News of Note:
Where we bring you recent stories and articles about our State, Country, World Going Green!
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
The Empire State Building will be undergoing an energy makeover! The retrofit that will be done by a group of private companies and non-profit organizations will reduce its energy use by 38%, in which half is expected to be complete at the end of 2010. The other half will be accomplished by 2013.
The work being done to the landmark will include:
- upgrading windows and lighting,
- the addition of radiative barriers behind radiators,
- upgrade some chillers, accompanied by removing some,
- installation of variable-speed air handling units,
- demand-control ventilation,
- tenant energy management systems,
- upgrade of energy controls and meters for the whole building
The 38% reduction in energy includes 33% decrease in cooling load, along with a 3.5 megawatt reduction in electrical demand.
WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION ON GOING GREEN
Long Island is on board with the “Go Green” movement! In fact, Newsday is repeatedly running articles on how to help the environment. In addition, News 12 has included features for Going Green on their channel.
S.T.O.P.
The Town of Islip on Long Island have developed a program called S.T.O.P. which stands for Stop Throwing Out Pollutants. This is where residents are able to bring their harmful household wastes such as aerosol cans, bug/rodent Killers, or even household batteries to the Multi-Purpose Recycling Facility. Just another way to make our planet a little greener!
THE POWER OF WIND
It is being said that the waters off the Atlantic coast is home for some of the Country’s greatest “wind energy potential”. In fact, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has been speaking about utilizing this resource to our advantage. The potential of the wind energy off the Coast of the Atlantic may very well be greater than the potential housed on-shore. HOWEVER, though some states that occupy the Atlantic Coast are ready for new development, and are all aboard, there are some states that are still in opposition. One state that disagrees is Massachusetts.
There has been a $1 Billion plan to install wind turbines off the Shore of Cape-Cod, however those who govern the state have yet to reach an agreement. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy believes that the turbines will have a negative effect on our environment, such as the endangerment of sea life, and birds being killed by the propellers. So as it stands now, we are at a stand-still until further notice!
5/2/09
New York International Auto Show showcased the 5 most new fuel efficient cars in April, 2009. These cars included the following:
Honda FCX Clarity- This Honda has been rated the Green Car of the Year, with 72 mpg equivalency, the cars runs on hydrogen. It does not produce any pollution, however, where can you find such a car? You must be one of a select few in Southern California, at an average cost of $600 per month.
Volkswagen Golf- This Volkswagen was the winner of the World Car of the Year. With an estimated 44 mpg, at a cost of $36,500. However, it is not yet available to in the United States.
The Fiat 500- For approximately $14,500, you could own this tiny car. Of course, you would have to wait for the finalization of the merger between Chrysler and Fiat. They are not yet available in the United States, but are expected to be by 2011, after the merger.
In addition, this car was a finalist for Green car of the year, with an approximated 36-56 mpg, which depends on the model.
Ford Fiesta- This World Car of the Year finalist is priced around $14,500 with an estimated 30 mpg. Once again, this car is not yet available, except to the lucky 100 people chosen to test drive it.
And finally, we have the Scion iQ made by Toyota. This car is around $14,000. It was a finalist in the World Car of the Year, Green Car of the Year, and Design. It gets about 54 miles per gallon. And like the cars previously mentioned, it is not available in the Unites States, and the future is unknown as to whether or not it will be.
See that! Even the car companies are thinking “Green,” it’s just a question of when will more Americans be able to actually Drive Green?
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