Nothing says Christmas like a shimmering blue and purple peacock standing next to Santa in the front yard. At least the bird's flashing LED lights from those faux feathers send an energy-efficient, low-cost season's greeting.
LED lights are certainly not new. But for those who still think of them disapprovingly from their first couple of years on the market, it's time to look again.
When the lights were introduced, people complained about a blue hue and shimmer effect when the wind blew. These problems have been solved in the latest generations of LED holiday lights, says Rich Narins, owner of Power Wash Seal of Bergen County, a company that does holiday decorating for homes and businesses.
For those who never liked the little lights, there are now LEDs that look like the retro, C9 incandescent bulbs.
But there still are issues, Narins says. The industry does not have standardized lengths, so what would have been one strand of the old lights sometimes requires buying two of the LEDs. The cost upfront is definitely higher, but that should be more than offset down the road.
"The savings is in the seasons to come," Narins says.
There's no denying savings. Denise Brunner and her family go big every Christmas at their Webster Drive home in New Milford. Really big. She estimates they have 50,000 lights.
Brunner stopped doing the display for a decade after a car intentionally crashed through her yard and destroyed much of it. But about five years ago, the family started again. At that point, Brunner purchased only LED lights — and she spends $2,000 to $3,000 a year on commercial-grade lights from overseas. At 99 percent LED, Brunner says, her family barely notices a difference in their electric bill.
"Last year we thought it was maybe a $20 increase," says Brunner, who builds most of the computer-animated display, which is synchronized to music. The lights aren't on all the time. They "blink and dance" to music from 6 to 10 on weeknights and to 11 p.m. on weekends.
She adds new items each year — like a Santa and some reindeer on the roof and a couple of 20-foot trees in the yard this year. She's working on a "Mr. Winter" but doesn't know if she'll get him done for this year's display. For her, it's worth the effort.
"When we're lit up and you see the little kids in the cars, or get out of the cars and just sit there in awe … the smile and the brightness to their faces is just unbelievable," Brunner says.
The LED lights are different than the traditional high pressure sodium or mercury vapor lights that are largely in the fixtures in Brattleboro.
Humphreys said the LED lights are brighter, and more intense, and tend to light a more concentrated area than the traditional lights.
It would probably take three or four months to switch all of the fixtures over if Brattleboro decides to push the project forward.
Efficiency Vermont representative Chuck Clerici said if the decision is made to make the change Brattleboro would be one of the bigger towns in the state to switch over to LEDs.
Clerici said Fairlee and Hartford have switched most of their lights to LED fixtures, and Wilmington will making the change in the near future.
2011年11月29日星期二
Resident questions costs of Main Street project
Based on observations of the work between Caledonia and Spring Grove, MnDOT's goal is create a smooth ride, by removing a few inches of existing blacktop and replacing it with new smoothed-out asphalt.
All over Minnesota, cities and counties are chopping their 2012 budgets and anticipating that 2013 is going to have to see further cuts because state aid is likely to decrease or disappear.
People in Spring Grove have just been hit with property tax increases coming both from the loss of the homestead credit and the increase in Spring Grove City's spending. Isn't it time to opt for the simple, no-cost choice for Main Street?
Main Street Width- There have been suggestions to widen Main Street or to narrow it or to remove parking on one side. But we need parking on both sides and the current width is good because one can get out of one's car without getting into the traffic lane. Don't change what works.
Sidewalks- It has been suggested to widen the sidewalks to as much as 14 feet and put in decorative pavers, etc. and to turn the street and the alleys on both sides to a Green Alley Park.
Do we need to replace all the sidewalks or can we just replace these sections, which are uneven? Pavers, etc. make the sidewalk uneven and hazardous to wheelchairs.
We had treescapes on Main Street and they all had to be cut down. We already have a nice park as part of Main Street. There is no need to go overboard and spend more money on fancy sidewalks and more parks.
Streetlights- There is a push to put in fancy, antique-looking, expensive streetlights. As far as I can tell, Spring Grove (in the old days) never had fancy lights so why make Spring Grove into something it never was?
Stewartville and Caledonia both put these lights in years ago and their Main Streets have died anyway. The old-style lights look goofy with the modernistic storefronts.
Many of the Spring Grove streetlights have been replaced by the Public Works Department as the original ones died. As the original ones are replaced, replace them with low-maintenance poles with LED lights, which would decrease the electricity usage. A little bit each year is something we can afford using the existing budgeting.
Roundabout- There is a push for a traffic roundabout at the Main Street/Division Avenue intersection. I hope I am not tempting fate but the last accident was in 2006 and it did not involve traffic coming up in S. Division.
Instead, make Maple Drive one-way (to the east) along the park, with Main Street traffic entering Main Street from the east at the Trinity Lutheran Church intersection.
Spring Grove tried to get a stoplight years ago, but MnDOT apparently said the intersection wasn't dangerous enough. But that would be a less expensive solution, and the red would only be triggered when traffic is entering from Division Avenue.
Sewer and Water Mains- Do the sewer and water mains have to be done at this time? We kept hearing that we needed a new water tower, but investigation proved that the base was sound and an $18,000 repair inside made it good to go for many more years.
All over Minnesota, cities and counties are chopping their 2012 budgets and anticipating that 2013 is going to have to see further cuts because state aid is likely to decrease or disappear.
People in Spring Grove have just been hit with property tax increases coming both from the loss of the homestead credit and the increase in Spring Grove City's spending. Isn't it time to opt for the simple, no-cost choice for Main Street?
Main Street Width- There have been suggestions to widen Main Street or to narrow it or to remove parking on one side. But we need parking on both sides and the current width is good because one can get out of one's car without getting into the traffic lane. Don't change what works.
Sidewalks- It has been suggested to widen the sidewalks to as much as 14 feet and put in decorative pavers, etc. and to turn the street and the alleys on both sides to a Green Alley Park.
Do we need to replace all the sidewalks or can we just replace these sections, which are uneven? Pavers, etc. make the sidewalk uneven and hazardous to wheelchairs.
We had treescapes on Main Street and they all had to be cut down. We already have a nice park as part of Main Street. There is no need to go overboard and spend more money on fancy sidewalks and more parks.
Streetlights- There is a push to put in fancy, antique-looking, expensive streetlights. As far as I can tell, Spring Grove (in the old days) never had fancy lights so why make Spring Grove into something it never was?
Stewartville and Caledonia both put these lights in years ago and their Main Streets have died anyway. The old-style lights look goofy with the modernistic storefronts.
Many of the Spring Grove streetlights have been replaced by the Public Works Department as the original ones died. As the original ones are replaced, replace them with low-maintenance poles with LED lights, which would decrease the electricity usage. A little bit each year is something we can afford using the existing budgeting.
Roundabout- There is a push for a traffic roundabout at the Main Street/Division Avenue intersection. I hope I am not tempting fate but the last accident was in 2006 and it did not involve traffic coming up in S. Division.
Instead, make Maple Drive one-way (to the east) along the park, with Main Street traffic entering Main Street from the east at the Trinity Lutheran Church intersection.
Spring Grove tried to get a stoplight years ago, but MnDOT apparently said the intersection wasn't dangerous enough. But that would be a less expensive solution, and the red would only be triggered when traffic is entering from Division Avenue.
Sewer and Water Mains- Do the sewer and water mains have to be done at this time? We kept hearing that we needed a new water tower, but investigation proved that the base was sound and an $18,000 repair inside made it good to go for many more years.
2011年11月28日星期一
Cash in on holiday savings tips
Conservation is a word most Canadians use every day. It's a word that is repeatedly echoed in television and radio advertisements, and there's an important reason why this word is drilled into our daily thoughts.
Conservation is a tool that everyone is equipped with, but few know how to utilize; it's the act of preserving something and in context to utility companies, it is generally held to include the management of human use of natural resources for current public benefit and sustainable social and economic utilization.
Brant County Power, and similar companies, has numerous conservation programs that are readily available for residents; hence the reason for this column. It is part of Brant County Power's mandate to educate our customers and provide them with the tools necessary to reduce their electrical and water consumption.
The holiday season is around the corner; here's how you can save.
Christmas lights are a sure sign of the impending festive season. They are bright, beautiful and CAN be costly. Keep in mind, LED lights will most definitely save you money. They use 10 times less energy than incandescent mini-lights and 100 times less than standard bulbs. One dollar will get you 15 hours of incandescent holiday lighting or 15 days of LED holiday lighting.
One set of 35 LED lights, operating for six hours a day, will consume less than 5 cents of electricity per month. Be sure to control your outdoor festive lights with a certified outdoor timer to coincide with time-of-use pricing.
Brant County Power has a light exchange taking place during the holiday season. Brant County Power customers can visit the office (on Dundas Street in Paris beside the fire hall) with up to three strands of old lights that will be recycled, and in turn, you will receive three boxes of brand new LED lights. No strings attached, and yes the pun was intended.
Christmas also brings an influx of visitors to your home, and while the company is certainly welcomed, the additional costs of being a host always catch up with you. When you are preparing that big meal, remember that defrosting frozen food in the refrigerator helps keep the fridge cold and is energy efficient because the mass of cold items inside helps the refrigerator recover each time the door is opened.
When you prepare all the fixings for your turkey, use the smallest pan and burner needed for the job. A six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner will waste more than 40% of the energy. Be sure to use a lid because cooking without one can consume as much as three times the energy that is actually required. Finally, keep in mind that slow cookers and crockpots will cook a whole meal for about 17 cents worth of electricity.
When it comes to the all important clean up, be sure to pack that dishwasher full before you use it and take a look at the clock. It's more cost-appropriate to use that dishwasher after 7 p.m.!
The final piece of advice for surviving this busy season is to give your meter a holiday too. If you travel for days on end to visit family out-of-town, give your electrical meter a holiday to save money. Set your electrical water heater to 'vacation' if you are away for more than two days. Lower the thermostats as well.
Conservation is a tool that everyone is equipped with, but few know how to utilize; it's the act of preserving something and in context to utility companies, it is generally held to include the management of human use of natural resources for current public benefit and sustainable social and economic utilization.
Brant County Power, and similar companies, has numerous conservation programs that are readily available for residents; hence the reason for this column. It is part of Brant County Power's mandate to educate our customers and provide them with the tools necessary to reduce their electrical and water consumption.
The holiday season is around the corner; here's how you can save.
Christmas lights are a sure sign of the impending festive season. They are bright, beautiful and CAN be costly. Keep in mind, LED lights will most definitely save you money. They use 10 times less energy than incandescent mini-lights and 100 times less than standard bulbs. One dollar will get you 15 hours of incandescent holiday lighting or 15 days of LED holiday lighting.
One set of 35 LED lights, operating for six hours a day, will consume less than 5 cents of electricity per month. Be sure to control your outdoor festive lights with a certified outdoor timer to coincide with time-of-use pricing.
Brant County Power has a light exchange taking place during the holiday season. Brant County Power customers can visit the office (on Dundas Street in Paris beside the fire hall) with up to three strands of old lights that will be recycled, and in turn, you will receive three boxes of brand new LED lights. No strings attached, and yes the pun was intended.
Christmas also brings an influx of visitors to your home, and while the company is certainly welcomed, the additional costs of being a host always catch up with you. When you are preparing that big meal, remember that defrosting frozen food in the refrigerator helps keep the fridge cold and is energy efficient because the mass of cold items inside helps the refrigerator recover each time the door is opened.
When you prepare all the fixings for your turkey, use the smallest pan and burner needed for the job. A six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner will waste more than 40% of the energy. Be sure to use a lid because cooking without one can consume as much as three times the energy that is actually required. Finally, keep in mind that slow cookers and crockpots will cook a whole meal for about 17 cents worth of electricity.
When it comes to the all important clean up, be sure to pack that dishwasher full before you use it and take a look at the clock. It's more cost-appropriate to use that dishwasher after 7 p.m.!
The final piece of advice for surviving this busy season is to give your meter a holiday too. If you travel for days on end to visit family out-of-town, give your electrical meter a holiday to save money. Set your electrical water heater to 'vacation' if you are away for more than two days. Lower the thermostats as well.
2011年11月27日星期日
Okla. convention center improves with lights
Tulsa Convention Center operators SMG and the BOK Center received a $71,000 incentive payment from Public Service Company of Oklahoma.
The money is enough to pay for further improvements at the convention center, said John Crosson, TCC engineering manager.
"That check is from PSO's wattage reduction incentive," Crosson said. "We spent $52,000 on the project, received $71,000 back, so we'll take that additional money and roll it into the next project. As long as I can keep them (SMG) in the green, we're not paying for fixtures."
The project to install high-efficiency lighting at TCC paid dividends — on top of more than 700,000 kilowatt-hours in anticipated annual energy savings — for the city-owned building, said Paige Reese, director of sales and marketing for the BOK Center.
The project involved the removal of 576 500-watt floodlights and fixtures in the convention center's first-floor exhibit hall, Crosson said.
"We replaced them with 144 360-watt dimmable fluorescent lights and fixtures," Crosson said.
Convention center and BOK Center General Manager John Bolton said in a statement that long-term reduction of energy costs drove the decision to move forward with the lighting project.
Along with the energy savings, PSO Consumer Programs Coordinator Micah Burdge said the convention center project improved lighting levels, increased versatility of the lighting, and has reduced maintenance costs.
The lighting is brighter, Reese said.
Crosson agreed, adding that the previous bulbs cast a yellowish tint.
"These bulbs burn brighter, they resemble daylight light," Crosson said.
Reese said the switch gives a modern look to the convention center.
"It offers us more versatility with our lighting options," Reese said. "It also reduces maintenance costs."
Clients want different light levels, Crosson said.
"In order to establish different moods for a building," Crosson said. "Say, if a vendor wants that bright overall functioning wattage, we can do that."
Every vendor is different, Reese said.
"Indian gaming, for example, does not want full illumination because their machines are self-illuminated," Reese said.
"Trade shows, dinners, concerts, they all want custom lighting," Crosson said.
Making the switch to the more energy-efficient lights will reduce the electrical demand in the 102,600-square-foot room by 162 kilowatts and is expected to save an estimated 729,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.
The PSO incentive program is virtually identical to the electric utility's Smart Schools and Model Cities programs, said Stan Whiteford, PSO spokesman.
"It is part of the package of energy-efficiency programs we offer," Whiteford said.
The program offers incentives to commercial and industrial customers for making energy-efficiency improvements, Whiteford said.
The money is enough to pay for further improvements at the convention center, said John Crosson, TCC engineering manager.
"That check is from PSO's wattage reduction incentive," Crosson said. "We spent $52,000 on the project, received $71,000 back, so we'll take that additional money and roll it into the next project. As long as I can keep them (SMG) in the green, we're not paying for fixtures."
The project to install high-efficiency lighting at TCC paid dividends — on top of more than 700,000 kilowatt-hours in anticipated annual energy savings — for the city-owned building, said Paige Reese, director of sales and marketing for the BOK Center.
The project involved the removal of 576 500-watt floodlights and fixtures in the convention center's first-floor exhibit hall, Crosson said.
"We replaced them with 144 360-watt dimmable fluorescent lights and fixtures," Crosson said.
Convention center and BOK Center General Manager John Bolton said in a statement that long-term reduction of energy costs drove the decision to move forward with the lighting project.
Along with the energy savings, PSO Consumer Programs Coordinator Micah Burdge said the convention center project improved lighting levels, increased versatility of the lighting, and has reduced maintenance costs.
The lighting is brighter, Reese said.
Crosson agreed, adding that the previous bulbs cast a yellowish tint.
"These bulbs burn brighter, they resemble daylight light," Crosson said.
Reese said the switch gives a modern look to the convention center.
"It offers us more versatility with our lighting options," Reese said. "It also reduces maintenance costs."
Clients want different light levels, Crosson said.
"In order to establish different moods for a building," Crosson said. "Say, if a vendor wants that bright overall functioning wattage, we can do that."
Every vendor is different, Reese said.
"Indian gaming, for example, does not want full illumination because their machines are self-illuminated," Reese said.
"Trade shows, dinners, concerts, they all want custom lighting," Crosson said.
Making the switch to the more energy-efficient lights will reduce the electrical demand in the 102,600-square-foot room by 162 kilowatts and is expected to save an estimated 729,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.
The PSO incentive program is virtually identical to the electric utility's Smart Schools and Model Cities programs, said Stan Whiteford, PSO spokesman.
"It is part of the package of energy-efficiency programs we offer," Whiteford said.
The program offers incentives to commercial and industrial customers for making energy-efficiency improvements, Whiteford said.
2011年11月24日星期四
Lights out for $1.1-million Hydro Ottawa investment
Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. has lost almost all its $1.1-million investment in a Victoria technology firm.
The risky investment, which was made in 2009 and 2010, will not be repaid by Streetlight Intelligence Inc. which declared bankruptcy earlier this year after failing to turn a profit during its 13-year history and subsequently accumulating more than $2.5 million in debt.
The company, which made technology to improve the energy efficiency of street light standards, was once considered to be a firm "that is taking off," according to Rosemarie Leclair, Hydro Ottawa's chief executive officer at the time the publicly owned utility decided to invest in Streetlight Intelligence.
Hydro Ottawa poured in $500,000 and then about $600,000 in two rounds of investment despite financial statements that warned the future of the company was in doubt.
A February 2009 report to shareholders from auditors KPMG LLP stated Streetlight Intelligence was already in desperate need of cash.
"If the company is unable to attain suitable financing in the near future, it may be necessary for the company to examine other strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including seeking creditor protection, the possible sale of some or all of the company's assets, or the merger sale of the company with a larger, better financed entity."
Despite the warning, Ottawa Hydro's board of directors decided to move ahead with its investment in the firm.
Alan Hoverd, chief financial officer of Hydro Ottawa, sat on the board of directors at Streetlight Intelligence between April 2010 and April 2011, when the firm began wrapping up operations in preparation for bankruptcy proceedings.
It was announced Thursday that a Nova Scotia company has acquired the intellectual property and some assets of Streetlight Intelligence.
Nova Scotia's LED Roadway Lighting Ltd., based in Amherst and Halifax, said the acquisition of Streetlight's Lumen IQ technology gives it a decided edge as the first company in Canada to combine energy-efficient high-pressure sodium and LED street lighting with smart wireless technology.
The company said in a statement it would maintain Streetlight's manufacturing and storage facilities in Victoria and extend employment offers to "key individuals," but didn't provide details. More than a dozen employees were laid off in April.
LED Roadway paid $700,000 for Streetlight, according to receiver G. Powroznik Group Inc. — a price observers say was a bargain.
Most of the proceeds of the sale will be used to cover costs of the receivership, statutory secured claims from former employees and a partial payment to the first-priority creditor Hydro Ottawa, which will receive just a fraction of the cash it is owed, according to Ali Pourdad, an an accountant with the receiver.
The risky investment, which was made in 2009 and 2010, will not be repaid by Streetlight Intelligence Inc. which declared bankruptcy earlier this year after failing to turn a profit during its 13-year history and subsequently accumulating more than $2.5 million in debt.
The company, which made technology to improve the energy efficiency of street light standards, was once considered to be a firm "that is taking off," according to Rosemarie Leclair, Hydro Ottawa's chief executive officer at the time the publicly owned utility decided to invest in Streetlight Intelligence.
Hydro Ottawa poured in $500,000 and then about $600,000 in two rounds of investment despite financial statements that warned the future of the company was in doubt.
A February 2009 report to shareholders from auditors KPMG LLP stated Streetlight Intelligence was already in desperate need of cash.
"If the company is unable to attain suitable financing in the near future, it may be necessary for the company to examine other strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including seeking creditor protection, the possible sale of some or all of the company's assets, or the merger sale of the company with a larger, better financed entity."
Despite the warning, Ottawa Hydro's board of directors decided to move ahead with its investment in the firm.
Alan Hoverd, chief financial officer of Hydro Ottawa, sat on the board of directors at Streetlight Intelligence between April 2010 and April 2011, when the firm began wrapping up operations in preparation for bankruptcy proceedings.
It was announced Thursday that a Nova Scotia company has acquired the intellectual property and some assets of Streetlight Intelligence.
Nova Scotia's LED Roadway Lighting Ltd., based in Amherst and Halifax, said the acquisition of Streetlight's Lumen IQ technology gives it a decided edge as the first company in Canada to combine energy-efficient high-pressure sodium and LED street lighting with smart wireless technology.
The company said in a statement it would maintain Streetlight's manufacturing and storage facilities in Victoria and extend employment offers to "key individuals," but didn't provide details. More than a dozen employees were laid off in April.
LED Roadway paid $700,000 for Streetlight, according to receiver G. Powroznik Group Inc. — a price observers say was a bargain.
Most of the proceeds of the sale will be used to cover costs of the receivership, statutory secured claims from former employees and a partial payment to the first-priority creditor Hydro Ottawa, which will receive just a fraction of the cash it is owed, according to Ali Pourdad, an an accountant with the receiver.
2011年11月23日星期三
That's quite a bit of money for a small building
"It's one of those things we embrace because we not only want to be good citizens, but there's not a lot of money to support upgrades of buildings so we want to try to do our share to make sure that the performing arts center is run as efficiently and effectively as possible. And we do it as individual citizens as well. We see it as our way to make things better here in this building and this community," Harbour said.
Bigger savings can be done on a larger scale, too. The Juneau School District has saved more than $2 million, or about 28 percent, since the energy conservation program started in 2007.
The Juneau district's program involves mandatory guidelines like turning off lights and equipment not in use, regulating building temperatures and making changes to current equipment and lights.
Small businesses can reap big savings too. The Bear Square in Anchorage revamped its air blower and motor system, since that was the biggest power drain. Light switches were connected to motion sensors while the exterior lighting was put on a new timer. Some lights, like Christmas tree lights, are controlled by photocells.
Other energy-saving tricks involve changing stoves from electric to gas and retrofitting fixtures for narrower, more efficient florescent lights.
Owner Mary Rohlfing said these modifications have resulted in average savings of $500 each month.
"So that's quite a bit of money for a small building," she said.
The Bear Square occupies 20,000 square feet divided into two floors. It employs 20 during the summer and half that during the off-season.
In Fairbanks, MacCheyne's Carpet Plus has a similar view. Owner John MacCheyne said that cutting power costs for the 14,000-square-foot building are necessary due to the area's high utility rates.
Most of his lights were recently changed to LEDs. There are plans for additional LED lights for an auxiliary warehouse.
MacCheyne consulted with Genesis Energy to understand how much the conversion from traditional and high-pressure lights would save. The savings are about $6,000 a year, judging from savings so far. He estimates the expense of the conversion will be paid off within three years, allowing the savings after that to go back into the business.
"In an area where energy is so expensive, businesses cannot afford to have that type of expense eating away at their bottom line," he said.
Anchorage Municipal Light and Power General Manager Jim Posey said most businesses haven't looked at energy conversions yet, although those that have retrofitted their homes or business have seen "phenomenal" savings. ML&P is working with other utilities to try to get the word out.
Utilities often encourage efficiency and even offer incentives. Fairbanks' Golden Valley Electric Association has special conservation incentives. One is its Business$ense program offers rebates up to $20,000 to commercial business who revamp their electric systems. This is something that MacCheyne worked with for his operation.
However, the very conservation efforts utilities encourage can give everyone a little jolt later on, with higher rates.
Bigger savings can be done on a larger scale, too. The Juneau School District has saved more than $2 million, or about 28 percent, since the energy conservation program started in 2007.
The Juneau district's program involves mandatory guidelines like turning off lights and equipment not in use, regulating building temperatures and making changes to current equipment and lights.
Small businesses can reap big savings too. The Bear Square in Anchorage revamped its air blower and motor system, since that was the biggest power drain. Light switches were connected to motion sensors while the exterior lighting was put on a new timer. Some lights, like Christmas tree lights, are controlled by photocells.
Other energy-saving tricks involve changing stoves from electric to gas and retrofitting fixtures for narrower, more efficient florescent lights.
Owner Mary Rohlfing said these modifications have resulted in average savings of $500 each month.
"So that's quite a bit of money for a small building," she said.
The Bear Square occupies 20,000 square feet divided into two floors. It employs 20 during the summer and half that during the off-season.
In Fairbanks, MacCheyne's Carpet Plus has a similar view. Owner John MacCheyne said that cutting power costs for the 14,000-square-foot building are necessary due to the area's high utility rates.
Most of his lights were recently changed to LEDs. There are plans for additional LED lights for an auxiliary warehouse.
MacCheyne consulted with Genesis Energy to understand how much the conversion from traditional and high-pressure lights would save. The savings are about $6,000 a year, judging from savings so far. He estimates the expense of the conversion will be paid off within three years, allowing the savings after that to go back into the business.
"In an area where energy is so expensive, businesses cannot afford to have that type of expense eating away at their bottom line," he said.
Anchorage Municipal Light and Power General Manager Jim Posey said most businesses haven't looked at energy conversions yet, although those that have retrofitted their homes or business have seen "phenomenal" savings. ML&P is working with other utilities to try to get the word out.
Utilities often encourage efficiency and even offer incentives. Fairbanks' Golden Valley Electric Association has special conservation incentives. One is its Business$ense program offers rebates up to $20,000 to commercial business who revamp their electric systems. This is something that MacCheyne worked with for his operation.
However, the very conservation efforts utilities encourage can give everyone a little jolt later on, with higher rates.
2011年11月22日星期二
Energy efficiency: a price worth paying
Concern about spiralling energy prices has peaked in recent weeks, with many analysts predicting double-digit rises over the next few years. Much of the focus has been on how this will affect homes during the winter months but the impact on the UK's growing businesses also needs to be addressed.
Peach Pubs is a group of 15 gastro-pubs and like many in the hospitality industry, certain parts of our operations are particularly energy-intensive. The lighting and air-conditioning in our restaurants, for example, and the running of our kitchens, many of which maintain several hobs for up to 12 hours a day, use a lot of energy. Our business is expanding but with our energy costs at just under 500,000 per annum, this represents a significant amount of money which we'd prefer to spend on supporting growth.
The majority of business owners are only too aware of the need to cut energy bills but according to new research by the Carbon Trust, there are three main barriers limiting their ability to act: insufficient time and resources; being able to quantify the expected returns; and energy efficiency taking a lower priority than other business considerations. Access to capital to purchase new energy-efficient equipment is also a challenge as banks are often unwilling to lend and any project needs a clearly defined, short payback period.
These barriers are certainly familiar to our business. We want to focus on ensuring that guests enjoy our pubs rather than spending time evaluating different aspects of our energy consumption. But work in this area must go on. We have recently installed, for example, new induction hobs in our kitchens, which only heat up when a pan is put on them – this will make a big difference compared to gas hobs running throughout a shift. However, evaluating the different parameters and calculating the business case for implementation took over four weeks.
We've also looked to encourage behavioural change among our team. This has little or no capital cost but does require management time and training budgets. Some examples of this include "Peach Heroes" which offers recognition and 200 vouchers as rewards for staff for new ideas which enhance our business, including suggestions about energy and sustainability. Investment in energy efficiency equipment does require capital expenditure but delivers tangible, long-term returns and requires internal resource to deliver.
The key to overcoming barriers is to simplify energy efficiency: to provide an objective means of comparing technologies and different approaches and making it easy to quantify the returns. Every business has its own distinctive pattern of energy use and certain measures will have a quicker impact in each instance.
At our Brookmans pub near Potters Bar, we've carried out detailed analysis and decided to install LED lighting throughout the premises. Although the initial costs are 26,000 compared to 13,000 for traditional lighting, the running costs drop from 9,000 per year to just 900, meaning it will pay for itself in just over a year.
Over three-quarters of companies (76%) are more concerned than they were six months ago by rising energy costs and are very worried about its impact on business.
Peach Pubs is a group of 15 gastro-pubs and like many in the hospitality industry, certain parts of our operations are particularly energy-intensive. The lighting and air-conditioning in our restaurants, for example, and the running of our kitchens, many of which maintain several hobs for up to 12 hours a day, use a lot of energy. Our business is expanding but with our energy costs at just under 500,000 per annum, this represents a significant amount of money which we'd prefer to spend on supporting growth.
The majority of business owners are only too aware of the need to cut energy bills but according to new research by the Carbon Trust, there are three main barriers limiting their ability to act: insufficient time and resources; being able to quantify the expected returns; and energy efficiency taking a lower priority than other business considerations. Access to capital to purchase new energy-efficient equipment is also a challenge as banks are often unwilling to lend and any project needs a clearly defined, short payback period.
These barriers are certainly familiar to our business. We want to focus on ensuring that guests enjoy our pubs rather than spending time evaluating different aspects of our energy consumption. But work in this area must go on. We have recently installed, for example, new induction hobs in our kitchens, which only heat up when a pan is put on them – this will make a big difference compared to gas hobs running throughout a shift. However, evaluating the different parameters and calculating the business case for implementation took over four weeks.
We've also looked to encourage behavioural change among our team. This has little or no capital cost but does require management time and training budgets. Some examples of this include "Peach Heroes" which offers recognition and 200 vouchers as rewards for staff for new ideas which enhance our business, including suggestions about energy and sustainability. Investment in energy efficiency equipment does require capital expenditure but delivers tangible, long-term returns and requires internal resource to deliver.
The key to overcoming barriers is to simplify energy efficiency: to provide an objective means of comparing technologies and different approaches and making it easy to quantify the returns. Every business has its own distinctive pattern of energy use and certain measures will have a quicker impact in each instance.
At our Brookmans pub near Potters Bar, we've carried out detailed analysis and decided to install LED lighting throughout the premises. Although the initial costs are 26,000 compared to 13,000 for traditional lighting, the running costs drop from 9,000 per year to just 900, meaning it will pay for itself in just over a year.
Over three-quarters of companies (76%) are more concerned than they were six months ago by rising energy costs and are very worried about its impact on business.
Italian Arredoclassic inaugurates first Home flagship boutique
Arredoclassic first Home Boutique in India opens its doors at Blues Home, The Gallery On MG, one of the most prestigious shopping destination in New Delhi.
The Arredoclassic Home flagship boutique covers over 230 square meters of area and reflects the European DNA: originality, quality and elegance. Particular attention has been given to the layout of the Showroom with the main purpose of showcasing a "total Look" Home style.
By Visiting Arredclassic boutique one can immediately realize how one can enjoy the pleasure of living a coordinated ambience with a particular attention given to the smallest and original details, far from the proposal of an overstocked and flatten market. Arredoclassic boutique showcases the complete theme based interior collections under the heading- Bedroom, Living room & Dining furniture, in a diverse series of classic elegance. Special highlight includes one of its kind collections
Mythos, designed to offer an evolution of the brand's pure classic design, which still carries the unmistakable style and elegance of Made in Italy. The best handicraft technique, such as the golden leaf application, and most innovative technology, as the Real Mother of Pearl Finissage and Glitter Serigraphy making this collection as one of Arredcolassic's Top Line.
Raffaello Collection comes from the original Idea of Arredoclassic' Designers to create a "piece of Art". Each element of this collection is surrounded by a rich and precious frame such as an important painting is teamed up with entire look. This frame characterizes all items of this collection, starting from the Button Back Bed to the dining table and Sofa set collection.
Giotto collection, offers to the customer a more traditional choice for those who are looking for Wooden Classical Style.
Liberty Collection, the newest 2011 Collection which has been given a particular attention and a special window display at Arredo Classic boutique where Bedroom, Dining and Living room are characterized by the elegant silver and gold frame inspired by Ancient Greek Ornaments from Magna Grecia Empire.
Each element stands out for its elegance, Style and Opulence depicting typical values of that historic Age. Light pastel tone surfaces are enriched with gold leaf ornaments and 24 carat gold plated handles designed specifically for this Collection which reminds of the Arredoclassic Brand logo.
Each product of Arredoclassic collections is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Guarantee that testifies the 100% "Made in Italy" Production.
Fine furniture accessories by Cearmiche TREA and Italservice enhance the 'Home Style' proposed by Arredoclassic. Jewelery boxes, soup tureens, lamps and center pieces from TREA Ceramica are all hand painted with 24 carat Gold and represent pure "made in Veneto" passion and genius.
Italservice provided Crystal Glasses and table sets together with Classical Paintings, all rigorously made In Tuscany area, known all over the world to one of the land of Italian Artisanship.
The Arredoclassic Home flagship boutique covers over 230 square meters of area and reflects the European DNA: originality, quality and elegance. Particular attention has been given to the layout of the Showroom with the main purpose of showcasing a "total Look" Home style.
By Visiting Arredclassic boutique one can immediately realize how one can enjoy the pleasure of living a coordinated ambience with a particular attention given to the smallest and original details, far from the proposal of an overstocked and flatten market. Arredoclassic boutique showcases the complete theme based interior collections under the heading- Bedroom, Living room & Dining furniture, in a diverse series of classic elegance. Special highlight includes one of its kind collections
Mythos, designed to offer an evolution of the brand's pure classic design, which still carries the unmistakable style and elegance of Made in Italy. The best handicraft technique, such as the golden leaf application, and most innovative technology, as the Real Mother of Pearl Finissage and Glitter Serigraphy making this collection as one of Arredcolassic's Top Line.
Raffaello Collection comes from the original Idea of Arredoclassic' Designers to create a "piece of Art". Each element of this collection is surrounded by a rich and precious frame such as an important painting is teamed up with entire look. This frame characterizes all items of this collection, starting from the Button Back Bed to the dining table and Sofa set collection.
Giotto collection, offers to the customer a more traditional choice for those who are looking for Wooden Classical Style.
Liberty Collection, the newest 2011 Collection which has been given a particular attention and a special window display at Arredo Classic boutique where Bedroom, Dining and Living room are characterized by the elegant silver and gold frame inspired by Ancient Greek Ornaments from Magna Grecia Empire.
Each element stands out for its elegance, Style and Opulence depicting typical values of that historic Age. Light pastel tone surfaces are enriched with gold leaf ornaments and 24 carat gold plated handles designed specifically for this Collection which reminds of the Arredoclassic Brand logo.
Each product of Arredoclassic collections is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Guarantee that testifies the 100% "Made in Italy" Production.
Fine furniture accessories by Cearmiche TREA and Italservice enhance the 'Home Style' proposed by Arredoclassic. Jewelery boxes, soup tureens, lamps and center pieces from TREA Ceramica are all hand painted with 24 carat Gold and represent pure "made in Veneto" passion and genius.
Italservice provided Crystal Glasses and table sets together with Classical Paintings, all rigorously made In Tuscany area, known all over the world to one of the land of Italian Artisanship.
2011年11月20日星期日
Hartford's Annual Holiday Event To Be 'Brighter, Lighter, More Festive'
The traditional twinkle lights that were so popular at the Festival of Light in past years will return for this year's holiday event in Bushnell Park, though many other aspects of the 48-year-old celebration will change.
The display moved to Bushnell Park from Constitution Plaza last year, and the outdoor skating rink, with free admission and skate rental, was a new feature. The rink was judged a success, but the light display drew mixed reviews.
This season, organizers said they worked to highlight the festival's most popular aspects.
"Skating is going to be the primary focus," said Jane Penfield, assistant director for workplace giving at the Greater Hartford Arts Council and project director for Winterfest. "It was such a howling success last year. We were very pleased with the public reception of it."
Last winter, the rink drew more than 20,000 visitors during about four weeks of operation. This year, the rink will be open longer — from Nov. 25 to Feb. 20 — and it will be bigger. At 80-by-90 feet, it will have twice the square footage of last year's 40-by-90-foot rink and accommodate 140 skaters at a time, up from 70.
This winter's event will not include a traditional tree-lighting. Trees and entrances to the park will be illuminated with the traditional twinkle lights, which weren't included last year, but the ceremonial turning on of the lights won't happen, organizers said. Instead, the park will be lit up by the time spectators arrive.
"We want the park to be a family-friendly, warm, lighted atmosphere that people feel welcome to come to any time of the day or night," Penfield said. "We also want the real focus of this event to be on the active, outdoor participation rather than the passive viewing of the holiday lights. We want people to be able to get right to the skating."
The revamped event drew some criticism last year after organizers decided to decorate the park with colored spotlights and searchlights rather than the twinkle lights seen previously at Constitution Plaza.
"It was very clear that that's what everybody knows and loves, and we're happy to be able to provide that," Penfield said.
The event will begin Nov. 25 with a short procession at 4 p.m. from the Bushnell Park carousel to the skating rink, in front of the Pump House across the park. The procession will be led by Mayor Pedro Segarra; Pucky, the mascot of the Connecticut Whale hockey team; and cast members of "A Christmas Carol" at Hartford Stage.
Bob Crawford, the event director, said Winterfest will be "brighter, lighter and more festive" this year.
"People love the outdoors and they love the activity," he said. "With the skating rink, we intend to encourage that again."
The event costs about $400,000, city officials said, and will be paid for by sponsors including the city, The Travelers, United Technologies Corp., Mohegan Sun, Aetna, The Hartford and others.
The display moved to Bushnell Park from Constitution Plaza last year, and the outdoor skating rink, with free admission and skate rental, was a new feature. The rink was judged a success, but the light display drew mixed reviews.
This season, organizers said they worked to highlight the festival's most popular aspects.
"Skating is going to be the primary focus," said Jane Penfield, assistant director for workplace giving at the Greater Hartford Arts Council and project director for Winterfest. "It was such a howling success last year. We were very pleased with the public reception of it."
Last winter, the rink drew more than 20,000 visitors during about four weeks of operation. This year, the rink will be open longer — from Nov. 25 to Feb. 20 — and it will be bigger. At 80-by-90 feet, it will have twice the square footage of last year's 40-by-90-foot rink and accommodate 140 skaters at a time, up from 70.
This winter's event will not include a traditional tree-lighting. Trees and entrances to the park will be illuminated with the traditional twinkle lights, which weren't included last year, but the ceremonial turning on of the lights won't happen, organizers said. Instead, the park will be lit up by the time spectators arrive.
"We want the park to be a family-friendly, warm, lighted atmosphere that people feel welcome to come to any time of the day or night," Penfield said. "We also want the real focus of this event to be on the active, outdoor participation rather than the passive viewing of the holiday lights. We want people to be able to get right to the skating."
The revamped event drew some criticism last year after organizers decided to decorate the park with colored spotlights and searchlights rather than the twinkle lights seen previously at Constitution Plaza.
"It was very clear that that's what everybody knows and loves, and we're happy to be able to provide that," Penfield said.
The event will begin Nov. 25 with a short procession at 4 p.m. from the Bushnell Park carousel to the skating rink, in front of the Pump House across the park. The procession will be led by Mayor Pedro Segarra; Pucky, the mascot of the Connecticut Whale hockey team; and cast members of "A Christmas Carol" at Hartford Stage.
Bob Crawford, the event director, said Winterfest will be "brighter, lighter and more festive" this year.
"People love the outdoors and they love the activity," he said. "With the skating rink, we intend to encourage that again."
The event costs about $400,000, city officials said, and will be paid for by sponsors including the city, The Travelers, United Technologies Corp., Mohegan Sun, Aetna, The Hartford and others.
2011年11月17日星期四
New Spa Opens in Bedford Village
After a double-whammy of storms and power outages in the past few months, who couldn't use a little R&R? Bedford Village residents don't have far to go now that Vrai Nord has moved into town.
Owner Gail Urbach had been looking for a space here for a few years, after locals who knew her from her seasonal business in Martha's Vineyard suggested she open up shop in Bedford.
When the Bedford Village Frame Shop vacated the storefront to move across the street, Urbach, a licensed esthetician, made her plans. The renovated space bathed in soft lights and calming neutrals now offers skincare products, cosmetics and a spa room where she performs treatments like chemical peels and LED light therapy.
"I'm a product junkie," said Urbach, a Waccabuc native who now lives in Pawling. "There's a lot of stuff on the market and it's hard to differentiate what works and what doesn't."
It was her love of beauty products and experimentation that led her to change careers from managing a real estate investment trust to completing advanced training at the International Dermal Institute in New York.
Skincare doesn't have to be complicated, she said.
"I try to teach people that there are four basic essentials to skincare: Cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing and protection—and 90 percent of that can be done at home," said Urbach, her own 51-year-old skin glowing and practically wrinkle-free.
She said "you can't do enough for your skin as you get older," but there was plenty to do without "going under the knife." Urbach recommends monthly chemical peels, which she said are not as harsh as microderm abrasions and LED light therapy, which treats blemishes, acne and roseacea.
The spa store carries Dermologica and PCASkin, among other skin care products, some of which have been endorsed by the American Cancer Society as beneficial for chemotherapy patients. Cosmetic offerings include the Youngblood Mineral line, sold only at Henri Bendel's she said, noting that the make-up was paraben free and "not found at Sephora."
She also stocks candles and lotions and accessories like handbags and makeup kits.
And the meaning of Vrai Nord?
"It means 'true north' in French," said Urbach. "It represents achieving the optimum balance in life."
Owner Gail Urbach had been looking for a space here for a few years, after locals who knew her from her seasonal business in Martha's Vineyard suggested she open up shop in Bedford.
When the Bedford Village Frame Shop vacated the storefront to move across the street, Urbach, a licensed esthetician, made her plans. The renovated space bathed in soft lights and calming neutrals now offers skincare products, cosmetics and a spa room where she performs treatments like chemical peels and LED light therapy.
"I'm a product junkie," said Urbach, a Waccabuc native who now lives in Pawling. "There's a lot of stuff on the market and it's hard to differentiate what works and what doesn't."
It was her love of beauty products and experimentation that led her to change careers from managing a real estate investment trust to completing advanced training at the International Dermal Institute in New York.
Skincare doesn't have to be complicated, she said.
"I try to teach people that there are four basic essentials to skincare: Cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing and protection—and 90 percent of that can be done at home," said Urbach, her own 51-year-old skin glowing and practically wrinkle-free.
She said "you can't do enough for your skin as you get older," but there was plenty to do without "going under the knife." Urbach recommends monthly chemical peels, which she said are not as harsh as microderm abrasions and LED light therapy, which treats blemishes, acne and roseacea.
The spa store carries Dermologica and PCASkin, among other skin care products, some of which have been endorsed by the American Cancer Society as beneficial for chemotherapy patients. Cosmetic offerings include the Youngblood Mineral line, sold only at Henri Bendel's she said, noting that the make-up was paraben free and "not found at Sephora."
She also stocks candles and lotions and accessories like handbags and makeup kits.
And the meaning of Vrai Nord?
"It means 'true north' in French," said Urbach. "It represents achieving the optimum balance in life."
2011年11月16日星期三
Bedroom Lighting Ideas To Set The Mood!
Lighting defines the decoration of the room and also change the look completely. Lighting in the bedroom is also necessary. Generally, people think dim light is good to enhance the sleepy mood but you actually require light at times when you are working or reading lazily on the bed. Ceiling lights are ideal for bedroom as these ceilings are most highly viewed than other ceilings in the whole house. To have the perfect brightness in your bedroom, here are few home decor ideas for bedroom lighting which are soothing to the eyes and create an ambiance too!
Lamps: You can have portable lamps on the two sides of the bed. These are bright and can be easily turned on and off. You can opt for different lamp designs to decorate the bedroom. Select the brightness according to the requirements. If you want dim light, reduce the watt of the bulb inside the lamp.
Ceiling lights: Spot lights are great to highlight the decoration of the bedroom. Depending on the wall colour, you can either select yellow or silver lights for your bedroom ceiling. Recessed lighting and wall fixtures are also good home decor lighting ideas for your bedroom.
Pendants: Pendants are stylish and gives a different look to your bedroom. This lighting design has a hanging pattern. The light is suspended from the ceiling through a wire. You can go for various pendant designs in oval, rectangular or round shape. Apart from kitchen, you can use pendant lighting in your bedroom too!
Concealed lighting: If you don't want to show the light fixture or lamps, then concealed lighting is the best home decor design for your bedroom. In this lighting, the fixture is not visible at all. Lights fall on the walls and spread in the room.
Dim lights: To create a cozy and romantic ambiance in the bedroom, you should have dim lights. This lighting design is also useful to spread very dim light the whole night if you are scared to sleep in the dark. Many couples prefer making love in dim light rather than too bright or no light. So, decorate your bedroom with dim lights. Depending on the bedroom wall paint, you can select dim light colours!
CFL lightbulbs are horrible. They're often cold, they take an age to get up to full light output and when they finally die, they need to be disposed of properly so they don't spill their toxic innards. It's enough to make you stick with incandescents.
But what about this incandescent-style LED bulb from Panasonic? It just won a Good Design Award, and rightly so. The LED lamp inside is hooked up with wiring that mimics the filaments in a traditional bulb, and yet it uses a fraction of the power, can be switched on and off 100,000 before it begins to wilt, and should last you for around 40 years with moderate use. LEDs are instant-on, so no waiting around for enough light to take aim at the toilet bowl, and they're also efficient, saving you money.
My last run-in with an LED bulb resulted in a light that made even the most tanned visitor look like Murnau's Nosferatu, so if the color is warm enough, I'm in. Now we just have to wait and see if Panasonic will actually start selling the things.
Lamps: You can have portable lamps on the two sides of the bed. These are bright and can be easily turned on and off. You can opt for different lamp designs to decorate the bedroom. Select the brightness according to the requirements. If you want dim light, reduce the watt of the bulb inside the lamp.
Ceiling lights: Spot lights are great to highlight the decoration of the bedroom. Depending on the wall colour, you can either select yellow or silver lights for your bedroom ceiling. Recessed lighting and wall fixtures are also good home decor lighting ideas for your bedroom.
Pendants: Pendants are stylish and gives a different look to your bedroom. This lighting design has a hanging pattern. The light is suspended from the ceiling through a wire. You can go for various pendant designs in oval, rectangular or round shape. Apart from kitchen, you can use pendant lighting in your bedroom too!
Concealed lighting: If you don't want to show the light fixture or lamps, then concealed lighting is the best home decor design for your bedroom. In this lighting, the fixture is not visible at all. Lights fall on the walls and spread in the room.
Dim lights: To create a cozy and romantic ambiance in the bedroom, you should have dim lights. This lighting design is also useful to spread very dim light the whole night if you are scared to sleep in the dark. Many couples prefer making love in dim light rather than too bright or no light. So, decorate your bedroom with dim lights. Depending on the bedroom wall paint, you can select dim light colours!
CFL lightbulbs are horrible. They're often cold, they take an age to get up to full light output and when they finally die, they need to be disposed of properly so they don't spill their toxic innards. It's enough to make you stick with incandescents.
But what about this incandescent-style LED bulb from Panasonic? It just won a Good Design Award, and rightly so. The LED lamp inside is hooked up with wiring that mimics the filaments in a traditional bulb, and yet it uses a fraction of the power, can be switched on and off 100,000 before it begins to wilt, and should last you for around 40 years with moderate use. LEDs are instant-on, so no waiting around for enough light to take aim at the toilet bowl, and they're also efficient, saving you money.
My last run-in with an LED bulb resulted in a light that made even the most tanned visitor look like Murnau's Nosferatu, so if the color is warm enough, I'm in. Now we just have to wait and see if Panasonic will actually start selling the things.
2011年11月15日星期二
Breaking ground in a new market segment - the Audi Q3 revealed at Dubai Motor Show
With its surprise reveal at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show Audi is venturing into a new market segment: The Audi Q3 is a premium SUV in a compact-class form. It is sporty, efficient and versatile - a practical urban companion for everyday that feels at home anywhere. Every aspect of the Q3 showcases Audi technology - the body, the drivetrain, the chassis and the assistance and multimedia systems. Many of its solutions are straight from the luxury class.
The Q3 is immediately recognizable as the youngest member of the large Audi family. The coupe-like lines are an expression of its sporty character. Sharp edges frame elegantly arched sheet metal surfaces, and distinctive lights xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights accentuate the front and rear.
Audi once again demonstrates its competence in "ultra" lightweight construction with the Q3. The base version weighs 1,640 kilograms. Its rigid, safe and quiet occupant cell integrates a number of ultra-high-strength steels. Both the engine hood and the tailgate are made of aluminum. At just 0.32, the coefficient of drag is unusually low. The compact SUV is 4.39 meters long, 1.83 meters wide and 1.59 meters high.
The Audi Q3 offers ample room for all five passengers and sets new standards for ergonomics and workmanship. A wide variety of materials and colors for the interior offers customers countless possibilities for expressing their own personal style. The luggage compartment of the compact SUV has a capacity of 460 liters, which can be increased to 1,365 liters. Many useful options, including a luggage compartment package and a pass-through hatch, make the Q3 even more versatile and convenient in everyday use.
The Audi Q3 comes generously appointed with a long list of standard equipment, including 17 inch alloy wheels, the concert audio system, a comprehensive package of restraint systems as well as ISOFIX child seat mounting. Audi also offers a choice of optional equipment taken directly from the luxury class, including the adaptive light system, the high-beam assistant, the panoramic glass roof and the comfort key. Having been developed especially for the Middle East, the settings also include heat insulating glass and a deluxe automatic air conditioning that considers the position of the sun and humidity.
The range of driver assistance systems redefines the compact SUV class. The park assist system maneuvers the vehicle into tight parking spots almost autonomously, Audi side assist employs radar to help change lanes, and Audi active lane assist makes slight steering corrections as necessary to help stay in the lane. Audi also offers a comprehensive range of modular infotainment components. Topping the range of options is the hard-drive navigation system MMI navigation plus, which displays high-resolution 3D graphics on a fold-out 7.0-inch color monitor. The Bose surround sound system delivers 465 watts of power to 14 speakers. Coming soon - under the heading of Audi connect - is the Bluetooth online car phone paired with a WLAN hotspot to provide the Q3 with Internet connectivity.
The Audi Q3 is being launched with two four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engines, which combine direct injection with turbocharging and feature an energy recovery system. With power outputs of 170 hp and 211 hp, these engines are as efficient as they are powerful. For the 170 hp and 211 hp version respectively, the engines deliver a constant 280 and 300 Nm of torque and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 and 6.9 seconds on their way to a top speed of 208 and 230 km/h.
The Q3 is immediately recognizable as the youngest member of the large Audi family. The coupe-like lines are an expression of its sporty character. Sharp edges frame elegantly arched sheet metal surfaces, and distinctive lights xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights accentuate the front and rear.
Audi once again demonstrates its competence in "ultra" lightweight construction with the Q3. The base version weighs 1,640 kilograms. Its rigid, safe and quiet occupant cell integrates a number of ultra-high-strength steels. Both the engine hood and the tailgate are made of aluminum. At just 0.32, the coefficient of drag is unusually low. The compact SUV is 4.39 meters long, 1.83 meters wide and 1.59 meters high.
The Audi Q3 offers ample room for all five passengers and sets new standards for ergonomics and workmanship. A wide variety of materials and colors for the interior offers customers countless possibilities for expressing their own personal style. The luggage compartment of the compact SUV has a capacity of 460 liters, which can be increased to 1,365 liters. Many useful options, including a luggage compartment package and a pass-through hatch, make the Q3 even more versatile and convenient in everyday use.
The Audi Q3 comes generously appointed with a long list of standard equipment, including 17 inch alloy wheels, the concert audio system, a comprehensive package of restraint systems as well as ISOFIX child seat mounting. Audi also offers a choice of optional equipment taken directly from the luxury class, including the adaptive light system, the high-beam assistant, the panoramic glass roof and the comfort key. Having been developed especially for the Middle East, the settings also include heat insulating glass and a deluxe automatic air conditioning that considers the position of the sun and humidity.
The range of driver assistance systems redefines the compact SUV class. The park assist system maneuvers the vehicle into tight parking spots almost autonomously, Audi side assist employs radar to help change lanes, and Audi active lane assist makes slight steering corrections as necessary to help stay in the lane. Audi also offers a comprehensive range of modular infotainment components. Topping the range of options is the hard-drive navigation system MMI navigation plus, which displays high-resolution 3D graphics on a fold-out 7.0-inch color monitor. The Bose surround sound system delivers 465 watts of power to 14 speakers. Coming soon - under the heading of Audi connect - is the Bluetooth online car phone paired with a WLAN hotspot to provide the Q3 with Internet connectivity.
The Audi Q3 is being launched with two four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engines, which combine direct injection with turbocharging and feature an energy recovery system. With power outputs of 170 hp and 211 hp, these engines are as efficient as they are powerful. For the 170 hp and 211 hp version respectively, the engines deliver a constant 280 and 300 Nm of torque and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 and 6.9 seconds on their way to a top speed of 208 and 230 km/h.
2011年11月14日星期一
Peugeot 508 GT
We're not shopping in the bargain basement at $52,990 but the biggest passenger Pug has no shortage of gear - there's quad-zone filtered climate control, sunblinds for the rear and rear-side windows, parking sensors front and rear, hill-start assist, an electric parking brake, reach and rake adjustable steering, an alarm, folding and heated exterior rearvision mirrors, and an auto-dipping rear view mirror.
The GT also gets the little head up display screen with colour output, keyless entry and go, cruise control with speed limiter function, satellite navigation, a top-quality eight-speaker sound system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, controlled via the slightly busy leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18in alloy wheels, but it's not all standard. Leather seats with position memory is an extra $2500, or there are two satnav options - nav and the head-up display alone are $1500, or those two features with the sound system upgrade add up to $2300.
Top of the list is the high-pressure common-rail direct injection turbodiesel engine, which shrinks to 2.2 from the outgoing 2.7 litre V6, but gains 10Nm and improves fuel consumption by 33 per cent - 8.4 down to 5.7 litres per 100km. Peugeot says the use of lightweight and low-friction engine and turbo components - including a titanium turbocharger impeller and piezo injectors - has helped reduce fuel use.
The 508 GT car also has a double-wishbone front-end (instead of the MacPherson strut for the rest of the range) which the company claims improves the steering and overall dynamics.
This is a big car - 92mm longer in the wheelbase than its predecessor - and for some it's a like and others are more in the "yikes" camp when it comes to the looks. Certainly striking, the 508 sedan has a sculpted shoulder line that extends through the snout, which carries the new-look family resemblance. The rear is squared-off and almost abrupt by comparison, with tail lights in LED form to stand out.
It's cabin is more conventional, with more than enough room for four adults - at 190-odd cm I was able to sit behind my own driving position, which is a good indication of enough head and leg room. Seating is comfortable, if not overly-endowed with lateral support - but there are heaters for the front pews and the driver gets a massage, so there's compensation. The dashboard, centre stack and steering wheel are all a little busier than is ideal, due the long list of features - although no standard satnav is a bit cheeky in a car over fifty-thousand.
The 508 has a European New Car Assessment Program rating of five stars, with six airbags and stability control, emergency brake assist and brakeforce distribution as well as pretensioning and load-limiting front seatbelts and load-limiting outer rear seatbelts (all seatbelts are lap-sash). The 508 has the clever electric rear child-safety lock (for the doors and windows) allowing parental control with one touch.
Faster reacting LED tail-lights, automatic adaptive bi-xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers, front and rear fog lights, tyre pressure sensors and daytime running lights.
The GT also gets the little head up display screen with colour output, keyless entry and go, cruise control with speed limiter function, satellite navigation, a top-quality eight-speaker sound system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, controlled via the slightly busy leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18in alloy wheels, but it's not all standard. Leather seats with position memory is an extra $2500, or there are two satnav options - nav and the head-up display alone are $1500, or those two features with the sound system upgrade add up to $2300.
Top of the list is the high-pressure common-rail direct injection turbodiesel engine, which shrinks to 2.2 from the outgoing 2.7 litre V6, but gains 10Nm and improves fuel consumption by 33 per cent - 8.4 down to 5.7 litres per 100km. Peugeot says the use of lightweight and low-friction engine and turbo components - including a titanium turbocharger impeller and piezo injectors - has helped reduce fuel use.
The 508 GT car also has a double-wishbone front-end (instead of the MacPherson strut for the rest of the range) which the company claims improves the steering and overall dynamics.
This is a big car - 92mm longer in the wheelbase than its predecessor - and for some it's a like and others are more in the "yikes" camp when it comes to the looks. Certainly striking, the 508 sedan has a sculpted shoulder line that extends through the snout, which carries the new-look family resemblance. The rear is squared-off and almost abrupt by comparison, with tail lights in LED form to stand out.
It's cabin is more conventional, with more than enough room for four adults - at 190-odd cm I was able to sit behind my own driving position, which is a good indication of enough head and leg room. Seating is comfortable, if not overly-endowed with lateral support - but there are heaters for the front pews and the driver gets a massage, so there's compensation. The dashboard, centre stack and steering wheel are all a little busier than is ideal, due the long list of features - although no standard satnav is a bit cheeky in a car over fifty-thousand.
The 508 has a European New Car Assessment Program rating of five stars, with six airbags and stability control, emergency brake assist and brakeforce distribution as well as pretensioning and load-limiting front seatbelts and load-limiting outer rear seatbelts (all seatbelts are lap-sash). The 508 has the clever electric rear child-safety lock (for the doors and windows) allowing parental control with one touch.
Faster reacting LED tail-lights, automatic adaptive bi-xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers, front and rear fog lights, tyre pressure sensors and daytime running lights.
2011年11月13日星期日
Students rallied against climate change
Climate Change Commissioner Heherson Alvarez called on mechanical engineering students nationwide to help in the drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which is being blamed for global warming, as they possess the technical skills and expertise to understand the issue of climate change.
Alvarez issued the call before thousands of mechanical engineering students who participated in the 1st National Student Conference organized by the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers.
"Mechanical engineers should be warriors for global survival by taking the initiative to go to communities and address the sensitive issue of climate change," Alvarez said.
Alvarez, who was a former chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said mechanical engineers should be at the forefront in addressing the daunting threats of global warming and climate change as they have the technical skills and expertise to understand the issue of climate change.
"Climate change is a veritable threat. More than 200 gigatonnes (Gt) of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) is now in the atmosphere and we need the mechanical engineers' understanding on how to reduce these harmful GHG emissions in the atmosphere," said Alvarez.
Alvarez said the Climate Change Commission (CCC) is looking into the construction of green buildings as a means to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
The construction of buildings contributes 40 percent of GHG emissions globally, he said.
The commission is looking into different alternatives that could minimize the consumption of energy in buildings, such as proper ven-tilation or use of LED lights which uses only 10 percent of electricity, he said, adding that this is where the mechanical engineers' skills and expertise will be needed.
Alvarez explained that global temperature should not reached the tipping point of 2° Celsius, at which the destructive power of climate change will be irreversible.
The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), composed of more than 2,000 scientists, reported that the current global tem-perature is at 1.4 degrees Celsius.
He noted that the tipping point will be the point of no return when "no amount of local adaptation measures can save an archipelagic country like the Philippines from the devastations of climate change."
Alvarez, who headed the Philippine delegation to the United Nations-led Climate Change negotiations for several years, said 195 nations will be meeting in Durban, South Africa in December for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to try to reach an agreement for emission reduction targets that will replace the Kyoto Protocol.
Alvarez stressed the need for carbon reduction pledges from developed and highly-industrialized nations like the United States and China before the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. He had been pushing for a deep and early cut of CO2 emissions since the UNFCCC talks in Poznan in 2009.
Alvarez issued the call before thousands of mechanical engineering students who participated in the 1st National Student Conference organized by the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers.
"Mechanical engineers should be warriors for global survival by taking the initiative to go to communities and address the sensitive issue of climate change," Alvarez said.
Alvarez, who was a former chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said mechanical engineers should be at the forefront in addressing the daunting threats of global warming and climate change as they have the technical skills and expertise to understand the issue of climate change.
"Climate change is a veritable threat. More than 200 gigatonnes (Gt) of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) is now in the atmosphere and we need the mechanical engineers' understanding on how to reduce these harmful GHG emissions in the atmosphere," said Alvarez.
Alvarez said the Climate Change Commission (CCC) is looking into the construction of green buildings as a means to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
The construction of buildings contributes 40 percent of GHG emissions globally, he said.
The commission is looking into different alternatives that could minimize the consumption of energy in buildings, such as proper ven-tilation or use of LED lights which uses only 10 percent of electricity, he said, adding that this is where the mechanical engineers' skills and expertise will be needed.
Alvarez explained that global temperature should not reached the tipping point of 2° Celsius, at which the destructive power of climate change will be irreversible.
The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), composed of more than 2,000 scientists, reported that the current global tem-perature is at 1.4 degrees Celsius.
He noted that the tipping point will be the point of no return when "no amount of local adaptation measures can save an archipelagic country like the Philippines from the devastations of climate change."
Alvarez, who headed the Philippine delegation to the United Nations-led Climate Change negotiations for several years, said 195 nations will be meeting in Durban, South Africa in December for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to try to reach an agreement for emission reduction targets that will replace the Kyoto Protocol.
Alvarez stressed the need for carbon reduction pledges from developed and highly-industrialized nations like the United States and China before the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. He had been pushing for a deep and early cut of CO2 emissions since the UNFCCC talks in Poznan in 2009.
2011年11月10日星期四
Now, rlys to install LED lights in train coaches
The railways, which has decided to manufacture low-cost stainless steel coaches, would provide eco-friendly and energy-efficient LED ( light emitting diode) lights in them.
According to a Railway Board official, the existing train coaches are fitted with CFL (compact fluorescent light) which consume more energy compared to LED lights. "We are keen to introduce the new lights to save energy," he said.
Sources said the newly-designed coaches are similar in look to the LHB German coaches of Rajdhani Express. These coaches provide better riding comforts and have low-maintenance cost.
The official said the new coaches would be used in mail and express trains, to start with. Coaches made of stainless steel have been so far introduced in the Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express trains only, he said.
Also, the Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala in Punjab has been manufacturing new fireproof coaches which are likely to replace all old coaches in future. Though a decision to manufacture fireproof coaches was taken long back, railways approved the plan under its safety and modernization scheme. The curtains and other fittings inside the AC coaches will also be fire-resistant. These fireproof coaches are being made of stainless steel materials, the Railway Board official said.
An ECR official said railways has decided to replace the existing ICF Swiss coaches with LHB German coaches to enhance safety on the running trains. The ECR has currently more than 2,500 coaches, including AC and sleeper, which need immediate replacement to ensure foolproof safety, he said.
Household waste items accepted are Small batteries, alkaline and rechargeable, compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes, mercury thermometers, unused and out-of-date medications, both prescriptive and over-the-counter, ink cartridges, plastic bags, empty chip bags, aluminum cans, plastic beverage bottles, newspaper, metals. E-waste items accepted are computers and computer equipment, home electronics, cell phones, office equipment, utility and power equipment, security equipment.
According to a Railway Board official, the existing train coaches are fitted with CFL (compact fluorescent light) which consume more energy compared to LED lights. "We are keen to introduce the new lights to save energy," he said.
Sources said the newly-designed coaches are similar in look to the LHB German coaches of Rajdhani Express. These coaches provide better riding comforts and have low-maintenance cost.
The official said the new coaches would be used in mail and express trains, to start with. Coaches made of stainless steel have been so far introduced in the Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express trains only, he said.
Also, the Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala in Punjab has been manufacturing new fireproof coaches which are likely to replace all old coaches in future. Though a decision to manufacture fireproof coaches was taken long back, railways approved the plan under its safety and modernization scheme. The curtains and other fittings inside the AC coaches will also be fire-resistant. These fireproof coaches are being made of stainless steel materials, the Railway Board official said.
An ECR official said railways has decided to replace the existing ICF Swiss coaches with LHB German coaches to enhance safety on the running trains. The ECR has currently more than 2,500 coaches, including AC and sleeper, which need immediate replacement to ensure foolproof safety, he said.
Household waste items accepted are Small batteries, alkaline and rechargeable, compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes, mercury thermometers, unused and out-of-date medications, both prescriptive and over-the-counter, ink cartridges, plastic bags, empty chip bags, aluminum cans, plastic beverage bottles, newspaper, metals. E-waste items accepted are computers and computer equipment, home electronics, cell phones, office equipment, utility and power equipment, security equipment.
2011年11月9日星期三
Maim dep helps grocers reduce environmental imact,grow bottom line through green certification program
The Environmental Leader program is a self-guided process offered by the department as part of its Pollution Prevention program that encourages lodging facilities, restaurants, and grocers to implement selected improvement initiatives from those offered in the department-developed workbook to achieve points towards certification. Grocers can earn points for practices such as adopting and posting an environmental policy, selling a percentage of local and/or organic foods, installing energy-efficient refrigeration equipment, having a posted anti-idle policy in delivery bays and educating patrons about the stores green initiatives.
Businesses submit their completed workbook to DEP for review and certification approval, and must increase their point total to be recertified after two years.
As businesses work through the process, staff from the departments Office of Assistance provide free technical assistance to help participants implement sustainable practices, save money and reduce their environmental impact, regardless of whether they end up obtaining certification.
In addition to considerable cost savings, businesses are also incentivized to participate by recognition within store signage and marketing materials and by research that shows environmental designations are attractive to customers.
We are so proud of our Environmental Leader program because it engages businesses in DEPs core priority of protecting our natural resources while ensuring a vibrant and sustainable economy, said DEP Commissioner Pattie Aho. Grocers who participate are seeing significant energy cost savings that are leading to increased profitably, allowing them to invest in infrastructure improvements and expansion of their workforce. And by selling locally-sourced food, they are also helping to grow the businesses of those local producers too. This program is yet another example of what is good for the environment being what is good for the economy.
Food Citys Turner store has green practices including selling locally grown food; utilization of a refrigeration system with heat recovery that contributes to heating the store and its hot water; using energy-saving lighting controls and efficient LED signage; and implementation of an environmental policy and an environmental task force of employees that meets quarterly.
Royal River Natural Foods in Freeport sells only organic produce, meats and eggs often from local sources; has eliminated its sales and use of Styrofoam; recycles as part of waste management and encourages customers to use reusable bags; uses environmentally preferable cleaning products in the store and wet cleaning instead of dry for employee aprons; and donates food to Freeport Community Services and organic wastes to local farmers.
Bathras Market in South Portland sells environmental preferred products and organic and local food items including produce, meats and seafood from the Gulf of Maine; uses energy efficient LED lighting and environmentally preferred cleaning products; and has refrigeration curtains on display cases that are closed at night to conserve energy use.
Our Environmental Leader certification recognizes that our business practices are good both for Maines environment and for economic success, said Tina Wilcoxson, general manager of Royal River Natural Foods. We encourage more Maine businesses to take advantage of Maine DEPs free assistance and the availability of this voluntary program for sustainable business practices.
Businesses submit their completed workbook to DEP for review and certification approval, and must increase their point total to be recertified after two years.
As businesses work through the process, staff from the departments Office of Assistance provide free technical assistance to help participants implement sustainable practices, save money and reduce their environmental impact, regardless of whether they end up obtaining certification.
In addition to considerable cost savings, businesses are also incentivized to participate by recognition within store signage and marketing materials and by research that shows environmental designations are attractive to customers.
We are so proud of our Environmental Leader program because it engages businesses in DEPs core priority of protecting our natural resources while ensuring a vibrant and sustainable economy, said DEP Commissioner Pattie Aho. Grocers who participate are seeing significant energy cost savings that are leading to increased profitably, allowing them to invest in infrastructure improvements and expansion of their workforce. And by selling locally-sourced food, they are also helping to grow the businesses of those local producers too. This program is yet another example of what is good for the environment being what is good for the economy.
Food Citys Turner store has green practices including selling locally grown food; utilization of a refrigeration system with heat recovery that contributes to heating the store and its hot water; using energy-saving lighting controls and efficient LED signage; and implementation of an environmental policy and an environmental task force of employees that meets quarterly.
Royal River Natural Foods in Freeport sells only organic produce, meats and eggs often from local sources; has eliminated its sales and use of Styrofoam; recycles as part of waste management and encourages customers to use reusable bags; uses environmentally preferable cleaning products in the store and wet cleaning instead of dry for employee aprons; and donates food to Freeport Community Services and organic wastes to local farmers.
Bathras Market in South Portland sells environmental preferred products and organic and local food items including produce, meats and seafood from the Gulf of Maine; uses energy efficient LED lighting and environmentally preferred cleaning products; and has refrigeration curtains on display cases that are closed at night to conserve energy use.
Our Environmental Leader certification recognizes that our business practices are good both for Maines environment and for economic success, said Tina Wilcoxson, general manager of Royal River Natural Foods. We encourage more Maine businesses to take advantage of Maine DEPs free assistance and the availability of this voluntary program for sustainable business practices.
2011年11月8日星期二
LED Lighting Boom Starts with a Whimper
Last Friday, the Chinese government announced a phase-out of incandescent light bulbs, beginning with eliminating 100-watt+ bulbs by the end of 2012 and 60-watt+ bulbs by 2014. The decision triggered a solid boost to LED makers, and we noted at the time that the move could be a real game-changer.
That’s still true, but that doesn’t mean that the companies were suddenly going to turn huge profits. LED makers, including SemiLEDs Corp., Rubicon Technology Inc. Cree Inc.Veeco Instruments Inc. and Aixtron SE, still have a ways to go to turn future prospects into current profit. Smaller players like Nexxus Lighting, Inc. and Energy Focus, Inc. probably have even further to go.
SemiLEDs reported a larger-than-expected loss this morning, and the shares are giving back about half the 20% gain they made last Friday. The company reported an adjusted EPS loss of -$0.49 on revenue of $5.3 million. In its fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, the company reported an adjusted EPS loss of -$0.18 on $11.5 million in revenue. The consensus estimate for the quarter was an EPS loss of -$0.21 on $5.72 million in revenue.
Rubicon reports earnings after markets close today, and is expected to post EPS of $0.26 on $31.2 million in revenue. Veeco reported better-than-expected EPS in late October, but revised its guidance significantly downward. Aixtron just broke even in the last quarter, while EPS expectations called for $0.23/share.
The near-term outlook for the LED makers doesn’t improve for the last calendar quarter of 2011, and only Veeco, which makes the manufacturing equipment used to make the LEDs, is expected to post solid earnings in the current fiscal year. And even Veeco’s projections are weak for the 2012 fiscal year, with earnings and revenues set at about half this year’s estimates.
LED lighting is probably still too expensive for wide adoption in a shrinking global economy. A light that costs $25, even though it might last for 10 years or more, is not a casual purchase — it’s an investment. Incandescent bulbs costing a buck or so are still affordable. That’s one reason why the US Congress is re-visiting the Bush-era phase-out schedule for incandescent lighting.
It’s unlikely that China’s citizens will take to the streets over the new mandate, likely because the government will in some way subsidize the LED lights. Those subsidies, though, may be limited to LEDs from domestic Chinese makers, or perhaps a favored Taiwanese company, in which case SemiLEDs could have an inside track. The Chinese mandate is a game-changer, but exactly how the game will be changed depends on what the new rules are.
SemiLEDs’ stock is down less than -3% about an hour after the market open, after dipping by -10% earlier this morning. Shares are trading at $3.80, in a 52-week range of $2.60-$32.12. Rubicon’s shares are off more than -5%, at $11.59, in a 52-week range of $9.25-$29.79. Investors at least know the extent of the damage at SemiLEDs, but still fear the worst for Rubicon.
That’s still true, but that doesn’t mean that the companies were suddenly going to turn huge profits. LED makers, including SemiLEDs Corp., Rubicon Technology Inc. Cree Inc.Veeco Instruments Inc. and Aixtron SE, still have a ways to go to turn future prospects into current profit. Smaller players like Nexxus Lighting, Inc. and Energy Focus, Inc. probably have even further to go.
SemiLEDs reported a larger-than-expected loss this morning, and the shares are giving back about half the 20% gain they made last Friday. The company reported an adjusted EPS loss of -$0.49 on revenue of $5.3 million. In its fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, the company reported an adjusted EPS loss of -$0.18 on $11.5 million in revenue. The consensus estimate for the quarter was an EPS loss of -$0.21 on $5.72 million in revenue.
Rubicon reports earnings after markets close today, and is expected to post EPS of $0.26 on $31.2 million in revenue. Veeco reported better-than-expected EPS in late October, but revised its guidance significantly downward. Aixtron just broke even in the last quarter, while EPS expectations called for $0.23/share.
The near-term outlook for the LED makers doesn’t improve for the last calendar quarter of 2011, and only Veeco, which makes the manufacturing equipment used to make the LEDs, is expected to post solid earnings in the current fiscal year. And even Veeco’s projections are weak for the 2012 fiscal year, with earnings and revenues set at about half this year’s estimates.
LED lighting is probably still too expensive for wide adoption in a shrinking global economy. A light that costs $25, even though it might last for 10 years or more, is not a casual purchase — it’s an investment. Incandescent bulbs costing a buck or so are still affordable. That’s one reason why the US Congress is re-visiting the Bush-era phase-out schedule for incandescent lighting.
It’s unlikely that China’s citizens will take to the streets over the new mandate, likely because the government will in some way subsidize the LED lights. Those subsidies, though, may be limited to LEDs from domestic Chinese makers, or perhaps a favored Taiwanese company, in which case SemiLEDs could have an inside track. The Chinese mandate is a game-changer, but exactly how the game will be changed depends on what the new rules are.
SemiLEDs’ stock is down less than -3% about an hour after the market open, after dipping by -10% earlier this morning. Shares are trading at $3.80, in a 52-week range of $2.60-$32.12. Rubicon’s shares are off more than -5%, at $11.59, in a 52-week range of $9.25-$29.79. Investors at least know the extent of the damage at SemiLEDs, but still fear the worst for Rubicon.
2011年11月7日星期一
Time for Makerere to light its candles on top of the table
Two items concerning invention or innovation made exciting news last week, the first being the electric car, code named Kiira EV, tested with vast fanfare and media coverage, by the College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology.
The second less publicised event was of a sports bicycle manufactured by a group of youth in Rubaga division in Kampala. (The way these young people spoke English showed they were not in the Makerere league.) The frame of the bicycle is made out of bamboo. The young people, after faring poorly in international competitions because the metallic bikes they rode were ‘too heavy,’ decided on bamboo to reduce the load.
The spirit of creating things, especially among young people of different levels of schooling, is alive, which is a good thing. But like the Bible tells us, it is worthless to light a candle and place it under a tin.
Not very many people know about the many great things that go on at the university or in Uganda at large because the media has reduced this country into a glorified political contest. Politics, especially the corrupt type (and scandal), makes the news.
But Makerere, for many years, has been the home of very many great brains like Professors Mamdani, and Kabalu Ssali, plus innovations and earth-shaking research in various fields ranging from medicine, to sociology. Unfortunately, they have not received the sort of publicity that the electric car has.
Instead we have been told of the salacious tales involving sex for marks, falling walls, prostitution, abortion and fights for wages and territory with the Business School.
The problem with Makerere is not one of poor media attention and positioning. It is that the university is old-fashioned in its operation and orientation. They simply teach and research and mind their own business.
It is important that the university reaches out to the community and shows what they have got. This can be done in two ways. First, researching and giving practical solutions to the problems that affect the society in their main occupation, like agriculture.
In a country that has one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world, and a river running through the middle, a great university should be selling feasible ideas to the government and the private sector about irrigation and delivery of fresh water to boost crop production independent of rain cycles and a healthy population.
Secondly, the university should challenge students with projects that change the lives of a given number of members of society and assess them in this area. For instance, a law student should be tasked with educating a given number of laymen in basic aspects of the law regarding, land, succession and inheritance, labour etc. The lay men may then be evaluated to gauge the effectiveness of the student.
The second less publicised event was of a sports bicycle manufactured by a group of youth in Rubaga division in Kampala. (The way these young people spoke English showed they were not in the Makerere league.) The frame of the bicycle is made out of bamboo. The young people, after faring poorly in international competitions because the metallic bikes they rode were ‘too heavy,’ decided on bamboo to reduce the load.
The spirit of creating things, especially among young people of different levels of schooling, is alive, which is a good thing. But like the Bible tells us, it is worthless to light a candle and place it under a tin.
Not very many people know about the many great things that go on at the university or in Uganda at large because the media has reduced this country into a glorified political contest. Politics, especially the corrupt type (and scandal), makes the news.
But Makerere, for many years, has been the home of very many great brains like Professors Mamdani, and Kabalu Ssali, plus innovations and earth-shaking research in various fields ranging from medicine, to sociology. Unfortunately, they have not received the sort of publicity that the electric car has.
Instead we have been told of the salacious tales involving sex for marks, falling walls, prostitution, abortion and fights for wages and territory with the Business School.
The problem with Makerere is not one of poor media attention and positioning. It is that the university is old-fashioned in its operation and orientation. They simply teach and research and mind their own business.
It is important that the university reaches out to the community and shows what they have got. This can be done in two ways. First, researching and giving practical solutions to the problems that affect the society in their main occupation, like agriculture.
In a country that has one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world, and a river running through the middle, a great university should be selling feasible ideas to the government and the private sector about irrigation and delivery of fresh water to boost crop production independent of rain cycles and a healthy population.
Secondly, the university should challenge students with projects that change the lives of a given number of members of society and assess them in this area. For instance, a law student should be tasked with educating a given number of laymen in basic aspects of the law regarding, land, succession and inheritance, labour etc. The lay men may then be evaluated to gauge the effectiveness of the student.
City to host U.S. green-building conference - and show its stuff
Greenbuild will be an opportunity to showcase Philadelphia's embracing a way to build and live that suggests it "is on the move" and will create jobs and appeal to young professionals.
"It's a chance to change Philadelphia's story . . . to move away from a kind of Rocky and cheesesteaks to what our sustainability story is," said Heather Shayne Blakeslee, DVGBC's deputy executive director.
That story can be uniquely told here "through the lens of reuse and historic reuse" rather than the more well-known application of green practices in new construction, said Katherine Gajewski, the city's director of sustainability.
In DVGBC's territory, 152 commercial or institutional projects have met the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standard, and an additional 347 are under LEED consideration. LEED-certified homes total "several hundred," Milkman said.
At the Navy Yard, the federally funded Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster for Energy-Efficient Buildings is just getting started on at least a five-year effort to develop innovative energy-saving building technologies, designs, and systems. The goal is to turn Philadelphia into a center of energy-efficient technology and sustainable building that will translate into volumes of retrofit work for the city's vast inventory of older buildings, and the creation of a broad range of jobs - including engineers, recyclers of construction, and demolition waste, manufacturers of components for heating, cooling, and ventilation systems and operators of such systems.
In short, there is plenty here to show off to Greenbuild conventioneers.
Milkman's focus now is on addressing other things that could diminish the story she wants Philadelphia and Pennsylvania to tell Greenbuild participants.
For instance, she wants passage of legislation that has languished for several years in Harrisburg that would require any new state building to be green.
She also wants City Council to adopt a bill, as other cities have, that would require building owners to disclose their facilities' energy use, something Milkman said "has the potential to drive the market for energy-efficiency investments."
At the Philadelphia Zoo and the Franklin Institute, officials say they will have projects worthy of a Greenbuild tour by 2013.
The zoo just broke ground on the Hamilton Family Children's Zoo and Education Center, intended to be a LEED-certified facility and open by spring 2013.
Also planned for completion that year is an Intermodal Transportation Center that will be topped with a solar-paneled canopy, said Chris Waldron, the zoo's director of sustainability. The center, which will include a garage along West Girard Avenue, is intended to provide easier and smoother access to the zoo for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
At the Franklin Institute, home to the "Changing Earth" exhibit (built with sustainable products) that explores humans' impact on the world, an intended LEED-rated 53,000-square-foot addition should be well on its way by 2013.
By then, the Philadelphia School District, which has achieved LEED status for four of its buildings, will have even more. Green renovations have been completed on the 14-year-old Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Logan, and its designation as a LEED-certified building is expected by December.
"It's a chance to change Philadelphia's story . . . to move away from a kind of Rocky and cheesesteaks to what our sustainability story is," said Heather Shayne Blakeslee, DVGBC's deputy executive director.
That story can be uniquely told here "through the lens of reuse and historic reuse" rather than the more well-known application of green practices in new construction, said Katherine Gajewski, the city's director of sustainability.
In DVGBC's territory, 152 commercial or institutional projects have met the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standard, and an additional 347 are under LEED consideration. LEED-certified homes total "several hundred," Milkman said.
At the Navy Yard, the federally funded Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster for Energy-Efficient Buildings is just getting started on at least a five-year effort to develop innovative energy-saving building technologies, designs, and systems. The goal is to turn Philadelphia into a center of energy-efficient technology and sustainable building that will translate into volumes of retrofit work for the city's vast inventory of older buildings, and the creation of a broad range of jobs - including engineers, recyclers of construction, and demolition waste, manufacturers of components for heating, cooling, and ventilation systems and operators of such systems.
In short, there is plenty here to show off to Greenbuild conventioneers.
Milkman's focus now is on addressing other things that could diminish the story she wants Philadelphia and Pennsylvania to tell Greenbuild participants.
For instance, she wants passage of legislation that has languished for several years in Harrisburg that would require any new state building to be green.
She also wants City Council to adopt a bill, as other cities have, that would require building owners to disclose their facilities' energy use, something Milkman said "has the potential to drive the market for energy-efficiency investments."
At the Philadelphia Zoo and the Franklin Institute, officials say they will have projects worthy of a Greenbuild tour by 2013.
The zoo just broke ground on the Hamilton Family Children's Zoo and Education Center, intended to be a LEED-certified facility and open by spring 2013.
Also planned for completion that year is an Intermodal Transportation Center that will be topped with a solar-paneled canopy, said Chris Waldron, the zoo's director of sustainability. The center, which will include a garage along West Girard Avenue, is intended to provide easier and smoother access to the zoo for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
At the Franklin Institute, home to the "Changing Earth" exhibit (built with sustainable products) that explores humans' impact on the world, an intended LEED-rated 53,000-square-foot addition should be well on its way by 2013.
By then, the Philadelphia School District, which has achieved LEED status for four of its buildings, will have even more. Green renovations have been completed on the 14-year-old Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Logan, and its designation as a LEED-certified building is expected by December.
2011年11月2日星期三
Cooper and Long Island Power promote residential LED lighting
Many residents of Long Island, NY can buy the Energy Star-qualified Cooper Lighting All-Pro LED Retrofit Recessed Downlight at a deeply discounted price during the month of November. The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is promoting the solid-state-lighting (SSL) technology as an energy-saving tool through its Residential Energy Efficient Lighting Program with cooperation from nine electrical-distributor partners.
The Cooper downlight is designed to replace existing incandescent downlights and at 15W deliver the light output of typical 65W BR30 incandescent lamps. The product includes an LED module and recessed trim, and Cooper says that it will fit into 5- and 6-inch recessed housings that have been sold by many vendors including Cooper's own Halo and All-Pro lines.
"Energy Star-qualified LED lighting can use up to 75% less energy and lasts at least 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs," said LIPA chief operating officer Michael Hervey. "Lighting can account for up to 15 percent of the average electric bill, mostly due to the use of inefficient fixtures and light bulbs."
Cooper and LIPA did not reveal the discounted selling price, but a survey of some of the participating distributors revealed a price in the $40 range. Home Depot, meanwhile, lists the product for $59.97 on its website. The discount will certainly reduce the payback period on the investment, although not to the one year mark that many industry experts suggest consumers will demand before adopting SSL on a broad scale.
Cooper rates the downlight for 50,000 hours and that equates to more than 20 years in a typical residential usage scenario. Copper says it will save consumers $350 over the life of the product. The SSL retrofit delivers 600 lm with a warm-white 3000K CCT.
"As homeowners become more receptive to new lighting technologies, they not only want energy-efficient solutions, but high quality, reliable ones," said Cooper Lighting president Mark Eubanks. "Cooper Lighting's All-Pro LED Retrofit Recessed Downlight meets these needs by using tested LED technology to achieve the savings and quality of light that homeowners desire."
The participating distributors include AC Electrical Supplies, Continental Lighting, Duplex Electrical Supply, Greenvale Electric Supply, Michaels Electrical Supply, N&S Electric Supply, Revco Lighting and Electrical Supply, and Yorktown Electrical & Lighting Distributors. Each will display the product and offer the discount during the month of November.
LIPA's Hervey added, "We continue to assist and encourage customers to replace inefficient lighting with new LED technology at a reduced cost, which in turn will result in lower electric use and lower bills for our customers."
The Cooper downlight is designed to replace existing incandescent downlights and at 15W deliver the light output of typical 65W BR30 incandescent lamps. The product includes an LED module and recessed trim, and Cooper says that it will fit into 5- and 6-inch recessed housings that have been sold by many vendors including Cooper's own Halo and All-Pro lines.
"Energy Star-qualified LED lighting can use up to 75% less energy and lasts at least 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs," said LIPA chief operating officer Michael Hervey. "Lighting can account for up to 15 percent of the average electric bill, mostly due to the use of inefficient fixtures and light bulbs."
Cooper and LIPA did not reveal the discounted selling price, but a survey of some of the participating distributors revealed a price in the $40 range. Home Depot, meanwhile, lists the product for $59.97 on its website. The discount will certainly reduce the payback period on the investment, although not to the one year mark that many industry experts suggest consumers will demand before adopting SSL on a broad scale.
Cooper rates the downlight for 50,000 hours and that equates to more than 20 years in a typical residential usage scenario. Copper says it will save consumers $350 over the life of the product. The SSL retrofit delivers 600 lm with a warm-white 3000K CCT.
"As homeowners become more receptive to new lighting technologies, they not only want energy-efficient solutions, but high quality, reliable ones," said Cooper Lighting president Mark Eubanks. "Cooper Lighting's All-Pro LED Retrofit Recessed Downlight meets these needs by using tested LED technology to achieve the savings and quality of light that homeowners desire."
The participating distributors include AC Electrical Supplies, Continental Lighting, Duplex Electrical Supply, Greenvale Electric Supply, Michaels Electrical Supply, N&S Electric Supply, Revco Lighting and Electrical Supply, and Yorktown Electrical & Lighting Distributors. Each will display the product and offer the discount during the month of November.
LIPA's Hervey added, "We continue to assist and encourage customers to replace inefficient lighting with new LED technology at a reduced cost, which in turn will result in lower electric use and lower bills for our customers."
Opinion: Beyond Defense, in Praise of the SBC
For the past few years, an informal alliance of ratepayer activists and large energy users -- apparently backed by the Christie Administration -- has been pressing the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to cut back on the SBC, which appears on every gas and electric customer's utility bills as a "surcharge."
While the amount of money raised by the SBC is undeniably huge -- more than $700 million last year -- the affect on individual customer bills is modest, "approximately 3.8 percent," according to the BPU website. This translates into an annual bite of about $56 a year for a residential electricity user and $51 for gas customer, or less than 30 cents a day.
Moreover, not even the fiercest SBC critic has openly disputed that the surcharge finances important societal programs. These include a Universal Services Fund dedicated to helping the poor and jobless pay their utility bills and avoid freezing in the dark, as sometimes happened before the start of these social programs.
There's also a nuclear plant decommissioning fund held in a trust account for the safe cleanup of New Jersey's four nuclear reactors after they are finally retired, starting with Oyster Creek -- the oldest commercial reactor in the nation still operating -- in 2018.
Who can be against setting aside funds paid by current users of the power produced by these nuclear units to pay for safe cleanup when they are finally deactivated?
Another part of the SBC goes to the remediation adjustment clause, or RAC, for short. The RAC funds another important cleanup program. This one removes toxins left in the ground and water from the old practice of making natural gas in coal gasification plants long ago shuttered and scattered around the state.
The SBC also underwrites the cost of consumer education, intended to help ratepayers sort through the complex issues of customer choice following the breakup of traditional utility monopolies..
Finally, we come to the most vocal aspect of the anti-SBC controversy: About a third of the surcharge is spent on New Jersey's hugely successful Clean Energy Program, going to Energy Efficiency (EE) improvements and Renewable Energy (RE) development.
The largest portion by far goes to the EE -- a vast menu of energy-saving investments, from the latest compact fluorescent bulbs, attic insulation, heat pumps, and dozens of other devices that cut utility bills wherever they are installed, while also reducing everyone's costs by slicing into peak load demand for the electric power and gas we all pay for.
In fact, the BPU website says that every dollar invested in residential EE programs "returns $4.00 in savings . . . and $11.00 in savings for commercial and industrial customers." Where else can you get returns on investment like that? Not even Bernie Madoff made such claims.
Meanwhile, RE, especially solar photovoltaic (PV) electric systems, now account for a dwindling portion of the SBC, down to 4.5%, according to the BPU. Most solar projects are now financed through a quasi market-based program that no longer relies on SBC-funded rebates.
With all this going for it, why are there so many -- or any -- attacks on the SBC, including claims by at least one state legislator that the SBC was the "last straw" in forcing Ocean Spray to close its South Jersey operations?
While the amount of money raised by the SBC is undeniably huge -- more than $700 million last year -- the affect on individual customer bills is modest, "approximately 3.8 percent," according to the BPU website. This translates into an annual bite of about $56 a year for a residential electricity user and $51 for gas customer, or less than 30 cents a day.
Moreover, not even the fiercest SBC critic has openly disputed that the surcharge finances important societal programs. These include a Universal Services Fund dedicated to helping the poor and jobless pay their utility bills and avoid freezing in the dark, as sometimes happened before the start of these social programs.
There's also a nuclear plant decommissioning fund held in a trust account for the safe cleanup of New Jersey's four nuclear reactors after they are finally retired, starting with Oyster Creek -- the oldest commercial reactor in the nation still operating -- in 2018.
Who can be against setting aside funds paid by current users of the power produced by these nuclear units to pay for safe cleanup when they are finally deactivated?
Another part of the SBC goes to the remediation adjustment clause, or RAC, for short. The RAC funds another important cleanup program. This one removes toxins left in the ground and water from the old practice of making natural gas in coal gasification plants long ago shuttered and scattered around the state.
The SBC also underwrites the cost of consumer education, intended to help ratepayers sort through the complex issues of customer choice following the breakup of traditional utility monopolies..
Finally, we come to the most vocal aspect of the anti-SBC controversy: About a third of the surcharge is spent on New Jersey's hugely successful Clean Energy Program, going to Energy Efficiency (EE) improvements and Renewable Energy (RE) development.
The largest portion by far goes to the EE -- a vast menu of energy-saving investments, from the latest compact fluorescent bulbs, attic insulation, heat pumps, and dozens of other devices that cut utility bills wherever they are installed, while also reducing everyone's costs by slicing into peak load demand for the electric power and gas we all pay for.
In fact, the BPU website says that every dollar invested in residential EE programs "returns $4.00 in savings . . . and $11.00 in savings for commercial and industrial customers." Where else can you get returns on investment like that? Not even Bernie Madoff made such claims.
Meanwhile, RE, especially solar photovoltaic (PV) electric systems, now account for a dwindling portion of the SBC, down to 4.5%, according to the BPU. Most solar projects are now financed through a quasi market-based program that no longer relies on SBC-funded rebates.
With all this going for it, why are there so many -- or any -- attacks on the SBC, including claims by at least one state legislator that the SBC was the "last straw" in forcing Ocean Spray to close its South Jersey operations?
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