The DOE Doesn’t Shut off Computers June 11, 2009
Posted by Tom in Uncategorized.add a comment
I was really shocked to read the other day that the Department of Energy’s facilities were inspected recently and were not found to be in compliance with their own guidelines for power saving and computers.
There are many ways that you can save energy around the office, but turning off your computer and monitor when not in use is one of the fastest and easiest. So I was surprised when I read that many of the facilities’ computers were not set to turn off after periods of non-use.
As you probably already know, billions of dollars from the latest stimulus bill have been dedicated to energy efficiency and alternative energies, but the DOE’s offices are not even turning off their computers after use. What do you think of these findings? Are you surprised?
To read the full report from the inspector general, click here.
Assembly Magazine June 9, 2009
Posted by Tom in Energy costs, Equity Thru Energy, Government policies, Interesting stories, Technology, energy savings.Tags: Assembly Magazine, energy efficient foodservice equipment, Equity Thru Energy, federal guidelines, green
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Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but we at Equity Thru Energy have been working hard on some exciting things that I will keep you all updated on. Although we’ve been busy, I did get the chance to contribute some insight on energy efficiency in the new June issue of Assembly Magazine. Senior Editor Austin Weber wrote a great article on the issue of energy efficiency in foodservice equipment, which is a huge issue not only because of concerns about emissions but because of the rising cost of energy in today’s economic recession as well. Read about the new opportunities and challenges that energy efficiency is creating for foodservice equipment manufacturers, the current and future federal guidelines for equipment, and how manufacturers can green their equipment in Weber’s article, “Appliance Assembly: Less is More.”
Stay Cool this Summer Without Wasting Energy May 18, 2009
Posted by Tom in Energy costs, Green Decisions, Tips and Tricks, energy savings.Tags: air conditioning, electricity bill, energy savings, energy waste, green home, Lyved, stay cool during summer
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You may have noticed the temperature going up in the past month or so, but that doesn’t mean you have to see the numbers on your electricity bill go up with it. I recently wrote a guest post for Lyved.com on ways you can beat the heat without having to crank up the AC and watch your bill skyrocket. Take a look here, and while you’re there, be sure to read the rest of the great content that Lyved.com has to offer!
Happy Earth Day! April 22, 2009
Posted by Tom in Equity Thru Energy, Green Decisions, Technology, Tips and Tricks, energy savings.Tags: Earth Day, Earth Day promotions, Energy efficiency, Equity Thru Energy, Gaylord Nelson, home energy audit, Sears, Solar City
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I’m sure this is just one small part of a barrage of Earth Day messages you are going to see today, but who says that’s a bad thing? Today marks the 39th Earth Day ever officially celebrated. The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970 and originated as a “teach-in” about the environment. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and is now celebrated in countries throughout the world.
As someone who has been in the business of energy efficiency for some time now, I think Earth Day is great for bringing awareness to environmental issues, but don’t make the common mistake of thinking that Earth Day is the only day you should do something great for the planet. Take the tools, tips and tricks that you learn today along with the knowledge you gain about the Earth and apply it to your everyday life! And don’t freak out about having to be green head to toe; make the effort to make small changes each day, week and month, and before you know it, you will be greener than you ever thought you could be.
There are a lot of Earth Day promotions going on right now, and I have picked out a few of my favorites that I thought that you should know about, particularly if you live in California or Arizona.
-At Sears, you can get a home energy audit for only $99 between April 20 and April 26. An energy audit is the best way to find out how you can save energy in your home. They will send someone to do a walk-through in your house and find out where you can save energy by insulating, replacing/fixing appliances and many other factors that improve energy efficiency.
-Solar City is offering a “Think Half” promotion, where they will install solar panels at your home for half price, which includes services, monitoring, installation and guarantee. This offer is good for those who live in California and Arizona, and you could potentially save even more if you factor in utility rebates. I did a post awhile back on this company and they are doing some really great things with making solar energy options available to a wider population.
-This offer isn’t necessarily restricted to today, this week or this month, but I had to throw in a plug for my company, Equity Thru Energy, which has special energy saving programs for commercial properties, specifically restaurants, hotels/motels and mutli-family properties with pools and spas.
Happy Earth Day everyone! Earth Day can really be every day, if you make the effort!
Global Temperature on the Rise April 21, 2009
Posted by Tom in Government policies, Interesting stories, Research, Studies.Tags: global warming, global warming effects, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Climatic Data Center, natural disasters, species extinction
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The National Climatic Data Center released data on Thursday that revealed the Earth’s temperature from the first three months of 2009 was the 8th warmest ever recorded for that January-March period. If this trend continues, this year will be the 33rd consecutive year of above-average global temperatures.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research also reported that if we cut greehouse gas emissions by 70%, we would be able to greatly reduce the affects of global warming. But as carbon levels continue to rise, how is this affecting us? How will it affect us in the future? One reason many people remain apathetic about the issue of global warming is because most of us, in our everyday lives, are unaffected by it. Sure, we feel good after setting the thermostat one or two degrees up in the summer or down in the winter, and it’s nice to know we’re helping the environment by flipping off the lights when we leave a room, but what are we actually helping to preserve?
As human beings, we may feel no more than a little warmer as a result of climate change, but many species of animals around the world build their lives around temperatures, and the changing of the seasons. The migration lengths of some birds are lengthening, putting their lives at danger because they may not be able to adapt to traveling such long distances without food. Another study concluded that over a million species could be driven to extinction from global warming since so many animals are affected by even the slightest temperature shift.
If that isn’t enough, there’s always the deadly, more immediate effects of global warming on humans, including the spread of disease because many disease-carrying insects will migrate north because they can survive in the now-warmer weather. Hurricanes become more frequent with warmer oceans, there will be increased droughts, and these natural disasters could have tremendous effects on the world economy. If that’s still not enough, go through this list of things that we could have to learn how to live without if global warming continues to progress.
Fortunately, there is still hope for the future if we continue to push for lower emission standards as well as do our own part by saving energy every day. But as these studies show, it’s important to start now, before it’s too late.
