Second Generation Energy Group News

World's First Real-Time Carbon Emissions Counter

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:46:00 GMT

In NYC, First Real-Time Carbon Emissions Counter Starts Ticking

A new giant billboard unveiled on June 18th in New York outside Madison Square Garden and Penn Station reveals just how fast carbon emissions are accelerating. The carbon counder frighteningly shows greenhouse gases are rising by 800 tonnes per second. And the calculations are legit. The world's first real-time indicator of carbon emissions was unveiled by Deutsche Bank's Asset Management division and a team of researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

At the unveiling, the billboard showed there are currently 3.64 trillion tonnes of long-lived greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The counter has a lag time because data is collected on a monthly basis. But it's the most up-to-date available, and essentially real-time.

Those of us not living in New York can download a widget that will show us the real-time count.

With the unveiling of this billboard people can't help but wonder: Will a huge number on a carbon emissions counter make an impact? Something like this ought to get people realizing we have an issue on our hands, right? Maybe...maybe not.This counter places an image on the amount of carbon we are releasing. If it can be measured, it can be managed. But it also has to be visible information so that people want to manage it. We hope this billboard idea helps to do that.

View the full article on the Carbon Counter.

Historic Moment - President Obama Proposes to Double REAP Fundi05-Apr-2009ng

Tue, 19 May 2009 19:59:00 GMT

Historic Moment - President Obama Proposes to Double REAP Funding

President Obama today (May 7, 2009) proposed to more than double total planned funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) next year, FY2010, to $128.1 million.

President Obama’s detailed budget proposal for all government programs today includes an additional $68.1 million in “discretionary” funding for REAP. The 2008 Farm Bill also allocated $60 million in “mandatory” funding for REAP next year.

President Obama’s historic proposal builds upon funding for other energy programs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by targeting REAP funding which supports a broad range of clean energy technologies for agriculture and rural America. His proposal confirms the Administration’s position that a well-funded REAP helps restore our economy.

In March 2009, for example, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, referring in part to REAP, told Congress that “part of our economic recovery is to focus on clean energy and green jobs, agriculture needs to be a part of that. It needs to be a huge part of the solution.” REAP is part of that solution.

Among other programs in the Energy Title, the President also proposed to increase funding for building biorefineries to produce advanced biofuels. FarmEnergy.org

0% Heat Loan

Wed, 13 May 2009 19:17:00 GMT

HEAT Loan Program

The HEAT Loan Program provides customers the opportunity to apply for a 0% loan from participating lenders to assist customers with the installation of qualified energy efficient improvements in their homes. The loans are available up-to $15,000 (depending on utility) with terms up-to 7 years. To apply for the loan, the customer must own and reside in a one to four family residence and obtain a Home Energy Assessment through the MassSAVE Program. Contact Us to learn more about this valuable program. 800-653-4270.

O'Connors Restaurant

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:47:00 GMT

O ’Connors Restaurant has gone Green with Solar PV Array!

O’ Connors Restaurant of Worcester MA has installed a 6.4 kW Solar PV Array on the restaurant’s rooftop.

In an effort to reduce its environmental impact, O’Connor’s Restaurant of 1160 West Boylston St. in Worcester, MA has completed an installation of a Solar Photovoltaic Array. Brendan O’ Connor, owner and operator of the restaurant, contracted with Second Generation Energy of Hopedale, MA who installed the solar array.

The Solar Photovoltaic Array consists of 32 solar modules which interconnect with the restaurants electrical system. Electricity flows to the restaurant from the modules whenever the sun is shining. The Solar Modules are produced by the local solar module manufacturer Evergreen Solar and have a design life of 30-40 years.

With the help and guidance of the staff at Second Generation Energy, Mr. O’ Connor was awarded a grant from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust. The Trust provides non-competitive awards for qualifying solar installations in Massachusetts thereby making solar energy an affordable renewable energy solution.

The solar installation is a product of the restaurants commitment to long term sustainability. “We need to reduce our energy dependence”, stated Mr. O’ Connor. “We fully support Governor Patrick’s commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency; we want to do our part”.

NABCEP Certification

Wed, 13 May 2009 19:12:00 GMT

"The One That's Hard To Get...Since 2003, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) has been awarding professional credentials to renewable energy installers. NABCEP's rigorous competency standards for certification sends a clear message to consumers, financers, and public officials that the industry stresses high quality, safe and ethical business practice and workmanship standards." NABCEP

Edward Whitaker, our Operations Manager is NEBCEP certified.