Design & Innovation | GreenBiz.com

Dutch Company Develops Green Alternative to Common Chemical

GreenerDesign Staff — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:03:00 -0700

DSM, a Dutch chemical and materials company, plans to release a greener version of a chemical used in polymers, resins, food and pharmaceuticals later this year.

GE Spotlights Smart Grid Projects for Utilities, Industry and 'Net Zero Energy' Homes

Leslie Guevarra — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:35:00 -0700

General Electric says it's uniquely positioned to handle smart grid opportunities and challenges. On Tuesday, the company took the wraps off a series of developments to showcase smart grid -- and GE's -- capabilities. The projects include work with utilities and businesses in Maui, Canada and New Zealand and networked appliances and technology for "net zero energy" homes.

Ford Developing Laser Ignition to Cut Exhaust Emissions

Tilde Herrera — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:42:00 -0700

Ford Motor Co. and researchers at the University of Liverpool are developing a car ignition system that swaps spark plugs for a laser beam to start vehicles while generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The technology may also overcome the cold-start issue for vehicles running on biofuels.

GreenXchange: Sustainable Innovation Meets the Creative Commons

Joel Makower — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:55:00 -0700

Although we live in an era in which green innovation reigns, genuine progress remains elusive; but a new group spearheaded by Nike hopes to change that situation.

German Scientist Cooks Up Idea for 'Waste-Free' Breweries

Leslie Guevarra — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:16:00 -0700

A scientist pondering the growing problem of brewery waste in Europe has devised a way to tap into the power of beer: He and his partners designed a system to recycle spent grains and wastewater to produce energy that can fuel the beermaking process.

Naked Juice, Earthbound Farms Switch to Recycled Packaging

GreenerDesign Staff — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:44:00 -0700

Naked Juice and Earthbound Farm have each debuted packaging made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled content, some of the first instances of 100 percent recycled packaging for food and drink products.

Alaska Airlines Begins 'Greener Skies' Testing

ClimateBiz Staff — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:25:00 -0700

With the help of guidance technology, Alaska and Horizon Airlines are using pinpoint landing technology to save fuel, cut emissions, and reduce noise for communities around airports.

Electric Vehicle Roundup: Best Buy and McDonald's

Sarah Terry-Cobo — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:38:00 -0700

Electric vehicles are getting a boost from two major retailers: Best Buy has announced that it will be selling a range of plug-in transport options, and McDonald's has launched an EV charging station test at one of its North Carolina franchises.

REI Prototype Store Lands Top Sustainable Design Award

GreenerBuildings Staff — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:19:00 -0700

The Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.) singled out REI's LEED-Gold certified store last week for its holistic design aesthetics and functionality, naming it the Project of the Year in its inaugural Sustainability Awards. A North Face store in Boise, Idaho, and the Founding Farmers restaurant in Washington, D.C., tied for second place.

The Next Generation of Fireworks May All Be Green

GreenBiz Staff — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:36:00 -0700

Despite being a centerpiece of celebrations the world over, fireworks displays often release toxic chemicals into the environment; researchers are developing a new generation of fireworks that shine as bright but leave less of an impact.

New Research Uses Organic Computing to Make Traffic Greener

Matthew Wheeland — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:13:00 -0700

Putting advanced computing together with highly advanced -- and more widespread -- traffic sensors, researchers at Leibniz University in Hanover, Germany, have proposed an "organic" method of traffic control that responds to actual conditions. But is there an easier way?

Greenpeace's Guide to Greener Electronics: July 2009

GreenerComputing Staff — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:54:00 -0700

The 12th edition of the quarterly scorecard focuses heavily on toxics-reduction goals and achievements, punishing three companies for failing to remove BFRs and PVC from their products.

Obama, Chu Unveil New Lighting Rules and Release $346M for Energy Efficient Buildings

GreenerBuildings Staff — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:06:00 -0700

With Energy Secretary Steven Chu by his side, U.S. President Barack Obama detailed stricter new lighting standards and promised the swift release of $346 million in Recovery Act funds to boost energy efficiency in new and existing commercial buildings and homes.

Dow and Algenol Partner for Algae-Based CO2-to-Ethanol Pilot Project

ClimateBiz Staff — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:37:00 -0700

The biorefinery will be built on 24 acres at Dow’s site in Freeport, Texas, where it will use carbon dioxide produced at a nearby Dow manufacturing facility. Algenol applied for $25 million in stimulus funds to cover half the project's costs.

Highlights from IBM's Green and Beyond Summit

Matthew Wheeland — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:44:00 -0700

Last week, at San Francisco's new Academy of Sciences museum, IBM gathered a host of industry leaders to discuss how IT can help companies green much more than their data centers. Here are some of the highlights of the event.