Eco Factor: PC Power Management program turns off PCs automatically when users are not present.
Ford has deployed a new PC Power Management program that will be able to centrally control the power settings on Windows laptops and desktop PCs to enable a managed shutdown of computer systems not in use, especially overnight and on weekends. The company estimates that as many as 60 percent of Ford’s PC users don’t shut their PCs off at the end of the day, resulting in wasted energy.
Eco Factor: Seven emerging solar technologies to be tested under Chevron’s Project Brightfield.
Chevron Corporation is currently conducting a comprehensive test of emerging solar technologies on a site in Bakersfield, California. Dubbed Project Brightfield, the development is making use of seven emerging photovoltaic technologies that are lined up side by side.
Eco Factor: Sustainable chapel made using recycled glass bottles.
Glass bottles are not often regarded as a building material, however, some eco-minded artists have taken up the job of clearing the landfills and using unconventional materials to build environmentally sound structures with them. The Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel is one such feat of art that has been constructed entirely from discarded glass bottles.
Eco Factor: Open source DIY clothes washer powered by solar energy.
A team of 2nd-year art students from the École Supérieure d’Art d’Aix-en-Provence in France have developed a DIY washing machine that has been made using materials available in the Sahara, which includes bicycle tires, bamboo and a solar panel that is directly connected to a recycled electric motor.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission ATV powered by electricity.
Built in Ellicottville, NY, the E-Force is an all-electric zero-emission all terrain vehicle that is being claimed to be the first electric, adult-sized ATV with adult-sized power and torque for extreme terrains. The E-Force is equipped with a Torque on Demand electric drive system that generates three times more torque than a conventional gas-powered ATV.
Eco Factor: Single-gear bicycle manufactured using recyclable materials.
The AO Bike by Omer Sagiv is a simple yet efficient bicycle that handles urban life with ease and comfort. The bike uses a single-gear mechanism for maximum control and maneuverability. The bike is to be manufactured using recyclable molded plastic, which further reduces the market price and ecological impact.
Eco Factor: Concept system to generate electricity from air stream produced by cars.
Designers over the world are working on systems that can generate electricity from air stream produced by driving cars. The system incorporates various elements that are coated with a sturdy piezoelectric foil, which is stretched with it is moved. As a car passes by, the air stream causes the elements to stretch and bend, which generates electricity.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission concept powered by a hydrogen/electric hybrid engine.
Designed by Alexander Tiganova, the zero-emission Audi A0 QS concept has been created to cater to the needs of athletes and those who’re looking for luxury in a green package. The designer states that the “Q” in the vehicle’s name stands for four-wheel drive and “S” for support.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission car to be powered by electricity.
Chrysler has announced that the company will be producing the 500EV for the US market, starting in 2012. The powertrain engineering and vehicle development will be based out of Chrysler’s Michigan headquarters. The powertrain will consist of a high power electric module, a lithium-ion battery and a control unit for managing power flows.
Eco Factor: Eco-friendly charger harvests solar energy.
Genesis Electronics has unveiled the SunBlazer solar charger for a wide range of smartphones available on the market today. The charger features a 2- by 4-inch solar panel that optimizes the built-in charger’s energy conversion process. The company claims that at full power the SunBlazer stores enough energy to power a drained smartphone battery with 30 percent charge.
Eco Factor: Super-insulating roof created from cooking oil.
In addition to reusing cooking oil to power vehicles in a cleaner fashion, scientists are pondering upon other uses as well, which might not seem to be conventional. A team of researchers at United Environment & Energy LLC have created a bio-coating for roofs from waste vegetable oils.
Of the many ways that scientists and researchers have proposed to solve all the problems associated with global warming and climate change, sustainable architecture seems to be one promising approach. The need for better architecture with a low environmental impact has made architects ponder over designs that are self-sufficient and in one way or the other try to make the planet a much better place to dwell. Here is a list of 15 such proposals that can generate all the energy they need using renewable sources of energy and reduce the burden on the electrical grid.
Eco Factor: Realtor modifies 1990 Ford Capri to run on electricity.
Deception Bay real estate agent Richard Gowda has spent the last year converting his 1990 Ford Capri into a plug-in electric car that no longer emits any toxic gases. The creator has put the final touches to the vehicle and has received the roadworthy tick of approval as well.
Eco Factor: High-strength, lightweight frame for electric vehicles.
JFE Steel Corp has developed a lightweight but highly strong steel frame for electric supply vehicles. The frame developed in collaboration with Keio University uses a plate made by laser-welding steel plates with different thickness.
Eco Factor: Artwork made from recycled materials.
We’ve reported about several bizarre but interesting pieces of art that have been made using materials not many would like. However, each of these artworks has been designed for a cause. Check out this amazing steampunk-looking desk phone that has been entirely made from found farmer’s tools.
Eco Factor: Sustainable pavilion designed to reflect nature.
The Austrian Pavilion for the World Shanghai Expo 2010 by SPAN and Zeytinoglu Architects is under construction and once completed, will offer visitors breathtaking views of nature, the country’s interaction of city, landscape, urban habitats and cultural landscapes through its design.
Eco Factor: Vest designed to sniff out air pollutants.
The Detectair is a cowl-neck vest equipped with LEDs that continuously monitor air pollutants and flashes if you’ve wandered into an unhealthy airspace. Designed and developed by Genevieve Mateyko and Pamela Troyer, the dress is based around an Arduino microcontroller and sensor technologies to analyze air quality.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission motorcycles to be powered by electricity.
KTM is planning to unveil the Supermoto and the Enduro versions of its new electric motorbike at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show next week. The company describes these bikes as near-series prototypes which can be made available by next year.
Eco Factor: Record sleeve doubles as a human-powered record player.
Audio engineering company GGRP Sound has unveiled a unique cardboard record sleeve, used mostly to protect the record for any damage, which here doubles as an environmentally friendly record player. The corrugated cardboard sleeve can be opened up and converted into a human-powered record player.
Eco Factor: Sustainable school building harvests solar energy.
Pugh + Scarpa Architects have unveiled the designs of a new school building for Animo Leadership High School that targets to get LEED or CHPS certification. Due to the site’s location near Los Angeles International Airport and within a quarter mile of the 105 Freeway, the school building had to cater to noise and air quality concerns.