What does it really mean to conserve energy?

How many times have you heard something along the lines of: “Turn the lights out! Electricity doesn’t grow on trees...”

Sure, we all know the world consumes too much energy – that’s been becoming increasingly more obvious over the last half-century. But what does that mean exactly? Is it too many air conditioners trying to combat hotter summers? Too many cars on the road? Poor building insulation?

Well, turns out scientist aren’t all that certain. Through careful analytic study, they’re learning more each and every day. Economists at MIT and the University of California, Berkeley recently launched E2e, a new project which will attempt to address global energy consumption and all its complexities.

 “Almost all of the previous work on energy efficiency comes from engineering studies, which look at what’s possible under ideal conditions,” says Michael Greenstone, co-director of the E2e project. “We wanted to ask a slightly different question — what are the actual returns you could expect in the real world?”

Back in 2009, McKinsey & Co, a consulting firm that focuses on solving global issues, released a surprising study proving that countries like the United States can save roughly $680 billion dollars over the next decade through strategies like sealing building ducts and upgrading old appliances.

Economists continue to analyze, challenge, and debate strategy. ”Those engineering studies can’t account for the behavioral changes you might see in response to efficiency improvements,” says Christopher Knittel, an economist with the E2e project. “People could, for instance, start adjusting their thermostat if it becomes cheaper to cool the house.”

A recent study out of Mexico showed that a government-funded program promoting energy-saving refrigerators actually curbed electricity use. However, a similar program involving air conditioners had the exact opposite effect — when people got more efficient ACs, they used them more often, and energy consumption rose.

“The point is that policymakers aren’t going to spend an infinite amount of money trying to save energy or reduce greenhouse gases,” says Greenstone. “So the motivation is to find the places where the return is the greatest. If you could reduce a ton of carbon-dioxide for $100 or two tons for $50, you’d choose the latter.”

[ ana shell, energy conumption, environment, fossil-fuel generator, nrglab, nrglab pte ltd, nrglab singapore, research council nrglab, zeev drori israel, nrglab, nrglab sh-box ]

Pakistan’s newly elected Prime Minister inherits $5 billion in energy debt

Now that the election in Pakistan is finally finished, Prime Minister-elect Nawaz Sharif can begin to tackle the nation’s dismal energy situation. Just in time, too – with summer approaching, the country is heating up to temperatures as high as 50C, or 122F. Talk about sweltering! As a result, Pakistanis are cranking their air conditioners up, creating sweeping power outages and adding to an already staggering debt.

The power outages have ignited protests across Pakistan. In some areas, blackouts last as long as 18 hours a day! Last summer, the country’s power deficit hit 6,000 megawatts during high-demand periods. Not an easy fix for the new Prime Minister.

According to Zafar Iqbal Sobani, former chief executive officer of Hub Power, Pakistan’s second-largest power supplier, “Sharif’s Muslim League won the election because the previous government failed to deliver on the energy front.”

Pakistan’s power plants have the ability to produce approximately 14,500 megawatts a day, which could satisfy the country’s demand, if only they could afford the cost of the foreign oil and gas they need to burn.

Even when the lights are on, companies like Hub Power are struggling to collect on their customers’ debts. The country’s overall energy sector is burdened with $5 billion in outstanding debt. Delayed payment to foreign fuel suppliers, not to mention theft by people tapping into the power lines illegally, threaten to collapse the entire system.

Rolling blackouts have bogged down Pakistan’s $210 billion economy, cutting two percentage points off growth each fiscal year. The textile industry, which accounts for 54% of the country’s overall exports and employs 38% of the ‘blue-collar’ labor force, has been hit the hardest. Nawaz Sharif has been quoted telling party supporters that the energy crisis “has made the people miserable.”

Imagine if Pakistan’s textile factories could run on clean, low-cost electricity without the support of a third-party energy supplier. Well, NRGLab did, and what resulted was the SH-Box.

Learn more by visiting www.nrglab.asia.  

[ ana shell, Nawaz Sharif, energy sector, energy, Prime Minister Pakistan, nrglab сингапур, pakistan, sh-box, Zafar Iqbal Sobani, nrglab ]

Energy Investments: how diverse is your portfolio?

Today, more and more asset management firms are racing to invest in the next big breakthrough in the energy industry. The American-based Carlyle Group, which specializes in private equity, market strategies, real assets, and fund of funds, has recently formed a six person energy team in hopes of better estimating the growth potential for this industry across the global market.

Carlyle recently ended its decade-long relationship with Riverstone Holdings, the firm which helped Carlyle secure half-a-dozen projects in the energy industry. The new team intends to raise an additional $1.5 billion in private equity.

According to a statement released by Carlyle, “Experts forecast global energy demand to grow dramatically over the next decade. Energy production and infrastructure is expected to grow dramatically in Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia to meet this demand. [This] will increase the need for capital investment globally."

Carlyle has already invested close to $30 billion in alternative energy funds, but those investments have all been within North America. The new team will scour for opportunities abroad, especially in struggling markets like Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

It’s fairly common in today’s economy for asset management firms to diversify their portfolios with energy projects. Just last year, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts raised approximately $1.25 billion to invest in natural resources. Blackstone Group more than doubled that – over $2.5 billion!

Clearly, the Carlyle Group and others like them are realizing that energy demand isn’t go anywhere anytime soon. People will always need to get from point A to point B. They’ll always need lights to see. Channels to flip through. Food to microwave. What happens when the oil and natural gas run dry, and electricity becomes a premium luxury?  Sure, that may be decades away. Perhaps even a century. But unless we begin investing serious efforts into developing clean renewables, our descendants will pay the price for our hubris.

How is your investment portfolio looking? Have you ever considered investing in a carbon-free, low-cost alternative to the fossil-fuel generator?

Well, if you have, then you’re in luck! NRGLab introduces the SH-Box, the world’s first polycrystalline electrical generator that’s guaranteed to change the world. To learn how you, your family, your community or business can achieve energy independence once and for all, visit www.nrglab.asia.

[ ana shell, Carlyle Group, Cina, fossil-fuel generator, GE, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, nrglab pte ltd, nrglab singapore, nrglab сингапур, NRGLab 项目, Riverstone Holdings, sh-box, Siemens ]

Too high a price for universal energy? Millions without power don’t think so

Did you know that in today’s technology-driven age, millions of people still live without regular access to fuel or electricity? That means they can’t heat their homes in the winter. They can’t cook, or keep their food refrigerated. While the rest of the world advances by leaps and bounds, these people are left to fend for themselves.

According to a paper recently published by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, it would cost an estimated $65 billion and take two decades to construct a universal energy grid. The price tag includes power generation, grid expansion and maintenance, and grants for clean-burning stove. These stoves would benefit the more than 40% of people without them and reduce accidental fatalities by up to 1.8 million, the study claims.

So are the lives of millions worth $65 billion?

Shonali Pachauri, co-author of the paper, seems to think so. “The scale of investment required is small from a global perspective,” she says. “Without new policies and efforts, universal access to modern energy will not be achieved by 2030. Actually, for cooking, the situation may even worsen…”

Pachauri is right. $65 billion equates to less than 4% of current investments in the energy sector. So we don’t need to be investing MORE—we need to be investing SMARTER.

Participating in one of NRGLab’s many energy projects may just be the shrewdest financial move you’ve ever made.

NRGLab has developed a way to increase the efficiency of gas turbine generators. With the patent-pending “Eco-SV” Method, turbines achieve electrical efficiency levels between 53 and 72%. Compare this to the efficiency of most other turbines, which are lucky to register 35%.

A joint-venture with Viscoil Holdings involves recycling waste materials into useable fuel. NRGLab possesses exclusive rights to this technology for all of Southeast Asia. Coal is scheduled to be recycled in Indonesia. Engine oil in Malaysia. Agricultural byproduct in Singapore and Malaysia. In Singapore, for instance, NRGLab is able to recycle 2,000 tons of waste on a daily basis into 800 m3 of fuel! Imagine the possibilities this holds for the millions without access to power...

NRGLab is in the business of changing lives. If you’re interested in opportunities, contact us by visiting www.nrglab.asia.

[ ana shell, energy, gas turbines, GE, nrglab, nrglab pte ltd, nrglab singapore, nrglab сингапур, pakistan, research council, sh-box, Siemens, STIG, Verizon] 

Understanding gasification and energy recycling

NRGLab has one goal: create a better future for all of mankind. One way we intend on achieving this is by revolutionizing the energy industry. Right now, we’re developing a number of economically smart, eco-friendly projects, the most promising of which might be our new gasification technology.

Our gasification plants recycle waste while recovering energy more efficiently and on a grander scale than comparable conversion technologies.

Honestly – waste recycling just makes sense! Why are we relying on limited resources, or unreliable alternatives like wind and solar, instead of looking at our own wasteful habits?

Gasification is not only versatile – it’s a force to be reckoned with! Capable of processing agricultural waste, rice, and natural gas into useable future, our process doesn’t waste a single drop of energy potential.

Usually, the energy in waste is discarded. It’s buried, or burned, which causes tremendous harm to the environment.  That’s hazardous material that could be contaminating our water. More greenhouse gases that could be poisoning our atmosphere.  Our gasification technology utilizes this waste instead of just, well - letting it go to waste (pun intended)!

Additionally, our gasification technology will reduce our dependence on our planet’s limited reserve of fossil fuels.

One common misconception is that energy recycling is nothing but incinerating trash. Wrong, wrong, wrong! Gasification is an entirely different process. Chemical reactions at the molecular level cause matter to evaporate into gas, resulting in few carbon emissions.

Another common misconception is that gasification cuts back on recycling. Again – wrong, wrong, wrong! Local recycling initiatives promote consumption awareness and community spirit, and actually filter out unwanted materials prior to gasification.

NRGLab stands at the forefront of green energy technology. To learn more, visit our website at nrglab.asia.

Because the future is unwritten. Together we can ensure a better tomorrow. For our children. And their children. It all starts with renewable projects like gasification.

Hopefully you understand energy recycling a little bit better now! 

[ gasification, gasification nrglab, gasification plant, energy recycling, nrglab, nrglab pte ltd, nrglab singapore, ana shell, ana shell nrglab, annie j ]

可再生能源的重要性

大家好，我叫Alex，是NRGLab研究委员会的一名工程师。在过去的15年里，我都在使用CAD-CAM计算机技术，帮助其他工程师准确而详细的说明他们的设计。NRGLab推出的SH-box（多晶体发电机）将改变世界，我会告诉您原因：因为它是一种可再生能源。

在使用计算机模型时，我们经常解读各种数据，借此来预测未来的趋势和倾向。而在我们看待世界时，也应采用同样的方法。通过分析当前的信息，我们可以调整根植于前工业传统的系统，优化我们的未来。我们无法回避目前严峻的形势：世界正慢慢地死去。人口增长过快。燃料消费已增加到失去控制的地步。是时候应用我们所知的一切，来防止环境走向目前看来不可避免的不幸结局了。

解决方案就是可再生能源。可再生能源能让能源实现民主化，还能让信息、科技、稳定和和平茁壮成长。目前，为了争夺对有限的自然资源的控制，世界各地的国家都在相互竞争。石油、煤炭、天然气。让我们消除这一动机吧，否则，我们可能会见证这场竞争以战争而结束。

在20世纪，我们目前对石油和燃气的依赖是没有问题的。但现在，石油正在耗尽，而路上再多几辆混合动力汽车也将不能抵消排放到大气中的碳。伤害已经造成。幸运的是，改变正在发生。

但是，重大改变要求有开放的心态。首先，我们要想象一个没有加油站或燃煤发电厂的世界，以便将这个世界变成现实。我们急需能插入现有电网中的新技术，立即为数亿个挣扎着勉强维持生计的家庭提供援助。我们需要团结在一起，反对现有的能源基础设施。能源，就像我们呼吸的空气一样，不应被当做一种贴有价格标签的商品。它应该被视为人们学习、交流、在夜间感觉更安全的机会。能源就是力量。在NRGLab，我们的目标就是将这种力量还给人民。

想要成为能源解决方案的一份子吗？有兴趣成为NRGLab团队的一员吗？您可以通过下列链接，就如何加入研究委员会了解更多信息：

 https://www.box.com/ResearchCouncilNRGLab

原文于2013年8月21日发表在http://annie65j.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-importance-of-renewable-energy.html

[ 全球变暖, 政府, 新技术, 能源消耗, nrglab, nrglab pte ltd, nrglab сингапур, nrglab singapore, NRGLab 项目, NRGLab推出的SH-box, sh-box, annie j, ana shell ]

Are we too comfortable with chemicals?

Chemicals are a part of everyday life for most people (even if you may not be aware of it). Farmers use chemicals to protect their crops – crops that end up on your dinner plate. People use chemicals to keep their lawns green. Their pools crystal clear. But with chemical issues like fracking becoming more prevalent in the news these days, we have to ask: what effect are they having on our environment? And can we even make an educated guess?

Fracking is the latest craze in the energy industry. A cocktail of highly pressurized water and chemicals is pumped into the ground, into shale, in order to break up sedimentary rock and access deposits of precious natural gas. 

Environmental advocates and scientists alike are growing concerned with exactly what chemicals these companies are using. The problem, though, is that these chemicals are protected under intellectual copyright laws. So even if they might be contaminating our rivers and water wells, billion dollar companies (which can afford to settle out of court for “damages”) will continue to open new fracking operations. From the United States to Russia – fracking is a global threat that isn’t going anyway anytime soon.

Experimental fieldwork on ecosystems, as well as broad analyzes of chemical and biological samples, helps scientists understand the long-term effects of chemicals on humans and animals.

"Although there are many indications of animal populations and ecosystems changing because of pesticides, there are few studies proving the connection without a doubt," claim environmental researchers Rita Triebskorn and Heinz Kohler. "The links to the effect of pesticides at every level of increasing biological complexity require more thorough research."

Triebskorn and Kohler predict that, over time, the introduction of chemicals into our environment will alter natural selection, spread disease, inhibit sexual reproduction, and even wipe out entire species of animals!

What can we do about it?

First, we need to start compiling more data so we can understand the full scope of the problem. Algorithms and experimental practices can both help uncover more instances of environmental degradation due to chemicals and pesticides.

This information isn’t just for farmers, either! Remember – what they grow, you’ll ultimately consume. You’ll go swimming in that water. You’ll go running barefoot on that lawn. Chemicals are everywhere!

We can cut down on our chemical dependence, however, by moving away from potentially hazardous practices like fracking and focus on sustainable, clean, all-natural alternatives. NRGLab has a number of such alternatives in development. From a carbon-free, polycrystalline electrical generator to innovative gasification techniques and technology, NRGLab wants to protect the planet and ensure a greener future for millions of people around the world.

So ask yourself: are you too comfortable with chemicals?

If the answer is “yes,” consider joining NRGLab in the green energy revolution. Visit our website at nrglab.asia, and follow us on Facebook for updates. 

[ energy industry, Rita Triebskorn, Heinz Kohler, nrglab, nrglab singapore, nrglab сингапур, nrglab pte ltd, ana shell ]

Energy questions from a new friend

When people find out I work in green energy technology, I’m immediately bombarded with questions. “How can I cut down on my utility bills?” is the one I get the most. Well, the other day, I made a new friend. We went out for lunch and got a chance to know one another better. Turns out, she and her husband are looking to buy a new house, and they’re concerned with energy efficiency and being “eco-friendly,” as she put it.

Here a couple of questions she asked:

What are some specific warning flags to look out for when taking a tour of a house?

Realtors usually try to show you the parts of the house they want you to see. Make sure you ask them about the air conditioning and heating systems. How old are they? How much energy do they consume during peak months?

Outside, take a look at the landscaping. Are there native plants? Do they require a lot of water? Is there a sprinkler system? If there is, make sure you check for leaks.

If you get the opportunity, ask the previous owners if you can take a peek at their utility bills. How much water and electricity does the house consume on a daily, monthly, annual basis?

Although going green is always easier when you’re starting from the ground up and building your own home, you can always make upgrades to greatly increase an older home’s energy efficiency, not to mention your property’s overall value.

What upgrades can I make if I do decide to buy a less-than-efficient house?

Tons! Here’s a quick breakdown of the easiest do-it-yourself upgrades you can make, but trust me, there are many more:

-      Replace old windows with energy-efficient versions.

-      Using duct tape, seal air leaks around doors and windows.

-      While you have the tape, grab a ladder and seal the air ducts too.

-       Add more insulation.

-      Swap out water-thirsty plants in the yard with ones that require as little water as possible. Cactuses are nice and prickly.

-   Install barrels to collect rain runoff. The water can be used to irrigate your landscape and lawn, so you won’t have to use the hose.

-      Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient fluorescents.

-      Check the EPA's Energy Star rating and replace your old appliances. Go ahead, you deserve it! Throw out that old coffee maker. Better yet, donate it. Then go out and buy yourself something nice. Spend a little now, save a lot later…

What’s the most important piece of advice you can offer an energy novice like me?

Stayed informed! Watch the news. Read. Instead of wasting time online with mindless games, Google your environmental and energy questions. Stay inquisitive. Check out the EPA's Energy Star website, EnergyStar.gov. Get acquainted with calculators and other useful tools that can help you manage your carbon footprint.

For example, you might not think of your home as a carbon-emitting source, but it is! It’s a major contributor, in fact. The energy you use for cooling, heating, lighting, and general power are, more likely than not, connected to a dirty main source. A coal-burning facility. A nuclear power plant.

To start, visit nrglab.asia. We’ve got a slew of green energy projects in development that are sure to change the way the world looks at energy. Waste-to-fuel gasification. The polycrystalline SH-Box generator.

The future of energy independence is coming. We’re ushering it in. 

[ Sh-box generator, EPA's Energy Star rating, nrglab, nrglab pte ltd, nrglab сингапур, nrglab singapore, anastasia samoylova nrglab, ana shell, annie j, alternative energy, cheap electricity ]

Cut costs and energy consumption in 10 easy steps

You don’t have to take drastic measures in order to adapt to the energy and climate crises. By adhering to these 10 simple steps, you’ll cut down on your carbon footprint while simultaneously shredding your monthly utility bills!

It doesn’t take expensive solar panel instillation to do it, either. Just take a little bit of time out of your day, walk around your home, and consider the following:

• Set your thermostat to 78° Fahrenheit (about 25 C°). It’s a low-energy yet comfortable temperature that’s sure to save you big bucks during those long, sultry summer months.
• If you’re running the air conditioner, make sure the windows and doors are all closed. Waste not, want not, as they say.
• Make sure those vents aren’t being blocked. A lot of times (often for feng shui), people will unknowingly position furniture against the AC vents. This restricts the flow of cool air throughout your home, forcing you to run the unit longer.
• Another common decorating mistake – make sure your TV, lamps, and heat-emitting appliances are positioned away from the thermostat. They have a tendency of tricking the AC into thinking it’s hotter than it actually is.
• Did you know that your water heater is generally your third largest energy expense? Turning it down just a few degrees will help you save money consistently month-to-month.
• Washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot will pocket you an extra hundred dollars or so every year. Also, stashing a dry towel in the dryer with each load of freshly washed clothes reduces drying time by absorbing dampness. That means running the dryer less. Using less water. Less energy.
• Microwaveable TV dinners – not so bad after all! The microwave oven uses about ½ as much energy as a convention one. So don’t feel bad the next time it takes you five minutes to cook dinner. Feel like you’re being responsible.
• Vacuum your refrigerator? Sounds a bit ridiculous, I’ll admit. But when dirt and grime build up in your fridge’s coils, it has to work twice as hard to keep your food cold.
• If you haven’t brewed coffee, played video games, or watched TV in a while – unplug your appliances! Surprisingly, many consume electricity even when they’re off.
• Have an attic? A basement? Even a crawlspace? Inspect your insulation regularly to make sure that it’s dry. When moisture seeps in, it greatly impacts the insulation’s effectiveness. Cold air leaks out during the summer, and in during the winter, making it very difficult to stay warm or cool (depending on the season).

Well, there you have it. 10 easy steps to reducing costs and energy consumption. And remember, when it comes to global warming – we’re all in this together. So take the time to make sure you’re being as energy-efficient as possible. Tell a friend. Make a difference.

As Ghandi once said, “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. We need not wait to see what others do.”

[ energy consumption, global warming, Ghandi, nrglab, nrglab pte ltd, nrglab сингапур, nrglab singapore, ana shell, annie j, anastasia samoylova nrglab ]

科技正在变得更智能，为什么城市不能呢？

智能手机。运动感应灯。能记录我们的搜索历史并在我们完整输入问题之前就自动将问题补充完整的搜索引擎。是的——在我们生活的时代，大多数人都需要用智能科技来弥补自身的不足。我们已经意识到所走道路的偏差。我们的人性。那么，我们为什么不能运用同样的思维去看待被过度污染的城市呢？

“可采纳性比我们预想的要低一点儿，”法国能源供应商施耐德电气的高级副总裁吉姆·圣德林（Jim Sandelin）承认，“在技术上是可行的。而最近的三四年，用于检测建筑和设备性能状况的平台和分析也已出现，并在不断改进。”

您可以走进一家麦当劳，使用触摸屏交互菜单点餐。大学宿舍被要求使用节能型供热制冷系统，以便降低成本和消耗。见鬼——甚至于iPad都像是直接来自《星际迷航（Star Trek）》。

那么，接下来会是什么呢？

现在，通过一个单独的集成网络，全新的数据处理中心就能针对办公大楼、高速公路、体育馆甚至整个城市街区的电力分配进行分析。但是，当政府已经开始投资，向“智能城市”转型的时候，私人业主却拒绝为之买单。

“许多投资者不愿谈论（绿色能源）这个问题，”达拉斯林肯物业（Lincoln Property）管理公司的区域工程总监约翰·道生（John Dawson）说道，“他们不愿意花钱。他们计算出了电力涨价的转嫁费用，质疑为什么要他们来付费？”

达拉斯每年的电费通常高达数千万美元。自2003年开始，人们改造了市政厅、达拉斯艺术博物馆、停车场以及几十栋办公大楼，在其中配备了自动恒温器、动作感应灯，并改善了建筑的隔热隔音性能。达拉斯政府预计，未来的两年内，在能源方面的花费将减少约3,000万美元。

尽管美国城市多少有些不情愿接受节能改造，但在欧洲，许多国家都通过法律要求完成此类改造。得克萨斯大学的建筑规划学教授史蒂芬·摩尔（Steven Moore）说：“对于那些不能立即从中得到好处的改变，大多数人都会反对。（但是）改变很快就会来临，也将出现更多的激励措施，让机构和政府得以适应改变。”

然而，让一座建筑变得节能并不是“一锤子”买卖。随着建筑使用年限的增长，它们就会开始榨取能源。这也是为什么我们需要对其进行定期维护、熟练操作的原因。我们需要不断调整建筑，以便继续使用它们。

现在，问题是：人类是否能够适应全球变暖，并得以幸存？又或者，我们没能从错误中吸取经验，与地球一起饱受煎熬？

从英文版翻译而来。原文于2013 7月1日， http://annie65j.blogspot.sg/2013/07/technology-is-getting-smarter-so-why.html

[ 全球变暖, 政府, 新技术, NRGLab 项目, NRGLab推出的SH-box, Jim Sandelin, John Dawson, Lincoln Property, Steven Moore, nrglab, nrglab pte ltd, nrglab сингапур, nrglab singapore, ana shell ]

New apps for your phone make going green fun!

Are you one of the hundreds of thousands of people out there constantly looking for better ways to go green? From leasing hybrid cars to making energy upgrades around the house, environmentalism has solidified itself as a trend amongst today’s adults. 

Saving energy may not always be easy, but it can definitely be fun! New green applications for your smartphone promise exactly that…

Did you know that 56% of American adults now own some variety of smartphone? Meanwhile, Google and Apple recently hit the 50 billion downloaded-app mark! That’s a lot of people who, collectively, could be making a major impact on cutting energy consumption.

An app called Joulebug turns conservation into a game. Players can earn points and badges for reusing shopping bags, coffee cups, or sorting their trash for recyclables.

Last year, the White House launched the Green Button initiative, an app that helps Americans track their energy usage. The theory was that if people could gain a better understanding of their utility bills, it would entice them to reduce their energy usage, while simultaneously saving money.

You can try apps like Kill-Ur-Watts or Leafully. Leafully recently won the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Apps for Energy” contest, and works by connecting to companies that offer Green Button data. Another app called WattRebate let’s you search by zip code to find tax rebates for becoming more energy efficient.

Riding a bicycle is one eco-friendly, health-conscious way to cut back on your transportation costs. An app called Ride the City provides information like routes, local shops, bike-share stations, and local weather. New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C. now offer bike-sharing programs for commuters. Just pick up and drop off and go about your day with a clean conscience!

So instead of downloading another mind-numbing game on your supposedly smartphone, try downloading a green energy app. See how much electricity you’re wasting. See how much money you could be saving. See how fun going green can be!

[ White House, Apple, Green Button initiative, Kill-Ur-Watts, Leafully, Ride the city app, Joulebug, annie j, ana shell, green energy, nrglab, nrglab сингапур, nrglab singapore, research council nrglab ]

Masih Percayakah Kita kepada Pemerintah?

Boleh dibilang hampir setiap malam, siaran berita selalu dibanjiri dengan berita utama yang berkaitan dengan perilaku pemerintahan yang tidak pada tempatnya.  Coba saja, pilih sebuah negara - negara mana pun.

Amerika Serikat, "tanah kebebasan" itu, diam-diam memata-matai warga negaranya sendiri. Mendengarkan percakapan telepon pribadi mereka.  Membaca surel mereka. Dan semua itu 100% legal! (tapi secara konstitusi atau moral - pastinya bertentangan)

Di Turki, polisi terpaksa menembakkan meriam air bertekanan tinggi ke kerumunan massa kerusuhan yang berjumlah sekitar  15.000 orang loyalis Partai AK. Bayangkan berapa banyak orang yang bakal bersorak dan melambaikan bendera Turki di TPS ketika mereka mengadakan pilkada di bulan Maret mendatang.

Korea Utara menuntut pembubaran intervensi PBB di Korea Selatan. Dengan menuduh  bahwa AS menggunakan wilayah Korea Selatan sebagai persiapan strategis untuk perang melawan Korea Utara, Duta Besar Sin Son Ho memperingatkan bahwa perang bisa berkobar "setiap saat."  Dan yang dimaksud bukan Perang Korea lainnya. Kita bicara Perang Dunia III. Bencana nuklir. Seperti yang kita tahu bakal menjadi akhir kehidupan.

Para pemimpin negara-negara asing tidak dapat bertatap muka secara langsung lagi, karena takut dimata-matai oleh pesawat pengintai tak berawak rahasia yang seharusnya menjadi sekutu mereka. Apa yang dilakukan oleh pesawat pengintai tak berawak itu? Tentu saja memata-matai Anda. Bahkan Presiden Barack Obama, seorang liberal, telah menggunakan serangan pesawat pengintai tak berawak untuk menciduk tersangka teroris. Tanpa pengadilan. Tanpa perlu membacakan hak-hak orang yang diciduk tersebut. Parahnya lagi - warga sipil tak berdosa terperangkap di tengah.

Apakah Anda bersedia untuk menerima atau tidak, gagasan tentang "privasi" di era berbasis teknologi ini semakin berkembang dengan cepat. Bagaimana cara terbaik bagi pemerintah untuk menyerang dan menangkap seorang pembunuh? Bagaimana Anda menimbang antara hak-hak individu versus demi kebaikan bersama? Ini adalah beberapa pertanyaan yang sangat sulit, dan keputusan yang diambil bakal tidak mudah pula. Tapi apakah Anda memberikan kepercayaan kepada para pemimpin politik untuk membuat keputusan itu bagi Anda?

Itulah mengapa kami di NRGLab berusaha memberikan kebebasan kepada orang lain. Dengan membuat akses listrik yang universal dan terjangkau,  Anda membuat akses ke informasi yang universal. Ini akan menciptakan pemilih yang mendapat informasi dengan baik. Warga negara yang bertanggung jawab, dapat membatasi kebiasaan konsumsi mereka sendiri dengan generator bebas karbon seperti SH-Box ini. Mereka bisa belajar teknik daur ulang yang lebih baik. Dan yang terpenting, mereka dapat berbagi dengan dunia apa yang telah mereka pelajari. Dan melalui jaringan informasi ini, satu orang bisa membuat sejarah.

Jadi jangan pernah menyerah! Jika Anda berpikir bahwa mematikan satu lampu untuk menghemat sedikit watt itu tidak artinya - pikir lagi! Memimpin dengan memberi contoh. Membantu memastikan lebih baik, masa depan yang lebih hijau bagi kita semua.

Diterjemahkan dari Bahasa Inggris. Artikel asli diterbitkan pada 26 Juni 2013 di http://annie65j.blogspot.sg/2013/06/do-you-still-trust-government.html

[ pemanasan global, proyek nrglab, research council, research council nrglab, ana shell, energy project, nrglab, nrglab pte ltd, nrglab сингапур, nrglab singapore ]

Teknologi Semakin Pintar, Mengapa Kota-Kotanya Tidak?

Ponsel pintar. Lampu dengan sensor gerakan. Mesin pencari  yang merekam riwayat pencarian kita dan otomatis-melengkapi pertanyaan kita sebelum kita menuliskannya secara lengkap. Ya – kita hidup di era di mana sebagian besar penduduk menuntut teknologi pintar untuk mengimbangi kekurangan mereka sendiri. Kita telah menyadari kesalahan dari cara kita sendiri. Umat manusia sendiri. Jadi mengapa kita tidak bisa menerapkan pemikiran yang sama untuk kota-kota kita yang kelebihan penduduk?

"Penerapannya  lebih lambat daripada yang kita inginkan," seperti diakui oleh Jim Sandelin , Senior Vice President  Schneider Electric, perusahaan penyedia energi asal Perancis. "Teknologinya sudah ada. Platform dan analisis, yang memberitahu Anda bagaimana bangunan dan peralatan bekerja, baru benar-benar datang dalam tiga atau empat tahun belakangan ini, dan [semakin] membaik saja."

Anda bisa masuk ke McDonald dan memesan makanan melalui sebuah menu layar sentuh interaktif. Asrama perguruan tinggi yang diatur dengan sistem pemanasan  dan pendingin yang hemat energi membantu mengurangi biaya dan konsumsi energi. Bahkan iPad sudah kelihatan seperti langsung dari Star Trek.

Jadi, setelah ini apa?

Pusat-pusat pengolahan data baru saat ini memungkinkan gedung-gedung perkantoran, jalan raya, stadion dan seluruh blok di kota dijalankan melalui jaringan tunggal dan terintegrasi yang menganalisis distribusi tenaga listrik. Namun,  saat pemerintah sudah mulai berinvestasi dalam transisi menuju “kota pintar,” pemilik bangunan swasta tetap menolak untuk membayar tagihan.

"Banyak investor yang tidak mau tahu [dengan energi hijau]," kata John Dawson, Direktur Regional Teknik Lincoln Properti, sebuah perusahaan manajemen di Dallas. "Mereka tidak ingin menghabiskan uang. Mereka mencari listrik yang sudah ada saja, jadi mengapa mereka harus membayar untuk itu? "

Tagihan listrik tahunan kota Dallas reguler biasanya bernilai puluhan juta dolar. Sejak tahun 2003, Balai Kota, Dallas Museum of Art, tempat parkir, dan puluhan bangunan perusahaan telah direnovasi dengan termostat otomatis, lampu dengan sensor gerak, dan insulasi  telah diperbaiki. Pemerintah mereka memprediksi penghematan energi selama dua tahun ke depan sekitar $ 30 juta.

Meskipun kota-kota di Amerika agak enggan untuk mendukung pembaruan yang hemat energi, di Eropa hal ini secara undang-undang justru dibutuhkan banyak negara. Menurut Steven Moore, seorang profesor perencanaan arsitektur di University of Texas, "Kebanyakan orang menolak perubahan karena mereka tidak dapat segera melihat manfaatnya. [Tapi] perubahan akan datang, dan akan ada peningkatan insentif agar lembaga dan pemerintah mau menerapkannya."

Namun membuat bangunan hemat energi jauh dari sekadar kesepakatan "sekali dan selesai". Ketika makin berumur, bangunan-bangunan mulai boros energi. Itulah sebabnya bangunan-bangunan tersebut membutuhkan perawatan rutin. Kegiatan operasionannya dipelajari. Gedung-gedung harus terus beradaptasi agar bisa tetap bertahan.

Sekarang pertanyaannya adalah: akan umat manusia beradaptasi dengan pemanasan global dan bertahan? Atau akankah kita gagal untuk belajar dari kesalahan kita, dan tergoreng bersama dengan planet ini?

Diterjemahkan dari Bahasa Inggris, artikel asli di publikasikan tanggal di 1 Juli, http://annie65j.blogspot.sg/2013/07/technology-is-getting-smarter-so-why.html

[ proyek nrglab, pemanasan global, nrglab, nrglab pte ltd, nrglab singapore, nrglab сингапур, annie j, ana shell, University of Texas, Steven Moore, John Dawson, Star Trek ]