Global Shipping and Renewables

Globalization has resulted in huge growth in international shipping. Off-shoring manufacturing and shipping products to far-away markets makes economic sense when oil costs are cheap. The models appear to be breaking down a bit, as reported by the New York Times earlier this month (Aug. 2008). And from a climate change perspective, the shipping industry is apparently worse than air travel.

A couple of renewable energy options are floating out there...

Could ships be mobile solar power plants? The Japanese plan to harvest some solar energy to power engines and well as living quarters, as reported by Reuters. And with some additional investment, other renewables could work. I assume all waste is dumped overboard (contributing to other environmental issues, including the Great Pacific Garbage Patch). This could be an option for a waste gasification project (if technically possible/safe). Methane/biofuels could be harvested from waste, as well.

And from the "everything old is new again" department, we have a startup using wind to pull boats. KiteShip has a steady track record over the past couple of years chatting up it's innovative sail system - even grabbing a Guinness World Record for the largest kite ever.

I thought they started out with commercial marine applications, but it looks like they have equal emphasis on recreational marine and even plan to harness solar and Martian winds. I see talk of trials but no named customers.

Let's hope these high oil prices tip the scale in favor of renewable energy in global shipping.

EPEAT is Neat

EPEAT evaluates electronic products in relation to 51 total environmental criteria, about half are mandatory and half are voluntary. I don't remember seeing the logo ever, but it looks like a pretty solid program with checks-and-balances designed to keep it real and credible.

Like anything, people are bound to abuse the system, as it's valuable in winning big government and other procurement bids and to being seen as "green" by the market. But it's a great program to point procurement people to help them take the first step in sustainable businesses - vote with your dollars.

ZDNet notes that Dell tooted its horn about its newest EPEAT product - a cool-looking hybrid (the other king) desktop computer.

Other solid programs for sustainable purchasing include ENERGY STAR (which EPEAT includes), FEMP (Fed. Energy Mgmnt Program), and the NRDC Greening Advisor.

Green Pols and Ham

Some thoughts on political campaigns and sustainability, posted on my employer's blog (Bitemarks):

http://blog.bitepr.com/2008/08/green-pols-and.html