March 25, 2015
The Kia Soul EV Wins the Canadian Green Car of the Year 2015 Award
The opening ceremonies of the Vancouver International Auto Show on March 24 revealed a pleasant surprise for Kia Motors Corporation – their Kia Soul EV was announced as the first ever Canadian green car of the year.
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) tested the car against three other finalists: The Honda Fit, the Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Camry Hybrid.
In choosing the winner, AJAC looked for the most environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicle for the the Canadian consumer.
January 1, 2015
2015: The Year of the LED
If there is one technology that is likely to trend in 2015, then it is LEDs.
LEDs, or Light Emitting Diodes, have been around for many decades.
However, recent years have seen both a huge reduction in manufacturing costs of LEDs, and impressive enhancements to their lighting output.
While early LEDs were first seen in pocket calculators and watches, they are now cheap and powerful enough to begin replacing existing lighting – and even to create new lighting options.
December 2, 2014
How Elon Musk is Changing the World
“Sustainable energy is the fundamental problem the world faces.” – Elon Musk
Every generation needs a pioneer who can transform industries and societies.
Elon Musk certainly fits this mold.
Musk, 43, was a co-founder of PayPal, who after selling his holdings in that company, looked for ways he could help the world through green, innovative and futuristic businesses.
You may not know his name, but it is likely you have heard of Tesla – his increasingly successful electric car company.
Musk is also the CEO of SpaceX, who is developing the tools and technology to allow us to live in space. And finally, he is the Chairman of SolarCity, his renewable-energy company specializing in Solar Power for both homeowners and businesses.
Musk is such an important figure in the way our future is developing that it is worth looking in more depth at each of his major commercial offerings.
October 5, 2014
10 Green Websites You Should Know and Use
Are you interested in green-living, sustainability and renewable-energy?
If yes, then we have put together a list of 10 superb websites that will keep you informed of all the latest green news and developments.
September 6, 2014
Great App Helps You Locate EV Charging Stations
Do you own an electric vehicle (EV) or are considering buying one?
If yes, does the lack of easy to find charging stations concern you?
Worry no more.
Thanks to an amazingly simple app called PlugShare, you can be confident of easily locating charging stations for your electric vehicle – wherever you may be in the world.
August 10, 2014
Welcome to the City of the Future
Would you like to take a glimpse into the near future?
Join us as we explore some of the exciting and innovative technologies that are set to make our cities cleaner, greener and safer.
First up…
July 28, 2014
The Transforming Power of Living Walls
Be amazed and inspired by the natural beauty of living walls.
Also known as green walls, this innovative design approach is transforming indoor and outdoor spaces around the world.
Before we take a look at some examples, first some great benefits of living walls:
- Improved indoor air quality
- Energy savings in both hot and cold climates
- Natural building protection
- Mental and physical health benefits for occupants
- Reduction in noise pollution
- Increase in property values
As the below images testify, living walls demonstrate a perfect blending of nature and design…
July 22, 2014
13 Things Fracking Companies Won’t Tell You
Fracking appears to have been a major success in the US, but are the industry claims consistent with the facts?
And as fracking companies look to expand their operations into Europe and Asia, are they really giving decision-makers and the general public the full economic and environmental story?
1. The fracking boom is temporary
Despite promising decades of continuing economic benefits, a peak in US shale oil production is likely to be reached this decade. Once the peak in production is reached, sharp year-on-year declines are to be expected.
2. The economic case is dwindling
Remember the tech bubble? Well, the fracking industry is beginning to show very similar signs. Already there is a heavy reliance on debt, with revenues from production failing to cover operating costs. Early investors may well have profited, but the returns for later investors look set to be far less rosy.
June 15, 2014
Solar Charging Stations Set To Help Electric Cars & Bikes
As electric bikes and cars continue to gain in popularity, charging options have become increasingly important.
French company AdvanSolar has developed an innovative and exciting range of solar charging stations.
Two of their key products are designed to charge electric bikes and cars from the power of the sun.
Let’s take a look…
June 7, 2014
7 Compelling Reasons To Go Electric
Are you fascinated by electric cars but unsure if they are for you?
Many people feel like this. Electric cars appear very exciting.
But what about range, charging points and cost?
Let’s cut through the confusion and look at 7 reasons that might convince you why electric cars are indeed for you.
1. They are greener
Running exclusively on an electric motor and batteries, electric cars have no combustion engine. This means no petroleum or diesel fuel needed. If charged from renewably-sourced energy (solar or wind for example) they are significantly greener than a conventional car.