Environmental News

Properties owned by Indianapolis-based real estate company Simon Property Group Inc. have begun collecting and baling clear plastic packaging materials -- such as individual plastic bags that contain the clothing that is delivered to the malls -- for recycling. Source: Environmental Leader, 4/17/13

The potential for technology to drive behavioral change in buildings -- and thereby improve costs, effectiveness and efficiency -- is vast. Here are some tips for getting the most out of building tech. Source: GreenBiz, 4/18/13

Facilities are now allowed to recycle plastics separated from automobile shredder residue, according to the EPA's new interpretation of existing regulations. Source: Environmental Leader, 4/17/13

Coal-powered energy and cattle ranching are the two most environmentally expensive industries -- and cost the economy more in environmental damage than they generate in revenue, according to a UN-backed report. Source: Environmental Leader, 4/17/13

Yuanhui Zhang and Lance Schideman, both professors in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, have combined their research efforts to develop an innovative system that uses swine manure to produce biocrude oil, grow algal biomass, capture carbon, purify wastewater and recycle nutrients. Source: Biodiesel Magazine, 4/15/13

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the USDA is extending for five years its agreement to work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other partners to help develop a viable biofuel for the aviation industry. The Secretary signed the agreement with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at the Advanced Biofuels Summit at Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland. Source: Algae Industry Magazine, 4/16/13

The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed indefinitely a much-anticipated final rule limiting greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants. Source: Governing, 4/16/13

In addition to installing solar, the Army also planted 14,700 trees and created biking and walking paths that wind through the complex. Source: GreenBiz, 4/12/13

Erratic weather can raise the public's view on climate change, but leading firms also should promote the business benefits of putting a price on carbon. Source: GreenBiz, 4/12/13

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has launched a new comprehensive, and interactive view of the U.S. government's national and state energy data and information currently available to the public. Found at www.eia.gov/state, the state energy portal adds a unique visual dimension to each state's energy resources and infrastructure. Source: CivSource, 4/11/13

The University of Minnesota's Resilient Communities Project is pleased to announce that the city of North St. Paul has been selected as its partner community for the 2013--2014 academic year. The partnership will bring the expertise of hundreds of graduate students and the University to sustainability-related projects identified by North St. Paul. Source: University of Minnesota, 3/18/13

Alert for Platers: Your Deadline is March 19, 2013 as EPA finalized the residual risk and technology review for the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for hard and decorative chromium electroplating and chromium anodizing tanks under 40 CFR Part 63 Source: Products Finishing, 1/31/13

ACEEE announces that nominations for the Champion of Energy Efficiency in Industry Awards are now open and may be submitted online. The awards will be presented at the 2013 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry and will recognize leadership and accomplishment in the energy efficiency field. Winners will be selected based on demonstrated excellence in the following categories: -- Research and Development (R&D): Excellence in research and development including baseline or background research, as well as R&D of products and practices. -- Energy Policy: Excellence in energy policy including writing, educating, promoting, and supporting energy efficiency in energy policy, at the federal, state, or local level. -- Implementation and Deployment: Effective design and implementation, including achievement of significant impacts on energy use. -- Leadership: Exceptional personal leadership demonstrated in the development, implementation, and growth of important energy efficiency initiatives. Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), 4/15/13

A conversation with the renowned designer and architect about his new book and a link to an excerpt. Source: Environmental News Bits, 4/15/13

Retired Marine Corps colonel outlines a vision for the U.S. that aims to pair the private sector with local communities. Source: GreenBiz, 4/11/13

The electronics industry isn't about to stop making its high-demand products because of their environmental burden. But the industry recognizes the cascade of challenges it faces, so manufacturers, retailers, and government and nongovernmental organizations are on the road to finding solutions. Together, these stakeholders have begun developing new products that use fewer toxic materials. And they are devising ways to make recycling easier. But there is still a long way to go. That's where an interdisciplinary team of engineers from Purdue University and Tuskegee University hopes to help. They have initiated a comprehensive international effort to develop new materials and technologies to replace conventional electronics with more sustainable ones. Along the way, they are training a workforce of scientists and engineers to ease the transition. Source: Chemical & Engineering News, 4/1/13

Success in energy efficiency is something worth bragging about in Michigan. Source: Great Lakes Echo, 4/8/13

Toxic chemicals clinging to plastics could cause health problems for fish and other organisms in the Great Lakes. Source: Great Lakes Echo, 4/9/13

The Ohio State University is this year's Environmental March Madness national champion. Source: Environmental Leader, 4/9/13

The U.S. Air Force, the largest single energy consumer in the federal government, released its Energy Strategic Plan, which will continue its successful efforts in cutting energy use. Source: GreenBiz, 4/8/13

From lead-contaminated soil to respiratory illness--inducing air pollutants, Pilsen's industrial past and present have created problematic environmental and health issues for area residents. Source: Gazette Chicago, 4/5/13

Companies need to understand the impacts of chemical use on society and business. Source: GreenBiz, 4/8/13

Collaborative efforts between UT and Austin Water showed that purple is the new green at a celebration ceremony Wednesday to mark the completion of a project aimed to save water, cut costs and increase system efficiency. Source: Daily Texan, 3/28/13