Since then, residents in nine of the Mutual Housing Association's apartment buildings have applied to receive up-to-date equipment ranging from new boilers to new hot water heaters, windows, refrigerators and stoves, Orselli said. To qualify for building-wide upgrades, the majority of the buildings' tenants must be low-income. And to obtain home appliances, tenants must individually meet income eligibility standards, he explained.
"Generally, to get landlords from 21 buildings together can be a very difficult task," Orselli said. "Since we own all the buildings, we can provide permission readily, which makes it efficient."
Financial savings for both the M.H.A. and its tenants is a top priority for the Cooper Square Committee in order to be able to preserve affordable housing, Orselli said.
"The only way we can charge very low maintenance fees is to try to keep the cost of maintaining buildings as low as possible," he said.
Lucille Carrasquero, 84, whose building at 56 E. Fourth St. is slated to get a new boiler, is anxiously awaiting a new fridge to replace the one she's had for nearly nine years. Carrasquero is also hoping to qualify for a replacement window for her outdoor garden, whose current windows are difficult to clean and covered with bars.
"I think it's an excellent opportunity for us to be able to get appliances that we need, especially for us low-income people," said Carrasquero. "You save electricity, first of all — and if you save electricity, you save money."
The initiative has the dual advantage of lowering residents' electricity bills and preserving the environment, added Carrasquero's friend Theresa Sandberry, a resident of 60 E. Fourth St.
"If you can get the building to use less fuel, that's a win-win situation," Sandberry said.
The program also intends to help mom-and-pop stores burdened with electric bills and other operating expenses. Working with energy consultants, Tamara Greenfield, F.A.B.'s executive director, has already surveyed several businesses on the block to evaluate their energy savings options.
"They know it's not a sales pitch, and that it's about some kind of larger community benefit, as well as bringing things that'll help them with their bottom line," said Greenfield.
Lynn Freidus, owner and manager of Random Accessories, a stationery, jewelry and clothing store at 77 E. Fourth St., is working with F.A.B. and Con Edison to switch to lower-wattage light bulbs.
"The fact is, we'd like to save money and still have light," Freidus said.
The Fourth St. Food Co-op natural food store on the ground floor of 58 E. Fourth St., needs a more efficient cooling system, according to co-op member Jill Woodward. The store uses electricity generated by wind power.
Showing posts with label LED lighting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LED lighting. Show all posts
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Historical-looking lights coming to Marquette Park Pavilion
The recently vandalized Marquette Park Recreation Pavilion will get more than $200,000 in custom made lights, harkening back to the nearly 90-year-old building's original grandeur.
A newly installed security systems should protect them, said planning director Christopher Meyers.
The Board of Public Works and Safety Wednesday approved a $208,000 contract to Winona Lighting for the special lights. They include glass globes, instead of acrylics, and brass and copper lanterns, which are much harder to steal and exchange for cash, Meyers said.
"They're such specialized items, that if any one steals them and tries to hawk them, then it's like a piece of art," he said, adding it would not be hard to track them down or find the thieves.
In photos of the pavilion dating back decades, the glass fixtures adorn the entrances and others hang across the second floor ballroom. They were tall, regal ornaments with design elements that support the architecture of the building opened in 1924.
Getting historical replicas of exterior and interior lighting was a selling point in the Regional Development Authority's $28 million grant for the Marquette Park Lakefront East renovation, Meyers said.
Great Lakes Electrical and Mechanical originally was awarded the lighting contract, but when officials learned GLEM could not install the replicated lights, about $140,000 was deducted from their contract and applied to the historically accurate fixtures.
The pavilion was vandalized and copper, tools and other goods stolen last week. Meyers said Gary police are actively investigating the case. A fire also was started in the main entrance to the building, with soot and ash covering all the floors.
Meyers said he will meet with the project's insurance company later this week.
While conduit for an alarm system had already been run through the structure, project officials had not yet installed any warning systems. As of Wednesday, Meyers still insisted it was the responsibility of contractors to secure their building materials and tools, but last week's break-in, the third of the year at the pavilion, expedited security steps like an alarm system with motion sensors that will alert Gary police and other parties.
Solar power is being used at oil wells to power drilling operations these days. Apparently, it is also being used at nuclear power plants, ironically.
"In an order valued at nearly $400,000 USD, a large US power utility in the Southwestern United States has selected the EverGEN 1530 solar LED outdoor lighting system for the second installment in a perimeter fence security lighting project," Carmanah, the developer of the solar LED outdoor lighting system reports.
As noted in the title, the reason for going solar is "to increase the security… by providing backup safety lighting in the unlikely event of power failure, allowing the facility to maintain critical security functions that are mandated by Homeland Security"
As noted above, this is the second installment. The two together total an investment of $1.5 million in solar lighting.
A newly installed security systems should protect them, said planning director Christopher Meyers.
The Board of Public Works and Safety Wednesday approved a $208,000 contract to Winona Lighting for the special lights. They include glass globes, instead of acrylics, and brass and copper lanterns, which are much harder to steal and exchange for cash, Meyers said.
"They're such specialized items, that if any one steals them and tries to hawk them, then it's like a piece of art," he said, adding it would not be hard to track them down or find the thieves.
In photos of the pavilion dating back decades, the glass fixtures adorn the entrances and others hang across the second floor ballroom. They were tall, regal ornaments with design elements that support the architecture of the building opened in 1924.
Getting historical replicas of exterior and interior lighting was a selling point in the Regional Development Authority's $28 million grant for the Marquette Park Lakefront East renovation, Meyers said.
Great Lakes Electrical and Mechanical originally was awarded the lighting contract, but when officials learned GLEM could not install the replicated lights, about $140,000 was deducted from their contract and applied to the historically accurate fixtures.
The pavilion was vandalized and copper, tools and other goods stolen last week. Meyers said Gary police are actively investigating the case. A fire also was started in the main entrance to the building, with soot and ash covering all the floors.
Meyers said he will meet with the project's insurance company later this week.
While conduit for an alarm system had already been run through the structure, project officials had not yet installed any warning systems. As of Wednesday, Meyers still insisted it was the responsibility of contractors to secure their building materials and tools, but last week's break-in, the third of the year at the pavilion, expedited security steps like an alarm system with motion sensors that will alert Gary police and other parties.
Solar power is being used at oil wells to power drilling operations these days. Apparently, it is also being used at nuclear power plants, ironically.
"In an order valued at nearly $400,000 USD, a large US power utility in the Southwestern United States has selected the EverGEN 1530 solar LED outdoor lighting system for the second installment in a perimeter fence security lighting project," Carmanah, the developer of the solar LED outdoor lighting system reports.
As noted in the title, the reason for going solar is "to increase the security… by providing backup safety lighting in the unlikely event of power failure, allowing the facility to maintain critical security functions that are mandated by Homeland Security"
As noted above, this is the second installment. The two together total an investment of $1.5 million in solar lighting.
Monday, 26 December 2011
2 retiring commissioners reflect on changing the county
Gallagher was the minority commissioner for the four years Staudenmeier chaired the board, and she said she preferred being in control.
"In the majority, your wishes can come true," she said.
She said she and McAndrew brought a wish list of 10 items to the job when they took control and they were able to accomplish all 10.
"They were items we felt needed to be addressed," Gallagher said. "If we had chosen to run for re-election, I know I would have had another (list)."
"The 1912 Building was a liability. It was in deplorable condition," Gallagher said. The county's insurance carrier had advised selling the building due to its condition, she said.
Reducing the number of polling places to 125 from 167. Gallagher said that has saved, and will save, the county $79,750 per election, or $159,500 per year, by reducing the number of poll workers needed.
Resolving the New World computer system controversy, in which the county lost $569,000. The system was prone to crashing and never worked properly. Gallagher said. The matter was settled without having to go to trial.
Instituting the PPL Energy Savings Plan, which guarantees savings of $1 million over the next 15 years, according to Gallagher. Additional savings will be realized from upgrading lighting systems in several county buildings, she said.
Consolidating positions in county government. Gallagher said the commissioners eliminated 15 positions by attrition, saving almost $600,000 in salaries and benefits annually.
"We reduced county government significantly ... by attrition, without having to lay off employees," she said.
Creating the Schuylkill Transportation Authority to manage the Schuylkill Transportation System. Gallagher said the savings from the change will be invested in the system.
Improved monitoring of positions that are funded by grants. The commissioners are now notified when grants expire and can take appropriate action on the positions, she said.
Holding five board meetings per year outside the courthouse, which Gallagher saw as some of the highlights of her term.
"We had the opportunity to meet our citizens face to face," she said.
Restructuring county offices. Gallagher said restructuring the Public Defender's Office saved $29,000, while doing the same with the Tax Claim Bureau allowed for the launch of an aggressive effort to get properties back onto the tax rolls.
"When Gov. (Ed) Rendell came through with $500,000 for our Children & Youth building, which was something I'd been lobbying for," it was one of the highlights of the term, Gallagher said. The money will enable the agency to hire more caseworkers and improve services, she said.
"In the majority, your wishes can come true," she said.
She said she and McAndrew brought a wish list of 10 items to the job when they took control and they were able to accomplish all 10.
"They were items we felt needed to be addressed," Gallagher said. "If we had chosen to run for re-election, I know I would have had another (list)."
"The 1912 Building was a liability. It was in deplorable condition," Gallagher said. The county's insurance carrier had advised selling the building due to its condition, she said.
Reducing the number of polling places to 125 from 167. Gallagher said that has saved, and will save, the county $79,750 per election, or $159,500 per year, by reducing the number of poll workers needed.
Resolving the New World computer system controversy, in which the county lost $569,000. The system was prone to crashing and never worked properly. Gallagher said. The matter was settled without having to go to trial.
Instituting the PPL Energy Savings Plan, which guarantees savings of $1 million over the next 15 years, according to Gallagher. Additional savings will be realized from upgrading lighting systems in several county buildings, she said.
Consolidating positions in county government. Gallagher said the commissioners eliminated 15 positions by attrition, saving almost $600,000 in salaries and benefits annually.
"We reduced county government significantly ... by attrition, without having to lay off employees," she said.
Creating the Schuylkill Transportation Authority to manage the Schuylkill Transportation System. Gallagher said the savings from the change will be invested in the system.
Improved monitoring of positions that are funded by grants. The commissioners are now notified when grants expire and can take appropriate action on the positions, she said.
Holding five board meetings per year outside the courthouse, which Gallagher saw as some of the highlights of her term.
"We had the opportunity to meet our citizens face to face," she said.
Restructuring county offices. Gallagher said restructuring the Public Defender's Office saved $29,000, while doing the same with the Tax Claim Bureau allowed for the launch of an aggressive effort to get properties back onto the tax rolls.
"When Gov. (Ed) Rendell came through with $500,000 for our Children & Youth building, which was something I'd been lobbying for," it was one of the highlights of the term, Gallagher said. The money will enable the agency to hire more caseworkers and improve services, she said.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
What's Behind Delhi's Fogged In Flights?
For many residents of Delhi, winter means chilly nights, open-air concerts, strolls in the park and maybe a bout of flu.
But for frequent fliers, Delhi's winter also brings a shiver of dread over mangled flight schedules.
When a thick blanket of smog cloaked Delhi on Monday, about a dozen flights were reported to be grounded and scores of others delayed. This time last year, about 30 flights were diverted, 25 cancelled and more than 150 stalled for up to six hours at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport. The week leading into 2009 saw the disruption of hundreds of flights.
Could this problem be prevented?
Well, yes and no. The Delhi airport is equipped with instrument landing systems that allow for so-called CAT IIIB landings, or mostly automatic landings using a combination of radio signals and high intensity runway lighting, effective even when visibility is as low as 164 feet. These are the most sophisticated systems available in the world, but still, they can't always guarantee a landing.
"If the visibility drops below 50 meters, disruption is unavoidable," said E. K. Bharat Bhushan, the top official of India's main airline regulatory body, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. "No one, anywhere in the world, can go completely blind," he said.
Mr. Bhushan said the focus is now on making passengers as comfortable as possible by offering refreshments and prompt updates about their flights when they face a shuffled schedule.
But it's not only zero-visibility that is the problem. Analysts say that some aircraft are not equipped with CAT IIIB instruments and many airline pilots aren't trained, largely because of the costs involved, to know how to use these sophisticated instruments and keep their eyes peeled for the landing strip lights.
"Only 40 to 50 percent of pilots are trained," said Rajendra Kumar Jenamani, scientist and head of the meteorological watch office at Delhi airport.
Mr. Jenamani also says poor coordination between various parties, including the Delhi International Airport Limited, Air Traffic Control, and the airport's Meteorological Department contribute to disrupted flights. Mr. Jenamani cites the example of a flight dispatcher not briefing a pilot about fog gathering over Delhi before take-off from another country, even though the fog was likely to last 10 to 12 hours.
So when did the fog in Delhi get this bad?
Analysts say the turning point was 1997. A cocktail of factors contributed: a shift in the land-use patterns, increased pollution, and more moisture due to irrigation led to a drop in the temperature by a few degrees and more fog between December and January, they say.
While fog does plague other places, like London's Heathrow Airport for instance, it lasts only for a few days. In Delhi, it can last for 20 to 25 days. Mr. Jenamani said Delhi is hard hit because of the city's geographic location, the open space at the airport, and the prevalent wind patterns.
But for frequent fliers, Delhi's winter also brings a shiver of dread over mangled flight schedules.
When a thick blanket of smog cloaked Delhi on Monday, about a dozen flights were reported to be grounded and scores of others delayed. This time last year, about 30 flights were diverted, 25 cancelled and more than 150 stalled for up to six hours at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport. The week leading into 2009 saw the disruption of hundreds of flights.
Could this problem be prevented?
Well, yes and no. The Delhi airport is equipped with instrument landing systems that allow for so-called CAT IIIB landings, or mostly automatic landings using a combination of radio signals and high intensity runway lighting, effective even when visibility is as low as 164 feet. These are the most sophisticated systems available in the world, but still, they can't always guarantee a landing.
"If the visibility drops below 50 meters, disruption is unavoidable," said E. K. Bharat Bhushan, the top official of India's main airline regulatory body, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. "No one, anywhere in the world, can go completely blind," he said.
Mr. Bhushan said the focus is now on making passengers as comfortable as possible by offering refreshments and prompt updates about their flights when they face a shuffled schedule.
But it's not only zero-visibility that is the problem. Analysts say that some aircraft are not equipped with CAT IIIB instruments and many airline pilots aren't trained, largely because of the costs involved, to know how to use these sophisticated instruments and keep their eyes peeled for the landing strip lights.
"Only 40 to 50 percent of pilots are trained," said Rajendra Kumar Jenamani, scientist and head of the meteorological watch office at Delhi airport.
Mr. Jenamani also says poor coordination between various parties, including the Delhi International Airport Limited, Air Traffic Control, and the airport's Meteorological Department contribute to disrupted flights. Mr. Jenamani cites the example of a flight dispatcher not briefing a pilot about fog gathering over Delhi before take-off from another country, even though the fog was likely to last 10 to 12 hours.
So when did the fog in Delhi get this bad?
Analysts say the turning point was 1997. A cocktail of factors contributed: a shift in the land-use patterns, increased pollution, and more moisture due to irrigation led to a drop in the temperature by a few degrees and more fog between December and January, they say.
While fog does plague other places, like London's Heathrow Airport for instance, it lasts only for a few days. In Delhi, it can last for 20 to 25 days. Mr. Jenamani said Delhi is hard hit because of the city's geographic location, the open space at the airport, and the prevalent wind patterns.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Great Falls Holds Tree Lighting
Robert Moore knows all about the tree that sits in the field next to the Great Falls Village Centre. When the original tree died in 1995, he was part of the group that found the tree near Wolf Trap and planted it in Great Falls. Since then, Great Falls residents have gathered around the tree every holiday season to light the tree and celebrate the season with their friends and neighbors.
"This is the first year we've used LED lights on the tree," Moore said. "This year we used about 4,500 of them, so I guess we're saving some energy."
Moore and the other coordinators of the annual tree lighting ceremony use a sky lift to wind the thousands of lights around the tree, which is more than 20 feet tall.
This year's festivities took place Friday, and thousands came out to sing Christmas Carols, meet Santa and Mrs. Clause, enjoy a petting zoo and watch a live nativity scene.
"There's sort of something for everyone, and I like to make sure we get a chance to take it all in," said Allison Fulwell of Great Falls. "You get Santa, you get the nativity, but it's also just fun to come out and enjoy celebrating as a community."
Just after sundown, a brightly-lit vehicle made its way around the Executive Suites building at the Great Falls Village Centre. Several reindeer made of lights led the way for the Great Falls fire engine, which served as the official escort for Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Once the tree was lit, guests could enjoy popcorn and hot cider, and listen to the Langley High School Madrigals sing old Christmas carols.
While Santa was mobbed by most children during his time at the tree lighting, Josh Zane, 4, has little to no interest in Father Christmas.
"Every year, Josh gets excited about the tree lighting, but not about the tree itself, or Santa. He loves the animals," said his father David Zane. "He'll spend his time rotating between the petting zoo and the horse rides. We don't even try to get a photo of him near the tree anymore."
Josh Zane says his decision is a practical one.
"We'll see Santa later when our family gets our picture with him somewhere else, and he's even going to stop by our house," he said. "But it's winter time, and there won't be any chances to play with animals when it's cold outside, so I need to do it now."
CEO Ike Sutton commented, "The opening of our new DC office further solidifies SavWatt's presence. Being even closer to key decision makers and lobby groups will greatly benefit our cause. In addition, President Obama's speech for additional funding to make America's buildings more energy efficient will allow us more opportunities to prove the SavWatt brand is the light of the future."
About SavWatt Fast becoming the market leader in LED lighting, SavWatt focuses on developing innovative, energy-efficient and cost-effective LED lighting solutions. By delivering value added, application-specific LED lighting systems, we can significantly reduce energy costs and minimize our carbon footprint worldwide.
SavWatt is leading the LED lighting revolution and setting the stage to obsolete the incandescent light bulb. SavWatt's product families include LED fixtures, bulbs, street lights, and parking lights.
"This is the first year we've used LED lights on the tree," Moore said. "This year we used about 4,500 of them, so I guess we're saving some energy."
Moore and the other coordinators of the annual tree lighting ceremony use a sky lift to wind the thousands of lights around the tree, which is more than 20 feet tall.
This year's festivities took place Friday, and thousands came out to sing Christmas Carols, meet Santa and Mrs. Clause, enjoy a petting zoo and watch a live nativity scene.
"There's sort of something for everyone, and I like to make sure we get a chance to take it all in," said Allison Fulwell of Great Falls. "You get Santa, you get the nativity, but it's also just fun to come out and enjoy celebrating as a community."
Just after sundown, a brightly-lit vehicle made its way around the Executive Suites building at the Great Falls Village Centre. Several reindeer made of lights led the way for the Great Falls fire engine, which served as the official escort for Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Once the tree was lit, guests could enjoy popcorn and hot cider, and listen to the Langley High School Madrigals sing old Christmas carols.
While Santa was mobbed by most children during his time at the tree lighting, Josh Zane, 4, has little to no interest in Father Christmas.
"Every year, Josh gets excited about the tree lighting, but not about the tree itself, or Santa. He loves the animals," said his father David Zane. "He'll spend his time rotating between the petting zoo and the horse rides. We don't even try to get a photo of him near the tree anymore."
Josh Zane says his decision is a practical one.
"We'll see Santa later when our family gets our picture with him somewhere else, and he's even going to stop by our house," he said. "But it's winter time, and there won't be any chances to play with animals when it's cold outside, so I need to do it now."
CEO Ike Sutton commented, "The opening of our new DC office further solidifies SavWatt's presence. Being even closer to key decision makers and lobby groups will greatly benefit our cause. In addition, President Obama's speech for additional funding to make America's buildings more energy efficient will allow us more opportunities to prove the SavWatt brand is the light of the future."
About SavWatt Fast becoming the market leader in LED lighting, SavWatt focuses on developing innovative, energy-efficient and cost-effective LED lighting solutions. By delivering value added, application-specific LED lighting systems, we can significantly reduce energy costs and minimize our carbon footprint worldwide.
SavWatt is leading the LED lighting revolution and setting the stage to obsolete the incandescent light bulb. SavWatt's product families include LED fixtures, bulbs, street lights, and parking lights.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
'LED Expo 2011' Starts December 1 at New Delhi: To Showcase Cutting Edge LED Lighting Products and Technology
With increasing scarcity of natural resources, the demand for efficient technologies and judicious use of existing energy reserves is escalating. In response, LED Expo 2011, India's largest exhibition on LED Lighting Products and Technology will showcase the fastrack developments in the highly promising, energy efficient LED technology from 1st-3rd December 2011 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Shri. Sushil Kumar Shinde, Hon'ble Minister of Power, Govt. of India will inaugurate the 5th edition of this iconic show and deliver the keynote address at 'The LED Summit'.
The size of the exhibition which has increased considerably from previous years will cover a total area of 1,00,000 sq ft area tallying a total of 400 booths with 250 Exhibitors this time. The mega event which attracts record-breaking footfall of visitors every year is hoping to attract more than 20,000 visitors from the industry this year as industry efforts increase in creating awareness on LEDs technological benefits and the evident surge of LED applications in the mainstream.
The Expo will be attracting vast participation from well-known and competitive companies both from within the country and overseas. International participation will be seen from Germany, Italy, UK, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, China, USA, Korea, Dubai, Hong Kong and India. Special Country Pavilions from Taiwan supported by TAITRA, Japan LED alliance pavilion & China pavilion have taken active participation in the show. A good number of domestic companies are also exhibiting from all across the country.
A few of the industry's best companies participating in the event include: Philips Lumileds, Nihon Garter, Cree Asia-Pacific Ltd., Nichia, Everlight, Createled, Epistar, VIN, Carclo, Tridonic, Khatod, Shenzhen Light Power, Prolight, Regnant, Edison, Amka, Seoul Semiconductors, Moser Baer, Toshiba, Edison, Meanwell, Labsphere etc to name a few.
Himani Gulati, Director, Media Exposition and Events says "LEDs are the most efficient lighting source ever, yet are free of the toxic material, relatively free from disposal issues associated with fluorescent lighting. The adoption of LED lighting has penetrated in almost all spheres due to inherent advantage of LED like, long life, low power consumption, easier integration with electronic control, smaller size, faster switching and greater durability and reliability."
"LED Expo offers a unique opportunity to interact with professionals who influence purchasing decisions worldwide. It attracts potential and qualified buyers from various fields such as Architecture, Hospitality, Real estate, Educational institutions, Govt. Planning departments, Municipal corporations, Lighting Designers, Led & Lighting Industry, Electronics, Automotive Industry etc." says Gaurav Juneja, Director, Media Exposition & Events.
Concurrent to the expo, 'LED SUMMIT 2011' a 2 day International Conference on the LED Lighting Products & Technology will be conducted. Eminent speakers from Government Department, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, TERI, ONGC, Railways, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Industry players from India & International Speakers from Epistar, Philips Lumileds, Japan Led Association, China Led Association, TAITRA etc will speak on various topics related to LED Industry.
Shri. Sushil Kumar Shinde, Hon'ble Minister of Power, Govt. of India will inaugurate the 5th edition of this iconic show and deliver the keynote address at 'The LED Summit'.
The size of the exhibition which has increased considerably from previous years will cover a total area of 1,00,000 sq ft area tallying a total of 400 booths with 250 Exhibitors this time. The mega event which attracts record-breaking footfall of visitors every year is hoping to attract more than 20,000 visitors from the industry this year as industry efforts increase in creating awareness on LEDs technological benefits and the evident surge of LED applications in the mainstream.
The Expo will be attracting vast participation from well-known and competitive companies both from within the country and overseas. International participation will be seen from Germany, Italy, UK, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, China, USA, Korea, Dubai, Hong Kong and India. Special Country Pavilions from Taiwan supported by TAITRA, Japan LED alliance pavilion & China pavilion have taken active participation in the show. A good number of domestic companies are also exhibiting from all across the country.
A few of the industry's best companies participating in the event include: Philips Lumileds, Nihon Garter, Cree Asia-Pacific Ltd., Nichia, Everlight, Createled, Epistar, VIN, Carclo, Tridonic, Khatod, Shenzhen Light Power, Prolight, Regnant, Edison, Amka, Seoul Semiconductors, Moser Baer, Toshiba, Edison, Meanwell, Labsphere etc to name a few.
Himani Gulati, Director, Media Exposition and Events says "LEDs are the most efficient lighting source ever, yet are free of the toxic material, relatively free from disposal issues associated with fluorescent lighting. The adoption of LED lighting has penetrated in almost all spheres due to inherent advantage of LED like, long life, low power consumption, easier integration with electronic control, smaller size, faster switching and greater durability and reliability."
"LED Expo offers a unique opportunity to interact with professionals who influence purchasing decisions worldwide. It attracts potential and qualified buyers from various fields such as Architecture, Hospitality, Real estate, Educational institutions, Govt. Planning departments, Municipal corporations, Lighting Designers, Led & Lighting Industry, Electronics, Automotive Industry etc." says Gaurav Juneja, Director, Media Exposition & Events.
Concurrent to the expo, 'LED SUMMIT 2011' a 2 day International Conference on the LED Lighting Products & Technology will be conducted. Eminent speakers from Government Department, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, TERI, ONGC, Railways, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Industry players from India & International Speakers from Epistar, Philips Lumileds, Japan Led Association, China Led Association, TAITRA etc will speak on various topics related to LED Industry.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Ace Hardware to recycle lights
For the fourth consecutive year, Ace Hardware stores across Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico are accepting strands of holiday lights for recycling to benefit Lights For Life. Lights For Life is a nonprofit organization that strives to make life easier for kids with cancer and their families. This year, Ace Hardware stores will also accept extension cords for recycling.
Lights For Life sells the donated light strands and extension cords to a recycling company for the copper and PVC they contain. The money raised is used to help children with cancer and their families cover the cost of medical bills and other expenses not covered by insurance, as well as to fund kids' camps and childhood cancer research.
Last year, Ace Hardware customers across the three states donated more than 30,000 pounds of holiday lights to the campaign, raising $14,000 for families of children diagnosed with cancer and bringing the total amount of lights donated by local Ace customers since 2008 to more than 77,000 pounds. Local stores hope to increase this year's donation by 50 percent and have set a goal of collecting 45,000 pounds of holiday lights and extension cords during the 2011 holiday season.
"Every year, more and more shoppers are making the switch to longer-lasting, more energy efficient LED light strands, and we wanted to give people an easy way to put their old light strands and extension cords to good use," said Clark Evans, manager of Orchards Ace Hardware in Loveland. Orchards Ace shoppers alone have donated more than 14,000 pounds of lights over the past four years. "Last year we were able to help the families of two Rocky Mountain Region children with cancer as a results of this program, and we hope consumers pitch in to help us do the same again this year."
According to Consumer Reports, a typical homeowner spends approximately $11 in energy costs to burn 50 feet of traditional lights for 300 hours, while the same use of LED lights costs less than 15 cents. LED lights are also more durable than incandescent lights, often lasting as much as ten times longer than traditional lights, and because LED lights burn cooler they are safer to use and reduce the risk of fire.
"Each year, more than 200 million strings of incandescent lights are sold in the U.S., and most of them end up in the landfill," said Linda Worthington, marketing director Lights For Life. "Just the small act of dropping your broken or old lights or extension cords in a collection bin at an Ace Hardware can make a big difference in the lives of the families of kids with cancer."
Holiday lights and extension cords can be dropped off at participating Ace Hardware stores between November 15 and February 15. The holiday light recycling program adds to the growing list recycling programs offered by area Ace Hardware stores. Many Ace Hardware stores also accept used compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), mercury-containing thermostats, used cell phones and rechargeable batteries for recycling.
Lights For Life sells the donated light strands and extension cords to a recycling company for the copper and PVC they contain. The money raised is used to help children with cancer and their families cover the cost of medical bills and other expenses not covered by insurance, as well as to fund kids' camps and childhood cancer research.
Last year, Ace Hardware customers across the three states donated more than 30,000 pounds of holiday lights to the campaign, raising $14,000 for families of children diagnosed with cancer and bringing the total amount of lights donated by local Ace customers since 2008 to more than 77,000 pounds. Local stores hope to increase this year's donation by 50 percent and have set a goal of collecting 45,000 pounds of holiday lights and extension cords during the 2011 holiday season.
"Every year, more and more shoppers are making the switch to longer-lasting, more energy efficient LED light strands, and we wanted to give people an easy way to put their old light strands and extension cords to good use," said Clark Evans, manager of Orchards Ace Hardware in Loveland. Orchards Ace shoppers alone have donated more than 14,000 pounds of lights over the past four years. "Last year we were able to help the families of two Rocky Mountain Region children with cancer as a results of this program, and we hope consumers pitch in to help us do the same again this year."
According to Consumer Reports, a typical homeowner spends approximately $11 in energy costs to burn 50 feet of traditional lights for 300 hours, while the same use of LED lights costs less than 15 cents. LED lights are also more durable than incandescent lights, often lasting as much as ten times longer than traditional lights, and because LED lights burn cooler they are safer to use and reduce the risk of fire.
"Each year, more than 200 million strings of incandescent lights are sold in the U.S., and most of them end up in the landfill," said Linda Worthington, marketing director Lights For Life. "Just the small act of dropping your broken or old lights or extension cords in a collection bin at an Ace Hardware can make a big difference in the lives of the families of kids with cancer."
Holiday lights and extension cords can be dropped off at participating Ace Hardware stores between November 15 and February 15. The holiday light recycling program adds to the growing list recycling programs offered by area Ace Hardware stores. Many Ace Hardware stores also accept used compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), mercury-containing thermostats, used cell phones and rechargeable batteries for recycling.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Poplar tree suffering from age
I saw your column about poplar trees, so maybe you can answer my question. It always has been a messy tree, but I don't want to lose it. During the last few years, it has started losing more and more branches, especially in the fall. The branches that fall off have green buds at the end and appear to break off at the node. The foliage on the tree also seems to get thinner each year. What can I do to save the tree?
Unfortunately, this is the nature of the beast! It will continue to drop twigs and will get around to dropping larger branches as it continues to get up in years. The best I can advise if you want to keep the tree is to hire a professional International Society of Arboretum certified arborist to trim the tree on an annual basis.
What combination of conditions causes winter squash to ripen? Is it day length, watering or temperature? How can a short-season gardener manipulate environmental conditions to cause winter squash to ripen? Does powdery mildew interfere with ripening?
All of the above. Generally, the use of frost blankets will extend the growing season for several weeks in the fall. In the spring, plant the squash in soil that has been prewarmed using solarization. Keeping an eye on shifting temperatures to protect against late spring frosts also will help to ripen on time. Higher temperature trumps all else. Bright, hot, sunny days, with adequate moisture, will accelerate ripening and get your crop harvestable before cold weather closes in.
I have an English ivy that has been dying slowly. Last spring, many of the leaves turned brown. I trimmed them off, hoping the plant would recover as it has in the past, but it has not. I may have overwatered it. Because there is little left of the plant, I might try to repot it. If the roots are in bad shape, do I bother to repot it? Should it be rerooted in water or is it too far gone?
The root system may have been wiped out from overwatering. If that is true, it will be evident when you knock the plant out of the container. If the plant is rotted, don't bother repotting. If there is at least a 4-inch section of the vine that is healthy, then cut it off the plant, dip it in rooting powder (available at any garden supply store) and stick the leafless end into the rooting medium. Use sand, peat moss or pasteurized potting soil.
Be sure to thoroughly wet whatever media you use prior to planting. Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window sill or under fluorescent lighting. After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and keep the soil moist.
We have a Norfolk pine that has healthy growth on the top but has lost all its lower branches. Is it possible to cut the top off and replant the cutting to establish a new root system?
I was moving from a house I had lived in for 10 years and decided to move some of my favorite roses. I was successful with six plants. Out of the six, I have one that seems to be growing at twice the rate of the others. However, it does not have any buds. All the others have given me flowers. Am I doing something wrong?
You are experiencing sucker growth from the rootstock, which has very limited flowering capability. It is used as the stock to be grafted onto by roses that are known for their beautiful flowers. The rootstock often takes over when the budwood (scion) is killed, damaged or weakened to the point where it cannot suppress the vigor of the root system. The result is the rampant growth you are witnessing.
Unfortunately, this is the nature of the beast! It will continue to drop twigs and will get around to dropping larger branches as it continues to get up in years. The best I can advise if you want to keep the tree is to hire a professional International Society of Arboretum certified arborist to trim the tree on an annual basis.
What combination of conditions causes winter squash to ripen? Is it day length, watering or temperature? How can a short-season gardener manipulate environmental conditions to cause winter squash to ripen? Does powdery mildew interfere with ripening?
All of the above. Generally, the use of frost blankets will extend the growing season for several weeks in the fall. In the spring, plant the squash in soil that has been prewarmed using solarization. Keeping an eye on shifting temperatures to protect against late spring frosts also will help to ripen on time. Higher temperature trumps all else. Bright, hot, sunny days, with adequate moisture, will accelerate ripening and get your crop harvestable before cold weather closes in.
I have an English ivy that has been dying slowly. Last spring, many of the leaves turned brown. I trimmed them off, hoping the plant would recover as it has in the past, but it has not. I may have overwatered it. Because there is little left of the plant, I might try to repot it. If the roots are in bad shape, do I bother to repot it? Should it be rerooted in water or is it too far gone?
The root system may have been wiped out from overwatering. If that is true, it will be evident when you knock the plant out of the container. If the plant is rotted, don't bother repotting. If there is at least a 4-inch section of the vine that is healthy, then cut it off the plant, dip it in rooting powder (available at any garden supply store) and stick the leafless end into the rooting medium. Use sand, peat moss or pasteurized potting soil.
Be sure to thoroughly wet whatever media you use prior to planting. Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window sill or under fluorescent lighting. After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and keep the soil moist.
We have a Norfolk pine that has healthy growth on the top but has lost all its lower branches. Is it possible to cut the top off and replant the cutting to establish a new root system?
I was moving from a house I had lived in for 10 years and decided to move some of my favorite roses. I was successful with six plants. Out of the six, I have one that seems to be growing at twice the rate of the others. However, it does not have any buds. All the others have given me flowers. Am I doing something wrong?
You are experiencing sucker growth from the rootstock, which has very limited flowering capability. It is used as the stock to be grafted onto by roses that are known for their beautiful flowers. The rootstock often takes over when the budwood (scion) is killed, damaged or weakened to the point where it cannot suppress the vigor of the root system. The result is the rampant growth you are witnessing.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
FoxFury Upgrades Its Greener, Better, Brighter and Smarter Nomad LED Area Light & Spotlight
The best rapid deployment light just got better. FoxFury Lighting Solutions announces its upgraded 4000 torch lumen Nomad 4000 LED Area-Spot Light, which is 400 lumen brighter than the Nomad 3600 released last year. The cordless and rechargeable Nomad is a portable area light and spotlight that can travel to and function in places where other scene lights cannot.
The Nomad was designed to give first responders and photographers a compact, portable and self-sufficient quick deployment lighting tool. The Nomad’s smart design offers both flood and focused light options. With built-in legs and a head that can telescope up to 8 feet tall, the Nomad functions as a powerful 8 degree spotlight with the diffuser lens detached or a 120 degree scene light with the lens attached.
The Nomad deploys in 20 seconds, has no warm-up or cool-down time and uses the latest CREE LED technology.
The Nomad provides three light intensities and 2.5 to 9 hours of light per charge. It has been used by firefighters, rescue, EMS, police, military, security, industrial safety and photographers around the world.
“We’re thrilled to offer an even brighter Nomad. The Nomad has been used in blackouts, disasters, incident command posts, rescue operations, arson investigations, crime scenes, vehicle and heavy equipment inspections, land surveying, SWAT perimeter lighting, photography, film and more. It's a versatile and incredibly handy light," said Mario Cugini, CEO of FoxFury.
FoxFury Lighting Solutions creates unique and cutting edge lighting products that reflect the needs of our customers, who demand quality and dependability. FoxFury is best known for its niche LED headlamps designed for specific markets including Fire, Industrial, Hazardous Area, Law Enforcement, Forensics and Recreational. FoxFury was formed in August 2003 and operates out of Vista, CA USA.
Due to diminishing donations and increased belt tightening at Haringey Council, residents feared that Christmas cheer would give
Highgate a miss this year.
But after a meeting on Tuesday, the council announced that the lights would go up and would be better than ever.
The authority is even buying new state-of-the-art LED lights as a special Christmas gift.
Chris Underhill, of Highgate estate agents Prickett & Ellis who raises funds all year round for the village’s much-loved lights, said: “I’m flabbergasted and so chuffed.
I’ve not slept for a few days because I’ve been so stressed about the lights not happening this year.
I very much appreciate the effort of the council and I know the community will be absolutely delighted.” Councillor Nilgun Canver, cabinet member for environment at Haringey Council, said: “The Highgate Christmas lights will be going up this year as normal.”
The Nomad was designed to give first responders and photographers a compact, portable and self-sufficient quick deployment lighting tool. The Nomad’s smart design offers both flood and focused light options. With built-in legs and a head that can telescope up to 8 feet tall, the Nomad functions as a powerful 8 degree spotlight with the diffuser lens detached or a 120 degree scene light with the lens attached.
The Nomad deploys in 20 seconds, has no warm-up or cool-down time and uses the latest CREE LED technology.
The Nomad provides three light intensities and 2.5 to 9 hours of light per charge. It has been used by firefighters, rescue, EMS, police, military, security, industrial safety and photographers around the world.
“We’re thrilled to offer an even brighter Nomad. The Nomad has been used in blackouts, disasters, incident command posts, rescue operations, arson investigations, crime scenes, vehicle and heavy equipment inspections, land surveying, SWAT perimeter lighting, photography, film and more. It's a versatile and incredibly handy light," said Mario Cugini, CEO of FoxFury.
FoxFury Lighting Solutions creates unique and cutting edge lighting products that reflect the needs of our customers, who demand quality and dependability. FoxFury is best known for its niche LED headlamps designed for specific markets including Fire, Industrial, Hazardous Area, Law Enforcement, Forensics and Recreational. FoxFury was formed in August 2003 and operates out of Vista, CA USA.
Due to diminishing donations and increased belt tightening at Haringey Council, residents feared that Christmas cheer would give
Highgate a miss this year.
But after a meeting on Tuesday, the council announced that the lights would go up and would be better than ever.
The authority is even buying new state-of-the-art LED lights as a special Christmas gift.
Chris Underhill, of Highgate estate agents Prickett & Ellis who raises funds all year round for the village’s much-loved lights, said: “I’m flabbergasted and so chuffed.
I’ve not slept for a few days because I’ve been so stressed about the lights not happening this year.
I very much appreciate the effort of the council and I know the community will be absolutely delighted.” Councillor Nilgun Canver, cabinet member for environment at Haringey Council, said: “The Highgate Christmas lights will be going up this year as normal.”
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Learning about climate change
ENERGY saving light bulbs and more than 200 fruit trees were distributed in Orange Farm yesterday to mark International Day of Climate Change.
This initiative was led by the City’s environmental department, City Power, Joburg Water, City Parks and emergency management services under the theme “Mobilising Joburg citizens to act today and save tomorrow.”
International day of climate change focuses on raising awareness about the effects of global warming. The day was introduced by 350.org, an international environmental pressure group, in 2009. The goal is to build a global grassroots movement to raise awareness and slow down the rate of global warming.
With Joburg in the grip of a heat wave, it was an opportune day to observe the issue. In yesterday’s sweltering heat, City officials bearing banners reading “Go green” and “Save energy” spoke to people about the consequences of global warming.
They also handed out energy saving light bulbs and trees to residents. The campaign generated a lot of interest among the people of Orange Farm, who asked many questions about global warning.
The City’s managing director of climate change and air quality, Barney Kgope, said immediate action needed to be taken against climate change. “Global warming is happening faster than ever and humans are responsible. Just a few degrees [difference] in temperatures can completely change the world.”
Several initiatives would be organised throughout the city to raise awareness of climate change. “We need to change our lifestyle completely to stop harming the environment.”
Sipho Ndlovu, an Orange Farm resident, thanked the City. “I am going to choose a nice spot at my home and plant this tree immediately.”
The activities were also part of the build-up to the 17th Conference of the Parties which will be held in Durban from 28 November to 9 December. More than 20 000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend this important international conference.
This initiative was led by the City’s environmental department, City Power, Joburg Water, City Parks and emergency management services under the theme “Mobilising Joburg citizens to act today and save tomorrow.”
International day of climate change focuses on raising awareness about the effects of global warming. The day was introduced by 350.org, an international environmental pressure group, in 2009. The goal is to build a global grassroots movement to raise awareness and slow down the rate of global warming.
With Joburg in the grip of a heat wave, it was an opportune day to observe the issue. In yesterday’s sweltering heat, City officials bearing banners reading “Go green” and “Save energy” spoke to people about the consequences of global warming.
They also handed out energy saving light bulbs and trees to residents. The campaign generated a lot of interest among the people of Orange Farm, who asked many questions about global warning.
The City’s managing director of climate change and air quality, Barney Kgope, said immediate action needed to be taken against climate change. “Global warming is happening faster than ever and humans are responsible. Just a few degrees [difference] in temperatures can completely change the world.”
Several initiatives would be organised throughout the city to raise awareness of climate change. “We need to change our lifestyle completely to stop harming the environment.”
Sipho Ndlovu, an Orange Farm resident, thanked the City. “I am going to choose a nice spot at my home and plant this tree immediately.”
The activities were also part of the build-up to the 17th Conference of the Parties which will be held in Durban from 28 November to 9 December. More than 20 000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend this important international conference.
LED lighting moving towards patent-dominated market
The big LED lighting pie has been attracting many firms to enter the market, heating up competition between traditional and new firms. Fierce competition can lead to patent wars as the top five LED firms in the world have been expanding the range of patents. These patents will become obstacles to small- and medium-size firms' survival in the long-run.
Currently, Europe-based large-size lighting firms Philips and Osram have been issuing patent permits on LED technologies. According to Philips, when LED lighting customers buy LED light source components from Philips, within the range of the patent permit, customers do not have to pay patent fees. Osram and Philips have also reached an agreement that the former can obtain patent permit from the latter in the future, which means customers of Osram can also enjoy such privilege.
Cree also has an agreement with Osram for the mutual use of LED patents. This agreement includes patents over technologies such as blue LED chips, white LED and items such as phosphor, packaging, LED light bulbs, lighting fixtures, and LED lighting control systems. Cree and Osram also have agreements with Japan-based Nichia and Toyoda Gosei.
According to industry sources, the agreements over patents can help accelerate the growth of LED technologies in applications and lower the risk of infringing on other companies' patent rights.
Philips, Osram, Cree, Nichia and Toyoda Gosei make up the top five LED firms in the world. These firms have long used patented technologies as competitive advantages. But as LED applications have been expanding, the old patents are no longer sufficient to fend off newcomers. Hence the cooperation between these firms.
Nevertheless, the top five firms have been facing challenges from firms such as Samsung, and LG. Osram was the first to file patent infringement lawsuits against Samsung over white LED patents. Samsung and LG returned with a lawsuit against Osram to prevent the sales of any automobiles that are equipped with Osram products in China and South Korea.
Taiwan-based LED packaging house Everlight recently won a lawsuit against Nichia for invalidation of patents.
Small- and medium-size Taiwan-based LED firms are likely to suffer more than strongly funded Samsung and LG if they trip over the landmines of lighting patents owned by large-size international firms. Paying patent fees seems inevitable.
Currently, Europe-based large-size lighting firms Philips and Osram have been issuing patent permits on LED technologies. According to Philips, when LED lighting customers buy LED light source components from Philips, within the range of the patent permit, customers do not have to pay patent fees. Osram and Philips have also reached an agreement that the former can obtain patent permit from the latter in the future, which means customers of Osram can also enjoy such privilege.
Cree also has an agreement with Osram for the mutual use of LED patents. This agreement includes patents over technologies such as blue LED chips, white LED and items such as phosphor, packaging, LED light bulbs, lighting fixtures, and LED lighting control systems. Cree and Osram also have agreements with Japan-based Nichia and Toyoda Gosei.
According to industry sources, the agreements over patents can help accelerate the growth of LED technologies in applications and lower the risk of infringing on other companies' patent rights.
Philips, Osram, Cree, Nichia and Toyoda Gosei make up the top five LED firms in the world. These firms have long used patented technologies as competitive advantages. But as LED applications have been expanding, the old patents are no longer sufficient to fend off newcomers. Hence the cooperation between these firms.
Nevertheless, the top five firms have been facing challenges from firms such as Samsung, and LG. Osram was the first to file patent infringement lawsuits against Samsung over white LED patents. Samsung and LG returned with a lawsuit against Osram to prevent the sales of any automobiles that are equipped with Osram products in China and South Korea.
Taiwan-based LED packaging house Everlight recently won a lawsuit against Nichia for invalidation of patents.
Small- and medium-size Taiwan-based LED firms are likely to suffer more than strongly funded Samsung and LG if they trip over the landmines of lighting patents owned by large-size international firms. Paying patent fees seems inevitable.
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