Refining Strategies to Deliver Energy Efficiency and Green Technology Innovation

Author: Jennifer Lee

By Jennifer Lee April 2006

While concerns are increasing over how long global oil supplies will match consumer needs, the pathway is widening for companies offering technological and environmental solutions. With increasing support from a Federal level and individual States increasing their incentives for energy saving products, companies already establishing themselves in this sector are also in a position to expand their product lines and reach into new areas being promoted at a government level. SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR), Alchemy Enterprises Ltd. (OTCBB: ACHM), Encore Clean Energy Inc. (OTCBB: ECLNE) and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) discuss their vision on technology, innovation and market drivers in the changing energy sector.

On a recent visit to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, President Bush spoke about the country's potential to become less dependent on non-renewable sources. During his presentation he clarified: ""What I'm talking about is a comprehensive strategy. In other words, we're not relying upon one aspect of renewable energy to help this country become less dependent. We're talking about a variety of fronts."" As we see states moving to increase their energy saving incentives, offering rebates to consumers who opt to purchase energy wise products, the reach of these state policies can be felt across many sectors.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Secretary Samuel W. Bodman made the announcement on April 3rd that, ""$140.3 million in weatherization program grants (will be designated) to 31 states and the Navajo Nation to make energy efficiency improvements in homes of low-income families."" The Department conferred that, ""weatherization can reduce an average home's energy costs by $358 annually.""

Such a future for world supplies of oil present hybrid and fuel cell manufacturing companies with an entry point into the market. As these opportunities continue to present themselves, the changing shape of transportation design and delivery should follow a pattern of competition among global leaders already entering into this realm.

Innovation and Expansion As the market grows, we are seeing companies such as Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) expanding their range of services, with the launch of a compact household cogeneration unit, which combines ""the world's smallest natural gas engine-with an efficiency configured, compact, lightweight power generation system employing Honda's unique sine-wave inverter technology to create a compact unit suitable for residential use, boasting an energy efficiency of 85%."" According to the company, the use of this unit in combination with a heating system which uses ""recovered exhaust heat is expected to result in approximately 30% reduction in CO2 emissions.""

Honda supplies these units to Climate Energy LLC, headquartered in Boston Massachusetts. According to a release issued by the Climate Energy, the Micro-CHP System is, ""conveniently configured to replace existing space heating furnaces and boilers in new and existing homes. The concept is simple: electric power is produced as a by-product of the normal supply of heat to the home. The result can be dramatic; lower electric bills will be experienced by homeowners, while ultimately lowering the nation's overall energy use and pollutant emissions.""

World Oil Supplies Taking a look at the future of fuel supplies available to meet global demand is a pressing topic for investors and consumers alike. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released a report in February entitled, ""Peaking of World Oil Production: Impacts, Mitigation & Risk Management,"" authored by Robert L. Hirsch, Roger Bezdek and Robert Wendling. Under a section dealing with the topic of current oil resources, it states that ""because oil prices have been relatively high for the past decade, oil companies have conducted extensive exploration over that period, but their results have been disappointing. If recent trends hold, there is little reason to expect that exploration success will dramatically improve in the future.""

The solution to the current oil dilemma presents a challenge for enterprise, in such a respect that fuel efficient vehicles must be made affordable and practical for end users. Speaking at a scheduled talk entitled, ""National Security: High Mileage Vehicles and Alternative Fuels"" at a renewable energy and fuels convention in Las Vegas April 11th this year, Roger Duncan of Austin Energy, spoke about the state's Plug-in Partners National Campaign. The initiative involves the use of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) which are, ""outfitted with a battery pack sufficient to power the vehicle from 20 to 60 miles on battery charge alone. Considering that half the cars on America's roads are driven 25 miles a day or less, a plug-in with a 25-mile range battery could eliminate gasoline use in the daily commute of millions of Americans."" DaimlerChrysler is already making a Sprinter Van prototype which has an 'all-electric' range of 20 miles.

Panelists at this talk tended to agree that bigger batteries needed to be allocated to hybrid vehicles in order to make them more efficient and useful in the fight against oil dependency. Speaking on the energy front overall, a report issued by Pricewaterhouse Coopers entitled, ""The Big Leap: Utilities Global Survey 2006,""

Gradually, the solutions for today's current energy dilemmas are being introduced on a scalable level. Making renewable energy affordable, convenient and accessible continue to be the challenges associated with opening the way forward in this market. Since the introduction of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the impact is gradually being felt, but the emphasis could continue to be left with the end users, who are suggested to be the primary market drivers for this sector.

Three factors which continue to affect levels of investment in this sector are regulatory uncertainty, oil shortages and the growing demand to boost US security and lessen the dependence on foreign oil reserves. As regulations change per state on a continual basis, the market will evolve to meet the demands of government, but end users must be able and informed about the options they can afford. As US security becomes a heightened issue however, this industry may get the added boost and incentive it needs to bridge the gap between capital investment, product manufacture and end user purchasing. Full article: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/Articles/Renewables_Market.a sp Disclaimer

Jennifer Lee Jennifer Lee has a degree in English Literature from the University of British Columbia. She holds a publishing certificate from Simon Fraser University and has worked at both Vancouver and Western Living magazines, where she began her career as an editorial intern. She has worked as an editor in countries such as Zimbabwe and South Africa, producing books, newsletters and editing various quarterly magazines on a variety of international development related topics. In South Africa, she worked to help produce a bi-weekly newsletter for the Institute for Security Studies on crime and corruption headlines which appeared in all national and provincial papers. Prior to working in southern Africa, she wrote articles for DMR Consulting Group, on mergers and acquisitions taking place in the market during 2001. She now produces a quarterly publication at the University of British Columbia.

InvestorIdeas.com Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp, InvestorIdeas is not affiliated or compensated by the companies mentioned in this article. Catherine Lacoursiere is a freelance writer. Nothing in the articles should be construed as an offer or solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell any specific products or securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

About the author: Jennifer Lee has a degree in English Literature from the University of British Columbia. She holds a publishing certificate from Simon Fraser University and has worked at both Vancouver and Western Living magazines, where she began her career as an editorial intern. She now produces a quarterly publication at the University of British Columbia.

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Get Ready for Summer!

Author: Aldene Fredenburg

Ah, summer! Long hot, lazy days, picnics in the sun, afternoons at the beach, barbecues in the backyard.

Bug bites. Sunburn. Poison ivy. Indigestion.

Better get ready - summer's coming, and so are all the little annoyances associated with it. Taking a few precautions and putting together a first aid kit of

natural remedies will help you get through the season with a minimum of problems.

Combining light-colored clothing with a strong SPF lotion will help you avoid sunburn. Even with the right clothes and a good lotion, however, you still need to pay attention to the length of time you stay in the sun; SPF lotion only lasts for a certain amount of time. In case you do end up with a sunburn, applying a combination of aloe and lavender oils will soothe your skin and help heal the burn. Calamine lotion is great for poison ivy and poison oak. For insect bites, cuts, scrapes, and splinters, an effective remedy is Quret salve, a popular potion since 1918. And for upset stomach and motion sickness, stock a supply of Ginger Chimes, a chewy candy that's a great assist to digestion.

If you're prepared with a few simple remedies, you and your family should be able to enjoy the summer weather and avoid the hassles commonly associated with the season.

About the author: Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for the Internet and for local and regional publications. She can be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

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Bad Breath Remedies

Author: Michelle Oberton

Bad breath, also known as Halitosis in medical terminology, is an unpleasant odor that exits the mouth while breathing. This occurrence can be both embarrassing and troubling to many who suffer from the airborne nuisance. There are different types of bad breath, which occur for different reasons and therefore require different treatments.

Temporary bad breath is commonly caused by a dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, certain types of food and/or smoking. Any one or a combination of these can result in bad breath. Another common type of temporary bad breath is known as morning breath, which occurs first thing in the morning as an individual opens his/her eyes. Chronic bad breath is often caused by certain medical conditions, medications and/or oral buildup.

The determination of bad breath is often made by the person who suffers from it. A dryness or pasty feeling in the mouth and/or an unpleasant taste are both symptoms of bad breath. The best way for a quick, and temporary, relief is to drink a glass of water. This will restore moisture in the mouth and will help to provide some fast results.

The treatment for bad breath may include regular dental visits and proper cleaning, brushing 2 to 3 times daily or after every meal, regular flossing, a change in food consumption and/or diet regimen. In addition, many bad breath sufferers find that brushing the tongue will help to rid the mouth of bacteria that could later lead to a foul odor. Unfortunately for many who suffer from chronic bad breath due to an illness or necessary medication, the only plan of action against bad breath is to mask the problem as effectively as possible. A mouthrinse, chewing gum or breath freshener may help to reduce the noticeability of bad breath.

Anyone who suffers from bad breath may wish to carry a packet of chewing gum, breath mints and/or breath spray for quick relief. In the event that it isn't always possible to brush after every meal, such as often the case when dining at work or with colleagues, these items will help to mask any odor until the individual is able to properly cleanse their mouth.

The information contained in this article is to be used for reference only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Anyone who suffers from bad breath that cannot be eliminated with the above methods, or whose condition seems to worsen, should consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

About the author: To find out more about bad breath , please visit our website at www.best-bad-breath-cure.info . It contains tons of free bad breath articles, resources and tips.

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Sustainable Forestry Practices Adopted by Many Lumber Companies in the U.S.

Author: Aldene Fredenburg

There's arguably nothing more visually pleasing than the smooth, natural beauty of a piece of finely crafted furniture, or the simple elegance of a beautifully finished hardw ood floor . But for many years, concerns have been raised about harvesting old-growth hardwood forests for use in the furniture and building industries.

Back in the nineties, home improvement giant Home Depot was under fire for offering wood and wood products harvested using destructive lumbering practices, and even offering exotic woods taken by clear-cutting methods from endangered tropical rain forests.

To everyone's astonishment, Home Deport listened; and today they are proud to claim that 85 percent of the wood they sell comes from sustainable forestry practices. They are an amazing example of what can happen when a major corporation chooses to adopt a responsible attitude toward the environment.

Meanwhile, many smaller companies began their business with a commitment to sustainable forestry practices, and continue their dedication to environmentally sound timber harvesting today. For instance, Morse Hardwoods, a company specializing in flooring and millwork crafted from both soft- and hardwoods, uses selective cutting to ensure the continued growth of forests, and plans each cut it makes before it cuts the harvested timber to maximize the yield from every log and to minimize waste. Morse and other small timber companies in the U.S. have led the way to sustainable practices.

As the public becomes more aware of the importance of forest sustainability and chooses products manufactured from wood harvested in environmentally sound ways, the demand for these products will increase, and the sustainable forestry movement will continue to grow - which is good news for the environment.

About the author: Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for the Internet and for local and regional publications. She can be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

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Upscale Goes Green: Homeowners Focus Increasingly on Sustainable Energy, Renewable Building Materials

Author: Aldene Fredenburg

A quiet revolution is going on in the real estate sector. Many successful professionals are putting considerable money into building their own dream homes, and many of those professionals are choosing to build according to green principles.

Perhaps the first decision these new homeowners face is how to heat and cool their homes. Before even considering what sort of heating and cooling system they will choose, they need to decide on a design and materials for the exterior structure. Alternative building methods including rammed earth, straw bale, and flying concrete construction feature thick walls, often over a foot thick, which conserve heat in the winter and keep the home cool in the summer. Some homeowners are even opting for subterranean dwellings, using the natural insulating quality of the earth to lessen their need for additional heating. Even when opting for conventional wood structures, homeowners are choosing the latest insulation materials, which offer optimal heat conservation with little to no outgassing of toxic fumes.

Energy-conserving heating systems, some of which create radiant heat from hot water pumped through pipes beneath the floors, save on energy; passive solar construction - homes with south-facing exposure and large windows - allows the sun to warm the home. Solar panels provide electricity for lights and electrical appliances, and gray water systems recycle used water for additional use in the home. Some homeowners in colder climates opt for wood- or wood-pellet-burning furnaces rather than the conventional oil furnace, installing modern furnaces designed to minimize emissions.

Green-building homeowners and more and more developers opt for natural and sometimes manmade materials created from renewable resources, materials which do not expose residents to health risks. Vinyl, which is infamous for outgassing toxic fumes, is rejected in favor of safer materials; hardwood flooring, much of it harvested from old-growth forests, is replaced with materials like bamboo, and cork, two renewable materials providing two very different, attractive looks in flooring.

Those not in the position to design and build their own home still have the option of ""greening"" an existing home, using a wealth of safe, nontoxic natural materials. Conventional plywood, which is manufactured using urea formaldehyde, can be replaced with a number of new, safer materials, including ""Plyboo,"" created from bamboo. Kiln-fired clay tiles, wood from sustainable forests, natural, safe interior and exterior paints, and a host of other materials help create a clean, healthy home environment.

Building and renovating green currently costs more than using conventional materials; some green builders estimate the difference at about 15 percent. However, recently wood prices have soared, and increasing transportation costs due to the rising cost of gasoline and diesel has impacted the price of building materials, so the difference in cost between conventional and green building may well even out. As it stands now, increasing numbers of prospective homeowners are willing to pay a premium for a home made of attractive, sustainable, and healthy building materials.

About the author: Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for the Internet and for local and regional publications. She can be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

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Connect with Nature in New Hampshire's State Parks

Author: Aldene Fredenburg

Enjoy an amazing range of activities while experiencing the dynamic the natural beauty of New Hampshire in any of the state's many spectacular, well maintained parks.

New Hampshire has eleven major and numerous smaller state parks, camgrounds, and historical sites, each of which offers a unique mix of attractions. From Pisgah Park in the southwestern corner of the state to Deer Mountain Campground near the Canadian border, the state parks and campgrounds offer a unique blend of experiences.

Hike into the wilderness on any of the many marked trails, choosing an easy hike on mostly level ground or a venture into the most rugged terrain of the White Mountains. Or choose among a variety of water activities, including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or sailing. If you're interested in motorized boating, check the regulations for each park first; some parks allow motorboats, while others do not, or restrict their use to certain areas of the park.

Entry to some of the state parks is free, while others require a fee. And if you're planning to use camping facilities or a cooking area like one of the many outdoor fireplaces, you will need a reservation. Also be aware that once you make a reservation you need to pay the fee in advance, prior to using the facilities. Reservations not paid for within seven days are cancelled.

Space is limited in some of these parks, and the demand is great, so plan your vacation ahead of time, and make your reservations early!

About the author: Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for the Internet and for local and regional publications. She can be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

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Screensavers - Live Flowers On Your Screen

Author: CDMohatta

Most of you must know about screensavers. A screensaver was normally used to save the screen against prolonged non-use. You can set the time after which the screensaver appears on your screen and protect your screen. Now they are not required for this purpose. But you can still enjoy them whenever you want and relax.

Most of the screensavers are made either with static wallpapers appearing one after other or three-dimensional designs. The latest innovation is live video. In this kind of screensaver, video shots of live objects are taken, edited and made into a revolving film. The film is then given effects and converted to flash. This flash movie, when added to installer, becomes a screensaver.

Now you can view live flowers dancing in the garden on your desktop. With innovation in technology and artistry, the quality of the shot gets enhanced when converted in flash. Installing and uninstalling such screensavers is simple. A click of mouse does that. Download few screensavers with live flowers on your machines and watch them whenever you are getting bored or tired. Live music accompanies the screensaver adding to the relaxing power.

You can view some of the screensavers and downlod from here -

Free Flowers Screensavers and

Flowers Screensavers . Chose colors that you love. You can also choose flower screensavers with romantic or inspirational text. Bring the beauty of flowers to your desktops and relax with the soothing sight and music.

About the author: CDMohatta writes content for animated screensavers . The designs include -

flower screensavers and

love screensavers .

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