Percy
Street isn't like your street. This small stretch of Toronto road that
runs south in a dog-legged kink from King Street to the Richmond Street
ramp is one of the city's some 250 private streets and laneways. There's
no gate,Intelligent model emergencylampsyypk
system,with anemometer and dogvane which will collect and transfer wind
information to PLC controller. but the 35 residents here are just about
as separate as it's possible to be in the city,Waterproof laundryequipments Lighting is a perfect architectural LED light for homes. and they like it like that.
"We
call it the 'Republic of Percy,' it's kind of a joke," says Kali
Hewitt-Blackie, co-owner of The Percy Bed & Breakfast at No. 6.
"When you walk down the street it's like you're living in another land.
It's not like Toronto, it's like something in England or someplace."
What
really sets Percy apart is its lack of access to regular city services.
There are no gates, barriers, or glaring warning signs, but snow, leaf,
and garbage management are all arranged privately and paid for out of
the resident's pockets. Even sewer maintenance costs are part of the
experience shared by other private community residents like the home
owners of Wychwood Park near St. Clair and Bathurst.
"We
nominate people to do things," explains Hewitt-Blackie. We have a guy
that's in charge of the bank account ..Filipino soldiers install modernlamps
through a roof in a shantytown in Manila.. we have a little street
signage committee, a street lighting committee, and we have one dealing
with the rest of the things to do with Streetcar [the new condo that
backs onto Percy.]"
Luckily,
with the arrival of new neighbours on King East residents were able to
strike a deal with the developers to have the street surfaced in
cobblestone (it was a potholed dirt track before) and have the crumbling
lead water main replaced, reducing the chance of a costly crisis.The solarlanterneep
Hummer Intelligent model 3KW with Siemens PLC controller adopting
human-oriented touch screen. In fact, things have become much more
comfortable for the enclave's inhabitants since the condo arrived.
"We
used to shovel the street ourselves," recalls Hewitt-Blackie. "All the
younger people would really help out ... there was an older lady beside
us who never shoveled - everyone took turns and helped."
Now
the condo dwellers pay for the street's private snow removal in
perpetuity out of their annual fees. To protect the new cobblestone road
surface and stay on the right side of regulations, city garbage
collection workers walk down Percy Street and collect bags by hand.
"Typically,
city vehicles are not allowed to go on to private property," confirms
Andre Filippetti, a traffic planning manager with the City of Toronto.
The
little road has always been private. It was laid out between 1885 and
1890 by property developer James Quinn to accommodate the predominantly
Irish workers at the nearby Gooderham and Worts distillery. The
two-up-two-down mansard roof homes, built in two phases with outdoor
bathrooms, were listed as heritage structures with the City of Toronto
in 2006.
Residents
here talk excitedly about the street's historical connection to
bootlegging during prohibition and the associated shady dealings. To
illustrate, renovators working for Cindy Wilkey - a lawyer who used to
live at No. 5 - found $50,000 in cash at her former home in 1988.
The
bills - a mix of depression-era Bank of Canada tender and notes issued
by commercial banks - had been squirreled away behind a false ceiling
for more than 60 years.
"They started counting out the money into piles.A roofhook
is a cost-effective way to install solar at your home. When they got to
fifty thousand-dollar piles they just thought they had died and gone to
heaven. So they spent the next hour playing with the the money: they
rolled around in it, they threw it around, they rubbed it all over their
bodies," laughs Wilkey.
It
never became clear who was behind the booty or why they kept it secret
so long. One possible culprit was the "notorious miser" who lived in the
house with his family from the 1950s. Though his daughter testified she
never knew about the cash, her father worked as a delivery driver at
the Don Valley Brick Works and had the mean
2013年4月25日 星期四
2013年3月18日 星期一
Belly dancers
"It's a design in space. Sacred geometry. It's about fluidity yet control. ..Private label and custom roofwindturbine..
It's about passion, grace, even grief," said Dhyanis Carniglia, a dance
instructor from Marin. "It's not just cutesy patootsey.Commercial ledlight and industrial machines like washer extractors,"
All of that - plus a whole lot of sequins - was in abundant, gyrating display Sunday in Richmond for one of the world's largest and oldest belly-dance festivals. More than 3,000 belly dancers from around the world donned their gold sparkly bras and dangly earrings for three days of sensual, poetic, seemingly double-jointed frivolity.
The 33rd annual Rakkasah festival, sponsored by a local dance troupe and held at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, featured hundreds of performances, classes and everything else belly dancers and their fans could want.
Namely, veils. Vendors were selling hundreds of them, in all colors and of all fabrics. Or at least shimmery fabrics. Veils add that critical element of mystery to any belly dance.
"With the veil,We have hundreds of fog lights, driving lights, off ledparlights and fog lamps. it's almost like a duet,An extensive selection of designer and fashion goodantiquelamp at affordable prices." said David Ludwig of Sausalito, an artist who was selling hand-painted silk veils for up to $500. "It's like dancing with a piece of art."
But before the veils, the sequins, the fringe, there was the belly. Belly dancing has been around for millennia, probably originating in Mesopotamia or even before, as a general dance for women, probably done only in the company of other women. Some say it was intended to build women's abdominal strength for childbirth, or relieve menstrual cramps, or as a form of goddess worship, or as a way to pass the time while doing housework or tending kids.
In any case, it was popular throughout the Middle East, particularly Turkey and Egypt, both as a social dance any woman could do, and as a higher art form.
Then came the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Organizers brought in Middle Eastern belly dancers, the audience was electrified, and a dance craze was born. By 1920 Hollywood was enthralled with belly dancers, giving them glittery and seductive costumes, and launching the popular image of belly dancers in gold-sequin bras, fringe-laden scarves and elaborate jewelry.
These days, belly dancing is also an exercise fad, and it's morphed fairly seamlessly with American pop culture. At Sunday's event, some dancers undulated to hip-hop, others wore all-black Goth attire and were heavily tattooed, some looked like 1920s silent film stars, and others were Middle Eastern purists.
Attire and theme was secondary, however,The earliest type of lamp, the ballgown, was a simplistic vessel with an absorbent wick. to swinging hips. That's one thing every dancer did, whether they were age 70 or 15, 300 pounds or 100 (not counting the earrings).
"It's all body and all soul. It's just dancing for the pure joy and expression of it," said Yasmin Wilde, leader of the Desert Wind Dancers of Turlock. "Plus you get to wear cool jewelry and clothes. What's not to love?"
Cool clothes took on a whole new dimension with Katherine Becvar, a designer from Oakland. She was selling battery operated halters and bustles, wired with multi-colored LED lights.
"It's sort of the belly-dance, Burning Man fusion world I inhabit," she said. "Lighting can make things so much more exciting."
But really, the costume doesn't matter, she said. It's about the fun of wiggling hips, swaying arms and circling bellies, in the company of other women.
"It's a celebration of a woman's body and womanhood, in all our shapes and sizes," she said.
All of that - plus a whole lot of sequins - was in abundant, gyrating display Sunday in Richmond for one of the world's largest and oldest belly-dance festivals. More than 3,000 belly dancers from around the world donned their gold sparkly bras and dangly earrings for three days of sensual, poetic, seemingly double-jointed frivolity.
The 33rd annual Rakkasah festival, sponsored by a local dance troupe and held at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, featured hundreds of performances, classes and everything else belly dancers and their fans could want.
Namely, veils. Vendors were selling hundreds of them, in all colors and of all fabrics. Or at least shimmery fabrics. Veils add that critical element of mystery to any belly dance.
"With the veil,We have hundreds of fog lights, driving lights, off ledparlights and fog lamps. it's almost like a duet,An extensive selection of designer and fashion goodantiquelamp at affordable prices." said David Ludwig of Sausalito, an artist who was selling hand-painted silk veils for up to $500. "It's like dancing with a piece of art."
But before the veils, the sequins, the fringe, there was the belly. Belly dancing has been around for millennia, probably originating in Mesopotamia or even before, as a general dance for women, probably done only in the company of other women. Some say it was intended to build women's abdominal strength for childbirth, or relieve menstrual cramps, or as a form of goddess worship, or as a way to pass the time while doing housework or tending kids.
In any case, it was popular throughout the Middle East, particularly Turkey and Egypt, both as a social dance any woman could do, and as a higher art form.
Then came the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Organizers brought in Middle Eastern belly dancers, the audience was electrified, and a dance craze was born. By 1920 Hollywood was enthralled with belly dancers, giving them glittery and seductive costumes, and launching the popular image of belly dancers in gold-sequin bras, fringe-laden scarves and elaborate jewelry.
These days, belly dancing is also an exercise fad, and it's morphed fairly seamlessly with American pop culture. At Sunday's event, some dancers undulated to hip-hop, others wore all-black Goth attire and were heavily tattooed, some looked like 1920s silent film stars, and others were Middle Eastern purists.
Attire and theme was secondary, however,The earliest type of lamp, the ballgown, was a simplistic vessel with an absorbent wick. to swinging hips. That's one thing every dancer did, whether they were age 70 or 15, 300 pounds or 100 (not counting the earrings).
"It's all body and all soul. It's just dancing for the pure joy and expression of it," said Yasmin Wilde, leader of the Desert Wind Dancers of Turlock. "Plus you get to wear cool jewelry and clothes. What's not to love?"
Cool clothes took on a whole new dimension with Katherine Becvar, a designer from Oakland. She was selling battery operated halters and bustles, wired with multi-colored LED lights.
"It's sort of the belly-dance, Burning Man fusion world I inhabit," she said. "Lighting can make things so much more exciting."
But really, the costume doesn't matter, she said. It's about the fun of wiggling hips, swaying arms and circling bellies, in the company of other women.
"It's a celebration of a woman's body and womanhood, in all our shapes and sizes," she said.
2012年8月5日 星期日
Epson Enters Healthcare Business With Simple “Wear & Measure” Wristwatch
Epson has launched the E200 - a revolutionary, simple-to–use wristwatch-type pulse monitor featuring the company’s advanced sensing technology, as it aims to grow its healthcare device business.
The Epson E200 wrist watch pulse monitor uses an Epson-made sensor that measures one’s pulse rate by contact with the wearer’s wrist while LCD screen indicates the amount of exercise required to achieve a fat-burning heart rate. Currently, the E200 is only sold in Japan. Sales plans for other markets have not been announced.
Ease Of Use
Conventional pulse monitors – including those previously manufactured on an OEM basis by Epson – involve a band sensor wrapped around the finger. However, such finger bands are cumbersome and make it difficult for users to perform work. Epson drew on its 20 years of experience in pulse sensing technology to develop the E200 to answer customer demands for a pulse monitor that did not require a finger band.
How It Works
The E200 takes advantage of the light-absorbing property of the hemoglobin in blood to measure the wearer’s heart rate. The monitor directs a harmless LED into the skin, and then uses light-absorbing elements to measure the amount of light that is not absorbed by the hemoglobin and which is reflected back from inside the body. The device measures the pulse rate according to the difference in the amount of light reflected back to the light-absorbing elements. Users can also download their heat rate information to their computers using a USB docking station.
There were two main challenges associated with measuring pulse rates from the wrist:
The first of these is that there are far fewer blood vessels that can be used for measuring the pulse rate in the wrist compared to the finger. The amount of light that can be detected from the wrist by the light-absorbing elements is only one thirtieth of the amount that can be detected from fingers. To solve this issue, Epson increased the efficiency of the light-absorbing elements and developed a sensor that concentrates these elements on the wrist to ensure a stable pulse signal.
The second challenge was the blood flow “noise” generated when moving the arm while walking. This can make it difficult to measure the pulse rate. Epson therefore built into the pulse monitor an accelerometer capable of measuring the excessive blood flow noise data generated when the arms moved. This data is then automatically removed from the actual data generated by the overall blood flow, making it possible to measure the pulse rate accurately.
Helping More Patients
Epson has developed this new type of pulse monitor by refining its sensing technology and after a lengthy series of user trials. Thanks to these efforts, it is now possible for people to measure their pulse rate simply by attaching the monitor to their wrists. In addition to supporting people looking to lose weight, Epson hopes that the pulse monitor will become a useful tool in the exercise programs of people suffering from cardiac health related illnesses like mild diabetes, or those recovering from heart ailments.
Going forward, Epson aims to contribute to its customers’ healthy lifestyles by leveraging its technologies to create new value-added products in healthcare, sports and medical care.
The Epson E200 wrist watch pulse monitor uses an Epson-made sensor that measures one’s pulse rate by contact with the wearer’s wrist while LCD screen indicates the amount of exercise required to achieve a fat-burning heart rate. Currently, the E200 is only sold in Japan. Sales plans for other markets have not been announced.
Ease Of Use
Conventional pulse monitors – including those previously manufactured on an OEM basis by Epson – involve a band sensor wrapped around the finger. However, such finger bands are cumbersome and make it difficult for users to perform work. Epson drew on its 20 years of experience in pulse sensing technology to develop the E200 to answer customer demands for a pulse monitor that did not require a finger band.
How It Works
The E200 takes advantage of the light-absorbing property of the hemoglobin in blood to measure the wearer’s heart rate. The monitor directs a harmless LED into the skin, and then uses light-absorbing elements to measure the amount of light that is not absorbed by the hemoglobin and which is reflected back from inside the body. The device measures the pulse rate according to the difference in the amount of light reflected back to the light-absorbing elements. Users can also download their heat rate information to their computers using a USB docking station.
There were two main challenges associated with measuring pulse rates from the wrist:
The first of these is that there are far fewer blood vessels that can be used for measuring the pulse rate in the wrist compared to the finger. The amount of light that can be detected from the wrist by the light-absorbing elements is only one thirtieth of the amount that can be detected from fingers. To solve this issue, Epson increased the efficiency of the light-absorbing elements and developed a sensor that concentrates these elements on the wrist to ensure a stable pulse signal.
The second challenge was the blood flow “noise” generated when moving the arm while walking. This can make it difficult to measure the pulse rate. Epson therefore built into the pulse monitor an accelerometer capable of measuring the excessive blood flow noise data generated when the arms moved. This data is then automatically removed from the actual data generated by the overall blood flow, making it possible to measure the pulse rate accurately.
Helping More Patients
Epson has developed this new type of pulse monitor by refining its sensing technology and after a lengthy series of user trials. Thanks to these efforts, it is now possible for people to measure their pulse rate simply by attaching the monitor to their wrists. In addition to supporting people looking to lose weight, Epson hopes that the pulse monitor will become a useful tool in the exercise programs of people suffering from cardiac health related illnesses like mild diabetes, or those recovering from heart ailments.
Going forward, Epson aims to contribute to its customers’ healthy lifestyles by leveraging its technologies to create new value-added products in healthcare, sports and medical care.
2012年7月25日 星期三
Bold proposal to light up museum
It's already one of New Zealand's most photographed buildings and plans are under way to illuminate it at night.
Rotorua district councillors were presented with a new plan to illuminate the Rotorua Museum at a meeting of the council's economic and regulatory services committee on Tuesday.
In his report to councillors Rotorua Museum director Greg McManus said lighting the museum building would attract more people into the Government Gardens at night and add to the overall experience of the area, especially during summer.
"Now, with the completion of the building structure to its original intended specifications, it is an opportune time to revisit the need for the building to be properly lit to enhance it and the surrounding Government Gardens and to provide a dramatic focal point for visitors to the area," he said.
Auckland company LDP Ltd has put together a detailed concept design for the illumination of the entire building that would cost up to $1.8 million. The cost to illuminate just the front facade and roof is about $1 million.
The plan is the brainchild of the Rotorua Museum Centennial Trust and would be fully funded by the trust, at no cost to ratepayers.
The estimated cost to power and maintain the lighting would be in the region of $8000 a year and would be funded from rates.
However, the old fashioned street lights running through the centre of the Government Gardens would need to be removed, along with at least one tree.
The concept is to illuminate the roof and towers of the building along with its windows, facades and the main entrance, with the main path illuminated by ground level lights.
Centennial Trust chairman Lyall Thurston said fundraising would be the major issue in a tough economic climate.
"It really would be the icing on the cake and a major feature of one of New Zealand's most iconic buildings."
Mr Thurston said the trust were aware of the council's plans to upgrade feature and safety lighting in the area and any work would need to be done in consultation with the council.
Witham could be plunged into darkness as thousands of streetlights are set to be turned off to save energy and cash.
Essex County Council is consulting with Witham Town Council and surrounding parish councils about turning off lights between midnight and 5am.
Main roads such as Newland Street and Albert Road where Witham Station is will remain lit as will junctions and roundabouts.
But routes such as Hatfield Road, Collingwood Road, Spa Road, Guithavon Street and Mill Lane are set to have street lights turned off.
An Essex County Council spokesperson said “We operate around 12,000 streetlights across the Braintree district.
“The number of lights which will be switched to part-night will not be determined until after the end of the consultation period.”
The plans are expected to save tens of thousands of pounds per year and cut carbon emissions by 8,000 tonnes annually.
Rotorua district councillors were presented with a new plan to illuminate the Rotorua Museum at a meeting of the council's economic and regulatory services committee on Tuesday.
In his report to councillors Rotorua Museum director Greg McManus said lighting the museum building would attract more people into the Government Gardens at night and add to the overall experience of the area, especially during summer.
"Now, with the completion of the building structure to its original intended specifications, it is an opportune time to revisit the need for the building to be properly lit to enhance it and the surrounding Government Gardens and to provide a dramatic focal point for visitors to the area," he said.
Auckland company LDP Ltd has put together a detailed concept design for the illumination of the entire building that would cost up to $1.8 million. The cost to illuminate just the front facade and roof is about $1 million.
The plan is the brainchild of the Rotorua Museum Centennial Trust and would be fully funded by the trust, at no cost to ratepayers.
The estimated cost to power and maintain the lighting would be in the region of $8000 a year and would be funded from rates.
However, the old fashioned street lights running through the centre of the Government Gardens would need to be removed, along with at least one tree.
The concept is to illuminate the roof and towers of the building along with its windows, facades and the main entrance, with the main path illuminated by ground level lights.
Centennial Trust chairman Lyall Thurston said fundraising would be the major issue in a tough economic climate.
"It really would be the icing on the cake and a major feature of one of New Zealand's most iconic buildings."
Mr Thurston said the trust were aware of the council's plans to upgrade feature and safety lighting in the area and any work would need to be done in consultation with the council.
Witham could be plunged into darkness as thousands of streetlights are set to be turned off to save energy and cash.
Essex County Council is consulting with Witham Town Council and surrounding parish councils about turning off lights between midnight and 5am.
Main roads such as Newland Street and Albert Road where Witham Station is will remain lit as will junctions and roundabouts.
But routes such as Hatfield Road, Collingwood Road, Spa Road, Guithavon Street and Mill Lane are set to have street lights turned off.
An Essex County Council spokesperson said “We operate around 12,000 streetlights across the Braintree district.
“The number of lights which will be switched to part-night will not be determined until after the end of the consultation period.”
The plans are expected to save tens of thousands of pounds per year and cut carbon emissions by 8,000 tonnes annually.
2012年6月5日 星期二
Moving Light to the Front Panel With New Flexible Light Pipe and Panel Mount Indicators From Bivar
To address machine to human communication, in which light is transferred from LED to the human eye to convey a message, Bivar points to its comprehensive family of flexible light pipes and panel mount assemblies. A leading specialty provider of LED indication products, Bivar offers a variety of off-the-shelf and custom solutions to efficiently move light to the front panel in any number of consumer or industrial end-products. Target markets include security, medical, computing, transportation and communication.
Bringing flexibility to designers, Bivar's indication products take into account a number of key considerations including the distance from LED source to panel, size and brightness, type of material best suited to the application, and indoor versus outdoor conditions. To address tough outdoor conditions, Bivar's new series of IP67 rated panel mount assemblies and flexible light pipes are totally protected against dust and immersion up to 1m.
"We take great pride in working with our customers to understand their needs and provide them with fail-safe solutions that are both practical and cost-effective," said Tom Silber, Bivar president and CEO. "From metal to nylon to IP67 rated products that can withstand rugged conditions, our comprehensive family of flexible light pipes and panel mount assemblies can satisfy even the most difficult design challenge and can be used in just about any application."
Bivar's flexible light pipe family makes routing light through crowded or tight spaces easy and efficient. They are suited for a range of applications, including accent and trim lighting for commercial buildings, commercial aircraft and rail cars; panel and cabinet illumination in industrial environments; automotive ambient lighting and contour illumination; wall wash, alcove and back lighting in architectural environments; and signage and advertisement lighting. The flexible light pipes are available in standard nylon, quick mount flexible nylon and IP67 rated metal.
About Bivar Bivar is a leading specialty provider of LED indication products and solutions with a long-standing history of more than 40 years of innovation in the optoelectronics industry. With a global base of customers in 35 countries, Bivar's products are designed to meet the increased demand for point-to-point indication and address a growing range of industrial markets and applications. Bivar's focus is on moving and positioning light. An employee-owned company, Bivar's corporate headquarters are located in Southern Calif., with manufacturing in Calif., China and Taiwan.
The L700, used in conjunction with the Endolume, enables biomedical engineers and technicians to test endoscope components in the service laboratory in place of the OR endoscopic light source for testing light guides and endoscope optical fibers.
"Endoscopic components are used and sterilized frequently, which can impact quality over time," said Mark Waite, Lighthouse Imaging CEO, in the release. "They need to be tested more frequently, in part to avoid wasting time and creating issues during patient procedures. Lighthouse Imaging's new light source complements our line of endoscopic testing equipment, and makes it easy and affordable to test light guides and scope fibers in the lab rather than in the operating room."
Bringing flexibility to designers, Bivar's indication products take into account a number of key considerations including the distance from LED source to panel, size and brightness, type of material best suited to the application, and indoor versus outdoor conditions. To address tough outdoor conditions, Bivar's new series of IP67 rated panel mount assemblies and flexible light pipes are totally protected against dust and immersion up to 1m.
"We take great pride in working with our customers to understand their needs and provide them with fail-safe solutions that are both practical and cost-effective," said Tom Silber, Bivar president and CEO. "From metal to nylon to IP67 rated products that can withstand rugged conditions, our comprehensive family of flexible light pipes and panel mount assemblies can satisfy even the most difficult design challenge and can be used in just about any application."
Bivar's flexible light pipe family makes routing light through crowded or tight spaces easy and efficient. They are suited for a range of applications, including accent and trim lighting for commercial buildings, commercial aircraft and rail cars; panel and cabinet illumination in industrial environments; automotive ambient lighting and contour illumination; wall wash, alcove and back lighting in architectural environments; and signage and advertisement lighting. The flexible light pipes are available in standard nylon, quick mount flexible nylon and IP67 rated metal.
About Bivar Bivar is a leading specialty provider of LED indication products and solutions with a long-standing history of more than 40 years of innovation in the optoelectronics industry. With a global base of customers in 35 countries, Bivar's products are designed to meet the increased demand for point-to-point indication and address a growing range of industrial markets and applications. Bivar's focus is on moving and positioning light. An employee-owned company, Bivar's corporate headquarters are located in Southern Calif., with manufacturing in Calif., China and Taiwan.
The L700, used in conjunction with the Endolume, enables biomedical engineers and technicians to test endoscope components in the service laboratory in place of the OR endoscopic light source for testing light guides and endoscope optical fibers.
"Endoscopic components are used and sterilized frequently, which can impact quality over time," said Mark Waite, Lighthouse Imaging CEO, in the release. "They need to be tested more frequently, in part to avoid wasting time and creating issues during patient procedures. Lighthouse Imaging's new light source complements our line of endoscopic testing equipment, and makes it easy and affordable to test light guides and scope fibers in the lab rather than in the operating room."
2012年2月15日 星期三
Center Parcs
Chris Brooks, Center Parcs Sustainability manager, has one overriding pre-occupation when making any decisions about cutting energy usage and carbon emissions: "It cannot impact on the guests' experience of Center Parcs," he says.
It's a position that seems to have helped rather than hindered environmental progress at the British holiday parks group. The company, which welcomed 1.6 million visitors at its four villages last year, is ranked joint first in the CRC League table.
Brooks credits the 'stick' of the CRC for raising the profile of energy efficiency and sustainability internally at Center Parcs, but he says the group was already some way down the road of sustainability, having achieved the ISO14001 environmental management system some years ago.
Center Parcs has committed to a carbon reduction target of 20 per cent by 2020 from a 2009-10 baseline. Last year, it achieved a 1.9 per cent reduction, but this year it is aiming for a four per cent cut.
"It's about understanding where the low-hanging fruit is," says Brooks about the group's carbon reduction strategy.
To do this, the company rolled out 200 smart meters across all its sites, including its head office, in late 2009. The automated metering has allowed Center Parcs to get a handle on the breakdown of energy use across the villages and, according to Brooks, has been an invaluable tool in the carbon reduction strategy.
The main culprits in terms of energy usage are the parks' swimming pools, so in 2010 the group committed over 1 million at the Whinfell Forest village to replace the boilers for the 'Sub Tropical Swimming Paradise'. This included the installation of four new efficient boilers and a combined heat and power unit.
At another site, the company has invested in LED lighting and automated kitchen extraction controls – producing energy savings of between 10 and 20 per cent. And the company is investing in a new building management system at one of its villages, which it will roll out to all three other villages if it tests well.
The group has 300,000 set aside for each village every year to spend on energy initiatives and Brooks says this linked with its staff engagement programme is reaping rewards.
"Every single person is bonused on the carbon emissions of the company," he explains. "It's helped us develop a competitive instinct between the villages. Everyone thinks about carbon and everyone is rewarded for it."
Center Parcs' biggest challenge now, says Brooks, is continuing to offer its guests new facilities and experiences, whilst reducing the group's carbon footprint. The company is planning a fifth village in Bedfordshire, which will have 800 accommodation units plus a swimming pool. As such the new village is designed to the highest sustainable standards and will include a biomass-powered district heating system and solar panels.
It's a position that seems to have helped rather than hindered environmental progress at the British holiday parks group. The company, which welcomed 1.6 million visitors at its four villages last year, is ranked joint first in the CRC League table.
Brooks credits the 'stick' of the CRC for raising the profile of energy efficiency and sustainability internally at Center Parcs, but he says the group was already some way down the road of sustainability, having achieved the ISO14001 environmental management system some years ago.
Center Parcs has committed to a carbon reduction target of 20 per cent by 2020 from a 2009-10 baseline. Last year, it achieved a 1.9 per cent reduction, but this year it is aiming for a four per cent cut.
"It's about understanding where the low-hanging fruit is," says Brooks about the group's carbon reduction strategy.
To do this, the company rolled out 200 smart meters across all its sites, including its head office, in late 2009. The automated metering has allowed Center Parcs to get a handle on the breakdown of energy use across the villages and, according to Brooks, has been an invaluable tool in the carbon reduction strategy.
The main culprits in terms of energy usage are the parks' swimming pools, so in 2010 the group committed over 1 million at the Whinfell Forest village to replace the boilers for the 'Sub Tropical Swimming Paradise'. This included the installation of four new efficient boilers and a combined heat and power unit.
At another site, the company has invested in LED lighting and automated kitchen extraction controls – producing energy savings of between 10 and 20 per cent. And the company is investing in a new building management system at one of its villages, which it will roll out to all three other villages if it tests well.
The group has 300,000 set aside for each village every year to spend on energy initiatives and Brooks says this linked with its staff engagement programme is reaping rewards.
"Every single person is bonused on the carbon emissions of the company," he explains. "It's helped us develop a competitive instinct between the villages. Everyone thinks about carbon and everyone is rewarded for it."
Center Parcs' biggest challenge now, says Brooks, is continuing to offer its guests new facilities and experiences, whilst reducing the group's carbon footprint. The company is planning a fifth village in Bedfordshire, which will have 800 accommodation units plus a swimming pool. As such the new village is designed to the highest sustainable standards and will include a biomass-powered district heating system and solar panels.
2012年2月1日 星期三
Truth or myth: Vassar's secret tunnel system revealed
Beneath Vassar campus lies a labyrinth of winding tunnels...or so the legends say. The question of the existence of secret tunnels has captivated the imagination and attention of Vassar students long before students were a little too interested in things that were "underground."
The imagined purpose of these tunnels has evolved and changed over the last 80 years from the mystical to the practical and convenient.
In the 1930s, rumor had it that tunnels were used for sinister purposes."We had heard vague stories of catacombs under Main, but we didn't know that there are so many tunnels under the campus that you can travel all over from one hall to another through them," writes a reporter in the 11.05.32 issue of The Miscellany News.
By the 1970s the stories about the tunnels had changed into ones that resemble those that circulate the campus rumor mill today. "They were not built to protect turn-of-the-century Vassar women from the elements," wrote Nancy Frank, explaining a popular myth about the tunnels in 1979. "I've heard that they built the tunnels so that earlier Vassar women didn't have to walk in the snow," said Nathan Hoston '13.
Despite the popularity of the story, other Vassar students were closer to the truth. "I've heard from some people that they were built to move coal from building to building for heating but aren't in use anymore and are now sealed off," said David Gonzales '14.
While abandoned tunnels would undoubtedly provide a delightful haven during the cold Poughkeepsie days, in actuality the tunnels are still in use, but for a purpose that's mutually exclusive with a quick way to make it from Noyes to Sanders classroom.
"There is a network of tunnels between the buildings, but these are only big enough for steam pipes," Special Collections Assistant Dean M. Rogers wrote in an emailed statement. "The steam comes out the Central Heating Plant and it goes through the pipes in the tunnels to all the buildings on the campus proper, so not the athletic facility or to the buildings across the street," explained Manger of Mechanical Services and Building Trader Dave Bishop.
At the height of the use of the Central Heating Plant, 14 miles of tunnels took steam to the building and 20 miles of tunnels took gas to light the campus's buildings. With the addition of new houses and academics buildings, a new coal pocket was added to the plant in 1902 to store additional coal used for heating and the production of gas, with another coal bunker added in 1921.
Notably, in 1912 the use of gas fell out of style for lighting as electricity became the new craze. Lord and Co. was commissioned to build a new powerhouse as a part of the plant, which allowed Vassar to produce its own electricity until 1955 when the Board of Trustees recommended that the College begin buying their electricity from a local producer.
The boiler room is the only part of the plant which still retains its original purpose, with other notable parts being repurposed as the Susan Stein Shiva Theater and the Hallie Flagan Davis Powerhouse Theater.
The imagined purpose of these tunnels has evolved and changed over the last 80 years from the mystical to the practical and convenient.
In the 1930s, rumor had it that tunnels were used for sinister purposes."We had heard vague stories of catacombs under Main, but we didn't know that there are so many tunnels under the campus that you can travel all over from one hall to another through them," writes a reporter in the 11.05.32 issue of The Miscellany News.
By the 1970s the stories about the tunnels had changed into ones that resemble those that circulate the campus rumor mill today. "They were not built to protect turn-of-the-century Vassar women from the elements," wrote Nancy Frank, explaining a popular myth about the tunnels in 1979. "I've heard that they built the tunnels so that earlier Vassar women didn't have to walk in the snow," said Nathan Hoston '13.
Despite the popularity of the story, other Vassar students were closer to the truth. "I've heard from some people that they were built to move coal from building to building for heating but aren't in use anymore and are now sealed off," said David Gonzales '14.
While abandoned tunnels would undoubtedly provide a delightful haven during the cold Poughkeepsie days, in actuality the tunnels are still in use, but for a purpose that's mutually exclusive with a quick way to make it from Noyes to Sanders classroom.
"There is a network of tunnels between the buildings, but these are only big enough for steam pipes," Special Collections Assistant Dean M. Rogers wrote in an emailed statement. "The steam comes out the Central Heating Plant and it goes through the pipes in the tunnels to all the buildings on the campus proper, so not the athletic facility or to the buildings across the street," explained Manger of Mechanical Services and Building Trader Dave Bishop.
At the height of the use of the Central Heating Plant, 14 miles of tunnels took steam to the building and 20 miles of tunnels took gas to light the campus's buildings. With the addition of new houses and academics buildings, a new coal pocket was added to the plant in 1902 to store additional coal used for heating and the production of gas, with another coal bunker added in 1921.
Notably, in 1912 the use of gas fell out of style for lighting as electricity became the new craze. Lord and Co. was commissioned to build a new powerhouse as a part of the plant, which allowed Vassar to produce its own electricity until 1955 when the Board of Trustees recommended that the College begin buying their electricity from a local producer.
The boiler room is the only part of the plant which still retains its original purpose, with other notable parts being repurposed as the Susan Stein Shiva Theater and the Hallie Flagan Davis Powerhouse Theater.
2012年1月30日 星期一
Odyne Systems Delivers Plug-In Hybrid Propulsion Systems
Odyne Systems has delivered seven trucks featuring the Odyne advanced plug-in hybrid propulsion system to utilities and municipalities throughout Wisconsin, and also has delivered the first digger derrick featuring the system to Commonwealth Edison Company, one of the largest utilities in the United States.
Communities and utilities receiving the new technology were partially funded under the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program jointly administered through the Wisconsin State Energy Office and the U.S. Department of Energy Wisconsin Clean Cities Program. The new units are anticipated to deliver fuel efficiency over a conventional truck of up to 50% annually, depending upon the use of the truck.
"The implementation of this technology in the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program has resulted in efforts not only to reduce our nation's dependence on petroleum, but to additionally improve air quality and develop statewide economic opportunities," said Lorrie Lisek, Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities Southeast Area, Inc.
The hybrid digger derrick was funded in part by a $4 million award ComEd received in federal economic stimulus funding to expand its alternative-fuel fleet. ComEd received a $1.5 million grant from the City of Chicago that stems from $15 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding awarded to the city by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under its Clean Cities Grant program.
"Diesel vehicles and equipment are significant contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emission in Chicago. By adopting innovative vehicle technologies, such as ComEd's new hybrid truck, we can improve the health of our residents and save money on fuel costs," the City of Chicago's Chief Sustainability Officer Karen Weigert said.
Odyne's proprietary and patented hybrid technology combines reliable electric power conversion, power control and energy storage technology with Remy advanced electric propulsion motors, modular Johnson Controls lithium-ion battery systems and other robust, automotive quality components.
The Odyne plug-in hybrid drive system reduces fleet operating and maintenance costs, and depending on duty cycle, enables large trucks to obtain significant fuel economy improvements compared to traditional diesel engines. The Odyne advanced hybrid system also lowers emissions and provides a quiet, safe working environment with good work site communication, setting the new benchmark for the hybrid work truck industry.
Milwaukee County took delivery of four work trucks in December 2011 and January 2012 that will be used throughout Milwaukee County to maintain traffic signals and street lighting. Although the county automotive fleet includes hybrids, these are the first hybrid trucks they are putting to work.
Manufactured by DUECO, Inc. the vehicles feature the first Odyne hybrid systems installed on Kenworth truck chassis and are the first to power Venturo corner mount cranes, which will be used in sign maintenance and to lift lighting as the county switches to more efficient LED lighting. The trucks feature fiberglass bodies and Terex TL60 aerial buckets, recognized for their stability.
Communities and utilities receiving the new technology were partially funded under the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program jointly administered through the Wisconsin State Energy Office and the U.S. Department of Energy Wisconsin Clean Cities Program. The new units are anticipated to deliver fuel efficiency over a conventional truck of up to 50% annually, depending upon the use of the truck.
"The implementation of this technology in the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program has resulted in efforts not only to reduce our nation's dependence on petroleum, but to additionally improve air quality and develop statewide economic opportunities," said Lorrie Lisek, Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities Southeast Area, Inc.
The hybrid digger derrick was funded in part by a $4 million award ComEd received in federal economic stimulus funding to expand its alternative-fuel fleet. ComEd received a $1.5 million grant from the City of Chicago that stems from $15 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding awarded to the city by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under its Clean Cities Grant program.
"Diesel vehicles and equipment are significant contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emission in Chicago. By adopting innovative vehicle technologies, such as ComEd's new hybrid truck, we can improve the health of our residents and save money on fuel costs," the City of Chicago's Chief Sustainability Officer Karen Weigert said.
Odyne's proprietary and patented hybrid technology combines reliable electric power conversion, power control and energy storage technology with Remy advanced electric propulsion motors, modular Johnson Controls lithium-ion battery systems and other robust, automotive quality components.
The Odyne plug-in hybrid drive system reduces fleet operating and maintenance costs, and depending on duty cycle, enables large trucks to obtain significant fuel economy improvements compared to traditional diesel engines. The Odyne advanced hybrid system also lowers emissions and provides a quiet, safe working environment with good work site communication, setting the new benchmark for the hybrid work truck industry.
Milwaukee County took delivery of four work trucks in December 2011 and January 2012 that will be used throughout Milwaukee County to maintain traffic signals and street lighting. Although the county automotive fleet includes hybrids, these are the first hybrid trucks they are putting to work.
Manufactured by DUECO, Inc. the vehicles feature the first Odyne hybrid systems installed on Kenworth truck chassis and are the first to power Venturo corner mount cranes, which will be used in sign maintenance and to lift lighting as the county switches to more efficient LED lighting. The trucks feature fiberglass bodies and Terex TL60 aerial buckets, recognized for their stability.
2011年12月21日 星期三
Strides made at second meeting on Melnea Cass Blvd. design
The Boston Transportation Department (BTD) held its second public meeting on the redesign of Melnea Cass Boulevard to create a more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly street while still accommodating car, truck and public transit traffic.
The BTD is the lead agency among a group of city and state agencies involved in the improvement project, to be funded by $600,000 in City of Boston funds and $7.5 million in federal earmarks and state funding. A team of consultants with expertise in transportation engineering, bicycle planning and landscape architecture has been engaged to help with the planning.
The BTD and the outside consultants for the project learned from this mistake, said BTD Senior Transportation Planner Patrick Hoey.
"We've set the reset button tonight, and we're going to get a fresh start," Hoey said. "We did our homework. We're going to put Melnea Cass Boulevard in its historical context this time."
Melnea Cass Boulevard was built in 1981 on one of the bulldozed paths. Running from Tremont Street near Ruggles Station to the Mass Turnpike Connector at Mass. Ave., today the boulevard is widely seen as a highway within the city, with fast-moving traffic and dangerous street crossings.
Now, the city wants to redesign the street with a new "complete streets" approach that emphasizes sustainability and a more pedestrian-centered approach.
After the slide presentation, attendees were divided into small groups — something that was on the agenda in the first meeting, but didn't come to pass — to brainstorm on improvement ideas. In one group, led by Keri Pyke, director of transportation planning at Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates and the Melnea Cass project's lead design consultant, attendees had a variety of suggestions.
"We're going to have to change the lighting," said one participant named Dan, pointing out how forbidding the area feels after dark for pedestrians.
"I appreciate bicycles," said one woman, "but for women with children, bicycle paths are not a priority. I want convenient access to public transit and a well-lit walkway."
State Rep. Byron Rushing, assigned to this group, said a dedicated lane for buses is needed, no matter what else comes into the design.
Group members agreed that traffic needs to be calmed with stoplights or prominent speed limit signs, and that crosswalks need to be improved or shortened.
Pyke asked what group members thought about adding on-street parking. This is a difficult issue, with some people feeling that businesses along the boulevard will depend on convenient parking, while others predicting problems with double-parking.
At the meeting's close, the design team gathered up the flip chart sheets full of ideas. The consultants clearly have their work cut out for them to create a cohesive design plan that melds the larger transit considerations with the public input. Discussions will continue after the holidays, with the next public meeting likely to be in late January or early February.
The BTD is the lead agency among a group of city and state agencies involved in the improvement project, to be funded by $600,000 in City of Boston funds and $7.5 million in federal earmarks and state funding. A team of consultants with expertise in transportation engineering, bicycle planning and landscape architecture has been engaged to help with the planning.
The BTD and the outside consultants for the project learned from this mistake, said BTD Senior Transportation Planner Patrick Hoey.
"We've set the reset button tonight, and we're going to get a fresh start," Hoey said. "We did our homework. We're going to put Melnea Cass Boulevard in its historical context this time."
Melnea Cass Boulevard was built in 1981 on one of the bulldozed paths. Running from Tremont Street near Ruggles Station to the Mass Turnpike Connector at Mass. Ave., today the boulevard is widely seen as a highway within the city, with fast-moving traffic and dangerous street crossings.
Now, the city wants to redesign the street with a new "complete streets" approach that emphasizes sustainability and a more pedestrian-centered approach.
After the slide presentation, attendees were divided into small groups — something that was on the agenda in the first meeting, but didn't come to pass — to brainstorm on improvement ideas. In one group, led by Keri Pyke, director of transportation planning at Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates and the Melnea Cass project's lead design consultant, attendees had a variety of suggestions.
"We're going to have to change the lighting," said one participant named Dan, pointing out how forbidding the area feels after dark for pedestrians.
"I appreciate bicycles," said one woman, "but for women with children, bicycle paths are not a priority. I want convenient access to public transit and a well-lit walkway."
State Rep. Byron Rushing, assigned to this group, said a dedicated lane for buses is needed, no matter what else comes into the design.
Group members agreed that traffic needs to be calmed with stoplights or prominent speed limit signs, and that crosswalks need to be improved or shortened.
Pyke asked what group members thought about adding on-street parking. This is a difficult issue, with some people feeling that businesses along the boulevard will depend on convenient parking, while others predicting problems with double-parking.
At the meeting's close, the design team gathered up the flip chart sheets full of ideas. The consultants clearly have their work cut out for them to create a cohesive design plan that melds the larger transit considerations with the public input. Discussions will continue after the holidays, with the next public meeting likely to be in late January or early February.
2011年12月12日 星期一
Daily Online News
Lighting and visuals rental company HSL supplied lighting equipment, LED video screens and crew to the recent UK leg of the Chase & Status No More Idols tour, where Neil Carson's high energy lighting was much appreciated.
Carson has worked for Chase & Status for the last two years. The band shares the same management team as Pendulum, another artist to whom HSL provides lighting.
However, this is the first time Carson has used HSL to supply both lighting and video - a process likely to happen increasing frequently following a recent major investment in Martin EC10 and EC20 LED screen product. "It makes things very straightforward dealing with one source for all these elements," says Carson.
The Chase & Status project was managed for HSL by Mike Oates, who says: "We always enjoy working with Neil. He has great imagination and flare and the Chase & Status show is exciting, atmospheric and a great fusion of lighting and video."
Carson designed the screen architecture - based on a central upstage block of EC10 in the middle, about 6m wide and 2.5 deep - flanked by three columns of EC20 at 5m, 4m and 3m high respectively, which added real depth and three-dimensionality to the stage. The modular design allowed it to be easily - and practically - reduced to fit into smaller venues, whilst ensuring aesthetic continuity.
Their video content is created by The Light Surgeons. In addition to animations and raw, edgy ambient sequences, on this leg of the tour it featured special footage of all the Chase & Status vocalists, who appeared onscreen for their songs - and sometimes onstage for real.
If you're wondering how much this has cost them, the McManus' said they've saved on electricity by switching to LED lights.
"We didn't have to replace a lot of lights because they last longer and use less energy," Pennington said.
The family said they try to be courteous to neighbors my making sure the display doesn't twinkle all night.
Playback was stored on an AI media server, triggered by timecode from the band at the start of the track. Carson could tweak parameters like the screen intensity from his Chamsys MagicQ 100 lighting desk to match the space and the variable daily configuration of the lighting rig.
HSL supplied 24 Clay Paky Sharpies - also a new addition to their hire stock. They were joined by 24 GLP Impression Zooms, which, like the Sharpies, were dotted all over the towers. They are among Carson's current favourite LED washes and were joined by 18 x 2-cell moles and 12 Atomic strobes.
On the deck were six Martin MAC 3K profiles, strung out along the back wall, used for powerful back lighting effects and highly effective silhouetting of the band. On boom stands upstage of the band were six i-Pix BB4 LED wash lights, six 2-cell Moles and six Atomic strobes.
Carson has worked for Chase & Status for the last two years. The band shares the same management team as Pendulum, another artist to whom HSL provides lighting.
However, this is the first time Carson has used HSL to supply both lighting and video - a process likely to happen increasing frequently following a recent major investment in Martin EC10 and EC20 LED screen product. "It makes things very straightforward dealing with one source for all these elements," says Carson.
The Chase & Status project was managed for HSL by Mike Oates, who says: "We always enjoy working with Neil. He has great imagination and flare and the Chase & Status show is exciting, atmospheric and a great fusion of lighting and video."
Carson designed the screen architecture - based on a central upstage block of EC10 in the middle, about 6m wide and 2.5 deep - flanked by three columns of EC20 at 5m, 4m and 3m high respectively, which added real depth and three-dimensionality to the stage. The modular design allowed it to be easily - and practically - reduced to fit into smaller venues, whilst ensuring aesthetic continuity.
Their video content is created by The Light Surgeons. In addition to animations and raw, edgy ambient sequences, on this leg of the tour it featured special footage of all the Chase & Status vocalists, who appeared onscreen for their songs - and sometimes onstage for real.
If you're wondering how much this has cost them, the McManus' said they've saved on electricity by switching to LED lights.
"We didn't have to replace a lot of lights because they last longer and use less energy," Pennington said.
The family said they try to be courteous to neighbors my making sure the display doesn't twinkle all night.
Playback was stored on an AI media server, triggered by timecode from the band at the start of the track. Carson could tweak parameters like the screen intensity from his Chamsys MagicQ 100 lighting desk to match the space and the variable daily configuration of the lighting rig.
HSL supplied 24 Clay Paky Sharpies - also a new addition to their hire stock. They were joined by 24 GLP Impression Zooms, which, like the Sharpies, were dotted all over the towers. They are among Carson's current favourite LED washes and were joined by 18 x 2-cell moles and 12 Atomic strobes.
On the deck were six Martin MAC 3K profiles, strung out along the back wall, used for powerful back lighting effects and highly effective silhouetting of the band. On boom stands upstage of the band were six i-Pix BB4 LED wash lights, six 2-cell Moles and six Atomic strobes.
2011年10月30日 星期日
Caveat Emptor - The power of consumption
The need for efficient use of energy assumes tremendous significance today as the demand for energy increases. But, addressing the demand by merely increasing generation would mean increase in emission of green house gases, thus augmenting global warming.
It is therefore imperative to use energy-efficient alternative wherever possible and consume electricity in a sustained manner. This would facilitate uninterrupted and qualitative power supply for us and the coming generation.
A few simple deeds in our day-to-day life can contribute a lot towards energy conservation. For instance, promptly switching off lights and fans when the occupants leave the room, using star-rated appliances certified by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), using air-conditioners only when absolutely necessary, remembering to keep doors to air-conditioned rooms closed, cleaning the filter frequently, using compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) that consume less electricity than the ordinary bulbs, ensuring adequate air circulation inside and outside the refrigerator, reducing the amount of time the refrigerator door remains open, allowing hot foods to cool before putting them inside the refrigerator, ensuring that the refrigerator's rubber door seals are clean and tight… will help consume less energy.
The primary objective of BEE is to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy. Today, only limited electrical appliances are certified by BEE and available in the market. Of these, only four items are required to ensure quality compliance and carry the BEE label while the rest come under the tag “voluntary label”. Besides this, there are many number of products in the market that do not meet any standards. These not only consume more power but also pose a threat to consumers' safety. Therefore, it is important that all electrical appliances are subject to quality tests and certified by BEE before being brought to the market. Until then, the manufacturers should not be given the option of voluntary labelling, as this results in increase in the prices of energy-efficient appliances.
Moreover, as numerous products are sold at even half the price of standardised devices, it is essential for the government to incentivise energy-efficient, BEE-labelled appliances sold in the market, to encourage the public. Creating awareness through media is also the need of the hour.
We have submitted our recommendations to the BEE in this regard, and are confident that action would be initiated at the earliest.
Meanwhile, it is vital for us to realise that energy saving is a national cause and put in efforts to make our country energy-efficient.
It is therefore imperative to use energy-efficient alternative wherever possible and consume electricity in a sustained manner. This would facilitate uninterrupted and qualitative power supply for us and the coming generation.
A few simple deeds in our day-to-day life can contribute a lot towards energy conservation. For instance, promptly switching off lights and fans when the occupants leave the room, using star-rated appliances certified by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), using air-conditioners only when absolutely necessary, remembering to keep doors to air-conditioned rooms closed, cleaning the filter frequently, using compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) that consume less electricity than the ordinary bulbs, ensuring adequate air circulation inside and outside the refrigerator, reducing the amount of time the refrigerator door remains open, allowing hot foods to cool before putting them inside the refrigerator, ensuring that the refrigerator's rubber door seals are clean and tight… will help consume less energy.
The primary objective of BEE is to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy. Today, only limited electrical appliances are certified by BEE and available in the market. Of these, only four items are required to ensure quality compliance and carry the BEE label while the rest come under the tag “voluntary label”. Besides this, there are many number of products in the market that do not meet any standards. These not only consume more power but also pose a threat to consumers' safety. Therefore, it is important that all electrical appliances are subject to quality tests and certified by BEE before being brought to the market. Until then, the manufacturers should not be given the option of voluntary labelling, as this results in increase in the prices of energy-efficient appliances.
Moreover, as numerous products are sold at even half the price of standardised devices, it is essential for the government to incentivise energy-efficient, BEE-labelled appliances sold in the market, to encourage the public. Creating awareness through media is also the need of the hour.
We have submitted our recommendations to the BEE in this regard, and are confident that action would be initiated at the earliest.
Meanwhile, it is vital for us to realise that energy saving is a national cause and put in efforts to make our country energy-efficient.
2011年8月29日 星期一
Hike brings out the best in Countryside third-grader
One student, 8-year-old Conrad French, raised the bar of courage and leadership this summer with his discipline and determination.
Each year, the school takes a group of campers to Gatlinburg, Tenn., for its Camp Free Spirit. There, campers learn about the core values of Countryside, such as respect, honesty, caring, environmental awareness and sportsmanship.
The trip features whitewater rafting and storytelling and is capped off by a challenging hike to a waterfall.
"It is a good 4 miles in and 4 miles back," said Mustang athletic director Nick Nichols. "The first 2 miles are pretty flat, but the next mile is a steep incline. If that third mile is steep, the last mile is straight up. You are literally hanging onto trees to pull yourself up. It is grueling and demanding."
Nichols said it is so demanding, if it has recently rained, they do not even attempt the hike.
Conrad, a rising third-grader, was attending his fourth Countryside camp this summer. He has a rare birth defect, skeletal dysplasia, a bone condition in which bones and some connective tissues abnormally develop.
His father, Michael French, said they have seen doctors from Tokyo to Berlin. There is no known cure.
Because of the disorder, Conrad's left arm won't fully extend, and his foot sticks out to one side, but otherwise he is an active third-grader. He plays on an in-house basketball team at Countryside, skateboards, rides his bike, is a scout archery member and does not use his condition as an excuse for anything.
"Everything for Conrad is a challenge," said Michael French. "The thing with my son is that he has more determination in his pinkie finger than the average NFL player has in their whole body. He gives 1,000 percent effort in everything that he does."
Each year, the school takes a group of campers to Gatlinburg, Tenn., for its Camp Free Spirit. There, campers learn about the core values of Countryside, such as respect, honesty, caring, environmental awareness and sportsmanship.
The trip features whitewater rafting and storytelling and is capped off by a challenging hike to a waterfall.
"It is a good 4 miles in and 4 miles back," said Mustang athletic director Nick Nichols. "The first 2 miles are pretty flat, but the next mile is a steep incline. If that third mile is steep, the last mile is straight up. You are literally hanging onto trees to pull yourself up. It is grueling and demanding."
Nichols said it is so demanding, if it has recently rained, they do not even attempt the hike.
Conrad, a rising third-grader, was attending his fourth Countryside camp this summer. He has a rare birth defect, skeletal dysplasia, a bone condition in which bones and some connective tissues abnormally develop.
His father, Michael French, said they have seen doctors from Tokyo to Berlin. There is no known cure.
Because of the disorder, Conrad's left arm won't fully extend, and his foot sticks out to one side, but otherwise he is an active third-grader. He plays on an in-house basketball team at Countryside, skateboards, rides his bike, is a scout archery member and does not use his condition as an excuse for anything.
"Everything for Conrad is a challenge," said Michael French. "The thing with my son is that he has more determination in his pinkie finger than the average NFL player has in their whole body. He gives 1,000 percent effort in everything that he does."
2011年4月18日 星期一
Releases Eco-Friendly LED Lights
a DisplayShops specialty website, has just released a new line of LED trade show lights that comply with the North American “Go Green” initiative. The LED lights, sold in bundles of two, use five watts of power each. This number is considerably lower than the amount of energy conventional LED light bulbs use.
“The set of LED lights burn more slowly than incandescent, halogen, or even our competitors LED lights,” states Sandra Reno, the New Product Advertiser for AllBannerStands.com. “The result is a system that is not only in compliance with the “Go Green” low voltage standards, but also safer technology. These LED lights run cooler, which helps prevent against fires.”
The set of LED lights are designed primarily for spotlighting advertisements and other displays. Each light is attached to a 20” long rod. These rods have clamps at the end for attaching to the top of a trade show poster or banner. There is a 20 foot long cord included with each model for convenient plugging into an electrical outlet. Although designed for Waveline graphic walls, these LED lights can attach to most poster frames and table tops.
“Even though these lighting systems use only five watts of energy, they are designed to be as effective as any other LED light,” adds Reno. “The lights are designed to cover 10 foot posters with a substantial amount of light.”
“The set of LED lights burn more slowly than incandescent, halogen, or even our competitors LED lights,” states Sandra Reno, the New Product Advertiser for AllBannerStands.com. “The result is a system that is not only in compliance with the “Go Green” low voltage standards, but also safer technology. These LED lights run cooler, which helps prevent against fires.”
The set of LED lights are designed primarily for spotlighting advertisements and other displays. Each light is attached to a 20” long rod. These rods have clamps at the end for attaching to the top of a trade show poster or banner. There is a 20 foot long cord included with each model for convenient plugging into an electrical outlet. Although designed for Waveline graphic walls, these LED lights can attach to most poster frames and table tops.
“Even though these lighting systems use only five watts of energy, they are designed to be as effective as any other LED light,” adds Reno. “The lights are designed to cover 10 foot posters with a substantial amount of light.”
Ruud Lighting expanding Racine facility by 220,000 square feet
Ruud Lighting expanding Racine facility by 220,000 square feet
Racine-based Ruud Lighting has started work on a 220,000 square foot addition to its approximate 500,000 square foot headquarters and production facility. The project, expected to be completed later this year, will be used for the company’s distribution center.
The space that is now used for distribution will be converted for expanded production, said Christopher Ruud, president.
The company is expanding because of the increasing demand for its commercial and industrial lighting products, especially its BetaLED line of LED lights. In 2010, Ruud Lighting had record sales levels, which it anticipates continuing this year, largely because of the continued demand for LED products.
“When we’re adding assembly lines, it’s on the LED front,” Ruud said.
Some of BetaLED’s most prominent selling products have been its street light fixtures, which are in place in Los Angeles, Boston, Anchorage, Alaska, and several other communities in California. The city of Ouray, Colo., has converted all of its street lights to the company’s LED fixtures.
“We have the most installed LED street lights in the U.S. (of any manufacturer),” Ruud said.
Racine-based Ruud Lighting has started work on a 220,000 square foot addition to its approximate 500,000 square foot headquarters and production facility. The project, expected to be completed later this year, will be used for the company’s distribution center.
The space that is now used for distribution will be converted for expanded production, said Christopher Ruud, president.
The company is expanding because of the increasing demand for its commercial and industrial lighting products, especially its BetaLED line of LED lights. In 2010, Ruud Lighting had record sales levels, which it anticipates continuing this year, largely because of the continued demand for LED products.
“When we’re adding assembly lines, it’s on the LED front,” Ruud said.
Some of BetaLED’s most prominent selling products have been its street light fixtures, which are in place in Los Angeles, Boston, Anchorage, Alaska, and several other communities in California. The city of Ouray, Colo., has converted all of its street lights to the company’s LED fixtures.
“We have the most installed LED street lights in the U.S. (of any manufacturer),” Ruud said.
2011年4月14日 星期四
Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting 2011
Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting 2011
IntertechPira is pleased to announce the dates for the 1st installment of Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting. The launch of this visionary event will take place November 30-December 2, 2011 at the Washington Marriott in Washington, DC . Chaired by Kathryn Conway from LED Consulting and Dr. Makarand Chipalkatti from OSRAM Sylvania, Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting 2011 will provide an intersection for big-picture "system thinkers" in the information and lighting industries to brainstorm and learn how really maximize the opportunities that solid state lighting (SSL) technology offers.
"Lighting touches so many different parts of design. We're just beginning to integrate new and existing technologies with all of the other components of a lighting ecosystem," said Dr. Chipalkatti.
"We envision Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting 2011 as a launch point for companies, government, clean energy advocates and others to collaborate. Together we can plan how to link SSL to smart electrical grids, advanced transport systems, social networking, surveillance and security, industrial efficiency, and other forward-thinking initiatives," added Kathryn M.Conway. "For this conference, we agree that it's time to get past simply replacing old light bulbs!"
Through approximately 18 expert presentations assessing market trends, technical development and application related advances, Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting 2011 will provide a new understanding of the diverse systems, their components and developing framework to achieve interoperability of devices and systems for SSL. The target audience includes advanced materials and systems manufacturers; computer systems, utilities, and information providers & facilitators; investors; architects and lighting designers, as well as policy-makers and government agencies and academics.
The conference will include one day of pre-conference seminars and workshops to allow for more in-depth coverage of issues and additional networking opportunities. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available.
IntertechPira is pleased to announce the dates for the 1st installment of Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting. The launch of this visionary event will take place November 30-December 2, 2011 at the Washington Marriott in Washington, DC . Chaired by Kathryn Conway from LED Consulting and Dr. Makarand Chipalkatti from OSRAM Sylvania, Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting 2011 will provide an intersection for big-picture "system thinkers" in the information and lighting industries to brainstorm and learn how really maximize the opportunities that solid state lighting (SSL) technology offers.
"Lighting touches so many different parts of design. We're just beginning to integrate new and existing technologies with all of the other components of a lighting ecosystem," said Dr. Chipalkatti.
"We envision Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting 2011 as a launch point for companies, government, clean energy advocates and others to collaborate. Together we can plan how to link SSL to smart electrical grids, advanced transport systems, social networking, surveillance and security, industrial efficiency, and other forward-thinking initiatives," added Kathryn M.Conway. "For this conference, we agree that it's time to get past simply replacing old light bulbs!"
Through approximately 18 expert presentations assessing market trends, technical development and application related advances, Ecosystems for Solid State Lighting 2011 will provide a new understanding of the diverse systems, their components and developing framework to achieve interoperability of devices and systems for SSL. The target audience includes advanced materials and systems manufacturers; computer systems, utilities, and information providers & facilitators; investors; architects and lighting designers, as well as policy-makers and government agencies and academics.
The conference will include one day of pre-conference seminars and workshops to allow for more in-depth coverage of issues and additional networking opportunities. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available.
2011年4月11日 星期一
A Sunless, Rainless Room Indoors
A Sunless, Rainless Room Indoors
Farming is moving indoors, where the sun never shines, where rainfall is irrelevant and where the climate is always right.
The perfect crop field could be inside a windowless building with meticulously controlled light, temperature, humidity, air quality and nutrition. It could be in a New York high-rise, a Siberian bunker, or a sprawling complex in the Saudi desert.
Advocates say this, or something like it, may be an answer to the world's food problems.
"In order to keep a planet that's worth living on, we have to change our methods," says Gertjan Meeuws, of PlantLab, a private research company.
The world already is having trouble feeding itself. Half the people on Earth live in cities, and nearly half of those — about 3 billion — are hungry or malnourished. Food prices, currently soaring, are buffeted by droughts, floods and the cost of energy required to plant, fertilize, harvest and transport it.
And prices will only get more unstable. Climate change makes long-term crop planning uncertain. Farmers in many parts of the world already are draining available water resources to the last drop. And the world is getting more crowded: by mid-century, the global population will grow from 6.8 billion to 9 billion, the U.N. predicts.
To feed so many people may require expanding farmland at the expense of forests and wilderness, or finding ways to radically increase crop yields.
Meeuws and three other Dutch bioengineers have taken the concept of a greenhouse a step further, growing vegetables, herbs and house plants in enclosed and regulated environments where even natural light is excluded.
In their research station, strawberries, yellow peppers, basil and banana plants take on an eerie pink glow under red and blue bulbs of Light-Emitting Diodes, or LEDs. Water trickles into the pans when needed and all excess is recycled, and the temperature is kept constant. Lights go on and off, simulating day and night, but according to the rhythm of the plant — which may be better at shorter cycles than 24 hours — rather than the rotation of the Earth.
In a larger "climate chamber" a few miles away, a nursery is nurturing cuttings of fittonia, a colorful house plant, in two layers of 70 square meters (750 sq. feet) each. Blasts of mist keep the room humid, and the temperature is similar to the plants' native South America. After the cuttings take root — the most sensitive stage in the growing process — they are wheeled into a greenhouse and the chamber is again used for rooting. The process cuts the required time to grow a mature plant to six weeks from 12 or more.
The Dutch researchers say they plan to build a commercial-sized building in the Netherlands of 1,300 square meters (14,000 sq. feet), with four separate levels of vegetation by the end of this year. After that, they envision growing vegetables next to shopping malls, supermarkets or other food retailers.
Meeuws says a building of 100 sq meters (1,075 sq. feet) and 14 layers of plants could provide a daily diet of 200 grams (7 ounces) of fresh fruit and vegetables to the entire population of Den Bosch, about 140,000 people. Their idea is not to grow foods that require much space, like corn or potatoes. "We are looking at the top of the pyramid where we have high value and low volume," he said.
Sunlight is not only unnecessary but can be harmful, says Meeuws. Plants need only specific wavelengths of light to grow, but in nature they must adapt to the full range of light as a matter of survival. When light and other natural elements are manipulated, the plants become more efficient, using less energy to grow.
"Nature is good, but too much nature is killing," said Meeuws, standing in a steaming cubicle amid racks of what he called "happy plants."
For more than a decade the four researchers have been tinkering with combinations of light, soil and temperature on a variety of plants, and now say their growth rate is three times faster than under greenhouse conditions. They use no pesticides, and about 90 percent less water than outdoors agriculture. While LED bulbs are expensive, the cost is steadily dropping.
Olaf van Kooten, a professor of horticulture at Wageningen University who has observed the project but has no stake in it, says a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of tomatoes grown in Israeli fields needs 60 liters (16 gallons) of water, while those grown in a Dutch greenhouse require one-quarter of that. "With this system it is possible in principle to produce a kilo of tomatoes with a little over one liter of water," he said.
The notion of multistory greenhouses has been around for a while. Dickson Despommier, a retired Columbia University professor of environmental health and author of the 2010 book "The Vertical Farm," began working on indoor farming as a classroom project in 1999, and the idea has spread to several startup projects across the U.S.
"Over the last five year urban farming has really gained traction," Despommier said in a telephone interview.
Despommier argues that city farming means producing food near the consumer, eliminating the need to transport it long distances at great costs of fuel and spoilage and with little dependency on the immediate climate.
The science behind LED lighting in agriculture "is quite rigorous and well known," he said, and the costs are dropping dramatically. The next development, organic light-emitting diodes or OLEDs, which can be packed onto thin film and wrapped around a plant, will be even more efficiently tuned to its needs.
One of the more dramatic applications of plant-growing chambers under LED lights was by NASA, which installed them in the space Shuttle and the space station Mir in the 1990s as part of its experiment with microgravity.
"This system is a first clear step that has to grow," Van Kooten says, but more research is needed and people need to get used to the idea of sunless, landless agriculture.
"But it's clear to me a system like this is necessary."
Farming is moving indoors, where the sun never shines, where rainfall is irrelevant and where the climate is always right.
The perfect crop field could be inside a windowless building with meticulously controlled light, temperature, humidity, air quality and nutrition. It could be in a New York high-rise, a Siberian bunker, or a sprawling complex in the Saudi desert.
Advocates say this, or something like it, may be an answer to the world's food problems.
"In order to keep a planet that's worth living on, we have to change our methods," says Gertjan Meeuws, of PlantLab, a private research company.
The world already is having trouble feeding itself. Half the people on Earth live in cities, and nearly half of those — about 3 billion — are hungry or malnourished. Food prices, currently soaring, are buffeted by droughts, floods and the cost of energy required to plant, fertilize, harvest and transport it.
And prices will only get more unstable. Climate change makes long-term crop planning uncertain. Farmers in many parts of the world already are draining available water resources to the last drop. And the world is getting more crowded: by mid-century, the global population will grow from 6.8 billion to 9 billion, the U.N. predicts.
To feed so many people may require expanding farmland at the expense of forests and wilderness, or finding ways to radically increase crop yields.
Meeuws and three other Dutch bioengineers have taken the concept of a greenhouse a step further, growing vegetables, herbs and house plants in enclosed and regulated environments where even natural light is excluded.
In their research station, strawberries, yellow peppers, basil and banana plants take on an eerie pink glow under red and blue bulbs of Light-Emitting Diodes, or LEDs. Water trickles into the pans when needed and all excess is recycled, and the temperature is kept constant. Lights go on and off, simulating day and night, but according to the rhythm of the plant — which may be better at shorter cycles than 24 hours — rather than the rotation of the Earth.
In a larger "climate chamber" a few miles away, a nursery is nurturing cuttings of fittonia, a colorful house plant, in two layers of 70 square meters (750 sq. feet) each. Blasts of mist keep the room humid, and the temperature is similar to the plants' native South America. After the cuttings take root — the most sensitive stage in the growing process — they are wheeled into a greenhouse and the chamber is again used for rooting. The process cuts the required time to grow a mature plant to six weeks from 12 or more.
The Dutch researchers say they plan to build a commercial-sized building in the Netherlands of 1,300 square meters (14,000 sq. feet), with four separate levels of vegetation by the end of this year. After that, they envision growing vegetables next to shopping malls, supermarkets or other food retailers.
Meeuws says a building of 100 sq meters (1,075 sq. feet) and 14 layers of plants could provide a daily diet of 200 grams (7 ounces) of fresh fruit and vegetables to the entire population of Den Bosch, about 140,000 people. Their idea is not to grow foods that require much space, like corn or potatoes. "We are looking at the top of the pyramid where we have high value and low volume," he said.
Sunlight is not only unnecessary but can be harmful, says Meeuws. Plants need only specific wavelengths of light to grow, but in nature they must adapt to the full range of light as a matter of survival. When light and other natural elements are manipulated, the plants become more efficient, using less energy to grow.
"Nature is good, but too much nature is killing," said Meeuws, standing in a steaming cubicle amid racks of what he called "happy plants."
For more than a decade the four researchers have been tinkering with combinations of light, soil and temperature on a variety of plants, and now say their growth rate is three times faster than under greenhouse conditions. They use no pesticides, and about 90 percent less water than outdoors agriculture. While LED bulbs are expensive, the cost is steadily dropping.
Olaf van Kooten, a professor of horticulture at Wageningen University who has observed the project but has no stake in it, says a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of tomatoes grown in Israeli fields needs 60 liters (16 gallons) of water, while those grown in a Dutch greenhouse require one-quarter of that. "With this system it is possible in principle to produce a kilo of tomatoes with a little over one liter of water," he said.
The notion of multistory greenhouses has been around for a while. Dickson Despommier, a retired Columbia University professor of environmental health and author of the 2010 book "The Vertical Farm," began working on indoor farming as a classroom project in 1999, and the idea has spread to several startup projects across the U.S.
"Over the last five year urban farming has really gained traction," Despommier said in a telephone interview.
Despommier argues that city farming means producing food near the consumer, eliminating the need to transport it long distances at great costs of fuel and spoilage and with little dependency on the immediate climate.
The science behind LED lighting in agriculture "is quite rigorous and well known," he said, and the costs are dropping dramatically. The next development, organic light-emitting diodes or OLEDs, which can be packed onto thin film and wrapped around a plant, will be even more efficiently tuned to its needs.
One of the more dramatic applications of plant-growing chambers under LED lights was by NASA, which installed them in the space Shuttle and the space station Mir in the 1990s as part of its experiment with microgravity.
"This system is a first clear step that has to grow," Van Kooten says, but more research is needed and people need to get used to the idea of sunless, landless agriculture.
"But it's clear to me a system like this is necessary."
2011年4月1日 星期五
Growing LED Sector Dragged Down by Industry Leaders
The light-emitting diode (LED) market has grown in recent years due to the rise in sales of consumer electronics products such as mobile phones and television screens. In addition LEDs are on the verge of overtaking both incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs in terms of use as governments, businesses and consumers seek to curb emissions. The rise in LED popularity has led to an overcrowded industry and a sudden surge in government-backed Chinese LED makers has eaten into the market shares held by the likes of Cree and Veeco Instruments. The Bedford Report examines the outlook for companies in the semiconductor equipment and materials industry and provides research reports on Cree, Inc.
Last week, LED heavyweight Cree pulled itself and many other notable names in the industry down after it warned that revenue for its fiscal third quarter will be well short of previous forecasts. "It has taken longer to work through customer inventories than previously anticipated and pricing was lower than the company had previously forecast," Cree said. Cree claims that LED component demand has improved post the Chinese New Year, but that revenue is below previous targets.
Reflecting on the industry in general, Cree CEO Chuck Swoboda believes the huge increase in chip production to service LED backlighting applications in recent years has put pressure on the rest of the market. Weak demand in backlighting has meant that lots of spare LED chips are now available for other applications.
Last week, LED heavyweight Cree pulled itself and many other notable names in the industry down after it warned that revenue for its fiscal third quarter will be well short of previous forecasts. "It has taken longer to work through customer inventories than previously anticipated and pricing was lower than the company had previously forecast," Cree said. Cree claims that LED component demand has improved post the Chinese New Year, but that revenue is below previous targets.
Reflecting on the industry in general, Cree CEO Chuck Swoboda believes the huge increase in chip production to service LED backlighting applications in recent years has put pressure on the rest of the market. Weak demand in backlighting has meant that lots of spare LED chips are now available for other applications.
2011年3月30日 星期三
Finelite Introduces New Energy-Efficient LED Desk Lamp – Reach by Finelite
Finelite announces the second in a series of energy-efficient LED desk lamps – the Reach. The ENERGY STAR® qualified desk lamp is available now for anyone who wants more light for less cost.
Following in the footprints of first-generation lamp Curve, Reach offers the same award-winning technology but with an added twist – an adjustable arm lets you fine-tune your light with ease. Anyone with a workspace – commercial or residential - will love the flexibility to light your entire task area with a single desk lamp.
Efficient energy in a sleek design.
Like light bulbs, LEDs generate heat. Reach solves this thermal management problem with internal heat transfer pads and a head designed to radiate heat away from vital internal components, so you get enhanced light output and a long-term product life.
Plus, there are two stylish head designs to choose from: Viper has a triangular geometric shape, while Velo offers you a smooth, curved look. Whatever you choose, your Reach lamp will make a contemporary statement in any office.
Following in the footprints of first-generation lamp Curve, Reach offers the same award-winning technology but with an added twist – an adjustable arm lets you fine-tune your light with ease. Anyone with a workspace – commercial or residential - will love the flexibility to light your entire task area with a single desk lamp.
Efficient energy in a sleek design.
Like light bulbs, LEDs generate heat. Reach solves this thermal management problem with internal heat transfer pads and a head designed to radiate heat away from vital internal components, so you get enhanced light output and a long-term product life.
Plus, there are two stylish head designs to choose from: Viper has a triangular geometric shape, while Velo offers you a smooth, curved look. Whatever you choose, your Reach lamp will make a contemporary statement in any office.
2011年3月27日 星期日
Vermont towns turning to LED lights
LED lights, those darlings of environmentalists and the budget conscious, are hitting the streets.
The light-emitting diodes, which can use as much as 70 percent less energy as traditional lights, have been turning up regularly in car headlights, traffic signals, aviation lights and increasingly in home interior lighting.
GU10 LED Light bulbs
Now they're taking over street lighting in Vermont.
Waterbury is installing several dozen along Main and Stowe streets. They're in Winooski's city parking garage. A few have gone up in Burlington, and the city is toying with the idea of making LED streetlights far more widespread. Colchester has a Town Meeting Day ballot item that, if approved, would mean LED streetlights along all town roads.
Environmentalists love LED lights. They use so much less energy than traditional bulbs that their increased use could delay or even eliminate the need to build more electrical power plants, environmental experts and activists say. Many such plants spew carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which scientists agree would hasten and worsen global warming.
Budget cutters embrace LED, too. The more than five dozen LED street lights are expected to save Waterbury about $3,000 year, said Waterbury Community Planner Steve Lotspeich. Colchester, too, would see savings from the LED lights and take advantage of a grant to pay for the cost of installing the new lights, said Colchester Public Works Director Bryan Osborne.
The light-emitting diodes, which can use as much as 70 percent less energy as traditional lights, have been turning up regularly in car headlights, traffic signals, aviation lights and increasingly in home interior lighting.
GU10 LED Light bulbs
Now they're taking over street lighting in Vermont.
Waterbury is installing several dozen along Main and Stowe streets. They're in Winooski's city parking garage. A few have gone up in Burlington, and the city is toying with the idea of making LED streetlights far more widespread. Colchester has a Town Meeting Day ballot item that, if approved, would mean LED streetlights along all town roads.
Environmentalists love LED lights. They use so much less energy than traditional bulbs that their increased use could delay or even eliminate the need to build more electrical power plants, environmental experts and activists say. Many such plants spew carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which scientists agree would hasten and worsen global warming.
Budget cutters embrace LED, too. The more than five dozen LED street lights are expected to save Waterbury about $3,000 year, said Waterbury Community Planner Steve Lotspeich. Colchester, too, would see savings from the LED lights and take advantage of a grant to pay for the cost of installing the new lights, said Colchester Public Works Director Bryan Osborne.
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