LEDs: Up, Up and Away! at ElementalLED - LED Lights & Lighting Blog

If anybody out there still questions the technology behind LEDs, here’s yet another reason to stop doubting. LEDs are joining the ranks of some of the most sophisticated technological innovations known to man; we’re talking man-on-the-moon and ice-on-mars stuff. That’s right; LEDs are going to outer space. NASA has agreed to a two-year commitment with Lighting Science (an LED manufacturer) to develop a “high illumination and good color rendering LED light fixture for space exploration,” according to a Lighting Science Corporation press release.

It’s only fitting then that LEDs are the chosen light source to accompany man into the ethers. After all, their long lasting, high quality and durable attributes make them perfect for space travel. LEDs can withstand extremes of both high and low temperatures, and their smooth dimming and color-changing capabilities make them easily adaptable to the ever-changing conditions of space. The NASA-grade LED prototype will be developed to meet standards for space travel in such areas as “control, vibration, off-gassing, electromagnetic interference and other spacecraft issues.” One of NASA’s goals for the LED fixture is that it help them learn how to aid astronauts in establishing and maintaining healthy sleep patterns in space, a notoriously difficult task. Fred Maxik of Lighting Science says, “We hope to not only improve circadian rhythm management for our astronauts but, also to learn something that will help the millions of people who struggle with these issues here on Earth.”

via elementalled.com

You don't have to journey into the unknown with NASA to benefit from LED Lighting. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lighting may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from Global Warming Information Articles and News

LED lighting is (almost) there | ECO BROOKLYN INC. - Brooklyn ...

LED lighting is (almost) there

Posted by Gennaro Brooks-Church

November 14, 2009

Here is an interesting cost comparison between LED, CFL and incandescent. I have not checked the numbers but they seem pretty accurate. They clearly show that over the life of the bulb it makes a lot of sense to buy LED.

What the numbers do not show are the quality. I’ve tried a lot of the LEDs on the market and they still lack the quality of an incandescent. One of my colleagues says he saw a blind test where people preferred CFL lighting over incandescent and I can understand that. Some of the CFL’s available now are really great.

But the LEDs I’ve tested still have issues. The multi diode with refractory lense ones are the best but they still feel very white “spotlight”. They are getting damn close, though. And for an increasing number of home applications they are by far the best choice.

Sort of on a tangent, one of the clear benefits of using good LEDs in a Brooklyn brownstone that has old electrical wiring is that they decrease the electrical load on the house. This means less runs down to the basement to switch the circuit breaker back on!

When Eco Brooklyn does a green renovation on a Brooklyn brownstone one of the first things we do is address the electrical load on the house. Energy star appliances, timers, dimmers, LEDs or CFLs all reduce the load directly. Insulation, passive solar heating, and good air design reduce the load indirectly since you don’t need the electric heater or air conditioner as much.

Anyway, below is a great breakdown of costs from EarthEasy.com

Cost Comparison between LEDs, CFLs and Incandescent light bulbs

	LED	CFL	Incandescent
Light bulb projected lifespan	50,000 hours	10,000 hours	1,200 hours
Watts per bulb (equiv. 60 watts)	6	14	60
Cost per bulb	$35.95	$3.95	$1.25
KWh of electricity used over 50,000 hours	300	700	3000
Cost of electricity (@ 0.20per KWh)	$60	$140	$600
Bulbs needed for 50k hours of use	1	5	42
Equivalent 50k hours bulb expense	$35.95	$19.75	$52.50
Total cost for 50k hours	$95.95	$159.75	$652.50

Energy Savings over 50,000 hours, assuming 25 bulbs per household:

Total cost for 30 bulbs	$2398.75	$3993.75	$16,312.50
Savings to household by switching from incandescents	$13,913.75	$12,318.75	0

“LED light bulbs will eventually be what we use to replace incandescent bulbs – CFLs are a temporary solution to energy-efficient lighting. The reason LEDs have not yet displaced CFLs from the market are twofold: the first generation LED bulbs had a narrow and focused light beam, and the cost of the LED bulbs was too high.

Recent developments in LED technology, however, have been addressing these issues. LEDs have been ‘clustered’ to provide more light, and mounted within diffuser lenses which spread the light across a wider area. And advancements in manufacturing technology have driven the prices down to a level where LED bulbs are more cost-effective than CFLs or incandescent bulbs. This trend is continuing, with LED bulbs being designed for more applications while the prices are going down over time.

The ’sticker shock’ of the new LEDs remains a deterrent to their widespread acceptance by consumers. The following comparison charts illustrate the value of the latest LED bulbs when compared with CFLs and incandescents for overall efficiency as well as cost-effectiveness.”

Similar Posts:

• LED Technology for the Next Generation
• Eco Brooklyn is a Licensed Real Estate Broker

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via ecobrooklyn.com

This article provides further evidence showing how a significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lighting may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years. You should also consider the government incentives that are now available to assist with these investment costs - you could be cash flow positive fro the day your new lights are switched on.

Posted via web from Global Warming Information Articles and News

Coffee chain adopts LED lighting

A certain eco-conscious purveyor of roasted beans (rhymes with dar-nucks) has announced plans to adopt solid state lighting in more than 8,000 stores by the end of next year. Utilizing GE lighting solutions, Starbucks has already “converted” more than 1,000 U.S. locations, with plans to address the international market in March 2010.

According to Michael Petras, president and CEO of GE Consumer & Industrial’s lighting and electrical business, “Starbucks (sic) aggressive moves on the conservation front will have far-reaching environmental and financial impacts. Other GE customers will benefit from these achievements.”

Owing to the LED conversion, Starbucks projects a 7% worldwide reduction in energy use. Ultimately, the company is aiming for a 25% reduction by the end of 2010.

via ecnmag.com

Just like Starbucks, every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lighting may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years. Government funding initiatives are now available that can enable electricity cost reductions on implementation of the low energy lights.

Posted via web from Global Warming Information Articles and News

Wal-Mart Adding LED Lights to 650 Stores · Environmental Leader · Green Business, Sustainable Business, and Green Strategy News for Corporate Sustainability

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to use LED lights inside 650 new and renovated stores.

Cree Inc. has been selected to handle the installation, which involves replacing ceramic metal halide in the produce and electronics department, according to a press release.

Wal-Mart is going with Cree’s LRP-38, a PAR38 style LED lamp, which is designed to last 50,000 hours and consume 82 percent less energy than the 70-watt ceramic metal halide bulbs it replaces.

The lighting retrofit comes as part of Wal-Mart’s Project Impact, which will see through a remodeling and repositioning of many locations. Wal-Mart already has remodeled about 30 percent of U.S. stores and plans to have remodeled or built out 70 percent of its stores to the new standard by 2012.

Wal-Mart is looking to a host of options as it seeks to reduce energy use.

Wal-Mart’s goal to double the amount of solar power it uses over the next 18 months. In April, Wal-Mart installed solar at 18 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores, along with two warehouses in California and Hawaii. It also has rooftop installations underway at 10 to 20 stores and distribution centers in California.

The company also has added solar to facilities in Puerto Rico.

via environmentalleader.com

Everyone can emulate Wal-Mart in this way. A substantial amount of electricity can be saved by implementing LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lighting may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

Cree Demonstrates Record-Breaking LED Light Bulb

DURHAM, N.C., OCTOBER 29, 2009 — Today, at the annual Cree (Nasdaq: CREE) shareholder meeting, Cree Chairman and CEO Chuck Swoboda demonstrated an A-lamp LED light bulb with the highest lumen output and efficacy reported in the industry. The bulb produces 969 lumens at an impressive 102 lumens per watt, which is the light output equivalent to a 65-watt incandescent bulb, yet it uses only 9.5 watts.

The demonstration A-19-style bulb features the latest Cree production XLamp® XP-G LEDs and TrueWhite Technology, a patented method of delivering warm-white light with superior color rendering and efficiency. It delivers a 2800 K warm-white light with a 91 CRI. All data was verified by third-party testing under steady-state operating conditions.

“We are pushing the industry by demonstrating what’s possible,” said Swoboda. “With every improvement in LED components, new applications become achievable. We are excited to show the world not only what can be done, but what they should expect in an LED light bulb.”

via cree.com

A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

Business Tax Incentives Shine For LED Lighting | GreenandSave.com | Green News, Tips, and Services for saving money, energy and the planet.

New technologies are making it possible for commercial businesses to reduce energy consumption and lessen their environmental footprint. Many U.S. companies are taking advantage of tax incentives for projects that have major impact on energy reduction such as LED lighting retrofits, which can cut electricity costs by 80 percent.

The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 offers tax incentives to energy-efficient commercial buildings. Any building that can cut its lighting power density by 25-50 percent is eligible to receive a tax reduction of 60 cents per square foot.

By converting to LED bulbs, companies can reduce their light electric output by 80 percent. Not only do LED users see immediate reductions in their energy bills, they also receive government endorsed tax incentives for making their buildings more energy efficient.

The change to LED lighting also eases buildings’ impact on the environment. Aside from reducing the amount of electricity used, updating bulbs has a not so obvious impact on CO2 emissions. Over 65 percent of American electricity is produced from burning coal. It is estimated that for every $1 of electricity you save, you reduce carbon discharge by 8 pounds.

An LED lighting retrofit and financing provider in the Philadelphia area has taken this new technology a step further and created a lending program for commercial businesses looking to make the switch. LED Saving Solutions has a comprehensive lending program that allows companies to reap the benefits of this new lighting technology without ever seeing an initial capital outlay or an increase in their net operating cost. The program is cash flow positive from the very first month.

“We have recently established some ground-breaking international production and financing relationships that reduce up-front costs to $0 for property owners,” says Charlie Szoradi, president of LED Saving Solutions. “We literally take all of the risk of replacing the bulbs, and we only get paid on a portion of the savings results each month.”

Case studies help to illustrate the value. A major east coast hotel with significant convention and meeting rooms had a run rate of just over 5 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year for its lighting. The annualized lighting cost for 2009 is $492,000 and with deregulation in 2010 the cost could increase to over $690,000. With the new LED lighting retrofit, the electricity consumption will drop to just over 665,000 kWh. The cost for 2010 will be just under $90,000. That is an annual savings of $600,000. For a million square feet, the $.60 per square feet tax deduction adds up to another $600,000. In a 33 percent tax bracket, the net to bottom line savings are $200,000.

Since the Led Saving Solutions finance team is structuring the loan, the hotel will have a zero up-front expense and they will put money in their pocket every month for years to come and get a great bonus at tax time.

Users of LED lighting simultaneously increase their financial savings and decrease negative impact on the environment. The benefits are obvious, and it is only a matter of time before people realize the significance of that light above their head.

via greenandsave.com

A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years. Companies who take advantage of the tax incentives will recover their investment in an even shorter time period.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

LEED Grocery Store Incorporates LED Lighting | GreenandSave.com | Green News, Tips, and Services for saving money, energy and the planet.

A California grocery store was recently built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards, incorporating energy and water reduction measures, efficient lighting and recycled materials.

The Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market in Cathedral City, Calif., just opened the store’s first certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. The construction used 90 percent recycled steel and typically Fresh & Easy’s stores incorporate solar tracking skylights, automatically dimming lights, and LED lighting.

Fresh & Easy’s stores are typically 10,000 square feet, smaller than the typical supermarket, and use 30 percent less energy. Fresh & Easy recycles or reuses all of its shipping and display materials and uses environmentally-friendly trailers to transport food.

Fresh & Easy currently has 127 stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada, with 71 stores in Southern California. The company is a pilot member of the LEED Volume Certification Program and has invested in a 500,000 sq ft solar roof installation on its distribution center in Riverside, Calif.

via greenandsave.com

Being Green is good for Business.

Every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lighting may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

Alberta Ice Arena Lowers Energy Consumption 28% With LEDs · Environmental Leader · Green Business, Sustainable Business, and Green Strategy News for Corporate Sustainability Executives

By switching to high bay LED lighting, the Bowden Ice Arena in Alberta was able to decrease the amount of energy used on lighting by 28 percent, while increasing the amount of light put into play.

With fixtures mounted 16 feet from the ice level, the use of LEDs resulted in an increase in light from 50 foot-candles to 80, an improvement of 60 percent. The energy consumption, meanwhile, dropped from 458 watts to 325 watts, according to a press release.

Previously, the arena used fluorescent high-bay lighting.

The fast-pace of hockey benefits from having brighter LEDs, said Andy Weiss, Bowden Administrative Services Manager.

LEDs perform better in the cold interior of the arena than fluorescents, said Jason Korbelik, Sales Manager at Albeo Technologies, which manufactured the lighting.

via environmentalleader.com

Every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

TEXAS ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT Blog | The Dallas Morning News

American Airlines parent company AMR Corp. plans to replace 1,600 lights in its parking garage with energy-efficient LED lights to save $130,000 a year.

That's not a lot of money for one of the largest airlines in the world, but these days, every penny counts.

The switch to light-emitting diode technology is part of a program offered by Oncor. Oncor, the regulated utility that operates North Texas power lines, will give AMR $362,887 in incentives to change the lights. The incentives are part of Oncor's Take a Load Off, Texas, program.

AMR spokesman Tim Wagner wouldn't say how much the switch will cost the airline. He said American will recoup the investment through cost savings in 16 to 18 months.

This is a big example of how simply changing your light bulbs can save you money. Try it at home, and watch your electricity bill shrink.

via energyandenvironmentblog.dallasnews.com

You might not be able to save as much as American Airlines, but everyone needs to know that a significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

Panasonic: New LED bulbs shine for 19 years | Crave - CNET

Panasonic has launched a new household LED lightbulb in Japan that it says lasts 40 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

The screw-in bulbs are part of the EverLed line, and they're scheduled to hit stores in Japan on October 21, with monthly production at 50,000 units. No changes to lighting equipment used for incandescents are required.

If used an average of five and a half hours per day, the new bulbs can last up to 19 years, according to Panasonic. That's 40 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

The bulbs use only an eighth the power of incandescents. That means a 60-watt-equivalent LED bulb would cost only 300 yen (about $3) a year instead of 2,380 yen ($25.80)--a significant savings over a lifetime.

Panasonic hasn't set a price for the new EverLeds, but Nikkei suggests standard versions will cost about 4,000 yen (about $40).

LED bulbs aren't new. Their relatively high cost is one factor keeping them from gaining popularity, but in Japan at least, Panasonic represents about 50 percent of the domestic bulb market. That means EverLeds should raise the LED profile there considerably.

Panasonic is also doing market research to launch EverLeds in the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia.

via news.cnet.com

Bulbs that last up to 19 years, according to Panasonic. That is a hell of a long time! Can't wait to try them though, should make a big difference to the electricity bill.

A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

New “solar road” can power America - JackCentral.com - Your online Northern Arizona news source

In a recent press release, Solar Roadways, a company based out of Idaho, was awarded $100,000 to produce a prototype. Their name gives away what they plan on producing: roads that function as solar panels, and so much more.

The monetary award was given after Solar Roadways presented their designs to the Department of Transportation. The designs are also one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. 

The roads are designed with three layers: the base-plate layer will use a series of cables to transmit power and data signals; the electronics layer will carry the solar-collecting and storage cells, along with a series of LED lights that will function like the paint we have on our roads now; and the top layer will consist of glass textured to provide the same level of traction that asphalt does. 

According to their website, the United States currently has 25,000 square miles of roads, highways and the like. If the 25,000 square miles were to be replaced by Solar Roadways, they would produce three times the United States’ current electricity consumption, or nearly what the entire world consumes on a yearly basis. The estimate assumes a 15 percent efficiency rating for the solar panels (though more efficient solar-collecting technology exists). 

I’m not saying this wouldn’t be one hell of an undertaking, but the benefits seem to far outweigh the costs and difficulties of replacing current asphalt roads, parking lots, etc., with solar roadways. 

Solar Roadways plans to produce their roads for what asphalt currently costs. However, the projected lifespan of a solar roadway is 21 years — three times that of asphalt roads. Having a decentralized power grid makes it virtually impossible for large-scale power outages, as well as being more secure and safe than relying on nuclear or coal power plants, which produce a majority of America’s electricity. 

The United States should begin replacing old, worn asphalt roads with solar roads. If the prototype works as planned, we can all be living with electricity that is produced and used in a completely green, sustainable fashion.

On top of this, the LED lights will provide safer night driving. In one case in Britain, LEDs were used on a particularly curvy mountain area, reducing accidents by 70 percent. The LEDs can also warn drivers to slow down if there are nasty weather conditions, or if there is an animal on the road. The panels will also have built-in heaters, eliminating the need to plow roads. 

What Solar Roadways has to offer? No increase in cost, a decentralized power system, fewer accidents and an LED system that will illuminate lane lines far in advance and warn drivers to any upcoming danger. We, as a nation, cannot afford to continue driving on asphalt roads.

Solar Roadways has an amazing idea, and they deserve our support.

via jackcentral.com

If this technology is as good as claimed, surely our energy needs can be satisfied in no time. Is this the ultimate global warming solution?

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

LED Lights Pave the Way | sdzhiwensuo

Have you heard about the wonders of LED plant lights and wondered if they’re real? 80 percent efficiency is definitely a reality. In fact, a 90 Watt LED UFO light will produce as much light as a 400 watt HPS light. If you like to grow, LED technology enables you to provide ample light for a 12 foot growing area with just a little more energy than it takes to power a living room lamp.

That’s probably why they’ve become so popular with industrial greenhouses and other professional vegetable growing operations. For those who professionally grow, LED technology can cut a greenhouse’s electric bill by 80 percent, saving any professional growing operation serious overhead.

There are other benefits as well, particularly when it comes to set-up and usability. An LED plant light doesn’t require a ballast, so there’s no complicated riggings needed. You simply suspend it above the garden. LED UFO lights can easily be suspended, and many come with their own installation kits that are easy to use.

Plus, LED lights emit little heat, so they won’t burn your plants. With LED lighting, you can position lamps close to plants for maximum light effect without risking the heath of the plant. Grow ample green gardens easily without having to sacrifice any of the light potential to distance. LED lights require no fans or complicated ventilation system. Their low heat also makes them a low fire hazard, posing less risk to the health of a greenhouse.

There’s also no complicated wiring involved. You simply plug the light in. They add immense convenience to any greenhouse.

LED lighting has definitely revolutionized the greenhouse operation, providing ample efficiency for a more affordable growing unit. There’s no carbon footprint as the energy they use is virtually undetectable, yet the light they produce is an ideal spectrum for healthy robust plants.

via sdzhiwensuo.com

Another example of how a significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lighting may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

LEDs Magazine - Arizona resident converts home to LED lighting

Arizona resident converts home to LED lighting18 Aug 2009Roger Deane is enjoying the benefits of converting all his exterior and interior lighting to LEDs. Roger Deane of Scottsdale, Arizona, contacted LEDs Magazine to tell us that he has converted his entire home to LED lighting.

The exact energy saving depends on the season, because the lights are on more in the winter when days are shorter. However, there are other areas where energy is saved. “The LED bulbs do not emit as much heat as the old incandescent bulbs did. Of course, that means the air-conditioning does not need to come on as much to cool the ambient air.”

The outdoor lighting was converted first, due to a requirement from the HOA (homeowner association). Once this was done, Deane’s electric bill went down by approximately $20 per month.

“I did all the yard and tree lighting front and rear, then added PAR38 downlights under the eaves. I then did the indoor lighting, first removing any fluorescent tube lighting,” he says.

The garage—from which Deane runs Wired Communications, his internet business—had six double light "shop" lights which were gobbling up over 560 watts. “I now only use approx. 60 watts doing the whole garage with 20 PAR20 lamps on track lighting. Also, the garage is air-conditioning and well insulated, there are also savings from not having those HOT tubes and ballasts!”

“Also, I was able to add LED lighting strips to under-counter locations where I did not have lighting before or, in strange locations such as small cabinets in guest bath, or inside the fridge.”

“For some cabinet locations I used the ‘festoon’ type LED bulbs as the fixtures were already there. Those bulbs used to get so HOT that I received a second-degree burn from them before I switched them out.”

Deane says he has had a good response to the new lighting. “Folks that come over love the ‘cool’ white look of my interior lighting. At first they would say, "No, I would not want that", or "My wife only wants that warm-white look of the old incandescent." But, once they have been over a few times at nighttime, the comments are more positive.”

“Some say it's just like daylight is indoors. Or, the sun is shining inside your home. The way I look at it is that you get more lumens per watt when you utilize the cool/daylight 5500K LEDs, compared with the 3000K warm-white. Makes you wonder how many would complain about the incandescent look if LEDs were our first choice in lighting instead.”

“As a foot-note, my HOA did not like the appearance of the daylight/cool-white MR16 lamps on the outside front of my home, so I had to switch them out with warm-white. The backyard is still the original color temperature almost two years later. Another nice thing about LEDs; I have not needed to replace a single LED bulb since the beginning of the project, which was around two years ago.

via ledsmagazine.com

Every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lighting may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

London gives green light to LED upgrade | Efficiency

Posted by Greenbang on August 17th, 2009

The city of London is set to receive a £2.4 million traffic light upgrade that will replace 3,500 existing lamps at some 300 junctions with energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Compared to standard lights, LEDs consume 60 per cent less electricity and thus generate far less carbon dioxide emissions. The 300 new LED-fitted junctions are expected to save about 600 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year and lower energy costs by an estimated £200,000.

This introduction of LED traffic lights is the largest of its kind in the UK. TfL is seeking to stimulate the development of LED traffic signals and to encourage more manufacturers to join the market. It is expected that there will be a greater takeup across the UK as a result of TfL’s commitment to introducing the lights in large numbers.

The new lights are part of Mayor Boris Johnson’s efforts to reduce the capital’s CO2 emissions by a total of 60 per cent by 2025. The initiative follows the introduction of LED lighting at all London Buses roadside ticket machines and LED lighting at 3,500 solar-powered bus stops (to provide illumination for the stop and signage) and 640 shelters. If LED lights were to be installed in all of London’s 6,000 junctions which have traffic signals, CO2 emissions could be reduced by around 12,000 tonnes a year.

“I’ve seen the future and it comprises these tip-top energy-busting traffic lights,” Johnson said. “Installing these eco-bulbs will cut the climate change emissions coming from London’s galaxy of traffic lights by over half as well as save money from energy bills. We are pressing ahead to get many more of these illuminating orbs onto our streets to join a range of other energy-zapping measures already saving us money such as solar-powered bus stops and shelters.”

TfL is leading the way with LED traffic light trials which it hopes will pave the way for their wider introduction across the UK. LED product designs and costs have rapidly improved dramatically in recent years and initial barriers specific to the requirements of the UK market are being overcome ahead of the installation in London next year.

TfL trialled on a small scale LED traffic lights in Croydon between January 2007 and August 2008. These trials demonstrated that a product suitable for the UK marketplace, with reduced power consumption and at a reasonable price, was feasible.

“These new lights will not only cut CO2 emissions but they will also last about ten times longer than standard bulbs meaning we will save on maintenance costs,” said Alan Bristow, director of traffic operations at TfL. “This is part of our efforts across TfL to cut CO2 emissions. On top of introducing new hybrid buses to London’s streets, we are currently exploring new technologies including more efficient Tube station and tunnel lighting.”

TfL has issued a notice seeking companies to supply and fit the lights, with the application period closing on 24 August. The scheme is being funded through TfL’s Climate Change Fund.

via greenbang.com

More great news in the quest to reduce carbon emissions and assist the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lighting may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

Airport gets grant for LED lighting

The Allegheny County Airport Authority has received an $800,000 state grant to pay half of the cost of replacing parking lot and garage lights at Pittsburgh International Airport with high-efficiency LED lights.

The grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority will allow the county to replace 1,471 high-intensity discharge lights with the new fixtures, County Executive Dan Onorato said today. Duquesne Light provides the grant money through the state Department of Environmental Protection to help customers ensure they have an efficient energy supply for critical operations.

The new lights are expected to save the county $158,754 annually, with the savings used to fund the project over the next 10 years. They also will use 2.1 kilowatt hours less electricity over the life of the project.

The lights are manufactured by Appalachian Lighting Systems Inc. of Ellwood City, Lawrence County.

The airport project is a continuation of the county's Green Initiative, which has included projects such as replacing incandescent lights at the Allegheny County Jail with LED fixtures, collecting rain water to support a garden at the courthouse and growing a garden on part of the roof at the County Office Building. It also is conducting energy audits of all of its buildings to see where it can save money and use less energy.

via post-gazette.com

This is great news that will contribute to the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology. LED Lighting may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

Eco Ships: Berlin’s first solar-powered passenger ship sets on its maiden voyage

Eco Factor: Passenger ship powered entirely by solar energy.

Berlin’s mayor Klaus Wowereit sent a clear signal supporting the expansion of climate-friendly mobility at a ceremony to launch the “SOLON“, the capital city’s first passenger ship that is driven solely by solar energy. The ship is powered by 24 solar modules with a capacity of 5.6KWp.

The solar-powered ship can accommodate up to 60 passengers and will sail on Berlin’s waterways providing tours of the city and cruise trips. The need to go green has tempted manufacturers all over the world to develop products that are fueled by the abundant energy of the sun. However, the initial cost of solar energy harnessing systems is considerably high, but Solon SE believes that the cost can be recouped by not spending on fuel for a period of over 25 years.

Via: SawfNews/Germany

via ecofriend.org

Building your own solar power panel can be a very cost effective way of generating your own electricity, whether it be for static sites like your home, or transport vehicles like this ship.

Posted via web from globalwarminginformation's posterous

Family Finance Help » Blog Archive » Some Hard Facts About Low Energy Lighting

Check out this website I found at vjad.net

As the above article states, a significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years. When you consider that LED lights will last at least 5 years, you should be changing to LEDs now.

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Americans Waste $130 Billion a Year on Energy | Marc Gunther on GreenBiz.com

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How much money are you wasting on energy?

Every business and individual can save energy and play their part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 1-2 years.

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JambleMag - green travel news | Eco-friendly high-speed rail station planned for Anaheim

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This major development is great news for Anaheim and the surrounding area.
Everyone can help in the struggle against global warming. One way to be environmentally friendly whilst saving money is to build your own solar power panel . It can be a very cost effective way of generating your own electricity, whether it be for static sites like your home or transport vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.

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LED lighting: A bright idea

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Every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change. One easy way to achieve this is to invest in LED lighting. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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http://www.ledlights

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This video showcases LED lighting installed in a variety of commercial locations, including retail, office, warehouse and outdoor car parks.

Every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change whilst saving money. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ENERGY SAVER LIGHT BULBS!

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A very important message - CFLs are not the answer to our lighting requirements, they have many potential dangers. These dangers can be avoided and an even more significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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How To Lower Your Electric Bill Video | General Home Economics Videos

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There are some great tips here to help reduce your electricity usage. It is also worth considering that a significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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China’s New Wind Farm Challenges The Largest Hydroelectric Plant In Output - Ecofriend

via ecofriend.org

Good to see that China is trying to get to grips with sustainable energy development that avoid carbon emissions.

You too can play a part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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How to Get a Solar Roof for 80% Off : CleanTechnica

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This looks a good deal! You need to live in Louisiana to get the benefit though.

Everyone else should look at building their own solar power panel, it can be a very cost effective way of generating your own electricity.

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Solar tiles that offer style | Green Tech - CNET News

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Building your own solar power panel can be a very cost effective way of generating your own electricity, especially if you make your home look like this!

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New LED Bulbs by Sharp Can be Remotely Tuned Between 7 Shades of White : TreeHugger

via treehugger.com

Every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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Reduce Carbon Emissions From Lighting

Train stations `could reduce carbon emissions from lighting` Railways stations should reduce their carbon emissions by switching off their lighting, it has been asserted. Donnachadh McCarthy has launched a campaign on the Guardian`s Ethical Living blog, urging transport centres to avoid using lamps during the day. `When I last visited Stratford [station] in May, every single light was on, including 30 massive floodlights trained on the gigantic glass windows `It was a monument to wasted electricity and money,` he explained. Mr McCarthy estimated £40,000 a year is unnecessarily spent on providing light to the station. He contacted Transport for London to voice his concerns, who replied they will `review the situation`. Similar correspondence was also sent to the city`s mayor Boris Johnson. A representative from Mr Johnson`s office said it would be `great to see` Guardian readers urging their local hubs to switch off their lights. The newspaper recently reported spoof eco viral videos could be getting the green message across more effectively than more official clips.

They don't have to switch off the lights, particularly if security is a concern. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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CREE LED light spot - a beautiful LED light bulb

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Every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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Energy Efficient Light Bulb Comparison

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Every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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Carbon Advice Group - News Articles

Hoteliers must make efforts to reduce their carbon emissions, according to a commentator. TUI Travel has announced it is to increase the amount of sustainability audits it carries out on hotels included in package holiday deals. Business owners who realise the impact they are having on the environment and make changes will protect the future of their local area, according to sustainable development manager at the firm Sarah Holloway. She commented that doing this will not just save money; it could also increase the `attractiveness` of destinations.`The challenge is for all hotels around the world to become aware of their impacts on the environment, their employees and the local community - and take the actions that are most relevant to them,` Ms Holloway said.There are a number of ways these types of businesses can reduce their consumption, she added. Implementing recycling systems, using water-saving devices on taps and showers and installing low-energy lighting are among these.Her comments follow a report by Cornell University - titled Sustainable Hospitality: Sustainable Development in the Hotel Industry - which was published last year. It outlined a pledge by Hilton Hotels to reduce its CO2 emissions by 20 per cent.

via carbonadvicegroup.com

Every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage, pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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LED Traffic Lights Will Save City Millions

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The benefits to be gained by replacing traditional lighting with LED Lights are immense, as demonstrated in this video. LED Lighting is now are available for homes and work places, too.

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Duke Energy to Build up to 400 ‘Mini’ Solar Power Plants in North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -

Duke Energy will build between 100 and 400 electricity-generating mini solar power plants throughout North Carolina over the next two years in one of the first large-scale initiatives of its kind in the U.S., CEO Jim Rogers said today.

“Solar and wind are both going to be key parts of our strategy going forward,” Rogers told reporters following the company’s annual meeting.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission on Wednesday issued a decision allowing Duke Energy to proceed with its $50-million proposal to install solar panels on the roofs and grounds of homes, schools, office buildings, shopping malls, warehouses and industrial plants, starting later this year.

Collectively, the solar sites will generate enough electricity to power 1,300 homes.

The electricity will flow directly from the solar sites to the electrical grid that serves all customers.

Duke Energy’s solar initiative will be among the nation’s first and largest demonstrations of distributed generation, in which electricity is produced at numerous micro generating sites rather than at a large, centralized, traditional power plant.

“We are redefining our boundaries. We’re looking ahead and we’re looking around the corner,” Rogers told shareholders attending the meeting. “We believe the future is a low-carbon world. The 21st century mission of our company is to decarbonize our energy supply and provide universal access to energy efficiency.”

Duke Energy will own and maintain the solar panels during their expected 25-year lifespan. The company also will own the electricity generated.

It will pay a rental fee to property owners who host the panels for use of their roofs or land, based on the size of the installation and amount of electricity generated at any given site.

The solar plan is one of several renewable and clean-energy initiatives announced by Duke Energy in the past 12 months, including:

Solar

• The purchase of the entire electricity output (16 megawatts) from what will be one of the nation’s largest photovoltaic solar farms, to be built in 2009-2010 in Davidson County, N.C.

Wind

• The opening of three new electricity-generating wind farms in Texas and Wyoming.

• A plan to build two more wind farms in Wyoming in 2009.

• The potential development of 5,000 additional megawatts of wind energy in 14 states over the next several years.

• An agreement with Wal-Mart to supply wind-generated electricity to up to 15 percent of the retail chain’s 360 stores and other buildings in Texas.

Biomass

• The creation of a joint venture with AREVA to build power plants fueled by wood waste – the first “biopower” (biomass to electricity) partnership in the U.S. between two major energy companies.

Landfill Gas

• The purchase of electricity generated by combusting methane naturally emitted from decaying garbage at two large landfills in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Electric Vehicles

• Partnerships with General Motors and several other automakers to help lay the groundwork for the deployment of vehicle-charging stations – critical for the large-scale launch of plug-in electric cars and trucks.

Energy Efficiency

• Major energy efficiency programs to help Duke Energy’s 4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky use less electricity and save money.

• An investment of at least $1 billion to improve the efficiency of its substations, power lines and electric and gas meters, using advanced digital “smart grid” technology.

In addition to hearing Rogers’ remarks, shareholders re-elected all 10 members of Duke Energy’s board of directors to one-year terms. The company has a declassified board, meaning that shareholders vote on all directors at each annual meeting.

Shareholders also ratified the selection of Deloitte & Touche as the company’s independent public accountant for 2009.

Property owners interested in having their home, business or land considered as a potential solar site can register online at www.duke-energy.com/solar-host. Properties must be located in North Carolina and currently served by Duke Energy.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.

via duke-energy.com

If you do not qualify for this program you could always build your own solar power panel, it can be a very cost effective way of generating your own electricity.

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Wakeland's Newest Housing Project is Affordable and Green

Amid unprecedented housing-affordability challenges for low-income families, Wakeland Housing and Development Corp. and Chula Vista city leaders today celebrated the grand opening of the region’s newest affordable housing project, which is targeted for the highest distinction in “green” building.

Los Vecinos Apartments, a $17.6 million, 42-unit complex in Southwest Chula Vista, was designed and built to achieve LEED* Platinum certification for energy savings and efficiencies. The project features an extensive solar power system that will provide nearly 100 percent of the development’s electricity.

Other design features include the heavy use of ceiling fans and natural ventilation instead of air conditioning. Tankless hot water heaters, Energy Star appliances and high-efficacy lighting fixtures will keep energy costs to a minimum. Landscaping and irrigation techniques and low-flow fixtures will minimize water use.

Residents who fully utilize the energy-efficient features of Los Vecinos will have an opportunity to save money on their electric and water bills.

“In going green we committed to minimizing energy and water use, but also to creating durable, energy-efficient housing for decades to come,” said Ken Sauder, president of Wakeland Housing. “Many of the choices we made inside the units and around the complex were dictated by a desire to develop a project that will stand up well over time.”

Los Vecinos consists of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units on three floors as well as a 1,500-square-foot community center, where residents will have access to programs on health and wellness, finance and computer literacy and “going green.” Families earning between $16,600 and $58,800 will reside there.

Major funders of the project included Red Capital Markets, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, City of Chula Vista Redevelopment Agency, California Community Reinvestment Corporation and California Energy Commission/New Solar Homes Partnership.

Wakeland’s development partners for Los Vecinos included: design by Rodriguez Associates Architects & Planners, built by Wermers Construction and green consultant Global Green USA. SDG&E underwrote key analyses of energy-efficiency strategies for the project.

*The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

via wakelandhdc.com

This is great news for the people that qualify for this kind of housing, but the rest of us will still have to pay for our electricity. Unless you can build your own solar power panel, of course.

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Apache Junction man invents solar powered motorcycle

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Interesting concept here - a solar powered motorcycle. Invented by Richard Grych from Apache Junction, Arizona, the motorcycle is almost totally covered with solar panels and has a range of about 50 miles from a full charge.

Building your own solar power panel can be a very cost effective way of generating your own electricity, whether it be for static sites like your home or transport vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.

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Carbon Advice Group - News Articles

Businesses can improve their shareholder value by fighting climate change. This is the inference from the initial trends that are emerging from a recent business survey conducted by the Financial Express. The survey focused on a select group of companies ranging from paper, white goods and glass to retail businesses. While half of the respondents (50%) say that emission reduction initiatives will improve their shareholder value as green markets get popular, 43% respondents believe that undertaking climate change mitigation measures will increase the motivation of their employees. Different companies are taking different initiatives to mitigate climate change. More than one-third of the respondents (36%) are using energy efficient vehicles. Less than one-third of the respondents (29%) are using alternative energy sources. Also, 29% respondents are planning to map their carbon emissions and become carbon neutral in the future by using carbon offsets.The respondents are not only sensing the business opportunity, but also the climate change risk. A majority of the respondents (64%) perceive a reputational risk. Again, 64% respondents perceive an operational risk because they fear that climate change would lead to an energy crisis. There are odd companies, though. Some big retail businesses groups dont apprehend any climate change related risk. Knowledge about climate change is fairly widespread, but appreciation of the climate change impact isnt. Though less than half of the respondents (43%) claim deep knowledge about climate change, only 29% respondents say that climate change will severely impact their businesses. In all, a majority of the respondents (79%) have not been set any formal emission reduction targets. Most respondents (71%) say that its the responsibility of the government to raise awareness about climate change and formulate appropriate policies to mitigate climate change. At the same time, 57% respondents admit that its also the responsibility of businesses to tackle these challenges.

via carbonadvicegroup.com

Being Green is good for Business.

Every business and individual can play their part in the fight against climate change. A significant amount of electricity can be saved by utilising LED Lights in place of your existing lighting technology, LED Lights may require a more substantial investment initially, but with many years of maintenance free operation and low electricity usage pay back can usually be achieved within 2 years.

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