Eco Factor: Digital thermostat lets users save energy.
With the rise in the cost of energy and issues of sustainability gaining more importance, this year’s CES witnessed the launch of several green gadgets that either relied on renewable energy or aimed to reduce energy consumption. Silverpac showcased its intelligent digital thermostat that makes it easy to save energy.
Eco Factor: Low-cost water cleaning system based on a unique “swelling glass.”
Researchers at the College of Wooster have developed a unique glass that swells like a sponge and can be used to clean polluted water sources. The glass binds with gasoline and other pollutants but doesn’t bind with water. This smart material has the ability to pick and choose pollutants from contaminated groundwater.
Eco Factor: Adobe installs wind turbines for renewable energy at its headquarters.
Adobe’s San Jose headquarters includes three office towers that have received three LEED Platinum certifications. The company’s green efforts have reduced its indoor water use by 22%, landscape water use by 76%, electricity use by 35% and natural gas by 41%. The company is now trying to even better its green credentials by installing 20 Windspire vertical axis wind turbines to provide renewable energy.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission UAV designed to fly on solar energy.
Korea Aerospace University and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology have signed a MoU to develop a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle that can hover at an altitude of 20,000m for several months before landing.
Eco Factor: Home automation system designed to minimize energy consumption.
Intel has unveiled its latest Home Automation System that runs on the company’s energy-efficient Atom processor and features a large 11” touch-sensitive OLED display. The OLED panel is expected to be developed by Sony.
Eco Factor: Printable lithium-polymer batteries to be used with a flexible solar battery.
A research group led by Advanced Materials Innovation Center (AMIC) of Mie Industry and Enterprise Support Center is developing lithium polymer batteries that can be manufactured by printing technology.
Eco Factor: Energy-efficient chandelier made using incandescent light bulbs.
With the advent of greener alternatives that include LED bulbs and CFLs, the dominance of incandescent light bulbs is expected to end by 2011 by when most of these traditional forms of lighting would have been replaced to save energy. Industrial designer Tim Fishlock is planning to bid adieu with a chandelier created using 1243 suspended bulbs.
Eco Factor: Artwork created from recycled cardboard boxes.
While we only use discarded cardboard boxes as containers for stuff that we never use, designer Florian Pugnaire uses similar cardboard boxes for things beyond us. With his effort, Florian has taken cardboard recycling to a whole new level, precisely, to a Lamborghini level.
Eco Factor: Portable charger for electronic devices harvests solar energy.
Sungen International Limited has been working to make solar energy easy to access and harvest. Recently, the company has unveiled a new range of foldable gadget chargers at CES 2010. The charger comes with solar panels and a built-in battery that charges to full capacity in about 25 hours of sunlight.
Eco Factor: Solar-powered vending machine reduces energy consumption.
The SmartVND is a conceptual vending machine designed by Justin Pittman that makes use of natural cooling techniques to minimize energy use and rely more on renewable energy harvested by onboard solar panels.
Eco Factor: Sustainable flashlight generates renewable energy.
While manufacturers are busy showcasing their green gadgets at this year’s CES, industrial designers are working to design products that run on clean energy and save it as well. The Pocket-Pump Flashlight is one such device that harvests renewable energy and makes sure that it never glows when there isn’t a need.
Eco Factor: Electric tractor powered by renewable energy.
Ecotricity recently announced its plans to take on the British land speed record for an electric vehicle, with a renewable energy powered EV dubbed the Nemesis and the company is now planning to get its hands on agricultural vehicles as well.
Eco Factor: Portable charger harvests solar and wind energy.
Miniwiz earlier showcased their portable wind-powered gadget charger in 2007, the Hymini, which charges various portable electronic devices using wind energy. The company is back with an upgraded version of the device that now harvests solar energy as well. Dubbed the Hymini Biscuit, the charger was unveiled at CES 2010, and recharges two AA-sized batteries using renewable energy.
Eco Factor: Energy-efficient netbook made from sustainable materials.
Sony has unveiled a green addition to its netbook range, with the VAIO W Series being showcased at CES 2010. The ecofriendly netbook features a plastic chassis made from 23% recycled CDS. The company has also done away with cardboard packaging and will now ship the system in a carrying case made from recycled PET bottles.
Eco Factor: Hands-free car kit powered by solar energy.
IOGEAR has announced the availability of its new solar-powered hands-free car kit, the GBHFK231 at the CES 2010. The new kit allows users to talk hands-free and while driving. The device can be paired with all Bluetooth enabled cellular phones and smart phones.
Eco Factor: Kayak made from recycled water bottles.
Plastic water bottles are eco-minded DIYers’ favorite item, and we’ve seen plenty of creations that make use of this material, which otherwise takes thousands of years to decompose. Instructables user Chris has come up with a DIY that lets you create a life-saving kayak from trashed water bottles to get out of a deserted island without succumbing to the natural elements.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission electric assist bicycle.
Sanyo’s much impressive Eneloop electric assist bicycle has made its way to CES. The bike, which packs a good blend of trendy looks and power, is available for about $2300 at Best Buy. The hybrid bicycle can reach an assisted speed of about 15mph and its onboard batteries can be charged in about 3 hours.
Eco Factor: Concept car powered by a low-emission hybrid engine.
Peugeot has announced that the company will reveal a brand-new concept vehicle called the SR1 Roadster at the Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle, which doesn’t seem too futuristic like some of its other concept vehicles, will be powered by a 1.6-liter turbo diesel four-cylinder engine, which will be supplemented by an electric motor generating 95hp.
Eco Factor: Low-emission car to be powered by a hybrid engine.
Toyota’s diminutive Scion iQ is being reported to commence its Stateside journey, first to the Detroit Auto Show and then to a Scion dealer near you as a hybrid. The vehicle will come with some more variants and probably a changed name as well.
