Deciding that "Hey, all this green building actually saves us money!" massive media chain Best Buy will only be constructing eco-friendly stores starting in early 2008. The shift in construction methods — according to the United States Green Building Council — will save the corporation almost one-third in energy costs. Over time, that’s big bucks, considering how large Best Buy’s outlets are. From the article,

"The Best Buy prototype will have some combination of energy-efficient lighting, rainwater recycling, recycled or otherwise eco-friendly building materials, a high-efficiency HVAC system and some type of day-lighting system."

One of the technologies most likely under consideration for the day-lighting system is something called "Hybrid Solar Lighting". This tech — somewhat related to how the Egyptians used to light the inside of their massive structures — uses mirrors to direct light through optical fibres connected to specially adapted bulbs. If it gets cloudy outside, the sensors automatically adjust internal standard lighting conditions appropriately. Using such systems can save a store like Best Buy more than 8,000 kilowatt hours a year in heating and cooling costs. According to some studies, such natural lighting conditions are also good for your health.

Anyways, this move by Best Buy is encouraging since of the more than 800 LEED certified projects out there, only 50 are retail. If BB can take the first step in committing to sustainable building, hopefully the other big box stores will not be far behind. Stay tuned.

via Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal

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The Bentonville Diaries: Bentonville Sam’s Club

While these stories on solar efficiency going up and up might become as repetitive as Al Gore on the cover of magazines, they’re still an important reminder that R&D, investments, and technology are moving ever forward in this industry.

It was announced today that the University of Delaware has achieved 42.8% efficiency with a silicon solar cell in the conversion of sunlight to energy. The previous record-holder of 40.7% efficiency may make this seem ho-hum, but this latest achievement allows for a much broader range of applications. How so? The earlier technology reached 40% using a solar cell with a thickness of almost one foot! The new process allows over 42% while keeping the cell to just under 1 centimeter. A massive difference indeed! From the article,

"This is a major step toward our goal of 50 percent efficiency,’ Barnett said. ‘The percentage is a record under any circumstance, but it’s particularly noteworthy because it’s at low concentration, approximately 20 times magnification. The low profile and lack of moving parts translates into portability, which means these devices easily could go on a laptop computer or a rooftop.’ Honsberg said the advance of 2 percentage points is noteworthy in a field where gains of 0.2 percent are the norm and gains of 1 percent are seen as significant breakthroughs."

Current solar arrays — lie the ones you might increasingly be seeing on rooftops — have commercially peaked at 17%. This latest breakthrough — which Dupont and the University are working to bring to market by 2010 — would allow the same energy output in less than half the space. Beautiful! Let’s hope price drops follow efficiency increases. One can dream, one can dream…

For more information on the achievement, please click here.

An almost 700 mile long fence between the US and Mexico border is raising alarm with environmentalists concerned about impacts to wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem. The fence is being created to help curb the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States; a construction move that Mexican officials claim will cause irreparable environmental damages. From the article,

A report prepared for the Mexican government by experts and environmental activists from Mexico and the US said the barriers could isolate border animals into smaller groups, affecting their genetic diversity. These include jaguars, Mexican black bears and the endangered antelope-like Sonora Pronghorn.

Additionally, the massive strong lights and other equipment adorning the perimeter line will upset animals with nocturnal systems and natural radar.

Proposed additions to the fence to help abate environmental concerns include "green corridors" — to easily allow the passage of animals, pollen, and other organisms — but not humans. These corridors would not have roads and would be difficult for peope to transverse. Additionally, environmentalists are petitioning for permeable sections that would allow water, pollen, and insects to pass — thereby keeping some form of connection between habitats.

Something tells me that the US Government is not going to let environmentalism stand in its way to keep out illegal immigrants. A 700 mile long fence seems like a rather crude and ancient way of dealing with the situation, but I’m at a loss on the subject to suggest alternatives. One does feel that animal habitats or migration routes will be cut off as a result. Have we given this construction project any thought beyond its intended use? Hit the jump for more.

While the world has been heaping praise upon hybrid technology for its mileage-boosting properties, a forgotten and alienated alternative has quietly been evolving with even more impressive green numbers. I’m speaking of diesel engines, of course, which, up until a few years ago, were nary on the radar of American consumers. Early diesel engines in the U.S. were dirty, loud, and generally associated with some pretty terrible cars. Buried under environmental regulations and poor sales, they faded away to only a handful of brands.

Today, the diesel engine has roared back to life as a versatile, efficient, and green alternative to standard petrol cars. Automakers have taken notice, and diesel options for upcoming models are being included in roadmaps. Of particular interest, earlier this month Honda showed off an Accord that gets 62.8 miles per gallon with its diesel engine. This is right up there with the best current hybrids have to offer — but with even more power. Emissions ratings are about the same, but the diesel Accord picks up points by burning fuel even cleaner when run on biodiesel. Honda expects to release the diesel edition as part of its 2010 model lineup.

Expect additional diesel cars around 2010 from Audi, Saab, BMW, Mini Cooper, and hopefully, Hummer.

via CNET

We all look at photos of air pollution in urban areas and cringe — how could anyone breathe the air in such settings? Then again, when you’re in the thick of a downtown city, very little indicates (beyond smell) that what you’re breathing is less than adequate for your health. Besides, you’ve got a meeting in 20 minutes!

Yes, the air (in America at least) is much better today than it was decades ago. The Clean Air Act did its job of extending the lives of urban dwellers and decreasing the particles in the air. Its effects, however, may only be temporary. After all, we’re a growing nation, with a growing transportation infrastructure, and a growing need for more and more energy. It’s unfathomable to believe for such an advanced civilization, but we’re still poisoning ourselves everyday — and the detriments are coming to light.

Obviously, breathing in polluted air is not good for our lungs, especially for those with asthma. A new study released yesterday, however, reports that our hearts as well may be at risk. According to the University of California, Los Angeles, tiny particles of soot from trucks and factories combine with cholesterol to activate genes that trigger hardening of the arteries. This reaction can then generate a heart attack. So likely is the relationship, that the American Cancer Society has reported a 6 percent increase in heart-and lung-related deaths for "every 10 micrograms per cubic meter rise in particulates".

Most damaging is diesel exhaust from large trucks, off-road vehicles, and construction equipment. In California yesterday, the nation’s toughest regulations to curb diesel pollution were passed. According to health officials, Californians could save between $18 billion and $26 billion in associated health care costs once there is full compliance by 2020. The new standards will also reduce nitrogen oxide by 32 percent and cut pollution attributed to particulate matter by 74 percent. And this is only with regulations on California’s construction industry! A showdown in 2008 to regulate diesel emissions spewed by big rigs entering and traveling within the state will reduce harmful emissions even more.

These are all important steps. We cannot continue to thump our chests and place our intelligence as a species above all while we irreparably damage our bodies and stare blindly at the consequences. There are alternatives. They are costly. They are not easy. But neither is the thought of continuing to live in a society where fresh air comes at a premium. Our hearts need to be in the right place.

As countless Discovery Channel specials have taught me: Throw enough water at any desert region and in a little more than a few days, you'll be staring at a lush paradise. Such is the case with Texas which — together with Oklahoma and Kansas — has received 330 percent its normal rainfall over the past several weeks. Every major river basin in the state flooded — a feat that has not occurred since 1957.

The result? Dense vegetation is now covering a massive portion of the state as seen in dramatic satellite images taken between June 11 and June 20th. From the article,

The deep, emerald green indicates regions where plants are growing more quickly or robust than average, and the dark, almost-black color marks where vegetation was most dense. Brown spots point to clouds or water on the ground, which in some cases may mask plant growth.

Quite the amazing development. Seeing something so generally "sandy-colored" turn into a lush region is a testament to the power of nature. Before Texans start considering climate change a feather in the cap, however, one must take into account that these massive rains killed more than a dozen people and displaced thousands more. In a time of year when Texans are fighting wildfires, they're now faced with copious water. Too much. Are such devastating unusual acts of nature set to occur more frequently or is this simply a "Every 50 Years" event? Can we afford to sit and ponder?

It's not just the environment that stands to benefit from renewable sources of energy like solar power. According to a new white paper released by the IC² Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, more than "123,000 new high-wage, technology-related, advanced manufacturing and electrical services jobs" could be generated by moving towards solar technologies. This is based on figures for the year 2020 if Texas were to pick up the reins right now.

Why such a glowing assessment? Texas has the sunlight, the land, and the backing of the people to make such alternative energy goals a reality. In a recent survey, 84 percent of Texas power consumers responded favorably to the question “Do you think the Texas Legislature should encourage investment in solar power in Texas?" Combined with rapidly decreasing costs of production and installation of solar cells worldwide, the timing appears right for the Lonestar State to capitalize on its energy potential. Already, plans are coming together to build the largest wind farm in the world in Texas.

With renewable power receiving an intense amount of investment and publicity, I have a feeling that the next decade will usher in a boom for skilled workers looking to capitalize on the next energy revolution. One hopes that more schools and programs will be created to satisfy the massive demand that is coming. The United States cannot afford to ignore these trends — especially in education — while the rest of the world graduates tomorrow's skilled labor force. Pony up, Texas. Lead the way.

Click here to download the Institute's report.

I’ve been a doubter of fuel cell technology for a very long time. Commercialization has always seemed just “over the next hill” with promises of “we’re almost there” silencing the eager in the backseat. Before going green was cool, and when gas purchases didn’t require a second thought, a hydrogen economy seemed too expensive, too laborious, and not worth the investment or effort. My, how things have changed.

Fuel cells are now poised to become a part of everything from our laptops to our heaters to our vehicles. One car maker, Honda, has been particularly active in investing in the future with their concept FCX fuel cell vehicle. On Tuesday, the FCX made its European debut in Sweden sporting some new features that are notably impressive over previous incarnations of the model. First off, the vehicle is highly efficient, with an energy efficiency of around 60 percent. According to the release, this is “approximately three times that of a petrol-engine vehicle, twice that of a hybrid vehicle and 10 percent better than the current FCX.”

Additionally, the new fuel cell stack is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the current Honda FCX FC Stack. Going small, however, hasn’t impacted power — the new model delivers 14kW over the previous. Overall, the power plant weighs less and is about 40% smaller in volume. This has allowed the engineers to design a vehicle that much more spacious and “modern” looking and less like a concept vehicle. Further promoting the FCX’s green credentials the interior fabric is made from Honda Bio-Fabric, a plant-based material that offers outstanding durability and resistance to sunlight damage. Interesting.

So, the next step in the evolution of Honda’s offering has arrived — and with a 30% greater range than its predecessor. If the industry can continue to reign in the investments and find support from federal and state governments, 10-15 years may actually be 10-15 years away. Call me a believer.

Is there a more iconic sports car than a blood red Ferrari? Sure, the Corvette is up there, but to me the Ferrari has always been the epitome of "zoom zoom". It's encouraging, therefore, to hear today that over the next decade, the Ferrari brand will become much more environmentally friendly.

While the company stopped short of announcing an all-electric model, such additions as regenerative breaking, advanced turbocharged engines, massive weight reductions and biofuels are all on the table. Plans are in place to reduce the weight of every car over its predecessor by 300kg. Engines will be downsized, and future Ferraris will be able to use E80 bioethanol fuel. Average CO2 emissions across the product line will be reduced from 400g/km to 250.

The regenerative breaking scheme will not go towards charging batteries (as happens with hybrids) but will instead be used to assist in shifting, allowing for smoother gear changes. The overall aerodynamics of the vehicle will also be improved to reduce drag and improve mileage.

These are small, but notable changes nonetheless for a car that might otherwise shy away from even admitting green intentions. One prediction: This is only the beginning. If the Tesla Roadster takes off — and battery technology continues to lose weight and gain power — we'll see Ferrari embrace a clean, green model down the road. My inner-child and retirement cash will be waiting.

Hit the jump for more.

Search for "Largest corporate solar installation in the U.S." and you'll see Google pop up in the results. As of yesterday, the search engine giant became a lot less dependent on the grid by flipping the switch on nearly 9,212 solar panels. The output of more than 1.6 megawatts will serve up enough energy to power almost 1/3 of the campus. For some perspective, that's enough energy to power more than 1,000 homes!

Not content, however, to simply let a few thousand solar panels represent their green values, Google also unveiled a new parking garage specifically designed for plug-in-electric vehicles and hybrid cars. Employees can now charge while at work and hit the road freshly juiced afterwards. "Wait a minute," you say. "There aren't any commercial plug-in cars available yet!" And you're right. So, to address this issue, Google is also taking hybrid vehicles and converting them to plug-ins so that they can cruise along on only electricity for longer periods of time and at greater speeds. According to the article, they've so far converted four Toyota Prius and two Ford Escapes. Almost 100 such conversions are planned for employees to use as a car-share program while at work. Who are these guys?

Hold on, there's more. Monday also marked the launch of Google's new philanthropic division, RechargeIT. The group has earmarked $10 million for investments in companies and projects that support alternative transportation that reduces the use of fossil fuels and emissions. You can also visit the site to see how the plug-in cars that Google has converted are performing.

To say this is encouraging would be a bit of an understatement. Would the rest of the corporate U.S. please pay attention? The future of business sustainability lies in example at Google HQ. We applaud their efforts and hope such green initiative become contagious nationwide.

Hit the jump for more.