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energy

Home Tag energy
toyota unveils fcv plus hydrogen concept.

toyota unveils fcv plus hydrogen concept.

Oct 9, 2015

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Toyota envisages a sustainable society in which hydrogen energy is in widespread use. The reasoning, compressed hydrogen has a higher energy density than electricity and can be generated from a wide range of raw materials. It’s also easy to store. Toyota’s also envisages more than transportation for the car by turning fuel cell vehicles from eco-cars into energy-cars.

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[ electricity generation and sharing ]
The car can also generate electricity directly from hydrogen stored outside the vehicle, transforming into a stable source of electric power for use at home or away. When the car is not being used as a means of transport, it shares its power generation capabilities with communities as part of the local infrastructure.

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[ supporting future generations ]
The fuel cell stack can be repurposed as an electricity generating device contributing significantly to local communities.

The fuel cell stack is mounted between the front tires, and the hydrogen tank behind the rear seat. Together with the adoption of independent in-wheel motors in all four wheels, this allows for a spacious cabin despite the vehicle’s compact vehicle body. By concentrating functional parts at the front and the rear of the vehicle, and creates a wide field of vision.

vw blames engineers.

vw blames engineers.

Oct 8, 2015

it seems this was the work of a couple of rogue engineers. ‘i agree, it’s very hard to believe, ‘volkswagen of america ceo michael horn conceded to congressional hearing. ‘it’s a sign of arrogance. it’s a sign of not admitting yet the severity of your problem,’ representative r-ny, chris collins, an engineer said. via nbc news [RK] above> volkswagen of america ceo, michael horn

Climate change and the perils of inaction.

Mar 4, 2014

climate change and the perils of inaction. never mind that carbon dioxide in atmosphere is up nearly a quarter since 1960 and higher than any time in past 800,000 years. via chicago tribune [RK]

Haworth creates world’s first LEEDv4 certified project.

Oct 29, 2013

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Haworth’s new innovative space in Beijing has been recognized as the world’s first certified LEED project under the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) new LEED version 4 beta program. The USGBC awarded LEED Gold status after the project earned 71 out of the possible 110 points. The site, landmark building Parkview Green, among many other features, provides tenants with access to quality transportation and bicycle facilities. The LEED Platinum (version 3) building is home to a boutique hotel, commercial offices and premium retail.

Inside, Haworth has created the Club – an organic workspace concept offering dynamic co-working and lounge spaces available to tenants, hotel guests and surrounding community. The core design element is a concept of flexibility: Everything can be easily rearranged to meet day-to-day needs.

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[ official release ]
BEJING, CHINA – October 23, 2013 – Haworth, Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of furniture, today announced that its innovative space, located in Beijing’s landmark Parkview Green building, has been recognized as the world’s first certified LEED project under the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) new LEED version 4 beta program. The USGBC awarded LEED Gold status after the project earned 71 out of the possible 110 points.

“Achieving the first-ever LEED version 4 certification speaks volumes about Haworth’s global commitment to sustainability,” said Steve Kooy, Haworth’s global sustainability manager.

In order to achieve the certification, everything from the location of the building and its energy performance to water efficiency and indoor air quality had to be considered. “We are especially pleased to have achieved this certification in China,” said Frank Rexach, vice president and general manager of Haworth’s Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America sector. “The application of the new LEED standards in Beijing highlights the importance of this fast-growing market.”

Parkview Green is located in the Chaoyang District of Beijing and provides tenants with access to quality transportation and bicycle facilities. The LEED Platinum (version 3) building is also home to a boutique hotel, commercial offices and premium retail. Inside Parkview Green, Haworth has created the Club – an organic workspace concept that offers dynamic co-working and lounge spaces that can be used by the building’s tenants, hotel guests and members in the community. At the heart of the Club’s design was the concept of flexibility. Everything from partition walls, meeting rooms, huddle spaces and private focus areas can be easily rearranged to meet the day-to-day needs of its users. “A workspace that easily responds to changing business needs over time not only saves time and money but it also reduces waste,” said Kooy.

To complete the project, Haworth partnered with BEE inc., a Shanghai- and Hong Kong-based specialist for green materials, trading and LEED consulting. Director of strategic services for Haworth’s Asia Pacific sector, Iolanda Meehan, spearheaded the effort.

“Throughout the construction process we reused 60 percent of non-structural interior elements,” said Meehan. “Additionally, 93 percent (by value) of the furniture in the space is either GREENGUARD certified or has been transferred from an existing showroom and fresh air exceeds the required Indoor Environment Quality by 35 percent.”

Energy and water efficiencies also helped achieve the certification. Through the optimization of the HVAC system as well as efficient LED lighting design, fixtures and controls supplied by Philips – one of Haworth’s partners in the region – the showroom’s energy consumption was reduced by 59 percent (compared to ASHRAE energy requirements).

“While LEED version 4 raises the bar on green building leadership and requires a new level of commitment to building sustainably, it was important for us to go beyond the prestigious LEED certification to ensure that we created a space that is not only environmentally-friendly and open to the community, but a project that will stand as a model for future workspaces,” said Meehan.

The USGBC’s LEED rating system provides building owners and operators with the framework to identify and implement practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. Within each LEED credit category, projects must satisfy prerequisites to earn points. The number of points the project earns determines its level of certification.

In July 2013, USGBC members voted to adopt the latest update to the green building rating system. The newest version of LEED will officially launch this fall at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Philadelphia, PA.

“Haworth strongly believes that this type of adaptable workspace, coupled with activity and workstyle based areas, is the way forward for corporations to maximize the efficiency of its real estate and the effectiveness and innovation of its people,” said Rexach.

Globally, Haworth improves workplaces with award-winning furniture, interior architecture and technology solutions to help customers achieve business goals, transform culture as well as support collaboration and innovation. Research + design drive a deep understanding of agile workplace needs and are at the center of the company’s strategy. Haworth is committed to protecting and restoring the environment, creating economic value as well as supporting and strengthening its communities. Founded in 1948, Haworth remains family-owned and privately-held and serves markets in more than 120 countries through a global network of 600 dealers. The company had net sales of US $1.31 billion in 2012.

[ haworth ] [ haworth collection ] @Haworthinc > Facebook.com/Haworthinc

House forms caucus to raise federal energy efficiency.

Dec 13, 2012

house forms caucus to raise federal energy efficiency. there is nearly 3 billion square feet of building space that’s owned and operated by the federal government. via green biz [RK]

4th of july. declaration of dependence.

Jul 4, 2012

4th of july. declaration of dependence. is this about our stuff or electricity? via washington post [RK]

New line of bacteria-powered products from philips microbial home.

Oct 31, 2011



Philips’ recently debuted the Microbial Home Probe, a concept project that takes sustainable design to new heights with bacteria-powered bathroom and home products. Most of the products in the Apothecary line operate with the Bio-Light system, a community of microbes with bioluminescent properties that live in handblown glass cells in a larger, steel, honeycomb-shaped matrix.  Just how much light does bacteria emit? No much, actually. So while it’s not practical for general household lighting it’s a very exciting first step towards thinking way out of the box when it comes to alternative energy sources.

The same system is used to power a line of bathroom mirrors straight out of a sci-fi fantasy. When you look into the mirror, sensors analyze the condition of your skin and eyes. It even takes a sample of your breath and looks for possible dietary problems and burgeoning oral issues like tooth decay. The toilet analyzes your stool and the shower checks the condition of your skin and hair. It reads your sweat and anything else you wash off your body. Then, once all that data is recorded and processed, you stand in front of a full-length mirror and the results are projected onto your corresponding body parts, highlighting problems areas and suggesting solutions. For example, if your iron levels are down, it might suggest eating some leafy greens, or if your hair is greasier than usual, then, you know, whatever the solution for that is.

In addition to the fancy mirror, there’s also a squatting toilet, which, from the looks of it, requires you to lower yourself down and hold onto the handle. Maybe they’ll come out with a throne-style model (as its called in the toilet biz) for those of us who prefer a seated experience. One of my favorite products from the home part of the Microbial Home Probe concept is the Paternoster Plastic Waste Up-Cycler, a Willy Wonky meets modern design take on recycling. You put the plastic goods in the golden funnel and crank them through with the handle. After a few weeks, the fungi inside break down the plastic with their super powerful enzymes. You’ll never have to wonder again whether your recycling is making it to your local plant or if it’s really being sent to a landfill.

There’s a lot more to this amazing and potentially revolutionary system, including an urban beehive and bio-digester island. Click to read more about the Philips’ Design Probes.


about perrin drumm

C3 prefab project. Chicago.

Oct 6, 2011

click on photos to enlarge

The C3 Prefab project, is a prototypical example a prefabricated sustainable residence (Chicago’s first) constructed in an urban environment.




C3 sets a high standard for energy efficiency by surpassing the current energy code by 54%, and becoming the first model for sustainable, affordable housing in Chicago. Reducing the upfront cost of housing is only part of the equation. The compounded savings by reducing energy usage gives homeowners an additional $282,000 at 10% over a 30-year period.


The C3 was designed to meet the LEED Platinum and Energy Star standards with low-tech, common sense solutions in lieu of expensive gadgetry. Many materials used were sustainably harvested as well as sourced through local vendors to encourage economic growth within the region. To date, this project has received Energy Star.

Relative to this project, the word ʻprefabʼ means that portions of the home were constructed off-site and shipped to the project location once the foundation and utilities were prepared. There are many prefab benefits. There’s a higher level of quality control within a factory setting. No “bad weather” means year-round, simultaneous construction for speedier delivery and timelines are more predictable. And an economy of labor and material Reducing labor and through the use of repetitive assembly lines and volume purchasing.

[ sustainable materials | benefits ]
• Uses 54% less energy and produces 64% less emissions then a comparable home. • Energy savings of over 70% in water heating costs due to solar thermal panels and on-demand water heating.
• Recycled content, low-maintenance exterior siding (galvalume corrugated and fiber cement board), and reclaimed barnwood siding.
• Low-VOC water based sealants and finishes; cabinetry and woodwork that contain no formaldehyde or toxic binders.
• Water-conserving plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient appliances and lighting; at least 80% of lighting is either compact fluorescent or LED.
• Recycled/sustainably harvested flooring (hickory and cork).
• Efficient floor plan with high ceilings and substantial natural light and ventilation reduce lighting and heating/cooling loads.
• Ductless, high-efficiency heating & air conditioning system provides quiet operation and controlled zoning for higher level of interior comfort.
• Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) provides continuous outdoor air circulation without energy loss.
• Natural native landscaping provides minimal maintenance and utilizes reclaimed storm water for irrigation.
• Roof is designed for future roof deck, vegetated green space, and photovoltaic (electricity producing) solar panels.
• All wood framing is FSC certified.

[ project data ]
designer: architect square root architecture + design jeffrey sommers
location: chicago usa
project size: single-family | 2039 sqft
hers rating: 46

[ resources ]
manufacturer: Hi-Tech Housing
general contractor: Helios Design + Build
energy consultant: The Sylvan Company
green rater/energy rater: Energy Diagnostics
interior furnishings: Post 27
landscape architect: KMS Gardens and Design
solar panel design & installation: Solar Service, Inc
mechanical consultant and installation: Ardmore Fresh Air
window consultant: Murphys Windows

[ materials and products ]
hvac system: Fujitsu Ductless
windows & doors: THV Compozit
kitchen & bath cabinetry: EcoUrban Collection
lighting consultant: Lightology
low-vov paint: Color Eco Paint Boutique
corrugated galvalume siding: Firestone UnaClad
cement board lap siding: James Hardie
floor & wall tile: Dal-Tile
erv: RenewAire
tankless water heater: Noritz

information/contact: architect square root architecture + design jeffrey sommers

The case of the disappearing chimney.

May 7, 2011



The Chimney House was designed by Onix, a Dutch architecture group that began to notice a startling lack of chimneys in recent residential construction. I supposed this observation isn’t really all that surprising given that hardly anyone still uses a fireplace as their primary heat source anymore, but there is something unquestionably nostalgic in the chimney as an architectural feature, and it’s sad to see it go. After all, what child drawing a house doesn’t include the familiar rectangular rooftop projectile billowing out clouds of crayon curlicued smoke?




Onix’s design calls extra attention to the world’s chimney deficiency by building a home with no less than four of them in various shapes and sizes, creating a jagged, uneven roofline and a fun, playful silhouette.
But as these are very modern chimneys they do more than just lead to a hearth, they also channel light to the home’s interior.



The house is itself a striking bit of design work, completely lined with gorgeous wood panels and nestled beside a lush forest. Still, it’s clear Onix had some good fun with the design. For example, it’s no coincidence that the large projection on the left of the house looks like the outline of a chimney a child might draw in one of those aforementioned crayon sketches.


about perrin drumm

Cooking oil into biodiesel fuel.

Oct 5, 2010

with just one press of a button, this machine can turn used cooking oil into ready-to-use biodiesel with less than 20 minutes of effort. via mlive.com [RK]

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