Posts Tagged ‘Smart’

SOS – Save Our Species (SOS) Helps Fund SMART Technology to Help Save…

Posted by admin on April 12th, 2013

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) April 12, 2013

Report From: Tigers In Crisis News

SOS – Save Our Species(SOS), is helping to fund SMART technology to help save endangered tigers according to Jean-Christophe Vié, Deputy Director of IUCN’s Global Species Programme and Director of SOS.

“This project proposes to implement a new tool – SMART – for planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting law enforcement efforts in a number of breeding source sites across the tiger’s range,” says Vié. “The project will focus on four pilot sites selected from across the tigers range to fully field-test the software tool, and then a regional-scale roll out of SMART will be proposed across nine tiger sites encompassing Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Russia and Lao PDR.”

Vié says that by demonstrating progress in these nine sites, the project aims to catalyze action in other sites across the tigers range and to benefit the many other threatened species that share the tigers’ habitat and which depend upon effective enforcement and good local governance for their conservation.

Go here to learn more about SOS and the SMART project.

“Wild tigers are in a critical state with less than 3,500 individuals remaining, of which only around 1,000 are thought to be breeding females,” says Vié. “Breeding populations are scattered across a number of small areas and are at risk of further decline due to unsustainable hunting of the prey base and direct poaching to satisfy an illegal market for skins, bones and other body parts.”

Vié says current conservation strategy must adapt fast to change the status quo and improve enforcement effectiveness in protecting and recovering these breeding populations. Monitoring tools, supported by robust capacity-building initiatives, and designed to help law enforcement agencies empower their staff, boost motivation, increase efficiency, improve effectiveness and promote transparency are a central part of this strategy.

“Through SMART, we aim to reduce poaching pressure on tigers and their prey by strengthening the capacity and motivation of protected area staff in executing effective enforcement operations,” says Vié. “Much progress for tiger conservation has already been made on the political stage; this now needs to be underpinned by reliable measures of demonstrated progress on the ground with which to evaluate effectiveness and invest accordingly.”

SOS is a global coalition initiated by the three founding partners the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the World Bank to build the biggest species conservation fund, supporting on-the-ground field conservation projects all over the world.

The goal of SOS is to combine resources and funding experience from the World Bank and GEF, the authoritative science of IUCN and the resources and ingenuity of the private sector to create a mechanism that ensures sufficient funding goes to species conservation projects where and when it will have the most impact.

Go here to learn more about SOS and the SMART project.

Tigers In Crisis News was created by Endangered Species Journalist Craig Kasnoff to help promote the plight of endangered tigers and the efforts to save them from extinction in the wild.

Go here for more information about endangered Tigers.



Environment

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BPA’s Energy Smart Industrial Receives National Recognition as ‘Exemplary Program’

Posted by admin on April 11th, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore.–()–Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) announced its energy efficiency
program for the Northwest’s industrial sector—Energy Smart Industrial
(ESI)—was recognized as an “Exemplary Program” by the American Council
for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The accolade comes after ACEEE
completed its third-ever review of the country’s leading energy
efficiency programs late last month. ESI was noted for excellence in
“Industrial and Large Customer Programs.”

“ESI’s achievements are tied directly to outstanding collaboration among
our regional stakeholders”

“ESI’s achievements are tied directly to outstanding collaboration among
our regional stakeholders,” said Jennifer Eskil, Industrial Sector Lead
at BPA. “We have more than 90 percent participation among public
utilities, and we’ve serviced over 500 of their industrial customers.
Energy efficiency matters to Northwest industry.”

Later this spring, those programs selected by ACEEE will have profiles
published in a compendium, which will feature program descriptions,
performance details and key lessons learned. “These programs are
delivering energy savings that are critical in helping customers reduce
their energy costs; plus, they make an important environmental
contribution by reducing pollution from the use of fossil fuels,” said
ACEEE Utilities Program Director Dan York.

ACEEE selected leading programs from numerous nominations received in a
national solicitation. The non-profit for advancing energy efficiency
previously conducted national reviews of outstanding energy efficiency
programs in 2003 and 2008.

The Exemplary Program honor comes on the heels of two independent
evaluations released in the fall that gave ESI high marks for program
performance. According to the results of the process evaluation
conducted by Research into Action, eight out of 10 survey respondents
from the industrial sector said they were highly satisfied with services
through the program. Survey results based on responses of BPA utility
customers indicate 84 percent believe they have been able to offer a
comprehensive program for all types of savings opportunities to their
industrial customers. Additionally, 76 percent said they’ve been able to
complete more industrial energy efficiency projects because of ESI.

The second evaluation conducted by Cadmus Group verified savings claimed
by ESI’s innovative energy management program components, which largely
promote changes in behavior and operating procedures to drive savings in
existing equipment. Independent evaluators statistically verified 92
percent of the more than 14 million kilowatt-hours industrial
participants realized during the program’s first year. The results of a
series of cost tests, also reported in the impact evaluation, show
ratepayer funds used for energy management make a solid public
investment.

Now in its fourth year, the ESI program provides a variety of resources
to help regional industries implement energy efficiency. The program
serves 99 percent of the public power’s industrial load in Idaho,
Montana, Oregon and Washington. To date, ESI has saved almost 368
million kWh—roughly a year’s supply of energy for nearly 30,000 homes.
Last year, ESI was awarded “Outstanding Achievement in Program Design &
Implementation Non-residential Program” by the Association of Energy
Service Professionals. Since 2011, 10 industrial organizations and BPA
staff have also been recognized for their outstanding efforts in ESI by
the Association of Energy Engineers, Washington Industrial Energy
Leaders and Oregon Leaders awards programs.

About BPA’s Energy Smart Industrial

BPA’s Energy Smart Industrial (ESI) program works through its Northwest
customer utilities and their industrial facilities to deliver
cost-effective energy savings across a wide variety of industrial
markets. ESI provides technical expertise and resources to address
energy efficiency opportunities that meet varying industry needs and
company budgets. Learn more at www.EnergySmartIndustrial.com.

Business Wire Environment News

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EPA to Provide Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Atchison, Kan. (KS)

Posted by admin on February 10th, 2013

 

Release Date: 02/07/2013
Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, 913-551-7557, [email protected]

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., Feb. 7, 2013) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the City of Atchison, Kan., will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. The announcement was made at the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Kansas City, Mo.

EPA awarded Atchison, Kan., a Land Use and Water Quality Workshop. The workshop will provide Atchison technical assistance to identify green infrastructure measures to better manage stormwater runoff.

“The Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program coordinates federal investments in infrastructure and helps communities make smart planning choices,” said Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 Administrator. “This assistance will provide the city of Atchison strategies that will protect water quality and reduce combined sewer overflows.”

EPA’s technical assistance will help Atchison find ways to reinvest in the city’s core by establishing the proper mix of land uses and strengthening existing neighborhoods transforming the city into a more sustainable community. The assistance will result in water quality improvements and protect the Missouri River from harmful pollutants.

Across the nation, EPA awarded 43 communities with technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. EPA selected this year’s recipients from 121 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

With assistance from EPA-funded private sector experts, the communities will focus on a specific development tool, such as green building, land use strategies to protect water quality and using smart growth to produce economic and fiscal health. Communities will also learn about other strategies for development that can improve the environment and the economy.



U.S. EPA News

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EPA to Provide Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Lawrence, Kan. (KS)

Posted by admin on February 7th, 2013

 

Release Date: 02/07/2013
Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, 913-551-7557, [email protected]

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., Feb. 7, 2013) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the City of Lawrence, Kan., will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. The announcement was made at the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Kansas City, Mo.

EPA awarded Lawrence, Kan., a Parking Audit Workshop. The workshop will provide Lawrence with key assistance to manage parking supply and demand in the Oread neighborhood. The Oread neighborhood is located in central Lawrence, with the main campus of the University of Kansas (KU) on the west and downtown Lawrence on the east. The neighborhood’s proximity to KU creates regional impacts on area streets and traffic volumes due to the daily travel to and from campus by staff and students.

“The Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program coordinates federal investments in infrastructure and helps communities make smart planning choices,” said Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 Administrator. “We expect the Lawrence workshop to engage residential and commercial property owners, students, faculty, city planners and others in addressing parking challenges in the Oread neighborhood.”

Across the nation, EPA awarded 43 communities with technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. EPA selected this year’s recipients from 121 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

With assistance from EPA-funded private sector experts, the communities will focus on a specific development tool, such as green building, land use strategies to protect water quality and using smart growth to produce economic and fiscal health. Communities will also learn about other strategies for development that can improve the environment and the economy.


U.S. EPA News

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Privacy4Patriots Responds to Two Arrests in Illinois over Smart Meter…

Posted by admin on February 2nd, 2013

Nashville, TN (PRWEB) February 02, 2013

The city of Naperville, Ill., has been installing smart meters at tens of thousands of homes recently, and the Chicago Tribune reports that two homeowners are not happy about it. Both were arrested recently for trying to stop the installations.

The women are members of the Naperville Smart Meter Awareness group, and they have a federal lawsuit pending against the city, according to the article.

Privacy4Patriots, the publisher of an upcoming report on how to protect your privacy, recommends that municipalities pay more attention to citizen’s concerns about privacy, security and health in connection with the installation of smart meters, before making the smart meters mandatory.

Smart meters record consumption of electric energy and communicate that information back to the utility for monitoring and billing purposes. They measure consumption in real time, notify the utility of a power outage and communicate the quality of the power being consumed.

According to the Chicago Tribune article, Naperville officials have said that the smart meters will reduce costs.

Privacy4Patriots said it has received communications from its customers citing privacy concerns about smart meters, including the collection of personal data about users and their energy habits, plus the potential of that data being shared without the knowledge or permission of consumers.

The Norwich (Conn.) Bulletin reported that a number of groups against smart meters have emerged across the country, and that in Maine, the Public Utility Commission voted to allow customers to opt out of smart meters after officials received numerous complaints about health and privacy concerns.


Environment

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Research and Markets: Australia – Smart Energy – Trends and analyses Updated 2012 Report

Posted by admin on December 21st, 2012

DUBLIN–()–Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/t3ckdj/australia_smart)
has announced the addition of the “Australia
– Smart Energy – Trends and analyses 2012″ report to their
offering.

“Australia
– Smart Energy – Trends and analyses 2012”

With a better understanding of the complexity involved in the
transformation of the electricity industry the words smart energy’ are
becoming more prominent. BuddeComm believes that the term smart grids’
is too narrow and that eventually smart energy’ will become the accepted
terminology, especially once the communications developments in national
broadband networks and mobile broadband start to converge with smart
grid developments.

Smart energy signifies a system that is more integrated and scalable,
and which extends through the distribution system, from businesses and
homes and back to the sources of energy. A smarter energy system has
sensors and controls embedded into its fabric. Because it is
interconnected there is a two-way flow of information and energy across
the network, including information on pricing. In addition to this it is
intelligent, making use of proactive analytics and automation to
transform data into insights and efficiently manage resources.

This links with the telecoms development known as the internet of
things’ (IOT). For this to happen various functional areas within the
energy ecosystem must be engaged – consumers; business customers; energy
providers; regulators; the utility’s own operations; smart meters; grid
operations; work and asset management; communications; and the
integration of distributed resources.

With energy consumption expected to grow worldwide by more than 40% over
the next 25 years demand in some parts of the world could exceed 100% in
that time. This will produce an increase in competition for resources,
resulting in higher costs. In an environment such as this energy
efficiency will become even more important.

Quite apart from any increased demand for energy in specific markets,
the move to more sustainable technologies – for example, electric
vehicles and distributed and renewable generation – will add even more
complexity to operations within the energy sector

Concerns about issues such as energy security, environmental
sustainability, and economic competitiveness are triggering a shift in
energy policy, technology and consumer focus. This, in turn, is making
it necessary to move on from the traditional energy business models.

As a consequence utilities could end up in a similar situation to that
of the companies that invested in the building of the internet
infrastructure – they may own the means of delivering electricity and
associated services, but may not be able to take advantage of the new
business opportunities that will arise. This will limit their
opportunities for future growth.

Another problem will surface when, due to users reducing consumption and
producing energy themselves through energy efficiency strategies, the
traditional pricing models become inadequate in terms of maintaining the
energy infrastructure.

The potential for transformation of the energy industry to smart energy
is still at a very early stage. Valuable advances have already been made
in some areas but consensus needs to be reached regarding a collective
approach and technical standards.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Synopsis

2. Key international Developments

3. Business analyses

4. Key Analyses Australia

5. Key developments Australia

6. Surveys and statistics

7. Separate background reports

Table 1 – Machine-to-machine applications and technologies, by
dispersion and mobility

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/t3ckdj/australia_smart

Business Wire Environment News

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DECC: Key milestone for smart meters rollout

Posted by admin on December 13th, 2012

info4local Subject Documents

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EPA recognizes Denver’s Mariposa District for Smart Growth achievement (CO)

Posted by admin on December 5th, 2012

 

Release Date: 12/05/2012
Contact Information: Richard Mylott, U.S. EPA Region 8, 303.312.6654, [email protected]; Stella Madrid, Denver Housing Authority, 720.219.9059, [email protected]

Denver Housing Authority’s efforts cited as a national example of community redevelopment

ACCESS a YouTube video on the Mariposa project here: http://youtu.be/VNZEz47W_2Y

(Denver, Colo. – December 5, 2012) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Denver’s Mariposa District with the 2012 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement in the category of Equitable Development. The prestigious national award is given for creative, sustainable initiatives that help protect the health and the environment of our communities while also strengthening local economies. Seven projects were honored at an awards ceremony today in Washington, DC.

“The 2012 winners of the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement are taking innovative steps to realize a vision of American communities that are clean, healthy, environmentally responsible and economically resilient,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.

“The EPA Smart Growth Award for the new Denver Mariposa District shows the great commitment of our housing authority to create smart, vibrant communities,” noted Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “Denver Housing Authority’s progressive approach to planning and design is consistent with the City’s strategic investments in our neighborhoods to deliver eco-friendly affordable housing and sustainable economic development through active community engagement.”

The Denver Housing Authority’s redevelopment of the Mariposa District in the La Alma and Lincoln Park neighborhood is transforming the area into a vibrant, mixed-use community. DHA created a master plan for the diverse area with extensive community input, which included over 120 meetings, group consultations, workshops and information sessions. The “community-driven design” project preserves affordable housing while adding new homes at a variety of price points and provides access to downtown Denver via light-rail. It also incorporates community concerns about health by including sidewalks, bike lanes and other features that make it easier for residents to be physically active. Green building elements will reduce energy consumption by up to 50 percent, while green infrastructure will reduce the flow of stormwater into sewers by 80 percent. Other unique features of the project included offering classes to residents on healthy cooking and eating and job training for residents in health-related fields.

The Mariposa District project is supported by the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities, an effort which brought EPA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation together to provide assistance and funding to help plan and achieve specific housing, transportation, energy efficiency and green infrastructure goals.

The 2012 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement recognized four winners and three honorable mentions in the following categories:

· Equitable Development—Winner
Mariposa District, Denver, Colo.
· Equitable DevelopmentHonorable Mention
Northwest Gardens, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
· Main Street or Corridor Revitalization—Winner
The Cooperative Building, Brattleboro, Vt.
· Main Street or Corridor RevitalizationHonorable Mention
Larkin District, Buffalo, N.Y.
· Programs and Policies—Winner
Destination Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Va.
· Programs and PoliciesHonorable Mention
Bay Area Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Fund, San Francisco, Calif.
· Overall Excellence—Winner
BLVD Transformation Project, Lancaster, Calif.

The Mariposa District was selected from 47 applicants from 25 states. The winning entries were chosen based on their effectiveness in creating sustainable communities; fostering equitable development among public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders; and serving as national models for environmentally and economically sustainable development.

EPA created the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement in 2002 to recognize exceptional approaches to development that protect the environment, encourage economic vitality, and enhance quality of life. In the past 11 years, 54 winners from 26 states have shown a variety of approaches that states, regions, cities, suburbs and rural communities can use to create economically strong, environmentally responsible development. EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities manages the awards program.

More information on the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards.htm

More information on the Mariposa District: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards/sg_awards_publication_2012.htm

Watch the construction of Mariposa Phase II: http://oxblue.com/open/denverhousing/mariposa2

Watch the construction of Mariposa Phase III: http://oxblue.com/open/denverhousing/mariposa3

U.S. EPA News

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Seven Smart Shopping Tips for Black Friday

Posted by admin on November 21st, 2012

Black Friday is one of the most popular shopping days of the year. If you plan to hunt for great holiday deals this year, use these tips from the Massachusetts Department of Consumer Affairs newsletter (PDF) to make sure you’re getting the best price:

  1. Comparison shop: What does getting the best deal mean? When you’re looking at sales, do not focus solely on price. Decide which deal will give you the best value, including shipping costs, layaway plans, and free gifts.
  2. Bring ads with you: Once you know what you want and where to get it, print or cut out any ads you’ve seen for the products. Before purchasing, make sure that the prices on the shelf and at the register match the advertised price. Many retailers will be price-matching their competitors, so you may be able to get an item at a different retailer for the same price.
  3. Know store policies: Refunds, cancellations, returns, layaways – be sure to check the retailer’s website for these policies before heading to the store. These also need to be clearly displayed in the store before checkout. Ask for a copy of the policies so you have them on file in case anything goes wrong.
  4. Shop smart with a Smartphone: Apps such as Consumer Reports Mobile Shopper give consumers more on-the-fly shopping information then ever. These apps can scan an item’s barcode, show reviews, keep track of deals, navigate between stores, and provide instant comparison shopping.
  5. Know the deal: Retailers typically advertise Black Friday prices as the lowest of the year, but this is not always true. Some items may be offered at lower prices other times during the year. Be aware of this when looking at sale prices and check around to compare one retailer’s deals with another.
  6. Watch for inflated prices and exaggerated markdowns: Some sellers will inflate the “regular” price of an item in order to increase the markdown and give the appearance of a deal when no money is actually saved. Watch out for overlapping price tags and know what the real normal cost is before making a purchase.
  7. Use Layaway: For an item that may sell out, putting it on layaway is a great way to pay at your convenience while not missing the deal because of limited supply.

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USA.gov Updates: News and Features

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Economic and Social Research Council: Smart cities – Bridging physical and digital

Posted by admin on October 26th, 2012

[unable to retrieve full-text content]
info4local Subject Documents

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