Amory Lovins is this year's MAP/Ming Visiting Professor of Energy and Environment at Stanford. He will be leading two courses. One will be an intensive 6-day course during spring break on Advanced Energy End-Use Efficiency, the other a project course during spring quarter:  Energy End Use Efficiency Opportunities at Stanford.

A series of evening lectures open to the community will be part of the spring break course.

Should be great!

LIVERMORE - A new study released by the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory claims that while planting trees in some regions can help reduce global warming, planting trees in other regions can actually cause temperatures to rise, according to the laboratory's public affairs office.

Trees are known to absorb greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, create shade and evaporate water into the atmosphere, which increases cloudiness, all of which help to decrease global warming.

However, the new study, which was conducted by scientists from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Carnegie Institution and University Montpellier II, also looked at how dark tree canopies actually absorb more heat from the sun than bare ground and, in some regions, can actually increase temperatures.

By the year 2100, the study predicted that forests in mid-and high-latitudes could make some places up to 10 degrees warmer because of their heat-absorbing properties, according to the public affairs office.

Forests in tropical regions were found to be extremely beneficial in helping to prevent climate change.

The study was carried out in what scientists are calling a `fully interactive three-dimensional climate-carbon model` that looked at how the forests affect the climate in different regions.

Preserving and restoring forests is not the only solution to climate change, the study concluded. Instead, strategies for combating global warming need to be developed in other areas as well, such as transforming our energy system to create fewer greenhouse gasses in the first place and protecting forests where they will be most beneficial, the public affairs office reported.

Posted on Tue, Dec. 12, 2006

By Paul Rogers

Mercury News

In what is believed to be the first such effort by a major utility in the United States, Pacific Gas & Electric won approval Thursday to launch a program that will tell customers -- house by house and business by business -- how much carbon dioxide they emit every month, and then allow them to offset it to become “carbon neutral.”

The program, called ClimateSmart, will begin in March or April. Participation is voluntary and will cost $4.31 a month for a typical household.

Under the PG&E program, customers who sign up will be given a monthly statement showing how many tons of carbon dioxide they were responsible for based on their use of electricity and natural gas.

An average home generates about 5.3 tons of carbon dioxide a year, PG&E says, about the same as driving a Honda Civic for 15,000 miles.

The customer then would be charged several dollars a month, based on the household's or business's energy usage. PG&E will use the money to offset the carbon dioxide, starting first with projects to replant trees and to buy and preserve forests in California. Trees absorb carbon dioxide.

As the program progresses, PG&E plans to spend the money on other efforts, including capturing methane from landfills.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/releases/2006_releases/2006-12-14_pier_hybrid_award.html

December 14, 2006

Sacramento - Demonstrating its commitment to explore new technologies, California Energy Commission yesterday approved $3 million to University of California, Davis for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) research center. The funds will be allocated over three years and use the UCD Institute of Transportation Studies as its hub.

The goals of the research center are to: enhance the commercial viability of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; identify strategies to accelerate an effective adoption of PHEVs; support demonstration and related activities; and provide information on decision making and alternative vehicle and transportation technologies. These goals will be achieved by creating a “roadmap” which will identify, conduct, and contract the necessary R&D; developing an advisory council to provide strategic direction; establishing partnerships with other institutions; and fostering connections with stakeholders.

This funding comes from the Commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program. The PIER program, the largest in the nation, awards up to $84 million to conduct energy research annually. The program supports energy research, development and demonstration projects that improve the quality of life in California.

In November 2006, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) - in a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Energy, The U.S. Green Building Council, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) - published the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings, the second in a series of publications that cover various types of building construction. Intended for use by builders, contractors and architects, the guide covers energy-efficient design for retail buildings up to 20,000 square feet.

The design guide aims to provide options that will result in a building using 30% less energy than those constructed in accordance with the 1999 version of ASHRAE Standard 90.1, the foundation for energy efficiency in building codes throughout the United States. This guide will prove particularly useful for those looking to achieve a LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The guide offers energy efficiency guidance in many areas, including lighting, HVAC efficiencies, windows, skylights and envelope measures. A major improvement from Standard 90.1 is that the guide provides equipment efficiencies by climate zone to take into account varying environmental factors, instead of having one number for the entire United States.

To purchase the guide, contact ASHRAE Customer Service at 1-800-527-4723 or visit the ASHRAE bookstore at http://resourcecenter.ashrae.org/store/ashrae/.

Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc (E3), a small economics and engineering consulting firm in downtown San Francisco specializing in the electric energy industry, is seeking an Energy Consultant and an Energy Analyst to join our team.

E3 has an influential and growing role in integrated resource planning, energy efficiency, distributed generation and renewable energy. E3 works closely with leading utilities, interest groups and state agencies on such issues as implementing the Renewable Portfolio Standard, valuing demand response and peak load reduction programs, developing capacity markets, and evaluating traditional, renewable and demand-side resources on an equal basis. Founded in 1993, E3 is built upon the partners' extensive experience in integrated resource planning, avoided cost quantification, procurement cost and risk management, and financial evaluation. E3 complements its comprehensive knowledge of the industry's business practices with state-of-the-art analysis techniques software development and extensive publications in scholarly journals. Our clientele are approximately 1/3rd U.S. and international energy utilities, 1/3rd generation companies, energy service providers and industrial customers and 1/3rd regulatory commissions, government agencies, and law firms. Our practice areas are described further on our website at www.ethree.com.

E3 has a productive, efficient and enjoyable work environment. As a small firm with a structure that is both flat and fluid, we are looking for employees able to work independently with minimal direction as well as within a team. Some projects will require developing creative solutions to complex analysis problems with minimal guidance. Others will require thorough attention to detail, accuracy and client driven requirements.

Energy Consultant Position

• Project research and information/data gathering
• Extensive use of spreadsheets and economic models
• Presentation preparation and delivery
• Report writing and editing
• Marketing and business development
• Litigation testimony preparation
• Advanced degree in engineering and/or economics or related technical field
• 3-5 years experience

Energy Analyst Position
Primary Responsibilities**

• Project research and information/data gathering
• Maintaining and developing spreadsheet models
• Technical and statistical data analysis
• Report writing and editing
• Other project support as required
• Degree in engineering and/or economics or related technical field
• 0-3 years experience

To apply for this position, send a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to:

    Anya Engen
    Energy & Environmental Economics, Inc.
    353 Sacramento Street, Suite 1700
    San Francisco, CA 94111
    Fax: 415-391-6500
    Email: recruiting@ethree.com
    www.ethree.com

No phone calls please.

Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: NCI) is a leading specialized independent consulting firm providing litigation, financial, restructuring, energy, healthcare and operational consulting services to government agencies, legal counsel and large companies facing the challenges of uncertainty, risk, distress and significant change.

Position Description:

We are seeking a consultant to join our Technology Strategy and Management consulting group within the Energy practice. As members of our team, consultants work with clients involved in a wide range of energy-related activities, particularly in the field of energy efficiency. The consultant will perform a wide range of activities as part of the development of energy efficiency standards for residential and commercial equipment. Other project work may include market and technology assessments, technology transfer, and research and development planning. This includes involvement and interaction with government agencies, industry representatives, equipment manufacturers, trade organizations, and efficiency advocates.

Specific activities may include:

• Modeling the performance of advanced technologies
• Creating sophisticated manufacturing cost models for existing and advanced equipment designs based on reverse-engineering and product descriptions, R&D proposals, etc.
• Providing detailed fact finding, research, and analysis on energy-related activities
• Performing statistical and economic analyses; data collection; spreadsheet creation and management
• Interviewing business managers, technology and industry experts, energy efficiency advocates, and public policy officials
• Assessing technologies and analyzing technology trends
• Assessing U.S. and international market opportunities
• Developing technology strategies for utilities, government agencies, energy companies, and equipment suppliers
• Building business plans (including new technology deployment and commercialization strategies)
• Preparing reports, presentations and other documents for clients
• Preparing and making presentations to clients and internal stakeholders

Candidate Qualifications and Attributes:

• Strong interest in energy efficiency, renewable energy, distributed generation, and advanced technologies
• Bachelors of Science in Engineering (preferably manufacturing/mechanical or electrical), Masters preferred
• 0 to 5 years of relevant work experience
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Superior interpersonal skills
• High degree of self-confidence and determination
• Highly developed organizational and management skills
• Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive priorities without diminished effectiveness
• Demonstrated proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and slide presentation software
• Experience developing and using analytical models and simulations
• Ability to travel and to work overtime hours as needed

The location for this position is at Navigant Consulting's Burlington, MA office in suburban Boston.

EOE M/F/D/V

Summary:

Our small San Francisco consulting firm is seeking a talented Researcher/Writer to contribute to Flex Your Power, a statewide energy conservation and efficiency marketing campaign.

Position Overview:

This is a unique position that requires creativity and an ability to write about complex topics and technologies relating to energy and the environment. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as the scope, complexity and tone of writing assignments will vary greatly the Researcher/Writer will be relied upon to tackle the writing of both large reports and brief collateral pieces with equal dexterity and enthusiasm. Assignments will require the ability to build long-term professional relationships with outside experts and agencies. The position is full time and available immediately.

Requirements:

• Two to three years of experience writing and editing engaging copy.
• Some experience with environmental issues or campaigns. Two to three years of experience with energy efficiency/conservation issues is preferred but not required. Applicants with backgrounds primarily in journalism or commercial copywriting must demonstrate at least minimal experience in fields closely related to energy and the environment.
• Excellent computer skills. Expertise with the MS Office Suite, FileMaker Pro, and the Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.
• Exemplary communication and telephone skills.

Salary:
Salary is commensurate with skills and experience. Position includes a competitive benefits package.

To Apply:
Application must include 1) a cover letter, 2) a resume and 3) two writing samples. Please use either Word or PDF format. Materials should be sent to sellis@fypower.org with the subject line Researcher/Writer Position. Clearly indicate your desired start date in the cover letter.

IDEO helps companies innovate. We design products, services, environments, and digital experiences for organizations seeking new ways to provide value for their customers. IDEO creates visible and tangible strategies for innovation and executes all aspects of design and development, from conception through production.

IDEO is looking for a business-oriented design thinker with an abiding interest inÐand familiarity withÐthe sustainability field. This generative role requires a unique blend of real-world experience and theory, entrepreneurial zeal and boardroom polish.

You will work as a member of IDEO1s Sustainability team to create market-facing offerings for clients. At IDEO we “think to build”. This means understanding context, developing insight, exploring and defining opportunities, setting strategy, creating tangible design expressions, communicating vision, and helping our clients go to market. All of this is done in a human-centric way. You must be willing to get your hands dirty.

Successful candidates must be intrinsically motivated to make the business of sustainability at IDEO a viable endeavor and will do the legwork to design, launch, and manage a profitable initiative. You will be focused on growing our sustainability capabilities, and will develop the vision for how to make it work both inside and outside IDEO. We are looking for people with formal training in business and design, with an emphasis upon systems thinking. Successful candidates will combine rigorous business acumen across all of the following areas along with world-class depth in one or two:

• Marketing
• Finance
• Product Development
• Organizational Behavior
• Macro Economic Policy
• Operations
• Systems Design

In addition to business insight, experience and acumen, this role requires:

• Demonstrated mastery of the human-centric design process
• The ability to work in multidisciplinary design teams
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to coach and teach designers about business
• The ability to structure mutually beneficial relationships with clients

Candidates should have significant operational experience taking offerings to market, whether as an entrepreneur or intrapreneur. We are looking for a minimum of 4-6 years of industry experience. Salary will be offered based on candidate's experience level.

You will favorably impress us by attaching either:

• a description of a project where you used the human-centered design process to bring something new to the world especially as it relates to sustainability.


OR


• your response to this exercise: find an environment where you can watch people going through daily life (such as a park, a restaurant, a transit station or vehicle etc.) Spend time observing activities and interactions,documenting what you notice (in photos or diagrams for instance) and share with us your thoughts about how people's experiences there could be enhanced while substantially improving the sustainability equation at a system level, and what resulting opportunities there might be for a viable market offering.

Interested? Please send resume to:
Recruiting Coordinator
jobs_pa@ideo.com

Please, no phone calls.

(ERS) is a mid-sized energy consulting firm that provides clients with comprehensive energy studies, focused project assessment and implementation; new technology assessments; industrial process evaluations; lighting design; energy code compliance support; custom design services; energy efficiency program operation and administration; and developing analytical tools for database management and project analysis. The company has immediate openings for junior and senior energy engineers in our New York City and Haverhill, MA offices to help us meet increasing demand for services. We seek engineers with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• HVAC system assessment and analytical modeling
• Industrial process efficiency and productivity
• Compressed air supply and demand-side enhancements
• Demand management and demand response
• State-of-the-art lighting design
• End use system monitoring and control systems
• High performance and green buildings/LEED certification
• Architectural engineering and building science
• Alternative energy technology applications (photovoltaics, solar thermal, distributed generation, etc.)

Design, construction administration, and project management skills are a plus. Bldg-Sim listserv subscribers will want to know that ERS uses traditional hourly-based simulation modeling tools such as DOE-2 as well as advanced component-specific modeling using customized spreadsheets and software tools such as AirMaster and RETScreen. Candidates should have a relevant engineering background. A masters or advanced degree is preferred, as is a PE for senior staff. Excellent writing, communication, and computer skills are mandatory.

Why join ERS? ERS invests in employee growth with mentoring, extensive formal and informal technical training, educational support, and exposure to a wide variety of responsibilities. The company actively fosters a collegial, progressive, entrepreneurial, team-oriented environment and offers competitive salaries with comprehensive benefits.

If you have a creative mind and want to work in a hardworking and fun environment, visit us on the web at www.ers-inc.com and email your resume and cover letter in MS Word format with salary requirements to mdantonio@ers-inc.com.

    Jonathan Maxwell, P.E.
    Director of Engineering
    Energy & Resource Solutions, Inc. (ERS)
    710 Park Place
    College Station, TX 77840
    979-696-5465 desk
    979-696-5466 fax
    979-575-1281 mobile
    jmaxwell@ers-inc.com
    www.ers-inc.com