4:56 PM
Unknown
Click on and watch:
We can't wait to see everyone on the tour.
We can't wait to see everyone on the tour.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Environmental update on RI College
As you have seen, our next show is with the president of RI College (RIC), Nancy Carriuolo. It is a great show, and she is a terrific guest. 
As a preview, we want to share with you some of the school's green success stories:
"The recycling program at RIC started in 2003 and has experienced continued growth especially the past few years under the Carriuolo administration. Since 2003 there has been a steady increase in the savings from our trash disposal expenses, approximately $40,000 average at the beginning to $60,000 today with this year due to get even more return with the President’s support of equipping each main building with a recycling collection center to enhance collection. These will be further enhanced when anticipated resources become available during the next FY.
Additionally, we are saving disposal fees again by providing local non profits with our e-waste, this savings just started recently but should be significant while helping local organizations.
This administration has made a major effort as it relates to saving valuable resources, energy and water, with a commitment to the repair and replacement of the college’s antiquated steam and condensate system. Projected savings could be as high as $500,000 when all the repairs are complete and the system is working at an increased efficiency.
Additionally, the college, under the President’s direction continues to use all sustainable materials as it relates to plantings, etc. which save on annual labor and the cost of plants, and shrubs."
And more: "It is almost inconceivable, but we have saved 12,000 pages of photocopies per month by putting our curriculum committee materials online. The committee operates over the academic year of nine months, so we’re talking about 100,000 pages of paper being saved per year by launching a single webpage (http://www.ric.edu/curriculum_Committee/CCDTS/index.php).
And, finally: "In keeping with the goals of your initiative, I would like to highlight some of the changes implemented by IT:
1. the use of power monitoring and control in computer labs and classrooms (as you mention on RIC's sustainability web site). I anticipate that with the completion of the Windows 7 campus rollout, USS will have extended this cost savings to all campus computers.
2. print conversation in the computer labs (http://www.ric.edu/studenttoolbox/technology_services/print_conservation.htm). USS actively encourages students and faculty to use PDFs and other electronic document formats as alternative to printing hard copies.
3. energy-efficient purchases - USS has purchased computers and monitors which meet the EPEAT gold standard
4. recycling - older less energy efficient equipment has been recycled to schools and non-profits which require less computing power. Recycling keeps computing equipment out of the State landfill.
5. RIC operates an energy-efficient data center which has implemented changes resulting in a significant reduction in power usage. Henk Sonder can provide details on these efficiencies.
One initiative that I was not able to introduce, but hope to see at RIC in the near future, is the replacement of disposal whiteboard markers with AusPen refillable markers http://www.auspen.com/pages/about-us. I'm sure that this weekend broadcasts will spark many such suggestions."
Pretty impressive stuff. Now, let's hear from the other schools. We'll tell your success story as well.
Watch this weekend as Nancy recalls growing up on a farm, and how those simple, humble beginnings not only helped share her passion for sustainability, but an entire campus as well.
We will have a weekend edition of the blog for you as well.
Enjoy and thanks for being part of the Renewable Now family.
As a preview, we want to share with you some of the school's green success stories:
"The recycling program at RIC started in 2003 and has experienced continued growth especially the past few years under the Carriuolo administration. Since 2003 there has been a steady increase in the savings from our trash disposal expenses, approximately $40,000 average at the beginning to $60,000 today with this year due to get even more return with the President’s support of equipping each main building with a recycling collection center to enhance collection. These will be further enhanced when anticipated resources become available during the next FY.
Additionally, we are saving disposal fees again by providing local non profits with our e-waste, this savings just started recently but should be significant while helping local organizations.
This administration has made a major effort as it relates to saving valuable resources, energy and water, with a commitment to the repair and replacement of the college’s antiquated steam and condensate system. Projected savings could be as high as $500,000 when all the repairs are complete and the system is working at an increased efficiency.
Additionally, the college, under the President’s direction continues to use all sustainable materials as it relates to plantings, etc. which save on annual labor and the cost of plants, and shrubs."
And more: "It is almost inconceivable, but we have saved 12,000 pages of photocopies per month by putting our curriculum committee materials online. The committee operates over the academic year of nine months, so we’re talking about 100,000 pages of paper being saved per year by launching a single webpage (http://www.ric.edu/curriculum_Committee/CCDTS/index.php).
And, finally: "In keeping with the goals of your initiative, I would like to highlight some of the changes implemented by IT:
1. the use of power monitoring and control in computer labs and classrooms (as you mention on RIC's sustainability web site). I anticipate that with the completion of the Windows 7 campus rollout, USS will have extended this cost savings to all campus computers.
2. print conversation in the computer labs (http://www.ric.edu/studenttoolbox/technology_services/print_conservation.htm). USS actively encourages students and faculty to use PDFs and other electronic document formats as alternative to printing hard copies.
3. energy-efficient purchases - USS has purchased computers and monitors which meet the EPEAT gold standard
4. recycling - older less energy efficient equipment has been recycled to schools and non-profits which require less computing power. Recycling keeps computing equipment out of the State landfill.
5. RIC operates an energy-efficient data center which has implemented changes resulting in a significant reduction in power usage. Henk Sonder can provide details on these efficiencies.
One initiative that I was not able to introduce, but hope to see at RIC in the near future, is the replacement of disposal whiteboard markers with AusPen refillable markers http://www.auspen.com/pages/about-us. I'm sure that this weekend broadcasts will spark many such suggestions."
Pretty impressive stuff. Now, let's hear from the other schools. We'll tell your success story as well.
Watch this weekend as Nancy recalls growing up on a farm, and how those simple, humble beginnings not only helped share her passion for sustainability, but an entire campus as well.
We will have a weekend edition of the blog for you as well.
Enjoy and thanks for being part of the Renewable Now family.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Only 20, not 200, years of coal; we have to move "so fast" to get to 100% renewables
Leslie Glustrom is the featured speaker at RENEW's Energy Policy Summit, January 13, Madison. Read the report that she mentions about 11 minutes into the interview.
Register and get details about the Summit at the Summit Web page.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
A look back and ahead from our partner/EcoRI News/Part 2
Before we get into part 2 of the look behind and ahead from EcoRINews, just a reminder to listen to us today live on the air on WARL 1320AM, 12-1p, EST, as we bring you the business side of green.
You can listen on line, of course, from anywhere in the world, at: http://1320warlradio.com. And, feel free to call, email or tweet and Facebook in your comments and questions.
Now, Part 2 of a great summary and prediction of some future events:
"The Narragansett Bay Watershed. Despite the stress of tourist and lawn-watering season, it seems the health of Narragansett Bay is trending upward. Divers who recently worked to remove a sunken barge from under the Newport Bridge commented that the bay looked good, aside from the sunken barge. The Combined Sewer Overflow project can be credited with a lot of that positive impact. Without it, stormwater and raw sewage would be ejected untreated into the bay during heavy rain events. The adoption of the Low Impact Development Stormwater Manual will guarantee that future development in Rhode Island addresses the rates and volumes of stormwater runoff and groundwater infiltration.
The removal of the Pawtuxet Falls dam as a major victory that appeared in most of the responses that we received. Dam removal is an essential component to returning native species of fish to their natural spawning waters. Dolphins were also spotted in the upper bay in October.
Predictions: The bays’ health will continue to improve in 2012, but climate change could nullify those improvements. Thank the new low-impact design manual for decreasing non-point source pollution in our rivers and bay. The trend for dam removal will be met with some resistance 2012 from proponents of hydroelectric power and private owners of dams.
Renewable Energy and Efficiency. While Deepwater Wind plods along, land-based renewables got a shot in the arm last year due to a trio of laws designed to facilitate the quick implementation of small renewable energy projects in Rhode Island. A number of renewable projects were approved for state and federal funding in 2011. Fortunately, they haven’t all created the furor that wind turbine proposals in Charlestown and North Kingstown have.
Despite resistance to a commercial turbine in Charlestown, another renewable project in town is becoming a success story. The green design and geothermal heating and cooling at Charlestown Wine and Spirits are saving the store’s owners a ton of money in operating costs.
Rhode Island continued an upward trend in efficiency this year and is now rated as the fifth most efficient state in the nation despite a virtual monopoly on the business of efficiency upgrades in Rhode Island.
Predictions: Advances in solar technology will begin to lower costs dramatically while boosting efficiency. This will make solar power much more accessible and cost efficient to homeowners and businesses. More homeowner and business associations will pop up to facilitate larger renewable projects and Rhode Island cities and towns will begin to explore multi-municipality agreements for purchasing green power and funding projects..."
Our view: These are the essential building blocks, restoration of natural resources, in particular, that any town, city, state, province, country must make to preserve and grow their economy. These are the investments, we believe, that will have the highest ROI as we look back on these changes 10 and 20 years from now.
More on this on today's show and tomorrow's blog.
You can listen on line, of course, from anywhere in the world, at: http://1320warlradio.com. And, feel free to call, email or tweet and Facebook in your comments and questions.
Now, Part 2 of a great summary and prediction of some future events:
"The Narragansett Bay Watershed. Despite the stress of tourist and lawn-watering season, it seems the health of Narragansett Bay is trending upward. Divers who recently worked to remove a sunken barge from under the Newport Bridge commented that the bay looked good, aside from the sunken barge. The Combined Sewer Overflow project can be credited with a lot of that positive impact. Without it, stormwater and raw sewage would be ejected untreated into the bay during heavy rain events. The adoption of the Low Impact Development Stormwater Manual will guarantee that future development in Rhode Island addresses the rates and volumes of stormwater runoff and groundwater infiltration.
The removal of the Pawtuxet Falls dam as a major victory that appeared in most of the responses that we received. Dam removal is an essential component to returning native species of fish to their natural spawning waters. Dolphins were also spotted in the upper bay in October.
Predictions: The bays’ health will continue to improve in 2012, but climate change could nullify those improvements. Thank the new low-impact design manual for decreasing non-point source pollution in our rivers and bay. The trend for dam removal will be met with some resistance 2012 from proponents of hydroelectric power and private owners of dams.
Renewable Energy and Efficiency. While Deepwater Wind plods along, land-based renewables got a shot in the arm last year due to a trio of laws designed to facilitate the quick implementation of small renewable energy projects in Rhode Island. A number of renewable projects were approved for state and federal funding in 2011. Fortunately, they haven’t all created the furor that wind turbine proposals in Charlestown and North Kingstown have.
Despite resistance to a commercial turbine in Charlestown, another renewable project in town is becoming a success story. The green design and geothermal heating and cooling at Charlestown Wine and Spirits are saving the store’s owners a ton of money in operating costs.
Rhode Island continued an upward trend in efficiency this year and is now rated as the fifth most efficient state in the nation despite a virtual monopoly on the business of efficiency upgrades in Rhode Island.
Predictions: Advances in solar technology will begin to lower costs dramatically while boosting efficiency. This will make solar power much more accessible and cost efficient to homeowners and businesses. More homeowner and business associations will pop up to facilitate larger renewable projects and Rhode Island cities and towns will begin to explore multi-municipality agreements for purchasing green power and funding projects..."
Our view: These are the essential building blocks, restoration of natural resources, in particular, that any town, city, state, province, country must make to preserve and grow their economy. These are the investments, we believe, that will have the highest ROI as we look back on these changes 10 and 20 years from now.
More on this on today's show and tomorrow's blog.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
See who and what companies are coming to RENEW Energy Policy Summit
It's 2012 and the world of energy is shifting fast. Will you be part of the conversation around the shape that will take in Wisconsin?
If you or your business plan to BUILD, BUY, or BE part of Wisconsin's renewable energy future, register NOW for RENEW's Energy Policy SUMMIT on Friday JANUARY 13th in Madison.
There are a LIMITED number of SPACES available for the RENEW Energy Policy Summit. REGISTER TODAY to make sure you have a seat in the room. Click here to register for the Summit.
Want to know who else will be at the Summit table? You can see which people and what companies are registered to participate in the RENEW Energy Policy Summit at the event home page Click here to see who's coming.
Set your clocks for 2012 and get to the table with RENEW Wisconsin.
RENEW Energy Policy Summit
Date: 1/13/2012 8:30 AM CST - 5:30 PM CST
Location: Pyle Center, UW-Madison Campus
702 Langdon Street
Madison, WI 53703
For more informations and questions email Ed Blume.
A look back and ahead from our partner/EcoRI News
Welcome to 2012. We look forward to sharing many great moments and shows with you.
Much of this week, we will be sharing an article from EcoNewsRI that offered a great retrospective, and look ahead, for RI that touched on many of the salient points of the business side of green we focus on, and has elements that touch every state and every country (from waste management to restoring farms to renewable energy issues).
Here's the first part of the story. We'd appreciate your feedback and comments:
2011 in Retrospect, and a Look Ahead
By ecoRI News staf
"Environmental Winners
Food and Agriculture. It’s no news that agriculture is big news in Rhode Island, and it looks like that trend will continue. There are now five winter farmers’ markets and more than 50 summertime markets in Rhode Island. The Rhody Ag project is up and running and shaping future farm policy from the farmers' perspective. Urban agriculture stalwart Southside Community Land Trust continues to spread seeds in Providence and environs while relative upstart New Urban Farmers has begun an interesting year-round farming operation in Pawtucket.
Another trend is the shifting face of America’s farmers. In Rhode Island, more young people and women are turning to agriculture as a means of sustenance and support. The bonus here is that those women and youngsters tend to gravitate toward more sustainable farming methods. For some, fertilizer-free food was a major reason to grow one’s own.
While turfgrass continues to be the state's top crop, the down economy is causing some sod farmers to diversify into fruit and vegetable production. The Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association and the Rhode Island Farm Bureau — organizations that have in the past butted heads on agriculture policy — have come together to facilitate the transition from turf to turnips.
Local seafood had a banner year in 2011, despite the continued friction over catch shares. Community-supported fisheries such as The Local Catch in Narragansett and Ocean State Fresh in Newport are popping up at farmers' markets and supplying more and more local restaurants. Aquaculture is booming as well.
Nationally, the upcoming Farm Bill has been of great concern to Rhode Island’s farmers. The bill historically has favored large producers, like farms the size of Rhode Island, and makes agriculture in Rhode Island a difficult proposition. The high value and cost of land in Rhode Island keeps taxes high and profits low for farms. Small farmers would like to see more flexibility and equity in where and when the Department of Agriculture spends federal dollars.
Predictions: 2012 will still see agriculture growing in Rhode Island. You may not see as many farmers’ markets, but per market sales will go up. 2012 will also see more farm-to-school programs. The capacity for processing food locally will be the next big hurdle for the state's farms and farmers."
Much of this week, we will be sharing an article from EcoNewsRI that offered a great retrospective, and look ahead, for RI that touched on many of the salient points of the business side of green we focus on, and has elements that touch every state and every country (from waste management to restoring farms to renewable energy issues).
Here's the first part of the story. We'd appreciate your feedback and comments:
2011 in Retrospect, and a Look Ahead
By ecoRI News staf
"Environmental Winners
Food and Agriculture. It’s no news that agriculture is big news in Rhode Island, and it looks like that trend will continue. There are now five winter farmers’ markets and more than 50 summertime markets in Rhode Island. The Rhody Ag project is up and running and shaping future farm policy from the farmers' perspective. Urban agriculture stalwart Southside Community Land Trust continues to spread seeds in Providence and environs while relative upstart New Urban Farmers has begun an interesting year-round farming operation in Pawtucket.
Another trend is the shifting face of America’s farmers. In Rhode Island, more young people and women are turning to agriculture as a means of sustenance and support. The bonus here is that those women and youngsters tend to gravitate toward more sustainable farming methods. For some, fertilizer-free food was a major reason to grow one’s own.
While turfgrass continues to be the state's top crop, the down economy is causing some sod farmers to diversify into fruit and vegetable production. The Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association and the Rhode Island Farm Bureau — organizations that have in the past butted heads on agriculture policy — have come together to facilitate the transition from turf to turnips.
Local seafood had a banner year in 2011, despite the continued friction over catch shares. Community-supported fisheries such as The Local Catch in Narragansett and Ocean State Fresh in Newport are popping up at farmers' markets and supplying more and more local restaurants. Aquaculture is booming as well.
Nationally, the upcoming Farm Bill has been of great concern to Rhode Island’s farmers. The bill historically has favored large producers, like farms the size of Rhode Island, and makes agriculture in Rhode Island a difficult proposition. The high value and cost of land in Rhode Island keeps taxes high and profits low for farms. Small farmers would like to see more flexibility and equity in where and when the Department of Agriculture spends federal dollars.
Predictions: 2012 will still see agriculture growing in Rhode Island. You may not see as many farmers’ markets, but per market sales will go up. 2012 will also see more farm-to-school programs. The capacity for processing food locally will be the next big hurdle for the state's farms and farmers."
