This easy-to-use, state-of-the-art software offers construction-industry professionals substantial time savings while completing required energy modeling calculations for LEED® projects.
The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), a research institute of the University of Central Florida, today released EnergyGauge Summit Premier 3.15. FSEC will be exhibiting the software at the Greenbuild conference in Boston Nov. 19 – 21. This state-of-the-art software provides construction-industry professionals with the opportunity to substantially reduce the time required to complete energy modeling for the commercial construction LEED® rating system. It also offers a time-saving automatic federal tax deduction qualification feature.
The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) hosted an alternative fuels workshop on October 3, 2008, as part of the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Odyssey Day.
The National AFV Odyssey Day is a nationwide event that was held in 90 different locations throughout the U.S. this year. Coordinated by the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Training Consortium (NAFTC) in a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Clean Cities Program, the goal of this national program is to promote the awareness and use of AFVs, as well as promote energy conservation and independence for the U.S.
The Space Coast Clean Cities Coalition, a Florida chapter of the (DOE) Clean Cities Program, coordinated and organized the Advancing the Choice alternative fuel workshop, locally, as part of this national event.
Attendees view a presentation on biodiesel.
More than 75 students, educators, government officials and fleet managers were on hand to receive valuable tips on biodiesel production, learn about the benefits of alternative fuels, and view the several hybrid-electric and General Motors ethanol vehicles that were on display. After an introduction by Bill Young, a senior solar energy research engineer at FSEC and host of the event, the day began with a biodiesel production demonstration by Amber Station.
A number of real-world success stories were presented throughout the day from a variety of different organizations. John Parker, from Orange County Government discussed the use of biodiesel within their fleet of diesel vehicles, and the success using alternative fuels has brought them in meeting the county’s clean air goals.
David Winslow, the senior director of engineering and environmental sustainability technical services for Universal Studios, pointed out the use of biodiesel fuel in every diesel vehicle throughout the theme park. This includes the resort water taxis and the 50-plus ground-based vehicles already running on the B20 blend – 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel fuel – as well as the engines used to run the theme park ride, Jaws.
The overalll public health benefits of using alternative fuels was presented at The American Lung Association’s exhibit.
About National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium
The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is a national leader in promoting programs and activities that will lead to energy independence and the greater use of cleaner transportation in the U.S. The NAFTC is the only nationwide alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) and advanced technology vehicle training organization in the nation. Their mission is to provide the training infrastructure for implementing widespread use of alternative fuels, AFVs and advanced technology vehicles to increase our nation’s energy security and improve our air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our transportation system.
Fuel price reduction by energy-efficient vehicles, oil drilling, speed limits, or ethanol?
Over the past few months, high oil and gasoline prices have had pundits and politicians flailing away about what we should do. On the one hand, some believe the United States is sitting on countless oil deposits, and the quickest, best solution is to poke holes in the ground and watch gas prices fall. On the other hand, weathered industry professionals, such as retired oil baron, T. Boone Pickens, realize an immediate need for independence from oil, whether domestic or foreign. In Pickens’ recently purchased TV spots, he clearly states that “we can’t drill our way out of this emergency,” and in a recent interview with CNN’s Lou Dobbs he said America should utilize its cleaner, cheaper, abundant resources, such as natural gas, wind and solar power.
The U.S. consumes about 21 million barrels of oil per day (mbd) – roughly 25 percent of total world oil production. We import almost two-thirds of what we use (14 mbd ) from foreign countries. The cost of these imports is approaching $2 billion per day ($700 billion per year at $136 per barrel). This is a significant drain, both on the finances of individual households and on our national economic security.
What are the near term (three to five-year) options?
Cocoa, FL – The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) will host an alternative fuel workshop on October 3, 2008, as part of the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Odyssey Day.
The National AFV Odyssey Day is a nationwide event being held in 86 different locations throughout the U.S. this year. Coordinated by the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Training Consortium (NAFTC) in a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Clean Cities Program, the goal of this national program is to promote the awareness and use of AFVs, as well as promote energy conservation and independence for the U.S.
The Space Coast Clean Cities Coalition, a Florida chapter of the U.S. DOE Clean Cities Program, has coordinated and organized the Advancing the Choice alternative fuel workshop locally as part of this national event. The workshop will feature presentations and discussions about AFV ownership opportunities, biodiesel production, quality standards for fuel grade, utilizing biodiesel in current vehicles, and construction of biodiesel fueling stations. Guests will also be able to test drive AFVs and speak with auto manufacturers and industry experts at this event.
The workshop will run from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and the cost to attend is $10. Space is limited, so please register early at www.floridaenergycenter.org/go/afv4.
For more information about this workshop please contact FSEC researcher Bill Young at (321) 638-1443, or visit www.clean-cities.org.
The MyFloridaGreenBuilding.info Web site offers energy-efficiency tips for new construction and existing homes, information on local green building programs, green rating systems, rebates and incentives, calculators, and case studies on certified green buildings in Florida.
