December 31, 2007. BBC: NY Times Square ball 'goes green' The New Year's Eve ball in New York's Times Square is celebrating its 100th birthday by going green, after being revamped with energy-efficient lights.
The new 6ft (1.8m) ball, weighing about 1,100lbs (500kg), is covered with 9,576 light-emitting diodes that use the same amount of electricity as 10 toasters. Read the article
December 28, 2007. BBC: New efficient bulb sees the light A new type of super-efficient household light bulb is being developed which could spell the end of regular bulbs.
Experts have found a way to make Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) brighter and use less power than energy efficient light bulbs currently on the market. Read the article
LED light bulbs are expected to last anywhere between 30,000 and 100,000 hours. Some experimental bulbs are estimated to work for almost 200,000 hours. That is over 25 years, if you had one at home! At this rate, we will soon have a whole generation of people who would not know the answer to the question: "How many people does it take to change a bulb?"
December 23, 2007. BBC: The future is bright for LEDs They wink at us every day from computer screens and stereos. But the humble LED is heading for a brighter future.
New generation Light Emitting Diodes will purify water, make lights that mimic the colour of sunshine, and keep private data immune from hackers.
Dr Rachel Oliver, an LED researcher from the University of Cambridge, thinks that they could easily succeed tungsten bulbs as the main way to light our homes.
Energy-efficient LEDs are being used to light up Christmas
December 19, 2007. BBC: US Congress approves energy bill The US House of Representatives has approved what lawmakers have described as a "historic" energy bill to improve fuel economy and reduce demand for oil.
The legislation, passed by the Senate last week, is due to be signed into law by President George W Bush. Read the article.
December 12, 2007. BBC: 'Crunch time' for climate change
A massive comperehensive resource is launched on BBC's website.
Explore the site to learn how various aspects of climate change would most probably affect the people around the World and in your neighborhood.
December 9, 2007. BBC: Global rallies focus on climate
Mass demonstrations have taken place across the UK and worldwide to coincide with UN climate change talks in Bali.
Marches were held in 50 cities globally, including London, Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast. Read the article on BBC News.
From us: When it comes to rallies, it is important to set an objective of unity and common purpose. Industrialized countries, oil and gas company executives and their children - all live on the same planet. We just need to make it work. Every single improvement counts. Creating a conflict does not always help. Rallies help with better awareness. However, awareness without actual improvements make no difference. Rally at your home, or at your work - talk to people around you, and start a change - one light bulb at a time, one building at a time. We have started our effort. Will you join?
December 8, 2007. AOL News: Study Finds Rise in Stormy Weather
By FELICITY BARRINGER,The New York Times
Across the United States, the number of severe rainfalls and heavy snows has grown significantly in the last half-century, with the greatest increases in New England and the Middle Atlantic region, according to a report released yesterday.
November 29, 2007. MSNBC: 11 Ways to Be an Earth-Friendly Couple
You can be proud of yourselves, even if you can only make one or two of these green changes.
By Alonna Friedman
We saw Al Gore's movie. We agreed we needed to wake up (we even got that catchy song stuck in our head for days). But eventually, we went back to our daily lives and tried not to think about those shrinking habitats, melting ice caps, and the effect these things are having at home (think: hurricanes). So here are a few new weekend projects for you as a duo: Embark on some (or even just one) of these simple Earth-saving strategies -- you can both feel that you're helping those future generations your parents and in-laws keep talking about!
November 22, 2007. MSNBC: Rockefeller Christmas tree gets green makeover.
Energy-saving LED lights used; 363 solar panels will help out as well
Associated Press: Wed., Nov. 21, 2007
NEW YORK - The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is going "greener" � with energy-saving lights replacing old-fashioned bulbs on the towering evergreen this year. Weather permitting, the tree will also get some of its electricity from 363 solar panels just installed atop Rockefeller Center.
Read more
November 6, 2007. MSNBC:More evangelicals concluding God is green.
Green is Universal
By Alex Johnson, Reporter, MSNBC
The evangelical awakening to climate change is still a work in progress, but as the politically powerful movement becomes more active in environmentalism, political leaders will have to take notice or risk losing their jobs, a prominent evangelical leader said Tuesday. Read more
October 29, 2007. CNBC: Tips to reduce your home heating bill.
Tips to reduce your home heating bill: Energy costs are rising, but you can take steps now to protect your wallet
Oct. 29: CNBC�s Sharon Epperson tells TODAY anchor Matt Lauer what homeowners can expect to pay this winter and ways to save.
Homeowners should brace for a costly winter.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects costs will increase for all home-heating fuels between October and March. The average homeowner will spend about 10 percent more to heat their home compared to a year ago.
Last year the average winter fuel bill was $889. This year it's expected to jump to $977. CNBC correspondent Sharon Epperson, author of �The Big Payoff,� explains why energy costs are rising and what you can do to keep your heating fuel bills down
October 27, 2007. BBC News. Sarkozy details green France plan.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has called for taxes to target polluters and said French use of pesticides should be halved. Read more
October 11, 2007. Slate.com: How Wal-Mart and the government are killing the incandescent light bulb.
By Daniel Gross. Posted Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, at 6:53 AM ET
Compact fluorescent bulbs cost more than regular incandescent bulbs. But according to the U.S. Department of Energy, they last up to 10 times longer, use about one-fourth the energy, and produce 90 percent less heat. Over its life span of four and a half years, a CFL more than repays its higher cost in energy savings: $62.95 per light bulb. Oh, and they're good for the planet, since they produce fewer emissions. Read more on Slate.com
October 2, 2007. REALTOR Magazine. NAR. "Buyers have energy efficiency on their minds..", says a survey by National Association of Realtors.
October 2007 issue of REALTOR Magazine published results of homebuying preferences. Read more
October 1, 2007. NEWSWEEK. Project Green: The Power of the Sun. The search for renewable-energy sources is making clean-tech jobs hot
Green associated industries are growing at ever faster rates. This article is another proof that growth of our economy, or any economy for that matter, is not hindered by investing into clean energy and green building. Quite the opposite, we have a unique opportunity first time ever in human history to grow economically and lower our impact on our planet. Our generation can leave the planet better than we found it!
September 27, 2007. BBC News. Great Britain to phase out regular incandescent bulbs by 2011.
Plans to phase out the traditional lightbulb by 2011 have been announced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn. Read more
September 25, 2007. BBC News. Town in UK tries out Cybercar concept.
A driverless car which is controlled by computer and uses lasers to avoid obstacles is being demonstrated in a Northamptonshire town. Read more
The cars are called by pressing a button along the route
September 25, 2007. BBC News. Man causing climate change - poll.
Large majorities in many countries now believe human activity is causing global warming, a BBC World Service poll suggests. Read more
September 24, 2007. BBC News. World leaders at climate summit.
Leaders of 80 countries are expected to attend a special UN meeting in New York to discuss the effects of global warming and the ways to combat it. Read more
Whatever opinion you might have on global warming issue, it seems that living in a clean world with economically and ecologically sustainable economies makes more economic, humanistic, and religious sense. Oil, gas, coal companies, chemical factories and car manufacturers - they can make even more more if they moved towards more sustainable futures. The only obstacle I can see is that management of those companies is not fully disclosing future costs to their shareholders. While providing immediate profits in short-term, they are not looking into potentially more lucrative profits, or potentially higher costs in future.
September 18, 2007. First Green Realtor in Oklahoma to try to organize green building markets.
Temur Akhmedov, Realtor at Andy Janko Realty Ltd Co. and a Principal Partner at Centaurus Technologies and Innovations, Inc has initiated a Green Realtor concept for Central Oklahoma. A specialized webiste is being built to cater to EnergyStar and LEED certified homes. Please visit www.greenrealtor-ok.com to seek more info.
September 18, 2007. BBC News: More progress urged on ozone hole.
Faster progress is needed to safeguard the ozone layer, according to one of the scientists who discovered the "ozone hole" over Antarctica. By Richard Black, Environment correspondent, BBC news website Read the article
September 14, 2007. Former President Bill Clinton will be a keynote speaker on Greenbuild 2007 International Conference and Expo.
November 7 - 9 will be marked in Chicago by a International Conference and Expo GREENBUILD 2007. Greenbuild conferences bring together industry leaders in everything green related, from construction to cleaning materials, from financing to property management, from Energy Star to LEED. Visit their web site for more info.
September 6, 2007. 11th Hour. Leonardo DiCaprio's documentary on environmental issues and urgency of action is in select theaters.
Description: "Regenerate" is a clip from Leonardo DiCaprio's "The 11th Hour" featuring Oren Lyons. Click to watch
Chief Oren Lyons is a Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, and a Chief of the Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, the Haudenosaunee or "People of the Long House." As Faithkeeper, Chief Lyons is entrusted to maintain the traditions, values and history of the Turtle Clan and uphold Gai Eneshah Go' Nah, the Great Law of Peace of the Iroquois.
September 1, 2007. BBC News. Pope leads eco-friendly festival
The Catholic Church has declared Sunday "Save Creation Day" as Pope Benedict joins about 300,000 young Roman Catholics for an eco-friendly festival. Read more
September 1, 2007. MSN-AP. Labor Day heat wave may test California power grid. Utilities warn customers to keep conserving energy as demand soars
Record heat wave is testing California grid and residents. People are urged to conserve the energy. Read the article on MSN.
Consider this: Year after year we are getting record heat waves. These are challenging the grid each time. Some 4,500 homes were left with no power during the current heat wave. Wouldn't it make sense to make the buildings more efficient so that we do face the same problem every year. We have to learn and make changes, instead of putting a band aid on a broken leg.
August 21, 2007. "Oklahoma City: We have a problem." Oklahoma City administration calls for recycling.
"Trash is stacking up in Oklahoma City - more than 275,000 tons of it a year. Only 8,000 tons are recycled", - says a pamphlet sent out to homeowners. Oklahoma City's collection crews provide curbside recycling service to urban costomers who live in single-family houses, duplexes and triplexes. For more information about recycling, call 405.297.2833, or go to OKC Recycling.
And what about apartment complexes, and condo buildings? Would complex management and owners set up a recycling service to help apartment dwellers to participate? Visit your apartment complex office and ask them about recycling.
August 20, 2007. Norman Condo resident invites neighbors to see the benefits of solar film and energy audit.
Centaurus performed an energy audit of a recently built condo in Norman. We found few issues with insulation, windows and door. Erin, the condo owner, have bought our CFL bulbs last year and has been enjoying the benefits since then.
Now, as a result of an Energy Audit, we recommended solar film application to reduce heat passing through the windows. Erin had two layers of curtains hanging and HVAC system working constantly trying to offset the heat gain though the doors and windows! With the help of our partner, Solar Film Specialists, we applied solar film to windows. Erin provided us with 12 months utility bills for the period prior to film installation. We will accumulate data for 12 months past the installtion and analyze our findings. We will post some of the findings on our website as soon as they are available. Also, thermal images "Before and After" are coming up. Please visit our site later to take a look at temperature readings.
Last weekend Erin invited her neighbors to her place for a small "get-to-know-your-neighbor" event. She also showcased her new solar film. The comfort benefits are clear. We will collect data to analyze other benefits from this application.
July 29, 2007. V2G Technology on
Plug-In Electric Cars
What if the local power company was willing�maybe even anxious�to pay you to draw some of the stored energy from your PHEV's batteries while it was parked? By Larry E. Hall. Read more on MSN.
July 25, 2007. Report from National Petroleum Council: Energy Efficiency, Diversity are Keys to Our Future Energy Needs
A new 422-page report from the National Petroleum Council (NPC) warns of "accumulating risks to the supply of reliable, affordable energy" and calls for an integrated national strategy that includes energy efficiency and the exploitation of diverse energy sources. Read Press Release(PDF 124K).
July 15, 2007. We started adding Technology Overview pages.
This series of articles will cover various emerging technologies in energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development fields. Read about Organic Light Emitting Diodes
July 10, 2007. New York publisher turns a green page.
Hearst Tower at forefront of environmentally friendly construction. Read more on MSN.
July 10, 2007. Top Green Cars at 2007 Geneva Motor Show.
By Alex Popple
There�s been plenty of talk about making motoring greener at this show. Which isn�t too surprising: with carbon emissions a hot political topic all over the world, even the most reluctant motor industry converts realize it�s an issue they can�t afford to ignore. Here are the ten vehicles that the editors of MSN Autos have chosen as representing the biggest green stories of the Geneva show, listed in no particular order.
Click here
July 8, 2007. Sulphur, Oklahoma. First ever green fanily reunion was held by Fine and Cartwright families.
These two families decided to contribute to a better World for their children and grandchildren. And what is the better place to be be concerned about future of our planet than a family reunion, where generations of people meet to talk about days long gone and days yet to come? These families tried to minimize waste, typical of large gatherings, by washing dishes, using washable towels and getting complimentary CFL light bulbs from Centaurus. We though the idea was great and decided to help out.
Please come back to read more about this great event.
July 2, 2007. One of the largest construction trade shows, BuildingsNY, was held at Javits Center in New York City last week June 27-28.
As our company is interested in green building and energy efficiency, we concentrated our attention to companies and organization promoting green products and technologies. Green Building sector of the trade floor was larger than ever. This is the third time we participate in this annual event. Visit BuildingsNY for more info. We will add short articles about cool technologies and products we saw at the show. We also met a green roof enthusiast, changing the roofscape in an old Brooklyn neighborhood.
June 16, 2007. Is Your City Green?
While the federal government drags its heels on tackling global warming, some cities are stepping into the fray. See which cities get a green star and which still need some work.
By Jacob Gordon of TreeHugger.com for MSN City Guides. Read more
June 6, 2007. China, India and the rest of the World still sees sustainable development and economic growth as two opposites
Just days before G8 summit both China and India made statements concerning economic development taking higher priority over carbon emission reduction. Bush administration is delaying any strict binding measures exactly for the same reason. All these administrations consider expenses associated with sustainable development as an unnecassary burden to the economy.
This perception is somewhat surprising, as there are studies and real life projects and companies, which prove economic viability of many green technologies and methods. US Green Building Council, for example, maintains data on LEED certified buildings in the USA. The results show that many buildings are built with very little incremental costs (below 5%), and generate operational savings of up to 50% and more. Improved employee performance and health maximize the benefits shortening payback even further.
Countries like China, India, Brazil, Mexico and others have a great opportunity to build it right the first time, thus avoiding massive costs of renovation and rebuilding. Please visit later to read more on this subject.
June 6, 2007. Greenest Celebrities, by Grist Magazine
Grist: Environmental News and Commentary lists celebrities actively involved in green construction, environmental issues and sustainable development. Not only "talk the talk", but also "walk the walk" type of celebrities. Read more
June 5, 2007. LEDs Emerge to Fight Fluorescents, by Peter Svensson
Published on Friday, May 11, 2007 by Associated Press. Read more
May 20, 2007. BBC News: Allergy fear on 'green' laundry
Low-temperature cycles in washing machines don't get rid of some of the most common causes of allergy attacks, say scientists. Read more
May 14, 2007. Mayor Mick Cornett hosted The Mayor's Development Roundtable 6.
"Getting Green" was the main topic. Developers, builders, bankers, architects, urban development specialists, real estate property owenrs, Oklahoma City Council members, and many other professionals gathered for Mayor's Development Roundtable 6. MAPPS 3 plans were discussed from the perspective of new urban development. With I-40 being relocated, new areas open up for development. The long-term planning and new thinking is needed to create a quality urban environment. Public spaces, green areas, public transportation and urban shopping will all have to work together if we want to create a vibrant financially and environmentally sustainable downtown. These topics were covered by speakers with World wide experience in urban development. It was great to hear some of the most advanced ideas in urban development coming from professionals actively involved in projects in many cities around the World. It is most definitely exciting to have city officials to think strategically and build a city fit for 21st century.
You can visit the Oklahoma City's official web site to read more on particpants, speakers, topics and ideas.
April 28 2007. Wholistic approach to renewable energy. Complete cycle evaluation.
We will develop a whole section of our website dedicated to educating people about the complete cycle from idea to the end product and waste management as related to renewable energy sources. It is especially important to find out more about "hype" products, like E85, biodiesel, solar panels. Where do the raw materials come? What does the manufacturing process involve in terms of chemicals and energy? We intend to investigate the claims that it takes more energy to produce a gallon of ethanol from corn than the energy we get out of it as users.
It is important to know answers to these questions to really evaluate costs and benefits of various renewable energy sources and energy efficiency products. Some of "exciting" new products and technologies may not necessarily seem so "exciting" after such an evaluation. Visit our site later to see more details.
April 26 2007. Oklahoma Will Benefit Signifcantly from Solar Promotion!.
We estimated some of the benefits our Solar Promotion will deliver to the State of Oklahoma. Here is what we came up with:
$12 million in savings for Oklahomans in the first year alone
Annual reduction of 80 million lbs of carbon dioxide emissions
More than 4 million incandescent light bulbs will be kept from landfills
One lucky homeowner will have free clean energy for years to come from roof top solar power system!
Also, 21 years ago today, April 26, 1986 the worst nuclear power plant disaster in human history happened in Chernobyl, Ukraine (then part of Soviet Union). The area will be contaminated for generations to come.
April 20 2007. Oklahoma Sustainability Network's 6th Annual Conference is proving to be a success already
6th Annual Conference of Oklahoma Sustainability Network has drawn a good crowd of people interested in sustainable development, green building and economically viable solutions to energy independence questions. University of Oklahoma's National Weather Center had over two hundred people visiting exhibtor booths, attending various sessions and listening to distinguished speakers. Among visitors were Mayor of City of Norman, Mayor of City of Tulsa, Secretary of State, State of Oklahoma, engineers, architects, professors and student activists to name a few. Various local companies showcased renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services.
April 10 2007. Centaurus Launches its Solar Promotion
Centaurus has launched its Solar Promotion. On April 11, 2007 The Oklahoman will publish the first ad in My Metro section. We are offering a 2.5kW Solar Power PV System as a prize to a homeowner in two separate promotions. First 1,000 Basic Energy Audits will be part of this promotion. A 1,000,000 Million Bulb Challenge will also be part of this promotion with it's own 2.5kW Solar Power PV System. And we already sold few Compact Fluorescent Bulbs as part of this promotion!
Check here for more information on these programs.
April 2007. Oklahoma Sustainability Network to host its 6th Annual OSN Conference.
This year the theme is: "Ideas to Action: Envisioning the Next 100 Years in Oklahoma". The conference will be held Friday and Saturday, April 20-21, 2007 at the National Weather Center in Norman.
Click here for more information.
March 20, 2007. Centaurus has started its advertising campaign on Energy Audits
The Spring 2007 edition of At Home in Edmond came out this month. We placed our first ad on Energy Audit service. Magazine is distributed throughout North-West Oklahoma City and Edmond areas to more than 15,000 residencies.
Energy Audit service was also promoted in a newsletter published by Realtor Vicky Ide. Vickiy Ide had an Energy Audit performed on her house. Her community newsletter is distributed in Eagle Cliff additions in Norman, OK.
March 1, 2007. Al Gore spoke to a crowd of over 10,000 in Norman, OKRead more
February 15, 2007. Centaurus to offer Icynene spray foam insulation in Central Oklahoma.
Through our cooperative agreements with local companies Centaurus will offer Icynene spray foam insulation to homeowners and builders. The Icynene Insulation System provides effective vapor and air barrier, as well as great noise control medium. Icynene helps to make a house healthier, quieter and much more energy efficient.
This adds another great energy efficiency technology to the line of products we already offer: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, Solartube natural light systems, Solar Attic Fans, Solar Water Heating for Swimming Pools, and HuperOptik Clear Window Film blocking as much as 40% of solar heat (IR radiation). Learn more about our products
February 10, 2007. Centaurus to offer Energy Audits in Oklahoma City Metro Area
Centaurus Technologies and Innovations, Inc. started to offer an innovative service - Energy Audits - for homeowners in Central Oklahoma. Using sophisticated equipment we test houses for air leaks and heat loss areas. We provide homeowners with an actionable report. Upon implementation of suggested measures, homeowners could potentially save hundreds of dollars on energy bills. We will post a sample of a report on our website. This sample will be a copy of an actual report we provided to one of our first clients.
January 23, 2007. Wal-Mart has issued a RFP (request for proposal) for solar panels.
Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the World, is moving towards green energy. Wal-Mart experimented with LED's. After tests, many of Wal-Mart stores were equiped with sky-lights. Now solar power! Read an article on C-Net News.com.
