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EPA Proposes Updates to Air Standards for Newly Manufactured Woodstoves and Heaters

Posted January 3, 2014

Updates would make the next generation of woodstoves and heaters significantly cleaner and more efficient

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing standards for the amount of air pollution that can be emitted by new woodstoves and heaters, beginning in 2015. The agency’s proposal would make the next generation of stoves and heaters an estimated 80 percent cleaner than those manufactured today, leading to important air quality and public health improvements in communities across the country. The proposal would affect a variety of wood heaters manufactured beginning in 2015 and will not affect heaters and stoves already in use in homes or currently for sale today.

Smoke from residential wood heaters, which are used around the clock in some communities, can increase toxic air pollution, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and soot, also known as particle pollution, to levels that pose serious health concerns. Particle pollution is linked to a wide range of serious health effects, including heart attacks, strokes and asthma attacks. In some areas, residential wood smoke makes up a significant portion of the fine particle pollution problem. EPA’s proposal would work in concert with state and local programs to improve air quality in these communities.
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Home electricity use in US falling to 2001 levels

Posted January 2, 2014
By Jonathan Fahey, AP Energy Writer
Source: Fuel Fix.com

NEW YORK (AP) — The average amount of electricity consumed in U.S. homes has fallen to levels last seen more than a decade ago, back when the smartest device in people’s pockets was a Palm pilot and anyone talking about a tablet was probably an archaeologist or a preacher.

Because of more energy-efficient housing, appliances and gadgets, power usage is on track to decline in 2013 for the third year in a row, to 10,819 kilowatt-hours per household, according to the Energy Information Administration.

That’s the lowest level since 2001, when households averaged 10,535 kwh. And the drop has occurred even though our lives are more electrified.

Here’s a look at what has changed since the last time consumption was so low.
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Universal Notebook Charger: Secret Weapon in Slashing E-Waste?

Posted: December 20, 2013
Source: Environmental Leader.com

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has published the first technical specification for a universal charger for notebook computers and laptops that the international standards organization says will “significantly reduce” e-waste.

IEC Technical Specification 62700: DC Power supply for notebook computer, will be available in early 2014.

Each year billions of external chargers are shipped globally. Power supplies for notebooks weigh typically around 300 but sometimes up to 600 grams. They are generally not usable from one computer to the next. Sometimes they get lost or break, leading to the discarding of computers that may still work perfectly well.

IEC estimates that the total e-waste related to all kinds of chargers of information and communication devices exceeds half a million tons each year.
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Light ’em up

Posted on December 19, 2013
Source: Reno News & Review Green Guide
By:

Peppermill saves electricity by changing to LED lights

With its own geothermal power plant on site powering all heat and space, the Peppermill Resort had already cut its energy bills down quite a bit—about $1.8 million a year. But they’re always looking for more ways to save, and they recently cut down their electricity bill by an estimated $130, 539 a year by switching their parking lot lights from 1,000-watt metal-halides to 188-watt LEDs.

These savings come from switching both of the Peppermill properties—the Reno Peppermill Resort and the Western Village in Sparks—to LED-lighted parking lots.

“In August of this year, we put in these new units. We’re already seeing about a 90 percent energy reduction at Western Village because they have meters that are dedicated to the lights,” said executive director of facilities at the Peppermill, Dean Parker.
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Shining a light on energy-efficient light bulbs [Infographic]

This infographic provided courtesy of Batteries + Bulbs and Mother Nature News.com
Posted: December 17, 2013.
The phasing out of popular incandescent bulbs in favor of more energy-efficient bulbs needn’t be a confusing upgrade for you.
LightBulbInfographic01

Sustainability Trends Impacting Retailers in 2014

Posted: December 10, 2013
Source: Environmental Leader.com

Retail hazardous waste management is an incredibly complex industry from both a logistics and regulatory standpoint. There’s only one constant—it is always changing.

Definitions of which materials are considered hazardous vary at the federal, state and county levels, and are constantly evolving with political, environmental and economic pressures.

In addition to these challenges, a number of trends are emerging to further complicate the industry and force major retailers to evaluate their environmental compliance programs. In 2014, digitalization, geographic shifts and a need for inventory optimization are developments that retailers will need to consider as they evaluate their approach to hazardous waste management.
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The Heat Is On…or Off: Having the Sense to Cut Office Energy Bills

Posted: December 9, 2013
Source: Science Daily.com

Office buildings have an enormous carbon footprint, but often energy is being wasted maintaining empty rooms and spaces at a comfortable temperature. Research to be published in the International Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems shows how the ubiquity of smart phones connected to the office network could be used to monitor occupancy and reduce heating or air conditioning for unused spaces.
Continue reading The Heat Is On…or Off: Having the Sense to Cut Office Energy Bills

Clean Diesel Rebates Available from EPA for Public and Private Construction Equipment

Posted: December 4, 2013
Source: EPA National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC)

EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign opened a new rebate program on November 20, 2013. This round of rebates focuses on the retrofit and replacement of nonroad construction equipment engines in both public and private fleets. The total funding for this opportunity is approximately $2 million. To learn more about the rebate program, applicant and location eligibility, technology options, and selection process, please visit EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Program Construction Rebates website.

EPA will collect rebate applications from November 20, 2013, to January 15, 2014. Applicants may submit only one application for up to five pieces of equipment and up to $120,000 in rebate funds. Applications may be downloaded from the website. Completed applications and required documentation should be sent by email with the subject line “DERA Construction Equipment Rebate Application.”

EPA will offer a webinar to interested applicants on December 9, 2013, at 1pm EST. Webinar registration.