Thursday, September 16, 2010

Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Phase II of Renewable Energy in America

American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE’s) Phase II National Policy Forum offers a unique opportunity for government and industry leaders of the renewable energy community to convene and voice decisive policy recommendations “on the record.” The conference will be held December 8-9, 2010 in Washington, D.C.

History of Phase II National Policy Forum

Phase II of Renewable Energy in America National Policy Forum was first held in 2003. The goal of the conference is to convey the contribution of renewable energy to the nation’s energy needs by bringing together high-level speakers to discuss the energy policy issues concerning renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable development, the environment and related fields.

Keynotes have included Governor Bill Richardson, reporter Thomas Friedman, the Honorable Andy Karsner, and many other leading figures passionate about the success of renewable energy.

In addition, an emphasis is made on providing networking opportunities for participants. Attendees, speakers and sponsors are encouraged to attend the opening reception.

Why Phase II?

Phase I of renewable energy in America was the period from 1975–2000, centered on federally-funded research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programs that were successful. After 25 years of effort by our nation’s best scientists and engineers, and approximately $15 billion spent, the US has an array of new technologies in wind power, solar energy, hydropower, ocean energy, geothermal energy, biomass energy and biofuels.

ACORE has designated “Phase II” to be the period from 2000 to 2025, when the focus will be on putting the new technologies to use.

Phase II policies began at the state level with the passage of Renewable Portfolio Standards and economic incentives. Now it is time to instill the philosophies of Phase II into federal policy. There is a need to recognize the public benefits for domestic energy supply, national security, economic security, environmental protection, global warming, investment opportunities, and job creation. There is a pressing need for policy stability so that companies have a reasoned basis for making long-term investments in factories and the financial community can have reasonable confidence making investments in new projects.

About ACORE

The American Council On Renewable Energy is focused on accelerating the adoption of renewable energy technologies into the mainstream of American society. ACORE provides a common platform for the wide range of interests in the renewable energy community including renewable energy industries, associations, utilities, end users, professional service firms, financial institutions and government agencies. ACORE serves as a forum through which these parties work together on common interests. For more information visit our website: www.acore.org.

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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Renewable Energy Finance – West

Renewable Energy Finance Forum (REFF) West returns to San Francisco, following last September’s successful second edition which attracted over 400 senior executives and investors.

This year the conference will focus on the renewable energy markets on the West Coast of North America.  There will be particular focus on the opportunities for private equity and venture capital in clean tech energy companies as well as a detailed review of the latest technologies likely to create a step change in the industry, plus examination of the prospects for financing the scale-up of these game changing innovations and the rapid growth of renewables across the West Coast. 

The conference will allow you to hear from the thought leaders in this space and also from companies providing exciting opportunities in the current market. For all enquiries regarding the 3rd REFF West, please contact Euromoney Energy Events

Meet senior representatives from both the energy and financial sectors who are focusing on renewables and clean technologies. Read more

Where: San Francisco, CA
Date: Sep 29 2010 – 7:00am – Sep 30 2010 – 5:00pm
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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Maryland Clean Energy Summit 2010

This conference brings thought leaders from industry, academia and government together to focus on the job creation and business development opportunities inherent in addressing the climate change challenge. Looking to the development of future technologies, policies, and finance – participants will identify options, issues, and action strategies to obtain winning outcomes for Maryland.

SUMMIT TOPICS INCLUDE:
•Energy as a National Security concern;
•Opportunities through Research & Development;
•Transportation and paving the way for Electric Vehicles;
•Overcoming challenges to implement Renewable Power Generation;
•Alternative Fuels & Biomass energy solutions;
•How Energy Management & the Built Environment can drive reduction in demand.
Conference registration is limited!

Date: Monday, October 4
Time: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Hilton Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD

For more information, visit www.MDCleanEnergySummit.org

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Going Green with Technology Summer Camp Highlights | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

We want to share with you, our fans, highlights on the Going Green with Technology Summer Camp from the Patriots Technology Center.

From Thurman Jones of the Patriots Technology Training Center:

We wrapped up our summer activities and wanted to share with you our “Going Green with Technology Summer Camp” experience. Our summer camp would not have been a success without the support of our sponsors and partners. To all of them, we would like to say THANK YOU! Our sponsors/partners are as follows:

  • U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy/Melody Bell/ Shawn Mason
  • U.S. Department of Energy, Department of the Environment
  • Justice, Melinda Downing
  • U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Association, Malika Hobbs
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kenneth Johnson
  • NAVSEA /Thomas Palathra/Walter Pannick, Heather Zdobysz
  • NAVY/LCDR Robin Lemon-Soape Mirant/Misty Allen/Wayne Hale
  • Johnson Controls /John Cavanaugh, Janet Hatch, Jenell Brimhall
  • Shell Hydrogen, Karen Kruger
  • NBC-WRC TV/Mark Whitaker/Enid Doggett
  • Clean Air Partners, Jessica Davis
  • IT Computer Wiz Kids, Gerard Cooper
  • DNA Extraction, Marty Pollock
  • U.S. Army, Deanna Tyler

Kickoff Day:

Carti Harris kicked off the camp with instructions on Idvd, Imovie, Keynote, Iphoto, Glogster and online blogging. The campers were exposed to web 2.0 applications. From this exposure the students were able to utilize their acquired skills to enhance educational projects throughout their tenure as students. This knowledge also places them on the cutting edge of technology. The applications that were taught align with the Maryland Multi-Media Interns Technology standards. These tools came in handy when the students prepared for their “Going Green” research projects. Senovia McLaughlin and Janell King, along with four interns, Brandon Joseph, Daniel Cooper, Lance Williams, and Sahara Lindsey assisted in the coordination and implementation of the camp’s activities.

Here is a video from a past event:

NBC Studios Visit:

On their first field trip, the camper visited NBC studios in Washington, D.C. The students were welcomed by Mark Whitaker, Chief of Washington Bureau, NBC News. They then were treated to a behind the scenes look at broadcasting in its finest lead by Phalley Lambert and Alonzo Ray. They were greeted by local celebrities such as Mac McGarry (It’s Academic), news anchors Barbara Hairston, Pat Lawson Muse, and Jim Handly along with weatherman Tom Kieran. The students were escorted to the different control booths and taught some of the logistics of broadcast journalism. They were also made privy to the robotics used to operate the camera and other equipment needed to produce a quality program

The highlight of the trip came when the students were allowed to signoff on air at the end of the 12:00 noon news broadcast. The students were inspired when they were able to see the benefit of pursuing a career in the STEM field up close.

IT Computer Wiz Kids Workshop:

In an IT Computer Wiz Kids workshop lead by Gerard Cooper, students received instructions on building the ultimate gaming computer.

Going Green Research Project:

Research was initiated on the “Going Green Research Project” and captains were selected to head teams that were given “renewable energy sources” on topics such as vehicles, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, environmental justice, and nuclear. These teams developed a list of fascinating questions for the various DOE Program Managers to discuss and answer during a DOE on-site interviewing session coordinated by Shawn Mason of EERE.

Here is a video from a previous event

Shell Hydrogen Visitors Center

The Shell Hydrogen Visitors Center was the destination of the second field trip. The students were given a tour of the facility, a full-service gas station. It is the only one of its kind in our area that provides fuel for hydrogen cars which are not yet for sale to the public. The students learned about hydrogen fuel and the future of our oil supplies and were given a chance to “test ride” in a real hydrogen fuel car prototype from General Motors. To wrap up the day at Shell Hydrogen and what the future holds for the automobile industry, students watched “Back to the Future.”

DNA Lecture

Marty Pollock came to talk about DNA and described in great detail the ins and outs of DNA. He had the students do an experiment to see what actual DNA looks like. Each of the student’s DNA samples were put into test tubes for further examination.

Chalk Point Power Plant

The camp went off to tour the power plant in Chalk Point located in Aquasco, MD. During the tour led by Wayne Hale, the students learned that Mirant Mid-Atlantic, the owners of Chalk Point, burns more than 60 tons of coal in one month. The energy gleaned from burning the coal is enough to supply 20 million homes. The Chalk Point facility is so large that a whole train could sit inside of it. A mention of the underground tunnel that is large enough to house a dump truck should not be left out. One of the things that Mirant is most proud of is the fact that of the 100% of the coal that is burned, 99.4% of the burn off is recaptured as not to harm the environment. It was a great trip and a great experience.

Lego & Balloon: Lego Robots & Water Balloon Launches

Thomas Palathra from the NAVSEA Indian Head Division, provided staffers Walter Pannick and Heather Zdobysz, who instructed our students for a week of building and programming a Lego robot for exciting tech challenges, assembling a rocket, constructing a solar car, and participating in a water balloon and egg drop mission. Of the six competing teams, the Hotmass Team won the robotics competition for completing the most challenges. For the finale of the week’s activities, the students launched their rockets and displayed their projects. To end the wonderful day, the Prince George’s County Fire Department Engine Team #33 came out and assisted our campers in the Egg Drop Competition.

To kick-off the final week of camp, Deanna Tyler of the U.S. Army presented a workshop on solar panels. It was interesting to learn how effective the solar panels assist our troops as they defend our country. With much enthusiasm, campers were challenged to design a more natural way to power the batteries that are used by the soldiers.

Johnson Controls

We were then joined by Johnson Controls. John Cavanaugh of Johnson Controls coordinated Jenell Brimhall and Janet Hatch to facilitate a 3-day training that would certify the students as “Energy Ambassadors.” Johnson Controls is a company whose main objective is to conserve energy and find unconventional ways to create power sources. The students made their own personal wind turbines as a renewable energy source. They also made pizza box ovens designed to cook smores. The process of cooking depended on the construction of the oven and the placement under the sun’s waves. Awards were given for the construction and production of the ovens. By the end of the week, each student had complete knowledge of the renewable energy sources; solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

David Air Partners

Rebecca Davis of Clean Air Partners presented a fun-filled workshop on Air Quality. Ms. Davis provided background information on topics such as: What Makes Up Our Atmosphere, Criteria Pollutants, Air Quality Index, and Respiratory System Effects on Health. Students were split into teams and then played “Air Quality Jeopardy” utilizing the information they obtained on Air Quality. The winners received prizes.

Mini-Green STEM Conference

On our final day of camp, parents, family, friends, and the community were invited to attend a Mini-Green STEM Conference hosted by our campers. It was their time to shine and display all of the exciting projects that they participated in during the summer camp session.

Camp Conclusion

The “Going Green with Technology Summer Camp” was an invaluable experience. It exposed our students to many aspects of renewable energy and how it affects our community, the future, and the power they have to make a positive impact. By the looks on their faces, you can see for yourself that they were “happy campers”.

For more information on the technology summer camp and program, please contact the following:

Thurman D. Jones, Jr.
President
thurmanjones@hotmail.com

Gloria Shivers
Director of Programs
gloriashivers@hotmail.com

Jenise Littlejohn
NSBE Jr. Advisor
jeniselittlejohn@hotmail.com

Denise Lewis
Director of Strategic Programs and Communications
lewis438@comcast.net

More green info? Also enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out which rebates you may qualify for in your area.

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This entry was posted on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 at 8:21 pm and is filed under Green Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Volunteer at ECOffshoots.org Urban Farm

Are you ready to wake up to a nice Saturday morning, roll your sleeves up, and do some urban farming volunteer work? Join us this Saturday, Sept. 4th, at the ECOffshoots.org urban farm to help these guys out with building this wonderful community farm. We’ll be there from 10am to 1pm, so come through and lend a helping hand, learn what urban farming is all about!
Form more info on ECOffshoots.org’s volunteer session, check out their site.

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Going Green. It’s for the kids. It’s for their future. | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

Going Green. It’s for the kids. It’s for their future.

Posted on September 2nd, 2010 by Daniel

The winner of August’s Green Photo of the Month contest is Oleg, all the way from the suburbs of Moscow, Russia! This picture is of Oleg’s son, and it reminds us of why we are doing this. The future of our kids, the future of their generation, that is what’s at stake here. Going green may help us save some money on our overall energy costs now, it may reduce our carbon footprint substantially, but most importantly, it will secure a healthier future for the next generation. And if we want to do what’s best for their tomorrow, we have to be mindful of what we do for ourselves today!

To submit your green photo to Sobuka’s Green Photo of the Month contest, please email it to contest[at]sobuka.com with a brief description of where it was taken, and how it relates to going green.

Also, if you are in the DC/MD/VA area, and you need help with going green, let us know, we’re here to help! If you already have an idea of what you want to do to go green, we have skilled professionals for solar and wind-related services, energy efficiency audits, and green remodeling. Do a quick zipcode search and request FREE quotes for your green project.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm and is filed under Featured Content, Green Photo of the Month. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Recycle, Reuse, or Re-purpose your old campaign signs | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

Recycle, Reuse, or Re-purpose your old campaign signs

Posted on August 31st, 2010 by Sulaiman

Sobuka’s Campaign Platform: Let’s Recycle, Reuse or Re-purpose old campaign signs and stop spending money to pollute the environment

If you didn’t know already, this year (2010) is an election year which explains the numerous campaign signs around town and along the highways with names of candidates you never heard of. I know we all can become overly preoccupied with which candidate to vote for, however, we must not forget about the environment. The truth of the matter is, most homeowners who are uninformed will put their campaign signs in one place after the election, “the garbage”. Therefore, Sobuka is encouraging all candidates for political office as well as citizens to recycle campaign signs at the end of the election process instead of tossing them in the garbage.

The important thing is, when we recycle materials such as campaign signs, it keeps waste out of landfills and allows for the reuse of materials. Recycling campaign signs not only saves space at landfills, each ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. Recycled paper also uses 60 percent less energy in comparison to new paper and generates 95 percent less air pollution.

Now that you are “informed”, I know you’re excited and want to jump into action, so here’s how you can be part of the solution instead of the problem.

What should a person do with a campaign sign after the election is over?

The environmentally friendly thing we all can do with old campaign signs is to RECYCLE, REUSE, or RE-PURPOSE.

Recycle

Broken down corrugated plastic, cardboard signs and metal stakes can be placed into your curbside recycling blue cart. Campaign signs must be free of staples, metal or wood posts and tape.

Small wood stakes can be recycled with green waste in counties that have green carts. Drop off small or large corrugated plastic and cardboard signs at the various Recycling Center that take plastic and cardboard. Wood signs and wood frame/stakes can be recycled at centers that take wood.

If you have wire frames made of steel or aluminum the metal can be recycled.  Standard “H” stakes weigh about .43 lbs which is equal to 12 empty aluminum cans.

To find a recycling center in your area please visit Earth911 which is a website where you can search for local recycling centers by entering your zip code. You can also call  1-800-CLEANUP for recycling information in your state.

Reuse or Re-purpose

Old campaign signs can be turned inside out and written on with markers to make new signs for different occasions such as parties, garage sales or you can even make your own sign supporting your church or charity.

Unfortunately, bag signs are not as easy to reuse, but it’s possible. Turn the bag inside out and you can make your new sign. They are a little tricky to write on, but a thick black marker works well. The bag signs can be put into the recycling bins of most municipal collection operations, so that’s another option.

If you have a corrugated plastic campaign sign, you can paint over it next time you have a wet paint roller out to cover up the political information. Then you’ll be able to make it a sale sign or other sign you need in the future.

Metal “H” Stakes are also good for holding up plants. Just step the stake into the ground and you’ve got the support for your plant. They work great for ivy and tomatoes. You can cut the steel wire at the corners and use them in the future. This is very good material, so it shouldn’t be thrown away.

If you’re going to keep the steel wire wickets, they should be properly stored. First, wipe the wicket off with a damp cloth. This will remove dirt that sticks to the wire. Then, store the wire in a place where it won’t get wet. Otherwise, you’ll have a rusty rod that won’t be much good. The steel wickets can also be used to hold up and grow plants as well.

If you don’t find any of these suggestions useful you can always return the campaign sign to the candidate’s office. Political candidates are not going to stop ordering campaign signs; they are a vital part of every good political campaign. But, all that material doesn’t need to be wasted. A quick minute of planning, and you can figure out the best use for your old campaign sign.

Don’t forget to vote on September 14th and Remember

Vote

for the Environment by choosing Sobuka for your green needs !!

More green info? Also enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out which rebates you may qualify for in your area.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 3:18 pm and is filed under Environment, Featured Content. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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