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Archive for the ‘Energy’ Category


EnergyVibe teams with local high school

June 16th, 2011 by admin

This year, 2rw’s EnergyVibe volunteered with Western Albemarle High School (WAHS) to support behavior-based energy conservation measures as part of the Connect the Dots for Schools Program. Connect the Dots for Schools is sponsored by James River Green Building Council (JRGBC) and pairs schools with schools in our region to work on a green school project or program and increase environmental stewardship in our communities. 2rw’s mentors worked with WAHS through from January through June to provide support on a number of energy projects that students and faculty could change through their actions.

greenteamTo start, we identified a number of small projects aimed at conserving electricity and encouraging student involvement in future green projects. Our first goal was to establish a “Green Team” of students who are interested in working on future sustainability projects at WAHS. Students can now sign up for a Green Team in the library. We hope that forming a group and establishing a platform for communication will inspire students to initiate new energy-saving projects that incorporate their interests and skills in the process.

At present, about 10 students have signed up for a Green Team. They have brainstormed 10-12 projects they want to implement on their own and plan to meet once a month. Enthusiasm is high! On Earth Day, the Green Team held a “Tele-tip” event to encourage their peers to share green tips/factoids with each other (like in the game of Telephone). Also, some of the members repurposed old T-shirts to make Green Team shirts.

To recruit Green Team members, and raise awareness about environmental sustainability, the Drama Team created a short video that was aired on the morning media announcements on Earth Day. The students did such a great job on the video, they were recognized with the “Creativity Award” at the program’s conclusion.

In addition to student-based projects, we worked with faculty and administration to request surge protectors with timers so laptop charging stations do not draw energy after they are fully charged, and change settings on copiers and printers in faculty lounges to turn off when idle.

Thank you to JRGBC and WAHS for a making the kick-off year of the Connect the Dots for Schools program a great success!

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CFL Myths Exposed – Last Thoughts

December 30th, 2009 by stephaniec

We recently posted on some of the common misconceptions people have about CFLs. Since then, two other noteworthy myths have been sent my way that I wanted to address. Hopefully some former skeptics will now trade out their incandescent bulbs for CFLs!

Myth: CFLs will actually harm the environment because they use so much energy to make and ship.
Truth: The amount of energy required to manufacture, transport, and dispose of a CFL is about 4% of the bulb’s total energy use. Scientists found that it takes about 1-2kWh of energy to make and ship a CFL (even from China). However each CFL save at least 200kWh of energy over its lifetime.

Myth: Finding a recycler is hard.
Truth: You shouldn’t throw used CFLs out with the trash. Check with your local waste management agency or visit earth911.org for disposal options. Also, many large retailers such as IKEA and Home Depot will accept used CFLs.

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CFL Myths Exposed

December 8th, 2009 by stephaniec

You may know people who are hesitant to switch to those new swirly light bulbs.  Why?  In most circumstances, it’s simply a case of misperceptions and outdated reasons.

Myth: CFLs produce a harsh blue light. CFL
Truth: CFLs nowadays are engineered specifically for consumers expecting “soft white” light that mimics natural sunlight and the warm light of incandescent bulbs.  CFLs with a value of 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin (K) have a warmer, yellower color; higher K values will emit a bluer or whiter light.  Energy Star rated CFLs will have their Kelvin value listed on the packaging.

Myth: CFLs flicker when they first light.
Truth: That happened in earlier CFLs with magnetic ballasts. New ones use electronic ballasts, which do not flicker.

Myth: CFLs need time to turn on.
Truth: Turn-on is now nearly instant. But most CFLs tested took about 30 seconds to reach 80 percent of their brightness.

Myth: CFLs can’t be dimmed or used in 3-way fixtures.
Truth: Early CFLs did not have dimming capabilities. The technology has evolved, however, to suit a number a lighting needs.  Look carefully at the packaging for those made specifically to work with dimmers or 3-way fixtures.

Myth: CFLs are expensive and won’t save money.
Truth: While CFLs cost more than incandescent bulbs to purchase, their energy efficiency and longevity make up for the cost differential. A CFL uses about 75% less energy than a standard incandescent and can last up to 10 times longer, saving about $30 over the course of its lifetime.

Myth: CFLs are a major safety hazard because they contain mercury.
Truth: Yes, CFLs contain tiny amounts of mercury; however they are not a major safety hazard.  If you break a CFL, use common sense to clean (open windows, clean up, and remove the debris).  Your exposure to mercury will be minimal – the equivalent of taking a tiny nibble of tuna, according to a staff scientist at Berkeley Lab

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