BOMBARDIER PRIMOVE to Provide Wireless Charging and Battery Technology to Berlin

Editors Note: There are photos associated with this press release.

Berlin will be the first capital city to turn a complete bus line into an eco-friendly route using e-buses with the wireless PRIMOVE charging system and the compact PRIMOVE battery system. Starting in summer 2015, passengers on the city centre bus line 204 will be able to enjoy a quiet and zero-emission ride through Berlin. The German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) is supporting the project in the context of the "International Showcase Programme for E-mobility Berlin Brandenburg".

On the occasion of the installation of the inductive charging pad at Berlin's first charging station the project partners Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG; Berlin public transport authority), Technical University (TU) Berlin and Bombardier Transportation invited representatives from the BMVI, the City of Berlin and media to inform them about the technical details of the wireless charging technology, the current project status and the further project milestones. At the event, guests had the rare opportunity to inspect the charging pad, which will be invisibly embedded under the ground in just a few days. The precast charging pad weighs seven tons, is five meters long, two meters wide and 25 centimetres thick.

Bombardier's innovative PRIMOVE system charges the Berlin buses' batteries at 200 kW in the very few minutes of dwell time spent at the end stations. This allows the e-buses to serve the 6.1 km long bus line back and forth - without additional stops or battery changing for an entire day. As with an electric toothbrush, charging works without a cable connection. As soon as the e-bus is positioned over the underground charging pad, the pick-up coil mounted on the underside of the vehicle lowers. The inductive energy transfer begins, generating an electromagnetic field. This poses no danger to drivers, passengers or pedestrians - or even to people with pacemakers. With the optimization of the transfer frequencies and advanced shielding, the charging system falls well below the very strict European limit values for electromagnetic emissions.

Starting in April 2015, additional PRIMOVE charging stations will be installed at the route's second end stop as well as at BVG's bus depot where the four e-buses will be based. The e-buses will be built this spring by the Polish manufacturer Solaris. The twelve meter long vehicles are nearly identical to the Urbino 12 electric bus equipped with PRIMOVE charging and batteries, which has been in successful passenger operations in Braunschweig, Germany, since March 2014. The delivery of the first e-bus to the Bombardier site in Mannheim, Germany, for final coordination of the technical components is planned for May 2015. Following this, the vehicles will be delivered to Berlin for approval and commissioning. In summer 2015, passenger operations on route 204 will commence.

Berlin's new fleet of e-buses will save around 260 tons of CO2 per year. In order to achieve the same affect, around 250 private cars in Berlin, on the basis of normal driving behaviour, would have to be switched to electric mode.

Further material for download:

Graphics and facts about the technology as well as photos of the event are available under the following link:

http://www.bombardier.com/en/media-centre/newsList/details.bombardier-transportation20150318ebusberlinabsommerfaehrtdielini.bombardiercom.html

Can an electric bus compete with a diesel bus in daily operation? You'll find the answer in this video.

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BOMBARDIER PRIMOVE to Provide Wireless Charging and Battery Technology to Berlin

NatureWorks: Ecosystems – New Hampshire Public Television …

We're All in This Together

Everything in the natural world is connected. An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things that work together. Ecosystems have no particular size. An ecosystem can be as large as a desert or a lake or as small as a tree or a puddle. If you have a terrarium, that is an artificial ecosystem. The water, water temperature, plants, animals, air, light and soil all work together. If there isn't enough light or water or if the soil doesn't have the right nutrients, the plants will die. If the plants die, animals that depend on them will die. If the animals that depend on the plants die, any animals that depend on those animals will die. Ecosystems in nature work the same way. All the parts work together to make a balanced system!

A healthy ecosystem has lots of species diversity and is less likely to be seriously damaged by human interaction, natural disasters and climate changes. Every species has a niche in its ecosystem that helps keep the system healthy. We are learning about new species every day, and we are just figuring out the roles they play in the natural world. By studying and maintaining biodiversity, we help keep our planet healthy.

In a lake ecosystem, the sun hits the water and helps the algae grow. Algae produces oxygen for animals like fish, and provides food for microscopic animals. Small fish eat the microscopic animals, absorb oxygen with their gills and expel carbon dioxide, which plants then use to grow. If the algae disappeared, everything else would be impacted. Microscopic animals wouldn't have enough food, fish wouldn't have enough oxygen and plants would lose some of the carbon dioxide they need to grow.

Ecosystems have lots of different living organisms that interact with each other. The living organisms in an ecosystem can be divided into three categories: producers, consumers and decomposers. They are all important parts of an ecosystem.

Producers are the green plants. They make their own food. Consumers are animals and they get their energy from the producers or from organisms that eat producers.

There are three types of consumers: herbivores are animals that eat plants, carnivores are animals that eat herbivores and sometimes other carnivores and omnivores are animals that eat plants and other animals.

The third type of living organism in an ecosystem is the decomposers. Decomposers are plants and animals that break down dead plants and animals into organic materials that go back into the soil, which is where we started!

What are the major parts of an ecosystem? An ecosystem includes soil, atmosphere, heat and light from the sun, water and living organisms.

Soil is a critical part of an ecosystem. It provides important nutrients for the plants in an ecosystem. It helps anchor the plants to keep them in place. Soil absorbs and holds water for plants and animals to use and provides a home for lots of living organisms.

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ANSI Announces Accreditations under Pilot Programs for Eco-Labeling, Environmental Declarations

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), coordinator of the U.S. voluntary standardization system, is pleased to announce the first six accreditations under two pilot programs that ANSI launched in 2014 to address eco-labeling and environmental declarations.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed standards that define different types of environmental labels: Type I, Type II, and Type III. One ANSI pilot program has focused on Type I environmental labeling scheme owners and the competence of eco-labeling certification bodies. The other ANSI pilot program has focused on program operators for Type III environmental labels and declarations, and the competence of certification bodies that verify/validate Environmental Product Declarations (EPD).

Eco-labeling initiatives have grown steadily in recent years, as consumers and manufacturers alike look to protect the environment. However, greenwashing and false declarations have been a real concern as the demand for sustainability grows, said Reinaldo Figueiredo, ANSI senior program director for product and process accreditation. ANSI sponsored an independently conducted market analysis to examine the use of the ISO environmental labels, specifically Types I and III. That study confirmed a growing demand for an ANSI-led accreditation effort that would add value, rigor, and accountability to the process.

In March 2015, the ANSI Accreditation Committee [voted] approved by ballot that the following organizations satisfied the eligibility requirements for the pilot programs as follows:

Type I Environmental labeling program (Eligibility)

Water Quality Association (WQA): Evaluated by ANSI as an eligible Eco-Labeling Scheme Owner that develops Type I environmental labeling programs in accordance with the following standards:

ISO 14020:2000, Environmental labels and declarations General Principles

ISO 14024:1999, Environmental labels and declarations Type I environmental declarations Principles and procedures

PRO-PR-164ISO 14024, Requirements/Process to Determine Eligibility of a Type I Environmental Labeling Certification Scheme

WQA also accredited by ANSI as a Type I Eco-labeling Certification Body in accordance with the following standards:

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ANSI Announces Accreditations under Pilot Programs for Eco-Labeling, Environmental Declarations

Laboratory Fume Hoods have chemical-resistant fiberglass liners.

Protector Premier Laboratory Hoods incorporate a sleek interior with a molded one-piece fiberglass liner. This liner is made of specially-formulated, fiberglass-reinforced polyester which offers fire-resistance and easy clean up.

The Eco-Foil air foil with Clean-Sweep airflow slots allows clean air to continuously flow through the air foil creating a constant, protective barrier of protection from contaminants. Cord-Keeper Slots on both the left and right side of the air foil keep product cords away from the work area. The automatic air by-pass system, pre-set fiberglass baffle and vertical-rising tempered safety glass sash with cable pulley also are standard features.

The Premier includes factory-wired light and blower switches. Factory-installed accessories are available, including one 115 volt, 20 amp electrical duplex receptacle and remotely-controlled service fixtures with easy access to plumbing from the front of the hood.

The Protector Premier Hoods have models for use with remote blowers or with built-in blowers. Exterior widths available are 48, 60, 72, and 96-inches with an internal depth of 24 inches. Testing confirms the Protector Premier Hood meets the SEFA-1* standard of a low velocity, high performance hood and may be operated as low as 60 fpm.

For more information on the Protector Premier Fume Hoods contact Labconco at 800-821-5525 or download the catalog at labconco.com.

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Laboratory Fume Hoods have chemical-resistant fiberglass liners.

Halla Visteon Climate Control wins IR52 Jang Young-Shil Award

HVCC-developed heat pump system for electric vehicles recognized for innovative power-saving technology

SEOUL, KOREA -- March 9, 2015: Leading automotive thermal management solution provider Halla Visteon Climate Control Corp. (KS: 018880) has been named a co-winner of the IR52 Jang Young-Shil Award with Hyundai Motor Company for its new heat pump system.

The IR52 Jang Young-Shil Award is presented to companies in Korea with technologically outstanding and innovative new products. Jointly sponsored by Korea Industrial Technology Association and Maeil Business Newspaper, a leading Korean business publication, the award is presented in the name of the Minister of Science and Technology.

The award-winning heat pump system developed by HVCC is designed to significantly reduce power consumption from heating battery-powered vehicles including electric vehicles. Unlike a conventional electric heater, which only uses power supplied from the battery to heat the cabin, heat pumps draw heat from external air, thereby reducing power consumption. HVCC's new heat pump system also utilizes the waste heat recycled from the vehicle's motor and inverter as an additional heat source, further extending the vehicle's drive range by decreasing the power drain on the battery.

With this breakthrough innovation, waste heat is harvested by the heat pump to support the vehicle's heating system and meet the desired cabin temperature, even in challenging sub-zero temperatures. This function helps dramatically reduce the vehicle's energy consumption and increases the driving range on a single battery charge by more than 20 percent.

"As an integrated thermal management system, HVCC's heat pump system can be further implemented in eco-friendly vehicles including plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles," said YH Park, president and CEO of HVCC. "We are honored to receive this award and believe this innovative system will bring value to our customers worldwide."

HVCC's heat pump system is in production on several vehicles sold globally and will be showcased at the Seoul Motor Show in April 2015.

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Halla Visteon Climate Control wins IR52 Jang Young-Shil Award

Behold, the rise of Singapores eco-warriors and foot soldiers

SINGAPORE: They are everywhere: From growing their own food, making recycling a daily habit and leading a waste-free or toxic-free lifestyle, to simply taking their own bags and containers to supermarkets and eateries, more Singaporeans are being swept up by the green movement.

Also, the authorities say they are seeing a growing number of individuals and organisations advocating environmental causes, and nominations for green awards have spiked. Non-profit environmental groups are also witnessing unprecedented turnouts for their events and activities.

Behold, the rise of Singapores eco-warriors and foot soldiers.

In 2012, Ms Kathy Xu, now 32, left her job as a teacher to practise what she had preached to her students about shark conservation. Through her project, The Dorsal Effect, she tries to end shark fishing by working with investors and fishermen in Lombok to promote eco-tourism as an alternative source of livelihood for the latter.

Since last year, Ms Xu has also started advocating for a waste-free lifestyle after realising how detrimental trash is to the ocean. It wasnt just about the sharks, but the whole eco-system we live in, she said.

Ms Ler Lee Cheng, 34, has been trying to live a toxic-free lifestyle since 2009. She founded The DIY Secrets, which sells organic products. On her blog and during her workshops, she advocates the use of natural ingredients in day-to-day living and teaches people how to make household items such as detergents, soaps and lip balms from these ingredients and turn kitchen waste into garbage enzymes that can be used to clean homes or fertiliser.

She said her work stemmed from her interest in soap. As she began to learn more about making soap and other body care products with natural ingredients, she also picked up information about how toxins found in perfumes and cosmetics can have adverse health effects on people.

But it is not just about personal health; synthetic chemicals can also be harmful to the environment, she said, noting that chemically-formulated products such as shampoo and detergent would enter drainage systems and pollute waterways.

Ms Agatha Lee has avoided buying new clothing. Instead, she repairs old garments or refashions them. (Photo: Robin Choo/TODAY)

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Behold, the rise of Singapores eco-warriors and foot soldiers

Giancarlo Zema makes a splash with his eco-friendly solar-powered floating home

Italian architect Giancarlo Zema has designed a new eco-friendly floating home. The WaterNest 100 is a circular pod-like structure that provides 100 sq m (1,076 sq ft) of living space. Up to 98 percent of the structure is made of recycled materials and it is powered by a roof-top solar array.

Zema is no stranger to designing innovative aquatic residences. His previous concepts have included the Trilobis 65 yacht-cum-home, a semi-submerged cliff-side dwelling and a five-level floating apartment block. Unlike these designs, however, the WaterNest 100 feels practical and like something you might actually live in one day.

"The inspiration came from observing the aquatic nests of water birds all over the world where they can live and growing their babies in total harmony with nature," explains Zema to Gizmag. "So I thought of designing something similar that can help us to embrace life and allow us to live a floating experience in a natural and energy saving habitat."

It's designed for being moored on rivers, lakes, bays, atolls and calm seas. The gorgeous curved structure is 12 m (39 ft) in diameter and 4 m (13 ft) high. It has a recycled aluminum hull, a laminated wooden supporting frame, and curved wooden cladding and partition walls that are treated to be weather-resistant.

Electricity is generated via a 60 sq m (646 sq ft) solar array that is integrated into the roof of the structure. Amorphous solar panels are used, which are shaped to match the curve of the building's roof. EcoFloLife, which has developed the WaterNest 100 based on Zema's design, says the array has a peak output of 4 kWp, but that the WaterNest 100 can operate on around 1 kWp.

In addition, a micro-ventilation system is employed, with ceiling and floor air grilles allowing for the introduction of fresh air to the interior. EcoFloLife says an automated temperature control system ensures very low energy consumption and minimal maintenance.

The interior of the WaterNest 100 can be configured in a variety of different ways, each generally incorporating a central square space and accommodating up to a family of four with two bedrooms. As well as being used as a residential unit, it's possible to set up as an office, lounge bar, restaurant, shop or exhibition space.

A home automation system allows users to control lighting, draw curtains and blinds, and control the sound system. Preset lighting, air conditioning and sound profiles can be triggered, and users can monitor energy consumption and temperature. EcoFloLife also suggests a variety of different eco-friendly furniture options.

Zema says that the WaterNest 100 will be realized very soon. We're waiting to hear back on more detail of when that might be, if any prototypes have already been produced and how much a WaterNest 100 might set you back.

Sources: Giancarlo Zema Design Group, EcoFloLife

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Giancarlo Zema makes a splash with his eco-friendly solar-powered floating home

Supplier highlights eco-friendly products

Cebu Bionic Builder Supply Inc. executive vice president for operations Bernard Vonn Sia demonstrates the Nano-Coat anti-heat solution during a press briefing. (Sun.Star Cebu/Amper Campaa)

CEBU Bionic Builder Supply Inc. sees a huge market for eco-friendly and power efficient products as more consumers turn to green innovations to help save the environment.

Cebu Bionic executive vice president for operations Bernard Vonn Sia said Cebu firms, whether big or small, have considered installing eco-friendly systems in their facilities and businesses not only to cut down operating costs but as part of corporate responsibility programs in lessening CO2 emissions.

Demand for green products is accelerating. Companies now are not only concerned about making money but also in making positive impact to the environment, said Sia.

He, however, noted that despite the growing awareness, there is still that market perception that going green requires huge capital outlay.

Green products require much capital expense because of innovation and technology. But with the growing demand, there are products now in the market that dont require that much investments but has features proven to reduce power costs and are eco-friendly, said Sia.

Cebu Bionic unveiled last Wednesday its five new energy-saving and eco-friendly products that can bring down power consumption tremendously.

These products include: the industrial and commercial fan called Big Ass Fan; an anti-heat solution-Nano-Coat; a daylighting systems called Solatube; Smart Plugs, a USB-wall socket-charger, and HCGs Home Automation System, which controls household appliances, lighting system technologically, through mobile device like tablet, smart phones.

We are introducing these products to Cebu because of the robust developments here. But while the demand of green products are growing here, we can see that the market is only limited to solar-based products, said Sia.

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Supplier highlights eco-friendly products

Eco Family Project starts March 19

Iowans will learn how to maximize their resources and share their extras during the 2015 Eco Family Project from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Registration is now open for the project, which begins March 19 and runs through June 11.

Iowans will learn how to maximize their resources and share their extras during the 2015 Eco Family Project from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Registration is now open for the project, which begins March 19 and runs through June 11.

"People who care about healthy environments and green living will be interested in the 2015 Eco Family Project," said Kristi Cooper, a human sciences specialist in family life with ISU Extension and Outreach. "It's designed to connect people who value learning about the environment and provide an opportunity to take action in their community."

The 2015 Eco Family Project has three parts TED-Ed lessons, online chats with other eco families and local community focused activities, said Brenda Schmitt, a human sciences specialist in family finance. Schmitt and Cooper are leading the project.

Registration is $25 for the series. The 2015 Eco Family Project will cover several topics:

Learn to live green. Participants will discover ways to minimize their impact on the environment in everyday practices. They'll calculate their ecological footprint and create green cleaning products.

Explore local food systems. Participants will examine their food footprint and find ways to source local products. Learn how to prevent food waste and start home composting.

Evaluate priorities about "stuff." Learn about barter, trade and other ways to share goods and services. Discover and advocate for new sharing opportunities with others in the community.

Explore where energy comes from. Participants will examine their energy consumption and find ways to conserve and share resources. Become an advocate to encourage diversity in the energy supply.

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Eco Family Project starts March 19

Residents up in arms over 'problem after problem' with Ludlow estate's eco heating system

It is a green estate in Shropshire, heated by a state-of-the-art biomass boiler. But people living in the homes, on the outskirts of Ludlow, are fed up with a system that constantly breaks down and costs them an arm and a leg.

They live on the Rock Green estate, one of scores across the country that have taken on their own heating system in an effort to be environmentally friendly.

In fact the development of 91 sustainable homes has won awards for being a pioneer in clean energy.

But residents say they are not impressed after problem after problem with the heating, which was created along with the estate in 2009. And today 41 one of them have produced a petition calling for a review of whole system and set up.

South Shropshire Housing Association, which runs the site, insists problems had been resolved and today denied tenants had been charged for downtime when not using heating.

Michael Reading, an engineer who has lived in Rocks Green Crescent on the estate for two-and-a-half years, disagreed.

He said in January his heating bill had doubled for no obvious reason, and tenants were unhappy because they could not switch energy supplier unlike others they had no option but to use the woodfuel system.

He said: There have been problems from day one. Tenants have various issues with the heating but one major concern we all have is the pricing and accuracy of the readings taken each month.

It seems there can be a massive jump from one month to the next, and it seems theres no way of turning the heating completely off. Even if you switch it off at the mains, apparently its still generating heat and youre still paying for it.

He said some tenants were paying over 120 a month for little or no usage, and some were worried they were racking up bills of more than 1,000.

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Residents up in arms over 'problem after problem' with Ludlow estate's eco heating system