Clean Energy Investing, Sustainable Architecture, Music Art Culture



Popular Posts

Search Alternative Energy Info; Green Power Investments Mutual Funds

Find ecologically sustainable green energy, clean power funds, alternative energy technology stocks, green investing news, manufacturers of photovoltaic solar electricity panels, renewable energy products, solar power investments, thin-film solar, green technology ETFs, wind turbine companies, geothermal stocks and much more!!!

Custom Search

Solar-Intelligence Blog; Conscious Living, Smart Investing

Best Green Stocks Investing Blog

Showing posts with label renewable power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label renewable power. Show all posts

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Earth Hour; Toronto among World Wildlife Fund project leaders

Earth Hour Information; Sydney, Australia idea goes global

It started with a question: How can we inspire people to take action on climate change?

The answer: Ask the people of Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour.

On 31 March 2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour. This massive collective effort reduced Sydney's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour, which is the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for one hour.

With Sydney icons like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House turning their lights off, and unique events such as weddings by candlelight, the world took notice. Inspired by the collective effort of millions of Sydneysiders, many major global cities are joining Earth Hour in 2008, turning a symbolic event into a global movement.

Turning the lights off for Earth Hour is a great first step, but if you really want to see a difference, then make Earth Hour part of your everyday life.

Simple things like turning off appliances while not in use and switching your light globes to energy efficient bulbs, will all help us reach our goal of reducing our annual emissions by 5%. Even something as simple as turning out lights when you’re not in a room and switching to cleaner sources of electricity like “green power”, make a big difference.

Originating in Sydney in 2007, the Earth Hour campaign has now gained global attention. As a result, on 8pm March 29, 2008 millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities will unite and switch off for Earth Hour. See what is happening in your city and how you can get involved.

Major cities participating include:

* Adelaide »
* Canberra »
* Brisbane »
* Chicago »
* Christchurch »
* Copenhagen »
* Melbourne »
* Sydney »
* Tel Aviv »
* Toronto »



WWF.ca is helping organize Canadian participation in the event. On March 29, 2008, cities across Canada, and around the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour, a WWF event to raise awareness about climate change and symbolize that, working together the people of the world can make a difference in the fight against climate change.

Earth Hour has grown from a single event in Sydney, Australia in 2007 to a global phenomenon that will occur across six continents and in as many as 20 cities in 2008.

Toronto was the flagship Canadian city to commemorate Earth Hour 2008 but dozens of others including Ottawa and Montreal have already joined!

Our goal is to get thousands of businesses and individuals to participate in this historic event, so we can show the nation and the world that Canadians are leaders in addressing climate change, one of the most critical issues facing our world today.

Don't stop at Earth Hour - live The Good Life everyday! The Good Life is WWF-Canada’s new campaign that helps Canadians track the actions they are taking for the planet so you can actually see how your actions add up to help fight climate change.

Are you a business or community planning an event? Tell us what you are doing for Earth Hour at earthhour@wwfcanada.org and we will let others know what else is happening that night around Canada.


More suggested reading:

Clean Energy Investing Info

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Green Synagogue is solar-powered and eco friendly

story from The Toronto Star


Worship; Where greenliness is next to . . .


From solar panels to windows and paint, synagogue keeps the faith with eco-efficiency

Catherine Porter, Environment Reporter, TheStar.com

Think of it as the Darchei Noam's new green yarmulke – a row of solar panels and a reflective, white membrane covering the synagogue's new roof.

But here, it's a symbol of the congregation's commitment to the environment, as well as God.

"It's a Jewish value – to heal the world and take care of the planet," says Tamara Zielony, looking out at the newly-arrived burgundy chairs lining the sanctuary.

When worshippers fill them for the first time today to watch as the synagogue's Torah scrolls are delivered into the sanctuary's ark, marking the official opening of the building, it will be as the greenest Jews in the country.

Rows of energy-efficient compact fluorescent and ceramic metal halide lights dangle from the ceiling. The beige carpet is 100 per cent recycled. The walls were coloured a rich mahogany with natural paint that emits no asthma-inducing volatile organic compounds. And the window curtain that lines the whole north side is double-paned with thermal insulation and built to ensure that no joints would leak air.

"Anything we bought was energy efficient," says Alan Levine, the enthusiastic chair of the congregation's construction committee. "We designed the building with environmentally sustainable principles."

Darchei Noam's members are leaders in an emerging green religious movement. Just down Sheppard Ave., the new home for St. Gabriel's Catholic Church was built with a green roof and solar wall – garnering it the country's first and only gold-standard certificate for a religious building by the reputable LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System.

The non-profit organization "Faith in the Common Good" now includes more than 100 faith groups, many actively working to reduce their carbon footprint in the face of global warming.

"Eco-spirituality is a common denominator among all faiths. All have instruction in their holy texts to revere the natural world, to keep it holy," says Rory O'Brien, a co-ordinator with the multi-faith group. And despite dwindling congregations, religious sanctuaries have the potential to make a big impact.

"There are 30,000 faith buildings across the country, 7,000 in Ontario. If we green them all and prevent all the energy losses, we'll save a lot of money and tonnes of greenhouse gases from going into the atmosphere," O'Brien says.

If there's one place that people can be truly motivated by the greater good – rather than the bottom line – it's here, in a place of worship.

Darchei Noam is a reconstructionist congregation – a progressive branch of Judaism that holds democracy and social justice among its tenets. After 30 years of worshipping in rented space, the congregation bought an old synagogue on Sheppard Ave. near Allen Rd. five years ago, and set out to raise money – and ideas – for its renovation.

The $6.5 million result is breathtaking in beauty and eco-consciousness. The original brick walls were insulated and then stuccoed. The old boiler was ripped out and a high-efficiency heating system installed, which allows different parts of the building to be heated at different levels and draws cool air from outside instead of motoring up the air conditioning.

"To have enough hot water for 300 people one day and six the next would have been very wasteful," says Levine, opening a closet to reveal a gas-fired water heater that heats water on demand. He opens the door to the women's washroom and jumps inside, triggering the lights above. "Most spaces have motion sensors, so the room's only lit when it's in use," he says.

Led by a member-architect and the volunteer "Shomrei Adamah" committee (Hebrew for "guardians of the Earth"), the congregation examined every element, right down to the glass dishes in the kitchen – replacing paper – and the bike rack in the basement, which come spring will move outside.

Their next step is buying green office and cleaning products, says Zielony, who, inspired by the project, built a green roof on her North Toronto home.

Instead of applying for expensive LEED certification, the congregation decided to install 22 solar panels along the roof, which will generate around 5,000 kilowatt-hours over the year – enough to power half a home.

He doesn't know how long it will take to pay off the expensive retrofits in energy savings.

"We never needed to justify the investment from a payout point of view. We justified it from an environmental point of view," he says.



WHAT'S GREEN AT DARCHEI NOAM

• Programmable thermostats in most rooms

• Carbon dioxide sensors, ensuring air is brought in from outside only as needed

• Tinted, double-glazed windows with low heat-transmission that in many places open, so Mother Nature can do some of the cooling in spring and fall

• Motion-activated sinks and low flush toilets and urinals

• Waste diversion of all recyclable and organic materials

• White roof, which reflects hot summer sun and reduces air conditioning

• 100 per cent recyclable carpet made out of reclaimed materials

• Solvent-free paints

• Compact fluorescent light fixtures and lamps


More suggested browsing:

SolarIntell.com - Investing in Renewable Energy

Bees Trees Frogs Elephants - Nature and Ecology Blog

A Green Realtor Blog

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Top 100 Alternative Energy sites, from World.org; Green Power Investing

1. Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center x
This Office of Transportation Technologies site has information on the latest advances in alternative fuels, vehicles, refueling sites, and more.

2. The American Solar Energy Society x
ASES is a national organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar energy for the benefit of U.S. citizens and the global environment.

3. American Wind Energy Association x
AWEA advocates the development of wind energy as a reliable, environmentally superior energy alternative in the United States and around the world.

4. Florida Solar Energy Center x
FSEC is the largest and most active state-supported renewable energy and energy efficiency research, training and certification institute in the United States.

5. Re-Energy x
Informative and educational site that teaches about various forms of Renewable Energy and then teaches you how to build and use them.

6. National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium x
NAFTC fosters a clean environment for the benefit of all people through education, training and research dealing with advanced fuels and engine systems.

7. Renewable Energy Policy Project x
REPP supports the advancement of renewable energy technology through policy research.

8. Alternative Technology Association x
A non-profit community group that aims to use and promote environmentally friendly technology, including renewable energy sources such as the sun, wind and water; building with natural materials and conserving energy.

9. CANTEST x
Find information on alternative fuels (propane or LPG, natural gas, hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, biodiesel), hybrid electric vehicles, batteries and fuel cells.

10. California Energy Commission x
The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, charged with ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply.

11. Pollution.com x
The latest nuclear energy and pollution news.

12. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network x
EREN contains comprehensive information on several alternative energy technologies, including: bioenergy, hydropower, wind, solar and geothermal.

13. Solar Energy International x
SEI's workshops give individuals the knowledge and skills to design, install and maintain renewable energy systems and to build state-of-the-art solar homes that are efficient, practical, and earth friendly.

14. American Coalition For Ethanol x
A non-profit membership association devoted to promoting the increased production and use of ethanol.

15. European Wind Energy Association x
"The main objective of EWEA is to ensure that the general public, the media, decision makers and politicians are made aware of the reality of wind power, and understand the rapid progress being made in the industry which will allow wind energy to play an increasing role as a clean power for generations."

16. GreenMountain.com x
The leading brand for cleaner electricity in the U.S.

17. Home Power x
A leading source for renewable energy news and developments.

18. International Solar Energy Society x
ISES is the oldest and largest international non-profit organization for the promotion of solar and renewable energy.

19. CALSTART's Advanced Transportation Website x
Among the advanced transportation and alternative energy initiatives CALSTART is concerned with: fuel cell technology, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and natural gas use.

20. The National Wind Technology Center x
Learn about the latest wind turbine research or browse the wind resource database.

21. AGORES x
A global overview of renewable energy sources from the Official European Commission Web Site for Renewable Energy Sources.

22. EERE Biomass Program x
The U.S. Department of Energy Biomass Program develops technology for conversion of biomass (plant-derived material) to valuable fuels, chemicals, materials and power, so as to reduce dependence on foreign oil and foster growth of biorefineries.

23. Union of Concerned Scientists x
The UCS Energy Program examines the benefits and costs of our society's energy use, and promotes energy solutions that are renewable, safe, and cost-effective.

24. "The Veggie Van" x
They call it "The Veggie Van" and they fuel it with used vegetable oil from fast food restaurants.

25. Energy.gov x
The Department of Energy's new info-centric portal, providing information on the energy that surrounds you at school, home, work and in the community and world.

26. Energy Information Administration x
The EIA is responsible for energy data collection and dissemination of national and international data, including energy analyses and energy forecasts. Part of the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

27. Office of Energy Efficiency x
Promotes energy efficiency and the use of alternative transportation fuels through 19 programs aimed at the residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and transportation sectors.

28. Solar Energy Society of Canada Inc. x
SESCI issues: energy conservation, building a strong Canadian renewable energy industry, and preserving a healthy, sustainable environment by increasing the use of solar and other renewable energies.

29. Arizona Solar Center x
Arizona's top resource for solar energy issues, news, breakthroughs and more.

30. The British Wind Energy Association x
Acting to promote the use of wind power - an abundant, clean and sustainable source of energy.

31. Solar Utlities Network x
Proven ideas for saner energy use. Solarnet gathers project plans and strategies that help reform our energy habits.

32. National Hydropower Association x
Nonprofit national association dedicated exclusively to advancing the interests of the hydropower industry.

33. Solar Living Institute x
Mission: to promote sustainable living through inspirational environmental education.

34. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Fact Sheet x
Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion.

35. Centre for Alternative Technology x
An educational charity striving to achieve the best cooperation between the natural, technological and human worlds.

36. The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Letter x
Launched in May 1986 originally as "The Hydrogen Letter," our publication is the voice of the international hydrogen and fuel cell communities, covering events and developments in this emerging field as they occur.

37. Sustainable Minnesota x
A coalition working to improve the quality of life, the environment and the economy of Minnesota by promoting energy efficiency and the sound use of renewable energy.

38. American Methanol Institute x
Touts the use of methanol as the "clear alternative" to gasoline. Offers information on methanol, fuel cell vehicles and reformulated gasolines.

39. The Source for Renewable Energy x
The Source for Renewable Energy is a comprehensive guide to over 4000 renewable energy businesses and organizations around the world.

40. Northeast Sustainable Energy Association x
Fosters the use of renewable and sustainable energy, the responsible use of non-renewable forms of energy, and conveys the value of these practices for the preservation of the environment.

41. Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition x
The NGVC represents more than 180 natural gas companies; engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers; and service providers, as well as environmental groups and government organizations interested in the promotion and use of natural gas as a transportation fuel.

42. National Renewable Energy Laboratory x
The U.S. Department of Energy's premier laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research, development and deployment.

43. National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Publications Database x
Contains references to documents related to sustainable energy technologies.

44. Renewable Energy Concepts x
Mission: to prevent the depletion of natural resources and protect the beauty of our environment through the use of renewable energy and energy efficient products.

45. House-Energy x
Offers tips for how to make your home energy-efficient.

46. Critical Mass Energy Project x
A powerful voice for protecting AmericaĆ­s natural resources by promoting renewable and energy efficiency technologies, watch-dogging nuclear safety issues, stopping the reckless disposal of radioactive waste, ensuring that environmental and consumer interests are protected as the electric utility industry deregulates, and improving transportation policy.

47. Solar Century x
Promotes use of solar power through solar roofs and solar panels.

48. Solar Harvest x
Solar Harvest is a mutual support and education organization promoting the use of alternative energy and living a sustainable lifestyle.

49. Tata Energy Research Institute x
Conducts both scientific and policy research in the fields of energy, environment, biotechnology, forestry and a whole range of sustainable development issues.

50. Transportation Action Network x
Non-profit organization transportation initiatives that support smart growth and lower pollution levels.

51. Southwest Windpower, Inc. x
The world's leading manufacturer of small battery charging wind turbines.

52. World Energy Council x
The WEC analyses global, regional and local energy and energy-related issues, both current and for the longer term (now out to 2100).

53. Windpower Monthly x
Often provocative, sometimes arrogant, occasionally irreverent, always informed, Windpower Monthly blows fresh air into the international energy debate.

54. Our Energy x
Compact description of various renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Information on energy and its influence on ecology and environment.

55. Energy Alternatives x
Progressive organization providing clean, renewable sources of power generation.

56. Southwest Technology Development Institute x
A non-profit university-based organization that provides applied research and development services in technology development to private and public sector clients. SWTDI was established in 1977 as the New Mexico Solar Energy Institute, and has active research programs in energy and environmental systems.

57. Geothermal Technologies Program x
Mission: establish geothermal energy as an economically competitive contributor to the U.S. energy supply.

58. AeroVironment x
AeroVironment is known for product and technology innovation in clean energy and efficient vehicles.

59. IEA International Energy Agency x
The IEA has established a legal framework for international collaboration and carries out an energy technology program among its 23 member countries including R&D, demonstration and information exchange.

60. SolarElectric.com x
Contains 100+ pages of design information and equipment for making electricity with solar panels, wind generators and hydroelectric power.

61. International Geothermal Association x
Encourages research, development and utilization of geothermal resources worldwide through the compilation, publication and dissemination of scientific and technical data and information.

62. Platts x
Besides covering the U.S. and international energy markets, Platts also reports on oil, petrochemicals, non-ferrous metals, shipping, power and natural gas.

63. New Zealand Geothermal Association x
Encourage research, development and use of geothermal energy in New Zealand.

64. The Energy Service Company x
Experts in solar energy, with working experience in both active and passive solar systems.

65. The Energy Conservation Bookstore x
Subjects include: alternative energy, biomass, energy efficiency, fuel cell, photovoltaics, renewable energy, solar, and more.

66. Bioenergy Information Network x
Focuses on the domestic production, recovery, and conversion of energy crops and residues to economically priced, environmentally beneficial fuels and power generation.

67. Oak Ridge National Laboratory x
Working to find ways to make buildings, industries, power generation, and transportation more energy-efficient and easier on the environment.

68. The Online Fuel Cell Information Center x
"Everything you ever wanted to know about fuel cells . . ."

69. Greenpeace: Renewable Energy x
Read a report which gives examples of energy efficiency and renewable energy technology currently in use and being developed in Central and Eastern Europe.

70. Home Energy x
Information about alternative energy and energy conservation both for people who work on homes and for those who live in them.

71. Sandia National Laboratories: Wind Energy Technology x
Laboratory conducts applied wind energy research in several areas to increase the viability of wind technology by improving wind turbine performance and reducing their cost.

72. Energy Literacy Advocates x
"Energy Literacy Advocates (ELA) is a non-partisan, non-profit, public education organization working to improve the energy literacy of all sectors of our democracy."

73. INFORM, Inc. x
INFORM has been a leader in promoting the use of cleaner, safer alternatives to gasoline and diesel fueled vehicles.

74. The Alternative Fuel Technology Center x
Supports the reduction of harmful emissions, conservation of energy resources, reduction of dependence on foreign oil, as well as the development of the alternative fuel vehicle industry.

75. Atlantic Orient Corporation x
A marketer of small wind turbines. Based in Canada.

76. National Hydrogen Association x
Promotes the use of hydrogen, which it calls the "perfect fuel" that is "compatible with nature, rather than intrusive."

77. Build It Solar x
Plans, tools, & information to help you build solar projects that save money & reduce pollution.

78. Consumer Energy Council of America x
Founded in 1973, the CECA is the nation's senior public interest organization focusing on network industries.

79. Alternative Energy Institute x
AEI's primary emphasis has been placed on wind energy, though certain research and education are also on solar energy.

80. National Energy Foundation x
A nonprofit provider of educational materials and programs related to energy, natural resources, and the environment.

81. Wind Powering America x
Mission to dramatically increase the use of wind energy in the United States.

82. Energy Information on Internet x
Contains 880 detailed descriptions and characterizations of energy-related information sources that can be accessed through the Internet.

83. U.S. Fusion Energy Sciences Program x
The mission of the U.S. Fusion Energy Science Program is to acquire the knowledge base needed for an economically and environmentally attractive fusion energy source.

84. The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii x
This unique ocean science and technology park houses several businesses that produce energy, desalinate water, grow lobsters and fish, produce algae and shellfish, grow cold climate fruit and vegetables in the tropics and much, much more.

85. Stanford Geothermal Program x
Aids in the development of reservoir engineering techniques to allow for the production of the nation's geothermal resources in the most efficient manner possible.

86. Handbook of EnergyCrops x
List containing descriptions of about 200 plant species that can be used to produce energy.

87. Dais-Analytic Corporation x
Dais-Analytic Corporation is a leading developer and producer of a new class of patented membrane materials and PEM fuel cell designs with applications in energy generation, management and storage.

88. Northern Power Systems x
Installer of commercial and industrial high reliability power systems.

89. The Electric Auto Association x
Promotes the use of electric vehicles as a more "clean, quiet, efficient transportation choice."

90. About.com: Alternative Energy The Renewable Fuels Association x
The RFA has been working for more than 15 years to expand the production and consumer use of ethanol fuels by removing regulatory and marketplace barriers.

91. Biofuels--BABFO x
Organization dedicated to the promotion of transport fuels and oils from renewable sources.

92. Energy Crossroads x
Wide array of pointers to energy-efficiency resources on the web.

93. MrSolar.com x
"Your contact point for information, products and services about every aspect of solar, wind & water power."

94. Rezachek & Associates x
Searchable compilation of information relating to renewable energy; efficient energy use; electric and hybrid vehicles (including solar cars).

95. Energy Central x
Leading professional portal for those in the electric power industry.

96. Creative Energy Technologies x
Renewable energy, efficient homes and appliances.

97. Planet Power x
"Biomass Renewable Energy SuperSite: Energy Crop Agriculture, Biomass Co-firing Engineering, Environmental Benefits, Economics, Green Energy Marketing, and Renewable Energy Policy."

98. SHEC Labs x
Working to provide a clean and viable alternative source of energy.

99. Texas Solar Energy Society x
An educational organization formed to promote solar and other renewable energy applications.

100. ScienceDaily: Renewable Energy News x
Archive of daily science news stories pertaining to renewable energy.

full article with links:

http://www.world.org/weo/energy


Check also:

Bees Trees Frogs Elephants Ecology Blog


Guide to Best Alternative Energy Investing Websites






Best Environmental Websites, from Green Business

article from:

http://www.futureofbusiness.info/ten-best-environment-websites-world/

The Ten Best Environment Websites in the World

robertludvig | blog, Resources, headlines, trends | Monday, August 27th, 2007

The criteria was strict and the decision was difficult to make but here they are, the ten best environment websites in the world.

1. Alternative Energy News - This web site has always been a favorite of mine when looking for news about alternative and renewable energies. I have had the pleasure of meeting its founder and webmaster Alex Ramon. He’s dedicated and passionate about all things environmental, and lucky for us he started this website a couple of years ago. Incorporating up-to-date videos and well written articles, Alternative Energy recently integrated its sister site, Energy Planet, a renewable energy directory, into the mix. Alex has also created a search engine focusing on the environment. Alternative Energy is, and will continue be, the leader in environment news. This makes Alternative Energy News the best environment website in the world. Congratulations, Alex!

2. PESWiki - This great website focuses on renewable energy solutions, and it is community-built. The “Wiki” phenomenon has not left out the environment as illustrated by PESWiki. Being entirely driven by people who have a zeal for the environment, only the best and most relevant articles and information is presented. At this site, all of us have the opportunity to help increase the awareness of, and to learn about, the environment. Everyone has an opportunity to add their two cents and present information that they feel is vital to saving our planet. This is a site that is growing at a very fast pace and in my opinion they have only scratched the surface as to what it can offer, and what it could mean to the environmental community.

3. Live Science - Easy to read, entertaining, and fact driven are just a few of the reasons that I have Live Science rated as the third best environment website in the world. It reminds me of National Geographic, but with more text to go along with beautiful photography. Definitely a website for both the serious and the arm chair environmentalist. One beef I do have is that I saw an advertisement for British Petroleum. That aside, this is an excellent site.

4. About My Planet - A web community devoted to the environment, About My Planet has very well written articles by a number of knowledgeable people. Consistently updated and beautifully designed with a wonderful balance of inviting images and text, this is a website that stands head and shoulders above many others. A recent addition to About My Planet is a service called Grow. Entirely based on stories from it readers, Grow creates wonderful and intelligent dialogue from its users. About My Planet has done it right and I am a regular visitor.

5.BusinessGreen blog - Based in the UK, this is a blog filled with well written articles by author James Murray. Geared towards readers interested in green and sustainable businesses, BusinessGreen blog offers its readers a well thought-out perspective in this fast-growing area of the world’s economy.

6. Meet the Greens - This site keeps the kids in mind. Smartly focusing on educating our children in a fun way about the environment, this site is highly interactive. Using animation and other highly visual techniques to keep its readers attention, Meet the Greens is a website for all ages.

7. National Geographic - Yes, the one and only National Geographic. Their main site is wonderful, but don’t forget to go to the link titled environment. Beautifully laid out, like the magazine, their online version is full of stunning pictures. Their writing team is pumping out some top quality articles at the site, adding to its overall appeal. It is obvious that the transition that the magazine made to the current online version was a successful one.

8.Digg - Many people aren’t even aware that Digg has an area at its site devoted entirely to the environment. With thousands of articles in its archives, it is a great tool to browse for your own enjoyment, or to do some serious research.

9.Inside Greentech - A website full of articles and up to date news about green technology. Growing in leaps and bounds over the past few months this is a website that could easily crack the top five in a year or two.

10. Green Business - I couldn’t make a list of the ten best environment websites and not put Green Business on it. We offer articles and news about businesses that focus on keeping the planet livable - hopefully for generations! Some articles will be serious, while others will be more light-hearted. The one thing in common is that they will be written with my love of our planet in mind.

There you have it, the ten best environment websites in the world. As the internet grows, as well as our consciousness about our fragile planet, new and exciting environmental resources will emerge. These resources will provide two fundamental things, they will both educate and offer us hope for a fantastic future.

View also:

Guide to Best Alternative Energy Websites

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Wind from Atlantic and Sun from Africa and Middle East could power a cleaner Europe




North Africa Solar power generation project, European electricity

Now this is very positive. Last week there was talk of a giant ’supergrid’ connecting much of Europe to wind turbines across the continent, to take advantage of whenever the wind was blowing.

Now the Guardian reports on Desertec, the plans to put hundreds of solar concentrating plants on the North African coasts and in the Middle East. Two thirds of the estimated 100 Billion Watts would stay in the countries producing the energy, with another 30 Billion Watts (around of all of Europe’s use) being pumped via underwater cables to the EU, which would provide a chunk of the funding for the project. With the Bali talks now underway to find a new version of the Kyoto treaty, projects like this could be a major facet of reducing carbon emissions. German energy expert Gregor Czeich reckons with new higher efficiency power lines a 100% renewable powered Europe could be possible in the near future without costing much more than the current fossil fuel system.

article and posts responding to it are at:

North African Solar Power Project

Also check out:

Alternative Energy Investing Site


Bees Trees Frogs Elephants Blog


Renewable Power Stocks Websites

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Guide to Global Renewable Energy Investing

Alternative Energy Investments, Renewable Power Stocks, Clean Energy Investing

Click the links below to find Renewable Energy Investing Information, including green power technology news, renewable energy investing websites, solar power stocks, wind power companies, alternative energy investing blogs, renewable power stocks, wind power farms, portable power generators, photovoltaic solar panel manufacturers, wind energy stocks, home solar power, alternative energy investing websites, renewable energy products for sale online, clean fuel investments, solar power companies, solar energy stocks and green energy mutual funds.


Directory to Solar Energy Information

Alternative Energy Stock List - Analyst Coverage

Investing in Wind Energy - Guide to Wind Energy Companies

Publicly-listed Solar Energy Stocks Companies

Green Vehicles – Clean Car Technology / Mass Transportation Technology

Global Sustainable Energy / Clean Power Websites

Renewable Energy Investing Guide

Directory of Solar Photovoltaic Panel Stocks

Invest in Recycling Technology


Invest in Geothermal Power Companies

Guide to Fuel Cell Companies and Hydrogen Energy Stocks


Energy Storage / Backup Energy including Flywheel Companies


Conservation Companies and Energy Efficiency Stocks

Guide to Wind Power, Solar Energy, Hydropower and other Green Energy Stocks

Guide to Biofuels, Ethanol Fuel and Biomass Investments

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Links to Alternative Energy and Solar Power

Directory of Renewable Energy Websites and Blogs

alternative energy investing, home solar energy kits, renewable power investments, wind system for farm and cottage, home power generators, alternative energy investing, renewable power products, clean fuel technology, photovoltaic solar panels, wind energy projects, solar energy for the home, solar power as a peace technology, solar energy stocks and clean power mutual funds.


Global Directory of Renewable Power Websites

Directory of Solar Energy Information On the Web

Investing in Wind Energy - Directory of Windpower Companies Online

Clean Vehicle Technology – Green Cars and Mass Transit Directory

Alternative Energy / Green Power Investing Directory

Directory of Solar Electric / Photovoltaic Power Manufactures

Guide to Investing in Recycling Technology Companies

Guide to Investing in Geothermal Energy Companies

Directory of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Companies

Energy Storage, Backup Power and Flywheel Stocks

Conservation and Energy Efficiency Investments

Guide to Wind Energy, Solar, Hydro and other Green Power Firms

Directory of Biofuel, Ethanol and Biomass Stocks

Master List of Alternative Energy Investing Links





LendingTree Mortgage

Sunday, November 11, 2007

SolarIntell.com new home for alternatve energy investing info

Solar Power Investing Blog

Friends and colleagues who have been utilizing this blog as a source of information alternative energy investing may wish to add our new clean power investments blog SolarIntell.com to their bookmarks, currently hosted at http://solarintell.blogspot.com .

There you will find info on clean energy technology news, renewable power investing, photovoltaic solar panels, windpower projects, home solar energy, alternative energy investing, renewable energy products, solar power as a peace technology, solar power stocks, wind turbines, alternative energy investments, home solar kits, renewable energy investments, wind systems for farm and cottage, generators, solar power stocks and clean power funds.

Guide to Alternative Energy Investing

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Acorn Factor invests in California's Local Power

Acorn Factor, Inc. ACFN today announced that it has acquired ten percent of Local Power (LPI), a California-based corporation formed recently by a pioneer in the restructuring of the $325 Billion US retail electricity market. Building upon its successful investment in Comverge, Inc. COMV, a pioneer in the demand response field, Acorn Factor will have the right, for 12 months from today, to purchase an additional 41 percent stake in LPI, bringing its potential total ownership position to 51 percent.

LPI provides consultation services and energy intelligence tools to enable cities to develop renewable electricity resources on a massive scale while utilizing the local utility's distribution infrastructure. LPI's founder, Paul Fenn, created Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), a revolutionary method by which cities can dramatically accelerate deployment of local green power infrastructure in order to diversify their electric power away from fossil fuel to renewable energy and achieve more stable, competitive rates for their communities. There are approximately 1 million consumers currently benefiting from low cost electricity delivered under CCA laws in two states. The two major markets, the Cape Light Compact and the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council in Greater Cleveland, are widely considered to be the only exceptions to the failure of electricity deregulation in the US. In 2002, Fenn authored a CCA law in California, where San Francisco now leads a major movement among municipalities and counties to implement Community Choice.

LPI is building a recurring revenue business with its highly scalable energy service bureau model, assisting cities to adopt, implement and manage CCA networks. CCA offers numerous benefits - city governments become strategic investors in renewable power, local jobs are promoted, rates are stabilized, and the service is popular with environmentally conscious politicians and voters.

In June 2007, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to approve the adoption of a CCA plan authored by Local Power and to proceed with an RFP for implementation bids supported by approximately $1.2 Billion in revenue bonds under the City's "H Bond Authority," which Fenn wrote in 2001. The adoption of CCA by San Francisco is a first by a major city and will implement the largest urban rollout of renewable power in the world - an initial 360 MW of local green power facilities and a 51% Renewable Portfolio Standard by 2017. LPI initially is expected to generate revenues from consulting fees for assisting cities in drafting and implementing CCA implementation plans. There are currently more than forty cities in California considering adopting CCA implementation plans.

Paul Fenn, CEO of Local Power, said, "My dream is that in the next ten years every major city in the USA has the opportunity to painlessly replace at least 50% of its fossil fuel consumption with green power technologies using the tools we have developed at Local Power. Acorn Factor is the logical partner for Local Power because of its success in pioneering demand aggregation at Comverge for peak shaving. Local Power is seeking to apply CCA laws and related mechanisms we have developed to aggregate demand and fund massive deployment of renewable generation and conservation technology." John A. Moore, CEO of Acorn Factor, said that, "Local Power is a terrific opportunity for Acorn Factor to build on its success in aggregating electricity demand and shaping markets at Comverge. Local Power intends to use the CCA laws to expand the use of demand response and go beyond into generation of renewable power through private/public partnerships with the cities. Cities consume 75% of all electricity so with the right tools they are perfectly positioned to lead the green energy revolution. Please visit my blog www.betthejockey.com to learn more about our thinking on Local Power."

About Local Power: Local Power (www.localpower.com) is a pioneer in the restructuring of electricity markets through its innovation of Community Choice Aggregation laws and related mechanisms that enable cities to leverage group buying power and develop renewable power resources on a massive scale while using the local utility's distribution infrastructure. LPI was founded and is directed by Paul Fenn, co-author of the nation's original Community Choice Aggregation law, and author of California's 2002 law, who has successfully worked with local and state governments since 1996 to introduce bills and laws which pioneer alternative power provider options. LPI views Community Choice Aggregation as the purchasing and financing methodology to capitalize on the opportunity of large-scale renewable energy and conservation technologies.

About Acorn Factor: Acorn Factor, Inc. is a holding company for emerging energy ventures which currently owns 2,786,021 shares of Comverge, Inc. COMV common stock - a leading provider of clean energy solutions that enhance grid reliability and enable electric utilities to increase available electric capacity. Acorn specializes in funding and accelerating the growth of emerging ventures that promise meaningful improvements in the economic and environmental efficiency of the energy sector. Acorn Factor also owns an interest in Paketeria GmbH and a controlling position in dsIT. Additional information about Acorn Factor, its dsIT subsidiary and its affiliates is available at www.acornfactor.com, www.dsit.co.il, www.comverge.com, www.localpower.com and www.Paketeria.de.

This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company can provide no assurance that Community Choice Aggregation will be widely accepted, that Local Power will successfully develop its energy service bureau business to assist municipalities with the implementation of Community Choice Aggregation or that such business will generate revenues or profits. Actual results may vary from those projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. A complete discussion of risks and uncertainties which may affect the accuracy of these statements and the Company's business generally is included in "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contact Information: Bibicoff & Associates, Inc. Terri MacInnis, Dir. of Investor Relations 818-379-8500 terrimac@bibicoff.com

Sunday, July 29, 2007

solar energy economical for remote power solutions

SolarSense.com Solar Energy Advantages

Solar is a clean, efficient, and sustainable form of energy. The world-wide demand for Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is greater than supply, with lead times now 3 - 6 months from suppliers. When the cost of supplying electricity to remote locations is expensive, solar energy becomes a cost-effective alternative.

Cost Benefits

The cost of PV systems has come down 25 fold over the last 20 years and they are now often the most cost effective in remote energy applications such as cabins and resorts. Photovoltaics are economical today, especially in light of the high cost of connecting to local utilities in remote locations.

Environmental Benefits

In recent opinion polls, solar energy scored higher than all other forms of energy when participants were asked what type of energy is best for future generations.

Economics of Solar Energy

Solar power systems can be a much less expensive way to develop power on your remote property.

Save Money with Energy Efficiency

Conservation—the first thing to do before buying an independent power system!
Regardless of the power generation source you are using, reducing consumption with energy-efficient appliances and lights will save you money. Even if you decide not to use solar energy, you'll still enjoy the financial benefits of energy efficiency and reduce wear and tear on the environment.

Links to other Solar Energy Resources
Links to Solar Energy advocates, government organizations, and other manufacturers of Solar Energy Products.

Check out:

Clean Energy Blog

Zara Solar of Tanzania wins Africa Award

from AIDG.org Blog

Appropriate Technology Roundup 07/27/07
by Catherine Laine

July 27th, 2007
WorldBike: Bikes that Haul, for All from Treehugger

Big Boda Load Carrying Bicycle from WorldBike

[Worldbike, an] international amalgam of bicycle designers and bike industry types has teamed with international development folk, to conjure up “transportation solutions and create income-generating opportunities for the world’s poor.” As they say, “all across the developing world, people use bicycles the way we use pickup trucks and school busses. However, the bicycles sold in developing countries are those designed for recreation and are ill-suited to carrying loads.” Enter stage right the open source gurus. They make available bicycle and accessory blueprints, plus construction photos.

Award winning Solar Companies from Timbuktu Chronicles

Two African solar energy companies won Ashden Award prizes [this year]… Tanzania’s Zara Solar Ltd. won the first prize for the Africa Award (£30,000) for providing high-quality, reliable solar-home-systems at affordable prices to communities lacking access to a reliable source of energy. The second prize for the Africa Award (£10,000) was snatched by Deng Ltd of Ghana for “developing a viable and sustainable business for the provision of solar-home-systems to rural areas where access to grid supply is limited.”

Sun-powered ovens for China and Darfur from Inhabitat

Operation Blessing, a non-profit committed to “breaking the cycle of suffering” has taken the age-old technique of harnessing the sun’s heat to cook food, and turned it into a viable design for off-the-grid, minimal-resource third-world demographics. In the Gansu Province of China, and soon in Darfur camps, the sun-powered parabolic solar oven allows the suffering and hungry to cleanly cook and boil water and without firewood, using only that always-renewable energy source: the sun.

Wind Powered Cell Phone Base Stations from Afrigadget

The company WinAfrique designs and builds hybrid wind and diesel turbine systems for powering cell phone base stations. Kenya’s biggest wireless companies Safaricom and Celtel have contracted with WinAfrique.

HOW TO - Make DC Bicycle pedal power generators from MAKE

Here you can learn to create your own green power electricity using a pedal power bicycle generator. We setup the 24 bicycle power generators at the 2007 Coachella Music and Arts Festival, 60,000 people a day for 3 days in the desert - Indio California. The bike generators were used for charging cell phones.

Potential Power Source: The Ocean? from NPR

With green energy booming, cities around the country are getting creative in cutting energy costs while being environmentally conscious. San Francisco is looking at an unusual power source: the ocean.

Q&A: Solel’s president, Avi Brenmiller from Earth2Tech


Israeli solar thermal company Solel just scored a deal with PG&E to build an estimated $2 billion massive solar thermal plant in California’s Mohave Desert. Not a lot of people have heard of the 250-person company, or even really solar thermal technology for that matter. So we grabbed a few questions with Solel’s President Avi Brenmiller in downtown San Francisco:

I did not know this.

Q). What is the solar energy industry like in Israel?

A). We have the solar powered water heaters which are on each roof in Israel by law – and this is very advanced [emphasis added]. However at the end of the day it is less than 3% of the total consumption of energy in Israel. What we are trying to do is make it a major factor.

Sioux City, IA, Breaks Ground on “Poop to Profits” Plant from Sustainablog

Minneapolis-based Bison Renewable Energy broke ground on what will be the world’s largest methane gas facility in Sioux City, Iowa. When the plant begins operations early next year, it will hold up to 11 million gallons of cow manure, and turn that yucky stuff into methane gas.

Tsunami-proofing South India’s Coast From Grassroots Up from Treehugger

Current efforts to protect people living along South Asian coasts from another devastating tsunami do not necessarily entail high-tech, governmental schemes. In fact, it is now concerned local populations who are getting involved in the conservation of natural buffer zones such as mangroves and sand dunes, which have been shown to absorb much of the damage.


Yuya Joe Blog

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper

The Daily Beast -Politics Blog

21stArch.com - 21st Century Architecture

Original Joe College Blog

WikiLeaks Foreign Policy Analysis

AGreenRealtor.com Real Estate Blog - Ecology Energy Efficiency

Best Green Stocks Investing Blog

JOIN Betfair through link below, you "Choose Your Bonus!"

PV Intell Photovoltaic Solar Stocks Investing

SEARCH Leading Alternative Energy and Ethical Investing websites

Custom Search

Daily Kos

Rare Earth Stocks Research

Patrick MacManus's Blog Peace and Collaborative Development

BeesTreesFrogsElephants.com - Nature and Ecology Blog

Research Green Energy stocks, Clean Energy investing information

Find wind power investing info online, clean energy mutual funds, geothermal stocks, solar energy investments.

Custom Search


Green Energy Investing Network:

Green Stocks Investing Clean Power Blog

SolarIntell.com Renewable Power Investing Website

Wind Intell.com Wind Energy Stocks Company Links

Geothermal Power Investing Public Companies

PV Intell.com Leading Photovoltaic Solar Energy Stocks