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January/February 2010: LEDs: Avoiding the CFL Debacle
Alan Meier
The lighting efficacies of LEDs have been rising steadily and are poised to overtake CFLs. Fluorescents and CFLs still outshine LEDs with respect to general applications and cost of light, but LEDs are already superior for some niche applications and offer many new exciting illumination opportunities. Now we need to ensure that the reputation of this new energysaving lighting source won’t be undermined by a tidal wave of shoddy products. Tests for quality, ... [continue reading]
When the Sun Don't Shine and the Wind Don't Blow
Jim Gunshinan
In a world energy landscape dominated by coal, gas, oil, and nuclear, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar don’t stand a chance if we can’t find a way to store energy when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow. In my last blog entry, I wrote about storing electric energy in a battery made of paper and nanotech ink (see The Paper Battery ... [continue reading]
Retrofit the Home of Your Local Government Official
Tom White, Publisher
Speaking to the Efficiency First California Chapter, Brett Knox (of GreenHomes America) recommended that home performance retrofitters offer discounted audits to their local, state and federal government officials. These officials understand whole-house performance concepts with the benefit of a demonstration (remember freebies aren't allowed). An example of this on-the-job approach to educating government officials is given by Rich Manning, a Long Island home performance contractor, writing in the Nov/Dec 2008 issue of Home Energy. Rich ... [continue reading]
The Paper Battery Chase
Jim Gunshinan
by Jim Gunshinan • December 11th, 2009 37.424106, -122.1660756 A carbon nanotube. Image courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. [continue reading]
"Cash for Caulkers" a Pretty Good Idea
Jim Gunshinan
In a recent blog post, I wrote about what it takes to become certified as a Building Analyst through the Building Performance Institute (BPI) (“Am I certifiable?”). A BPI certification or becoming a certified HERS (home energy rating system) rater through the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) are the most recognized ways to enter the home performance marketplace. [continue reading]
Dispatches from Greenbuild 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona, Part 2
Jim Gunshinan
Years ago I discussed with Jan Kozny of Oak Ridge National Laboratory his research at the lab into phase change materials for use in walls. At the time it seemed like the mature technology might just be around the corner. Lots of promising technology remains just around the corner forever, but phase change material is making a comeback. [continue reading]
Dispatches from Greenbuild 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona
Jim Gunshinan
It took me about six hours to travel from my bed in Walnut Creek to the Phoenix Convention Center, the location of this year’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council, and then about an hour more to make my way to the Home Energy booth in the Exposition Hall. Big event; big venue. There are more than 1,000 companies and organizations here, representing every facet of green ... [continue reading]
Dirt's Illuminati
Leslie Jackson
The 2009 Natural Building Colloquium was last month in Southern Oregon. We shared tricks-of-the-trade such as lime and earthen plastering techniques, the latest in like straw bale and cob, housing the poor, emergency relief housing, teaching, etc. [continue reading]
November/December 2009 Editorial: Mandatory Retrofits Prior to Sale… Nationwide
Alan Meier
If we accept the national—and local—goals of large reductions in energy use in order to mitigate climate change, how will these be accomplished? One approach is to include the costs of climate change in the price of energy and let the market do the heavy lifting. In the long run, I think this strategy is essential because there’s nothing like a high price of energy to promote new, energy-saving ... [continue reading]
California Sets Biggest Energy Efficiency Plan in the Nation
Leslie Jackson, associate editor
In September, 2009, the CPUC authorized California's four investor-owned utilities to spend $3.1B on energy efficiency measures (from ratepayer taxes) over the next three years. Those utilities are Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Southern California Gas Company. [continue reading]
