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Chuck Norris Cannot Be Stopped: 400 All-New Facts About the Man Who Knows Neither Fear Nor Mercy

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Batteries for Battery Powered Cars Are More Environmentally Friendly Than Expected

It is not an easy task to compare the environmental effects of battery powered cars to those caused by conventionally fuelled automobiles. The degree to which manufacture, usage and disposal of the batteries used to store the necessary electrical energy are detrimental to the environment is not exactly known. Now, for the first time, a team of Empa scientists have made a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) or ecobalance of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, in particular the chemically improved (i.e. more environmentally friendly) version of the ones most frequently used in electric vehicles.

The investigation shows that if the power used to charge the battery is not derived from purely hydroelectric sources, then it is primarily the operation of the electric car, which has an environmental impact, exactly as is the case with conventionally fuelled automobiles. The size of the environmental footprint depends on which sources of power are used to “fuel” the e-mobile. The Li-ion battery itself has, in contrast, a limited effect on the LCA of the electric vehicle. This is contrary to initial expectations that the manufacture of the batteries could negate the advantages of the electric drive.

The environmental impact of batteries for electric vehicles

Battery powered electric cars are often promoted as the ideal solution to the challenges of future mobility, since they produce no exhaust gases in operation. Li-ion batteries have established themselves over competing lead-acid and nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) types because they are lighter and can store more energy. Li-ion batteries are also basically maintenance-free, display no memory effect (loss of capacity when repeatedly charged after partial discharge), have a low self-discharge rate and are regarded as safe and long-lived. For these reasons they find use in many products such as laptop computers. But are they also environmentally friendly?

Researchers at Empa’s “Technology and Society Laboratory” decided to find out for sure. They calculated the ecological footprints of electric cars fitted with Li-ion batteries, taking into account all possible relevant factors, from those associated with the production of individual parts all the way through to the scrapping of the vehicle and the disposal of the remains, including the operation of the vehicle during its lifetime. Data with which to evaluate the rechargeable batteries was not available and had to be obtained specifically for this purpose. In doing so the researchers made intentionally unfavorable assumptions. One such was to ignore the fact that after use in a car, a battery might well be used in a stationary setting for other purposes. Other relevant LCA information was obtained from the “ecoinvent” database, managed by Empa. The electric vehicles evaluated were equivalent in size and performance to a VW Golf, and the power used to charge the batteries was assumed to be derived from sources representing an average European electricity mix.

A new petrol-engined car, meeting the Euro 5 emission regulations, was used for comparison. It consumes on average 5.2 liter per 100 kilometers when put through the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), a value significantly lower than the European average. In this respect, therefore, the conventional vehicle belongs to the best of its class on the market.

More a question of the power source rather than the battery

The study shows that the electric car’s Li-ion battery drive is in fact only a moderate environmental burden. At most only 15 per cent of the total burden can be ascribed to the battery (including its manufacture, maintenance and disposal). Half of this figure, that is about 7.5 per cent of the total environmental burden, occurs during the refining and manufacture of the battery’s raw materials, copper and aluminium. The production of the lithium, in the other hand, is responsible for only 2.3 per cent of the total. “Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are not as bad as previously assumed,” according to Dominic Notter, coauthor of the study which has just been published in the scientific journal “Environmental Science & Technology.”

The outlook is not as rosy when one looks at the operation of an electric vehicle over an expected lifetime of 150’000 kilometers. The greatest ecological impact is caused by the regular recharging of the battery, that is, the “fuel” of the e-car. “Refueling” with electricity sourced from a mixture of atomic, coal-fired and hydroelectric power stations, as is usual in Europe, results in three times as much pollution as from the Li-ion battery alone. It is therefore worth considering alternative power sources: If the electricity is generated exclusively by coal-fired power stations, the ecobalance worsens by another 13 per cent. If, on the other hand, the power is purely hydroelectric, then this figure improves by no less than 40 per cent.

The conclusion drawn by the Empa team: a petrol-engined car must consume between three and four liters per 100 kilometers (or about 70 mpg) in order to be as environmentally friendly as the e-car studied, powered with Li-ion batteries and charged with a typical European electricity mix.

Related: Laptop Battery, Toshiba Laptop battery, HP laptop battery,

World needs to go Green, than Green needs to go LEED

World needs to go Green, than Green needs to go LEED

In the past decade, the idea of building â??green’ has sprouted globally â?? the so called â??Green revolution’. As years passed by, one could see this revolution gradually turning into one of those temporary trends set up to support marketing of related fields of construction activity. Today, the term â??green’ is certainly abused and misunderstood by most of the engineering empire.

Truthfully, the natural living systems on our planet are the only designs we know of that are triumphant in their sustainability because they relate with the environment in holistic, integrative, and reductive processes. On the contrary, many of the current green building rating systems like LEED are structured to endorse solutions that are in majority additive and encourage consumption over conservation. This is simply because the rating systems are initially conceived to have certain set of sections which cater to sustainability; that are then packed with technologies, systems and products to achieve it. Architects now depend much on these intelligent service systems to make up for their neglect in the basic building design. If buildings are based on a sluggish design process, one would be obviously strained to use the so called â??Green’ or â??intelligent’ engineering methods to supplement it.

It is unfortunate that valuable rating systems such as LEED have converted Architecture into an accounting exercise. This has completely digressed from what could have been a healthy exercise in coming out with truly good architecture. We are missing an opportunity to develop such architecture by allowing these accounting or statistical procedures to dominate our logical thinking and creativity. Targeting maximum LEED points especially in GCC countries require more common sense and deeper understanding of the effect. The potential benefits of solely achieving a certification should not be the motive of the design process.

Advocating bicycle tracks or trying to invest in a rain-water harvesting system in the Middle East are some examples. Inexperienced individuals using LEED do not realize that considering these in GCC countries is a waste of wealth, effort and energy considering the facts that lay before us. Allow me to explain. By trying to harvest the little rain we receive in the Middle East, one does not collect water actually. It turns into a scenario of collecting mud, dirt, contaminated water. This water then requires additional  treatment for reuse -  simply meaning one needs to use adequate chemicals and systems to treat it; one requires to spend money for this treatment system; more water is essential just to backwash the filters;  electricity is required to operate this pumps and trained manpower to maintain the tanks. In short it’s an endless burden. While it may fetch you extra points in the LEED ratings, the whole initiative if analyzed is a wasteful one.

Even implementing large-scale solar driven technologies are of extreme risk due to the amount of atmospheric dust and harsh sunlight – both being predominant factors that reduce solar cell efficiency. Recently, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in Saudi Arabia was declared to be among the worlds top green buildings. While it is a matter to be appreciated; I hope they have found an energy free-cost free solution to keeping all the solar cells cool and devoid of dust, to run their envisaged roof panels and solar-powered wind turbines for all the years to come. People in the Middle East can only imagine and estimate how much money; water, energy and effort are required to keep all the solar panels and glass clad surfaces of all buildings clean – every year. The statistics are upsetting.

I also wonder why a majority of the LEED credits are weighted equally, when it is plainly clear that some points have more environmental benefits than others. â?? Why would I install efficient HVAC equipment for a few extra points when I could get the same points by adding few bicycle racks in the college campus?’, asked an Architect. Although installing the efficient HVAC system would amount to saving a huge amount of energy and add environmental value on a massive scale, according to LEED rating system – it still equals the idea of having bicycle racks within the educational campus. The solution here is to make a careful study of all the critical credits that add superior environmental value and make them mandatory. Then, the playing of points can be done by professionals within the feeble credits.

It is a fact that the development and construction of Green and Sustainable buildings will initially cost more than a conventional building. This is irrefutable. Practically in addition to this cost, all associated procedures for LEED certification will add up to another 1% – 4%. I do not know why design consultants break their heads making up fake reports and statistics to show clients otherwise. The hidden costs will show up ultimately as the project marches towards completion and will cause clients havoc. Let us be brave enough to acknowledge that they cost more and are definitely worth it.

Somewhere along the line, organizations such as USGBC have realized it could profit of the LEED system. The organization has undoubtedly advertised it globally, when compared to other rating systems like Greenstar (AUST) & BREEAM (U.K). The USGBC charges high fees for commissioning and even for becoming a LEED Accredited Professional. The fees to attempt this test is around US 0. Yes, if one fails another 0 has to be shelled out. In my opinion, if the organization is really concerned about the environment and making buildings globally green, they should make it affordable. Additionally, the LEED AP certification is being converted into an â??elite’ profession â?? gradually threatening the importance of trained professionals in the architectural and engineering arena. I am forced to question the significance of paying for and passing this test as; all LEED APs – go back to referring the LEED handbooks again, while managing or commissioning all aspects of a project. Any professional can handle and refer the handbook as and when required, so why have this costly and superfluous testing system in the first place? Orientation modules and training programmes would more than suffice in this regard.

Instead of converting the commissioning and certification into a technocratic exercise, the procedures should be more involving and also include a subjective approach. Points should be granted for innovative approaches that are not included, coordinated or valued in the LEED handbook. USGBC professionals I suppose, are trained enough to make such judgments and subjective decisions proficiently. The LEED handbook should be treated only as a guide.

Instead of LEED APs judging buildings solely through paper and electronic media submissions â?? regular visits to analyze project sites, inspections of materials and products should also be conducted. Clients and consultants pay a lot of money and spend effort for LEED commissioning purposes and just analyzing a project through mere paperwork submitted through couriers or e-media, does not justify the whole system of USGBC at all. Decisions can be made on project sites through discussions with clients, design consultants and contractors collectively. This is how innovative and fresh LEED can evolve itself to be; rather than just being a mundane system of compiled data on which buildings are rated on.

To conclude, handbooks for rating systems are not to be used as the encyclopedias of Green and sustainable designing. Architects and Engineers must possess ample knowledge on analyzing climatic data and geography, studying human comfort levels, including passive design techniques, careful use of materials/resources and incorporating efficient building services. These basic principles should drive our design process. Determining whether a building is rated green or not is one of the smallest of issues we ultimately face at the end of a project. A rating system such as LEED, BREEAM if required, can serve as a useful check list or a medium to refer alternate solutions to our evolving design concepts.

The world needs green buildings a lot more than green buildings need LEED certification. If certifications such as LEED, BREEAM continue to cost too much money, time and effort â?? we will not stop building green projects; we will just stop certifying them.

Eco Friendly Living Made Simple: 50 Simple Tips to Make Going Green Easier Than Ever

If you are someone who wants to live a more eco friendly lifestyle but you don’t really know how, this book is made for you! With 50 easy tips, this book will help you become more environmentally conscious so that you can make simple changes on your way to going green. These tips are easy to implement and will help you make a big impact on the world around you.

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Natural Cleaning Products Proving Better Than Chemicals

In todays world we are shown so many options to clean our household, how do we know which ones work. And with the theme going to all natural and green, how do you know what is in your chemicals or green products. Is there much of a difference? This is the questions that need to be answered and discover how to identify the difference between your cleaning products and if natural is actually better?

Cleaning Products are now changing from using harsh chemicals to using natural ingredients. Why the sudden change and what are you receiving using natural cleaning products around your home.

First off natural cleaning products are safe to use around the house. These ingredients and special formulations are quite beneficial. For example, there are natural mold cleaning products that are made of entirely organic household items. The items have been formulated together to remove and protect you and your family from another mold event. So why go organic rather than chemical.

Chemical is good for select situations, although you will notice the difference in smells and irritations. Bleach is a common household cleaning product, but what some do not know that this cleaning agent is very harsh and can due damage if inhaled to the system. In cleaning soap scum and mildew around the bathroom, bleach was a common product used. As we are now finding out mold and mildew and soap scum will come back. This is because while bleach is an harsh chemical to clean it does not do itself justice in preventing soap scum in your bathroom or kitchen tile.

Since these chemical products are very intrusive to the system, they are used sparingly and can have some horrible reactions to select individuals. These individuals who are affected by chemical cleaning products can have some serious symptoms that will turn your body into a chemical playground. If there is one way to go it is recommended to use natural cleaning products for most situations. The formulations are becoming stronger so comparison is not a problem. Which cleaning product is stronger is no longer a factor. Formulations are developed so there is very impressive results. Be safe and go green for most situations. These green cleaning supplies will save you, your children, and pets.

I for one had inhaled bleach and let me tell you the results are not something to play around with. Use natural cleaning solutions to get rid of mold, soap scum and regular house cleaning. This can save your insides and have a better long term effect in household cleaning projects. Many times mold cleaning and household cleaning involve reapplication every few months. Be sure not to poison your self with cleaning products that will hurt your lungs.

There is a huge reason why professional cleaning companies are going green. This is simply because they are avoiding any chances of lawsuits. By cleaning in homes with organic ingredients they do not have to ask the home owners to leave the home. They also are not concerned with the air and indoor air quality. This is a huge benefit for mold cleaning and mold remediation companies where usually there are large lawsuits to be settled. The last thing any mold contractor will want is a hefty lawsuit because the product is worse off than the mold in the house hold.

Improving a Negative Economic Environment is Easier than Most Believe

The winners in any economic downturn belong to those who can create and innovative. This premise is based on the fact that in most organizations you never have enough resources. Resources such as money, labor, time and energy are usually in short supply.

That means you have to out think the competition. By using strategies like mind mapping created by Tony Buzan, organizations and individuals can out think their competition. Creating innovative projects to increase revenues, decrease costs and retool both human and fixed assets is easier to do if the ability to control your schedule and manage projects is formalized with award winning processes. The trouble with using the number one most un taped asset in organizations which is creativity and innovation begins with the fact that most creative projects never start nor end as scheduled. In addition most individuals in organizations are so busy being busy they rarely schedule time to become more creative and innovative.

Here is a prescription from a recent Learning Link newsletter from Priority Management that provides some tips to eliminate the procrastination of creative projects that can give you a competitive edge. “William James, known as the father of American psychology said there are just three rules to follow if you want to change your life:

1 Start immediately

2 Do it flamboyantly

3 No exceptions

Well you may not want to change your life exactly but you may have thought of achieving a goal or just doing something differently in these tough economic times. When it comes to execution of creative ideas, many people procrastinate or fall victim to the “perpetually getting ready to do something syndrome” – a feeling that the time’s just not right at the moment, or “I’ll start next Monday, better still next month” and so on… Here are some tactics for getting things done now:

? If you do perceive that the starting task might be unpleasant then schedule it first (ie make it your ‘A’ priority) on your to-do list. It often turns out to be not that bad after all. (no exceptions)

? All journey’s begin with a small step, so break down complex projects into small pieces that are manageable and schedule the first step today. (start immediately)

? Set a target date for completion. Go public-tell a colleague, friend or partner what you are doing and when you are going to do it. (do it flamboyantly)

Finally don’t forget your biorhythms – schedule your toughest tasks during the periods when you have the most energy – that’s usually the first part of the day or the weekend.”

Food For Thought:

Recent pre and post studies of hundreds of Graduates from our Working Smart platform of programs show an increase in the essential skills of starting work on time and ending work on time to increase by 33% and 42% respectively.

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