Full details have been released for Hyundai's new i30 small family hatchback, revealing low insurance groups, efficient engines and a starting price of $14,495.
The good looks of Hyundai's new C-segment car have already been noted, but thanks to an efficient diesel engine with emissions as low as 97g/km and fuel economy above 75mpg, Hyundai hopes to appeal to both hearts and minds to make inroads into a market dominated by the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf.
Both petrol and diesel fans will be able to choose from 1.4 and 1.6-litre engines, with the 1.6 petrol only available with an automatic gearbox and the 1.6 diesel optionally available with one in Active trim and above.
Both manual 1.6 diesels are road-tax exempt under the current UK system, although choosing the automatic gearbox for the 109bhp diesel ups its emissions to 145g/km.
Two of the most basic versions sit in insurance group 7E, placing them among the cheapest cars in the segment to insure. The top-of-the-range model falls into group 14E, which is still very reasonable.
Four trim levels will be available, starting with Classic at the bottom. Active, Style and Style Nav are the other choices in ascending order, while there will be five engine power outputs to choose from.
Every new i30 benefits from voice-activated Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights, a multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and one-touch indicators.
Safety systems added as standard across the range include vehicle stability management, emergency stop signal and hill-start assist control.
Active models add 15in alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Hyundai's new dynamic Flex Steer system, which gives the driver the option of three settings: comfort, normal and sport.
Style models get 16in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, front parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, cornering lights, automatic headlights, an automatic de-fogging system for the front windscreen, and electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators.
Then Style Nav adds a fully integrated touchscreen satellite navigation system and rear-view parking camera.
2012年1月31日星期二
2012年1月30日星期一
To do away with electric lamps
The United Nations is urging the world to get rid of incandescent lamps. It has set itself the task to root out the invention of the Russian scientist Alexander Ladygin as ineffective by the year 2016, despite the fact that it has been used for more than a century and has proved good. The UN experts say that it is one of the reasons for global warming.
One year ago Russia got involved in the project en.lighten: which provides for a gradual transition to more modern and “green” illumination technologies which are using more than 20 per cent of world electricity. The UN Environment Programme and also that of the Global Environment Fund (GEF) offers to twice reduce spending at the minimum. If mankind gives up electric lamps by 2020, there will be a chance to avoid global warming.
In the course of a year all lamps with the capacity of 100 watts went out of sale in Russia. All the rest, that is, all electric lamps to which the former Russian leader Vladimir Lenin gave the green light to at the beginning of the last century as part of his plan for the electrification of Russia (GOELRO Plan) are expected to be banned by the year 2014. 100 years ago nobody thought of their efficiency, Head of the Green Peace Russia programme on energy efficiency Igor Podgorny said.
"It was decided that at the first stage it was necessary to get rid of 100-watt bulbs as well as the bulbs with a slightly higher capacity, which have proved to be the most non-economical lamps. In fact, all these are rather heating than lightening devices. Electric lamps convert about 95 per cent of electricity to warmth and only the remaining 5 per cent - to light. At the moment it is impossible to say whether this experiment was a success because one year is a small period. But it will be successful in any case. Simply because energy-saving fluorescent bulbs make it possible to reduce energy consumption 4 to 5 times, which is very good."
Europe stopped using electric lamps 3 years ago.
Meanwhile, scientists continue sending alarming signals. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere from power production generate hundreds of millions of tons of carbonic acid (CO2). Therefore, it is rather doubtful though that a ban on the use of non-effective lamps will be helpful in saving ecology. More radical measures are needed here, Ruslan Sorokin says.
"Electric lamps generate 246 million tons of carbonic acid annually. However, this is not much in relation to the world. Car exhausts generate a lot more poisonous substances."
The United Nations urges mankind to replace electric lamps with fluorescent ones. However, the technologies are developing fast, and soon the latter will be banned too because light-emitting-diodes (LED), which make it possible to save electricity, are coming in place. The majority of office complexes in Moscow are using them.
However, not all countries are ready to get involved in the United Nations project, and weak economies are the reason. The production of effective lamps, which make it possible to reduce the price of electricity, is an expensive pleasure.
One year ago Russia got involved in the project en.lighten: which provides for a gradual transition to more modern and “green” illumination technologies which are using more than 20 per cent of world electricity. The UN Environment Programme and also that of the Global Environment Fund (GEF) offers to twice reduce spending at the minimum. If mankind gives up electric lamps by 2020, there will be a chance to avoid global warming.
In the course of a year all lamps with the capacity of 100 watts went out of sale in Russia. All the rest, that is, all electric lamps to which the former Russian leader Vladimir Lenin gave the green light to at the beginning of the last century as part of his plan for the electrification of Russia (GOELRO Plan) are expected to be banned by the year 2014. 100 years ago nobody thought of their efficiency, Head of the Green Peace Russia programme on energy efficiency Igor Podgorny said.
"It was decided that at the first stage it was necessary to get rid of 100-watt bulbs as well as the bulbs with a slightly higher capacity, which have proved to be the most non-economical lamps. In fact, all these are rather heating than lightening devices. Electric lamps convert about 95 per cent of electricity to warmth and only the remaining 5 per cent - to light. At the moment it is impossible to say whether this experiment was a success because one year is a small period. But it will be successful in any case. Simply because energy-saving fluorescent bulbs make it possible to reduce energy consumption 4 to 5 times, which is very good."
Europe stopped using electric lamps 3 years ago.
Meanwhile, scientists continue sending alarming signals. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere from power production generate hundreds of millions of tons of carbonic acid (CO2). Therefore, it is rather doubtful though that a ban on the use of non-effective lamps will be helpful in saving ecology. More radical measures are needed here, Ruslan Sorokin says.
"Electric lamps generate 246 million tons of carbonic acid annually. However, this is not much in relation to the world. Car exhausts generate a lot more poisonous substances."
The United Nations urges mankind to replace electric lamps with fluorescent ones. However, the technologies are developing fast, and soon the latter will be banned too because light-emitting-diodes (LED), which make it possible to save electricity, are coming in place. The majority of office complexes in Moscow are using them.
However, not all countries are ready to get involved in the United Nations project, and weak economies are the reason. The production of effective lamps, which make it possible to reduce the price of electricity, is an expensive pleasure.
2012年1月29日星期日
Pioneering Extreme Brightness LED Lamps
Thanks to the SABIC materials, BritePointe's HyBeem high-bay LED downlights for commercial and public buildings may cut energy use by up to 65 percent vs. high intensity discharge (HID) fixtures and fluorescents and last up to five times as long, thus potentially reducing maintenance costs. SABIC's collaboration with BritePointe demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting the lighting market's shift toward sustainable lighting technologies and reinforces the value of its high performance resins, which give LED lighting designers the freedom to take new approaches, unfettered by the limitations of traditional materials such as metal.
"SABIC's advanced thermoplastics are a critical element of our new HyBeem product," said Tom Griffin, CEO, BritePointe, Inc. "You cannot make an LED-based replacement lamp emitting tens of thousands of lumens unless it is small and extremely light weight, so using metal in this case simply wasn't an option. SABIC's strong, lightweight and versatile materials were the ideal solution to design our LED line and we couldn't be more pleased with the results."
Hybeem LED lighting from BritePointe delivers the lighting equivalence of a conventional metal halide HID or high-pressure sodium (HPS) vapor light source in a similar form factor with substantial power savings and a service life of up to 50,000 hours. Other potential benefits over HIDs include improved safety and "instant on" capability that supports the use of timers and sensors for additional energy savings.
LEDs also avoid the issue of cycling with HPS lights. HyBeem BP400 series high-bay lamps deliver 15,000 lumens with the lowest mass and smallest size on the market today. They are the first to surpass the theoretical Shuja-Line limit of 2,500 lumens per kilogram by more than 100 percent.
Manufacturers are moving beyond metal and other traditional materials to take advantage of the benefits of plastics, including part integration and design flexibility, light weight, high strength and durability, elimination of secondary operations and a wide choice of aesthetic effects.
"I am impressed with SABIC's high level of service and broad product portfolio. SABIC's sales and support teams generously offered knowledgeable guidance for optimal use of their materials. This assistance is greatly appreciated as we continue to implement strong, lightweight plastics in our products," Griffin said.
The design flexibility of Cycoloy resin enabled BritePointe to create a sophisticated solution with patent-pending thermal management technology built into the lighting fixture. Molded-in color allowed the company to avoid the cost and environmental impact of secondary painting. The selection of Lexan FXD resin in this application shows the viability of PC for use in new LED applications such as lenses, covers and reflectors.
"SABIC's high-performance materials are playing a key role in the growth and diversity of the LED lighting sector, as demonstrated by the success of the HyBeem product line," said Heath Schmid, PC market director, Innovative Plastics.
"Our resins and composites make tremendous contributions to LED design and performance, including optimized light transmission and thermal management, improved aesthetics that appeal to end users and enhanced sustainability. Our collaboration with BritePointe has resulted in exciting new retrofit choices for users of high-bay lighting."
"SABIC's advanced thermoplastics are a critical element of our new HyBeem product," said Tom Griffin, CEO, BritePointe, Inc. "You cannot make an LED-based replacement lamp emitting tens of thousands of lumens unless it is small and extremely light weight, so using metal in this case simply wasn't an option. SABIC's strong, lightweight and versatile materials were the ideal solution to design our LED line and we couldn't be more pleased with the results."
Hybeem LED lighting from BritePointe delivers the lighting equivalence of a conventional metal halide HID or high-pressure sodium (HPS) vapor light source in a similar form factor with substantial power savings and a service life of up to 50,000 hours. Other potential benefits over HIDs include improved safety and "instant on" capability that supports the use of timers and sensors for additional energy savings.
LEDs also avoid the issue of cycling with HPS lights. HyBeem BP400 series high-bay lamps deliver 15,000 lumens with the lowest mass and smallest size on the market today. They are the first to surpass the theoretical Shuja-Line limit of 2,500 lumens per kilogram by more than 100 percent.
Manufacturers are moving beyond metal and other traditional materials to take advantage of the benefits of plastics, including part integration and design flexibility, light weight, high strength and durability, elimination of secondary operations and a wide choice of aesthetic effects.
"I am impressed with SABIC's high level of service and broad product portfolio. SABIC's sales and support teams generously offered knowledgeable guidance for optimal use of their materials. This assistance is greatly appreciated as we continue to implement strong, lightweight plastics in our products," Griffin said.
The design flexibility of Cycoloy resin enabled BritePointe to create a sophisticated solution with patent-pending thermal management technology built into the lighting fixture. Molded-in color allowed the company to avoid the cost and environmental impact of secondary painting. The selection of Lexan FXD resin in this application shows the viability of PC for use in new LED applications such as lenses, covers and reflectors.
"SABIC's high-performance materials are playing a key role in the growth and diversity of the LED lighting sector, as demonstrated by the success of the HyBeem product line," said Heath Schmid, PC market director, Innovative Plastics.
"Our resins and composites make tremendous contributions to LED design and performance, including optimized light transmission and thermal management, improved aesthetics that appeal to end users and enhanced sustainability. Our collaboration with BritePointe has resulted in exciting new retrofit choices for users of high-bay lighting."
2012年1月15日星期日
Casio Announces New Hybrid LED-Laser Projector Models
Casio announced six new models in its SLIM line of hybrid LED-laser projectors at the Consumer Electronics Show this week: the XJ-A141, XJ-A146, XJ-A241, XJ-A246, XJ-A251 and XJ-A256.
Each weighing five pounds, the new SLIM projectors are 1.7 inches high, which, according to Casio, makes them the thinnest high-brightness projectors in the industry. A wide-angle 2X power zoom lens allows an extensive range of projection distance. Three of Casio's new SLIM projectors—the XJ-A146, XJ-A246 and XJ-A256—are equipped with USB capabilities, MobiShow, wireless presentation capability, and a presentation timer.
MobiShow makes business presentations possible from most popular mobile devices using only a Wi-Fi connection. MobiShow is compatible with Microsoft Windows Mobile, iPhone, iPad, and Android operating systems. Additionally, the SLIM USB models have the ability to make wireless presentations from Mac computers. Up to 32 computers can be connected at one time and users can also view up to four PCs on an individual screen simultaneously.
The built-in presentation timer function lets users keep track of time and ensure all presentations are done in a timely fashion. A compact window is displayed in the corner of the screen and lets both the presenter and audience know how much time is left for the presentation.
The latest introductions in the SLIM lineup feature innovative functions such as Intelligent Brightness Control, an ECO function that minimizes power consumption by using no more than the level of brightness actually required all while illuminating sharp imagery.
Intelligent Brightness Control utilizes a built-in light sensor to automatically adjust the brightness level of the projection to suit the lighting conditions of any room. Brightness can be adjusted continuously and smoothly due to the laser and LED hybrid light source, a feature not possible with traditional mercury lamps.
The SLIM projectors are powered by Casio's laser and LED hybrid light source and DLP technology that provides lamp-free, eco-friendly data projection at a fraction of the cost of traditional projectors. Casio's laser and LED hybrid light source Source combines blue laser light and a fluorescent element to generate a high output of green light.
The green light, blue laser light, and the light emitted by a red LED are projected through a DLP chip which, in turn, is passed through the projection lens to form an image. This technology achieves an increase in color spectrum compared with a mercury lamp, while lowering a projector's total cost of ownership and maximizing investment.
Each weighing five pounds, the new SLIM projectors are 1.7 inches high, which, according to Casio, makes them the thinnest high-brightness projectors in the industry. A wide-angle 2X power zoom lens allows an extensive range of projection distance. Three of Casio's new SLIM projectors—the XJ-A146, XJ-A246 and XJ-A256—are equipped with USB capabilities, MobiShow, wireless presentation capability, and a presentation timer.
MobiShow makes business presentations possible from most popular mobile devices using only a Wi-Fi connection. MobiShow is compatible with Microsoft Windows Mobile, iPhone, iPad, and Android operating systems. Additionally, the SLIM USB models have the ability to make wireless presentations from Mac computers. Up to 32 computers can be connected at one time and users can also view up to four PCs on an individual screen simultaneously.
The built-in presentation timer function lets users keep track of time and ensure all presentations are done in a timely fashion. A compact window is displayed in the corner of the screen and lets both the presenter and audience know how much time is left for the presentation.
The latest introductions in the SLIM lineup feature innovative functions such as Intelligent Brightness Control, an ECO function that minimizes power consumption by using no more than the level of brightness actually required all while illuminating sharp imagery.
Intelligent Brightness Control utilizes a built-in light sensor to automatically adjust the brightness level of the projection to suit the lighting conditions of any room. Brightness can be adjusted continuously and smoothly due to the laser and LED hybrid light source, a feature not possible with traditional mercury lamps.
The SLIM projectors are powered by Casio's laser and LED hybrid light source and DLP technology that provides lamp-free, eco-friendly data projection at a fraction of the cost of traditional projectors. Casio's laser and LED hybrid light source Source combines blue laser light and a fluorescent element to generate a high output of green light.
The green light, blue laser light, and the light emitted by a red LED are projected through a DLP chip which, in turn, is passed through the projection lens to form an image. This technology achieves an increase in color spectrum compared with a mercury lamp, while lowering a projector's total cost of ownership and maximizing investment.
2012年1月11日星期三
Drink-driver done twice on one night
JODIE Grigsby recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.219 after backing across a median strip in Albury's main street, crashing into a pedestrian sign and a street light on the opposite footpath.
She was not wearing a seat belt, appeared in a dishevelled state when police quickly arrived and the engine was still running.
Police took the keys and Grigsby had to be helped out.
A court has heard the incident happened about 2.30am on December 10 and Grigsby was released four hours later after being processed by police.
But just 20 minutes later, she returned to the police station to report her mobile phone and purse missing.
Grigsby had driven from Dean Street to Olive Street and parallel parked out the front of the station instead of being at a 45-degree angle.
She left the station at 7am, went towards her vehicle and police asked whether she drove there.
Her response was: "Yes. I needed to report my phone and purse stolen."
It led to her being arrested a second time and she recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.159.
The second driving episode was aggravated by the fact that police had suspended her licence after the first incident.
Grigsby, 36, of George Street, pleaded guilty in Albury Local Court to two counts of high range drink-driving and driving while her licence was suspended.
Magistrate Gordon Lerve was told she had lost her licence for similar offences in Victoria.
Mr Lerve said it was appropriate to get a pre-sentence report and adjourned her sentencing until March 20.
Grigsby told police she had six glasses of wine between 7pm and 2am.
Police were speaking to a driver in Dean Street when they heard the screeching of tyres a short distance away.
They heard a thud and saw Grigsby's vehicle go over the median strip from the southern side, hit a sign and then a street light on the northern kerb.
She was arrested at 2.30am, charged with drink-driving and had her driving privileges withdrawn.
Police said Grigsby showed no sign of remorse after driving the second time.
She was not wearing a seat belt, appeared in a dishevelled state when police quickly arrived and the engine was still running.
Police took the keys and Grigsby had to be helped out.
A court has heard the incident happened about 2.30am on December 10 and Grigsby was released four hours later after being processed by police.
But just 20 minutes later, she returned to the police station to report her mobile phone and purse missing.
Grigsby had driven from Dean Street to Olive Street and parallel parked out the front of the station instead of being at a 45-degree angle.
She left the station at 7am, went towards her vehicle and police asked whether she drove there.
Her response was: "Yes. I needed to report my phone and purse stolen."
It led to her being arrested a second time and she recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.159.
The second driving episode was aggravated by the fact that police had suspended her licence after the first incident.
Grigsby, 36, of George Street, pleaded guilty in Albury Local Court to two counts of high range drink-driving and driving while her licence was suspended.
Magistrate Gordon Lerve was told she had lost her licence for similar offences in Victoria.
Mr Lerve said it was appropriate to get a pre-sentence report and adjourned her sentencing until March 20.
Grigsby told police she had six glasses of wine between 7pm and 2am.
Police were speaking to a driver in Dean Street when they heard the screeching of tyres a short distance away.
They heard a thud and saw Grigsby's vehicle go over the median strip from the southern side, hit a sign and then a street light on the northern kerb.
She was arrested at 2.30am, charged with drink-driving and had her driving privileges withdrawn.
Police said Grigsby showed no sign of remorse after driving the second time.
2012年1月10日星期二
TV Makers Hope New Features Will Reverse Steep Price Declines
As TV makers struggle to stay profitable amid weak demand, some Asian manufacturers are attempting to reverse the steep price declines with new features, such as voice recognition and higher resolution displays.
The new features, to be showcased this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, could be the next battleground for TV manufacturers. Whether consumers will be receptive to them or not will be a critical test for a TV industry that has struggled over the past year, with many manufacturers losing money as TV prices have fallen sharply because of tepid demand and a supply glut.
Samsung Electronics Co., the world's biggest TV maker by shipments, is showcasing a television that can respond to voice commands and gestures without the need for a remote control. The feature is added to its lineup of so-called Smart TVs—sets equipped with processors that enable users to download apps and movies, surf the Web and store photos, much like what consumers do with their smartphones and tablet computers.
Second-ranked LG Electronics Inc. is attempting to bring high resolution to TVs bigger than 70 inches with "ultra-definition" displays that promise double the resolution of current full-high definition liquid crystal displays.
Japan's Sharp Corp. is showcasing what it claims is the world's first 80-inch 3D light emitting diode TV. LED TVs don't require backlights, making them more energy efficient and thinner. Sharp said it comes with built-in Wi-Fi and access to apps such as Netflix, Hulu and Facebook, using Sharp's own smart TV interface.
Meanwhile, both Korean companies say they plan to mass produce and sell 55-inch TVs using organic light emitting diode technology this year. OLED displays are brighter, thinner and have faster response time than LCDs and are widely used in smartphones. But until now, manufacturers haven't had success using them in big TVs because of steep manufacturing costs.
The move comes as companies including Google Inc. and Apple Inc. are also gearing up for greater competition in the smart-TV market.
Google said last week that it's working with various companies including Samsung and LG to offer a new version of Google TV, a Web-connected television that comes with Google software. Though Apple hasn't made its plans public yet, analysts speculate that a new Apple TV is being developed for launch either later this year or in 2013. Samsung expects its Google TV to be out in the U.S. market sometime in the second half.
"By distinguishing with new features, companies can gain market share, but it won't be enough to turn around the market and reverse price declines," said SC Bae, analyst at Barclays Capital in Seoul.
LCD TV shipments this year are expected to rise 9% to 225 million units from 206 million units in 2011, according to NPD DisplaySearch. Sanford Bernstein Ltd. senior analyst Mark Newman projects shipments of smart TVs to hit 90 million units by 2015 from about 20 million units in 2011.
In the U.S., the average price of the mainstream 40-inch LCD TV has fallen below $500 for the first time, while the average price of 47-inch LCD TVs are below $1,000, according to NPD DisplaySearch. The firm projects TV prices this year to fall about 6%.
The new features, to be showcased this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, could be the next battleground for TV manufacturers. Whether consumers will be receptive to them or not will be a critical test for a TV industry that has struggled over the past year, with many manufacturers losing money as TV prices have fallen sharply because of tepid demand and a supply glut.
Samsung Electronics Co., the world's biggest TV maker by shipments, is showcasing a television that can respond to voice commands and gestures without the need for a remote control. The feature is added to its lineup of so-called Smart TVs—sets equipped with processors that enable users to download apps and movies, surf the Web and store photos, much like what consumers do with their smartphones and tablet computers.
Second-ranked LG Electronics Inc. is attempting to bring high resolution to TVs bigger than 70 inches with "ultra-definition" displays that promise double the resolution of current full-high definition liquid crystal displays.
Japan's Sharp Corp. is showcasing what it claims is the world's first 80-inch 3D light emitting diode TV. LED TVs don't require backlights, making them more energy efficient and thinner. Sharp said it comes with built-in Wi-Fi and access to apps such as Netflix, Hulu and Facebook, using Sharp's own smart TV interface.
Meanwhile, both Korean companies say they plan to mass produce and sell 55-inch TVs using organic light emitting diode technology this year. OLED displays are brighter, thinner and have faster response time than LCDs and are widely used in smartphones. But until now, manufacturers haven't had success using them in big TVs because of steep manufacturing costs.
The move comes as companies including Google Inc. and Apple Inc. are also gearing up for greater competition in the smart-TV market.
Google said last week that it's working with various companies including Samsung and LG to offer a new version of Google TV, a Web-connected television that comes with Google software. Though Apple hasn't made its plans public yet, analysts speculate that a new Apple TV is being developed for launch either later this year or in 2013. Samsung expects its Google TV to be out in the U.S. market sometime in the second half.
"By distinguishing with new features, companies can gain market share, but it won't be enough to turn around the market and reverse price declines," said SC Bae, analyst at Barclays Capital in Seoul.
LCD TV shipments this year are expected to rise 9% to 225 million units from 206 million units in 2011, according to NPD DisplaySearch. Sanford Bernstein Ltd. senior analyst Mark Newman projects shipments of smart TVs to hit 90 million units by 2015 from about 20 million units in 2011.
In the U.S., the average price of the mainstream 40-inch LCD TV has fallen below $500 for the first time, while the average price of 47-inch LCD TVs are below $1,000, according to NPD DisplaySearch. The firm projects TV prices this year to fall about 6%.
2012年1月9日星期一
Young Adults Pitching Energy Conservation Can't Find Jobs
While not all corpsmembers continue working in the environmental conservation industry, only five of the 129 corpsmembers trained since October 2010 have been hired to work in the green workforce, said Scott Linton, programs manager for EnergySmart.
"The industry is still in a rut," he said. Though CEOs know corps graduates are "system thinkers," funds are "dry," making it difficult to embark on new projects.
"Because of the fact that our economy is so poor, it's really putting a damper on the industry growth," said Moilov.
The CCC's Core Training Program teaches at-risk young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 to be proactive in California's environmental projects, like stream restoration and re-landscaping for water efficiency.
Each young adult goes through a year-long training program, showing them how to become "good citizens through community engagement," said William R. Brumfield Jr., CCC training program supervisor.
Brumfield, who has worked with the CCC for over 18 years, has seen "young adults who are enthusiastic about energy efficiency" communicate with business representatives to impart tips on how to make their corporation sustainable and cost-efficient.
"We're giving [companies] the chance to get free incentives," said 21-year-old Antonio Gatica, special corpsmember.
Gatica has spent three years with the CCC and graduated from the Core Training Program. Now, he holds a leadership role in the CCC's effort to encourage businesses to be more environmentally conscious.
Gatica is one of the leaders in the EnergySmart Jobs program—a CCC project just six months underway that encourages companies to become more energy-efficient. He speaks face-to-face with business owners to offer an "energy upgrade" that helps businesses save money.
ESJ conducts upgrades such as changing business's light bulbs from fluorescent to LED and installing sensors that conserve up to 20 percent of energy (in kilowatts) per year, said Brumfield.
As soon as business owners understand that corpsmembers are eager to evaluate and improve business's energy efficiency, they say "yes, yes, yes, come in," said Gatica. And that is when Gatica and his coworkers educate people on the importance of saving energy.
President Barack Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds many of California's environmental programs through its State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate, also known as "cash for appliances" program.
The ARRA distributed more than $35 million to California energy-conservation projects, according to the U.S. Department of Energy—about 11 percent of the $300 million distributed to states across the nation.
"The industry is still in a rut," he said. Though CEOs know corps graduates are "system thinkers," funds are "dry," making it difficult to embark on new projects.
"Because of the fact that our economy is so poor, it's really putting a damper on the industry growth," said Moilov.
The CCC's Core Training Program teaches at-risk young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 to be proactive in California's environmental projects, like stream restoration and re-landscaping for water efficiency.
Each young adult goes through a year-long training program, showing them how to become "good citizens through community engagement," said William R. Brumfield Jr., CCC training program supervisor.
Brumfield, who has worked with the CCC for over 18 years, has seen "young adults who are enthusiastic about energy efficiency" communicate with business representatives to impart tips on how to make their corporation sustainable and cost-efficient.
"We're giving [companies] the chance to get free incentives," said 21-year-old Antonio Gatica, special corpsmember.
Gatica has spent three years with the CCC and graduated from the Core Training Program. Now, he holds a leadership role in the CCC's effort to encourage businesses to be more environmentally conscious.
Gatica is one of the leaders in the EnergySmart Jobs program—a CCC project just six months underway that encourages companies to become more energy-efficient. He speaks face-to-face with business owners to offer an "energy upgrade" that helps businesses save money.
ESJ conducts upgrades such as changing business's light bulbs from fluorescent to LED and installing sensors that conserve up to 20 percent of energy (in kilowatts) per year, said Brumfield.
As soon as business owners understand that corpsmembers are eager to evaluate and improve business's energy efficiency, they say "yes, yes, yes, come in," said Gatica. And that is when Gatica and his coworkers educate people on the importance of saving energy.
President Barack Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds many of California's environmental programs through its State Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate, also known as "cash for appliances" program.
The ARRA distributed more than $35 million to California energy-conservation projects, according to the U.S. Department of Energy—about 11 percent of the $300 million distributed to states across the nation.
2012年1月8日星期日
Justice Festival Hall, Melbourne
There have never been so many Justice t-shirts in one place as at Melbourne's Festival Hall, on the 6th of January. Justice fans across the state had congregated on the venue to witness the first ever solo show of the French duo's much-hyped new live form. However, in spite of the epic live show everyone was expecting, the stage was deceptively plain – featuring just two 3×3 stacks of Marshall Guitar Amps and a conspicuously covered centrepiece.
After Canyons finished up, it was time for the "secret" guest, Ed Banger's main man: Busy P. What he had called Justice Radio began with heavy metal, bewildering everyone. After a while of the crowd being confused, he delved into the Ed Banger record bag with his own classic Chop Suey.
However, his set peaked with Daft Punk's Da Funk, a track the audience knew so well that, on multiple occasions Busy P cut the track entirely, letting the crowd chant the riff out. Once he was done and the stage was clear, the centrepiece was uncovered, revealing two large synthesizer banks with Justice's logo sitting between them.
In 2007, Justice wrote the single greatest track to begin a set with ever: Genesis. It only took one epic bass note of the hit to get the crowd cheering and throughout their set, the energy in the audience was completely controlled by Justice. The duo understands perfectly the role of each of their tracks – even the teasing of the crowd with the Civilisation vocals was perfectly timed, making the crowd ecstatic at the possibility of hearing the track itself.
When they did finally bring it in, it was a much harder version of it. If you were a naysayer of Civilisation when it was released, claiming that Justice strayed from their sound, hear it live and have all your worries obliterated.
One of the most epic moments of the night was when the synth rack split in two and rolled apart, revealing a glowing keyboard and stool, upon which Gaspard Auge sat. He then played the chords for D.A.N.C.E. Rehearsal in what has to be one of the most powerful sing-along breakdowns of all time. The lyrics of D.A.N.C.E. were known backwards by everyone; allowing the crowd to be almost as loud as the music.
The word "epic" is probably overused in this review. However, there's a good reason for it: There is no word in any language to than can better describe Justice live. As Audio, Video, Disco began to play, the synth racks transformed into a pipe organ, with a series of glowing cylinders erupting forth from the top of them. Justice brought Audio Video Disco to a crescendo, building it up until it crashed out and they finished their set.
But, of course, the crowd promptly demanded an encore; and the duo returned to the stage with their latest single On ‘n' On, complete with Xavier de Rosnay on the keyboard at the front. After showing off their powerhouse abilities, they brought the crowd home with the hard electro lovers' favourite Phantom, eventually working to the actual end of the gig.
But the moment that best encapsulated what Audio, Video, Disco is about was really early on: The Marshall amps that dominated the stage surprised everyone, revealing the built-in LED screens. This was a key part of the lighting that the show wouldn't have been the same without.
The new Justice album is the much the same – when played live, suddenly everything makes sense. The album isn't made for home listening, rather, Audio Video Disco was an album tailor made for giant stadiums. Each track comes into its own and just emits a raw power live. That is why, after playing Festival Hall, Justice have prevailed.
After Canyons finished up, it was time for the "secret" guest, Ed Banger's main man: Busy P. What he had called Justice Radio began with heavy metal, bewildering everyone. After a while of the crowd being confused, he delved into the Ed Banger record bag with his own classic Chop Suey.
However, his set peaked with Daft Punk's Da Funk, a track the audience knew so well that, on multiple occasions Busy P cut the track entirely, letting the crowd chant the riff out. Once he was done and the stage was clear, the centrepiece was uncovered, revealing two large synthesizer banks with Justice's logo sitting between them.
In 2007, Justice wrote the single greatest track to begin a set with ever: Genesis. It only took one epic bass note of the hit to get the crowd cheering and throughout their set, the energy in the audience was completely controlled by Justice. The duo understands perfectly the role of each of their tracks – even the teasing of the crowd with the Civilisation vocals was perfectly timed, making the crowd ecstatic at the possibility of hearing the track itself.
When they did finally bring it in, it was a much harder version of it. If you were a naysayer of Civilisation when it was released, claiming that Justice strayed from their sound, hear it live and have all your worries obliterated.
One of the most epic moments of the night was when the synth rack split in two and rolled apart, revealing a glowing keyboard and stool, upon which Gaspard Auge sat. He then played the chords for D.A.N.C.E. Rehearsal in what has to be one of the most powerful sing-along breakdowns of all time. The lyrics of D.A.N.C.E. were known backwards by everyone; allowing the crowd to be almost as loud as the music.
The word "epic" is probably overused in this review. However, there's a good reason for it: There is no word in any language to than can better describe Justice live. As Audio, Video, Disco began to play, the synth racks transformed into a pipe organ, with a series of glowing cylinders erupting forth from the top of them. Justice brought Audio Video Disco to a crescendo, building it up until it crashed out and they finished their set.
But, of course, the crowd promptly demanded an encore; and the duo returned to the stage with their latest single On ‘n' On, complete with Xavier de Rosnay on the keyboard at the front. After showing off their powerhouse abilities, they brought the crowd home with the hard electro lovers' favourite Phantom, eventually working to the actual end of the gig.
But the moment that best encapsulated what Audio, Video, Disco is about was really early on: The Marshall amps that dominated the stage surprised everyone, revealing the built-in LED screens. This was a key part of the lighting that the show wouldn't have been the same without.
The new Justice album is the much the same – when played live, suddenly everything makes sense. The album isn't made for home listening, rather, Audio Video Disco was an album tailor made for giant stadiums. Each track comes into its own and just emits a raw power live. That is why, after playing Festival Hall, Justice have prevailed.
2012年1月5日星期四
Articles and whitepapers
For 80 years, Carlo Gavazzi has been a leading force in energy management and industrial and building automation, built on innovative research and development activities, all underpinned by continued cautious financial growth.
The company opened its doors in 1931, establishing a Milan headquarters for distribution of Johnson oil burners and Honeywell instrumentation. Now, Carlo Gavazzi Automation Components operates through 21 wholly-owned sales companies and selected representatives in more than 65 countries from the Pacific Rim to the United States.
Today's strengths in renewable energy and industrial automation are at the forefront of the company's strategy for the future, evidenced by current annual growth rates of 12 percent per annum in building automation markets.
Carlo Gavazzi has a solution for domestic home automation which is sold under the brand name of smart-house. The system is built on the sound foundations of its industrial counterpart, Dupline, which has a strong reputation in the world of distributed I/O for being robust and simple to install and commission.
The smart-house system uses an advanced central controller based on the robust Windows CE platform. The controller contains the core program to provide the necessary control for the home, and is also the gateway to integrate third-party products such as alarm panels, audio systems and touchscreens.
Smart-house keypads for the control of lighting, blinds and heating have been designed to fit standard wall plates, with a wide choice of finishes and styles for the home owner. The AURORA 44 x 44 range will fit wall plates from Niko and Legrand, while the EUNICA 55 x 55 range will fit wall plates from Elko, Gira and Jung.
Smart-house keypads are supplied with white or anthracite covers to complement the chosen wall plate design. Each keypad button has two programmable LED indicators that can be customised to suit the home owner's requirements.
The backlit smart-house temperature display shows the room temperature from its built-in temperature sensor, while the four-button keypad allows heating and cooling set points to be adjusted between pre-defined limits. Manual override of heating or cooling, and energy-saving night setback can also be implemented temporarily, but returns to automatic control at the next time setting.
The smart-house system has a broad range of output devices including relay modules for switched lighting, solid state output modules for heating (underfloor heating and radiator) together with a range of dimmers for scene control. The latest version of the smart-house dimmer has been designed specifically to work with the latest generation of dimmable LED fittings that are becoming available.
The smart-house controller is provided with a very simple and effective configuration tool. Using just three steps, installers first define a layout of the house by floor and then room. Next, all of the addresses are generated automatically for the input and output modules using the information from step one. Finally the control features required are defined in the functions section, and then the application can be downloaded to the controller.
The company opened its doors in 1931, establishing a Milan headquarters for distribution of Johnson oil burners and Honeywell instrumentation. Now, Carlo Gavazzi Automation Components operates through 21 wholly-owned sales companies and selected representatives in more than 65 countries from the Pacific Rim to the United States.
Today's strengths in renewable energy and industrial automation are at the forefront of the company's strategy for the future, evidenced by current annual growth rates of 12 percent per annum in building automation markets.
Carlo Gavazzi has a solution for domestic home automation which is sold under the brand name of smart-house. The system is built on the sound foundations of its industrial counterpart, Dupline, which has a strong reputation in the world of distributed I/O for being robust and simple to install and commission.
The smart-house system uses an advanced central controller based on the robust Windows CE platform. The controller contains the core program to provide the necessary control for the home, and is also the gateway to integrate third-party products such as alarm panels, audio systems and touchscreens.
Smart-house keypads for the control of lighting, blinds and heating have been designed to fit standard wall plates, with a wide choice of finishes and styles for the home owner. The AURORA 44 x 44 range will fit wall plates from Niko and Legrand, while the EUNICA 55 x 55 range will fit wall plates from Elko, Gira and Jung.
Smart-house keypads are supplied with white or anthracite covers to complement the chosen wall plate design. Each keypad button has two programmable LED indicators that can be customised to suit the home owner's requirements.
The backlit smart-house temperature display shows the room temperature from its built-in temperature sensor, while the four-button keypad allows heating and cooling set points to be adjusted between pre-defined limits. Manual override of heating or cooling, and energy-saving night setback can also be implemented temporarily, but returns to automatic control at the next time setting.
The smart-house system has a broad range of output devices including relay modules for switched lighting, solid state output modules for heating (underfloor heating and radiator) together with a range of dimmers for scene control. The latest version of the smart-house dimmer has been designed specifically to work with the latest generation of dimmable LED fittings that are becoming available.
The smart-house controller is provided with a very simple and effective configuration tool. Using just three steps, installers first define a layout of the house by floor and then room. Next, all of the addresses are generated automatically for the input and output modules using the information from step one. Finally the control features required are defined in the functions section, and then the application can be downloaded to the controller.
2012年1月4日星期三
New Year's Eve aboard the Hornblower Hybrid
Ablaze in blue L.E.D. lights, a yacht called the "Hornblower Hybrid" left the dock in Battery Park around 9:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve for a celebratory spin around New York harbor.
The $7 million vessel is the cutting edge in "green" sea-going design, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels and wind turbines that minimize dependence on fossil fuels. The interior of the 600-passenger ship utilizes recycled materials where possible and has been fitted with energy-efficient windows. The L.E.D. lights require a fraction of the energy of standard bulbs.
"The vessel is the first commercial hybrid in North America," said Annie Drury, a spokesperson for Hornblower Cruises & Events, which commissioned the vessel. The New Year's Eve cruise was the Hybrid's first official outing.
Most of the guests on the cruise probably didn't realize that their ship of the evening was unique and that she might be the forerunner of others like her that could diminish the toll of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. They signed up for a good time and that's what they got, starting when they were greeted on board with glasses of champagne.
Non-stop food and an open bar contributed to the festivities. The panorama of the city unfolded through floor-to-ceiling windows. The night was relatively balmy and the spacious decks beckoned those who wanted a closer look at the city's bridges and skyline.
Just before midnight, most people went out on deck to watch the fireworks over the Statue of Liberty, clapping and cheering. Back inside, a DJ spun music that eventually lured almost everyone to the dance floor, with and without partners. Hugs, smiles and kisses seemed to indicate that the evening was a huge success. When 1:30 a.m. rolled around and the ship was back at the dock, some people clearly didn't want to leave.
The Hybrid will be berthed at Liberty State Park for the next few months and eventually, at Pier 40 in Manhattan. It is currently available for charters and will begin offering public cruises in the spring.
Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) recently declared a technological breakthrough for LED light bulbs. This improvement will decrease the weight of LED light bulbs to less than 100g, a lot less than the weight of LED light bulbs which are usually 150-200g.
Industry sources indicated that ITRI will likely pass such technologies by cooperating with LED firms such as Delta, Lite-On and Lextar.
Industry sources noted that China and Taiwan are both going to set up LED indoor lighting standards in first-half of 2012 with tube lights as the priority. LED light bulbs will be second on the list for standardization. Similar to the standardization of street lights, in the future, China and Taiwan will mutually recognize the standards to help the commercialization of LED light bulbs. China's demand for LED indoor lighting will appear in second-quarter 2012, added industry sources.
The $7 million vessel is the cutting edge in "green" sea-going design, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels and wind turbines that minimize dependence on fossil fuels. The interior of the 600-passenger ship utilizes recycled materials where possible and has been fitted with energy-efficient windows. The L.E.D. lights require a fraction of the energy of standard bulbs.
"The vessel is the first commercial hybrid in North America," said Annie Drury, a spokesperson for Hornblower Cruises & Events, which commissioned the vessel. The New Year's Eve cruise was the Hybrid's first official outing.
Most of the guests on the cruise probably didn't realize that their ship of the evening was unique and that she might be the forerunner of others like her that could diminish the toll of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. They signed up for a good time and that's what they got, starting when they were greeted on board with glasses of champagne.
Non-stop food and an open bar contributed to the festivities. The panorama of the city unfolded through floor-to-ceiling windows. The night was relatively balmy and the spacious decks beckoned those who wanted a closer look at the city's bridges and skyline.
Just before midnight, most people went out on deck to watch the fireworks over the Statue of Liberty, clapping and cheering. Back inside, a DJ spun music that eventually lured almost everyone to the dance floor, with and without partners. Hugs, smiles and kisses seemed to indicate that the evening was a huge success. When 1:30 a.m. rolled around and the ship was back at the dock, some people clearly didn't want to leave.
The Hybrid will be berthed at Liberty State Park for the next few months and eventually, at Pier 40 in Manhattan. It is currently available for charters and will begin offering public cruises in the spring.
Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) recently declared a technological breakthrough for LED light bulbs. This improvement will decrease the weight of LED light bulbs to less than 100g, a lot less than the weight of LED light bulbs which are usually 150-200g.
Industry sources indicated that ITRI will likely pass such technologies by cooperating with LED firms such as Delta, Lite-On and Lextar.
Industry sources noted that China and Taiwan are both going to set up LED indoor lighting standards in first-half of 2012 with tube lights as the priority. LED light bulbs will be second on the list for standardization. Similar to the standardization of street lights, in the future, China and Taiwan will mutually recognize the standards to help the commercialization of LED light bulbs. China's demand for LED indoor lighting will appear in second-quarter 2012, added industry sources.
2012年1月3日星期二
Cycling News
Cycling isn't always about who is the first across the finishing line or about the newest tech gadget. Cycling is much more than that and I look at what inspires the passion before focusing on the approaching 2012 road season.
I recently discovered a new social media site that has started to suck up my time - Pinterest. Type "cycling" into the site's search engine and you're rewarded with pages of beautiful images of not only racing, but the spectacle of the sport and the passion of those who enjoy it - either as a competitor or as an enthusiast.
Who isn't inspired by an image of the peloton climbing a sinuous mountain pass? The colors of the various jerseys create a kaleidoscope and you're no longer looking at the individual riders but the whole image, which has always inspired me to ride.
Of course racing images aren't the only ones that evoke that type of reaction. I love looking at the photos of riders in chic cycling inspired clothing. The style of the riders as they commute through some European city is the epitome of style - and I love it. It almost makes me want a job that I can commute to. Almost ...
Speaking of chic, fashion has been touched by cycling. There are several clothing manufacturers that have developed their clothing line to something that is suitable for casual wear. To get a better handle on riding chic I contacted Robin Bylenga, owner of Pedal Chic, a shop dedicated to cycling with style. Bylenga has her pulse on the fashion side of the cycling industry.
"It's a whole movement of people riding fashionably that became a viral movement. There are chapters all over the world," says Bylenga.
My European readers know that commuting by bike is part of their DNA, but as Bylenga tells me, "Americans are trying to catch up with that." I'm hoping that's the case. I can envision major metropolitan cities as New York embracing this cycling chic lifestyle, but there does need to be a change in how we (by "we" I mean Americans) look at the bicycle and regard it as more than just a toy, but as a legitimate mode of transportation.
Cycling has given us many iconic images beyond just gritty race photos. There's the photo of Albert Einstein riding a bike with his quote, "I thought of that while riding my bicycle," referring to the theory of relativity. Here's a guy who had a billion ideas rattling around in his brain that only a handful of us could possibly understand and he still has a huge, silly smile that reminds me of a small child going for their first unassisted ride - pure joy.
And speaking of people who have invented or discovered things I am always blown away by the creativity of people within cycling. I recently saw on Kickstarter (a site where creative projects can receive public funding) a lighting system that attaches to the rim and power is generated from the hub! Then there was the elegant looking bike lock which could be displayed as a piece of art on your office desk.
Like Einstein said, I bet the inventors thought of these while on their bike for an easy cruise - not pounding away at the pedals with the nose on the stem, legs burning, and breathing hard. Speaking from personal experience, a slow ride has often been the best cure for writer's block.
I recently discovered a new social media site that has started to suck up my time - Pinterest. Type "cycling" into the site's search engine and you're rewarded with pages of beautiful images of not only racing, but the spectacle of the sport and the passion of those who enjoy it - either as a competitor or as an enthusiast.
Who isn't inspired by an image of the peloton climbing a sinuous mountain pass? The colors of the various jerseys create a kaleidoscope and you're no longer looking at the individual riders but the whole image, which has always inspired me to ride.
Of course racing images aren't the only ones that evoke that type of reaction. I love looking at the photos of riders in chic cycling inspired clothing. The style of the riders as they commute through some European city is the epitome of style - and I love it. It almost makes me want a job that I can commute to. Almost ...
Speaking of chic, fashion has been touched by cycling. There are several clothing manufacturers that have developed their clothing line to something that is suitable for casual wear. To get a better handle on riding chic I contacted Robin Bylenga, owner of Pedal Chic, a shop dedicated to cycling with style. Bylenga has her pulse on the fashion side of the cycling industry.
"It's a whole movement of people riding fashionably that became a viral movement. There are chapters all over the world," says Bylenga.
My European readers know that commuting by bike is part of their DNA, but as Bylenga tells me, "Americans are trying to catch up with that." I'm hoping that's the case. I can envision major metropolitan cities as New York embracing this cycling chic lifestyle, but there does need to be a change in how we (by "we" I mean Americans) look at the bicycle and regard it as more than just a toy, but as a legitimate mode of transportation.
Cycling has given us many iconic images beyond just gritty race photos. There's the photo of Albert Einstein riding a bike with his quote, "I thought of that while riding my bicycle," referring to the theory of relativity. Here's a guy who had a billion ideas rattling around in his brain that only a handful of us could possibly understand and he still has a huge, silly smile that reminds me of a small child going for their first unassisted ride - pure joy.
And speaking of people who have invented or discovered things I am always blown away by the creativity of people within cycling. I recently saw on Kickstarter (a site where creative projects can receive public funding) a lighting system that attaches to the rim and power is generated from the hub! Then there was the elegant looking bike lock which could be displayed as a piece of art on your office desk.
Like Einstein said, I bet the inventors thought of these while on their bike for an easy cruise - not pounding away at the pedals with the nose on the stem, legs burning, and breathing hard. Speaking from personal experience, a slow ride has often been the best cure for writer's block.
2012年1月2日星期一
The rise of a new Makati through Ayala Land initiative
Makati City, the financial hub of the Philippines today, has risen from humble beginnings, from what used to be the home of an old Manila airport into what is recognized today as the country's most thriving, dynamic, and unrivaled capital for business, commerce, and leisure.
As the prime example of a highly urban city, Makati has constantly supported and promoted environment friendly and energy-efficient initiatives, which eventually led to the city being hailed as Southeast Asia's First Energy-Efficient City by international environmental organization Greenpeace for its programs targeted at reducing its carbon footprint.
It has been one of the pioneering cities that presented its detailed sustainability masterplan during the recent 1st National Convergence for Climate Sustainable Communities.
Makati City has truly taken to heart its commitment to environmentally sustainable programs through its citywide ordinances and projects, such as the use of e-Jeepneys and other eco-efficient buildings and structures. Through these initiatives and more, the city hopes to become the benchmark for a highly urban city that has optimized scare resources to achieve eco-sustainability.
"The use of eJeepneys as primary mode of transport will save the national government at least R10 billion annually," said Red Constantino, executive director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). "Sustainability is important, but what is more significant is sustainable economic development. Revenues can come from different areas, such as in battery charging, fleet operations, and many more."
"Ayala Land, as Makati City's partner in its eco-efficient initiative, has always espoused the cause of the environment through intelligently masterplanned developments that adhere to global standards of energy efficiency and sustainable living," said Erick Calupe, Associate Director for Residential Startup Properties and Sustainability Officer of the Ayala Property Management Corporation.
Ayala Land underscores its commitment to the Makati City government initiative by the local government as it embarks on a R20-billion redevelopment project in Makati City. This will be translated to various projects aimed at improving the Makati Central Business District landscape through projects like a streamlined mass transport system, pedestrian-friendly infrastructures, and efficient lighting and district cooling system to be utilized in Glorietta and Greenbelt within the Ayala Center, respectively.
"In Makati, for example, business and retail establishments, as well as residences, hospitals, and schools, are located close to each other so that people are encouraged to walk around the city and reduce their carbon emissions through lessening their car usage," said Calupe.
Combating the effects of climate change takes more than just a commitment to energy efficiency. For the city of Makati, it's all about leading a more aggressive movement and having teamwork with key stakeholders from various sectors, such as Ayala Land.
As the prime example of a highly urban city, Makati has constantly supported and promoted environment friendly and energy-efficient initiatives, which eventually led to the city being hailed as Southeast Asia's First Energy-Efficient City by international environmental organization Greenpeace for its programs targeted at reducing its carbon footprint.
It has been one of the pioneering cities that presented its detailed sustainability masterplan during the recent 1st National Convergence for Climate Sustainable Communities.
Makati City has truly taken to heart its commitment to environmentally sustainable programs through its citywide ordinances and projects, such as the use of e-Jeepneys and other eco-efficient buildings and structures. Through these initiatives and more, the city hopes to become the benchmark for a highly urban city that has optimized scare resources to achieve eco-sustainability.
"The use of eJeepneys as primary mode of transport will save the national government at least R10 billion annually," said Red Constantino, executive director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). "Sustainability is important, but what is more significant is sustainable economic development. Revenues can come from different areas, such as in battery charging, fleet operations, and many more."
"Ayala Land, as Makati City's partner in its eco-efficient initiative, has always espoused the cause of the environment through intelligently masterplanned developments that adhere to global standards of energy efficiency and sustainable living," said Erick Calupe, Associate Director for Residential Startup Properties and Sustainability Officer of the Ayala Property Management Corporation.
Ayala Land underscores its commitment to the Makati City government initiative by the local government as it embarks on a R20-billion redevelopment project in Makati City. This will be translated to various projects aimed at improving the Makati Central Business District landscape through projects like a streamlined mass transport system, pedestrian-friendly infrastructures, and efficient lighting and district cooling system to be utilized in Glorietta and Greenbelt within the Ayala Center, respectively.
"In Makati, for example, business and retail establishments, as well as residences, hospitals, and schools, are located close to each other so that people are encouraged to walk around the city and reduce their carbon emissions through lessening their car usage," said Calupe.
Combating the effects of climate change takes more than just a commitment to energy efficiency. For the city of Makati, it's all about leading a more aggressive movement and having teamwork with key stakeholders from various sectors, such as Ayala Land.
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