FARMINGTON, Conn., March 5, 2013 -- /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Green construction is moving from a niche to the mainstream. Interest in joining the green construction market is growing. Regulatory instruments, governmental initiatives and financial support mechanisms, together with growing consumer awareness and expectations, all put pressure on construction market participants to adopt more green practices.
Through 2017, a rebound in construction activity, combined with continuing consumer interest in environmentally friendly products, will propel US growth in green building materials demand 11 percent annually to $86.6 billion. read more>>>
'Electricity with a brain,' advocates argue, is critical component to weathering superstorms and other extreme events
February 28, 2013 - Global investments in smart-grid technologies totaled $13.9 billion in 2012, according to a study by the Worldwatch Institute. The United States. once again led the way, despite a 19 percent drop in investment, spending $4.3 billion on smart grids, according to the report.
A smart grid -- aka “electricity with a brain’’ -- according to some advocates -- is a planned nationwide network that uses information and communications technologies to deliver electricity more efficiently and reliably. read more>>>
Honiara, Solomon Islands, 7 March 2013 – Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo is convinced that vital economic sectors in Solomon Islands should move to a green economy approach.
Following the first Roundtable on Development, Society and Environment PM Lilo believes all stakeholders will create innovative partnerships and ownership of programs and projects.
“This dialogue has enabled us to focus on long term policies, strategies and programs and facilitate dialogues for stakeholders to monitor their application in Solomon Islands.” PM Lilo said while closing the Roundtable on Wednesday afternoon in Honiara. read more>>>
March 6, 2013 - What if Chelsea were to be struck by another Sandy-like storm? Would we be better prepared, or would many be trapped with no water or electricity for days on end, and nowhere to go for help?
According to Daniel Lashof — director of the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund’s Climate & Clean Air Program — if Chelsea were to experience a future power failure, all elevator and water service could be restored to public housing’s high-rises, and community centers and schools could be powered to open up as emergency shelters and help centers at a minimal cost.
“There is an opportunity to build resilient solar-powered microgrids into our neighborhood that can isolate themselves from the power grid. If this Community Center had solar power on its roof with battery back-up, it could provide basic electricity for people [to use it as an emergency shelter]. The costs of solar power have come down in huge amounts over the last few years. read more>>>
Mar. 1, 2013 - Increased flooding is likely to be one of the most serious effects from climate change in Europe over coming decades. Some of the conditions which may contribute to urban flooding are highlighted in an Eye on Earth map from the European Environment Agency (EEA).
The map is one example of the capabilities of Eye on Earth, an online mapping tool created by the EEA and partners. From 4 to 6 March 2013 the EEA is organising the First Eye on Earth User Conference in Dublin, Ireland. The event will bring together people with a common interest in sharing environmental data and information for public access. read more>>>
Mar. 5, 2013 - A global shift toward low-carbon energy sources would be unlike any other in history and would create new challenges, as the world attempts to actively influence a major energy transition for the first time, according to a new study by IHS and the World Economic Forum. The findings of the study were presented today at IHS CERAWeek 2013, the world’s premier energy conference, in Houston.
Since the beginning of this century deep concern about climate change coupled with a continued growth in energy demand led by developing countries—including 1.3 billion people that still do not have access to modern sources of energy—have stimulated debate on a new energy transition, the study says. In response to this challenge, policy-makers are looking towards low-carbon and renewable sources of energy.
The report, Energy Vision 2013 - Energy transitions: Past and Future provides a framework for understanding the potential changes in the energy mix and how an energy transition could unfold. read more>>>
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