Energy Options » GENERAL

DECONTAMINATE YOUR SOIL WITH CHICKEN MANURE

Editor — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 09:37:05 +0000

Chicken Manure Biodegrades

Crude Oil In Contaminated Soil

Science (Mar. 9, 2009) — It is an unlikely application, but researchers in China have discovered that chicken manure can be used to biodegrade crude oil in contaminated soil. Writing in the International Journal of Environment and Pollution the team explains how bacteria in chicken manure break down 50% more crude oil than soil lacking the guano.

Bello Yakubu, Huiwen Ma, and ChuYu Zhang of Wuhan University, China, point out that contamination of soil by crude oil occurs around the world because of equipment failure, natural disasters, deliberate acts, and human error. However, conventional approaches to clean-up come with additional environmental costs. Detergents, for instance, become pollutants themselves and can persist in the environment long after any remediation exercise is complete.

A more environmentally benign approach is to bioremediation, which uses natural or engineered microbes that can metabolize the organic components of crude oil. Stimulating such microbial degradation in contaminated soil often involves the use of expensive fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus, and again may come with an additional environmental price tag despite the bio label. Soil hardening and a loss of soil quality often accompany this approach.

Ma and colleagues suggest that animal waste, and in particular chicken manure, may provide the necessary chemical and microbial initiators to trigger biodegradation of crude oil if applied to contaminated soil. One important factor is that chicken manure raises the pH of soil to the range 6.3 to 7.4 which is optimal for the growth of known oil-utilizing bacteria.

In tests, the team added chicken manure to soil contaminated with 10 percent volume to weight of crude to soil. They found that the almost 75% of the oil was broken down in soil with the fowl additive after about two weeks. Whereas additive-free soil was naturally remediated to just over 50%.

The team carried out a microbial analysis of their samples and identified 21 different microbial species known as aerobic heterotrophs. The team explains that Bacillus species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the best oil-munching microbes but of the 21 isolates 12 were capable of metabolizing components of crude oil. Other microbes included Proteus, Enterobacter, and Micrococcus species. Bacillus represented the most prevalent species.

“The use of chicken manure to stimulate crude oil biodegradation in the soil could be one of the several sought-after environmentally friendly ways of abating petroleum hydrocarbon pollution in the natural ecosystem,” the team concludes.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

WORLDS FASTEST SEDAN MOTOR CAR UNLEASHED BY GERMAN COMPANY

Editor — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:32:20 +0000

G-Power claims world’s fastest sedan title with 372 km/h modified BMW M5

German tuning company G-Power is claiming to have set the record for the world’s fastest sedan with a BMW M5. G-Power’s M5 Hurricane RR achieved a top speed of 372 km/h (231 mph) beating its own record of 367.4 km/h (228 mph) set earlier this year. But it’s not just the two-ton vehicle’s top speed that’s impressive – it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.35 seconds, up to 200 km/h in 9.5 seconds and up to 300 km/h in 25.8 seconds. Read More

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

BURIALS BY ACID BATH CALLED FOR IN SOME COUNTRIES

Editor — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:30:07 +0000

Going Green In Death. Resonation.

The process of dissolving human remains

Has a lower carbon footprint than cremation.

You think you have bad acid reflux, then check this out>>>

Want to go green in death? Here’s a process that may allow you to do just that. Resomation involves an alkaline hydrolysis process that dissolves a body into both a liquid and a powdery white mass. Experts call it the green alternative to cremation, which notoriously releases nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The process is legal in several U.S. states, and one undertaker wants to bring it to Belgium. But as American Public Media Marketplace reports, resomation is being met with some trepidation in Europe.

The process, which emits none of the toxic carbon ash common with crematoriums, uses much less energy than other death preparation practices. It is a zero-emissions process. The body is placed in a bag and lowered into a resomator. The resomator is filled with water and potassium hydroxide, which is heated to around 160 degrees Celsius. The result is a greenish, DNA-free liquid and a powdery mass of white bone. In the U.S. it is a common way to dispose of bodies donated to medical science.

Now Belgian undertaker Bruno Quirijnen wants to bring the process, which was developed by a Scottish firm, to Antwerp. Quirijnen hopes city officials will approve the process. As he told American Public Media, “People don’t like to have chimneys in their backyard. So with resomation, you don’t have that problem. It’s very natural and it’s more eco-friendly.”

But not everyone sees resomation as a viable solution for their post-mortem existence on Earth. Many everyday citizens are completely opposed to the idea of dissolving their body after death. When people were interviewed about the idea, their responses were vehement. One man retorted, “I don’t like it. It’s not so … No. Not to be dissolved in a liquid or something like that, no. I don’t see it as a good solution.” Others erroneously felt cremation was the better eco-solution.

But cremation and embalming are both notoriously toxic. More than 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid is interred in the earth annually and most of it is swimming in formaldehyde. Why is this bad? Formaldehyde is listed as a probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency and as a known carcinogen by the World Health Organization. In the U.S. alone, the death industry buries 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete, 827,060 tons of toxic embalming fluid, 90,000 tons of casket steel and 30 million tons of hardwood board each year.

Ultimately, it may be the high cost of resomation that keeps it from catching on in Belgium. The Belgian government covers the cost of cremation and would likely be expected to pick up the tab for resomation–something critics are likely to resist. So for now, the U.S. will remain at the forefront of resomation.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

SMASHING GOOD SORTS SAY THE INSURANCES COMPANIES – WOMEN ARE TO BLAME, BUT MEN ARE PIGS

Editor — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:57:34 +0000

Short skirts and fender benders

Do wandering eyes lead to traffic accidents?

A British insurance company says so — they say they have the numbers that prove men are destructive pigs. In fact, the company — Sheilas’ Wheels — says accidents among men rise when the short skirts come out.

A company survey finds that 29 percent of men say they’re distracted by short skirts and revealing tops. To which I say… bull! One hundred percent of us are distracted by them — but apparently, 71 percent had a wife or girlfriend present when they answered the survey.

Sheilas’ Wheels also says that in 2009, men made 16.4 percent more insurance claims in summer than during any other time of year… and that around 25 percent of men say they had either a summer crash or near miss over the last five years, compared to 17 percent of women.

Now, if you think “Sheilas’ Wheels” is a funny name for an insurance company, you’re right. It’s an insurance company aimed at women… so naturally, the men-are-pigs approach to marketing will appeal to its clientele.

And hey, maybe we are pigs.

But the numbers here don’t really prove anything. Women are always commenting on how other women are dressed — so how many of them are distracted by short skirts? How many men and women are distracted by other things, like puppies, clouds or the radio? How many men are on British roads versus women?

So there’s not a lot of science behind this one. But maybe it’s true — I know I’ve certainly turned my head to gaze at a pretty gal, and a short skirt might even get a second look.

But let’s be fair here: Maybe male drivers are distracted by pretty gals. But on the other hand, I’ve never seen a man put on makeup while driving.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

QLD GOV HAS QUALIFIED SPEAKERS ON ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING – HEAR THEM HERE

Editor — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 02:32:56 +0000

Don’t be left in the dark:

Energy efficient lighting e-Bulletin

On 21 July 2010 QWESTNet held its second lighting forum in Brisbane. Held in association with

the Illuminating Engineering Society (ies), the forum focused on energy efficient lighting

technologies including LEDs, lighting controls and the use of daylight.

Click on ‘listen to presentation’ or the presenter’s photograph to hear the presentation

ies Partner Presentation
Presenter:Gillian Isoardi
ies/University of Queensland
Listen to Presentation

Gillian’s presentation gives an overview of the role of IES and outlines the positive reasons

for businesses to pursue energy efficient lighting. Adhering to best practices in lighting will

ensure an installation that meets the needs of all users. Further benefits can, of course,

be realised by lowering operating costs of buildings but also by improving the quality of

workspaces and the appearance of products.

LED: good, bad and best practice
Presenter: Gorana Jusufovich
Lumascape
Listen to Presentation

A brief discussion of some of the benefits and pitfalls of using LED

based lighting systems. How do LEDs compare to conventional light

sources; what to be aware of when selecting an LED based lighting product; and busting

some of the myths surrounding LEDs.

Facility management and lighting controls
Presenter:Lance Stewart
Creative Lighting
Listen to Presentation

Why do we need lighting control systems and what do we need from them?

Can best lighting practice be achieved under the Building Code of Australia

and what is good lighting practice any way? Lance discusses recent trends in efficient lighting

and control.

Daylighting and Greenstar
Presenter: Carl N Gray
MGF Consulting NQ
Listen to Presentation

A brief primer on daylighting as applicable in Queensland workplaces,

specifically what can and cannot be done with daylight? Why we should

do more; why we should be very careful about it; how it can be done; and who to ask.

Top

Case Studies

Queensland Police Service fit-out
Presenter: Caitlyn Young
Norman Disney & Young
Listen to Presentation

The Queensland Police Service CBD facility fitout was completed

in 2004/2005. Utilising an Energy Conservation Systems (ECS)

lighting control system, occupancy based switching and daylight harvesting have

delivered an efficient lighting design and flexibility for future changes. The integration

of this system has led to a significant saving in energy and CO₂ emissions.

William McCormack Place
Presenter: Carl N Gray
MGF Consulting NQ
Listen to Presentation

The Queensland Government’s newest office building located in Cairns

has attained ‘World Leader’ green status – the first outside of a capital city.

In line with the lighting engineer’s vision, an emphasis on real world

performance was placed before Greenstar ‘point scoring’ to achieve a highly energy efficient

yet highly comfortable building. Highlights include effective daylighting and shading, a novel

approach to daylight harvesting, direct/indirect lighting and the integration of ceiling fans.

Queesland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
Presenter: Doug Brimblecombe
QPAC
Listen to Presentation

Between November 2008 and March 2009, QPAC refurbished its major

theatres and public spaces for the first time since the centre was

constructed 25 years ago. This was an opportunity for QPAC to introduce

more efficient lighting practices without compromising the nature of the building and its use.

As part of the refurbishment, aged incandescent and large wattage fixtures were replaced with

LED and halogen lights. In the Concert Hall auditorium, the original 2500 watt profiles were

replaced with three-colour LED lighting and theatrical fixtures, each of 1200 watts.

These changes have minimised the amount of lights required to produce colour on stage,

while backstage, single watt LED bulbs have replaced 60+ watt ‘blue’ light circuits. One year

and three months after the refurbishment, QPAC is seeing energy savings which are expected

to improve with further work due to be completed by the end of 2010.

CitySwitch Program
Presenter: Mark Taylor
Brisbane City Council
Listen to Presentation

Brisbane City Council is partnering in a national office tenant energy

management program called CitySwitch Green Office. This program

gives your business: a structured process to improve energy efficiency

and operating costs; positioning and promotion as an environmental leader; networking

opportunities with like-minded companies; regular updates and resources.

Key elements to effective lighting
Presenter: Darrin Schreier
Aurecon
Listen to Presentation

Efficient lighting is something everybody appears to be looking for,

whether it be to meet legislated government criteria, to achieve a

Greenstar or NABERS rating, or to save money in the face of rising

energy costs. To achieve efficient lighting 4 key elements need to be addressed.

Energy efficiency regulation and quality lighting
Presenter: Steve Coyne
Light Naturally
Listen to Presentation

There are two levels of energy efficiency which have the potential to

affect quality lighting outcomes: energy efficiency of lighting product

and energy efficiency of lighting design. The type of regulatory tool

implemented for each can have a significant impact on quality lighting outcomes and

compliance levels. Whatever form the regulation takes, it is apparent that in the future,

quality lighting outcomes will require knowledge, expertise and training in lighting design

Received & published by Henry Sapiecha

SOLAR CELLS IN ACTION – PRISON DOES IT GREEN

Editor — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 10:10:50 +0000

Prison Design Goes Green

Katy Rank Lev, 08.06.10, 03:10 PM EDT

Architecture firm HOK Atlanta

works to increase efficiency while cutting costs.

Inside Bernie Madoff’s eco-friendly jail

Prison goats nibble weeds, landscaping costs

Video: Sustainable prison

It seems like everyone is conscious of energy usage these days, prison designers included. Architecture firm HOK Atlanta is working to design correctional facilities that lower water and energy usage, saving taxpayer dollars as well as reducing carbon footprints.

HOK’s “justice architect,” John Eisenlau, told the Atlanta Constitution Journal that energy use is a huge issue in correctional facilities. Nationwide, a handful of design firms are snapping up contracts to revamp prison design, this time with a green hue. Eisenlau’s company designs buildings with more insulation, reflective roofs and many other features in an attempt to create the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified detention facility in Georgia.

Butner Federal Prison in North Carolina made headlines last year not only for housing Bernie Madoff, but also because it had become the nation’s first LEED-certified correctional facility. Since that time, the correctional industry has made great strides in sustainability. Eisenlau told Correctional News that many major cities are concerned with infrastructural and energy issues and that prison design plays a huge part of that.

Rather than focus on retro-fitting older buildings, HOK focuses on making sure new buildings maximize orientation and water reclamation, use eco-friendly construction materials, and even have green roofs in some locations. Eisenlau told the Atlanta Constitution Journal that his company uses geothermal systems and engineering systems to save energy and operational costs.

The topic of sustainability is “in vogue” with decision-makers right now, Eisenlau told the newspaper that this is “a new era for architects to work in this kind of environment,” because smart design decreases the bottom line for strapped budgets.

In addition to concerns of efficiency and cost, HOK tries to make its correctional facilities “good-looking,” and less like a “bunker,” design choices that gain approval largely because they are presented as less expensive to operate because of “correct” design. It is not necessary to cut programs for inmates in order to save money. Instead, prisons need to reconsider the concrete block buildings and inefficient high-rise designs. Changing building design can make a prison “faster and easier to maintain.”

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT OIL & GAS SAFETY INFO CONTACTS

Editor — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:44:10 +0000

National Oil and Gas Safety Advisory Committee

51 Allara Street
Canberra ACT 2600
PH: 02 6213 7961 FAX: 02 6213 7945
Email: Unknown
Website: Unknown

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL ON ENERGY CONTACT DETAILS

Editor — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:23:09 +0000

HANDY ENERGY SITE LINK FOR THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

Ministerial Council on Energy

51 Allara Street
Canberra ACT 2600
PH: 02 6213 7789 FAX: 02 6213 7904
Email: Unknown????
Website: www.mce.gov.au

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

BUY INTO TOP LEVEL OF ENERGY COMPANY

Editor — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 05:56:51 +0000

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF COMPANY AND DIRECTORSHIP

Green Resources Group Limited (GRG) is a public holdings company registered in November 2009 with 3 subsidiary Pty Ltd companies:

The management team has conducted extensive market research, due diligence, feasibility study and strategic business planning prior to the launch of this organisation and its business model since mid 2009.

GRG wholly owns and operates the 3 subsidiary companies each responsible for a different operation catering for different market sectors. GRG’s core business is built around the latest technology in renewable energy – Solar Photovoltaic System.

First Renewable Energy: First Renewable Energy is responsible for the sourcing, procurement and importing of a comprehensive range of solar products and supplies. FRE also conducts wholesale and distribution of solar photovoltaic panels and parts in high volume in both domestic and international markets.
Inspire Solar: Inspire Solar is in charge of sales & marketing, supply and installation of solar photovoltaic systems for residential homes, strata management building, warehouses, schools and commercial buildings in NSW, the company will expand to QLD and WA in August 2010.
Perpetual Solar: Perpetual Solar is the founder of the franchise system for retail solar shops Australia-wide. The product range includes Solar Photovoltaic Systems and a wide range of solar devices and gadgets. An online shop is in operation which complements the retail franchisee shops.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Successful procurement and importing of the full range of products/parts for solar PV systems
Experienced Industry Leading Management Team
Supplying the best solar panels in NSW (most advanced technology and A grade quality)
Procured Exclusive & None-Exclusive Distributorships for solar products.
Strong Government Accredited Installation & Operation teams – shortage of accredited installers only 100 or so in NSW.
Strong Sales, Operations team
Strong cash flow & finance backing

KEY INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Fast exit strategy – IPO in October 2010
Minimal and managed risk
Multiple revenue streams
High but realistic ROI
Tangible asset base – $2 Million+ of land, plant, equipment, stock
Strong sales records
Aligned interest between shareholders & senior management team (All shareholders work in the business)
Zero debt, no gearing.
Strong finance backing & favourable trading condition for future stock purchase & acquisition.

BOARD & MANAGEMENT

Richard Sharp – Managing Director (Bachelor of Mathematics – Beijing University. Master of Business Administration – University of Technology Sydney)

Self-made billionaire (in today’s economical scale) by the age of 28.Experienced in founding business from the ground up to industry leading corporations.World-class visionary and entrepreneur.Extremely well connected with manufactories in China.

Leo Li – Chief Executive Officer (Bachelor of Computing Science – University of Technology Sydney)

Professional negotiator & charismatic leader with strong business acumen and all-round management skills. Experienced in Mergers & Acquisitions of domestic & international multi-million dollar projects.

Kenneth Norris – Group General Manager (Diploma in Marketing)

Over 30 successful years in the B2C market and is responsible for the creation and growth of the largest Home improvement companies in Australia.

Proven leadership and change management abilities that have a “Fast to Market” result which is paramount and critical to this fast growing new industry.

Green Resources Group is also seeking additional Board members.

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

Investor will be purchasing the shares in the Parent Company – Green Resources Group Limited which wholly owns and operate the 3 subsidiary companies.

EXIT STRATEGY

Company will conduct an IPO and be listed on a suitable exchange platform on October 2010.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Leo Li (CEO – Green Resources Group)

M: 9748 3879 / 0410 566 862

E: Leo.Li@GreenResourcesGroup.com.au

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha

MANDATORY DISCLOSURE – ECO STANDARDS FOR YOUR HOME

Editor — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:42:08 +0000

It is planned that all residences in Australia will have to conform to standards for eco worthiness by May 2011.

Mandatory disclosure will encompass the effective proof of the worthiness and compliance of all residences to standards set for the eco values that apply for an efficient use of energy throughout the home.

Greenhouse gases and global warming amongst other factors have determined our direction for ensuring we all comply.

This section of the site will elaborate on all aspects of the regulations that apply to mandatory disclosure for all residences in complying with eco regulations.

Watch this space as we populate it with relevant data.

More info here

or go to CATEGORY – MANDATORY DISCLOSURE

on the right hand side of this site.

We are qualified in ensuring your compliance, so contact us for our assistance @

Michelle Hislop. BA. Comm. JP Qual. [Qualified Assessor]

fistof curry@hotmail.com