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Green from the Inside Out returns!
January 31st, 2010After a holiday break, Green from the Inside Out (formerly Green from the Ground Up) returned for two January events: one at the historic Arsenal in Central Park, and another at the 14th Street Y. Residential building owners, managers, board members, and tenants learned about rooftop solar power, recycling, energy efficiency, white roofs, and green retrofit financing options from experts including Christina Salvi of the Office of Recycling Outreach & Education, Larsen Plano of the Community Environmental Center, Bruce Dale and Richard Conley from the Community Preservation Corporation, and Solar One’s very own Chris Neidl and Max Joel. Attendees also got the chance to get technical with vendors of green products and services, and to connect with local environmental groups. Afterward, many of the more than one hundred individuals who attended said they were ready to push for green action in their buildings. A Manhattan building owner set the goal of “greening my property within the next two years” and a coop board member promised to “create a ‘green’ coop letter to better inform our co-shareholders!”
The next Green from the Inside Out will be held February 27 at the Interpretive Center at Clay Pit Ponds Park Preserve in Staten Island. More information is available here.
Below: NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator Max Joel discusses ways to save energy in apartment buildings.
Posted in Energy $mart Communities, Energy Efficiency, NYSERDA, Photovoltaics, Solar One, green roofs | Permalink | posted by Max
Solar One NYC Energy Policy Research internship- now accepting applications!
January 21st, 2010See your work on the “Under the Sun” blog! Solar One is looking for an intern to research and write about energy policy and its impact on New York City’s communities for our website. Full position description.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Max
NYSERDA’s GREAT APPLIANCE SWAP OUT FEBRUARY 12 through 21
January 19th, 2010Receive a cash rebate by purchasing a new ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator, freezer or clothes washer! New ENERGY STAR® refrigerator, freezer or clothes washer purchase must replace an existing appliance. Plus recycling your old, existing appliances of the same type, makes you eligible for the maximum rebate.
Click here for more information, or visit the official website:
www.nyapplianceswapout.com
Posted in Energy, Energy $mart Communities, Energy Efficiency, NYSERDA, New York City, Recycling, Sustainability | Permalink | posted by Mary
SPECIAL EVENT: Empire State Feed-In Tariff: A Policy to Make New York a Clean Energy Capital.
January 15th, 2010
Presented by Solar One and the New York Solar Energy Society.
Thursday, February 4, 2010, 6:30-9:30
The Cooper Union Great Hall, 7 E.7th Street, NYC (map)
PROGRAM
Opening address by Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and State Senator Antoine Thompson
Expert panel discussion featuring
- John Burges, Managing Director, Knight Capital Markets (New York, NY)
- Deborah Doncaster, Executive Director, Community Power Fund (Ontario, CA)
- Nils Mellquist, Senior Research Analyst, Deutsche Bank Climate Change Advisors (New York, NY)
- Wilson Rickerson, President, Rickerson Energy Strategies (Boston, MA)
Moderated by Chris Neidl, Advocacy Coordinator, Solar One.
Networking reception: 8:30–9:30
ABOUT
The world’s most advanced and profitable clean energy markets didn’t come to lead by accident. Rather, strategic commitments to long-term financial incentive policies that are designed to drive investment and rapidly scale viable, clean technologies directly account for their dominance.
The feed-in tariff is the policy approach that has proven to be the most effective in stimulating clean power adoption, generating jobs and driving down costs. Widely adopted in Europe and now emerging in force across North America, feed-in tariffs enable clean power generators of various sizes, deploying a variety of technologies, to sell their power over the long–term at rates that guarantee attractive and predictable returns.
In this event members of the New York State Legislature will join a prestigious panel of policy experts, financiers and clean energy investors from throughout North America to illustrate the case for a local Empire State Feed-In Tariff. The policy’s implications for investment and finance will form the core of the discussion, and recently introduced feed-in tariff legislation will be analyzed in reference to case studies from around the globe.
Cost: $30
Reserve your spot through secure payment here, or RSVP and pay at the door: email: wyldon1@gmail.com
Contact/Press: Christopher Neidl, neidl@solar1.org.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Neidl
Solar One Presents: ActiFist! Using Interactive Design and Technology to Engage Citizens In Climate Change Advocacy.
January 13th, 2010A Conversation with the ActiFist team: Adam Harvey, Richard Reiss (Artist as Citizen) and David Gibbs. Moderated by Chris Neidl, Solar One Advocacy Coordinator.
When: Monday January 25th, 7PM
Where: Solar One, East 23rd Street and the East River, next to the FDR and just south of the Gulf gas station. MAP.
About two weeks before the U.N. Climate Change Convention convened in Copenhagen, designer Adam Harvey had an idea. A graduate student at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, Harvey was interested in experimenting with how technology could be used to engage New Yorkers in the what was happening at the convention by providing them with a direct, emotionally succinct way of expressing their support for a climate treaty. He struck on a simple but powerful design idea that would link New Yorkers and Copenhageners together in a real time interaction that would hook participants into the issue in a way that conventional clipboard advocacy, by itself, could simply not accomplish.
From this the ActiFist project was rapidly born and ultimately realized three weeks later with the logistical and technical support of Artist as Citizen, Solar One and designer David Gibbs. The video posted above demonstrates how the project worked, and this Huffington Post article provides a concise overview.
ActiFist was a small experiment that explored how technology could promote engagement and interaction around an important issue. Now the development team is considering how the concept could be expanded and deployed in a different form and context to connect people at different points around in dialogue about climate change. In this discussion, ActiFist team members will give a technical overview of the Copenhagen project, share anecdotes of Copenhagen experience, discuss their thoughts on the role of interactive technology in activism in general, and brainstorm out loud (with audience help) about the future of the project.
This is a FREE event!
Contact/RSVP (required): neidl@solar1.org
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Neidl
In the L.I. town of Hempstead, local government leads by example to advance solar.
January 6th, 2010The town hall building in Hempstead, Long Island, may seem pretty unremarkable at first sight. A big cube-like structure, with rows of glass windows, the building displays just the right amount of authority as the seat of local power. But a closer look at its rooftop reveals lines of shining solar panels, their blue cells merrily processing the sun’s bounty.
With one of the highest electricity rates in the country, Long Island should be a prime location for the development of renewable energy. Watch the video interview with Town Supervisor Kate Murray and learn more about what Hempstead, America’s largest township, is doing to promote clean, green power.
Also, check out Leading the Way, an annual report on Long Island’s municipal adoption of renewable energy.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Neidl
Now open: public comment period on new NYSERDA green building program
December 28th, 2009The public comment period on NYSERDA’s proposed Green Residential Building Program is now open and runs through February 8. Review and comment on the program rules here.
From NYSERDA:
The New York State Green Residential Building Program (GRBP) will promote green design and building practices throughout New York State by offering incentives to Owners of newly constructed or substantially renovated green residential buildings of fewer than 12 units. A green residential building is a structure that incorporates design and construction practices that can lower energy costs and production of greenhouse gases, reduce waste and water use, and improve indoor air quality.
Posted in Energy, Energy $mart Communities, Energy Efficiency, Green Building, Housing, NYSERDA | Permalink | posted by Max
Snippets from Day 3 (and 4) at COP 15.
December 17th, 2009“Actifist” launched last night at Union Square/Fresh Air Cafe (Copenhagen) with great success! The interactive portal allowed New Yorkers to express their support for the 350 campaign’s science-based Copenhagen goal with signature attitude – by slamming their fist down and demanding action on one side of the Atlantic and having their motion instantaneously replicated by a wooden hand in Copenhagen before a live audience. The video speaks for itself. What’s next for Actifist? At least from those of us on the Copenhagen side (Chris Neidl and Dave Gibbs) this is just the beginning. We’re already brimming with new ideas on how to expand the interface for future COPs. Next stop, Bonn, July 2010. Great Job Adam Harvey, Richard Reiss, Angela Tran Dave Gibbs! Big thanks to Solar One staff and friends Janna, Corinne and Dina for holding down the NYC end of things – you looked great!
Solar One’s great friend and former grant writer spent the last several months tracking the U.S. climate negotiators at negotiations in Bangkok, Barcelona and now Copenhagen. He’s spent the last nine days in the Bella Center witnessing various parts of the proceedings, In this video, he shares some impressions on what has happened so far and where things are going.
Last night Greenpeace International’s executive director Kumi Naidoo gave a great ’speech’ at the Fresh Air Cafe in central Copenhagen. It was a nice burst of energy following a rough few of days at COP 15.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Neidl
NYC’s Air Still Dirty
December 16th, 2009The City’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released “The New York City Community Air Study” yesterday (link to full PDF here) and the results indicate that we still have a ways to go to eliminate the problem of air pollution. Measuring 5 different pollutants at 150 locations around the city and using density and traffic data to interpolate results, the report shows that air quality continues to be problematic in many areas of the city, especially in Manhattan, areas of the Bronx and other high-traffic areas.
Beyond traffic, another major cause identified is fuel combustion for space and water heating. This is because “New York City is unique in the large amount of #4 and #6 heavy or ‘residual’ oil used for heating. Burning residual oil for heating generates more PM2.5 and SO2 per unit of heat than burning regular #2 home heating oil. Natural gas emits even less PM2.5 per unit of heat produced.”
The report looked only at conditions during winter, and so misses out on some summer-specific causes like increased use of dirtier power plants to meet peak demand. It also doesn’t get into issues like indoor air quality (which can be much worse, especially in buildings with old equipment) and the increased amount of time people spend outside during the warmer months. Nor does it include data for the airports, which seem like they would be candidates for high pollution totals with all that jet fuel being burned.
That said, the solutions in the report are good to see, if somewhat obvious: a transition to cleaner fuels, increased efficiency, expanded mass transit and a shift to cleaner vehicles. To that we might add: promotion of renewable energy solutions like PV for electricity, solar thermal for water heating and geothermal for heating and cooling. More trees and planted areas like community gardens and green roofs could also be helpful.
Looking to upgrade the efficiency of your building or maybe put in a PV system? Check out the resources and incentive information available on our new Energy $mart Communities page.
Posted in Energy, Energy Efficiency, New York City, Pollution | Permalink | posted by Jamie
Solar One at COP 15, Day 2.
December 15th, 2009Today was a busy, busy day . . . so busy I didn’t get much of a chance to film anything or hit the streets. Sorry, more footage tomorrow. For now, hope you can settle for my talking head – CN
A sobering graphic produced by 350 using climateinteractive.org data shows how far short the proceedings in Copenhagen are falling from negotiating anything near a science-based carbon reduction target. Please be sure to give this site a good hard look if heads of state are congratulating each other on reaching any kind of deal.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Neidl
Solar One at COP 15! Neidl’s first day.
December 14th, 2009Solar One’s own Chris Neidl is in Copenhagen for the second week of the United Nations Climate Conference, COP 15, volunteering for 350.org and videoblogging for us. In this short video he shares what he saw and got up to on his very first day. Check out the next installment tomorrow (after Chris gets at least a few hours of sleep).
Author Bill McKibben explains the meaning and importance of the number 350.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Neidl
‘Solar Pathways to Empowerment’ panel discussion available on web.
December 11th, 2009Building Solar Pathways to Economic Empowerment in the Developing World from Chris Neidl on Vimeo.
Back in September, coinciding with the conclusion of U.N. Climate Week, Solar One assembled a panel of international experts to discuss emerging trends in solar deployment in the developing world. Titled Solar Pathways to Economic Empowerment, the event was attended by roughly 200 guests and hosted at the Steel Case showroom in Columbus Circle.
The panel included Nicola Armacost, founding director of Arc Finance, Asim Buksh, founder of the Buksh Foundation, Max Lacayo Cortes, sales director of Ecami S.A., and Sarah Butler-Sloss, founder and director of the Ashden Awards.
Please enjoy this video footage of the event in its entirety.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Neidl
The Greenest Tree
December 8th, 2009
Check out these stats from WIRED Magazine comparing
artificial trees to the real thing
Posted in Energy Efficiency, Global Warming, Organic Farming, Pollution | Permalink | posted by Corinne
Job Opening – Part-time Grant Writer
December 4th, 2009Want to work at Solar One? Of course you do. Well, we’ve got a new job posting up for a part-time Grant Writer. We’ve got a ton of great programs to keep going and new ideas that need funding to get off the ground. If you think you can help us, check our our jobs page for more information about the job and how to apply.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Jamie
Technical Difficulties – FIXED!
December 3rd, 2009We’re suffering from a phone and internet outage here in our main offices, so if you’re trying to reach us you may encounter some difficulty. We’re maintaining some access to voicemail and e-mail, but there may be some delays in getting back to you. Thanks for your patience and we hope to have this issue resolved later today.
*UPDATE 12/4 – 9:30am* – OK, we’re back up. Sorry to anyone who had trouble getting through to us, we should be back to normal here.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Jamie
Follow Us
December 1st, 2009Well, we could only hold out so long before we caved to the allure of Twitter. All the jokes have become cliche, so we’ll just put the link out there and ask you to follow us and pass it on.
http://twitter.com/solaronenyc
We will use this for quick links, announcements, event updates, stray thoughts and anything we feel is worth passing along. We also will have Chris Neidl posting updates from the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen beginning December 14th. He will also have more detailed video updates posted daily in this space.
Posted in Energy, Global Warming, Links, New York City, Technology | Permalink | posted by Jamie
Solar One’s Tamar Rogoff in the NYTimes
November 25th, 2009Tamar has been with Solar One since its inception, and has long been the inspiration behind our connection between the arts and the environment. In addition to being one of the longest tenured members of the Solar One staff, she is also a choreographer with a long history of acclaimed work. For more of her bio, look here or here.
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!
Posted in Art, Dance, New York City, Other Events | Permalink | posted by Jamie
Upper West Side Goes Green From the Ground Up!
November 24th, 2009Last Wednesday’s Green From the Ground Up was a huge success, with an overflow crowd at the Red Oak on West 106th Street. The unique event packed together valuable information about greening apartment buildings and opportunities for owners to meet energy and environmental services vendors. Highlights included presentations on solar electric power by Solar One’s Chris Neidl, solar hot water and cool roofs by Larsen Plano from the Community Environmental Center, residential energy efficiency by NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator Diana Pangestu, recycling by Christina Salvi of the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education, and energy incentive programs by Susan Gunn of ConEd.
Many of the tenants, owners, and facilities managers who attended said they would put what they had learned into action, in some cases by working with vendors they met at the event. One coop board member left convinced of the “‘Doability’ of solar energy,” promising to discuss it with the rest of her board, and a local facilities manager said that he planned to get a quote on energy efficiency improvements for his building as soon as possible.
In 2010, Green From the Ground Up will be coming to more neighborhoods around the city. Check back at solar1.org soon for details about upcoming events!
Posted in Education, Energy $mart Communities, Photovoltaics, Solar One | Permalink | posted by Max
Website Vacation
November 24th, 2009We are experiencing some difficulties with our website today. The main page has been restored, but the rest of the pages are still appear to be out of commission. Guess our site decided to go on vacation a couple of days early. We are working on the problem and hope to have it resolved soon. Thanks for your patience.
**UPDATE** 3:00pm
Looks like things are back to normal. If you notice anything that still appears to be broken, please let us know.
Posted in Solar One | Permalink | posted by Jamie
