120 years and one symposium later, solar powered hot water heating systems may finally be getting the attention they deserve in New York City. Since their invention in 1891 by American businessman Clarence Kemp, Americans on the whole  have been very slow and reluctant in adopting renewable energy water heating systems. However, that has not stopped solar hot water systems from becoming extremely popular in China and Europe; Germany, according to EarthKind Solar’s Ron Kamen, installs as many as 200,000 systems a year.

Fortunately, New York City may be just the city to put solar hot water systems back on the map for Americans. Executives from Quixotic Systems Inc., EarthKind Solar, and Sunnovations reported that the existing technology functions excellently in New York City’s temperate climate –especially atop buildings that have flat roofs and are 13 stories or lower (the majority of buildings in the city). In addition, building owners and managers such as Peter Bourbeau, of PWB Management Corporation, described how installing solar hot water systems in two of his rental buildings have lowered fuel oil expenses as much as 30 percent.

So should New Yorkers expect to see their neighbors tossing out their rusty old hot water heaters in exchange for shiny, green, solar powered systems? Perhaps not immediately, but progress is definitely underway: CEC is assembling a task force to follow through on the issues that the symposium raised.

Saturday, April 30, 12pm-5pm
1590 Park Ave at 115th Street
Questions? Call the Manhattan Borough President’s Office at 212.669.2094

]]> http://solar1.org/2011/04/27/clothing-textiles-recycling-day/feed/ 0 http://solar1.org/2011/01/24/nyc-the-future-metropolis-volume-ii/ http://solar1.org/2011/01/24/nyc-the-future-metropolis-volume-ii/#comments Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:53:30 +0000 SolarOne http://solar1.org/?p=8220 February 17, 20117:00 pmto9:00 pm

Do you ever wonder what New York City will look like in 20 years? If so, please join us on February 17 at 7pm for the second NYC The Future Metropolis event, an exciting, fast-paced look at some of the new technologies, projects, and ideas that are shaping the future of our city.

Volume II of this series will explore the physical infrastructures and shifting networks of ideas that are enabling the green transformation of NYC.  The invited speakers will address topics such as the smart electric grid, NYC food supply, and the importance of human capital to the greening of our business, buildings, and society.

Thursday, February 17, 7pm
The Educational Alliance
197 East Broadway, Mazer Theater, NYC

Click here for directions.

Reserve your spot by registering now! $5 per person (through Click & Pledge). $10 cash at the door.

No more free spots available via MeetUp RSVPs, but you can still buy tickets online or at the door. And you can always RSVP on our MeetUp page to stay informed about future events! www.meetup.com/Solar-One-Energy-Connections/

Please visit the full NYC Future Metropolis website for profiles on the speakers.

Opportunity for Restaurants to Make Green by Going Green

The New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NYSRAEF), through an EPA grant funding their Green Hospitality Initiative, is offering a free training on practical and cost efficient ways to save on energy and water usage and cut back on hazardous chemicals while increasing a restaurant’s bottom line.  The training will include:

• Strategic practices in running a sustainable business presented by green hospitality experts and supported by case studies demonstrating previous success in the restaurant industry

• Opportunity to sign up for free energy, water, and hazardous waste audits customized for your establishment

• “Marketing Your Green Efforts” Presentation

• Extensive green resource guide & one-to-one NYSRAEF support

Savvy and responsible operators are realizing that greening their restaurants can be a triple win opportunity: the environment is helped, customers feel good about your efforts, and your bottom line is increased.

To sign up contact:
Alan Someck
516.448.1504
212.398.9160
asomeck@gmail.com

Steve Hruby
440.308.5202
shruby2@gmail.com

For more information: www.nysraef.org/greenhospitalityinitiative

Thursday, October 28, 8:30 AM -11:00 AM
NYSRA Offices
1001 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor
Between West 37 & 38 Streets
Refreshments Provided

Solar One in partnership with the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education will be touring Green from the Inside Out, a three-part workshop on recycling, energy efficiency, and rooftop possibilities for multifamily buildings, throughout New York City.

These workshops are designed to give building owners, shareholders, and managers the tools, resources, and information they need to green their multifamily building.  Look below for the workshop descriptions, to see the date and location of the next workshop, and to reserve your spot.

If you would like us to bring these workshops to your neighborhood, contact Celia Salgado at celia@solar1.org, or 212-505-6050.

6:30pm: A Survey of Solar Energy Roof Applications for NYC: Solar Thermal, Photovoltaics, Green Roofs and White Roofs

In this workshop Solar One will introduce, define and discuss the economic and quality of life implications of three solar rooftop applications that have considerable promise in the five borough area: solar thermal technology, photovoltaics and white roofs.

7:15 pm: Combating Rising Energy Costs with Energy Efficiency for Multifamily Buildings

Find out how to reduce fuel and utility costs while improving resident comfort and building performance. Solar One’s NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator will present cost-effective ways for residential building owners and managers to make lighting, appliances, heating and cooling more energy efficient. Learn about the government and utility incentives that are available for your building, as well as the Community Preservation Corporation’s new Neighborhood Energy Loan Program that provides financing for retrofitting multi-family apartment buildings for energy efficiency.

8pm: Navigating NYC’s Recycling Landscape

Hear about new recycling laws and old misconceptions. Find out how to avoid fines, improve your recycling program and get your tenants to recycle.  Learn about other ways to reduce waste, recycle more and help make NYC a little greener. OROE is a program of the Council on the Environment of New York City.

WHEN:  Monday, January 25th

6:30pm to 8:30pm

WHERE: Sol Goldman YM-YWHA

344 East 14th Street New York, NY

RSVP’s required.  Send email to celia@solar1.org to RSVP

RSVP’d guests can arrive at 6:15 to speak with Vendors about products. Presentations will start at 6:30pm and run until 8:30pm. There will be breaks in between presentations to talk to Vendors.

Free!  Refreshments will be served.  Vendors will be available to answer any technical questions about energy audits, different roof applications, and recycling.

GREEN FROM THE INSIDE OUT is a product of Solar One, in partnership with the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education. This series was made possible by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Now, in today’s New York Times, Tamar’s latest piece – “Diagnosis of a Faun” – is featured on the front page of the Arts section.  The article discusses the genesis of the piece and the transformations it has created in the life of Gregg Mozgala, an actor with cerebral palsy who has connected with his body in new and unexpected ways as a result of his work with Tamar in preparing the piece.  It’s an interesting look at the creative process for what should be an engaging and entertaining performance.

“Diagnosis of a Faun” plays at La Mama Theater in the East Village on Thursdays-Sundays from December 3 – 20.  More information and tickets available here.  Congratulations to Tamar for her achievement and recognition!

Join the SIEDC and Solar1 on this fun filled day and learn how to live a happier, healthier and greener life in New York City!

The Staten Island Health and Environmental Conference 2009 will present the latest information on healthcare and environmental issues by industry experts and professionals, and is the first of its kind on Staten Island. The day long forum will consist of vending, seminars, panel discussions and keynote addresses. Free on-site medical screenings will also be provided! In addition, The Health and Environment Conference will demonstrate why a clean environment is important to a healthy lifestyle. Participants will also learn the latest ways to incorporate green practices into their businesses, homes and lifestyles and about the environmental impact of current practices.

WHEN: Thursday September 24th, 2009, 8:00am-8:00pm

WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn- Staten Island

For more information contact:  SIEDC at 718-477-1400, or visit SIEDC.org

In this workshop Solar One will introduce, define and discuss the economic and quality of life implications of three solar rooftop applications that have considerable promise in the five borough area: solar thermal technology, photovoltaics and white roofs.  Note Location:  University Settlement, 273 Bowery (at Houston)

6:00 PM -  Navigating NYC’s Recycling Landscape

Recycling: it’s good for the city, benefits the planet and is required by law, but many find the reality of recycling challenging.  How does your building’s program measure up and how can you improve your recycling performance? 

Residential building managers, superintendents, board members and others will benefit from this presentation from the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education (OROE).  Hear about new recycling laws and old misconceptions. Find out how to avoid fines, improve your recycling program and get your tenants to recycle.  Learn about other ways to reduce waste, recycle more and help make NYC a little greener. OROE is a program of the Council on the Environment of New York City.

7:00 PM – Combating Rising Energy Costs with Energy Efficiency for Multifamily Buildings

Concerned about the increasing costs of energy in your building?  Green from the Ground Up presents a workshop for Energy Efficiency in Buildings that offers tips on reducing your building’s energy use while making an environmental impact.  Learn how to improve your building’s energy efficiency in lighting, appliances, and heating systems, thereby lowering your fuel and utility bills. 

In this workshop, Solar One’s NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator will discuss government incentives available for your building such as the Multifamily Performance Program, and weatherization programs.  Vendors will be available to answer any technical questions, and to sign up your building for an energy audit.

8:00PM – A Survey of Solar Energy Roof Applications for NYC: Solar Thermal, Photovoltaics, Green Roofs and White Roofs

Over one million buildings make up New York City’s one of a kind built environment, and the nearly one billion square feet of largely vacant roofscape that mark its vertical border amount to what is perhaps our most underutilized asset.  Our roofs have an enormous potential to accomodate clean solar energy applications and therefore to address a number of our most pressing local energy challenges, including the urban heat island effect, escalating household energy costs, power failure, growing carbon emissions, and poor air quality.

Check out the full report from Fox News Alabama:

FOXe Report: Green Innovator

The Green Innovator is supported by JAMA – the Japanese Automobile Manufacturing Association and The Motorola Foundation.

On Tuesday, August 5th, the 13th Police Precinct held the Annual National Night Out Against Crime by opening up the schoolyard on 20th Street and Second Avenue to local organizations and providing music, free food and ice cream to neighborhood residents. Solar One’s information table was a big success. Councilman Dan Garodnick stopped by to say hello and wish us well. Several hundred people got to know more about Solar One’s green arts and education programs and received free CFL light bulbs when they joined our mailing list. Fun was had by all.

]]> http://solar1.org/2008/08/13/solar-one-at-the-annual-night-out-against-crime/feed/ 0 http://solar1.org/2008/06/05/june-5-11am-spiderman-to-climb-manhattan-building-to-fight-climate-change/ http://solar1.org/2008/06/05/june-5-11am-spiderman-to-climb-manhattan-building-to-fight-climate-change/#comments Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:47:03 +0000 SolarOne http://solar1.org/?p=954

According to a notice received by Solar One from the new climate action group 350, Spiderman – yes the web-slinging hero of comic book and cinematic fame – will apparently be climbing the Westin Hotel at 270 W 43rd St in Manhattan at 11AM, in an effort to “fight climate change.”

Solar One has no further details to report beyond this, but would bet that it will definitely be something to see. 350 is a new international, grassroots climate action group formed by the geniuses who brought you Step It Up, the largest single national climate demonstration in history.

On April 12, 2008 volunteers from NY Cares, one of New York City’s largest volunteer organizations, came to lend a helping hand in Stuyvesant Cove Park as part of their Hands on New York Day. Hands on NY is an annual event put on by NYCares to assist city parks, community gardens, nonprofit organizations, and homeless shelters revitalize their sites. With over 6,000 volunteers participating at over 100 sites, this years event has been the most successful in the 14 years of hosting the event.

Volunteers at Stuyvesant Cove Park came from Sidley Austin, a large international law firm. The project for the day was to lay down Fibar woodchips on the walking paths throughout the park. Fibar is engineered wood fibers that knit together to form a surface soft enough to cushion falls, yet firm enough for wheelchairs. As part of the original design of the park, all pathways need to be wheelchair accessible so that everyone can enjoy all parts of the park.

The volunteers from Sidley Austin were amazing. The day started at 9:30 with about 15 volunteers hauling mulch into the park. By the end of the day, 2:30 or so, the volunteers completed more than half the park, much more than initially anticipated. Their help and hard work is truly appreciated.

In this talk, Jutta Kill will outline why carbon trading is unsuitable to help societies avert climate chaos and make a just and swift switch away from fossil-fuel based economies. Jutta Kill has become a leading voice in exposing the failings of carbon ‘offset’ schemes and proposing just and effective alternatives to offset trading. She has visited a number of communities affected by carbon offset projects and has been involved in research on carbon offsets for over seven years. The talk will also touch on the lessons that ought to be learned from the EU’s experience with carbon trading though its EU Emissions Trading Scheme, a scheme which is serving as a model for cap-and-trade schemes currently under discussion in North America and, more recently, on the dangers of linking carbon trading with initiatives to halt deforestation, a topic which is quickly gaining popularity despite the many risks and likelihood for failure and unintended negative consequences.

Jutta Kill is a climate campaigner with environmental and social justice group FERN and co-ordinator of the SinksWatch Initiative. FERN works to achieve greater environmental and social justice, focusing on forests and forest peoples’ rights in the policies and practices of the European Union. Ms. Kill, whose formal education is in forest ecology, has worked as climate campaigner for FERN since 2000 and is co-founder of the Durban Group for Climate Justice.

Agenda:

• Why is it easier to install solar panels on Long Island than in New York City?
• Is funding available?
• How will PlaNYC2030 affect permits for solar?
• Why is energy efficiency so important to installing solar panels?
• Solar experts from Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan will share their experiences regarding installations in the metro area.
• Audience Q & A to follow.

• Richard Klein, Quixotic Systems Inc., Manhattan
• Tom Gately, Green Power Solutions, Queens
• John Siciliani, Duce Green Building, Brooklyn
• Anthony Pereira, Alt-Power, Manhattan

It will be at the Friends Meeting House, 15 Rutherford Place, Manhattan (15th Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenues) at 7pm on Wednesday January 9.

The Margaret Mead Film & Video Festival, the longest-running showcase for international documentaries in the US and one of New York City’s best-kept cultural secrets, will kick off next Friday night at the American Museum of Natural History.

This year’s lineup, as usual, features a broad spectrum of films in both traditional and experimental form that tackle a range of issues from coping with disabilities to global human rights and the plight of indigenous communities. One current issue that many of this year’s entries deal with is water rights and accessibility. As our planet continues to grow more crowded and our environments continue to deteriorate under the prevalence of environmentally irresponsible practices, availability and access to water is quickly becoming one of the more vital concerns of the 21st Century.

Among the festival’s 29 entries, five films (packaged in two separate programs) are dedicated to this pressing issue: “Village of Dust, City of Water” and “Thirst” (@ 3:15 PM on Saturday, Nov. 10); and “El Agua en Tiempos Extras (Water in Extra Times)”, “Gimme Green” and “The Water Front” (@ 1:15 PM on Sunday, Nov. 11). These screenings will be held in conjunction with the museum’s current exhibit, “Water: H20 = Life”, on view through May 2008. As is typical of the Mead screenings, these films will only be shown once during the course of the festival. For more information, click here.

The Great Change: The World Beyond Petroleum
An evening with Albert Bates
Thursday, October 4, 2007, 7:00 – 9:00 PM  

Where:

Friends Meeting House
15 Rutherford Place, Manhattan
between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
between 15th and 16th Streets

Sponsors:
Sierra Club NYC Group
Beyond Oil NYC
Neighborhood Energy Network
Tri-State Food Not Lawns
Friends in Unity with Nature

Cost:
free, but donations to support Albert’s travel costs welcome

With a style both humorous and deadly serious, Albert Bates walks us through the challenges that lie ahead for the United States and the world:  climate change, peak oil, and global economic meltdown creating conditions for civil unrest, recession and hardship. Picking his way through the minefield of unrealistic expectations, Bates pulls together a picture of a very different future, consciously created and far better than anything we might have imagined before. Deprived of our consumer habits and profligate energy and water patterns, we will find ourselves in a landscape of close community, local production, and new culture:  walkable neighborhoods, alternative economics, rainwater harvesting, counterweights, springs, wind-up, gravity flow, magnets, and giant pumpkin contests.  What we make of this new world is still a matter of choice, but already there are examples springing up around the world, and many of these examples may guide our decisions.  Come with us on this fascinating journey, arriving soon on a planet like ours.

A former New Yorker, Albert Bates is a permaculture instructor at the Ecovillage Training Center at The Farm community in Tennessee.  He is the author of eleven books on law, energy, history and the environment, including, “Climate in Crisis” and “The Post-Petroleum Survival Guide and Cookbook”. He has taught sustainable design, natural building, agriculture and technology to students from more than 50 nations.  For 18 years Albert served on the steering committee of Plenty International, a relief and development organization with a focus on indigenous peoples, human rights and the environment, and also served as President of the Global Ecovillage Network.  During his 26-year career as an attorney he argued environmental and civil rights cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.