Environment

Microwave Water to Save Energy

- Adam Clare

Pulsar Advanced Technologies will launch a new product that heats water on demand. It is a water heater that has super-heating capabilities because it uses microwaves to heat the water. By heating on demand it means that hot water will not have to be stored, which means that the deadly Legionella Pneumophila is a non-threat.

The heater, affectionately known as the Vulcanus MK4, will be shown in Toronto at a construction conference next week. The Vulcans MK4 can heat water from near-freezing to near-boiling in seconds.

Chinese Eco-Cities

- Adam Clare

The Guardian has reported that a few British companies have signed contracts to help build some environmentally friendly cities in China.

From the article “The eco-cities are regarded both as a prototype for urban living in over-populated and polluted environments and as a magnet for investment funds into the rapidly growing Chinese economy.”

It is arguable, and I suppose ironic, that the way that the Chinese government is structured that makes initiatives like this feasible, unlike in many Western nations. The article was also published before the recent oil spill, but the oil spill has sparked demands for more environmental action (thanks, Emily!).

For more information on the technical aspects of the first sustainable city check out the press release from Arup. This is a huge step in the right direction for China (which is notorious for poor environmental protection) and further places China in an international lead when it comes to environmentally friendly societies.

Solar in the SoCal

- Adam Clare 1 Comment

Wired has a really good article on a new solar power initiatives in California.
a good source of energy
From the article:

“There is a possibility with this project that solar energy could go commercial in a big way for the first time,” said Alexander. “It’s playing in the big leagues.”

Instead of using panels of photovoltaic cells — solar power’s mainstay technology for decades — Stirling Energy Systems uses 40-foot-tall curved dishes that focus the sun’s energy onto Stirling engines

Frog Power

- Cam Proctor 1 Comment

The frog from Bullfrog power, which I am quickly assured has no praticular relevance to renewable energy, has quite a lot to boast about nowadays becoming the first 100% green electricity retailer in Ontario. Electricity consumers, including 100 businesses and homeowners that have already switched, pay a higher rate of 8.3 cents per KWH (Ontario rates are 5.0 cents per KWH) on their electricity to ensure their electricity comes from EcoLogo Certified energy sources. Monies collected go towards fostering increased renewable energy development in Ontario such as small hydro, wind, landfill gas, biomass and solar, minimizing green house gas emmissions from coal fired generation.

Other parts of Canada and many other countries already have green power purchase programs in place. To name a short list: Scottland, France, Australia, British Columbia (Canada) and Europe. Programs such as Power to Change contributing to forest creation and stewardship to eliminate all green house gas emmissions resultant from human activites.

Canada’s Supreme Court Says NO to Pesticides

- Adam Clare 2 Comments

The Supreme Court of Canada has thrown out a case that would have challenged the right of municipalities to ban pesticides in their communities.

A pesticide producer tried to challenge legislation passed in Toronto that banned the use of pesticides. This is a major step in Canada since the issue of spraying nature with chemicals as been for the most part ignored. The court’s decision means that wary municipalities can now ban pesticides without fear of a lawsuit.

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