Element Hotels with another Eco-Innovation

Rolling out the "green carpet" for drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles, Element Hotels today announced its goal to install electric car-charging stations at all of its properties by the end of 2009.

A worldwide first for a hospitality brand, the program comes after piloting a charging station at Starwood-owned Element Lexington which proved to be a hit with guests and locals alike. Element Hotels is Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.'s (NYSE: HOT) new eco-chic brand.

The ChargePoint(R) Networked Charging Station was developed by California innovator Coulomb Technologies. In partnership with Carbon Day Automotive, it will be available at Element hotels currently open, and will be available for installation at properties that the brand plans to open over the next several years.

"At Element, we aim to provide greener options for our guests, and the charging stations are a perfect next step," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty-Select Brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "Even guests who don't yet drive electric cars tell us that the charging stations are encouraging them to think about more sustainable alternatives, and that's very gratifying."

Sleek and slim, ChargePoint devices are equipped with a universal plug-in for all kinds of electric vehicles, from cars and buses to electric bikes. Plug-in hybrid cars, expected to roll out over the next few years, are also compatible. To use the stations, guests will simply swipe a key fob, plug in, and charge up. Guests who pull up in electric or hybrid cars will also get VIP green carpet treatment with "Hybrid Preferred" parking spots closest to Element hotels' front doors.

Using Google(TM) Maps, travelers will even be able locate the charging station and determine whether it is in use or unoccupied. Furthering Element's commitment to cleaner, greener travel, non-guests will also have access to the charging stations.

The ChargePoint Charging Station is the most recent eco-friendly innovation from Element, Starwood's working laboratory for green design, practices and operations. With six Element hotels open to-date, Element is the only major hotel brand to mandate that its properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

The mainstreaming of electric cars got a boost last month when U.S. utilities pledged to increase their efforts to expand the use of plug-in electric vehicles. As the Wall Street Journal recently reported, policymakers are increasingly turning to electric cars as a way to cut the emission of heat-trapping greenhouse gas linked to climate change. U.S. President Barack Obama has called for a million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2015.

For more info and source head to http://ehotelier.com/hospitality-news/item.php?id=D17681_0_11_0_M

 

 

Novotel Citygate Hong Kong's effort and commitment to the environment

 

Novotel Citygate Hong Kong’s effort and commitment to the environment has been recognized and rewarded with the authoritative Green Globe certified status. Green Globe is the leading worldwide benchmarking, certification and performance improvement system for the travel and tourism industry. The programme assists our hotel to pursue best practice and improve our environmental performance through annual assessment by an independent third party Green Globe Accredited Assessor. Rod Munro, General Manager of Novotel Citygate Hong Kong, also the spearhead of hotel’s green force said, ”We are proactively involved in green actions and established an “Act for the Green” culture among our staff since the hotel opening. This makes us well prepared for the challenges when participating in Green Globe certification programme 8 months ago.”

“The achievement of Green Globe certification will drive us to attain higher standard continuously.The key to success is to accelerate the awareness and get everyone involved, including all levels of staff and guests.”All staff are well aware of hotel’s commitment to sustainable development and training has been arranged for their specific green actions in daily operations of respective area. To intensify our contribution to local community well being, tree planting and organic farming were arranged. Visit to water treatment plant also strengthen staff environmental awareness. Regular departmental green meeting will be held to brainstorm and stimulate breakthrough ideas applicable to daily operation. Inviting guests to join the hotel’s force by broadcasting green actions on TV, encourage them to re-use linen and towels,    remove key card from electricity slot when leaving the room, set the air conditioning temperature at 23°C - 25°C, close the curtain at day time to reduce heat transmission. To further motivate guest involvement, the hotel will implement in-room recycle bins and CD/ Battery collection box in the hotel lobby .

Green initiatives in place included:
•    Collection of paper, glass bottle, plastic bottle, metal, tin can, cooking oil, ink cartridge
•    Installation of water flow regulator, dual flushing and electronic water tap
•    Use of energy saving bulbs and energy efficient mini-bar refrigerators
•    Bulk and local purchase from suppliers
•    Encourage suppliers to minimize and re-use packaging

Our major achievement in 2009:
•    Recycle over 3,000 glass bottles for producing 2,000 pcs eco-glass paving block per month
•    Saving of 10% usage on water equivalent to 3.9 million litres and save $50,000
•    Saving of 205,000 KWH equals to the electricity consumption of 25,000 fluorescent tubes for a year with daily 8 hours operations and save $164,000 on electricity expense.
•    67% increment in recycled waste collection with 9 tonnes and generated $17,000 for our green foundation

 “We are delighted to attain Silver status and becomes one of the few hotels in Hong Kong achieved such recognition. The investment and effort in going green will pay off with long term benefits. We will exert our influence to our staff, guests, families, community” added Mr. Munro. The certification was carried out in two stages: benchmarking and certification. In the benchmarking phase,

Novotel Citygate Hong Kong was assessed according to eight performance criteria that will guarantee, among other things, better waste management, energy and water consumption control, community commitment and use of eco-friendly paper, cleaning and pesticides product. After the benchmarking phase of 8 months, the Novotel Citygate Hong Kong was audited in order to obtain Green Globe certification, and will undergo the same process every year in order to guarantee that the criteria are maintained.” Novotel Citygate Hong Kong - The hotel is only 5 minutes drive from Airport and 28 minutes to city centre. Proximity to AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping Cable Car and adjacent to Citygate Outlets shopping mall with direct access to MTR station. 

Designed in contemporary minimalist, this hotel has 440 stylish rooms and suites, features four executive floors, hotel-wide wireless broadband connection, wireless DECT phone and 32” LCD television. Facilities include 4 restaurants and bar, 7 function rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a gymnasium.Novotel’s long-term commitment for the environment began as a part of Accor’s Earth Guest programme and is now embraced as an integral part of the hotel brand network. In order to affirm this operational commitment, in July 2007 Novotel began its association with Green Globe, the international environmental certification programme for responsible travel and tourism, through an initial pilot phase of 28 hotels in 12 countries across five continents.


By 2010 100% of Novotel hotels will be participating in the Green Globe environmental certification programme. With this commitment, Novotel reaffirms its primary goal: to be – and to remain – the benchmark in terms of hotel innovation. By doing so Novotel has become the leading hotel brand in the segment to involve its entire network in sustainable development.
As the mid-scale hotel brand within the Accor group portfolio, Novotel offers close to 400 hotels and resorts in 60 countries, situated in the centre of major international cities from business districts to tourist destinations. Novotel’s consistently high standard of service contributes to the wellbeing of both business and leisure travellers: think spacious, modular-design guestrooms, balanced cuisine available 24/7, excellent meeting facilities, attentive staff, dedicated children’s areas and rejuvenating wellness facilities. The Novotel group is a pioneer in sustainable development and all Novotel hotels participate in the Green Globe worldwide environmental certification programme. More information on Novotel hotels: novotel.com.

Accor, a major global group and the European leader in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses:
-    Hotels, with the Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing 4,000 hotels and nearly 500,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre;
-    Services, with 32 million people in 40 countries benefiting from Accor Services products in employee and public benefits, rewards and motivation, and expense management.
source http://www.traveldailyasia.com/AsiaPacificNews/Detail.aspx?Section=32473

 

Novotel Citygate Hong Kong's effort and commitment to the environment

 

Novotel Citygate Hong Kong’s effort and commitment to the environment has been recognized and rewarded with the authoritative Green Globe certified status. Green Globe is the leading worldwide benchmarking, certification and performance improvement system for the travel and tourism industry. The programme assists our hotel to pursue best practice and improve our environmental performance through annual assessment by an independent third party Green Globe Accredited Assessor. Rod Munro, General Manager of Novotel Citygate Hong Kong, also the spearhead of hotel’s green force said, ”We are proactively involved in green actions and established an “Act for the Green” culture among our staff since the hotel opening. This makes us well prepared for the challenges when participating in Green Globe certification programme 8 months ago.”

“The achievement of Green Globe certification will drive us to attain higher standard continuously.The key to success is to accelerate the awareness and get everyone involved, including all levels of staff and guests.”All staff are well aware of hotel’s commitment to sustainable development and training has been arranged for their specific green actions in daily operations of respective area. To intensify our contribution to local community well being, tree planting and organic farming were arranged. Visit to water treatment plant also strengthen staff environmental awareness. Regular departmental green meeting will be held to brainstorm and stimulate breakthrough ideas applicable to daily operation. Inviting guests to join the hotel’s force by broadcasting green actions on TV, encourage them to re-use linen and towels,    remove key card from electricity slot when leaving the room, set the air conditioning temperature at 23°C - 25°C, close the curtain at day time to reduce heat transmission. To further motivate guest involvement, the hotel will implement in-room recycle bins and CD/ Battery collection box in the hotel lobby .

Green initiatives in place included:
•    Collection of paper, glass bottle, plastic bottle, metal, tin can, cooking oil, ink cartridge
•    Installation of water flow regulator, dual flushing and electronic water tap
•    Use of energy saving bulbs and energy efficient mini-bar refrigerators
•    Bulk and local purchase from suppliers
•    Encourage suppliers to minimize and re-use packaging

Our major achievement in 2009:
•    Recycle over 3,000 glass bottles for producing 2,000 pcs eco-glass paving block per month
•    Saving of 10% usage on water equivalent to 3.9 million litres and save $50,000
•    Saving of 205,000 KWH equals to the electricity consumption of 25,000 fluorescent tubes for a year with daily 8 hours operations and save $164,000 on electricity expense.
•    67% increment in recycled waste collection with 9 tonnes and generated $17,000 for our green foundation

 “We are delighted to attain Silver status and becomes one of the few hotels in Hong Kong achieved such recognition. The investment and effort in going green will pay off with long term benefits. We will exert our influence to our staff, guests, families, community” added Mr. Munro. The certification was carried out in two stages: benchmarking and certification. In the benchmarking phase,

Novotel Citygate Hong Kong was assessed according to eight performance criteria that will guarantee, among other things, better waste management, energy and water consumption control, community commitment and use of eco-friendly paper, cleaning and pesticides product. After the benchmarking phase of 8 months, the Novotel Citygate Hong Kong was audited in order to obtain Green Globe certification, and will undergo the same process every year in order to guarantee that the criteria are maintained.” Novotel Citygate Hong Kong - The hotel is only 5 minutes drive from Airport and 28 minutes to city centre. Proximity to AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping Cable Car and adjacent to Citygate Outlets shopping mall with direct access to MTR station. 

Designed in contemporary minimalist, this hotel has 440 stylish rooms and suites, features four executive floors, hotel-wide wireless broadband connection, wireless DECT phone and 32” LCD television. Facilities include 4 restaurants and bar, 7 function rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a gymnasium.Novotel’s long-term commitment for the environment began as a part of Accor’s Earth Guest programme and is now embraced as an integral part of the hotel brand network. In order to affirm this operational commitment, in July 2007 Novotel began its association with Green Globe, the international environmental certification programme for responsible travel and tourism, through an initial pilot phase of 28 hotels in 12 countries across five continents.


By 2010 100% of Novotel hotels will be participating in the Green Globe environmental certification programme. With this commitment, Novotel reaffirms its primary goal: to be – and to remain – the benchmark in terms of hotel innovation. By doing so Novotel has become the leading hotel brand in the segment to involve its entire network in sustainable development.
As the mid-scale hotel brand within the Accor group portfolio, Novotel offers close to 400 hotels and resorts in 60 countries, situated in the centre of major international cities from business districts to tourist destinations. Novotel’s consistently high standard of service contributes to the wellbeing of both business and leisure travellers: think spacious, modular-design guestrooms, balanced cuisine available 24/7, excellent meeting facilities, attentive staff, dedicated children’s areas and rejuvenating wellness facilities. The Novotel group is a pioneer in sustainable development and all Novotel hotels participate in the Green Globe worldwide environmental certification programme. More information on Novotel hotels: novotel.com.

Accor, a major global group and the European leader in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses:
-    Hotels, with the Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing 4,000 hotels and nearly 500,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre;
-    Services, with 32 million people in 40 countries benefiting from Accor Services products in employee and public benefits, rewards and motivation, and expense management.
source http://www.traveldailyasia.com/AsiaPacificNews/Detail.aspx?Section=32473

 

FW: Are hotel key cards safe? Well...

Many hotels and resorts use electronic key cards. These cards with a magnetic strip are programmed in such a manner that once the duration of the stay is over, the person does not get access to the room.

The key cards make it impossible to pick up a card and break into a room. Electronic door locking systems were introduced across the globe as they help enhance hotel security, but what information does it contain?

Are electronic key cards safe? Well, it could be a threat depending on the details it has stored on it.

"All hotels mention the customer's name, address, room number and duration of stay in the key card. The key card of the hotel has vital information. Some of the hotels and resorts do store personal details -- including credit card number and its expiry date," says Shah Amber, consultant (information security management services), Mahindra Special Services Group.

Agrees, Pramoud Rao, managing director, Zicom Electronic Security Systems there are many ways the credit cards can be misused in a hotel. There are chances that key cards could be lead to a data theft.

Some of the five-star hotels declined to reveal details of the key card citing security reasons.

"The key card has the code to access a particular room. It does not store any other details, not even the name of the guests," Kanan Udeshi, manager communications, The Oberoi Group, said.

The key card has the name of the guest and the period of stay. Credit card details are recorded separately by the front desk to validate payment. There is also a provision in the system to make the credit card function as an e-key, according to an industry official.

If the electronic key card contains information like the credit card details it can be easily manipulated.

"There has been no data theft reported so far in India but there are chances as the information remains on the card till it is handed over to another guest. If the credit card number is stored in the key card, when a guest uses other services in the hotel, he can swipe the card, which in turn is aligned to the front desk for billing," says Shah.

"We cannot reveal any details about the key card. We do not disclose any information that could be a threat to our guests," Nikhila Palat, Taj Hotel [spokesperson, Mumbai said.

The key card is not allowed to be taken by the guest and it remains with the hotel when the guest leaves the hotel.

"The details from the card can be accessed by swiping the card in a normal scanning device. There have been cases abroad where the key card details were used to make mock credit cards. Most of the time the customers are not aware of the fact that the key card holds their credit card number," Shah points out.

If some of the employees connive with miscreants they can access all the information by just swiping the card in any scanning device, Shah adds.

However, the All India Credit Card Users Association has not received any complaints. "There has been no case of fraud reported from a key card data theft. The possibility of hotels giving credit card numbers on key cards seems remote," says Vinod Kumar Chand, general secretary, AICCUA.

Meanwhile, Trend Micro, a leading antivirus and Internet content security software and services entity, says on its website that this a hoax and calls it an 'urban legend'.

The firm says that there is a 'rumour circulating via email which alarms the public that hotel key cards contain personal information about the guest that can be put to ill use by malicious hotel personnel who have easy access to it. This hoax erroneously claims that the guest's home address and credit card number are recorded on key cards dispatched by hotels, thus exposing their customers to unauthorised purchases and cash withdrawals made using the sensitive information'.

The company says that although the origin of the email is based on a real investigation effort of a Southern Californian police district, US authorities have ruled out any security risks this controversy may pose. Moreover, hotel owners have clarified that only minimal information about their guests -- like their names, room numbers and arrival/depature data -- are encrypted in the cards they use.

Data theft

Shah Amber explains how data theft can be prevented.

"Internal threat is a big risk factor for companies. Companies must see to it that any data that can be misused should be completely secure. There are all kinds of technologies to secure IT systems," Shah says.

"Companies have hiked IT security budget and have made no compromise on this. Many have changed application security procedures as well. They have learnt how to recoup from the crisis," he adds.

"As for individuals, they must be very careful about data theft with proper anti-virus systems installed in their computers. It should be updated. They must make sure their Wi-Fi is not misused. They must not disclose e-mail id to any unknown site. They must also make sure children do not surf sites and accidentally pass on information," says Shah.

"There are many fake sites which can lure you and many end up giving their passwords as well. So there is a big threat so one must be very careful. To avoid hacking they can secure ports."

Internet has become an open medium so it is exploited by terrorists. But it is not possible to shut down all those sites. One must be very cautious while surfing and sharing information.

For more information on this article head to http://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article42494.html

 

 

Fiji has stolen a march on the rest of the planet

 

 

With international focus starting to turn towards Copenhagen as the Danish capital gears up to host the UN Climate Change Conference in December, Fiji has stolen a march on the rest of the planet becoming the first country to launch a national low carbon travel and tourism sector initiative. The national tourist office and key players in the destination's tourism, hotel and business sectors have aligned resources with Australian-based clean technology specialist Greenlight Technology Group (GLTG) and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) to help advance Fiji as a low carbon tourism destination. According to GLTG CEO Chris Andrew the first phase of the initiative, the establishment of an alliance amongst all key players in the Fiji tourism industry and clean technology businesses, is already underway.The next step, he said, will be for the alliance to work together to prepare an advisory paper on how best to bundle a range of individual hotel initiatives into a larger Clean Development Mechanism* (CDM). The proposed Fijian Hotel CDM Program will be a world first for the tourism sector. When this has been completed, a pilot project deploying energy efficiency technologies and small-scale renewable energy sources will be rolled out across the destination over the next 12-15 months. Tourism is critical to Fiji's economy, contributing approximately 25 per cent to GDP," Mr Andrew said. "Bringing together all the key players in tourism is really what will ensure that the maximum benefits are achieved while helping to keep Fiji solidly positioned as an environmentally responsible destination. "The May 2009 World Economic Forum report ‘Towards a Low Carbon Travel & Tourism Sector' notes that tourism destinations that pro-actively work on sustainability initiatives will be better positioned than their competitors to survive in an era when international tourists are growing more environmentally conscious in choosing their holiday destinations."With this global trend in mind, GLTG and the Fiji alliance will consider and agree on methods for deploying energy efficiency technologies and small-scale renewable energy sources suited to hotels in the Pacific region.Tourism Fiji CEO Josefa Tuamoto, who sits on the committee of the newly formed group, said the CDM was intended not only to benefit the people of Fiji but provide a model for low carbon tourism to Fiji's immediate neighbours.

 

Source: http://ehotelier.com/hospitality-news/item.php?id=D17447_0_11_0_M

 

Saving energy even before the light's on

The International Herald Tribune, November 30, 2009 Monday - A study by Osram shows that over the life of the bulb, from manufacturing to disposal, incandescent bulbs use almost five times as much energy as compact fluorescents and LED lamps.

Does the latest generation of energy-efficient light bulbs save energy? A comprehensive study conducted by Osram, the German lighting company, provides evidence that it does.

While it might seem like a no-brainer, the answer had remained unclear until the release of the report Friday.

That was because no one knew whether the production of LED lamps required more energy than was needed for standard incandescent bulbs. It is indisputable that LEDs use a fraction of the electricity of a regular bulb to create the same amount of light, but it was unclear whether more energy was used in the manufacturing and distribution process.

The study results show that over the life of the bulb - from manufacturing to disposal - incandescent bulbs use almost five times as much energy as compact fluorescents and LED lamps.

Importantly, the energy used during the manufacturing phase of all lamps is insignificant - about 2 percent of the total. Given that both compact fluorescents and LEDs use about 20 percent of the electricity needed to create the same amount of light as a standard incandescent, both lighting technologies put incandescents to shame.

''We welcome these kinds of studies,'' said Kaj den Daas, chief executive of Philips Lighting North America. The Osram study ''provides facts where we often have only emotional evidence.''

Philips recently became the first entrant for the U.S. Department of Energy's L Prize, a race to develop the first practical 60-watt LED equivalent to a standard light bulb.

To calculate what is known as a lifecycle assessment of LED lamps, Osram compared nearly every aspect of the manufacturing process, including the energy used in making the lamps in Asia, packaging them and transporting them to Germany, where they would be sold. It also looked at the emissions created at each stage and calculated the effect on six different indices of global warming.

Those included the amount of greenhouse gas emissions created by each process; the acid rain potential; eutrophication, or algae buildup; photochemical ozone creation; and the release of harmful chemical compounds.

Compact fluorescents also contain mercury, which can pollute soil when disposed of.

In addition to the amount of electricity needed for each process, the energy used to create that energy, and the emissions created as a result, was also calculated. In China, where some of the lamps are made, that meant coal. In Malaysia, where LED production was done, electricity is usually created from natural gas. And in Germany, where the lamps would be sold, electricity is created from a mix of coal, nuclear and renewable sources.

The methodology followed the practices set down in ISO 14040, an industry standard. The results were certified by three university professors in Denmark and Germany as adhering to the standard.

''The difference in energy use between incandescents, compact fluorescents and LEDs is definitely significant,'' said Dr. Matthias Finkbeiner of the Technical University of Berlin, the chairman of the study's review committee. ''The results are very stable.''

While 60-watt lamps are more popular light sources, they were not used in the study, as Osram does not yet have a commercial version. The amount of energy used to illuminate 60-watt-type lamps would increase, but the increase would affect all types of lamps and therefore not change the relative results, according to Dr. Berit Wessler, the head of innovations management at Osram Opto Semiconductors in Regensburg, Germany.

Dr. Wessler said she expected the results to shift even more in favor of LEDs as newer generations of that technology become even more efficient, requiring less energy to produce the same amount of light.

''Everything I've seen strengthens the assumption that LED efficiency will increase,'' she said. ''There has not been much improvement in incandescent efficiency in the last 10 years.''

For more information head to http://www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?type=DocDet&ObjectId=MzY3MjE

Saving energy even before the light's on

The International Herald Tribune, November 30, 2009 Monday - A study by Osram shows that over the life of the bulb, from manufacturing to disposal, incandescent bulbs use almost five times as much energy as compact fluorescents and LED lamps.

Does the latest generation of energy-efficient light bulbs save energy? A comprehensive study conducted by Osram, the German lighting company, provides evidence that it does.

While it might seem like a no-brainer, the answer had remained unclear until the release of the report Friday.

That was because no one knew whether the production of LED lamps required more energy than was needed for standard incandescent bulbs. It is indisputable that LEDs use a fraction of the electricity of a regular bulb to create the same amount of light, but it was unclear whether more energy was used in the manufacturing and distribution process.

The study results show that over the life of the bulb - from manufacturing to disposal - incandescent bulbs use almost five times as much energy as compact fluorescents and LED lamps.

Importantly, the energy used during the manufacturing phase of all lamps is insignificant - about 2 percent of the total. Given that both compact fluorescents and LEDs use about 20 percent of the electricity needed to create the same amount of light as a standard incandescent, both lighting technologies put incandescents to shame.

''We welcome these kinds of studies,'' said Kaj den Daas, chief executive of Philips Lighting North America. The Osram study ''provides facts where we often have only emotional evidence.''

Philips recently became the first entrant for the U.S. Department of Energy's L Prize, a race to develop the first practical 60-watt LED equivalent to a standard light bulb.

To calculate what is known as a lifecycle assessment of LED lamps, Osram compared nearly every aspect of the manufacturing process, including the energy used in making the lamps in Asia, packaging them and transporting them to Germany, where they would be sold. It also looked at the emissions created at each stage and calculated the effect on six different indices of global warming.

Those included the amount of greenhouse gas emissions created by each process; the acid rain potential; eutrophication, or algae buildup; photochemical ozone creation; and the release of harmful chemical compounds.

Compact fluorescents also contain mercury, which can pollute soil when disposed of.

In addition to the amount of electricity needed for each process, the energy used to create that energy, and the emissions created as a result, was also calculated. In China, where some of the lamps are made, that meant coal. In Malaysia, where LED production was done, electricity is usually created from natural gas. And in Germany, where the lamps would be sold, electricity is created from a mix of coal, nuclear and renewable sources.

The methodology followed the practices set down in ISO 14040, an industry standard. The results were certified by three university professors in Denmark and Germany as adhering to the standard.

''The difference in energy use between incandescents, compact fluorescents and LEDs is definitely significant,'' said Dr. Matthias Finkbeiner of the Technical University of Berlin, the chairman of the study's review committee. ''The results are very stable.''

While 60-watt lamps are more popular light sources, they were not used in the study, as Osram does not yet have a commercial version. The amount of energy used to illuminate 60-watt-type lamps would increase, but the increase would affect all types of lamps and therefore not change the relative results, according to Dr. Berit Wessler, the head of innovations management at Osram Opto Semiconductors in Regensburg, Germany.

Dr. Wessler said she expected the results to shift even more in favor of LEDs as newer generations of that technology become even more efficient, requiring less energy to produce the same amount of light.

''Everything I've seen strengthens the assumption that LED efficiency will increase,'' she said. ''There has not been much improvement in incandescent efficiency in the last 10 years.''

For more information head to http://www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?type=DocDet&ObjectId=MzY3MjE

10 great UN Climate Change Conference 2009

 

The COP 15 United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 is coming. Here are 10 COP15-related sites you’ll love:

1. COP15

2. United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change

3. UNEP

4. UN Dispatch

5. AlGore.com

6. 350.org

7. Hopenhagen

8. tcktcktck

9. Inside Cop15

10. Climate Action Network

 

Huge Icebergs drifting towards NZ

A huge mass of icebergs continues to drift from Antarctica towards New

Zealand, according to a NZ Herald report. At least 20 icebergs have been spotted off the east and west coasts of Macquarie Island, ranging in

size from 50m to an estimated 2km long. Glaciologist Neil Young was reported saying that they could reach the country’s South Island.

 

Chinese scientists set to study Mekong River

 

Sixteen Chinese scientists will start a 20-day exploratory mission of the Mekong River this week, aiming to learn about the state

of the river’s current ecosystem, how it evolved, and the extent of its environmental impacts. According to a Xinhua report the

team includes experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources

Research, the Institute of Hydrobiology, and Kunming Institute of Botany. The team’s tour will start from Xishuangbanna in

Yunnan province and gradually move downstream.

 

East Antarctica is losing ice

The East Antarctic ice sheet has been losing mass for the last three years, according to an analysis of satellite data. The BBC reported that scientists have been surprised by the findings, as the giant East Antarctic sheet, unlike the west, has been relatively stable until now. The satellite has previously shown that the smaller West Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are losing mass. The complete melting of the East Antarctic sheet would raise sea levels by over 50 meters.

 

forest carbon offsets

With the House recently passing an energy bill that places large emphasis on forest carbon offsets, it is time for everyday citizens to learn facts about global warming. A new report by Rare Conservation outlines how the developing tropic zones and global deforestation are crucial to mitigating climate change.

U.N. Calls for Global Ban on Plastic Bags

U.N. Calls for Global Ban on Plastic Bags

Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the U.N. Environment Program is advocating a global ban on plastic bags because there is “zero justification for manufacturing them anymore, anywhere,” he says.

His comment came from a U.N. Environment Program report that identifies plastic as the most common form of ocean litter, along with cigarette butts, according to the results of the 2008 International Coastal Cleanup Day. “Plastic, the most prevalent component of marine debris, poses hazards because it persists so long in the ocean, degrading into tinier and tinier bits that can be consumed by the smallest marine life at the base of the food web,” the report says.

Currently, San Francisco is the only U.S. city that has completely banned plastic bags. China is also testing the same ban in which retailers distributing plastic bags can be fined up to $1,464.

For more information head to:

http://earth911.com/blog/2009/06/10/un-calls-for-global-ban-on-plastic-bags/

Tourism through the Buddhist "Trail of Civilisation".

Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda took part in the third annual meeting in connection with the Borobudur Declaration, on the invitation of the Indonesian Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jero Wacik. The signatories of the Declaration: Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam agreed in 2006 to cooperate on a 5-year plan of action to preserve and promote, through sustainable cultural tourism, a Trail of Civilization, which links prominent Buddhist heritage sites located in these six ASEAN countries. Left: Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda looks on as Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife leave the stage at the end of the cultural performance of The Trail of Civilisation at the Vesak celebrations held at Borobudur, Indonesia. Left: Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda looks on as Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife leave the stage at the end of the cultural performance of The Trail of Civilisation at the Vesak celebrations held at Borobudur, Indonesia. Sri Lanka, although not a signatory to the Declaration, was invited to participate at this event both at a ministerial and technical level. Vidya Jyothi Ashley De Vos, accomplished architect, archeologist and preservationist, assisted Minister Moragoda at the sessions. Through this process, Sri Lanka will seek to link up its prominent Buddhist heritage sites to the Trail of Civilisation initiative and thereby become a bridge between South and East Asia in the promotion of Buddhist cultural tourism and pilgrimages.

 

No room for a plan B

The UK Prime Minister says that the world faces a "catastrophe" of floods, droughts and killer Heat waves if leaders fail to agree a deal on climate change. Gordon Brown said negotiators had 50 days to save the world from global warming and break the "impasse". He told the Major Economies Forum in London, which brings together 17 of the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitting Countries, there was "no plan B".

 

eco facts

 

• Recycling conserves our valuable natural resources.
• Recycling saves energy.
• Recycling can save money and create jobs.
• Paper products use up at least 35 percent of the world's annual commercial wood harvest.
• Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.
• The average house uses one acre of trees to build.
• The United States is the number one trash producing company in the world at 1,609 pounds per person, per year.
• If everyone on earth consumed as many resources as Americans do, we would need four planet earths to provide enough resources. In other words, 5% of the world's population (the United States), consumes 25% of the world's resources.
• Paper products make up the largest part of our trash (approx. 40%).
• If all of our newspaper was recycled, we could save about 250,000,000 trees each year!
• Americans throw away enough aluminum every three months to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.
• Plastic bags and other plastic thrown into the ocean kill as many as 1,000,000 sea creatures every year.