Get Energy Smart! NOW!

That popular show, ripping apart a home and putting together an extraordinary new one in just one week, chose to go solar this week.  While far from the greenest show (What effort to recoup / reuse all the material from torn down homes? What discussion of above code insulation or other energy efficient choices?),  this […]

[Read more →]

Today is the last day for placing questions and comments before the Virginia State Corporation Commission (VSCC)  (comments) about two major issues from Dominion Virginia Power. Wise County coal-fired power plant (application, 14 page pdf) PUE-2007-0066 A 500 kV transmission line to bring coal electricity to Northern Virginia from Ohio (application, 29 page pdf)  PUE-2007-00033 Green […]

[Read more →]

Physical infrastructure (buildings) is, in short-hand, responsible for about one-third of global energy use and one-third of global warming (rough-hand guide way to think).  There are many ways to change this equation, strengthening building codes is one clear arena.  In my community, for example, 20 years ago, the ceiling “R” (insulation level) requirement was R-13, […]

[Read more →]

The Center for American Progress just released its 10-step plan to a Low-Carbon Economy.  Based on an early look at the summary pages, great stuff and, well, ho-hum, and well, missing elements.  But, looking forward to seeing the full report.

[Read more →]

Monday’s Washington Post business section has an excellent set of articles examining local green businesses.   They provide a window on those pursuing green productivity for, it seems, ethical/moral issues first (and financial as corollary) as per Honest Tea and those who started entirely with financial reasons (with any environmental/ethical/moral issues secondary, a corollary) as per Marriott (article […]

[Read more →]

Since diving into the deep end when it comes to energy issues, almost every day sees new fascinating concepts, approaches, and technologies.  Exciting. Hope inspring. Truly Energy COOL.  And, well, there are others on the hunt for those Energy COOL opportunities for fostering a better future. When I win the lottery … When I win […]

[Read more →]

When people speak of the need for an energy version of the Manhattan Project, for the Apollo Project for Energy, the analogy is far from perfect. What is often missed, when conceiving this, is the client issue (who buys the nuclear weapons or the lunar landing module, eg, not your average homeowner) and the question […]

[Read more →]

There are many rows to hoe to foster an Energy Smart culture, one that will enable us to create a Prosperous, Climate Friendly Society.  Being Energy Smart begins at Home, but individuals will not, cannot create this path toward a sensible future alone, we work, live, and prosper in communities. And, well, isn’t that what […]

[Read more →]

Vampires are among us. When you aren’t looking (or, when you are looking but not seeing), when you are sleeping, when you aren’t paying attention, Vampires are sucking up vital juices, threatening our very existence.   Thank you to TreeHugger for a video that we should send viral. A video to educate about the importance […]

[Read more →]

Like Jessica, I’m “a green geek” and gadgets that help propel me (and, even better, the globe) toward an Energy Smart future excite me.  And, also like Jessica, I’m excited by a recent addition of a fan to my home. Bit by bit, I’m moving my home from 1950s to 21st century energy systems. That […]

[Read more →]