• IBM scientists collaborate to find sustainable plastics: “this chemistry breakthrough around sustainable plastics represents another example of how we are expanding beyond our traditional boundaries” http://bit.ly/b48ogb
• Organocatalysis for Polymer Synthesis via ACS: “highlight the opportunities and challenges in the use of organic molecules as catalysts or initiators for polymerization reactions.” http://bit.ly/cjhbvu
• IBM Green Chemistry practitioner: “Jim Hedrick, a researcher at IBM’s Research facility in San Jose, CA, works on new formulas that could make it easier to recycle the 13 billion plastic bottles disposed of each year globally.” http://bit.ly/cuKpbg

Colorado was one of the first states to adopt a renewable energy standard at all, committing in 2004 to get 10 percent of their electricity from renewables by 2015 and increasing that to 20 percent by 2020 in 2006.  This latest measure puts the state right behind California, who has the highest standard at 33 percent by 2020.

The bill also requires utilities to get 3 percent of their electricity from distributed sources like rooftop solar and other smaller wind and solar installations in order to give a boost to local renewable energy and construction companies.  That requirement alone will be responsible for 1 GW of clean energy, save 6.8 billion gallons of water and reduce emissions by 30 million tons of CO2 a year.

via Climate Progress

… “And regulators are still learning how to structure stimulus payments so that they yield a stable green industry that supports itself, rather than just costly energy and an economic flash in the pan like Spain’s.” …

http://bit.ly/9dAyAK

Porsche’s take on hybrid technology is a 918 Spyder that uses " … a plug-in hybrid system comprised of two electric motors coupled to a 3.4-liter V-8 racing engine … a parallel hybrid, the car can run on pure electricity, just gas, or a combination of the two."

It looks great … !

Via:  ZDNet  LINK

The list of features for this school is mind-boggling.  The school will have thin-film PV roof arrays, solar water heating, geothermal HVAC, insulated concrete form walls, a rainwater collection system and energy-efficient lighting.  The building is designed to take full advantage of natural light and wind for cooling. The plot of land includes a reclaimed brownfield, preserved woodland, a protected stream and bioswales.

Read more…

Why am I cheering?  Because the reason for this shortage is a huge surge in demand for the energy-efficient lighting in the electronics industry.  Yes, it’s bad that the supply is low, but it’s great news that the use of more efficient lighting is becoming more mainstream.

The report says that demand for LEDs is expected to rise by double-digit percentages for at least the next three years.  In 2009, 63 billion units were consumed out of the 75 billion unit capacity worldwide.  The worst-case scenario is a rise in prices for mid-range and high-end computers and HDTVs because of their larger displays.

The solution is simple enough though:  increase production.  The two largest suppliers have gotten the hint — Aixtron and Veeco Instruments are doubling their production by the end of this year.

via PC Mag