Sustainability - News & Trends

Calculating greenhouse gas emissions

GENEVA, Switzerland—The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) have new guidelines for calculating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Both renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are essential for solving the problem of climate change. As concern about climate change has grown, however, one of the challenges facing project developers and policy-makers alike has been to accurately quantify their GHG emissions benefits. In theory, coming up with the right answer involves complicated modeling of power grids, which is prohibitively costly and impractical, or alternative methods that are overly simplistic and inaccurate.

The GHG Protocol Initiative provides simple methods for estimating GHG reductions that are also rigorous, credible and transparent. Developers of wind energy projects, for example, can use the guidelines to estimate emissions reductions using basic data on local power plants. The methods described in the guidelines can be used anywhere in the world where these data are available.

The guidelines also will be useful to designers of “carbon offset” programs and other initiatives that give credit for GHG emission reductions from renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The guidelines can be used, for example, to calculate standard grid “emission factors” indicating how much carbon dioxide is avoided by a megawatt-hour of renewable electricity.

To download a copy of the Guidelines, see http://www.wbcsd.org/DocRoot/JhVRXJ4XK4Stk9ILWrGg/GHGProtocol-Electricity.pdf

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Tool maps and manages a company’s water use

GENEVA, Switzerland—The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has a new Global Water Tool to help companies map their water use and assess risks relative to their global operations and supply chains.
Under the old business adage “what gets measured, gets managed”, the tool should help companies better manage their water use. Better local management leads to better global management.
The Global Water Tool allows companies to quickly and accurately answer such key questions as:

• How many of our sites are in extremely water-scarce areas? Which sites are at greatest risk? How will that look in the future?
• How many of our employees live in countries that lack access to improved water and sanitation?
• How many of our suppliers are in water-scarce areas now? How many will be in 2025?

It does not provide specific guidance on local situations.

The tool has two parts: the input sheet and the online map. The input sheet contains the company’s site location and water use information.

After entering the company’s water use figures, the sheet automatically provides outputs, including GRI water indicators and downloadable metrics charts that demonstrate the company’s data combined with both the country and watershed figures.

The online mapping feature enables companies to plot their sites with external water datasets and download those locations in a map. These datasets provide several key metrics including renewable water resource per capita, mean annual relative water stress index and access to improved sanitation.

The tool is connected with Google Earth, which provides spatial viewing of a company’s site locations in relation to detailed geographic information, including surface water. The tool is downloadable from www.wbcsd.org/web/watertool.htm.

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Water, water everywhere

LONDON—UK businesses are being urged to think about water as a valuable commodity that is potentially being poured down the drain.

For companies wanting to take their water minimization to the next level, Envirowise’s big splash campaign will provide companies with dedicated help in their efforts to reduce their water use and wastewater. Companies will receive free hands-on advice and information about the company’s water usage, simple ways to save water, and instructions on measuring the savings.

Envirowise will offer UK companies advice on the benefits of conducting a full review of their water use. For more information, see www.envirowise.gov.uk/bigsplash

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U.S. moves ahead in healing the ozone layer

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Earth’s ozone layer is on track to heal, thanks to the work of dozens of countries that signed a landmark international environmental agreement initiated 20 years ago, says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Known as the “Montreal Protocol,” this ambitious treaty requires countries to phase out production and use of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere. Initially signed by 24 countries September16, 1987 in Montreal , this treaty today covers 191 countries and is widely hailed as the most successful international environmental agreement to date.

Each of the countries that signed the Protocol has measurable goals and actions for achieving success. These include phasing out production and use of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform, according to the EPA. Scientific evidence demonstrates that these compounds significantly deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, which shields the planet from damaging ultraviolet radiation. 

The United States has implemented key parts of the Montreal Protocol more rapidly and at significantly less cost than originally anticipated. With the help of many partners, EPA has also approved more than 300 alternatives to ozone-depleting substances for industrial, commercial, and consumer uses, says the EPA. Many of these new technologies also save energy and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

As a result of U.S. efforts combined with those worldwide to phase out ozone depleting substances, the ozone layer has not grown thinner since 1998 over most of the world. Antarctic ozone is projected to return to pre-1980 levels around 2060 to 2075. EPA estimates that between 1990 and 2165, an estimated 6.3 million U.S. lives will be saved as a result of these international actions to protect and restore the ozone layer.

Sept. 16, 2007 was International Ozone Day and marks the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol. More information about the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol: www.epa.gov/ozone/intpol/index.html

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ASHRAE leads in ozone-depletion education

ATLANTA—The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recognizes the efforts of the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industries in reducing ozone depletion.

ASHRAE has continuously developed ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2004, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2007, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants as new refrigerants that are better for the ozone have been developed. In particular, ASHRAE has traced the development of HCFCs to replace CFCs, and then HFCs to replace HCFCs as technology improved. Now, there is a movement to use “natural” refrigerants such as carbon dioxide, ammonia and hydrocarbons such as propane and butane.

ASHRAE-funded research projects have also contributed to the successes of the Montreal Protocol, working on topics such as properties of refrigerants and evaluation of CFC-alternative refrigerants. ASHRAE has written and updated its position document on ozone-depleting substances.

In collaboration with other organization such as the Clinton Climate Initiative, ASHRAE has developed publications such as the Advanced Energy Design Guide series, and the ASHRAE GreenGuide. ASHRAE’s position paper on Ozone-Depleting Substances can be found at www.ashrae.org/positiondocuments.

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Funding to explore alternative fuels

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will make available up to $33.8 million to support the development of commercially viable enzymes—a key step to enabling bio-based production of clean, renewable biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol.

With a minimum 50% industry cost-share, this funding will total nearly $68 million to further enzyme commercialization efforts. This biofuels effort focuses on production from non-food materials and agricultural waste—such as corn stover, switchgrass, and prairie grass. For more information, see www.energy.gov/news/5340.htm

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Telework is far from routine

SUNNYVALE, Calif.—Juniper Networks, Inc., a high-performance networking company notes that only 28% of government respondents routinely use telework. The data, announced in its Government Action Survey: Status and Progress of Emergency Preparedness and Continuity of Operations (COOP) survey, also outlines the importance of telework to continuing operations under emergency circumstances.

While 62% of government respondents across all sectors surveyed believe that telework, or secure remote access to data and information sharing capabilities, is a critical part of an agency’s COOP capability and 79% report that their agency supports telework in some form, only 28% actually use telework routinely. Interestingly, telework is particularly critical in the face of challenges such as pandemic flu since the use of “social distancing” to limit the spread of flu could be necessary.

Additional key findings of the COOP Government Action Survey include:

• Employee safety and the loss/compromise of data topped respondents’ concerns across civilian, defense, and state/local government organizations.
• When asked to rank their agency’s preparedness to various scenarios, only 8% of respondents reported their agency was “very ready” to respond to a pandemic flu event.
• Most respondents have taken steps to prepare for COOP (88%). While 63% reported that their agency is modifying its IT infrastructure to support COOP, 32% reported they have committed financial resources to support COOP.
• More than 70% of respondents believed government-to-government interoperational links are ready to operate under COOP scenarios.
• Congress should play a greater role in COOP, according to 76% of respondents; 56% believe Congress should provide more funding to agencies, and 51% believe Congress should require greater COOP planning of agencies.

To download a copy of the survey and/or report, visit: www.junipercoop.com/library/detail.cfm?num=4

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Servers and data centers can save energy

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. servers and data centers’ energy consumption has doubled over the past five years and is expected to double again over the next five years to more than 6 billion kWh at a total energy cost of about $450 million annually, says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Existing technologies and strategies could cut this usage and cost by approximately 25%. Current usage is about 6 billion kWh.

A new EPA report shows that data centers in the United States have the potential to save up to $4 billion in annual electricity costs through more energy efficient equipment and operations and the broad implementation of best management practices. The “Report to Congress on Server and Data Center Energy Efficiency” recommends priority efficiency opportunities, and policies that can also lead to additional savings using state-of-the-art technologies and operations.

For more information and a copy of the report, see www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=prod_development.server_efficiency_study

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Honeywell to help DOE meet energy efficiency mandates

MINNEAPOLIS—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has turned to Honeywell to help it reduce energy consumption by 30% and water consumption by 16%.

The new federal mandate requires agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction in energy intensity of 3% a year, or 30% by the end of fiscal year 2015. It also calls for a 16% reduction in water consumption, through use of state-of-the-art sustainable building components and advanced meters that can monitor electric, thermal, and water consumption.

Honeywell will collaborate with officials at each site to determine specific location needs before conducting a thorough audit of utility operations. The audit can include electrical, lighting, heating, cooling, and water systems. Following the audit and needs assessments, Honeywell will design and implement solutions that improve energy and water efficiency. Renewable energy options will be included as part of the solution set. The resulting capital improvements will be paid for through the guaranteed savings from the upgrades. For more information, see www.honeywell.com/buildingsolutions

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Energy Star tightens computer requirements

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Energy Star program has stiffened its requirements for computers that carry the Energy Star label.

Now, computers must meet strict energy-use criteria in three operating modes: while in use, in sleep mode, and when turned off (in standby mode). To ensure these modes are actually used, all products must be shipped with the display set to go to sleep mode when inactive for 15 minutes or less, and with the computer set to go to sleep mode when inactive for 30 minutes or less (desktop-derived servers are exempt from the latter requirement). Computers must also employ more energy-efficient internal and external power supplies.

The new specifications apply to a wide variety of products, including desktop and laptop computers, integrated computer systems (desktop systems in which the computer and display receive their power from one cord), desktop-derived servers, workstations, and game consoles. As a result, facilities managers can initially expect to see fewer computer models bearing the Energy Star label. For more information, see www.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=11121

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Building Energy Performance standard issued by ASHRAE

ATLANTA—A common basis for reporting building energy use and comparison of energy performance is available in a new standard from The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 105-2007, Standard Methods of Measuring, Expressing and Comparing Building Energy Performance, provides a method of energy performance comparison that can be used for any building, proposed or existing, and that allows different methods of energy analysis to be compared.

The biggest change to the standard, last published in 1999, is inclusion of building energy performance comparison, which is vital for energy efficiency efforts worldwide, he said. Past versions of the standard provided a basis for reporting energy use but had limited ability to express or compare performance. The standard also identifies key characteristics that users should consider reporting when performance comparisons are of interest, such as the number of workers, weekly hours of operation, and annual cooling and heating degree days.

The cost of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 105-2007, Standard Methods of Measuring, Expressing and Comparing Building Energy Performance, is $36 ($30 members). To order, visit www.ashrae.org/bookstore

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ASHRAE’s HQ is a living lab

ATLANTA—Once completed, ASHRAE’s renovated headquarters building in Atlanta will feature two separate HVAC systems as part of its role as living lab. The renovation is expected to be completed in June 2008 at an estimated cost of $5.4 million. The renovated building will feature a new learning center and will serve as a living lab.

Level one of the building will feature air-cooled multi-split variable refrigerant flow fan coil units with zoned inverter-driven outdoor heat pumps. Level two will feature ground source direct expansion heat pumps for cooling and heating.

Both systems will use a common dedicated outside air system (DOAS), served by a 100% outside air unit with energy recovery wheel, series desiccant dehumidification wheel, electrostatic enhanced filters and DX air-cooled R410 multi-stage compressor/condensers. 

ASHRAE plans to apply for a LEED Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. For more information, see www.ashrae.org

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LEED comes home

WASHINGTON, D.C.—LEED for Neighborhood Development—the pilot rating system launched jointly by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) is off to a promising start.

A total of 238 developments have signed up to participate in the pilot program, which will be the first national certification system for sustainable neighborhood design and development. The projects range in size and nature, from urban infill projects that are less than an acre in size to whole new communities that are more than 12,000 acres. Projects are located in 39 different states and 6 other countries. 

For more information about the LEED for Neighborhood Development program, visit www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=148

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EPA report covers national trends in air, water, land issues

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a draft 2007 Report on the Environment (ROE): Highlights of National Trends(2007 ROE HD) for public comment and independent review. First issued in 2003, the ROE is a plain, easy-to-understand guide that provides the average citizen a resource to follow national trends in the condition of the air, water, and land in the United States.

The Report features a subset of the findings from the more comprehensive report, EPA’s 2007 Report on the Environment: Science Report, which was released in draft for public comment and review in May 2007. The final 2007 ROE report will consist of both the science and highlights documents. The information will also be available on an interactive, searchable Web site called the “e-ROE.” For more information, see www.epa.gov/roe

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Green Building: Buy the book

GABRIOLA ISLAND, B.C.—Green building is the fastest-growing trend to hit since the Internet, bringing with it an enormous range of new products, systems and technologies. Green Building A to Z: Understanding the Language of Green Building, by Jerry Yudelson, is an informative, technically accurate, and visual guide to green building geared to decision-makers and interested citizens. It outlines the importance of green buildings, traces the history of the green building movement, and outlines the benefits and costs of green buildings. Yudelson touches on key issues, such as enhancing water conservation, reducing energy use, and creating a conservation economy. It considers use of locally sourced materials, natural ventilation, solar energy, and zero-net energy buildings. Published by New Society Publishers, the 160-page paperback is available at www.amazon.com

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North America manages industrial chemicals

MONTEBELLO, Quebec—The United States, Canada and Mexico are strengthening their efforts to ensure the safe manufacture and use of industrial chemicals by developing a regional partnership for assessing and managing potential risks. This regional partnership is the result of discussions between President Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Felipe Calderon. 

As part of the regional agreement, the three countries’ top environmental officials agreed that their agencies would coordinate efforts to assess and take action on industrial chemicals. The United States, by 2012, committed to completing risk characterizations and take action, as needed, on more than 9,000 chemicals produced above 25,000 pounds a year. It also provides for the sharing of scientific information and technical understanding, best practices, and research on new approaches to chemical testing and assessment. The agreement establishes goals to be met by 2020, which includes creating and updating chemical inventories in all three countries, as well as coordinating the management of chemicals in North America as outlined in other international agreements. Additional information on this effort can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/chemrtk/index.htm

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Corporate fishing: Salmon-Safe Certification

WILAMETTE VALLEY, Ore.—The latest sustainability metric focuses on aquatic life in the northwest United States. An operation is considered Salmon-Safe when both its impact upon the aquatic ecosystem is assessed and any negative impacts on water quality and fish habitats are minimized.

Founded as a project of Pacific Rivers Council, Salmon-Safe became an independent organization in 2002. It has recently awarded several designations: The Oregon Convention Center is the first convention center in the U.S. to earn Salmon-Safe certification; it was also the first U.S. convention center to achieve a LEED-EB rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

Toyota Logistics Services Vehicle Distribution Center at the Port of Portland’s Terminal 4 was the first industrial site to earn Salmon-Safe certification. Two corporate headquarters have also won the designation. Nike, Inc.’s 175-acre world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, became the first corporate campus to earn Salmon-Safe certification. The second winner was Kettle Foods seven-acre headquarters in Salem, Oregon. For more information on the Salmon-Safe designation, visit www.salmonsafe.org

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Mexico’s GBC partners with ASHRAE

ATLANTA—Under a new partnership agreement, ASHRAE and the Mexico Green Building Council (CMES) will work together to promote buildings that are healthful, environmentally responsible, comfortable and productive and profitable.

The agreement is part of ASHRAE’s new strategies for a global environment, committing the Society to working with organizations with shared objectives. ASHRAE has some 350 members in Mexico in its three chapters in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. For more information, see www.ashrae.org

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