U of C prof may have way to make planet greener

David Keith, a professor at the University of Calgary, has developed technology that captures carbon dioxide from the air. 

Full Story [canoe.ca]

First U.S. CO2 auction takes in $39-million

The United States held its first auction of greenhouse gas permits. Ten states were represented at the auction, which raised nearly $39 million. 

Full Story [The Globe and Mail]

Bullfrog marches to green drummer

The National Post profiles Bullfrog Power, which brings clean energy to homes and businesses across the country. 

Full Story [Financial Post]

Introducing the green hospital room

An American company has built a prototype of a green hospital room, which uses recycled materials and energy efficient technologies. 

Full Story [The Globe and Mail]

Prowling the Pumps – September 30, 2008

Canadian Gasoline Prices

Average across Canada

The average price of gasoline in Canada dropped for the third week in a row, this time by only 2.5¢ per litre. Our hypothetical 80-litre tank was exactly $2.00 less expensive to fill this week than last. Gasoline prices slid everywhere except in the Yukon and Manitoba, both of which stayed at the same price as last week.

Of those provinces that did see a drop in prices, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island led the way with decreases of 5.5¢ and 5.3¢ respectively. Ontario ranked third with a 4.7¢ decline.

Overall, the average gasoline price in Canada has dropped 20.3¢ per litre since its all-time high of $1,383 per litre during the week of July 15. And this means that our hypothetical 80-litre tank costs $16.24 less than it did two and a half months ago.

Least Expensive Gasoline in Canada (per litre)

This week it all makes sense. The province with the lowest average prices, Ontario, also has the five least expensive cities in which to buy gasoline.

Most Expensive Gasoline in Canada (per litre)

As far as the pricey five go, same players as last week, different order.
The gap between the least and most expensive is a whopping 46.1¢ per litre. The reasons – distance from refineries, population size and amount of gasoline sold. Taxes aren’t a factor because Yellowknife’s taxes are 1.8¢ per litre less than Ottawa’s.

The big story as far as oil prices are concerned is still the U.S. (and by U.S. the Prowler means global) financial crisis. Every new development sparks a price change. All parties have agreed to the bailout bill. The House of Representatives defeats the bill. President Bush stresses the importance of passing the bill. Senate leaders promise it will pass in the Senate. Obama sneezes. Just after our last report, WTI was trading at $106.88 US per barrel, rose to $115.46 per barrel, dropped to $96.37 per barrel and is sitting around $100 at the time of writing. However, despite these gyrations, the price of gasoline continues to fall. The big question now – What will happen to gasoline prices once the bill is passed?

We’ll see what happens next week.

Pricing by Province

	$/litre	Last Week	This Week	Change
BC	1.333	1.315	-0.018
AB	1.199	1.198	-0.001
SK	1.279	1.262	-0.017
MB	1.232	1.232	0.000
ON	1.211	1.164	-0.047
QC	1.273	1.258	-0.015
NB	1.258	1.203	-0.055
PE	1.276	1.223	-0.053
NS	1.263	1.236	-0.027
NL	1.400	1.331	-0.069
YT	1.399	1.399	0.000
NT	1.567	1.534	-0.033

Playing the technology adoption waiting game

In the hydrogen car utopia, cars would drive for miles and miles producing nothing more than a bit of water vapor. Powered by fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity used to power an electric engine, hydrogen cars promise freedom from our dependence on non-renewable energy sources for transportation. 

With researchers making huge strides in fuel cell technology, what does it take to push this technology from a utopian dream to a consumer reality?

Indeed, researchers are racing toward a new hydrogen-powered reality. Ballard Power Systems claims to be on track for achieving the US Department of Energy’s targets for fuel cell cost of $30 USD/kW and cold weather reliability, two major barriers to commercialization. Other research focuses on more practical elements, like service life, less expensive catalysts and robust design.

Now, it seems the biggest barrier to the hydrogen car isn’t technology – it’s consumer adoption. As with any technology adoption, hydrogen cars must reach that all-important tipping point, the point where a new technology becomes the standard, before it makes it to the mainstream.

The problem is the classic ‘chicken and egg’ conundrum. Without the proper infrastructure for refueling, consumers are reluctant to purchases a hydrogen vehicle. But without consumer demand for refueling stations, governments and policymakers won’t invest in developing the infrastructure.

Without a clear solution in sight, researchers developed H2VISION, a computer-based model that simulates the dynamic relationships between consumer adoption and infrastructure development. The program gives policymakers recommendations for getting hydrogen technology over the adoption hump, which include building refueling stations in urban centers and home refueling options.

It’s just a matter of time, say experts, before we’ll see hydrogen vehicles hitting the roads on mass.

GM recharges for the future

The Chevrolet Volt will be on sale in two years but some have their doubts that GM’s new electric car is ready for mass production. 

Full Story [The Globe and Mail]

There’s nothing old about modern sod roofs

A little green on your roof can put big green back in your pocket. Green roofs are just that – green. Vegetated surface installed over man-made structures either at or above grade, green roofs tap into the natural cooling and insulating properties of plants.

Studies show real tangible benefits to going green. Researchers estimate green roofs could reduce cooling costs by 25%. One study in Chicago estimates that going green could save $100,000 a year if all roofs were converted to green roofs.

The science behind green roofs is quite simple. In the summer, traditional roofs become overheated, putting a strain on indoor cooling systems. A green roof not only acts as an insulating layer, but the natural plant processes of photosynthesis and evapotranspiration decrease the solar energy absorbed by the roof. 

Even in the winter, green roofs are able to reduce energy costs. Again, it’s due to the combination of the added insulation and natural plant processes. Studies show the winter root activities combined with the air layers created by the vegetation are capable of raising the surface membrane temperature by 4.5 degrees C.

Green roof advocates point to other key benefits. By creating these urban microclimates, green roofs are able to combat the urban heat island effect, decrease storm water runoff and reduce air and noise pollution. The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver, BC is even