Factors to Consider When Installing Commercial EV Chargers

By Salman Zafar | March 6, 2023 - 10:27 pm |March 6, 2023 Automotive, Environment, Green

More and more businesses are moving away from their fossil-fuel fleets to plug-in hybrid and adopting all-electric vehicles these days. It is easy to see why when so many companies have sustainable motoring as a part of their corporate and social responsibility policies. Why would you continue to run old technology when electric vehicles (EVs) provide so many advantages, not least in boosting a brand’s green credentials?

And yet there is a cost associated with switching from fossil fuels to EVs. Not only do you have to establish the capital cost of the fleet whether you intend on buying vehicles outright or leasing them but you also need to consider the necessary charging infrastructure, as well. Although charging an electric car’s battery from a three-in mains outlet is technically possible, it will be slow and, worse still, could be unsafe. Given that the production of fossil-fuel-powered cars will cease at the end of this decade, it is consequently not surprising to hear how many companies are buying their own commercial EV chargers.

Indeed, as the 2020s draw to a close, you can only expect the demand for commercial EV charging equipment to grow. Therefore, forward-thinking businesses are already focussed on perhaps the most important consideration of all – adopting this new technology sooner rather than later. If you and your businesses are already committed to such a switchover, what are the other considerations you should be weighing up? Read on to find out.

1. Location and Property

To begin with, you will need somewhere suitable for your EV chargers to go. In many cases, businesses already possess suitably sized car parks outside of their offices where charging equipment can be located. Typically, wallboxes will be fixed to parking bays close to the main building for security and convenience. However, robust floor-standing units are also available that can be fitted further afield and, perhaps, charge multiple cars in neighbouring bays simultaneously.

Please note that it is possible to install EV chargers even if you have no car park but you do have access to off-street parking. In addition, the lease of your business premises will make a difference. Owner-occupiers will be fine but if you rent your commercial premises, then you ought to check what is allowed outside. For now, the main thing to take on board is that in the majority of cases, fitting EV chargers at rented commercial premises is possible.

2. EV Fleets and Capacity

The next thing to consider is how much charging capacity you will need. Some offices may want to be able to charge their entire sales team’s cars when they turn up for the weekly sales meeting. Others may have electrically powered delivery vans that they want to charge up overnight and on weekends. The size and scale of your electric fleet will impact on the capacity you need.

As previously mentioned, some EV chargers can charge more than one electric car at a time. This may affect how fast the process is, however. Therefore, you may still need to ramp up capacity to meet peak demand. Fortunately, there are many different chargers around from the likes of Sevadis and EO, to name but two manufacturers, that will offer a range of charging capacities to suit all business models.

3. Public and Private Usage

Although many businesses will want the sole use of their EV chargers, not all will. If you run a restaurant or a visitor attraction, for instance, then providing EV chargers for customers may be a good way to monetise their use of the car park. There again, you may have a forecourt where you will want to charge your own car while also levying a fee for others to do so at other times. If so, then check out the commercial options available, some of which also double-up as electronic advertising hoardings, before opting for a particular charger.

4. Installers and Suppliers

If you have decided on an EV charger manufacturer, then don’t immediately jump into purchasing your chosen system. Many businesses will benefit by turning to an approved installer instead. According to Go Electrix, an established EV charging equipment fitter that covers London and Essex, it is often more cost-effective to buy your equipment through the company that will go on to install it for you. This is because they tend to offer favourable pricing thanks to pre-existing arrangements with charger manufacturers.

In addition, when you buy your EV charger from an approved installer, you should be better placed to purchase the right equipment. Typically, professional installation companies will conduct site surveys at commercial premises so that the equipment you buy doesn’t just do the job for which you intend it but also looks good, as well.

5. Three-Phase Versus One-Phase Installations

Note that not all commercial premises have three-phase wiring installations as many factories or other places of work that have a high energy demand may enjoy. This may place a limit on the sort of EV charging equipment you can invest in. Typically, single-phase wiring systems can only support up to 7kW chargers while three-phase ones often go up to 22kW. Therefore, if you are considering switching from fossil-fuel cars in your fleet to EVs, then you might also weigh up the merits of a complete rewire so that a three-phase installation will be possible.

6. Grant Funding

Finally, you need to know that you are not on your own when it comes to funding the installation of a commercial EV charger system at your place of work. This is because the government provides grants to businesses so long as the sort of EVs they have bought and the charging equipment they intend on installing are compliant. Many are, so there is still plenty of choice.

Check out the government’s OZEV scheme. Up to £15,000 is available for commercial EV charger installations per application. In fact, you could get as much as £500 per parking bay you convert into a charging zone. This dramatically reduces the amount of finance you’ll have to find from within your business development budget, of course, so don’t miss out.

How Blue Collars Are Turning Into Green Collars

By Salman Zafar | March 5, 2023 - 8:21 pm |March 5, 2023 Business, Environment, Green, Technology

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If there’s one thing that many people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about, it is the growing link between traditionally blue-collar jobs and green-collar technologies. However, this relationship is becoming quite a trend and there are many ways that these traditional businesses can take advantage of the burgeoning green revolution.

1. Use Government Money and Incentives

Before investing in any new technology or making any modifications to existing technology, review what free money opportunities are available to you. Everything from government grants to tax incentives is within reach of many companies. This is especially true in the automotive industry, where the focus is growing on manufacturing vehicles that do not rely on gasoline.

2. Be Realistic

When looking for ways to make your truck fleet more environmentally friendly, you have to be realistic with what you can do. There are many small things you can do to change behavior within the fleet itself that can change all aspects of fleet management, besides helping in improving fleet fuel efficiency.

Such things as improving driver training and making routes more efficient can all drastically reduce the carbon footprint that the company leaves. You can read about many green options in an online fleet management guide.

3. Green Power Sources

The blue-collar sector has long encouraged factories to reduce their energy usage and this viewpoint is only increasing. Alternative power sources such as wind or solar power not only reduces energy usage but have a positive effect on the bottom line of the company in question.

When you are dealing with investors and stockholders, saving money is definitely something in which you’ll want to partake.

4. Cloud Computing

For those blue-collar businesses that rely heavily on multiple servers to process their computerized data needs, the constant running of multiple servers can prove to be quite costly. This is why many are looking into cloud computing to solve their data center needs.

By virtualizing most of their computing, they are able to run only one server while everything else runs multiple images of numerous operating systems.

5. Reducing Waste

Many factories became experts in waste reduction a long time ago and other blue-collar businesses are now finally paying attention. Everything from recycling wastewater to the practice of reusing materials that are normally cast-off is being embraced in attempts to both save money and increase efficiency.

6. Green Replacements

When replacing either manufacturing equipment or office equipment that has broken down and no longer useful, many companies are choosing to purchase green alternatives in their place. This is a simple way to increase the green status of your company without exhibiting undue effort all at once.

Whether it be simple replacements such as LED lightbulbs or more specific acts such as installing ergonomic workstations for production line workers, there are numerous ways to become and stay green.

7. Listen To Your Customers

Your customers will almost certainly be among the first to let you know what changes you should be making. Today’s consumer is much more conscientious that the customers of the past and they place a high value on businesses that are actively working to become more environmentally responsible.

3 Major Benefits of Using Solar Inverter as a Primary Source of Residential Energy

By Salman Zafar | March 4, 2023 - 8:17 pm |March 4, 2023 Electricity, Green, Renewable Energy, Solar Power

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In recent years, the solar inverter market has witnessed a surge in demand. That’s because people have started realizing the benefits of switching to solar energy for residential as well as commercial use. Even the central and state governments are stressing on the need to switch to solar energy. They are even offering various subsidies for installing solar power systems on both residential and commercial properties. So why do you think the government is encouraging the shift from local grids to solar energy. Well, in this post, we discuss just that. Listed below are three important reasons/benefits of using a solar inverter as a primary source source of residential energy. Let’s read on:

1. It is a clean source of energy

While one of the reasons for shifting from fossil fuels to solar is that fossil fuels are exhaustible and are not going to last forever, an even more significant reason for this shift is that unlike fossil fuels that cause a lot of pollution, solar energy is a clean and green source of energy. It helps reduce the carbon footprint which is the need of the hour. And this reflects in the way governments across the globe have been encouraging renewable sources of energy.

India, too, is not an exception, and that is evident from the fact that the Indian government is providing subsidies for installing solar inverter systems. And the good thing is that many people across the country have already started installing solar inverter systems on their residential and commercial properties. So, if you too want to do your bit towards making the Earth a better place to live, go solar!

2. It helps save a lot of money

Well, if you have been worried about the initial investment cost of installing a solar inverter system, we already told you that the Government of India provides subsidies for installing solar inverter systems. And if this reason is not enough let us also tell you that one of the major benefits of installing a solar inverter system is that you are able to generate electricity for free. That’s because the solar energy from the Sun is a free source of energy.

Also, the yearly savings that most households make after installing solar inverter systems are such that they are able to recover their initial cost of investment within 6-7 years. And since the average lifespan of a solar inverter system is anywhere between 15 to 20 years, it means that one is able to make substantial returns on their investment once they have recovered their initial investment cost.

Now isn’t that an awesome reason for you to take the plunge?

3. It provides relief from long and frequent power cuts

Here’s another major benefit of installing a solar inverter system. If you live in an area where there are long and frequent power cuts and even the normal UPS inverter is not of much help, then installing a solar inverter system will help you reduce your dependence on your local grid. In fact, solar inverter systems have gained a lot of popularity in areas where there’s no local grid.

For example, you may be aware of the latest trend of people buying vacation homes at faraway locations. Most of these locations lack a local grid, and therefore, people rely on solar inverter systems for their energy needs.

Ready to make a move?

If you haven’t shifted to solar already, it’s high time you make a move. We suggest you to get in touch with the solar experts’ team at a reputable brand such as Luminous India and they would walk you through the process of choosing the right solar inverter system for your residential property.

Energy Efficiency Tips For Home Owners

By Salman Zafar | March 2, 2023 - 1:05 pm |January 23, 2024 Energy Efficiency, Environment, Green

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Saving on energy costs is always great. Electricity bills can be costly, especially for heavy users. Besides the high electricity cost, excessive energy use can harm the environment. With these in mind, it’s best to make your home energy efficient immediately.

Making your home energy efficient isn’t a one-day job. After all, it requires some household updates and lifestyle changes, some of which you need professional help with. You can consult with MAC Trade Services or similar companies to guide you.

Below are a few tips for you to achieve energy efficiency:

Use Solar Energy

Using solar energy is an excellent way to make your home energy efficient. The solar panels absorb the sun’s energy, which is then transformed into usable power. You can expect lower energy bills once you start depending on solar energy more. It’s a cost-effective solution that’s also helpful for the environment.

Installing solar panels can be costly. Nevertheless, it’s an investment since you can save money on electric bills in the long run. After a few years with your solar panels, you’ll save as much as you spent on buying and installing them. Look for a trustworthy company to get the best results.

Automate Home

A smart home may sound expensive since it uses technology. However, just because you’re using more electronics doesn’t mean it costs more. Automating your home allows you to control your home’s energy usage. You can set a timer on your thermostat, turn off your lights, or set when the shades need to roll down.

Setting a timer prevents you from consuming too much energy when you no longer need it. Some devices automatically shut down if you no longer use the appliance. You can also install a motion detector to open the lights and air conditioning (AC) when entering the room. In addition, you can install a smart meter to track your home’s energy consumption.

Maximize Natural Light

You don’t have to turn on lights during the daytime. You can push the curtains to the side and invite all the sunlight inside your home.

If you have an extra budget, you can install a skylight. A skylight or a Addlite flat glass roof light should help to add unobstructed light inside your home. It can go perfectly well in your kitchen or any area where you don’t have any windows.

Switch To Energy-Efficient Windows

Heat loss and gain through windows account for 25%–30% of heating and cooling energy use in households. That’s why you should consider switching to energy-efficient windows.

If you have the budget to replace your windows, you must choose wisely the design and energy use. You should also look into proper installation and warranties.

If you don’t have the funds, there are ways to make your windows energy efficient. You can install tinting film on your windows. You can also add energy-efficient coverings, like blinds or shades. In addition, you should check if there are gaps to prevent heat loss during winters.

Replace Old Appliances

Old appliances are difficult to replace, especially if they’re still reliable. However, they’re not the best when it comes to energy efficiency. An outdated device usually doesn’t have an energy-saving feature.

Most appliances today focus on helping households save energy. Look for those with the Energy Star rating, or check the energy guide, which includes the estimated yearly electricity use. Cost-efficient appliances have lower energy numbers.

If you’re buying big appliances like a refrigerator or washing machine, check if it has an inverter feature. An inverter can help you save costs by providing maximum energy efficiency.

Regularly Clean Air Filters

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit gets dirty over time. The speckles of dust on your air filters may affect how the machine functions. The device works harder when there’s too much debris to let the air through, which means higher electricity costs.

For your HVAC or AC unit to run efficiently, you should clean your air filters regularly, around every two weeks. You can schedule professional maintenance every six months to ensure your systems work well. System maintenance includes a thorough deep cleaning to keep your unit in perfect shape.

Takeaway

Practicing energy efficiency takes getting used to, but it has several benefits. Two of the most important ones are being kind to the environment and saving you money. While some tips require a huge upfront cost, they’ll help reduce energy bills in the future. You’ll appreciate how these investments allow your home to be energy efficient. But still, there are plenty of tips you can follow without spending, like adding window coverings or cleaning air filters. You can also make your home energy efficient by being more mindful of your actions.

Renewable Energy and its Applications

By Emily Folk | February 25, 2023 - 7:13 pm |June 23, 2023 Green, Renewable Energy

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Renewable energy. Clean energy. Green energy. Sustainable energy. Alternative Energy. Renewal Energy. No matter what you call it, energy such as wind, solar, biomass and hydroelectric is having an impact on your life and could have an even bigger impact in the future. Renewable energy, in the most basic terms, is precisely what it sounds like. It’s power that comes from sources that regenerate, unlike fossil fuels, which only exist in a limited amount.

The cost of alternative energy systems has dropped sharply in recent years

From 2000 to 2016, the use of renewables in the United States more than doubled and is expected to continue to grow. In 2016, they made up about 10 percent of total energy consumption and 15 percent of electricity generation. During the last 5 years, green energy patents filing worldwide has increased by 50 percent. Consumption of renewable energy has grown worldwide due to government incentives and requirements for renewable energy and the desire to switch to cleaner fuel in order to protect the environment.

There are a number of different sources of renewable energy in use today. Here are some of the most common renewable energy resources and their applications:

Solar Energy

The U.S. solar industry has grown at an average annual rate of 68 percent over the last decade in the form of rooftop solar panels for individual buildings, solar farms built by utility companies and community solar projects, which produce solar for energy users in a certain area through a collection of solar panels.

In Australia the solar industry is also increasing with a record breaking 3.5 million panels installed last year. Queensland was the leader in solar panels that were installed.

Solar photovoltaic panels capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity, which can power a small device such as a watch or sent into the grid to be distributed to a utility’s customers.

Wind Energy

People have been using windmills to utilize the wind’s energy for a long time, but today wind turbines are used to capture that energy and turn it into electricity. There are approximately 53,000 wind turbines operating in the United States today.

Wind turbines consist of a large tower, which is often around 100 feet tall, and several blades that use the power of the wind to spin. The blades are connected to a shaft that spins a generator in order to create electricity.

Like solar energy, power generated with wind can either be used for a specific application such as pumping water or powering a farm, or transferred into the electrical grid to meet other energy needs.

Useful Resource: Best MBA Programs for Renewable Energy

Biomass Energy

Biomass is another common form of renewable energy. Biomass is any natural substance such as wood, plant matter, gas from landfills and even municipal solid waste that contains stored energy from the sun.

When those substances are burned, they release that energy, which can be used as heat or fuel. Biomass can also be made into a liquid or gas that can be used as fuel.

Bioliquids, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are frequently used to power vehicles. Around 40 percent of the corn grown in the U.S. today is used for biofuels. Researchers are currently exploring new ways biomass can be used and additional substances that could be used for biomass energy.

Hydro Energy

Hydropower, energy generated with water, is one of the oldest and the most common renewable energy resource in the U.S., making up 6.5 percent of utility-scale electricity generation and 44 percent of generated renewable energy.

When water flows, it produces energy. We capture this energy by allowing moving water in rivers, waterfalls or elsewhere to turn generators that produce electricity. Hydroelectric plants can also be man-made, as is the case with dams. Man-made reservoirs hold water through the use of dams. That water is then released to flow through a turbine and create electricity.

Benefits of Renewable Energy

The main benefit of renewable energy sources is the fact that they release very little greenhouse gases and so are better for the environment. Because electricity makes up the largest share of our greenhouse gas emissions, changing how we get our energy is crucial in the fight against global warming.

Biofuels are increasingly being used to power vehicles

Another key advantage is the fact that they are renewable, which means we won’t ever run out of them. This stability could make access to energy more stable in the future. It can also keep energy prices more predictable, because the markets are subject to changes in supply.

Renewable energy is also flexible and can power large areas or single homes. Additionally, renewable energy projects create a number of well-paying jobs and tend to have a significant economic impact.

Key Drawbacks of Clean Energy

Just like with fossil fuels, there are some disadvantages as well. Renewable energy plants are subject to fluctuations in wind, sunlight and other natural resources, meaning some days or in some particular months, a facility might produce more electricity than others. Today, in areas where renewables are common, fossil fuels are often used to make up any shortcoming in renewable energy production.

Due to their reliance on natural occurrences, renewables may fare better in some areas than others. An area with lots of direct sun all day long will be more suitable for a solar plant than somewhere that’s often dark and cloudy. Renewable energy projects also often require large areas of land, and while renewable energy tends to be cheap, initial construction and development costs can be quite high.

Despite these disadvantages, renewables are proving an important part of the energy mix of today and of the future, especially in the face of environmental concerns and worry about the availability of fossil fuels. Chances are we won’t see the end of the growing renewable energy industry any time soon.

Biotechnology in Architecture: Building Homes that are Alive

By Salman Zafar | February 22, 2023 - 6:54 pm |February 25, 2023 Construction, Green, Real Estate, Technology

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For many centuries, architects have continued to amaze the world as they continue to design more complex buildings thanks to fast advancing technological development. Architecture and nature have been closely related to building design reflecting a certain part of nature or being inspired by nature.

Recently, biotechnology architecture has begun taking root with structures that intertwine with nature being designed and thereby creating harmony and favoring natural equilibrium. What has for many years be seen as stories only achievable in fantasy and sci-fi books is now a reality.

Nature contributes a lot to building materials

From traditional homes, complex modern squares to places to spend holidays, you will find natural material in every square inch of any building. Cement is mined from limestone, metal ore is processed to produce metal, trees are cut for wood, and so on.

Without natural material, it would be impossible to build any lasting structures. One thing will always remain as truth and it is the fact that all houses are built in collaboration with nature.

From books to reality

The Hobbit was written in 1937 by J.R.R Tolkein. The fantasy novel was awarded by New York Tribune as the best novel for children. Hobbits lived in houses that looked like holes in the mountains. The fantasy book inspired the writing of Lord of the Rings, followed by Hobbit movies, cartoon characters, and games.

Architecture lovers inspired by the fantasy novel have to date put some greatly striking house projects around the world. Some of the projects are Woodland Home – West Wales, Hobbit Hotels – New Zealand, and the Dune House, USA.

Another important novel is Hyperion, a Novel by Dan Simmons, published in 1989. He describes a creature named Shrike that is worshipped by some, some want to destroy it and some fear it. Yggdrasill, which connects the seven worlds, inspired some architects to designed Yggdrasill homes, bringing them to reality.

The Veldt by Ray Bradbury has a lot of lessons that college students can learn and turn into practical lessons. The themes presented in The Veldt college essay samples on EduZaurus provide an even greater way to better learn the lessons contained in this book.

There many more books and essay examples that contain lessons about the future and students can study them and write wonderful essays. Even after referring to the essay examples and books, a student can seek help from a writing service if they want more quality work.

Importance of biotechnology architecture

For many years. Biotechnology has been applied to improve plant species for better production. The technology later advanced to include animal species where cross-breeding was first adopted before technology advanced to the use of genetics.

Today, biotechnology is used to develop better products, fight diseases, reduce harm to the environment, produce cleaner energy and promote safer manufacturing processes. Biotechnology architecture relies on information instead of form. Its recommendations are not based on the structure of a building but its behavior.

Living homes

Using biotechnology in architecture, bio architects envision future homes as homes that are alive. When biology and engineering are brought together, building structures that are part of nature can become a reality. Recent technology has discovered mycelium, a fungus that can grow fast and create material with important structural performance.

Veldt – a good example of a jungle room

In his book titled The Veldt, Ray Bradbury describes a scenario where some children created a fully automated house. They are living a leisure life and then Peter and Wendy create a nursery, which is a virtual reality room. Interestingly, the room can create any environment-friendly living for the children to live in. The house performs all chores like cooking, laundry, brushing their teeth. Soon, the parents and children realize the nursery is too real.

The sci-fi book is currently 70 years old but its stories continue to live. The fictional stories of a happy life home are today’s real stories. Inspired by the Veldt story, Krista Kim created the first NFT digital house and offered it for sale. Although it’s virtual, the house opened a new door for green homes realty. More real green homes are the Hobbit Holes in New Zealand that have been turned into hotels.

Advantages to future generations

A green home will save future generations from pollution, environmental destruction, and unhealthy lives. Green homes will be able to produce their own energy to power them, heal themselves and provide a healthy environment to live in.

In his book, Ray Bradbury envisioned a future generation that would create a living corner of wildlife in the house. Back in his time in this book, Ray Bradbury raised the question that against the background of developing technologies, a person should be closer to nature and not live in a “concrete jungle” and that a person will try to be closer to nature.

Therefore, the topic of biotechnology will always be relevant. Even when a person colonizes distant planets and flies off the earth in a spaceship, he will still need nature to survive and maintain inner harmony.

Conclusion

Bioscientists and architects look forward to future green cities whose reality must start today. The once fantasy and sci-fi books have today inspired technology-driven green buildings. The hobbit holes hotels in New Zealand are real testimony that it is possible to bring the future to today and build green homes around the world. It calls for commitment from architects, bioscientists, and governments to bring this vision to reality.

The Unending Benefits of Solar Street Lights

By Salman Zafar | February 21, 2023 - 6:48 pm |July 21, 2023 Environment, Green, Renewable Energy, Solar Power

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Solar power is getting increasing popularity as a dependable source for street lighting all over the world. Some of the benefits associated with solar street lights include reduced dependence on conventional energy, conservation of energy and less reliance on the national grid. In countries experiencing abundance of sunlight, solar lights are the best option to illuminate the streets, garden, parks and other public spaces.

Solar-powered lights are a perfect eco-friendly green lighting solution

Nowadays, solar street lights are powered by PV panels, in-built battery, LED lights and smart sensors, all integrated into a single compact unit. Solar LED street lights have emerged as a cost-effective and environment-friendly to light up roads and public spaces. LED lights are widely acknowledged for energy conservation, are long-lasting and good-looking, and are maintenance-free. These characteristics make LED-based solar street lights well-suited for commercial as well as domestic lighting applications.

Key Features

A modern solar street light has embedded solar panel, inbuilt lithium-ion batteries, battery management system, night and motion sensors as well as automatic controls. The fully automatic device comes with LEDs, inbuilt and replaceable Lithium-ion battery and passive infrared (PIR) sensors. A typical solar street light is weather-proof and water-resistant, has low insect attraction rate and low glare and has a longer life.

The embedded solar panel converts solar power into electrical energy which is stored in the inbuilt battery, and used for dusk-to-dawn lighting operations. The main innovation of modern solar street lights is the battery management system which is facilitated by the presence of night and motion sensors.

During the first 5 hours of night, the system works at average lumens brightness. Subsequently, the intensity of the light reduces till dawn or until PIR sensor is activated by human movement. When people are within a certain radius away from the light, it automatically turns to its full brightness. This smart feature makes solar street lights device a perfect combination of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Solar powered lights have been tried and successfully tested in a wide variety of domestic and commercial applications. The device is well-suited for lighting up streets, courtyards, gardens, parks, compounds, boundary walls, car parks etc. in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner.

Unending Benefits

Due to off-grid nature of solar street lights, solar street lights incur minimal operational costs. Such lights are wireless in nature and are independent of the utility company. Compared to conventional street lights, solar street lights require almost zero maintenance.

Due to the absence of external wires, these lights do not pose any threat of accidents like electrocution, strangulation and overheating. Infact, solar lights illuminate the streets throughout the night irrespective of power cuts and grid failures.

Solar street lights are a delight for environmentalists around the world as it can provide significant lowering of carbon footprint of individuals, homes and businesses. In other words, solar-powered lights are a perfect green lighting solution. In terms of cost, solar street lights are a better investment than conventional street lights if the capital as well as O&M costs are considered.

How To Make Your Home Energy Efficient

By Salman Zafar | February 21, 2023 - 2:38 pm |April 25, 2023 Energy Efficiency, Green, Home Improvements

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The issue of energy efficiency and high energy costs is a growing concern for many homeowners. To reduce energy consumption and save money, it is essential to take a comprehensive approach to improve the energy efficiency of one’s home. This involves analyzing both the big picture and daily habits to identify areas for improvement and making strategic investments in energy-saving solutions. With the right approach, significant energy and cost savings can be achieved. In this article, we will explore what is home energy efficiency, how can you get your solar panels and maximize energy efficiency, and the energy efficiency gap and look into some steps that can be taken to create a more energy-efficient and cost-effective home.

What does home energy efficiency mean?

You know what they say, “old habits die hard,” but that doesn’t have to apply to our energy usage in our homes. Any house, new or old, can be more energy efficient. Sure, new construction has to meet higher energy standards, but older homes can be upgraded too. And, let’s not forget, the people living in these homes can do their part in being more energy efficient too.

When we talk about an energy-efficient home, we mean…

1. Cost-effective

Has a high EnerGuide rating, meaning it’s well-insulated and airtight
Has energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment to keep utility bills low
Has low-flow accessories to lower water consumption and costs
Residents keep inside temperatures reasonable and use electricity wisely
Uses ENERGY STAR® certified products and appliances

2. Comfortable and healthy

Warm in winter, cool in summer, and draft-free
Has excellent ventilation and air quality
Uses a programmable thermostat for heating and cooling management

3. Energy-efficient upgrades add resale value

Home fixtures that promote energy efficiency provide more resale value.
New windows and doors save energy and add on resale value
Investments in renewable energy like solar panels pay off in the long run

4. Kind to the environment

It lowers energy consumption and reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Shrinks the home’s carbon footprint.

What’s the “energy efficiency gap”

People aren’t investing in energy-efficient devices as much as they should, leading to the “energy efficiency gap.” This means there’s a difference between the potential savings from these investments and the actual investments made. The gap is even larger from a societal perspective, taking into account environmental costs and public benefits.

For example, reducing energy consumption might make more sense than building a new gas plant with higher economic and environmental costs. To help facilitate this gap, society should invest in energy efficiency improvements with lower combined private and ecological costs than alternative investments. If you are seeking more sustainability pieces of advice, you can learn more on eco-oriented websites like EcoAdvice.

Why is there an energy efficiency gap

There are potential reasons for the energy efficiency gap.

Market failures: People make good decisions for themselves, but sometimes the market doesn’t accomplish the best outcome. Take energy efficiency, for example. Suppose a landlord owns a home’s appliances, but the tenant pays the electricity bill. In that case, the landlord might not want to buy energy-efficient appliances even though they save money because the tenant gets the benefit, not the landlord.

Lack of information: When you don’t have all the info, it can mess up your chances of making an intelligent decision. If a car salesperson lies to you about how much gas a car uses, you might buy a different vehicle if you had the correct information. In theory, people are supposed to make smart choices based on their information, and if they lack info, it can stop people from making energy-saving investments. A lack of information is considered a market failure.

Behavioral failures: When people don’t act rationally, that’s called behavioral failure. Take loss aversion, for example. That’s when people put more weight on losses than gains, which can make them shy away from buying an appliance with a higher upfront cost, even if it would save them money in the long run. Another behavioral failure is inattention. This happens when people need to pay attention to or understand important information when deciding. For instance, information about a product’s energy use might be available, but the customer may need to take the time to read it before buying it.

Hidden Cost: Sometimes, the energy efficiency gap might be smaller than it seems. For instance, someone might choose a gas car over an electric one because of reasons like driving performance or the unavailability of charging stations. But when you consider these factors, the market will naturally reach an efficient outcome. While there could be some hidden costs that contribute to the energy efficiency gap, studies suggest that there could be other reasons, too, like market failures or human behavior.

Tips for improved home energy efficiency (steering clear of the energy efficiency gap)

1. Request for an energy audit

Get a free energy checkup from your utility provider. They’ll give your house a once-over and look at your energy use and past bills. This way, they can spot where you’re wasting energy and help you save. It’s a simple but super helpful first step in figuring out how to use energy more efficiently.

2. Upgrade Your Windows

Swap out those old, drafty windows for some new ones, and you’ll be chillin’ (literally) in the summer and toasty in the winter. Sure, it might be a pricier project, but think about all the long-term energy savings you’ll rack up. Look for windows with argon gas insulation between the panes and a low-emissivity coating on the glass for ultimate energy efficiency.

3. Switch to Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

They might cost a bit more upfront, but they last way longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you won’t have to replace them as often. Plus, they use less energy, so you’ll see those savings on your electricity bill in no time. CFLs run about $3 to $5 each and last 10x as long as standard bulbs, while LED bulbs cost about $15 each but are worth the long-term savings. There are even LED options that work with Alexa and Google Assistant!

4. Update Your HVAC System

Swapping out your old HVAC for a new one can mean significant savings on your energy bills all year round. You’ll stay warm in winter and cool in summer without breaking the bank.

When shopping for a new HVAC, look for one with a high rating from Energy Star. And make sure it’s the right size for your home – you can get a heat-loss calculation from a contractor to figure that out.

Some Mitsubishi Electric Heating and Cooling Units are Energy Star certified and allow you to control different parts of your home separately for even more efficiency. Remember that a complete replacement will cost at least $5,000.

Once your new HVAC is installed, get it serviced once or twice a year to maintain it operating smoothly. And remember to use media filters with an antimicrobial coating for improved air quality.

5. Invest in Energy Efficient Appliance

If you’re looking for a new washing machine, dishwasher, or other appliance, look for one with the ENERGY STAR certification. This means they use less energy than similar models and can help you save in the long run.

Energy-efficient appliances might cost more upfront, but they can save you money in the long term by reducing your energy bills. So don’t be discouraged by the sticker price. Think about the yearly operating costs too.

6. Install Solar Panels

Solar panels for homes are a popular way to turn the sun’s energy into electricity. They’re a clean, renewable source of power that’s growing in popularity for homes and businesses.

Installing solar panels can be pricey, around $12k on average, after tax breaks, but they generate their power and can seriously cut your electricity bill. Plus, they last forever without needing any repairs or replacements, so it’s worth considering as an investment.

7. Take advantage of the sun or natural light

Taking advantage of natural light is an easy way to make your home more energy efficient. Using the sun or natural light can reduce the need for artificial lighting and save on your energy bill. This can be done by installing large windows facing the sun or using skylights or light tubes to bring in natural light. Use reflective surfaces like mirrors or light-colored walls to bounce light deeper into your home. Not only will this help reduce your energy consumption, but it will also create a brighter and more inviting atmosphere in your home.

You can make smart decisions about your next investments by taking a step back and analyzing your home’s energy inefficiencies. Don’t feel like you have to do it all at once – be strategic and slowly integrate innovative energy solutions into your home improvement plan. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a more energy-efficient, cost-effective home!

Thank you for reading.

How to Keep Sustainable Installation Projects From Running Over Budget

By Salman Zafar | February 21, 2023 - 12:39 pm |February 21, 2023 Finance, Green

Use ERP Software to Keep Everything Under Control

First and foremost, it’s worth pointing out that using an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software package is the best way to ensure that everything runs smoothly and stays under control.

This type of system allows companies to organize all their data in one place, including financials, inventory management, human resources information, and more.

It also helps them track project costs by providing real-time visibility into labor hours and materials used. With this tool at hand, it’s easier than ever before for businesses to make informed decisions about how much money they should allocate towards each job—and stay within their allotted budget.

It’s worth exploring ERP solutions for your organizations like opusflow.io, as this is a growing market with plenty of competing platforms to consider.

Identify the Necessary Steps and Create a Plan of Action

You need to know what steps are involved in each project, and plan how you’ll tackle them, before you can get a precise idea of costs, and make realistic estimates for your budget.

Starting off with an accurate assessment of project scope, timeline and cost estimates can help ensure that each step is properly planned out ahead of time.

Additionally, it’s important to have regular updates throughout the process so that nothing falls through the cracks or gets missed along the way.

Also, having specific milestones in place gives companies something tangible they can track their progress against—helping them stay within their allotted budget at all times, and identifying issues ASAP so that evasive measures can be implemented.

Monitor Your Spending Regularly

Speaking of pinpointing problems so that they can be minimized immediately rather than left unaddressed, frequent monitoring of project spending is a must in this context.

Make sure that all expenses are tracked accurately and in real-time, and don’t delay in acting when inconsistencies or imperfections become apparent. The sooner you swoop in to fix things, the less chance there is of spending running out of control.

As part of this, it’s important to have access to detailed financial reports on demand which give an overview of the project budget. The aforementioned software solutions should serve you well in this regard.

Take Advantage of Cost Saving Opportunities Whenever Possible

Part of the role of sustainable installation projects is to be eco-friendly and efficient in their own right. This means making sure to avoid any kind of waste when budgeting, which is only achievable if you are looking for places where savings are available.

For instance, companies can take advantage of bulk discounts when ordering materials, or negotiate better payment terms with their suppliers.

Then there’s the opportunity to harness energy efficient solutions and renewable sources to power the moving parts of a project. If you can set up solar panels on-site, your energy costs can be driven down, for example.

The Bottom Line

Keeping sustainable installation projects from running over budget isn’t just about dealing with one issue, but several.

You have to be realistic about what your spend might be, plan out how you’ll stick within the allotted budget, and watch every penny as progress is made. This is the best way to avert disaster and keep clients happy.

Common Household Items Containing Harmful Chemicals: What You Didn’t Know

By Salman Zafar | February 18, 2023 - 6:37 pm |January 30, 2024 Green, Health, Lifestyle

1 Comment

Due to research and the increased efforts to reduce toxins and live more sustainably, many of our everyday products are a lot safer than they were 50 years ago. However, there are still some common products that contain substances that are toxic to the human body. Here are some common household items that you probably use every day but they may contain potentially harmful chemicals and some alternatives to those products.

Personal Care Products

1. Lotion

Some lotions may contain binders and preservatives derived from chemicals. Acrylamide is a binder thought to be a cause of breast cancer, while parabens (including propylparaben and methylparaben) are a type of preservative known to be a hormone disruptor. Avoid lotions and other personal care products with these ingredients as often as you can.

2. Sunscreen

Some sunscreens contain Ultraviolet (UV) filters such as benzophenone, homosalate, and octinoxate, which are also endocrine (hormone) disruptors. A safer alternative to these ingredients is mineral sunscreens that use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide in forms that aren’t inhaled. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays.

Household Cleaners

1. Antibacterial Hand Soap

Studies have shown that antibacterial soaps don’t actually make us cleaner than non-antibacterial soaps. In fact, the main ingredient in antibacterial soap (triclosan) increases the growth of drug-resistant bacteria. It has also been found that triclosan has contributed to toxic algae in water sources. Bottom line, soaps and other cleaners labeled “antibacterial” are potentially doing more harm than good.

2. Multipurpose Cleaners

Many household cleaners, including window cleaners, contain an ingredient called 2-butoxyethanol. The EPA has found that this toxin can contribute to liver and kidney damage. While companies are not required to list this ingredient on their labels, you can avoid this by sticking to simple cleaning compounds, such as baking soda. Not only is this better for your health, but it’s also better for the environment.

Food Items

1. Sodium Nitrate

This is found in processed meats. While it prevents the growth of bacteria, it also has some potential health issues. When sodium nitrate is heated at high temperatures, it can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Of course, this is more probable when consumed at higher rates, so it’s best to limit the amount of red meat you eat.

2. Glyphosate

Glyphosate is the main ingredient found in most weed killers that have been linked to certain cancers. Unfortunately, this ingredient has been found in several foods as well. Oat-based breakfasts (including oatmeal, granola, and cereal) have been shown to have high levels of glyphosate. This is likely due to the use of pesticides and herbicides in food production.

Other Tips to Remember

Not all “natural” is good.

While we are looking for natural alternatives, remember that not everything labeled natural is good. Products can be labeled as being 100% natural, but harmful substances can be classified as natural. Also, not all synthetic ingredients are bad. Always read labels, and if you don’t recognize an ingredient, you can always look it up.

Fragrance

Who doesn’t love scented products? Companies are not required to list the ingredients that go into creating their fragrances, but they do have to list “fragrance” or “parfum” among the ingredients. Unfortunately, that “fragrance” can be a mixture of anything. Whenever you can, choose “fragrance-free” products. It sounds boring, but an alternative would be to purchase essential oils to add your own fragrance to products.

It’s important to note here that essential oils should always be used as directed. Though they are natural and generally harmless, they are not to be ingested unless stated otherwise. They should also be used in small amounts and diluted with water or a carrier oil.

Science doesn’t change, but as new studies and information come out, we may have a better understanding of certain ingredients. For now, it’s important to research questionable ingredients and learn if they are okay at lower levels, or if we should just avoid them altogether.