Technology

Although electric and hybrid cars create more carbon emissions during their production than standard vehicles, they are still greener overall. This is one of the findings in a report prepared by Ricardo1for, in collaboration with the membership of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership that includes major vehicle manufacturers and oil companies.The increased emissions created during the production of electric and hybrid vehicles is further compounded by disposal issues. However, overall electric and hybrid vehicles still have lower carbon footprints than fossil fuel powered vehicles.“This work dispels the myth that low carbon vehicles simply displace emissions from the exhaust to other...

To help make it easier for electric vehicle owners to recharge, Google will display the locations of EV charging stations on its web and mobile applications. Charging stations are nowhere near as ubiquitous as gas stations and this is a barrier to the widespread proliferation of electric cars. Thanks to Google Maps, owners of plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles will have an easier time finding charging stations.Google has been a powerful supporter of greener cars. The search leader is also behind an initiative called RechargeIT, which hosts data about plug-in electric vehicles.Google is working with the US Department of...

ISO is working to support cleaner cars because they understand that the future is about fuel-efficient, low or no emission vehicles. ISO standards for the automotive industry cover environmental considerations but they also cover things like safety, ergonomics, performance, test methods, and the roll-out of innovative technologies. These standards help to make new automotive technologies ecological, efficient, safe and effective.Standards are being adapted to the new challenges of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). These new standards cover issues like safety from electric hazards, on-board rechargeable energy store systems and protection against failures.The ISO and the International...

A number of green companies have sought ISO 14001 environmental management certification including those associated with solar power.Satelite solar panel maker Q-Cells, is also ISO certified. The company earned ISO 9001:2000 certification and ISO 14001:2004 certification. Q-Cells is the world`s second largest maker of PV cells, after Sharp of Japan.The Swiss connector manufacturer, Multi-Contact, which provides electrical connectors to the photovoltaic industry, recently achieved DIN ISO 14001 certification. The company uses resource saving MC Multilam Technology. With the MC3 and MC4 connector systems, Multi-Contact is leading in the Photovoltaic sector worldwide. With successful ISO 14001 certification the company has strengthened...

To help businesses understand the implications of the new energy oriented ISO series, GreenBiz.com gathered a panel of energy and sustainability executives for a webinar titled, "ISO 50001: Preparing for the New Energy Management Standard."The business community is increasingly adopting sustainable practices to decrease costs, reduce environmental impacts and add value. Energy management is central to these efforts. According to panelists Bill Allemon, vice president of Energy Management Services at ARCADIS U.S. what distinguishes the new ISO standard is its reach and range.Other panelists include Don Macdonald, director of Sustainability Business Development of UL DQS Inc., and Kelly Smith, Global...

The International Standards Organization (ISO) is developing a guideline for energy management known as 50001 which will be published in the third quarter 2011. ISO 50001 is designed to help organizations improve their energy performance, increase energy efficiency and reduce climate change impacts.ISO has identified energy management as a priority area meriting the development and promotion of international standards. Effective energy management is a priority focus because of the significant potential to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide.The new energy guideline establish a framework for energy management systems for buildings, industrial plants, commercial facilities and utilities. ISO...

Ford is producing some leading green vehicles including the Escape Hybrid, and the Fusion Hybrid, but the flagship of Ford's green offerings is their first all electric car known as the Focus Electric. This zero emission vehicle is a fully electric version of their popular small car.The Focus Electric is an aerodynamic vehicle with low-rolling resistance tires. It is powered by a 100 kW electric motor coupled with a 23-kWh battery. The 100-kilowatt electric motor provides 123 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It has a top speed is 84 mph (136km/h) and can be charged in just three hours...

Green buildings offer a tremendously reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional buildings.Buildings are one of the heaviest consumers of natural resources and account for a significant portion of global warming causing greenhouse gas emissions.Buildings are huge consumers of raw materials, they account for 40% of the global raw materials demand or 3 billion tons annually.US Buildings represent 38.9 percent of primary energy use and account for 38 percent of the country's CO2 emissions. US Buildings consume 13.6 percent of the nations potable water, or 15 trillion gallons per year.The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that at least 136 million tons of...

China is seeking to learn more about green buildings with the help of leading nations in the international community.The Chinese government has pledged to speed up construction of green buildings. To accomplish this goal, the government has sought out the expertise of the international community.Li Bingren, chief economist at the Chinese Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, said, the government has signed a memorandum of understanding on green buildings with a number of other countries, including the US, France, Germany and Singapore.The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has been holding seminars related to climate change and green building that...

When it comes to green buildings the benefits far outweigh the costs. The costs of these buildings are about the same as traditional development projects. One study indicates that green buildings are 2 percent more expensive than conventional buildings.A large number of economic advantages more than offset the minor increase in costs. Here is a summary of the research on the economic advantages of green building.According to a study from Syphers, Geof, et al. titled "Managing the Cost of Green Building," higher construction costs can be avoided by the inclusion of green design from the outset of the project. The...