Tag Archives: GHG

News, Politics, Government

Are EVs Really Green?

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By Dave Hurst, Contributor

In a recent article in IEEE’s Spectrum magazine, “Unclean at any Speed,” Ozzie Zehner argues that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are essentially trading one environmental problem for another rather than moving the ball forward on clean transportation.  He makes a compelling case by arguing that the greenhouse gas (GHG) cost of electricity generation is too high, the production of BEVs is worse than gasoline vehicles, and that any personal automobile is ultimately worse for the environment than public transit.  I believe he falls short of proving his point because, as with many of these types of articles, he either misses or cherry picks some key facts from a number of studies. …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest

Religious Prophecies

Obamas Climate Change Plan Doesnt Add Up – US News and World Report

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By Dave Robbins

All we need to know about the presidents speech on climate change is revealed by whats missing: Nowhere did he tell us what effects on future temperatures or climate can be expected from his policy proposals on greenhouse gases GHG. Read More: Obamas Climate Change Plan Doesnt Add Up – US News and World Report.

The post Obamas Climate Change Plan Doesnt Add Up – US News and World Report appeared first on Endtime Ministries | End Of The Age | Irvin Baxter.

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Source: Endtime Ministries

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

CEMEX Signs Research Agreement with Earth Engineering Center, Columbia University and City College o

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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CEMEX Signs Research Agreement with Earth Engineering Center, Columbia University and City College of New York

MONTERREY, Mexico & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (“CEMEX“) (NYS: CX) announced today a collaboration agreement with the Earth Engineering Center (EEC) at Columbia University and City College of New Yorkin which EEC will conduct a year-long study of the life cycle effects of using alternative fuels in cement manufacturing. This study will result in a better understanding of the role that alternative fuels play in society and the environment.

“This collaboration with EEC underscores the urgency of searching for alternative fuels given the continuing rise of oil prices and the increase of waste in landfills,” said Luis Farias, CEMEX‘s Senior Vice President of Energy and Sustainability. “The alternative fuel strategy has already enabled CEMEX to avoid the emission of approximately 2.5 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere per year.”

Led by Professors Nickolas Themelis and Marco Castaldi, from Columbia University and the City College of New York, respectively, the study will focus on waste combustion technologies implemented in CEMEX kilns in the United States and Mexico.

“The study is of great interest to the EEC because cement production is the largest materials-based high-temperature process worldwide, therefore, cement kilns present a great potential to reduce the amount of wastes in landfills,” explained Professor Themelis. “This study provides EEC with the opportunity to develop a knowledge position similar to that EEC has attained in the global waste-to-energy technology and industry.”

Since 2005, CEMEX has invested more than US$ 175 million, adjusting its production process and installing equipment to use alternative fuels in its cement kilns. In 2012, CEMEX achieved approximately a 27% alternative fuel substitution rate in its cement production. CEMEX is on track to achieve its target of a 35% alternative fuel substitution rate in cement production by 2015.

The substitution of fossil fuels with alternative fuels result in numerous benefits such as the reduction of GHG emissions and use of greenfields for land filling, the displacement of fossil fuels, and lower energy costs.

About EEC

The principal focus of EEC research is sustainable waste management and in particular the recovery of energy and materials from solid wastes. Some key EEC accomplishments include the BioCycle-Columbia bi-annual survey of waste generation and disposition in the U.S., three books on waste-to-energy, and over one …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Baxter Taps New Technologies, Forms Collaborations to Improve Environmental Sustainability and Acces

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Baxter Taps New Technologies, Forms Collaborations to Improve Environmental Sustainability and Access to Healthcare


Baxter and its Foundation Address Critical Community Needs

DEERFIELD, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Baxter International Inc. (NYS: BAX) is incorporating innovative technologies and has recently established new partnerships in its commitment to environmental sustainability and increasing access to healthcare. Recently the company initiated installation of a trigeneration unit at its Toongabbie, australia manufacturing facility, and developed strategic partnerships to decrease barriers to care in rural China and optimize environmentally responsible product transportation. The company also announced its 2012 charitable giving figures and community support initiatives.

Employees from Baxter Vietnam‘s facility provided fun activities for children living at Hoa Binh (Peace) Village, a specialist school and medical center for child victims of Agent Orange and dioxin poisoning, as part of a volunteerism event during Making a Meaningful Difference Month. (Photo: Business Wire)

Baxter’s Toongabbie, Australia Facility Initiates Installation of Trigeneration Unit

Baxter’s Toongabbie, australia manufacturing facility recently began installation of a trigeneration unit at the facility to improve energy efficiency while reducing total facility energy cost. Trigeneration is an industrial-scale process where a single fuel source is used to generate electricity and thermal energy for both heating and cooling. Trigeneration reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) related to electricity consumption, improves power reliability by protecting the facilities from manufacturing interruptions that may occur from local utility outages, and allows the facility to use the byproduct heat (thermal energy) from electricity generation for other plant operations, further reducing facility energy cost. Several other Baxter sites use cogeneration to generate electricity and thermal energy for heating, including facilities in Castlebar, Ireland; Istanbul, Turkey; Lessines, Belgium; and Sabiñánigo, Spain.

Baxter estimates that the trigeneration unit will reduce electricity-related GHG emissions 38 percent annually and expects system completion by year end 2013. The facility received a $2.2 million clean energy grant from the Australian Government’s Clean Technology Investment Program as incentive for investing in cleaner energy. Baxter’s Toongabbie headquarters has also incorporated environmental features such as double glazing windows to reduce heat load, placement of 150 solar panels on the roof for electricity and reuse of rainwater for toilet use.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Science & Technology

Transportation study reveals potential for deep cuts to petroleum use and carbon emissions

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The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) today announced the release of the Transportation Energy Futures (TEF) study, an assessment of avenues to reach deep cuts in petroleum use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Phys.org

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Sprint Receives Frost & Sullivan Award for Green Excellence

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Sprint Receives Frost & Sullivan Award for Green Excellence

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Global consulting and analyst firm Frost & Sullivan has awarded Sprint [NYSE:S] its 2013 North American Award for Green Excellence. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated superior technological advancement, which is aligned with a sustainable and environmentally conscious objective within its industry sector.

“Sprint has implemented more green initiatives than any competing mobile operator in the country,” said Frost & Sullivan Mobile & Wireless Research Director Brent Iadarola. “This award recognizes Sprint for its identification of unique and revolutionary solutions while integrating sustainability into every level of its business.”

Sprint was recognized for its widespread commitment to sustainability, particularly in areas where the carrier has led the telecommunications industry by making an aggressive commitment or by being the first to address and seek solutions to specific issues. For example, Sprint’s partnership with UL Environment (ULE) produced the first environmental standard for mobile devices, ULE 110. The ULE 110 standard sets product guidelines in manufacturing and operations, performance, energy management, sustainable innovation and packaging.

Sprint was also the first – and continues to be the only – U.S. wireless carrier to outline specific commitments that address electronic waste (e-waste) holistically by focusing on the full lifecycle of the electronics it buys and sells. Its Electronics Stewardship Policy, developed with guidance from BSR, Basel Action Network and ABI Research, publicly states Sprint’s pledge to responsibly recycle electronic scrap while striving to boost equipment recycling and reuse. To date, the carrier’s groundbreaking device trade-in program, Sprint Buyback, and other wireless device recycling programs have collected more than 47 million devices while putting more than $100 million back in customers’ pockets.

Sprint has the most aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) emission-reduction goals of any U.S. wireless carrier and was the first to publicly announce an absolute emission reduction goal. It’s more than halfway to its goal of a 20 percent absolute emission reduction by 2017, thanks in part to the introduction of more-efficient equipment as part of Network Vision, an increase in renewable energy purchases, energy efficiency improvements at its data centers and a shift to more fuel-efficient SmartWay certified fleet vehicles.

The carrier has also committed to reducing paper use by 40 percent by 2017, and has made tremendous headway on that goal thanks to innovations like its reusable, two-in-one- ecoEnvelope™. Even Sprint’s Overland Park campus – with its recycled rainwater, native wetlands and bird species and …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Helping Deliver More Sustainable Olympic Games, Dow Becomes the Official Carbon Partner of Sochi 201

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Helping Deliver More Sustainable Olympic Games, Dow Becomes the Official Carbon Partner of Sochi 2014

Celebrating 40 years in Russia, the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Movement will help the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee to deliver Games with minimal impact on the climate

SOCHI, Russia–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The Dow Chemical Company (NYS: DOW) , Worldwide Partner and the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Games, has been announced today by the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee as the Official Carbon Partner of the XXII Olympic Winter Games, to be staged from February 7-23, 2014. The direct carbon footprint associated with the delivery of the Games will be mitigated through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, with improved greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions performance in the key areas of infrastructure, industry and agriculture. All projects will be implemented in the Russian Federation, generating savings and long-lasting benefits to the host country’s economy.

From the very beginning of its journey to host the Olympic Winter Games for the first time in Russian history, Sochi 2014 has set the bold goal of delivering the Games with minimal impact on the climate. In order to help the Organizing Committee fulfill its vision toward generating change and raising awareness around climate change in Russia, Dow will work with local companies and marketing partners of Sochi 2104 to mitigate the estimated carbon footprint associated by the Organizing Committee with the hosting of the Games.

“We aim to be the most innovative Olympic Winter Games in history, and our long-lasting positive impact will leave behind an unparalleled heritage not only to Sochi and the Krasnodar Region, but to Russia and its people for generations to come,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko, president of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games Organizing Committee. “With its vast experience, world-class leadership in the industry and a wide range of innovative solutions, Dow is the trustworthy partner to help us on our journey to deliver more sustainable and innovative Games.”

The energy-efficient projects planned for implementation in Russia will enable the Organizing Committee to mitigate its carbon footprint and will also bring benefits to the country’s economy in the long term by targeting upgrades in building infrastructure, optimization of farming practices and enhancements on industrial processes. “We are very excited with the opportunity to work with Sochi 2014, Dow customers, and Olympic Partners to contribute to the sustainability vision of the first Olympic Winter Games in Russia – a country where Dow …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Office Depot Receives Climate Leadership Award from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Office Depot Receives Climate Leadership Award from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Company Recognized for Achieving 29 Percent Carbon Footprint Reduction in the U.S., Aggressively Beating its 20 Percent Reduction Goal One Year Ahead of Schedule

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Office Depot, Inc. (NYS: ODP) , a leading global provider of office supplies and services, today announced that it has been recognized with a Climate Leadership Goal Achievement Award for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA‘s) Center for Corporate Climate Leadership, the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate & Energy Solutions (C2ES), and The Climate Registry (The Registry).

Shela Fletcher, Senior Manager of Environmental Strategy, Office Depot, and Dan Depace, Senior Director of Real Estate Finance, Office Depot, Accept the Goal Achievement Award at the Climate Leadership Conference from Elizabeth Craig, Director, Climate Protection Partnerships Division, U.S. EPA. (Photo: Business Wire)

The awards were presented during the Climate Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. on February 28, to recognize and encourage exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in reducing carbon pollution and addressing climate change.

“I commend Office Depot for its exemplary commitment and dedication to tackling the challenge of climate change,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA‘s Office of Air and Radiation. “Office Depot and all our Climate Leadership Award winners are reducing harmful carbon pollution, increasing efficiency and cutting waste at the same time.”

The Goal Achievement Award recognizes organizations that publicly report and verify Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories and achieve aggressive reduction goals. In 2010, in collaboration with EPA‘s former Climate Leaders program, Office Depot adopted a goal of reducing U.S. GHG emissions by 20 percent by 2012, with 2007 as a baseline year. By the end of 2011, Office Depot had achieved a 29 percent reduction in the U.S. versus its baseline year.

“Office Depot recognizes that taking action on climate change is good for business and good for the environment,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, Senior Director of Environmental Strategy for Office Depot. “We’ve made a series of fiscally sound investments in energy efficiency that have far exceeded our investment performance requirements, delivered rapid ROI, and reduced our carbon footprint substantially. By achieving our carbon reduction goal, we’ve …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

New Advanced Modine Cooling System Improves Fuel Economy for Transit Buses

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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New Advanced Modine Cooling System Improves Fuel Economy for Transit Buses

RACINE, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Modine Manufacturing Company (NYS: MOD) , a world leader in thermal innovation, supplies its Advanced Cooling System technology to help over one hundred transit agencies in the United States and Canada save taxpayer dollars by reducing parasitic engine loss, which saves fuel and lowers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The system also offers a significant reduction in maintenance costs, increased service life and increased safety over conventional hydraulically-driven fan systems by reducing oil circuits and components. The state-of-the-art light-weight heat exchanger technology is designed to meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2010 and 2013 emission regulations for clean air requirements.

Modine Advanced Cooling System (Photo: Business Wire)

Modine’s Advanced Cooling System utilizes the latest in environmentally-sealed variable speed brushless electric fan (EFAN) technology for long life and superior durability. All EFAN communication is controlled directly by the engine and transmission control modules via a system controller eliminating the need for extra sensors further increasing system reliability. Furthermore, the variable speed EFANs are located in specific banks eliminating overcooling of other heat exchangers. This is a significant improvement over the conventional large, single cooling fan system which cools all heat exchangers when there is demand for only one. Modine’s high-efficiency heat exchanger technologies allow these EFANs to run at very low speeds most of the time keeping power consumption and noise levels to an absolute minimum. In summary, this precise temperature control lowers GHG emissions, significantly improves fuel economy and extends engine life.

The Advanced Cooling System features a Modine GOHAR radiator and Bullet-Nose™ charge-air cooler which are designed specifically for the tough requirements of transit buses. The new light-weight aluminum radiator drastically increases durability and service life, and eliminates the historical vintage copper-brass core failure modes. Modine GOHAR radiators utilize proprietary high-strength, long-life aluminum alloys, which significantly improve the corrosion-resistance of the heat exchanger. The Bullet-Nose™ charge-air cooler employs a unique vacuum-brazed process compatible with the new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines, which have significantly grown in popularity in the transit bus market. In addition, Modine also designs and manufactures state-of-the-art stainless steel layered core (LCOC) transmission oil retarder coolers found in many applications. These high-efficiency coolers offer a substantial weight and durability improvement in a much smaller envelope compared to traditional shell-and-tube oil coolers.

Modine’s Advanced Cooling Systems are now employed in diesel, CNG and hybrid applications with reports of fuel savings of up to 15 percent. In …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

News, Politics, Government

Rethinking Our Response to Climate Change: Carbon Wedges 2.0

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By William Pentland, Contributor

New York City could cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% by 2050 by implementing a portfolio of energy reduction measures using existing technologies, according to a report released last week by the Urban Green Council. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest

Automobiles

Report: Range Rover dropping V8 base engine in favor of supercharged V6

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By Jonathon Ramsey

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The 2013 Range Rover is on waiting lists so long that Land Rover isn’t even importing the base model for lack of sufficient uptake in view of limited resources. When that backlog is all cleared up, there’s a 15-page booklet worth of changes coming for the 2014 model year, the biggest of which is the disappearance of the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. It will be replaced in the base Range Rover and the HSE with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6.

The new Rangie’s aesthetics have changed to help it improve its overall Earth friendliness, and that’s the reason given for the engine switch: following “the widespread industry trend to downsize engines due to GHG [greenhouse gasses] legislation which requires continuing efforts to improve emissions and fuel consumption.” The V8 produced 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, the supercharged V6 gets 340 hp and 332 lb-ft. That slows the 0-to-60 mile-per-hour time from 6.5 seconds to 7.1, but improves gas mileage by two miles per gallon across the board to 16 city, 22 highway and 18 combined and CO2 emissions drop by 22 percent. Stop/start will come standard on both the V6 and the supercharged 5.0-liter V8, that latter engine still standard fitment on the Supercharged and Autobiography trims.

Elsewhere on the velveteen exploration mobile, the price of the Adaptive Cruise Control will drop from $2,000 to $1,295. The Active Rear Locking Differential gets combined with the Tow Package; both are available separately on the Supercharged and Autobiography trims for $1,400 total right now, combined the two will cost $1,300 on the 2014 model. The LED signature lamps, an option with the Vision Assist package, will be standard across the range, and two new colors are added and one disappears. Click the link below to read the entire document, and you might want to rearrange your place on that waiting list if you’re read something you like.

Range Rover dropping V8 base engine in favor of supercharged V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Science & Technology

Cities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent

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Cities around the world can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by implementing aggressive but practical policy changes, says a new study by University of Toronto Civil Engineering Professor Chris Kennedy and World Bank climate change specialist Lorraine Sugar, one of Kennedy’s former students. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Phys.org

Science & Technology

Predicting a low carbon future for Toronto

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Cities are major players in the climate change game. More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas and over 70% of global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions can be attributed to cities. A case study of Toronto demonstrates alternative strategies for how the city can implement a low carbon urban infrastructure plan by 2031. Two scenarios are described: one based on Toronto’s current policies was found to reduce GHG emissions by 31%; and another suggests aggressive alternatives that could reduce GHG emissions by 71%. Strategies under the aggressive scenario include retrofitting all existing buildings, using renewable heating and cooling systems, and the proliferation of electric cars. This study is published in the Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Phys.org