Sustainability


Agencies Seek Nominations for Green Power Leader Awards

EPA, DOE, and the Center for Resource Solutions are sponsoring competitive awards that recognize commitment and achievements in green power.

German Ministry Calls Scientists for Sustainability Exchange

The Ministry of Education and Research has opened its Green Talents competition; deadline for application is June 20.

Green IT Recycling

Retiring IT Assets for Green Reasons

Disposing of outdated IT not only helps mitigate environmental risks but also delivers energy cost and productivity benefits.

Iowa State Study: Less Fossil Energy May Require More Labor

The researchers compared energy use of a conventionally managed corn and soybean system with two low-input systems that used more diverse crops and manure applications.

TCEQ Has Grants for Alternative Fuel and Hybrid Vehicles

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has $12 million in grants available; the deadline for application is June 30.

truck fumes

Maryland Professor to Study Soot Chemistry

Research by National Science Foundation award winner Peter Sunderland may help engine designers improve the way fuel is injected and burned.

EPA Report: Indicators Show Effects of Climate Change

Agency cites increases in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, rising average temperatures, and intense tropical cyclone activity.

UMass Study Sorts Protons Faster to Improve Hydrogen Fuel Cells

By combining conducting and nonconducting domains in the membrane’s nanostructured assembly, researchers improved conductivity performance.



Solutions Labs to Try Open Format for Big Ideas

Participants can create their own agenda using a wiki page.

14 Buildings Compete for Energy Efficiency Bragging Rights

EPA hosts first national building competition to improve energy efficiency

BIM Plug-in Opens Green Product Libraries

1st Pricing has developed a technology for architects and other designers who use CAD programs.

Haworth Achieves LEED-NC Gold Status Using Carbon Credits

The U.S. Green Building Council recognizes that there's more than one way to win the gold.

bio-oil pressure cooker

University of Michigan Pressure Cooks Algae Soup for Bio-oil

The $2-million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-funded research combines hydrothermal, catalytic, and biological approaches to make biofuel.

dan steele wireless

Wireless Spread Spectrum Radio SCADA for Water Facilities

Think of the monitoring possibilities: cathodic integrity for corrosion, pump station efficiency, and tank status.

pm25

U.S. Air Quality Somewhat Better in 2006-2008, ALA Says

The American Lung Association's annual State of the Air report attributes gains to emissions control equipment for coal-fired power plants and cleaner diesel fuel and engines.

Herman Miller Reaches 100% Green Energy Use Goal

Using renewable energy certificates and power purchase agreements, the company uses energy from the sun, wind, and water flow to power its operations.

New Biofuel Gasification Process Doubles Production

University of Massachusetts and University of Minnesota researchers used methane and carbon dioxide in a single reactor to lower greenhouse gases and make more fuel.

Wake Forest Study Suggests Pokeberries Could Make Solar Affordable

Red dye from purple pokeberries help trap more sunlight in fiber-based solar cells.

BAN Launches Electronics Recycling Certification

Both environmental groups and corporations back the e-Stewards initiative, according to the Basel Action Network.

Feds Recognize Sandia, ORNL for Recycling and Sustainability

Sandia National Laboratories recycled 124,333 pounds of electronics scrap through permitted electronics scrap recycling facilities while Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed net zero energy and sustainability initiatives.