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1. West Coast Green Building Conference and Expo, Sept 28-30, San Fran
2. Cancer and mortality impacts of E85 vs gasoline
3. Tesla responds to battery safety questions
4. Biodiesel talk at Stanford, October 6th
5. GM wants to improve enviro image with fuel-cell vehicles
6. Megawatt-class fuel-cell power plant hoping for 70 percent efficiency
7. Google philanthropy: Plug-In Hybrids for starters
8. ESW (Stanford) Needs Project Liaison for Green Building in Nicaragua
9. mtvU-GE Ecomagination contest: $25k opportunity
10. Solar Power 2006 Conference, October 16-19, San Jose
11. Job: Energy System Designer,Sustainable Energy Partners LLC, San Francisco CA
12. Job : Director of Product Development, GreenVolts
13. Internship Opportunities Rocky Mountain Institute
********************************************************
1. West Coast Green Building Conference and Expo, Sept 28-30, San Fran
West Coast Green, the nation's premier residential conference and tradeshow
focused exclusively on green building materials, design and
sustainability, will open its doors September 28-30 in the heart of
San Francisco. The event will gather trade professionals from all
over the country plus, on the final day, homeowners eager to educate
themselves about green building.
Keynote speakers will include Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and industry
leaders Ed Mazria, Sarah Susanka. Sim Van Der Ryn, Peter Yost, Ann
Edminster, Ray Cole, Tom Paladino and more. Over 120 speakers will
address diverse topics grouped around seven well-developed educational
tracks including two full days of EEBA training and a pilot LEED-H
workshop. Over 250 exhibitors will showcase the latest innovations in
resource-efficient materials along with green and healthy building
products.
For event details please click here: http://www.westcoastgreen.com
[ I bet we could get some $ support for students wanting to attend... ]
For a free Trade Show Floor Pass:
Go to www.westcoastgreen.com/freetrade
Enter code: trade7
Bill Burke
Pacific Energy Center
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
*****************************************************
2. Cancer and mortality impacts of E85 vs gasoline
Effects of Ethanol (E85) Versus Gasoline Vehicles on Cancer
and Mortality in the United States
Mark Z. Jacobson
Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University
In Review, August 30, 2006
Ethanol use in vehicle fuel is increasing worldwide, but the potential cancer risk and
ozone-related health consequences of a large-scale conversion from gasoline to ethanol
have not been examined. Here, a nested global-through-urban air pollution/weather
forecast model is combined with high-resolution future emission inventories, population
data, and health effects data to examine the effect of converting from gasoline to E85 on
cancer, mortality, and hospitalization in the U.S. as a whole and Los Angeles in
particular. It is found that E85 (85% ethanol fuel, 15% gasoline) may increase ozone-
related mortality, hospitalization, and asthma and PAN-related eye irritation on average
over the U.S. and especially in Los Angeles and the northeast relative to 100% gasoline.
Some ozone decreases may occur in the southeast. E85 is estimated to cause little change
in cancer risk. Due to its ozone effects, E85 may be a greater overall public health risk
than gasoline, which already constitutes a serious health problem. Unburned ethanol
emissions from E85 in the U.S. may also result in a global-scale source of acetaldehyde
larger than that of direct emissions.
...full paper at: http://www.stanford.edu/group/efmh/jacobson/E85Paper0806b_2.pdf
**********************************************************
3. Tesla responds to battery safety questions
The Tesla Roadster Battery System
Tesla Motors, Inc.
August 16, 2006
Gene Berdichevsky, Kurt Kelty, JB Straubel and Erik Toomre
Summary:
This paper provides details about the design of the Tesla Roadster's lithium-ion (Li-ion)
battery pack (otherwise known as the ESS, or Energy Storage System) with a particular
focus on the multiple safety systems, both passive and active, that are incorporated into
the pack. This battery pack has been under development and refinement for over three
years and is the cornerstone of the Tesla Roadster. The high level of redundancy and
multiple layers of protection in the Tesla Roadster battery pack have culminated in the
safest large Li-ion battery that we or many of the experts in the field, with whom we've
consulted, have seen.
... full report at http://www.teslamotors.com/media/white_papers/TeslaRoadsterBatterySystem.pdf
*******************************************************
4. Biodiesel talk at Stanford, October 6th
Chris Reddy from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will be here to speak on Friday, October 6.
"Biodiesel: Some initial results from its composition and environmental chemistry", Thornton 110, noon.
*******************************************************
5. GM wants to improve enviro image with fuel-cell vehicles
GM to Put 100 Hydrogen-Run Vehicles on the Road in 2007
Firm hopes its fuel-cell SUVs quell criticism that its products use too much gasoline.
By Jeff Green
September 18, 2006, LATimes
General Motors Corp., trying to improve its image among environmentalists and motorists looking for better mileage, will build more than 100 hydrogen-fueled vehicles next year for drivers on the West and East coasts.
GM is trying to counter criticism that its vehicles use too much gasoline, contributing to environmental problems such as global warming and heightening U.S. dependence on oil from the Middle East.
"We have this undeserved image of being an environmental antichrist," Lutz said.
The vehicles aren't yet commercially feasible. Honda has said it costs at least $1 million to build each hydrogen-powered car. There are few hydrogen filling stations in the U.S., limiting the vehicles' range. The fuel-cell Equinox is designed to run for about 200 miles on a fill-up. The fuel-cell component will last about 50,000 miles, or 2 1/2 years, Lutz said.
Royal Dutch Shell's U.S. unit is working with GM to install as many as 13 hydrogen fueling stations in the three metropolitan areas in the Equinox rollout. GM estimates that it may eventually cost about $12 billion to install enough hydrogen pumps to reach 70% of the U.S. population.
GM has been a target of critics over its push to sell large SUVs such as the Hummer H1 and H2.
http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-fi-autos18sep18,0,902912.story?coll=la-home-highway1
***********************************************************
6. Megawatt-class fuel-cell power plant hoping for 70 percent efficiency
September 12, 2006 EnBW Energie Baden-Wuerttemberg AG and Siemens Power Generation (PG) are joining forces to build a a megawatt-class demonstration plant. The goal of this research project is to convert up to 70 percent of the fuel energy into electricity. The necessary groundwork is scheduled to be completed by 2008. This will provide the basis for construction of an initial, small pilot plant, to be followed beginning in 2012 by the planned fuel cell hybrid plant with an installed capacity of one megawatt.
The efficiency of the hybrid process is significantly greater than that of modern gas- and steam-turbine power plants that reach an efficiency of approximately 60 percent. This high efficiency is to be achieved by combining a high-temperature solid-oxide fuel cell with a gas turbine in the planned hybrid plant in order to make more efficient use of the fuel and minimize emissions.
The project is scheduled to run for an extended period, and involves intensive background research to optimize operation of stationary fuel cells in conjunction with gas turbines making hybrid SOFC's a viable alternative for commercial plants. After successful completion of the project, this hybrid technology will become available roughly a decade sooner than expected by experts today.
Siemens will initially supply a high-temperature SOFC fuel cell with a capacity of five kilowatts. [just right for the Green Dorm!]
Further information at: http://www.enbw.com
***********************************************************
7. Google philanthropy: Plug-In Hybrids for starters
September 14, 2006
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13 - The ambitious founders of Google have set up a philanthropy, giving it seed money of about $1 billion and a mandate to tackle poverty, disease and global warming.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/14/technology/14google.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5094&en=0715e3c0dff465e2&hp&ex=1158292800&partner=homepage
But unlike most charities, this one will be for-profit, allowing it to fund start-up companies, form partnerships with venture capitalists and even lobby Congress. It will also pay taxes.
One of its maiden projects reflects the philanthropy's nontraditional approach. According to people briefed on the program, the organization, called Google.org, plans to develop an ultra-fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid car engine that runs on ethanol, electricity and gasoline.
The philanthropy is consulting with hybrid-engine scientists and automakers, and has arranged for the purchase of a small fleet of cars with plans to convert the engines so that their gas mileage exceeds 100 miles per gallon. The goal of the project is to reduce dependence on oil while alleviating the effects of global warming.
By choosing for-profit status, Google will have to pay taxes if company shares are sold at a profit - or if corporate earnings are used - to finance Google.org. Any resulting venture that shows a profit will also have to pay taxes.
***************************************************************
8. ESW (Stanford) Needs Project Liaison for Green Building in Nicaragua
Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW) at Stanford is starting a project designing a green building in Ocotal, Nicaragua. Our local partner in Ocotal operates a community school and an international language academy, and has recently obtained funding to expand their educational complex. The incumbent will work with our partner (including a Nicaraguan engineer) to define the scope of the project, determine design requirements, assess local material availability and costs, and develop a conceptual design for the building. The detailed design and architectural plans will be developed collaboratively in CEE 177S/277S. The incumbent must enroll in 177S/277S (additional credits may be available for individual work done) and serve as an interface between the ESW design team and our partner's design team.
*Required Qualifications* Competence in Spanish. Some knowledge of green building principles and construction practices (academic experience is acceptable). Able to travel to Nicaragua around October 11th - 16th (ESW will reimburse travel expenses). Organized, motivated, self-directed, flexible, and able to meet deadlines. Ability to work well in teams and maintain excellent communications with project partners.
*Additional Skills Desired* Spanish fluency. Thorough knowledge of green building principles, preferably in a developing country setting. Practical experience in construction, site development, architectural design, or related field. Experience with development projects and/or developing countries.
*To Apply* By September 26, 2006 1:00pm, please send a current resume or CV along with a cover letter to Molly Morse (morse@stanford.edu) and Karim Al-Khafaji (khafaji@stanford.edu).
Karim Al-Khafaji
Department of Biological Sciences
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-5020
************************************************************
9. mtvU-GE Ecomagination contest: $25k opportunity
mtvU and GE are asking teams of college students from around to the country to submit innovative and groundbreaking ideas for projects that would make their schools more environmentally responsible. Any idea, mammoth or miniscule, that makes a significant and positive environmental impact is welcome - the sky's the limit.
A judging panel of GE and mtvU representatives will review all applications and the top 10 submissions will become our finalists. Finalist projects will be announced January 15, 2007 and will be profiled in depth online and possibly on mtvU and Uber for everyone to vote on their favorite. The winning project's school will receive $25,000 in grants from GE and mtvU to implement their proposal and an mtvU Earth Day music festival on their campus. Current graduate and undergraduate students are eligible. Projects must be original to the entrants. Students can submit individual or team projects, each project must have a faculty advisor.
For details see the web page at http://www.mtvu.com/contests/ecomagination/index.jhtml
**************************************************************
10. Solar Power 2006 Conference, October 16-19, San Jose
*http://www.solarpowerconference.com/index.php
*******************************************************************
11. Job: Energy System Designer,Sustainable Energy Partners LLC, San Francisco CA
Sustainable Energy Partners LLC (SEP) has a full time position open for an Energy System Designer. SEP is a private company based in San Francisco that designs heat and power systems for commercial clients and architects. SEP supports forward looking companies by providing expertise to develop and implement clean technology solutions.
Duties will include:
Sizing and designing solar electric and solar thermal energy systems.
Writing Requests For Proposals (RFPs)
CAD design work for system design and building permits
Project Management
Software Skills Preffered: Sketchup or AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, MS Word.
Experience in solar energy systems, electrical engineering, HVAC, and technical writing skills are highly desirable.
Salary based on experience.
Send resumes to: jobs@SEPartners.com
**********************************************************
12. Job : Director of Product Development, GreenVolts
We're a Bay Area early-stage solar startup developing concentrated photovoltaic technology, and we're looking for an individual to help with our Product Development.
Applicants should have demonstrated an expertise in one, but able to become proficient in all of the following disciplines:
- Photovoltaics
- High and low voltage electrical engineering -Heat transfer and thermal engineering
- Optics
- Control systems (software and hardware)
- Mechanical design and anlysis
We think that a strong candidate will also have:
- An MS in EE or ME, or a BS with strong work experience
- Meaningful experience in project management or product development
- Experience in PV product development is a plus
- Demonstrated experience in driving cross-disciplinary technical development
Please send a resume and a short statement of interest to eric@greenvolts.com
***************************************************************
13. Internship Opportunities Rocky Mountain Institute
Spring 2007
Boulder, Colorado
The RMI/ENSAR Built Environment Team (BE) is one of the world's leading proponents of green
development, a fast-growing field in which the pursuit of environmental excellence produces
fundamentally better buildings and communities-more comfortable, more efficient, more appealing, and
ultimately more profitable.
Our consultants work directly with developers, architects, and other real-estate professionals to integrate
resource-efficient and environmentally responsive design into specific projects. At any given time, the team
juggles dozens of assignments, from the "greening" of the White House to LucasFilm's Presidio
headquarters to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games' solar village.
Complementing these consulting activities, our staff also compiles case studies and researches new
policies, technologies, and techniques for improving the performance of buildings. Team members lecture
widely, conduct seminars on green development, and author both popular and specialized publications.
Interns are needed for the spring and summer of 2007 in the Boulder, Colorado office. Intern
responsibilities include:
* Energy and daylighting analysis
* LEED Coordination
* Materials research
* Charrette facilitation assistance
* Technical report compilation
* Sustainability research
* Design recommendations
* Presentation compilation
The following qualifications are desired however, not mandatory:
* A four or five-year professional degree in architecture or engineering
* Experience with the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system.
Preferably a LEED Accredited Professional
* Exemplary writing skills
* Familiarity with word processing and design software (Word, Photoshop, Excel, PowerPoint,
AutoCad, Sketch-Up)
* General knowledge of and interest in sustainability issues
* Computer analysis and simulation (DOE 2, Radiance, Energy 10) experience a plus but not
mandatory
Please submit resume and cover letter to:
Siu Chan
Administrative Assistant, Human Resources Department
Rocky Mountain Institute
1739 Snowmass Creek Road
Snowmass, CO 81654
P:970-927-3851 ext.353
F:970-927-4510
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