Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 09/28/2007
This is the weekly bulletin of the TURI Library, reporting a selection of recently published titles we have acquired. Our pledge is to keep the bulletin relevant to your work and brief -- no more than 10 titles. You are welcome to send a message to jan@turi.org if you would like more information on any of the articles listed here.
Titles here, abstracts below:
1. Chemical facility anti-terrorism standards proposed Appendix A: DHS chemicals of interest
2. Green financial products and services: current trends and future opportunities in North America
3. Biocatalytic microcontact printing
4. The green standard?
5. Poll reveals that public awareness of nanotech stuck at low level
6. ToxMystery
7. PestScreen: a screening approach for scoring and ranking pesticides by their environmental and toxicological concern
8. Engineered eggshells to help make hydrogen fuel
9. Information on industry solvents: a DLI white paper
10. ASLA green roof project
1. Chemical facility anti-terrorism standards proposed Appendix A: DHS chemicals of interest
Source: Department of Homeland Security, 2007
Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security developed a chemicals of interest list (Appendix A) that includes chemicals that present one or more security issues.
In developing the list, the Department looked to existing expert sources of information including other federal regulations related to chemicals. Among the other sources that the Department referenced in part are the following:
* Chemicals covered under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk Management Program;
* Chemicals included in the Chemical Weapons Convention;
* Hazardous materials, such as gases that are poisonous by inhalation; and
* Explosives regulated by the Department of Transportation.
Link: http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/laws/gc_1175537180929.shtm
2. Green financial products and services: current trends and future opportunities in North America
Source: United Nations Environment Programme. Finance Initiative, 2007
Abstract: Green car loans, energy efficiency mortgages, alternative energy venture capital, eco-savings deposits, and “green” credit cards; these items represent merely a handful of innovative, “green” financial products that are currently offered around the globe. In an age where environmental risks and opportunities abound, so too have the options for reconciling environmental matters with lending and financing arrangements.
The purpose of this report is to examine the currently available “green” financial products and services, with a focus on lesson learning opportunities, the nature and transferability of best practices, and how key designs can potentially increase market share and generate profits, while improving brand recognition and enhancing reputation. Following an overview of “green” banking’s current state of play, both in North America and abroad, this report discusses potential options for future environmental banking products and services for the North American financial sector.
Link: http://www.unepfi.org/fileadmin/documents/greenprods_01.pdf
3. Biocatalytic microcontact printing
Source: American Chemical Society (ACS), 2007
Abstract: With all the advances in printing technology in recent years, the latest may rise to the top of a list that would make Gutenberg gasp. Scientists in North Carolina are reporting development and testing of a method for printing finely-detailed microscopic images with an enzyme, rather than ink.
In the study, Eric J. Toone and Robert L. Clark and colleagues point out that so-called microcontact printing has found wide application for rapidly transferring high-resolution images onto large surfaces. But current nanoprinting technology relies on the diffusion of ink, and cannot reproduce details smaller than one hundred nanometers in diameter—about 400 times smaller than the width of a human hair.
The new technology, termed biocatalytic microcontact printing, involves coating a nano-“stamp” with an enzyme — a protein that speeds up chemical reactions.
The enzyme then digests away a layer on the surface, leaving behind an imprint almost like an old-fashioned rubber stamp. Because no diffusion of ink is involved in the process, the resolution of microcontact printed images is about one hundredfold greater than possible with conventional technology. The technique may point the way toward faster, less expensive methods of nanolithography, which could be used to create complex structures for micromachines, biosensors, and other nanoscale devices, the researchers suggest.
4. The green standard?
Author: Kamenetz, Anya
Source: Fast Company, October 2007, p128
Abstract: When this magazine moved to 7 World Trade Center this past spring, we were pleased to be settling into the first New York office tower to score a "gold" for environmental sustainability from the United States Green Building Council, or USGBC. Buildings account for 71% of America's electricity use and 38% of all greenhouse-gas emissions, according to the Department of Energy. Anything that cuts those numbers--as USGBC-certfied buildings do, by an average of 25% to 30%--is surely a plus.
But what does the plaque on the front of a $700 million glass tower really mean? Asking that question exposes some serious cracks in the world's biggest green-building brand name--Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED--as well as a very human tendency to reach for easy solutions to difficult problems.
As alarm over the environment intensifies, LEED has been in the right place at the right time. Two federal agencies, 22 states, and 75 localities from Seattle to Boston have instituted policies to require or encourage LEED; in New York, the new rules are expected to affect $12 billion in new construction in the next few years. A host of major New York projects, including new luxury condos in Battery Park City, a 2 million-square-foot skyscraper on Bryant Park in midtown, and the rest of the buildings around the World Trade Center site, have all sought the council's stamp of approval.
But critics say that the LEED standard falls short of what's possible in terms of saving energy. While a 25% to 30% improvement in energy use over conventional buildings sounds impressive, it pales compared with, say, the 50% target adopted by the dozens of firms that have signed on to the Architecture 2030 initiative. Assessing LEED is further complicated by the business growth of the Green Building Council. Awarding gold--and silver and platinum--certification has been a gold mine for the nonprofit organization. Once a small operation with seven paid employees, it now fields a 116-member staff and earns 95% of its $50 million annual budget.
Which raises another question: Could the council's financial success be standing in the way of cutting-edge green-building standards?
Link: http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/119/the-green-standard.html
5. Poll reveals that public awareness of nanotech stuck at low level
Source: Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, 2007
Abstract: National survey findings released today indicate that Americans’ awareness of nanotechnology remains low. Popular awareness is nearly as small as the tiny nanoscale materials and nano-enabled devices and products now flowing onto the market from this rapidly progressing technology that experts believe will usher in a new industrial revolution.
The poll also finds that most Americans continue to prefer that government, not industry, oversee and manage risks associated with advances in new areas of science and technology like nanotech, even though public confidence in U.S. regulatory agencies overall is declining.
The poll, a follow up to a similar poll conducted last year, surveyed 1,014 U.S. adults by telephone on August 27-28. It, as well as the prior poll, was commissioned by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and conducted by independent research firm Peter D. Hart Research.
Even with an estimated $50 billion worth of nanotechnology manufactured goods on the global market last year, only 6 percent of Americans – or fewer than one in 16 – say they have “heard a lot” about nanotechnology, as compared with 10 percent in 2006. In 2007, 21 percent say they have “heard some” about nanotechnology, unchanged from the previous year. Similarly, as in 2006, about 70 percent of adults say they have heard “just a little” or “nothing at all.”
Women of all ages, older Americans, and individuals with less education and lower incomes are least likely to have heard about nanotechnology.
Link: http://www.nanotechproject.org/138/
9252007-poll-reveals-public-awareness-of-nanotech-stuck-at-low-level
6. ToxMystery
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), 2007
Abstract: ToxMystery is the National Library of Medicine's new interactive learning site, designed to help children age 7 to 10 find clues about toxic substances that can lurk in the home. With lively animations, surprising sound effects and lots of positive reinforcement, ToxMystery provides a fun, game-like experience, while teaching important lessons about potential environmental health hazards.
Children visiting ToxMystery have an able guide in "Toxie" the cat, who helps find the hazards hidden in each room and offers hints when needed. The objective is to find all the hazards-- in the living room, bathroom, garage and other areas. Ever seen a cat...dance? Players will be treated to that spectacle and more when they identify all the hazards in a room. When all the risky spots in the house have been discovered, Toxie delivers an animated celebration, and players can print a personalized certificate of completion.
ToxMystery's "Parent Resources" page provides more detailed information about everyday environmental hazards that can be harmful to one's health. A "For Teachers" page contains more than ten downloadable activity pages that can be used in elementary school classrooms.
Link: http://toxmystery.nlm.nih.gov/
7. PestScreen: a screening approach for scoring and ranking pesticides by their environmental and toxicological concern
Authors: Juraske, Ronnie; Anton, Assumpcio; Castells, Francesc; Huijbregts, Mark A. J.
Source: Environment International, October 2007, pp886-893
Abstract: A chemical ranking and scoring method entitled PestScreen has been developed as a screening tool to provide a relative assessment of pesticide hazards to human health and the environment. The method was developed to serve as an analytical tool in screening and identification of pesticides of environmental concern used in agriculture. PestScreen incorporates both the toxic effects of pesticides and their fate and exposure characteristics in different compartments of the environment. This is done by combining measures of chemical toxicity pertaining to both human health and the environment with chemical release amounts and information on overall environmental persistence, long-range transport potential and human population intake fractions. Each hazard measure is scored and weighted and finally combined with the pesticide application dose to provide a single final indicator of relative concern (PestScore). Results for 217 pesticides are presented and the practical implementation is illustrated on behalf of three practical case studies.
8. Engineered eggshells to help make hydrogen fuel
Source: Ohio State University Research News, September 26, 2007
Abstract: Engineers at Ohio State University have found a way to turn discarded chicken eggshells into an alternative energy resource. The patented process uses eggshells to soak up carbon dioxide from a reaction that produces hydrogen fuel. It also includes a unique method for peeling the collagen-containing membrane from the inside of the shells, so that the collagen can be used commercially.
L.S. Fan, Distinguished University Professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio State, said that he and former Ohio State doctoral student, Mahesh Iyer, hit upon the idea when they were trying to improve a method of hydrogen production called the water-gas-shift reaction. With this method, fossil fuels such as coal are gasified to produce carbon monoxide gas, which then combines with water to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
The eggshell plays a critical role. "The key to making pure hydrogen is separating out the carbon dioxide," Fan said. "In order to do it very economically, we needed a new way of thinking, a new process scheme."
That brought them to eggshells, which mostly consist of calcium carbonate -- one of nature's most absorbent materials. It is a common ingredient in calcium supplements and antacids. With heat processing, calcium carbonate becomes calcium oxide, which will then absorb any acidic gas, such as carbon dioxide.
In the laboratory, Fan and his colleagues demonstrated that ground-up eggshells could be used in the water-gas-shift reaction.
Link: http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/eggpower.htm
9. Information on industry solvents: a DLI white paper
Source: National Clothesline, August 2007, p22-30
Abstract: Over the past several years, the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute (formerly IFI) has included a solvent comparison table in presentations on the industry’s future. Looking at the limitations of those presentations and the industry’s need for guidance, DLI has prepared this review and evaluation of current industry solvents for its members. The information presented here is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of July 2007. The review and evaluation is just that, and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual solvent. In summary, our intent was to provide what we believe is the critical information that would be used by a member in coming to a decision on whether to use a particular solvent.
In looking at DLI’s overview and evaluation of each solvent, keep in mind that while we addressed major regulatory concerns at the federal level, there will be variations at the state level. For that reason, DLI urges anyone making a decision on using a new solvent to check with the department of environmental protection for their state, and to also check with their fire marshal regarding local and state fire codes. Finally, DLI recommends that all plants consider disposing of their waste with a local hazardous waste hauler.
In addition to regulatory issues, there are almost universal concerns by landlords over the possibility of solvent contamination. In turn, these concerns have led to prohibitions on the use of certain solvents, or even to a prohibition on the use of any solvent system whatsoever. For those reasons, DLI strongly recommends that anyone considering a new solvent discuss that system with their landlord before signing a lease, or before making a decision to purchase new equipment.
Link: http://www.natclo.com/0708/whitepaper.htm
10. ASLA green roof project
Source: American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), 2007
Abstract: The American Society of Landscape Architects’ (ASLA) green roof retained thousands of gallons of stormwater, reduced building energy costs by hundreds of dollars a month, and significantly lowered outdoor air temperature according to a report today from the association. The report examined various components of ASLA’s green roof demonstration project, ranging from water and temperature monitoring to individual plant performance.
In 2006, ASLA replaced the conventional roof on its downtown Washington, DC headquarters with a green roof, installing equipment to gather data on stormwater runoff, water quality, and temperature.
From July 2006 to May 2007, ASLA’s green roof prevented 27,500 gallons of stormwater—nearly 75 percent of all precipitation on the roof—from flowing into Washington, DC’s overburdened sewer and stormwater system. Except during repeated heavy rains, the roof only created runoff during rainfalls that exceeded one inch. The water runoff itself contained fewer pollutants than typical water runoff.
ASLA’s green roof lowered air temperature by as much as 32 degrees in the summer when compared to a neighboring tarred roof, helping mitigate the urban heat island effect.
The roof also reduced the building’s energy costs—especially in the winter. Engineering analysis showed that the green roof’s extra insulation lowered energy usage in the winter by 10 percent with a potential of two to three percent in the summer.
When designing the green roof, ASLA experimented with varying types of plants. The extreme nature of the rooftop environment allowed some to thrive while others struggled. On the extensive portion of the roof, hardy species of Sedum (Sedum album, Sedum reflexum, Sedum spurium, and Sedum sexangulare) performed well over other Sedum species (Sedum lanceolatum and Sedum stenopetalatum). Delosperma nubigenum (Ice Plant) did well in many areas but not well in the north terrace.
On the intensive portion, Rhus copallina (Flame Sumac), Rhus aromatica (Smooth Sumac), Campsis radicans (Trumpet Vine), and Rosa Carolina (Pasture Rose) were successful while Ceonanthus americanus (New Jersey Tea) struggled.
Link: http://www.asla.org/land/050205/greenroofcentral.html
You are welcome to send a message to jan@turi.org if you would like more information on any of these resources. Also, please tell us what topics you are particularly interested in monitoring, and who else should see GREENLIST. An online search of the TURI Library catalog can be done at http://slk060.liberty3.net/turi/ for greater topic coverage.
This page updated Friday September 28 2007