also went into tripping, which led to the suspension of 650MW from NTDC, further adding to the situation of power outage in the city.
KESC task teams were mobilised immediately and a state of emergency was declared in KESC main command and control center.
The situation was brought under control by the early hours of the morning and many of the areas were powered up. Unfortunately, during this period of crisis some unscrupulous elements of society committed thefts at a number of substations stealing expensive equipment like bus bars, grips and panels. This has led to isolated consumer issues, which are being addressed on war footing.
Meanwhile, massive electricity failure also hit the pumping stations of water supply of Water Board at Dhabeji, Pipri and Gharo. A 72-inch pipeline of the Water Board has also burst due to the repeated power ons and offs. Talking to Daily Times, Managing Director of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) Misbahuddin Farid said, “Electricity failure started yesterday night after 08:00am, which affected KWSB’s many pumping stations.” Farid said that continuously ons and offs of electricity created technical problems in stations through which on Sunday 80 percent routine water could not be supplied to the metropolis and three to four days would be required to fulfill this huge gap.
As per details on Saturday, two 220 KV and three 132 KV lines suspended electric supply, resulting in suspension of 20 out of all the 60 grid stations of Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC).
Almost 50 percent localities of the city went into darkness for 10 to 14 hours. Areas hit by the problem were North Nazimabad, Orangi Town, North Karachi, Defence, Saddar, Landhi, Garden, Lyari, Malir, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Gulistan-e-Jauhar and various parts of District East, West, and Central.
Massive electricity collapse also affected Eid shopping as except market of Tariq Road there was not a single market, where electricity supply was provided. Crime ratio increased during the period of darkness, as reportedly, 40 cell phones were snatched in every half an hour. Worshippers offering Taraweeh prayers in mosques also faced problems. Karachiites were forced to have Sehri without electricity and water.
In a statement issued here on Sunday, KESC stated that this unprecedented complex tripping had a cascading effect, which in turn led to automatic tripping of approximately 35% to 40% of the Grid Stations supplying power to the city.
The unexpected tripping on the Extra High Tension Transmission (EHT) circuits was brought about by the consistently high levels of stagnant humidity on the outskirts of the city where these transmission lines are located.
In early morning hours of Sunday, Jamshoro Transmission Line also went into tripping, which led to the suspension of 650MW from NTDC, further adding to the situation of power outage in the city.
KESC task teams were mobilised immediately and a state of emergency was declared in KESC main command and control center.
The situation was brought under control by the early hours of the morning and many of the areas were powered up. Unfortunately, during this period of crisis some unscrupulous elements of society committed thefts at a number of substations stealing expensive equipment like bus bars, grips and panels. This has led to isolated consumer issues, which are being addressed on war footing.
Meanwhile, massive electricity failure also hit the pumping stations of water supply of Water Board at Dhabeji, Pipri and Gharo. A 72-inch pipeline of the Water Board has also burst due to the repeated power ons and offs. Talking to Daily Times, Managing Director of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) Misbahuddin Farid said, “Electricity failure started yesterday night after 08:00am, which affected KWSB’s many pumping stations.” Farid said that continuously ons and offs of electricity created technical problems in stations through which on Sunday 80 percent routine water could not be supplied to the metropolis and three to four days would be required to fulfill this huge gap.
2012年8月1日 星期三
SA Energy Campaign Enlists Youth
South Africa's 49m energy efficiency campaign is enlisting the help of the country's youth in saving electricity, with Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba hosting a youth dialogue workshop in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The 49m campaign - an Eskom initiative so named to reflect the population of the country - was launched in March last year by Gigaba and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe as a response to the country's constrained power system, climate change, the recent economic downturn, and rising electricity costs.
The campaign encourages individuals and corporates to lead energy-smart lifestyles to help save the planet and their pockets.
"The Y-Generation has power to influence change if each and every one of them could realise their power," Gigaba said at Tuesday's session at the Hyatt Hotel in Rosebank.
It formed part of an initiative of Johannesburg-based radio station YFM - which holds regular monthly sessions with young leaders who are key influencers in their communities - in partnership with 49m.
In his address, Gigaba urged young South Africans to break away from an energy-dependent mindset that is fast becoming obsolete.
"Energy inefficiency is no longer a sign of wealth or power, instead it has been associated with irresponsibility to its far-reaching negative effects," he said.
Over 1.2-billion people live in the dark, and Gigaba said that if people do not begin to save they may never know the benefits of internet access, medical technology or just sheer light and warmth.
Many South African youth are heavily dependent on energy-consuming appliances to simply survive during winter, but Gigaba encouraged them to find other ways to stay warm, such as wrapping themselves in a blanket and a hot water bottle.
"Energy efficiency is as simple as adapting to what 49M urges, and that is doing more with less," he said.
"Influencing parents to switch off the geyser during peak hours and not leaving the fridge door open for longer than necessary puts less strain on them when having to foot the electricity bill at the end of the month."
He also reminded them to spread the message to their families and peers to "flick that switch" when leaving the room.
The 49m campaign - an Eskom initiative so named to reflect the population of the country - was launched in March last year by Gigaba and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe as a response to the country's constrained power system, climate change, the recent economic downturn, and rising electricity costs.
The campaign encourages individuals and corporates to lead energy-smart lifestyles to help save the planet and their pockets.
"The Y-Generation has power to influence change if each and every one of them could realise their power," Gigaba said at Tuesday's session at the Hyatt Hotel in Rosebank.
It formed part of an initiative of Johannesburg-based radio station YFM - which holds regular monthly sessions with young leaders who are key influencers in their communities - in partnership with 49m.
In his address, Gigaba urged young South Africans to break away from an energy-dependent mindset that is fast becoming obsolete.
"Energy inefficiency is no longer a sign of wealth or power, instead it has been associated with irresponsibility to its far-reaching negative effects," he said.
Over 1.2-billion people live in the dark, and Gigaba said that if people do not begin to save they may never know the benefits of internet access, medical technology or just sheer light and warmth.
Many South African youth are heavily dependent on energy-consuming appliances to simply survive during winter, but Gigaba encouraged them to find other ways to stay warm, such as wrapping themselves in a blanket and a hot water bottle.
"Energy efficiency is as simple as adapting to what 49M urges, and that is doing more with less," he said.
"Influencing parents to switch off the geyser during peak hours and not leaving the fridge door open for longer than necessary puts less strain on them when having to foot the electricity bill at the end of the month."
He also reminded them to spread the message to their families and peers to "flick that switch" when leaving the room.
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