XIOLINK LLC, has completed the first phase of the installation of an advanced solar electricity system to provide sustainable energy to its downtown St. Louis, Missouri headquarters. The building has become one of the first in the city’s central business district to install solar panels. The full solar system will be completed by Labor Day. “We’re committed to using innovative, …
Utilities’ Energy Efficiency Ideas Short on Savings
A review of five-year energy efficiency plans submitted to the Iowa Utilities Board by MidAmerican Energy Company and Alliant Energy shows utilities are failing to deliver programs that will maximize the benefits of energy efficiency. In testimony filed with the Board, the Iowa Environmental Council, Environmental Law & Policy Center and their partners demonstrated that MidAmerican Energy’s proposed programs would …
New Database Tracks Energy Legislation
Colorado State University’s Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) has launched an Advanced Energy Legislation (AEL) Tracker, a database tracking energy-related state legislation pending in all 50 states. Types of energy include solar, wind, biofuels, natural gas and more. The AEL was created in partnership with Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) and the system will also enable CNEE to conduct …
Walmart: 100% Renewable Energy by 2020
Walmart President and CEO Mike Duke has announced the company’s next step on the path to achieving its goal of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy. Unveiled at Walmart’s Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting, the company committed to achieving the following by Dec. 31, 2020: drive the production or procurement of 7 billion kWh of renewable energy globally every year, …
IU Bloomingdale Achieves GHG Emission Reductions
Indiana University Bloomington has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 43 percent last year from the previous year and has now cut its direct emissions by more than half in the past two years, according to campus officials. The major reduction in GHG emissions over the past two years reflects a concerted shift from coal to natural gas usage …
USDA Aims to Simplify REF Apps
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a series of changes to make it easier for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply for renewable energy and energy efficiency funding. “These changes are intended to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses throughout America,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “They will streamline and simplify the application process and give …
UCSB Hosting Summit on Energy Efficiency
UC Santa Barbara’s Institute for Energy Efficiency is hosting the 2013 Summit on Energy Efficiency on May 1-2, 2013. The forum will focus on the latest innovations in materials science and technology for energy generation, energy storage, lighting, and electronics. The event is designed to provide dialogue about how advancements in materials science and technology can meet future energy needs …
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu Resigns
In a letter to U.S. Energy Department employees today, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced his decision to not serve a second term. In his remarks he highlighted the tremendous progress of the last four years. Chu wrote, “Serving the country as Secretary of Energy, and working alongside such an extraordinary team of people at the Department, has been the greatest …
EcoCAR 2: Plugging in to the Future
Year two is underway in the EcoCAR 2: Plugging in to the Future, competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and General Motors. The program offers students hands-on experience in designing future cars. The competition began in 2011 and during year one, the competition emphasized the use of math-based design tools and simulation techniques in establishing vehicle foundation. …
Now is the Time to Invest in Renewables
The renewable industry remains abuzz about the American Tax Payer Relief Act that included the extension and modification of energy tax provisions. The tax extenders make investing in the renewables industry and in energy efficiency technologies a good move. Why? The firm of Faegre Baker Daniels LLP put together a brief overview of several key provisions that aid the industry …