Energy Efficiency in the drivers seat

Energy Efficiency is always the first step when reviewing your energy plan for the next few years. So if you or your business plans to purchase a new vehicle, then it's not just the initial investment, it's about your fuel and running costs. So Ford's ECOnetic Fiesta turbo diesel is certainly one to consider.

According to all the reviews, the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is more fuel efficient than a Prius, and considerably less in price. Previously, I wasn't a fan of diesels until the development of the particulate filter to reduce emissions - and that's no longer an issue for most modern diesels. Also, the Fiesta ECOnetic claims to produce less than 100gm/km of CO2 emissions, one of the few cars in Australia which meet this standard.

I was taken for a short ride in one of these last week, and the ECOnetic Fiesta is a zippy 5 door manual hatch, with all the now essential USB and Bluetooth mod cons. But the main benefit is the fuel economy, claimed as 3.7L/100km under test conditions, and that will give you a car that goes the distance.

Energy efficiency is not just about turning off your lights and computers. The biggest saving for you and the planet may be in your choice of car. And with fuel prices likely to roller-coaster at any time, the right choice is not just better for the environment, it's also better for your budget and your business.

My pic of Ford Fiesta ECOnetic at Enviro 2010

Zero Emission Street Sweeper

At Enviro 2010 in Melbourne this week, I was quite fascinated by the Tennant Green Machines (TM) 500ZE Electric Street Sweeper, which was on display.

We are moving towards a world where the rising cost of energy, and especially conventional transport fuels, will play an increasing part of our overall cost of doing everyday tasks, such as cleaning our streets. This innovative little unit, so I am told, will run for 8 hours on one charge, and with zero emissions during the operation of the vehicle. With a bonus of being almost silent, I guess the downside is you just won't hear it coming - so watch out behind you, there well may be a 500ZE cleaning up the footpath behind you.

My Pic 500ZE, July 22 at Enviro 2010.

The Baton is passed..

This week the world learned of the sudden death of Stephen Schneider, Stanford University Climate Scientist, and passionate advocate for global change. Stephen travelled the world, speaking out, sharing research and debunking theories that had no scientific basis. He also encouraged other scientists to speak about their work, their observations and the potential implications.

I met Stephen on several of his visits to Australia, and was inspired by his enthusiasm for life, and always amused by his humour and witty commentary. He was a man whose physical strength was failing, but his personal energy and passion was still strong and felt by everyone who met him.

There will need to be more than one emerging climate scientist to pick up his baton, so if that's you, then go for it, it's now passed to you..

Image cropped from Original Standford University News 2006

Sydney's New Distributed Energy Plan

Sydney City has ambitious plans, led by tri and cogeneration specialist Allan Jones, formerly of Woking and London.

At our July monthly ATA meeting in Sydney, Allan spoke about his successes and his new role to help reduce Sydney's greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030. Allan ranks as one of my heroes and to have him here, in my home town, is just excellent.

Australia is highly urbanised, and with the majority of people now living in cities, I recommend watching Allan's progress at the City of Sydney over the next few years, and let's share and learn from local successes that will drive energy innovation globally.

View Allan's page here. and my previous blog entry on Allan.