Welcome ! As a young French Marketing professional with a Master's in International Management I have been selecting since January 2007 the latest headlines and best researches on sustainable development, climate change, cleantech and the world energy sector. Sounds great ? Don't hesitate to subscribe now !
To CleanTechies : ” The increased use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the production of refrigerators, air conditioners, and other products could play a significant role in accelerating global warming “
The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) study notes that the projected emissions of HFCs by 2050 could equal nine billion tons of carbon dioxide — or about one-third of current CO2 emissions.
HFCs were introduced in the 1990s to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were a threat to the ozone layer. So, this was a good idea with a strong downside. Continue »
Air conditioning is a fantastic invention as it allows to remain cool when temperatures are reaching 30°C and even 40°C. However, in many buildings around the world, the A/C is not set at the right temperature. As the New York times noted :
“Without fail, every year since moving to Hong Kong, I get a really bad cold. (…) “Oh, it’s quite common this time of year,” my doctor told me. “Everyone gets sick.” He was referring to the time of year that Hong Kong cranks up its air-conditioning. “
I have read that the same situation occurs in Singapore. I have witnessed it first hand in Europe as well. Others have told me about such a situation in America. This is a widespread phenomenon. Continue »
As the world is heating up because of global warming we need more air conditioning systems. This is why the latest invention from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory may change the world.
Indeed, to the MIT Technology Review, the NREL have created ” a new air-conditioner design that (…) will dramatically increase efficiency and eliminate gases that contribute to global warming. “
Using indirect evaporative cooling, and desiccants this invention would use up to 90 percent less energy and wouldn’t need CFCs to operate. Continue »
As Eurobserv’ER published a market barometer for heat pumps I thought it might be the occasion to have a look at this most interesting and promising technology which already accounts for nearly 9 GW th of capacity in Europe.
With over 100,000 systems installed every year throughout the European Union, heat pumps can both heat and cool houses or buildings in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.
With ten percent of growth the market already represents 780,000 systems installed in the 27 country-members. No doubt it will continue to expand. Continue »
In these times of heat waves – it was 37°C here in France yesterday – we all know that solar energy can heat places but it seems the sun could also cool them down thanks to air conditioning.
Even if this is not entirely new as I read about such technologies as early as 2005 and as many various technology exists – cf. Wikipedia page – I came across via Digg an interesting article in the L. A. Times.
The tests carried out by Southern California Gas Co could soon slash A/C costs by 60 percent for large premises such as offices, supermarkets or factories.
