Developed by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), this calculator provides consumer information on the energy, cost and environmental savings potential of residential solar hot water systems in Florida. The calculations and assumptions were modeled on the solar system calculator tool (SHW-calculator_simple.xls, 204k) available for Microsoft Excel and developed by FSEC's Deputy Director, Philip Fairey. To use the calculator, answer basic questions and decide if you would like to change an... Read Full Story
The new book, Time to Eat the Dog: The real guide to sustainable living, compares the ecological footprints of popular pets with those of various other lifestyle choices - and our pets do not fare well. We predict that the book, from authors Robert and Brenda Vale, two architects who specialize in sustainable living at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, will not become a best seller in the US.The book, (and there is all that pesky conversion as the calculations are done in ... Read Full Story
The Florida State Beekeepers Association is hosting a "Day in the Bee Yard" at the Green Industries Institute Monticello on November 7 from 8:30AM to 3:30PM. More information at Green Calendar.This event is an opportunity to learn about honeybees and the basics of beekeeping. Apairy inspectors and master beekeepers will be on hand to answer questions. Interest in beekeeping is at an all time high, learning to help the honeybee population that is now in crisis. Beekeeping suppliers wi... Read Full Story
In September 2006, Green Tallahassee published its first posts on a biodeisel speed boat and carbon emissions. Over the past three years, have things significantly changed in Tallahassee to reduce the impact of climate change?The green energy certificates no longer exist, but the City of Tallahassee utilities has committed to an home energy audit and insulation program that residents, both home owners and renters should by now have utilized. We have solar credit, solar tours, solar panels o... Read Full Story
Recently, the Cobb County Water System in Marietta, Georgia won an award for water conservation from the US Environmental Protection Agency.Because Cobb County teamed up with Kohler, Lowe’s Home Improvement stores and others, to promote Georgia’s tax holiday for WaterSense products, which include low-flow shower heads and faucets, and toilets that use less water, and water sensors for sprinkler systems to stop needless watering, they were named 'WaterSense partners'.And while we think low-fl... Read Full Story
Florida State University raised its grade up to B- in the annual report card on sustainability issued by the Sustainable Endowments Institute, a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. You can read the complete report card here.Rivals over at University of Florida earned a grade of B. It rated A's in green building, student involvement, transportation and investor priorities, while FSU rated a B in these categories. FSU rated higher than the Gators only in the area of endowmen... Read Full Story
The Public Service Commission is holding a public meeting on approving cost recovery now by utility corporations for the cost of investing to build nuclear power plants in the future. Information on the meeting and the agenda is at Green Calendar. Link to the Gainesville Sun news article on the crack found in the reactor in Crystal River is here.
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It's true. October is a great month--not just the cooler air, the glint of pumpkins or the crunch of pine cones and acorns in the yard.October is the amazing month of the Solar Decathlon! Sponsored by the US Department of Energy, this annual event on the Mall in Washington, DC, shows the ingenuity of teams from around the world. Twenty college and university teams compete to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered house from now until October 18t... Read Full Story
