Go Green East Tennessee

GoGreen Business After Hours event tomorrow! - News

2013-05-13T13:47:23Z

Don't forget to register for the GoGreenET Business After Hours event at the UT Gardens from 5-7 p.m. tomorrow. The Greater Knoxville Business Journal will recognize companies who have earned Green Achiever status.

Additional recognition will be given to organizations -- large and small -- that have made notable achievements in recycling/waste reduction; energy efficiency; renewable energy; and community outreach.

Come and support East Tennessee organizations that are improving their business -- and the bottom line -- by being more environmentally friendly.

The GoGreenET.com Business After Hours event recognizing Green Achievers will be 5-7 p.m. May 14 at the UT Gardens. Register at the Knoxville Chamber website.

Funding still available for energy efficient lighting upgrades from KUB - News

2013-05-08T15:43:15Z

English: Compact fluorescent light bulb (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

KUB small business customers averaging 50 kw or less can still take advantage of a free lighting assessment program with grants contributing toward energy efficient upgrades.

Since the MainStreet Efficiency program's launch in January, more than 500 KUB small business customers have signed up to implement recommended lighting upgrades, and 285 have been installed as of April 17, according to data from EnerPath.

Funding for the program is provided by TVA, which has set aside $1.5 million to be used through September 30.

Customers receive a free lighting assessment from TVA contractor EnerPath showing how much they could save on energy costs with more efficient lighting. The program will pay up to $2,000 to offset the cost of energy efficient upgrades if they decide to implement suggested changes.

To see if your business qualifies for the lighting program, visit the Enerpath website.

According to TVA, lighting consumes nearly 35 percent of the electricity used in commercial buildings in the country. Lighting also impacts other building systems through its use of electricity and through waste heat.

Most upgrades in the program have cost an average of $1,310, less than the max grant amount, so most customers have no out-of-pocket costs, a KUB spokesperson said.

Projected energy savings from the committed projects is more than 2 million kilowatt hours, with an average per-customer savings of $482 per year.

Under MainStreet Efficiency, lighting upgrades could include replacing fluorescent fixtures with higher-efficiency lamps and ballasts, changing regular bulbs to compact fluorescent lights or light-emitting diode lights, or upgrading "Exit" signs to LED technology.

Bike to Work Day is May 17 - News

2013-05-08T14:16:14Z

May 17 is National Bike to Work Day and Knoxville-area bike commuters are invited to participate by stopping by Market Square on their way to work. Celebrate with free coffee and biscuits from 7:30-8:30 a.m. with Mayor Rogero.

Jim Hagerman, director of engineering for the city of Knoxville, pauses on his daily bicycle commute to work earlier this month in South Knoxville. The city is teaming up with Knoxville's regional Transportation Planning Organization to begin the process of finding ways to improve bicycle infrastructure within the city. (Paul Efird/News Sentinel)

Can't get downtown? Even if you have a different destination or start time, several businesses around town will also participate independently. See the full list of where to snag a free cup of coffee for biking to work.

Bike to Work Day is a way for people who have considered biking to work, whether to save money on parking and gas or to improve their health, to try it out.

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It's also a time for people who already bike to work, which is generally a solitary activity, to come together. Bike convoys leave from north, south, east and west locations and travel to Market Square so that no one has to bike alone.

"It's fine if you drive to the convoy meeting location and then bike in with the group," says Kelley Segars, Principal Planner with the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization. "You're still saving money on gas, and making physical activity part of your daily routine

Here's where to find your closest biking convoy or call 865-215-3815 for more info.

From the north:

6:30 a.m., Halls

Meet at Halls Center, 6950 Maynardville Pike, near Ace Hardware.

7 a.m., North Knoxville

Meet at Office Depot/Food City parking lot on Broadway, 4212 N Broadway.

From the east:

7 a.m., East Knoxville

Meet at Holston River Park, 3300 Holston Hills Road (top parking lot by pavilion).

7:40 a.m. Parkridge

Meet at the Ashley Nicole Dream Playground, corner of Woodbine and Winona.

From the west:

6:30 a.m. Cedar Bluff

Meet at the Ten Mile Creek trailhead, 175 Seven Oaks Dr, at the eastern end of the Carmike Wynnsong Theater parking lot.

7:15 a.m., Bearden

Meet at Third Creek Greenway trailhead, 130 Forest Park Blvd.

From the south:

7:15 a.m., South Knoxville

Meet near South Knoxville Library, 4500 Chapman Hwy.

7:30 a.m. Island Home

Meet at the intersection of Island Home Ave and Sevier Ave

UT conference explores electric vehicle market in Southeast - News

2013-05-01T12:32:18Z

A two-day conference on electric vehicle policy, market issues and infrastructure will be at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy on the University of Tennessee campus Thursday and Friday of this week.

Electrifying the Vehicle Market in the Southeast will explore the potential of all electric drive vehicles (battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid) to help address problems with national energy security, climate change, and local air pollution.

Sales of electric vehicles were at record highs in 2012, but still below expectation for many automakers. This workshop will bring together industry, policy makers, researchers, stakeholders and practitioners to share knowledge and experience, and explore strategies that could advance the market for electric drive vehicles in the US in general and in the Southeastern region, in particular.

During the conference a free display of electric vehicles will be available and open to the public. Cars are on loan from the Tennessee Valley Authority and GM.

Discussions include:

Prospective benefits and costs of electric vehicles, both public and private

Assessment of the current market and supply and demand challenges

Effectiveness of incentives, infrastructure investments and public information

Dialogue on future policy initiatives

The keynote speaker is David Green, a senior fellow with the Howard Baker Center and Oak Ridge National Lab. He will present "Achieving Sustainable Transportation by 2050: The National Research Council's Transitions to Alternative Vehicles and Fuels."

Other experts include representatives of Nissan and Ford and state and local governments already implementing zero emission vehicle plans.

The conference is sponsored by FedEx, Nissan, the U.S Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee College of Engineering, and the University of Tennessee's Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy.

Kelley Blue Book editors praise Nissan LEAF - News

2013-04-22T13:10:17Z

The 2013 Nissan LEAF has been named the Best Green Car of 2013 by Kelley Blue Book. Now in its third model year, Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling, pure electric vehicle with nearly 60,000 sold worldwide.

The LEAF is manufactured in Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn. plant and batteries for the vehicle are produced at an adjacent facility.

"The 2013 Nissan LEAF marks a turning point in the electric vehicle movement ... We're seeing buyers diversify beyond early adopters," said Erik Gottfried, Nissan director of electric vehicle sales and marketing.

The car was recently redesigned for the new model year. Upgrades include quicker charging and an improved driving rage, the company said. The LEAF has an EPA range of 75 miles at an average 90 percent charge or up to 83 miles on a full charge.

Vehicles from Tesla and Ford, and LEAF challengers Chevrolet Volt, and Toyota Prius are also featured on the list.

See the full list of the year's best green cars according to the Blue Book at KBB.com

Photo credit: PRNewsFoto/Nissan North America

ORNL leads study focused on new uses for old electric vehicle batteries - News

2013-04-18T18:10:13Z

A 2011 Chevrolet Volt under the hood. Right side: the power inverter on top of the electric drive unit (electric motor) used for traction. Left side: the 1.4-liter gasoline-powered engine used as generator to provide power to the electric motor or to engage mechanically to assist propulsion when the battery is depleted. Taken at the 2011 Washington Auto Show. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Once they've finished powering electric vehicles for hundreds of thousands of miles, it may not be the end of the road for automotive batteries, which researchers believe can provide continued benefits for consumers, automakers and the environment.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers are studying five used Chevrolet Volt batteries to determine the feasibility of a community energy storage system that would put electricity onto the grid. Over the next year, researchers from ORNL, General Motors and the ABB Group will conduct studies and compile data using a first-of-its-kind test platform.

"With about one million lithium-ion batteries per year coming available from various automakers for the secondary market beginning in 2020, we see vast potential to supplement power for homes and businesses," said Dr. Imre Gyuk, manager of the Energy Storage Research Program in DOE's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability in a press release. "Since these batteries could still have up to 80 percent of their capacity, they present a great opportunity for use in stationary storage devices before sending them to be recycled."

Last year in San Francisco, a GM/ABB energy storage system provided 100 percent of the electricity needed to power a temporary structure for several hours. A similar application could one day power a group of homes or small commercial buildings during a power outage or help make up for gaps in solar, wind or other renewable power generation.

The ORNL platform provides 25 kilowatts of power and 50 kilowatt-hours of energy that could potentially provide cost-effective backup energy, said Michael Starke of ORNL's Energy and Transportation Science Division.

Upcoming tour highlights some of Knoxville's most efficient buildings - News

2013-04-16T13:55:52Z

The first annual GREEN + GO Sustainable Knoxville Green Tour will offer an inside look at some of Knoxville's high-performance buildings 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 4.

The open house tours, organized by the East Tennessee Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, will present the features and benefits of sustainable construction. Participants can visit up to eight sustainable buildings in the Knoxville area that represent a variety of green design strategies.

Sites on the tour include:

Scripps Networks Interactive Headquarters, rated LEED Gold

Knoxville Transit Center, LEED Silver

Three Rivers Market, Designed to meet 2010 LEED Retail NC

UT's Ayres Hall, Historic LEED Renovation at LEED Silver

UT's Living Light Solar Decathlon House

Ijams Nature Center and solar array

Sustainable Future's Net Zero Office

The Spectrum Solar Exhibit at East Town Mall.

]]> Each of the eight buildings will have its own on-site experts to educate participants on the sustainable features, construction details, and the economic savings of that building.

The tour is free, but continuing education credit from the American Institute of Architects and the Green Building Certification Institute is available with paid admission of $15 for an individual or $25 for two.

For free or paid admission, RSVP by April 30 at http://knoxville.greentour2013.eventbrite.com.

Recycling in Knoxville almost doubled since 2011 - News

2013-04-15T13:12:42Z

The city of Knoxville's recycling program continues to grow.

Recycling in Knoxville has nearly doubled since the city started its curbside program in 2011, according to city statistics.

"Before we did the curbside program we averaged 4,500 to 5,000 tons a year; now we are doing close to 9,000," said David Brace, director of public service for the city of Knoxville in a story by the News Sentinel's Mal Alder.

Officials say they see more people who are interested in recycling and want to do more.

Brace says the city hopes to expand the single stream recycling program to cover the 1,900 households now on the waiting list.

When it was launched in 2011 the program took less than three months to reach it's full number of participating households.

Upcycling program returns to East Tennessee, asks businesses to donate materials - News

2013-04-04T15:01:41Z

Local nonprofit ZeroLandfill East Tennessee invites area architects, contractors and similar businesses to donate supplies that would otherwise be thrown away.

The program, in its second year, encourages businesses to donate leftover, expired and unwanted samples to be "upcycled," or repurposed by the community.

Architecture and interior design-related businesses are asked to donate items such as expired samples, fabric, magazines, paint chips, tile, old marketing materials, flooring and more. Building retailers like Lowes and Home Depot that utilize product samples are also welcome to participate.

The organization cannot process paint, demolition material from construction sites or items from residential homeowners.

Businesses may drop off material at Office Furniture Outfitters, 1817 Grand Ave. SW in Knoxville:

2-4 p.m. April 22-25; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.April 26; 2 p.m.-4 p.m. April 29-30 and May 1-2; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 3.

Volunteers sort material donated

at a previous ZeroLandfill event

All photos submitted

by ZeroLandfill East Tennessee

]]> Items should be packed into manageable boxes and it's helpful for volunteers if each box contains the same type of material, said Rebecca Ware, an interior designer and coordinator for ZeroLandfill East Tennessee. A loading dock is available.

The site will be open to the public Saturday April 27 and May 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Parking is available at the site, but individuals are asked to bring their own containers to collect materials including carts and dollies/handcarts if necessary.

Last year's participants included architects, interior design firms, contractors, retailers, furniture dealers and flooring suppliers/distributors. Everything donated was gone within the first two hours, Ware said.

The effort kept more than 9 tons of material out of area landfills last year, its first in East Tennessee.

Volunteers are still needed to sort and process material and help the public load supplies for takeaway. For more information email zerolandfill865@gmail.com or visit the ZeroLandfill East Tennessee Facebook page

Here are some images of items created by local artists with material from last year's ZeroLandfill event.

This sign was made from flooring samples by Christina Bradshaw

Wall covering by Sarah Brobst

Examples from other, non-Knoxville events:

Classroom tools created from modified tile samples

A patchwork rug from sewn-together carpet samples

Plan to attend our Business After Hours event May 14 - News

2013-03-21T14:45:19Z

The Greater Knoxville Business Journal will recognize companies who have earned Green Achiever status at a special event 5-7 p.m. May 14 at the UT Gardens.

Come and support East Tennessee organizations that are improving their business -- and the bottom line -- by being more environmentally friendly.

The GoGreenET.com Business After Hours event recognizing Green Achievers will be 5-7 p.m. May 14 at the UT Gardens. Register at the Knoxville Chamber website.

Wacker Polysilicon plant marks another building milestone - News

2013-03-12T13:56:05Z

Despite announcing plant startup delays last year, Wacker Polysilicon continues to update the timetable for its Tennessee plant's construction.

Five structures measuring more than 200 feet tall are now upright and in place at Wacker Polysilicon's Charleston, Tenn. site.

The equipment, which performs a distillation process to produce the polycrystalline silicon, was trucked to the site last year along I-75, the company says. It is taller than any other building in Bradley County, according to Mike Pare in a Times Free Press article.

"This is a very visible stride in our progress: the first major milestone of 2013. We are excited to see this equipment now in its permanent place," said Dr. Martin Richtberg, vice president of engineering and head of the Wacker construction project.

"Last year we saw the final phase of concrete pouring, the arrival of large core equipment, the beginning of steel erection and the start of interior work," added Dr. Richtberg. "We are proud of these accomplishments, of our project; and we look forward to the work ahead of us this year."

Photo: This equipment was designed to perform specific types of distillation to produce a product more than 99.999999999 percent pure. Credit Wacker Polysilicon North America LLC

Farragut offers info on new energy conservation code - News

2013-02-25T18:12:06Z

Officials from the Town of Farragut's Community Development Department will discuss the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code March 12.

Farragut developers, designers and residents are welcome to attend and learn about the new energy code.

According to the International Code Council, the new code changes include measures to improve the thermal envelope, HVAC systems and electrical systems of residential buildings; Commercial updates include required energy savings for windows, doors and skylights; thermal envelope efficiency; and increased efficiencies for installed HVAC equipment.

Codes officials John Householder, Steve Coker and Elliott Sievers as well as an energy auditor and owner of a local building performance testing agency will answer questions including:

What is the code about?

What do the numbers mean?

Why should I have an energy compliant home/business?

What is an energy audit and what are the benefits?

The seminar will be 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12 at the Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive.

For more information call 865-966-7057.

Knoxville Zoo teams with Wampler's to produce solar power - News

2013-02-21T19:02:12Z

The Knoxville Zoo's African elephant habitat now sports a 50 kilowatt solar installation, courtesy of Lenoir City-based Wampler's Farm Sausage and Family Brands International. Above, a time lapse image of the finished solar installation at the Knoxville Zoo's elephant enclosure. Blue Sky Aerial Images, Michael Sexton

The Knoxville Zoo's African elephant habitat now sports a 50-kilowatt solar installation, courtesy of Lenoir City-based Wampler's Farm Sausage and Family Brands International.

The system, constructed by Knoxville company ARiES Energy, will produce energy for the zoo as part of TVA's Green Power Provider Program. The zoo will then receive a credit from KUB on its utility bill each month.

Zoo officials say they also plan to use the system to educate visitors about solar power. Plans include installing a video monitor inside the elephant barn viewing area showing how solar power is created and adding signs throughout the exhibit detailing the environmental and economic impact, said Tina Rolen of the zoo's marketing department.

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Wampler's paid for the system and will lease the roof area from the zoo, while retaining ownership of the solar installation -- in return the zoo will sell Wampler/Family Brands products like Elm Hill hot dogs and Cades Cove barbecue on site.

Wampler's is no stranger to the benefits of solar power. Thanks to multiple solar projects at its facilities, Wampler's will be energy independent in 2013, according to company president and CEO Ted Wampler Jr.

The zoo helped supply some labor and equipment, lowering the cost of the project to "under $3.50 a watt," according to Harvey Abouelata, president of ARiES. Zoo officials put the system cost at less than $160,000.

"Our partnership with Wampler's Farm Sausage and Elm Hill/Cades Cove brands is an exciting opportunity for us to publically launch our long-term investment in sustainable solutions and to include innovative conservation initiatives as part of our mission," says Lisa New, interim executive director of Knoxville Zoo.

ARiEs Energy master electrician and NABCEP certified solar installater Brandt Womack works on the new solar panel installation

at the Knoxville Zoo. Submitted, ARiES Energy

Seminar: Responding to alternative vehicle accidents safely - News

2013-02-11T13:33:02Z

As hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, like the Chevy Volt seen here, become regular features on the road, so too do accidents involving these cars.

As hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles become regular features on the road, so too do accidents involving these cars.

The East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition and the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium have partnered to offer first responders safety training for dealing with the differences in alternative fuel vehicles -- EVs, hybrids and fuels like natural gas or propane, among others -- versus traditional gas-powered vehicles after an accident.

The training will cover:

* Electric drive vehicles including EVs and hybrids

*Gaseous fuel vehicles including natural gas and propane

*A hands-on safety training portion with these vehicles

Training will be 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, February 26 at the Knoxville Fire Training Academy at 1301 Prosser Road.

Tickets are $60 and may be purchased through February 19 at http://firstrespondertraining.eventbrite.com/

Questions? Call ET Clean Fuels at 865-974-3625.

Volkswagen flips the switch on 9.5 MW solar park - News

2013-01-29T14:43:56Z

Chattanooga is now home to the biggest solar installation in Tennessee and for a U.S. auto factory.

That's according to Volkswagen, which powered up its 9.5 MW solar park at the Chattanooga location last week.

The system will provide 12.5 percent of the already LEED Platinum-certified plant's electricity. That jumps to 100 percent during non-production periods, according to the automaker.

The Volkswagen Chattanooga Solar Park occupies 33 acres, or half of the 66-acre land parcel adjacent to VW's state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. The solar park contains 33,600 solar modules from JA Solar designed to produce 13.1 gigawatt hours of electricity per year -- equivalent to the energy consumed annually by around 1,200 homes in the area.

The solar installation is part of VW's "Think Blue" initiative for all Volkswagen plants to achieve more efficient use of energy, materials and water and produce less waste and emissions, said Frank Fischer, CEO and chairman of Volkswagen Group of America.

Photo: From left to right: Dr. Andreas Haenel, Phoenix Solar AG/ Jim Coppinger, Mayor Hamilton County/ Frank Fischer, Volkswagen Chattanooga/Matt Kisber, Silicon Ranch/ Ron Littlefield, Mayor Chattanooga/Wolfram Thomas, Volkswagen AG/ Dr. Murray Cameron, Phoenix. Photo courtesy of Volkswagen.