Holographic Solar

A new technology replaces unsightly mirrored solar concentrators with flat panels laminated with holograms and could cut the cost of solar modules by as much as 75%.

via Treehugger

Technorati tag: Solar Power, Hologram

Germany has the world's largest solar park

16.5 km (10 miles) of solar panels have been mounted on former military grounds at Pocking, near Passau in Bavaria. The installation saves 10,000 tons of CO2 yearly--the equivalent of 1,000 hectares of woodlands. Construction cost 40 million euro (£27.8 million) and started in August 2005.

Technorati tag: Solar Power, Germany

MPs' Green press releases- who gives a damn about the profits of Tesco

Something of a slow week overall. Tesco's profits do merit investigation and curbing in some manner, I think.

Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary Praises Weston Recycling Initiative

Alan Duncan MP Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has praised the recycling work of local waste management and recycling company, Towens of Weston, following a visit with local MP John Penrose.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Duncan said; "The company has an impressive set of recycling kit and an 83% recycling rate. It shows what can be done to protect the environment and reduce the enormous demand on landfill space.

"We're currently conducting an energy review so I listened with particular interest to their proposals for sustainable energy production. The idea of converting local waste into energy for nearby homes and businesses is an exciting option which deserves detailed consideration."

Sassy Nappy Fashions on show in 10th anniversary – Real Nappy Week

Mike Hall, MP for Weaver Vale joins more than 147 other MPs, MEPs, Welsh AMs and MSPs to celebrate the 10th anniversary Real Nappy Week from 24-30 April.

Fashion shows, "nappuccino" coffee mornings and hundreds of other events across the UK and abroad will reveal how far real nappies have come in the last decade. No longer just an eco and economic option, real nappies are now a fashionable lifestyle choice.

Biba Hartigan of Women's Environmental network, which is co-ordinating the week, says, "There are nappies to suit all tastes: bright and funky Day-Glo, leopardskin and tie-dye prints, classic whites and pastels in fluffy fleece, silky-soft bamboo or organic hemp fabrics, and a choice of snug-fitted styles".

(www.realnappycampaign.com/nappyfinder/)

TESCO PROFITS PER DAY : £5.5m WELSH FARMER'S WAGE PER YEAR: £14,000 – WILLIAMS

Following today's announcement of record Tesco profits of £2.25 billion for the past year, Roger Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon and Radnorshire has warned that the extreme power of supermarkets is destroying Welsh farming.

Commenting on these latest figures, Roger said:

"These figures show the huge imbalance in the UK Groceries market. Tesco's profits are a staggering 17% higher than last year. Meanwhile, the once-thriving Welsh farming industry is now over a barrel. Producers, farmers and convenience stores are in decline, whilst the 'big four' supermarkets have gone from strength to strength.

"These companies are making billions whilst farmers are struggling to make ends meet. On average, three Welsh dairy farmers go out of work every week, while the average income from farming in Wales is just £14,000. Tesco makes profits of £228,000 an hour.

"Supermarkets are raking it in by keeping prices static and passing costs on to the farmers. For every £1 consumers spend on food in supermarkets, just 8p goes to the farmer.

"The Supermarket Code of Practice has proved useless, a toothless tiger since its inception four years ago. If this government is serious about helping our farmers and consumers, and curbing the power of retailers, the Office of Fair Trading needs to extend its review of the groceries market and work toward truly fair trade between farmers, suppliers and supermarkets."

Technorati tag: Recycling, Nappies, Tesco

Ming's Green challenge

He may just be calling Cameron's bluff, but Menzies Campbell is calling for the Tory leader to agree to five broad "green principles" that would underpin policy. His justification is that should Cameron stop fannying around and agree to them the combined votes could make an immediate difference to tax policy on environmental issues.

As outlined in a speech in Norwich the five points are-

* Green taxes should be used to change behaviour

* Green taxes - including excise duty on fuel - should not fall in real terms from year to year

* There should be a substantial increase in the top rate of Vehicle Excise Duty

* The climate change levy should be reformed into a universal carbon tax - including household emissions as well as business emissions

* Air passenger duty should be restructured as a tax on aircraft emissions, not passengers

Technorati tag: Environment, Taxes, Menzies Campbell, David Cameron

Green roofs growing

The area of green roofing in North America grew 72% between 2004 and 2005, and by over 80% in the United States, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities has announced. North American green roof infrastructure implementation increased from 1.3 million square feet in 2004 to 2.5 million square feet in 2005.

The 4th Annual Green Roof Conference, Awards and Trade Show takes place in Boston, MA, on May 11-12, 2006.

Technorati tag: Green Roof

Clever trikes and Cameron

The two aren't connected beyond a declared aim of cutting traffic pollution, but I thouight I'd lump them together.

The Clever is a tilting trike powered by compressed natural gas. It's the result of EU funded research to give car companies something to think about.

The three-year, £1.5m EU-funded research project aimed to produce a totally different class of private motor vehicle specifically designed for the urban environment.

"The only solutions at the moment are motorbikes or cars" said Ben Drew, a research officer at the University of Bath, one of the institutions involved in the project.

[Cough]Bicycle![cough]

Meanwhile, mister "vote blue, go green" wants to see the return of school buses to combat the school run, and a reduction in carbon emissions from new cars. The thought of voting Tory makes me go green for completely different reasons. All this point scoring over Priuses (Prii?) just reminds me that the Lib Dems have been the only of the three main parties to have been touting eco policies since before they became trendy.

(Meanwhile, the BBC stole the car from one of its reporters to see what it would be like to live without petrol.)

Technorati tag: Trike, Pollution, Transport

It's National Downshifting Week

I hardly ever Upshifted, to be honest. The nearest I came was my period working for British Gas, which left me with an ulcer and large debts. So I've been partially downshifted for a few years, though I could still go further and I've only just got round to slowly getting rid of all the crap I've accumulated.

I may be going against the theme of Downshifting Week because I'm planning to move back up from a three day to a four day week, so I can earn some money before my contract ends.

via Treehugger

Technorati tag: Downshifting

Severn Tidal Bore power dilemma

I have so little trust in our government that I think the proposals for a tidal power scheme on the Severn Estuary is really a decoy to help them go nuclear. They've proposed a huge green power scheme that would generate power by doing a lot of environmental damage. So now Tony Blair can say "Look, y'know, we did consider non-nuclear alternatives but, right, the surfers wouldn't let us. Let's go nuclear."

I have a bit of respect for Peter Hain, but I think he's been wrong footed into supporting the proposal. And his statement contains a phrase that sums up the government's big mistake in their quest to cut CO2.

He said it could help to fill the looming "energy gap" which will emerge as nuclear power stations are gradually decommissioned. "This not just a climate change issue. This debate is about security of supply. It's about keeping the lights on," he added.

The problem wouldn't be so big if we bothered to turn some of the lights off occasionally. Energy saving and microgeneration are a better investment than yet another big scheme.

There are, smaller scale, ways to harness the power of the Severn bore which wouldn't destroy the ecosystem of the estuary. Rather than condemning the plan outright, perhaps the surfers and environmentalists could propose a few underwater turbines out of the shipping lanes.

Technorati tag: Tidal Power, Severn Estuary, Severn Bore

Switrch off when you switch off

I don't need to tell you to turn TVs off properly rather than leaving them on standby, do I? What I didn't know was that my pc is drawing power as long as it's plugged in. Our landlord's annoying and fitted sockets without switches on them, so I'm going to have to start pulling the plugs out of the wall every night.

Technorati tag: Standby, Energy Consumption

MPs' Green press releases- energy review edition

The government's energy review seems to be the focus of this week's press release round up-

MP's response to Government's Energy Review

Sandra Osborne, MP for Ayr Carrick and Cumnock has submitted her views on future energy policy as part of the Government’s Energy Review –"Securing clean, affordable energy for the long term"

In her submission Sandra gives priority to the future role of coal. She states

"In deciding the UK's future energy mix, a diverse, flexible and secure energy supply is essential if we are to achieve targets in cutting the UK's carbon emissions, maintain reliability of energy supplies, raise the rate of sustainable economic growth, promote a competitive energy market in the UK and beyond and ensure that every home is adequately and affordably heated. There is no one single solution which can adequately satisfy all of these demands.

As a Member of Parliament for a number of coalfield communities, I would like to concentrate my submission on coal and particularly the need for clear government support for clean coal technology as part of a balanced energy portfolio which can contribute to improved energy efficiency as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions."

2350 People In Wales Tell Blair "No To Nuclear Power"

2350 people in Wales have signed a petition opposing new nuclear power stations in Wales. The petition was presented to 10 Downing Street this morning by a delegation of MPs and representatives of Friend of the Earth, the Centre for Alternative Technology (C.A.T.) and the Plaid Werdd Cymru.

The petition, which has only been running for three months read, "We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the commissioning of any nuclear power stations in Wales and demand safer, cleaner, cheaper technology."

Commenting, Jenny Willott, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Cardiff Central, said: "This petition shows there is widespread opposition to nuclear power across Wales. Our message to the Government is clear: nuclear power is not the answer to Wales' energy needs.

"Nuclear power is prohibitively expensive, has a terrible environmental legacy and is a huge security risk. Wales has huge natural resources to provide alternatives to nuclear power, including tidal power, marine currents, solar and wind.

"Even the Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain, is anti-nuclear. Tony Blair cannot simply impose a new generation of nuclear power stations in Wales."

Nuclear not the answer say MPs

Emily's Environment Select Committee have released the result of their inquiry into the future of UK energy. The report says that nuclear power stations cannot contribute to meeting our energy needs or reducing carbon dioxide over the next 10 years. The report raises serious concerns about the use of nuclear power over the longer term, including:

*long-term waste disposal

*public acceptability

*the availability of uranium

*the carbon emissions associated with nuclear.

*safety, the threat of terrorism, and the proliferation of nuclear power across the world.

The committee recommends that the government invest in developing low carbon renewable technologies such as wind, clean coal technology, carbon capture and storage, off-shore wind, and microgeneration. In order to meet our energy needs up to 2016 the government should introduce an extensive programme of new gas-fired power stations, supplemented by a significant growth in renewables.

Technorati tag: MP, Press Release, Nuclear Power, Energy Review

Vehizero- hybrid delivery lorry for Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the most polluted places on Earth and a large contributor to the smog is traffic. They've introduced a bus rapid transit system that has had some effect and now Mexico has its own hybrid vehicle manufacturer. Vehizero have already introduced a light delivery vehicle and taxi that save money by not only using 40% of the fuel but through road tax rebates and lower insurance thanks to improved anti- theft systems. They plan to introduce a larger truck, bus and small personal transport by 2010.

via Jalopnik

Technorati tag: Hybrid, Mexico

Treehugger's solar picks

A little lazy this, but recycling is part of the How to Save the World for Free ethos-

Treehugger has a list of solar picks now Summer is drawing near.

Technorati tag: Solar Power

MPs' Green press releases

More from the corridors of spin-

Energy Review: MP Calls On Pm To Make Good On His 'Renewables Rhetoric'

In her submission to the Energy Review, deadline today, Lynne Jones points out the failure of the Government to act on the rhetoric of Tony Blair's high profile speech on the environment of 6 March 2001 and calls on the Government to get back on track with its original energy policy. This emphasised the importance of energy conservation and investment in renewable energy.

Lynne Jones said "Five years ago the Prime Minister said that 50% of the world's energy needs could be met by renewables by 2050 and the role of Government is to accelerate the development and take up of these new technologies until self-sustaining markets take over".

"Welsh Lib Dems Submission to Energy Review: Nuclear Power Is Not The Answer"

The Welsh Liberal Democrats made a submission to the Energy Review Consultation today telling the Government that nuclear energy was 'not the answer' to Wales' energy needs.

Commenting, Mick Bates, AM for Montgomeryshire and Welsh Lib Dem spokesman on Energy in the National Assembly for Wales, said:

"Our submission to the Energy Review clearly outlines our position: we are strongly against building a new generation of nuclear power plants in Wales and the UK.

"Instead of walking us up the nuclear path, the Government should do more to encourage energy efficiency, decentralise our energy supply system, and develop renewable energy to ensure Wales has a sustainable and secure energy supply."

'16,000 tonnes of nappies a year boost case for real thing', says MP

Brighton Pavilion Labour and Co-operative MP David Lepper is backing the events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Real Nappy Week from 24-30 April.

Fashion shows, 'nappuccino' coffee mornings and hundreds of other events across the UK and abroad will reveal how far real nappies have come in the last decade. No longer just an eco and economic option, real nappies are now a fashionable lifestyle choice.

Technorati tag: Politics, MP, Press Release

Local planning inspectors- not doing their bit to save the world

A Wilmslow man who wants to build an "excellent" eco home has had planning permission denied a second time because it wouldn't look enough like the buildings surrounding it. The design called for lightweight concrete for the walls, reconstituted timber for the frame, recycled rubber for the flat roof, and solar panels to generate electricity and had impressed Macclesfield council's design officer, the Wilmslow Trust, and Cheshire Wildlife, who all supported the proposal. However the council planning sub-committee rejected the scheme because of the views of a planning inspector who had said the new house would be so different from any other in the locality in terms of shape, style, and design and materials that it would fail to reflect any aspect of the local character, making it unacceptable in the countryside.

I can see the reasons for wanting to retain local character and not knocking down historically significant buildings, but planning inspectors seem so damn inconsistent. They'll let butt ugly modern builds go through if they're "traditional" looking cookie cutter designs, but have hissy fits over bespoke low energy houses designed around their location. It makes me despair.

Technorati tag: EcoHouse, Planning Inspectors

The future's bright, the future's OLED

100% efficient, flat Organic Light Emitting Diodes could be mass produced and drastically change the way we illuminate our interiors.

If the device can be mass-manufactured cheaply - a realistic expectation, according to Thompson - interior lighting could look vastly different in the future. Almost any surface in a home, whether flat or curved, could become a light source: walls, curtains, ceilings, cabinets or tables.

Since OLEDs are transparent when turned off, the devices could even be installed as windows or skylights to mimic the feel of natural light after dark - or to serve as the ultimate inconspicuous flat-panel television.

via Warren Ellis

Technorati tag: OLED, LED, Lighting

Vespa's hybrid scooter

Two wheels is the best way to get around town, and if you can't face using your own power a scooter is the next best thing. Now Vespa, the quintessential scooter manufacturer, has gone one better with plug in hybrid scooters in development. The space under the lift up seat, where the rider traditionally stores their helmet, has been filled with batteries. A luggage pod has been fitted to make up for this.

Now, if they could build solar panels into the luggage pod and get it to run on bio-ethanol it would be super cool.

Fully electrical scooters can be bought from EVT.

via BoingBoing

Technorati tag: Scooter, Hybrid, Vespa

Scotty Solar charger

The Scotty solar charger, as pictured at the green guy is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and can effectively charge mobile phones, PDAs etc. It comes with adaptors for the most popular phones, a USB charger cable and two NiCad batteries which act as a charge reservoir. There's a belt clip, which is probably impractical except that it doubles as a stand for proper orientation. I don't know how much charging mobiles costs in electric bill terms and therefore how long it will take for the gadget to pay for itself, but the convenience on camping trips or even long days out would make it worth the money.

Technorati tag: Solar Power, Solar Cahrger

Home Power Magazine

Since 1987, we've dedicated more than 100 issues to home-scale renewable energy and sustainable living solutions. That means comprehensive coverage of solar, wind, and microhydro electricity, home energy efficiency, solar hot water systems, space heating and cooling, green building materials and home design, efficient transportation, and much, much more.

Whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or not, off-grid or on-grid, Home Power is here to help you make informed decisions about your home energy use. We provide extensive product information, homeowner testimonials, buyer advice, and "how-to" instructions.

You can now subscribe to get the magazine online in pdf format and have introductory articles on subjects such as Solar electric systems.

Technorati tag: EcoHouse, Solar Power, Renewable energy, Sustainable lifestyle

MP's Green press releases

From the halls of power, our representatives speak-

Foster Backs New Campaign To Cut Carbon Pollution

Bath's MP, Don Foster, has accused the Labour Government of lacking the political will to tackle climate change, following the publication of the Government's Climate Change Programme Review on Tuesday 28th March.

Don has backed the Big Ask campaign calling for a new law to make the Government legally responsible for reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions.

The Government has repeatedly promised to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent of 1990 levels by 2010, including in all three of the general election manifestos that have put New Labour in Government. But emissions have risen by three per cent since Tony Blair came to power in 1997. The revised strategy was supposed to get the UK back on track – but it is clear that it has failed to do this.

Climate Change Is Huge Challenge, Says MP

West Dunbartonshire MP John McFall said this week that climate change is the greatest challenge facing the world today.

He said a new climate change programme has set out the Government's plan for action domestically and internationally.

It includes:

• a strong focus on a stabilisation goal to frame future international action

• progress through the UN Framework on Climate Change and the G8 dialogue

• a much greater role for the European Union.

GISELA WELCOMES TRANSPORT INVESTMENT

Birmingham MP Gisela Stuart has welcomed the announcement by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling of a £26.6 million plan to ease congestion and improve transport links across the West Midlands.

The cash will be used to create a new computerised Urban Traffic Control Centre to manage congested roads. The Centre, which will be based alongside the new National Traffic Control Centre in the Quinton area of Ms Stuart's constituency, is promoted by West Midlands transport chiefs Centro and the seven local authorities that make up the West Midlands region.

Natural Health Week

Tom Brake dropped into his local Health Food Store, Noah's Health Food Stores in Stafford Road, Wallington on Saturday 1st April to sample some of their healthy organic food options.

His visit took place during Natural Health Week which Health Food Stores around the country are taking part in.

Tom Brake said, "With concerns about the quality of our food and diet increasing, Noah's Health Food Stores and other local health food stores are essential in giving consumers choice and information about healthier eating options."

Technorati tag: Parliament, MP, Health, Transport, Environment

Pollution costs lives

Pollution can cut up to eight months off life expectancy. This may not sound like a lot, but the causes of death are lung disease and other chronic illnesses.

Ministers warned that chemicals from car exhausts, ships and industrial sites were still having "a marked effect on health" despite efforts to cut pollution.

They insisted that air in Britain was cleaner than at any time since the 19th century but expected to miss targets to reduce the levels of nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particles.

Nitrogen dioxide and particles, mainly produced by traffic, irritate the airways of the lungs and can exacerbate lung diseases. Ozone at ground level is produced when pollution reacts with sunlight.

Technorati tag: Pollution, Ozone, Lung Disease

Recruiting Green

I phoned a recruiting agency about a possible job today. The rate would have been another two or three pounds an hour, which would be useful. However, it was somewhere in Merseyside and I'd only be able to get there by car.

There are reasons other than ecological why I'll try to avoid ever driving to work again, but it is a consideration. The Green credentials of companies are becoming an important consideration for employees, according to this article at Management Issues.

Three quarters of British workers now consider it important to work for a company that is actively reducing its carbon emissions, according to the study from energy efficiency body the Carbon Trust.

The research has also found that more than eight out of 10 British workers want to cut the amount of energy they use at work and in the home to help the environment.

via Sustainablog

Technorati tag: Business, Sustainability

Come Off It

Today is Come Off It day, when people are being encouraged to cut their electricity consumption and send a message that there are better ways to cut CO2 production than building nuclear power stations.

If every house saves just a few Watts, that's one less new power station that we need to build. And if every house saves 100W through simple actions like switching off a light that's not really needed, or being careful not to overfill the kettle, we’d save not one power station but several.

via EcoStreet blog

Technorati tag: CO2, Energy Efficiency

Drive Green

The Independent's motoring section has gone Green. Or at least, made a nod toward more efficient driving. Some simple and fairly obvious suggestions. The plug-in Prius, capable of up to 130 mpg.

Of course, the cycling columnist is a little bemused by it all.

Technorati tag: Driving