Cliqz.com - WO - GreenLiving http://www.cliqz.com/green/ Cliqz.com - WO - GreenLiving en-WO Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:30:20 +0100 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:30:20 +0100 5 http://css.cliqz.com/6/mainlogo.jpg Cliqz.com - WO - GreenLiving http://www.cliqz.com/green/ <![CDATA[Solar Power Capacity Increased 54% in 2011]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8248.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8248.html


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  Reaching about 28 gigawatts (GW), solar power capacity increased about 54% in 2011, according to a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). Germany and Italy led the way. “Photovoltaic installations rose to between 26.5 and 29.4 gigawatts last year, compared with 18.2 gigawatts during 2010,” Marc Roca of Bloomberg wrote. “The year was [...] Related posts: China to Double Solar Power Capacity by End of 2011 (+ Top Solar Power Stories) Installed Wind Power Capacity Up 21% Globally in 2011 Wind Power Growth Rebounds 15% in H1 2011, Capacity Rises ~23% (from: cleantechnica.com)

14 articles and 6 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Global sea level rise: NASA mission takes stock of Earth's melting land ice]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8247.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8247.html


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In the first comprehensive satellite study of its kind, researchers have used NASA data to calculate how much Earth's melting land ice is adding to global sea level rise. Using satellite measurements from the NASA/German Aerospace Center Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), the researchers measured ice loss in all of Earth's land ice between 2003 and 2010, with particular emphasis on glaciers and ice caps outside of Greenland and Antarctica. The total global ice mass lost from Greenland, Antarctica and Earth's glaciers and ice caps during the study period was about 4.3 trillion tons (1,000 cubic miles), adding about 0.5 inches (12 millimeters) to global sea level. That's enough ice to cover the United States 1.5 feet (0.5 meters) deep. (from: www.sciencedaily.com)

10 articles and 9 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[BG cuts back on fracking for shale gas as prices slide]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8249.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8249.html


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The oil and gas producer has joined US rivals Chesapeake and Conoco in cutting back on the controversial production process known as 'fracking' BG Group has become the latest energy major to scale back on shale gas production in the wake of falling prices. The oil and gas producer, created by a demerger from British Gas 15 years ago, has joined US rivals Chesapeake and Conoco in cutting back on the controversial production process known as "fracking" - where a combination of chemicals, water and sand is pumped into the ground to hydraulicallly fracture or "frack" the rock and release trapped gas. However, concerns over the process have not been a factor in the companies' decisions. BG said on Thursday that its production target for US shale gas will be 80,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day [boepd] in 2015, more than half the previous estimate of 190,000 boepd. The group's chief executive, Sir Frank Chapman, said a decline in the US gas price - known as the Henry Hub price - was the main reason behind the move. A gas discovery boom in the US has driven down prices in the domestic market. BG said the number of its US shale rigs will fall from 35 to 8 over the course of the year as production is cut drastically, but Sir Frank stressed that the move represents a "deferral" of production, with output expected to rise to 190,000 boepd by 2020. "By the time we get to 2020 we expect similar levels once again. This is a deferral of the programme given that we see, at least for the time being, a period of lower prices." Self-sufficiency? Despite the recent announcements, shale gas is a key factor in predictions that the US will be almost self-sufficient in energy by 2030. According to a BP report published last month, the country faces a future where it will be markedly less dependent on oil and gas supplies from the Middle East. The BP energy outlook report predicted a growth in resources "including US shale oil and gas, Canadian oil sands and Brazilian deepwater, plus a gradual decline in demand, that would see [North America] become almost totally energy self-sufficient" in two decades. BG also owns a stake in some of Brazil's most promising offshore oil prospects, but Sir Frank would not be drawn today on reports that the group is on the verge of selling part of its stake to China's Sinopec. When pressed on speculation of a partial disposal, which reports say could raise more than $20bn, Sir Frank said: "We are very happy with our project in Brazil." The shale announcement was made alongside strong fourth quarter figures for BG. The group also reaffirmed its target of growing oil and gas production at 7% per year to 2020, despite weak US gas prices. BG said fourth-quarter earnings, which exclude one-offs and non-cash charges, were $1.48bn against analysts' forecasts of $1.11bn. JP Morgan said that even stripping out the impact of the low tax rate, BG outperformed expectations by 8%. BG Shale gas and fracking Energy Gas Oil and gas companies Energy industry United States Dan Milmo guardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds (from: www.guardian.co.uk)

7 articles and 2 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Greenpeace Rates Google Highest on Its Cool IT Leaderboard Ranking Green Companies]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8246.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8246.html


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Greenpeace just released their fifth annual Cool IT Leaderboard, which rates huge IT companies for their green initiatives – and this year Google pulled ahead of the pack. The internet giant got the most cred for its green policy initiatives, but it was no slacker in sourcing renewable energy or developing innovative eco-solutions (the other [...] (from: feeds.feedburner.com)

11 articles and 6 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Solar PV Cost Competitive in Middle East, New Analysis Finds]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8242.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8242.html


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Andrew wrote a few weeks ago on Saudi Arabia perhaps becoming the next solar hotspot, and we've written a few pieces recently on big projects or ideas for projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A new analysis by the Emirates Solar Industry Association (ESIA) and sponsored by international consultancy firm PwC contends that we may just be getting started with such stories, as solar photovoltaic (PV) power is now "cost competitive" with conventional fossil-fuel-based electricity generation (not even taking into account massive externalities). No related posts. (from: cleantechnica.com)

17 articles and 7 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[ACEEE ranks i-MiEV as “Greenest” car in US, Civic Natural Gas ties for second with LEAF]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8243.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8243.html


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Mitsubishi’s i-MIEV battery electric vehicle took the top spot from the Honda Civic Natural Gas on the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) 14 th annual environmental ranking. The natural gas Civic had held first place for 8 years running. Making its model year 2012 debut on the US market, the i-MIEV earned a score of 58, the highest Green Score awarded since the rankings began in 1998. With a combined city and highway fuel economy of 112 miles per gallon equivalent, the i-MIEV outpaces all other vehicles currently sold in United States. ACEEE 2012 “Greenest” Rankings Make and Model Specifications Emission Standard MPG city MPG hwy Green score Mitsubishi I-MiEV Elec. (Li-ion) ZEV 3.8 2.9 58 Honda Civic Natural Gas 1.8L 4, auto [CNG] PZEV / Bin 2 27 38 55 Nissan LEAF Elec. (Li-ion) ZEV 3.1 2.7 55 Toyota Prius 1.8L 4, auto CVT PZEV / Bin 3 51 48 54 Honda Insight 1.3L 4, auto CVT PZEV 41 44 53 Smart fortwo Cabriolet / Coupe 1.0L 3, manual ULEV II / Bin 5 34 38 53 Scion IQ 1.3L 4, auto CVT ULEV II / Bin 5 36 37 52 Honda Civic Hybrid 1.5L 4, auto CVT PZEV / Bin 2 44 44 52 Lexus CT200H 1.8L 4, auto CVT SULEV II / Bin 3 43 40 51 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE 2.5L 4, auto CVT PZEV / Bin 3 43 39 51 Honda CR-Z 1.5L 4, auto CVT PZEV 35 39 50 Toyota Yaris 1.5L 4, manual ULEV II / Bin 5 30 38 50 Even taking into account the emissions generated from the electricity used to power the i-MIEV, it still handily outscores other vehicles on the market today. —ACEEE lead vehicle analyst Shruti Vaidyanathan The Honda Civic Natural Gas, despite its improved fuel economy this year, appears in second place, tied with the Nissan Leaf. Rounding out the top six are the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight, and the Smart ForTwo. This year, hybrids dominate the “Greenest” list occupying half of all spots. Highly efficient conventional gasoline vehicles also continue to have a presence on the “Greenest” list, claiming three of the top twelve spots. This year saw the arrival of a number of new hybrid options for drivers from Hyundai, Kia, and Infiniti, but none broke into the top twelve. Vehicles are analyzed on the basis of a “Green Score,” a singular measure that incorporates unhealthy tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and emissions of gases that contribute to climate change. This year, a number of updates were made to the Green Book methodology to more accurately estimate vehicles’ environmental impacts. These include improved emissions estimates for the vehicle manufacturing process, changes reflecting current natural gas extraction practices, and consideration of upcoming shifts in the generation mix for the electricity used to power electric cars. The greenercars.org website also identifies top, widely-available models in each vehicle class. This “Greener Choices” list includes trucks and SUVs such as the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Canyon, Honda Odyssey, and the Ford F-150 (FFV). Cars such as the Chevrolet Sonic-5 and Hyundai Sonata top their respective classes. Domestic manufacturers claimed five of the twelve spots. The “Meanest” list this year sees a number of heavier light-duty vehicles, pushing out European sports cars as the highest emitters. The dirtiest vehicles for 2012 are the twin Chevrolet G3500 Express and GMC G3500 Savana cargo vans, followed by the Ford E-350 Wagon and the Bugatti Veyron sports car. (from: www.greencarcongress.com)

12 articles and 7 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[6 Super Easy DIY Gifts For Your Valentine’s Day Sweetie]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8244.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8244.html


Read the rest of 6 Super Easy DIY Gifts For Your Valentine’s Day Sweetie Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: DIY, diy roundup, earbud keeper, eco design, electric wire ring, green design, headphone keeper, inhabitat DIY, magazine stool, necktie camera strap, pallet couch, Recycled Materials, shipping pallet couch, texting gloves, upcycled materials, [...] (from: inhabitat.com)

11 articles and 0 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Installed Wind Power Capacity Up 21% Globally in 2011]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8245.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8245.html


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Market statistics released Tuesday by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) show that over 41,000 megawatts (or 41 gigawatts) of new wind power was installed globally in 2011, bringing the overall total of installed capacity around the world to more than 238,000 megawatts (238 gigawatts) by the end of 2011. This represents an increase of 21 percent with an increase in the size of the annual global market of just over six percent. No related posts. (from: cleantechnica.com)

9 articles and 3 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Tokyo’s “Small House” is a Super Narrow Tower That’s Only 13 Ft. Wide!]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8241.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8241.html


Read the rest of Tokyo’s “Small House” is a Super Narrow Tower That’s Only 13 Ft. Wide! Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: Architecture, Daylighting, eco design, green design, Japan, japanese architecture, natural ventilation, setback regulations, sustainable design, tiny houses, Tokyo, tower, Unemori Architects (from: inhabitat.com)

19 articles and 0 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Solar Set for 60% Growth in North America in 2012]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8240.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8240.html


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Yesterday was all about small-scale or medium-scale solar (in the US & UK) here on CleanTechnica. On the flip side, news today from Solarbuzz is that utility-scale photovoltaic solar is growing fast in North America and looking for its top year in 2012. Related posts: North American Solar Photovoltaic Market to Double in Q4 2011 Lower Solar Power Prices, Growth & Savings Lead to Reduction in Arizonans’ 2012 Utility Bills Toys”R”Us Installing Largest Solar Roof in North America (from: cleantechnica.com)

23 articles and 8 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Indian Clean-Energy Growth Was Fastest in World in 2011, Report Says]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8238.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8238.html


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Renewable energy investments in India increased by more than 52 percent in 2011, the fastest growth among major global economies , according to a new report. More than $10.3 billion was invested in renewable energy projects in India last year, with about $4.6 billion targeting wind energy projects and another $4.2 billion going toward solar projects, the Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) report said. For solar, that represented a seven-fold increase from 2010, when investments totaled about $600 million. According to a separate report, the declining price of solar panels has now made solar power a cheaper energy option than diesel generators in India. “India’s record performance in 2011, and the momentum it is carrying into 2012, is one of the bright spots in the clean energy firmament,” said Michael Liebreich, BNEF’s chief executive. According to the BNEF report, India is likely to exceed its target of adding 12.4 gigawatts of grid-connected renewable energy as set out in its current five-year plan, which ends next month. (from: e360.yale.edu)

10 articles and 3 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Pombal Castle’s Striking Upgrade is a Rust Colored Connection to Portuguese History]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8239.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8239.html


Read the rest of Pombal Castle’s Striking Upgrade is a Rust Colored Connection to Portuguese History Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: Comoco, Corten steel, Daylighting, eco design, eco-tourism, green design, Green renovation, hilltop castle, history, pathways, pavilion, Pombal, Pombal Castle, portugal, sustainable design, sustainable upgrade, timber (from: inhabitat.com)

17 articles and 0 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Navistar, Pickens Group in Natural Gas Truck Deal]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8237.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8237.html


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Clean Energy Fuels, noted investor T. Boone Pickens' natural gas distribution vehicle, got more gas Wednesday when Navistar International said it would start making truck engines that use alternative fuels. (from: www.cnbc.com)

10 articles and 1 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Obama opens door to offshore wind power along mid-Atlantic coast]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8236.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8236.html


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The Obama administration today unveiled plans to boost US offshore wind power by opening up four new wind-leasing regions for wind turbine power generation. (from: news.yahoo.com)

16 articles and 6 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Lisa Nilsson Constructs Intricate Anatomical Studies From Rolled Japanese Paper]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8235.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8235.html


Read the rest of Lisa Nilsson Constructs Intricate Anatomical Studies From Rolled Japanese Paper Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: anatomy paper sculptures, cross-section art, eco-art, filligree, green art, japanese mulberry paper art, Lisa Nilsson, paper art, quilling, recycled art, sustainable art, tissue series (from: inhabitat.com)

12 articles and 0 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Road-based Charging Network Could Charge EVs While They Drive]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8234.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8234.html


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U.S. researchers have designed a wireless charging system for electric vehicles they say could ultimately lead to all-electric highways capable of charging cars and Click to enlarge Sven Beiker/CARS/Stanford University Wireless electric car charger trucks as they drive down the road. The system, developed by a team at Stanford University, uses magnetic fields to transmit large electric currents between metal coils embedded a few feet apart under the surface of the road. Based on magnetic resonance coupling technology, the process involves one coil that is connected to an electric current, which generates a magnetic field that causes the second coil to resonate, triggering an invisible transfer of electrical energy. The developers say there is a potential to create a wireless network across entire highway systems, a step that would drastically increase the range of electric vehicles since they would theoretically never have to plug into a charging station. “You could actually have more energy stored in your battery at the end of your trip than you started with,” said Richard Sassoon, managing director of the Stanford Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP) and co-author of the study published in the journal Applied Physics Letters . (from: e360.yale.edu)

9 articles and 8 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Japanese Cleantech Partners to Launch Integrated Home Solar PV-Energy Storage & Management System]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8233.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8233.html


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Respective leaders in their fields, Kyocera and Nichicon will launch an integrated solar PV-energy storage/EV charging clean energy management system in Japan this summer as Japanese demand for residential independent clean energy systems rises. Related posts: China & BYD Launch Largest Battery Energy Storage Station in World Best Buy to Feature Home Energy Management Products Verizon: Provider of TV, Internet…and Energy Management? (from: cleantechnica.com)

9 articles and 4 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Verdant Via Regina Public Garden in Historical Italy Dangles Over Lake Como]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8231.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8231.html


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Read the rest of Verdant Via Regina Public Garden in Historical Italy Dangles Over Lake Como Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: brienno, existing structures, green design, green park, green spaces, Historical italy, lake Como, Landscape Architecture, Lorezno Noe Studio, preservation project, sustainable design, Urban design, urban plaza, Via Regina Garden (from: inhabitat.com)

16 articles and 1 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Nissan's solar-powered Roro ship sets sail with Leaf deliveries]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8228.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8228.html


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Filed under: Emerging Technologies , Nissan Last week, Nissan last week deployed a partially solar-powered ship for shipments of its Nissan Leaf battery electric vehicle throughout Japan. Nissan's "Roro" ship, which made its maiden voyage January 27, has 281 solar panels on its deck, making the vessel the first in Japan to use photovoltaic panels as a power source. The ship, which also uses light-emitting diode (LED) lighting to save energy, can hold as many as 1,380 cars and will be used for the 1,100-mile round trip between Oppama Wharf, near Yokohama, and the southern Japan island of Kyushu. With the solar panels in tow, the Roro's CO2 emissions are about 18 percent lower than a conventional ship, Nissan said in a statement. At two trips a week, that translates to more than 1,300 tons of fuel saved a year. The ship is about 450 feet long and took four years to build, Nissan said. To see a video on the ship, go here . Nissan previously put the City of St. Petersburg into operation , a more fuel-efficient way to move its cars around Europe and the UK. Continue reading Nissan's solar-powered Roro ship sets sail with Leaf deliveries Nissan's solar-powered Roro ship sets sail with Leaf deliveries originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments (from: green.autoblog.com)

22 articles and 6 pictures on this topic ]]> <![CDATA[Summary Box: Exxon Mobil 4Q profit]]> http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8230.html http://www.cliqz.com/green/c/8230.html


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RISING PRICES: The price of oil rose last year as global demand hit new records and traders fretted over disruption of exports from Libya, Nigeria and Iran. The rise boosted fourth-quarter profits for Exxon Mobil Corp. by 2 percent. (from: news.yahoo.com)

10 articles and 4 pictures on this topic ]]>