Start conserving before you leave home. On the day you leave for vacation, turn down the thermostat, lower the water heater and stop newspaper delivery.
Use the hotel’s towel and linen recycling service. Just like you don’t change your sheets everyday at home, you don’t need to have them changed everyday in the hotel.
Rent a hybrid car. Some eco-friendly hotels even offer free parking for hybrids.
Don’t waste. After opening the tiny shampoos and soaps take them home and finish them or use them on another trip.
When shopping on vacation, head to local markets, where you can purchase fresh food from local vendors. This benefits the community by increasing their economy, and you will get fresh fruits and veggies plus hand-made souvenirs.
Off-Season – Visit popular natural areas during their off season, reducing the number of peak season visitors and the impact crowds have on the environment.
Bring a "to go" cup to the coffee house and a reusable water bottle when you head to the beach. Those Styrofoam coffee cups and plastic water bottles are non-biodegradable trash and will be buried in the Earth for years to come. Some coffee houses will even give you a discount if you bring your own cup!
Offset flights through carbon program http://www.carbonfund.org/site/
Friday, 25 May 2007
Green Travel Tips
Print Greener With Greenprint
If we cannot have a paperless environment then the next best thing is to use less paper. GreenPrint Enterprise is waste-reducing software which was recently officially launched in the UK, enabling organisations to decrease the amount of paper and ink used when printing.
The IT department has an important role to play in reducing the amount of paper generated by computer systems. Employees should be asked to only print when really necessary and then only the content that is required. GreenPrint Technologies estimates that by using GreenPrint Enterprise an organisation with 20,000 employees could save 35.2 million pages annually, equating to 3,911 trees, and amounting to UK£1,267,200. It is not just paper usage that is an issue; ink is also a precious commodity, being 13 times more expensive than champagne by volume.
GreenPrint has the mission in life of creating products that make it easy to help the environment and save money at the same time. The company has developed GreenPrint Enterprise software, designed to reduce waste in office printing. It was created for organisations with multiple printers, although operates just as well in enterprises of ten or 10,000 employees. The application eliminates wasteful pages before they are printed, incorporates a PDF writer to provide an alternative to printing, and provides other options to save ink and toner.
The software highlights and removes unwanted pages and provides a print overview facility to enable the user to decide what is to be printed. In addition, there is an option to remove images or text from the printed page. GreenView, the reporting feature, tracks trees saved and the reduction in CO2 emissions as a result of using application. The results can be accumulated across the entire organisation, highlighting the overall environmental impact.
GreenPrint has also created the EverGreen font aimed at minimising paper use. The font has characters which are designed to enable more words to fit on each printed page without affecting readability. Compared with commonly used fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman, and Helvetica, EverGreen reduces paper usage by 15% to 20%..
Whilst a ‘green’ approach is obviously good for the environment, it can in many instances provide significant operational savings. Organisations must adopt a more environmentally friendly attitude using software such as that provided by GreenPrint, as well as creating effective policies and implementing a continual process of improvement.
A trial version of GreenPrint can be downloaded from www.printgreener.com.
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
New Fuel for 21st Century - Aluminum Pellets?
CHICAGO - Pellets made out of aluminum and gallium can produce pure hydrogen when water is poured on them, offering a possible alternative to gasoline-powered engines, US scientists say.
Hydrogen is seen as the ultimate in clean fuels, especially for powering cars, because it emits only water when burned. US President George W. Bush has proclaimed hydrogen to be the fuel of the future, but researchers have not yet found the most efficient way to produce and store hydrogen.
The metal compound pellets may offer a way, said Jerry Woodall, an engineering professor at Purdue University in Indiana who invented the system.
"The hydrogen is generated on demand, so you only produce as much as you need when you need it," Woodall said in a statement. He said the hydrogen would not have to be stored or transported, taking care of two stumbling blocks to generating hydrogen.
For now, the Purdue scientists think the system could be used for smaller engines like lawn mowers and chain saws. But they think it would work for cars and trucks as well, either as a replacement for gasoline or as a means of powering hydrogen fuel cells.
"It is one of the more feasible ideas out there," Jay Gore, an engineering professor and interim director of the Energy Center at Purdue's Discovery Park, said in a telephone interview on Thursday. "It's a very simple idea but had not been done before."
On its own, aluminum will not react with water because it forms a protective skin when exposed to oxygen. Adding gallium keeps the film from forming, allowing the aluminum to react with oxygen in the water.
This reaction splits the oxygen and hydrogen contained in water, releasing hydrogen in the process.
"I was cleaning a crucible containing liquid alloys of gallium and aluminum," Woodall said. "When I added water to this alloy -- talk about a discovery -- there was a violent poof."
What is left over is aluminum oxide and gallium. In the engine, the byproduct of burning hydrogen is water.
"No toxic fumes are produced," Woodall said.
"When and if fuel cells become economically viable, our method would compete with gasoline at US$3 per gallon even if aluminum costs more than a dollar per pound."
Recycling the aluminum oxide byproduct and developing a lower grade of gallium could bring down costs, making the system more affordable, Woodall said.
The Purdue Research Foundation holds title to the primary patent, which has been filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office. An Indiana startup company, AlGalCo LLC., has received a license for the exclusive right to commercialize the process.
Story by Julie Steenhuysen
REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
Friday, 18 May 2007
The Big Picture – Climate Change
by Hans Kunnen, May 2007
The climate change debate has hotted up, fuelled by the release of the Blair Government’s Stern Report; comments on emissions trading by Australian State and Commonwealth Governments; and the recent report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
The release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere has risen in the past 50 years and is predicted to grow exponentially in the next 100 years. The primary sources of these gases are the burning of fossil fuels, land-clearing and certain forms of agriculture.
The effect of these activities appears to be an increase in temperatures across all continents and an increase in ocean temperatures. According to the IPCC report, if current trends continue, we run the risk of seeing large scale changes in weather patterns and sea levels.
In response to these issues, Article 3 of the Kyoto Protocol states that the aim of the Protocol is to reduce the signatories overall greenhouse gas emissions to at least 5% below 1990 levels in the period 2008 to 2012.
2012 is just five years away.
Sources of concern
A major source of carbon dioxide is energy production. With a rising population, the globe is facing a rising demand for energy. Where will this energy come from? Sources include coal, gas, nuclear, wind, solar, tidal and ethanol, but at what cost? Coal is cheap but currently high in pollutants. Nuclear is expensive and comes with potential long-run baggage. Alternative energy sources are also expensive and face problems with meeting high and variable levels of demand.
Attempts to resolve these concerns will provide both challenges and opportunities.
Where the debate stands in Australia
Climate change has become a mainstream political issue with solutions falling into two broad camps. Market-based solutions, such as emissions trading are one approach, while regulation such as carbon taxes are another.
The 1997 UN sponsored Kyoto Protocol calls for a system of emissions trading combined with any other mechanisms to reduce emissions. Working against the Kyoto Protocol is the fact that several large polluting countries are not bound by the emission targets. Also, the Protocol focuses on the period 2008 to 2012. Beyond 2012 there is uncertainty. Australia is currently not a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol.
The State Governments of Australia established a National Emissions Trading Taskforce in 2004. It has outlined its principles for a possible national emissions trading scheme and is set to report in the second half of 2007.
Information on the initiative of the State Governments can be found at http://www.emissionstrading.net.au/home
More recently the Commonwealth Government established a Task Group on Emissions Trading which will report in May 2007. Its web site is http://www.dpmc.gov.au/emissionstrading/index.cfm
Very recently the Greens party announced that it wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020 and by 80% by 2050. This compares with a 60% reduction by 2050 suggested by the Australian Labor Party. To date the Government has been cautious about setting targets, suggesting that it wants to more fully understand the costs and implications of committing to specific targets.
In March of this year, the 27 European Union member governments approved a new target to cut their collective greenhouse gas emissions by 20% from the 1990 level by 2020.
The basics of emissions trading
The Government initially decides the quantity of emissions it will allow. It then gives companies permits to emit these greenhouse gases. Companies that cut their emissions may end up with excess permits that they can then sell to companies who need more permits. The quantity of emissions is fixed but the price of emissions is decided by the market.
Companies may also be able to purchase emission permits or carbon offsets from companies that absorb carbon. Tree planting is a common form of earning permits and the permits can be sold in the market. Even this, however, has its opponents. Tree planting in poorer nations has implications for local agriculture and the environment.
The example of Europe
Europe began phase one of its system of carbon trading in 2005 and a price for carbon emissions was established via the trading of permits in the market. As the graph below indicates the price has fallen since the early days of the scheme as it became apparent that during phase one, too many permits were granted.
Source: Bloomberg
The European scheme is now entering phase two and by all accounts it plans to significantly reduce the amount of carbon emissions it will allow.
The effectiveness of the European scheme has been questioned, and in the Australian context it is becoming apparent that any trading scheme must be transparent, enforceable and have a high standard of carbon accounting.
Wherever the debate ends, it appears as if individuals, businesses and governments will end up paying more for energy and water. In the past the atmosphere and the environment were thought of as a ‘free good’ with its capacity to absorb pollution regarded as unlimited. Few hold this view anymore.
Investment opportunities
Climate change is already producing investment opportunities. Victoria is spending a billion dollars on wind farms, the construction of which can affect several listed construction and infrastructure companies. Similarly the construction of water infrastructure offers investment opportunities, following developments at both State and Federal levels.
The development of infrastructure will assist the growth of both listed and unlisted infrastructure funds as investors seek assets with solid cash flows.
The recent rise in the price of uranium suggests that the markets believe that nuclear energy will be part of the response to climate change. The share price of Danish wind systems company, Vestas, is another indicator of market expectations.
In the years ahead companies will be looking for ways to reduce energy consumption. Others will be looking at alternative fuels, fuel technology and transport and heating options.
A major challenge for companies and investors will be to understand how the introduction of emissions trading, or other strategies for controlling emissions, will affect future earnings. Will certain industries be penalised? Will changes in the cost of energy affect consumption patterns in other parts of the economy?
As awareness of environmental issues has risen, so has the demand for ‘sustainable’ investments and sustainable investment funds. To move fund managers along this path, the United Nations has developed a set of principles for sustainable investing. Several fund managers, including Colonial First State, have agreed to abide by these principles, details of which can be found at http://www.unpri.org/
Until the authorities fully outline their approach it will be difficult for markets and consumers to make informed choices. In the meantime, we can all follow the debate with keen interest.
Top Ten Environmental Tips
| You can help protect the environment and save money at the same time by making a few simple changes at home. Here are ten easy ways to get started. |
| Save Energy |
|
Over half your energy bill is likely to come from heating and cooling so set your thermostat to the optimum temperatures: Winter – Maximum 20°C. Summer – No less than 26°C. Every 1°C can make a big difference to the amount of energy you use - up to 15% less. |
Even on standby mode, most electrical items still use electricity so make sure you turn of TV’s, computer monitors and other electrical appliances at the power point when not in use. And save around $100 a year too! |
| Save water |
|
Limit showers to 4 minutes – this can save over 25,000 litres a year on average. Better still, also install water efficient showerheads and save around 10 litres of water a minute. |
Turn off the tap whilst brushing your teeth or shaving. Leaving the tap running can waste up to 17 litres of water a minute. |
| Reduce waste and litter |
|
Over 40% of an average Australian household’s waste thrown away is food, garden or wood waste that doesn’t need to be there. Compost or recycle your waste instead |
Say NO to Plastic Bags. Take reusable bags for shopping instead. |
| Chemical-free cleaning |
|
Use less chemicals when cleaning. Bicarbonate of soda with water is great for cleaning benches, sinks & windows and deodorising carpets. |
For cleaning floors and windows add a cup of vinegar to every 1 litre of warm water. |
| Leave the car at home |
|
Ride your bike or walk wherever you can. By leaving your car at home for journeys up to 5km you could save around $1000 on fuel a year. |
Alternatives for getting to work? Car pool, catch public transport or ride a bike or electric scooter instead. |
Australian Government - Guide to reducing greenhouse gases
Global Warming Cool it
A home guide to reducing energy costs and greenhouse gases
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Earth Hour Results Amaze
More than 2 million Sydney residents joined Earth Hour on Saturday March 31 between 7.30 and 8.30 by flicking the switch, turning appliances off stand-by and enjoying an hour of quiet darkness, according to poll results.
Residents and businesses across the city showed their support for Earth Hour resulting in an impressive 10.2% drop in energy usage across the usually glittering CBD, according to Energy Australia.
This is double the anticipated energy saving and represents a reduction of 24.86 tonnes of carbon dioxide - the equivalent of taking 48,613 cars off the road for an hour.
"The overwhelming support for Earth Hour from Sydneysiders and from many communities across the country has amazed us and shows the willingness of both business and individuals to start cutting emissions," said WWF-Australia National Communications Manager Andy Ridley.
Polling company AMR Interactive surveyed close to 1000 Sydney residents and found 57% participated in Earth Hour by either switching off lights, turning off computers, televisions and other household appliances.
Energy Australia's Retail General Manager Tim O'Grady said the success of Earth Hour was evidenced in the energy savings made between 7.30 and 8.30 pm on Saturday night.
"People really got behind the cause and showed they care about global warming. We originally thought 5% would be a good result but this is more than double that - an exceptional result."
Leading into the event over 65,000 individuals were registered and over 2,000 businesses.
"We are thrilled with the participation and energy reduction results on the night which have been greatly exceeded our original expectations," Mr Ridley said.
"It shows Sydney is committed to reduce the threats linked to global warming and we hope Sydneysiders have proved by acting together we can start to make a difference."
Earth Hour was initiated by WWF-Australia and is the start of an ambitious campaign to cut Sydney's greenhouse gas emissions by 5% by March 2008.
Key stats
Of 937 Sydney residents surveyed by AMR Interactive, 57% had participated in Earth Hour by either switching off their lights (53%), turning off their computer (25%), turning off a household appliance (25%) or turning off the television (17%).
According to Energy Australia, for the hour between 7.30pm and 8.30pm on 31 March 2007, there was a 10.2% reduction in electricity consumption across the Sydney CBD. This is calculated as follows: Sydney CBD temperature during Earth Hour was 19.8c. Typical energy consumption at this temperature between 7.30 and 8.30 is 228,180 KWh. Actual electricity consumption in the Sydney CBD at this time was 204,900 KWh. Energy Australia analysed data over 4 years to get the typical consumption on a Saturday night in the CBD during March and April. This takes into account daylight savings and weather.
The energy saving during Earth Hour is equivalent to taking 48,613 cars off the road for one hour, or 200,000 standard televisions turned off for one hour. This represents a saving of 24.86 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Integral Energy manages the network covering Greater Western Sydney, The Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra. According to their Corporate Environment Manager, Denise Corish, their data showed that Earth Hour definitely had an effect. "Major substations in residential areas across western Sydney and also in parts of the Illawarra showed a noticeable drop in load between 7.15pm and 8.00pm, more than we would expect on a similar Saturday night. We noticed a steep decline in the first five minutes of Earth Hour, between 7.30 and 7.35pm, equivalent to the amount of electricity needed to power 6,500 homes."
30% of businesses on the ASX100 committed to Earth Hour
Over 2,000 businesses were committed to Earth Hour, some of the highlights include:
AGL offset greenhouse gas emissions for 180,000 NSW electricity customers for Earth Hour for the entire 24 hours of 31 March.
Coca-cola sign at Kings Cross was switched off intentionally for the first time since the 1970s.
Woolworths had a high level of staff awareness and dimmed lights in over 200 sites across Sydney. This included over 100 supermarkets, 60 liquor stores and 40 electronic stores.
Many Sydney icons were switched off for the hour including the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House sails and the Luna Park face.
90 McDonalds golden arches turned off across Sydney
Investa Property Group, a 3CBDs signatory, had 30 of its buildings that it manages participate in Earth Hour. This is equivalent to 500,000 m2 or approx 50,000 lights. A large proportion of tenants regularly lead the way by turning off on Saturday nights.
The Rockpool restaurant turned off all lights within the restaurant and kitchen except for four above the stove for safety and held a full house candlelit dinner (110 people). In total they turned off close to 300 lights.
Commonwealth Bank turned off all lights and signage in 17 office buildings in the three CBD's of Sydney. They also turned lights off in 30 Sydney branches. Earth Hour was promoted nationally to 35,000 staff, with 1000 staff registering support.
The City of Sydney had 283 buildings participate in Earth Hour with a floor area of 398,776 m2. This is approx 99,700 lights (allowance of 1 luminare/4 m2 for internal only) and external & facade lights at Sydney Town Hall, Town Hall House, Customs House, Paddington Town Hall, 540 George Street plus a number of other smaller sites.
The Asset Management Services division of Jones Lang LaSalle manage office towers on behalf of The GPT Group, DB RREEF, Lend Lease, APPFC, Macquarie Office Fund, QIC, GIC and AMP & Multiplex Capital. Excellent results were recorded at Darling Park, MLC Centre, Chifley Tower, Australia Square, Citigroup Centre and HSBC Centre where 98% of tenants participated in Earth Hour, which equates to approx 462,000 m2.
