Target Field, the new home of the Minnesota Twins, features an advanced rainwater harvesting and reuse system, the largest to date in professional sports. Courtesy [...]]]>

The problem lies often in cost-benefit analysis of rainwater collection systems compared to most potable water prices, which are still quite cheap in the U.S. Using a ten-year cost analysis for a rainy U.S. climate, the rainwater collected over the ten years would cost approximately $4.55 per hundred cubic feet (CCF), which is higher than average water rates in most U.S. cities (but not necessarily higher than the highest-tier rates). The system wouldn’t quite pay for itself just with water savings because the added cost of extra plumbing to convey the water to the points of use hampers overall cost-effectiveness.

Although first-costs are higher than conventional systems, in new buildings rainwater collection systems could potentially eliminate expensive charges for storm-drain hookups, putting an owner “money ahead from Day One,” where the costs of savings are greater than the installation cost. In one project in which I was involved, just the cost of installing the storm drainage pipes to take water off the site and to connect to the town’s storm drains was greater than the cost of installing two 20,000-gallon tanks to hold runoff from the 100-year rainfall event and providing a treatment system that generates enough water for toilet flushing for a good part of the year. In addition, the use was for an academic building whose use pattern just about matched perfectly the annual rainfall cycle of the West Coast.

If seasonal and annual rainfall continues to be more erratic, water rationing and higher prices will be likely, making rainwater harvesting a rational economic response especially for large users. I harvest a few thousand gallons a year of rainwater at my house in southern Arizona, and I can tell you that nothing could be easier (or more sustainably satisfying) than using recycled rainwater for plant irrigation in a dry climate.

Charter members of the Green Sigma™ Coalition are Johnson Controls, Honeywell Building Solutions, ABB, Eaton, ESS, Cisco, Siemens Building Technologies Division, [...]]]> IBM has created an industry alliance with key leaders in metering, monitoring, automation, data communications and software to provide smart solutions for energy, water, waste and greenhouse gas management.

Charter members of the Green Sigma™ Coalition are Johnson Controls, Honeywell Building Solutions, ABB, Eaton, ESS, Cisco, Siemens Building Technologies Division, Schneider Electric and SAP. The coalition members will work with IBM to integrate their products and services with IBM’s Green Sigma™ solution.

This will allow companies using these combined solutions to better understand energy and water usage, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions across their business operations and make changes to improve efficiency, reduce consumption and waste, and lower environmental impact.

“As we all work toward creating a greener, smarter planet, it is plain that none of us can get there alone,” said Rich Lechner, IBM’s vice president for energy and environment. “Through public and private partnerships, and with leaders across a range of industries and technologies combining and sharing our expertise and talent, we can create the solutions the world needs to conserve resources and address climate change.”

Green Sigma™ is an IBM solution that applies Lean Six Sigma principles and practices to energy, water, waste and GHG emissions throughout a company’s operations — transportation systems, data centers and IT systems, manufacturing and distribution centers, office facilities, retail space, research and development sites, etc.

It combines real-time metering and monitoring with advanced analytics and dashboards that allow clients to make better decisions that improve efficiency, lower costs and reduce environmental impact.

IBM announced the Green Sigma™ Coalition in support of its Green and Beyond Summit for Industry leaders in San Francisco today. The program includes panel discussions with key industry leaders and public officials on public/private collaboration for a greener planet, covering sustainability and energy management across business operations and demand reduction, incentives and compliance.

In addition to the Green Sigma™ Coalition, IBM announced several other new or expanded relationships with key industry leaders, including:

• Novell and Thunderhead have received Ready for IBM Energy and Environment validation for their software solutions. The program is designed to help IBM Business Partners validate, market and sell solutions bearing a unique mark that assures clients the product or service has been rigorously evaluated and demonstrated to reduce environmental impact based on real-world customer use.

IBM’s validation process requires products and services to meet stringent criteria that address the reduction or use of resources such as energy, water and paper materials. Submissions are reviewed by the IBM Energy & Environment Review Board and IBM’s Corporate Environmental Affairs group;

• IBM and Cisco have integrated IBM Tivoli Monitoring for Energy Management and Cisco EnergyWise energy management solution. The new combined solution broadens the range of power consumption information and energy optimization policies that can be managed by IBM Energy Management solutions to help organizations discover, optimize, and report energy usage within their data center and business infrastructure.

And IBM and Honeywell will integrate Tivoli Monitoring for Energy Management with Honeywell’s EBI and Tridium offerings.

“NYSERDA has a longstanding partnership with IBM. Together, we have invested over $15 Million for energy efficiency improvements to IBM’s New York facilities,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of the New York State Energy and Development Authority. “We are proud to continue that partnership with IBM and the Green Sigma Coalition as it designs effective energy efficiency and carbon reduction strategies for New York’s manufacturers, data centers and other businesses. As we develop statewide energy strategies, we see the problems and bottlenecks created by stand-alone solutions and disparate systems that cannot share information. We applaud IBM’s approach of sharing expertise and technology through industry collaboration with IBM’s Green Sigma Coalition and other public/private partnerships. The coalition’s goal of providing customers with a unified view of their energy, water, waste and greenhouse gas emissions to enable overall efficiency and reduce environmental impact represents a significant advancement in the market.”

These new relationships support IBM’s “smarter planet” initiative, which envisions a world where everything is instrumented, interconnected and intelligent. This is essentially about using sophisticated technologies and business processes to set the right metrics and then collect and analyze information to make better decisions.

In the 1980s and early 90s, most people, especially in urban areas were unaware of what rainwater harvesting (RWH) meant and why there would be a need to collect rainwater. It took an enormous amount of effort working with [...]]]> by Hari J. Krishna, Ph.D., P.E., P.H., ARCSA Founder & Past President

In the 1980s and early 90s, most people, especially in urban areas were unaware of what rainwater harvesting (RWH) meant and why there would be a need to collect rainwater. It took an enormous amount of effort working with and speaking to local communities, organizations and state agencies to publicize the need for and benefits of RWH. Based on my experience with RWH during the past 20+ years, I offer the following strategies that can be utilized to promote the technology in your respective state or region.

1. Education. Education includes both formal and informal instruction and learning. Formal education refers to classroom teaching in schools, vocational colleges and universities, while informal education involves the discussion of and seminars about RWH to citizens, local groups, and at community events. Both types of education are needed to promote RWH technology. Working with middle schools and high schools, and possibly through class projects, the benefits of RWH can be imbibed into the minds of young students, who in turn, can apply the technology at home with their parents. I have had experience with people contacting me for more information on RWH, because their children had first learnt about it at school.

Colleges and Universities must develop RWH courses for students in disciplines such as natural resources, environmental sciences, architecture and engineering. It is important to have young professionals with academic training in RWH to design such systems in their professional careers. The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting is a good first source of material for developing RWH courses. The Texas Manual is available on-line at www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/reports/RainwaterHarvestingManual_3rdedition.pdf
Developing curricula in RWH for vocational schools will benefit those who intend to serve as technicians in installing and maintaining RWH systems. Lane Community College in Oregon is a good example of vocational instruction in RWH.

2. Training. For those already in the workforce, training courses such as those being offered by ARCSA can be very useful. The state land-grant universities have a vast network of engineering and agricultural/cooperative extension services in the country that can and should organize training in RWH. Since their primary role is to disseminate knowledge, this would be an ideal field in which to provide training. Again, the Texas Manual could be modified and applied to various States. National, state and local governments could also initiate training for their staff in order for them to become familiar with RWH. I had the pleasure of assisting with a short training program on RWH that was organized by the Canadian government, primarily to provide their environmental staff and others with information relating to RWH systems.

3. State and/or Regional Chapters of ARCSA. It would be very helpful to develop state or regional chapters throughout the country to focus on RWH in their respective areas. Local or regional organizations would be ideal in developing RWH publications and manuals tailored to their specific needs and climatic conditions. Local chapters can organize seminars, invite public officials and others to emphasize the value of RWH in meeting local water needs. In addition, State chapters and their members can communicate with local officials and their elected representatives in promoting RWH in their region. Also, regional organizations and their members can be invaluable in strengthening the knowledge base for ARCSA.

4. Demonstration Facilities. It is a good idea to install RWH systems at public facilities such as schools, libraries and community centers even if there is not much of a profit for the installer. Once people see the benefits of RWH, there will be enough publicity generated, and would likely help the installer in growing his or her business. In some cases, there may be limited funds available for capital expenses and not enough for labor, but that should not discourage those venturing into the RWH business. New businesses may have to invest many hours of volunteer effort in order to be recognized and to ultimately become successful.

5. Legislative Support. This is one key area that can help significantly in the growth of RWH in any particular region. Local chapters can hold seminars or demonstrate RWH systems, and invite legislators and other elected representatives to visit and become familiar. When we organized the first ARCSA conference in Austin, I was pleased that the then House Natural Resources Committee chairperson accepted our invitation to inaugurate the conference. Other legislators, a large number of state agency officials and local residents also attended the conference. Several legislative initiatives in support of RWH have been undertaken in Texas. These include Senate Bill 2, that provided sales tax exemption for all RWH equipment purchased in Texas, and House Bill 2430 that created a state RWH evaluation committee. Even as I write this paper, the omnibus RWH bill HB 1818 is being filed in the Texas state legislature today.

6. State Agency Assistance. Along with legislative support, it is necessary that the cooperation and assistance of state agencies be gained in support of RWH technology. All 50 States have government agencies that are responsible for water and environmental issues affecting their respective states. The Texas Manual on RWH published by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) could be used as an example to obtain funding for similar publications from other state agencies. The link for the TWDB’s RWH webpage is www.twdb.state.tx.us/iwt/rainwater.asp . Inviting state agency officials to RWH workshops and conferences would be a good way to gain their attention and support.

7. Local Government Support. Similar to state agencies, most cities and many counties have departments that deal with water conservation and environmental issues. It would be helpful to meet with local government staff and convince them that RWH saves water, and that the technology can ultimately help the city in meeting their peak water demand. The City of Austin is a good example for promoting RWH. Their water conservation website is www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/default.htm

8. Availability of Credit. The RWH community should familiarize bankers and other mortgage lenders with RWH technology, so that they would be comfortable in providing loans to homeowners, when needed. Even if architects and engineers design a good RWH system, if a homeowner cannot secure a loan for his home and the RWH system, the project may be failure. It is therefore always a good idea to keep local lenders and their agents informed about RWH technology, by inviting them to seminars and demonstrations.

9. RWH Equipment Sourcing. Many customers prefer to purchase the equipment they need for their RWH system from a single source, rather than having to shop for components in various places. Unless a homeowner has plenty of free time available,
he or she would prefer a ‘turn-key’ type of job, where a single contractor completes the entire job. It is even better if a designer, equipment retailer and installer could work together in providing a complete RWH system that may be needed by a purchaser. The goal should be to make it easy for the purchaser to obtain and install his or her RWH system. This will go a long way in making RWH technology popular in a new area.

10. Cost Competitiveness. Regardless of how well a RWH system may be designed and installed, if the complete cost of the RWH system would be much higher than an alternative that is available to the owner, he or she may not choose the RWH system. RWH systems should be cost-competitive with well water systems as well as other surface water systems. As costs of municipal water increase, there may be a greater demand for RWH systems in urban locations. However, in order to popularize RWH systems in new areas, those involved in designing and marketing RWH systems should be willing to forego higher profit margins per unit, in favor of greater and more widespread demand for their products.

Notwithstanding all of the above, the single most important pre-requisite for promoting RWH is one’s absolute belief in and dedication to this technology. You should first convince yourself about the benefits of RWH, and then be able to convince others around you that this is a valuable yet inexpensive technology for the conservation of our precious natural resources.

South Africans are getting ready to become the centre of the world albeit for only four weeks. And the locals are pulling out all stops to showcase the mother of all soccer games – the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

The games will kick-off in June and end in July with matches [...]]]>

South Africans are getting ready to become the centre of the world albeit for only four weeks. And the locals are pulling out all stops to showcase the mother of all soccer games – the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

The games will kick-off in June and end in July with matches being played in different cities. And in true Cape Town style, the games will be full of colour. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in the world.

But Cape Town plans not only to showcase its natural beauty, but also to show the world that it can successfully host major events that will also leave a positive environmental legacy. To achieve this, the City is implementing Green Goal Action. It’s the official 2010 Fifa World Cup greening programme, which aims to make the event as environmentally friendly as possible, while at the same time, have good clean fun. And we all know when Cape Tonians have fun they become loud and proud.

So, a Cape Town version of the vuvuzela has been produced for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The vuvuzela is uniquely South African, and this iconic horn can be heard reverberating all across the country’s soccer stadia. It’s loud, and it’s proud, and it’s an integral part of South African soccer culture. So much so, that a special concession was made to allow it into stadia during the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup. It’s much loved, and much hated, and it’s usually made from plastic.

But it is hoped that the latest eco-friendly colourful vuvuzelas, will be loved by all.
The kelp vuvuzelas will be Cape Town’s contribution to the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

And the man behind it? Cape Town Graphic designer and illustrator Adam Carnegie.
He said the idea of making vuvuzela’s for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, stemmed from his son’s school craft project.

“I had to come up with an idea where all the children in the class could participate in a craft project to raise funds at a school fete,” he said.

He had seen the kelp horns before and thought it would be a good project for the entire class to work on.

The vuvuzelas turned out to be a best seller. Within 30 minutes, all 22 vuvuzelas were sold out.

Spotting a good business opportunity, Carnegie seized the moment and formed the Kelp Environmental Learning Project also known as Kelp.

He first started working from his home in Zeekoevlei.

But interest and demand for the environmentally friendly vuvus grew and Carnegie moved his workshop to Imhoff’s Gift in Kommetjie.

Here he employs several unemployed men and women that he has trained to do delicate and detailed painting on kelp horns.

Kelp, collected from local beaches, come in different shapes and sizes. Dried out in the sun, each one is unique. It’s then transformed into colourful masterpieces.

And like many entrepreneurs, Carnegie is hoping to cash in on the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Adam Carnegie: “I am hoping that tourists will buy these unique works of art and take them home to remind them of South Africa.”

But the kelp project is not only about making money. Carnegie is an environmental activist and is educating others, especially the youth about preserving the environment.

The Kelp project facilitators teach young boys environmental values and crafting skills. And for children who come from a background filled with hardship and rejection “the project gives them a sense of belonging,” Carnegie said.

“People collect dried kelp from the beach and at the same time pick up litter.
“They also deter poachers who illegally remove lobster and perlemoen from the sea,” Carnegie said.

Cape Town Routes Unlimited CEO Calvin Gillfillan has endorsed the kelp vuvuzela saying it would certainly catch the eye of many.

He said he was proud that so many people were coming up with innovative ideas for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

“With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to come here, the locals will definitely benefit,” Gillfillan said.

He said that Cape Town was “as ready as can be for the 2010 Fifa World.

“From hospitality to safety and security. Green Point stadium is on track. In fact it will be completed ahead of schedule in mid December,” Gillfillan said.

Green Point stadium is scheduled to host eight games including a semi-final. The South African government has committed more than twenty billion rand to ensuring South Africa is ready to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup. It’s encouraging citizens to find innovative ways of benefiting from the economic opportunities presented by the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

A big benefit of franchises is that they offer business owners a proven business strategy. While many new businesses struggle to develop a viable and profitable business plan, franchises have presumably already demonstrated that they are capable of profitability time and time again.

Granted, you still need to do [...]]]> A Proven Business Strategy

A big benefit of franchises is that they offer business owners a proven business strategy. While many new businesses struggle to develop a viable and profitable business plan, franchises have presumably already demonstrated that they are capable of profitability time and time again.

Granted, you still need to do your own research to confirm the potential of the franchise you ultimately decide to purchase. However, in most cases franchise companies survive on their ability to ensure profitability for their franchisees.

Name Recognition

Franchises also offer business owners the advantage of name recognition. Usually it takes years for startup businesses to establish their brand in the marketplace, and even then there is no guarantee that consumers will recognize them as a leader in their industry. Franchises, however, can potentially provide business owners with instant name recognition. Although this isn’t always the case – especially if the company is new to the area – franchisees frequently experience exponential growth in name recognition as the franchising grows and expands.

Pre-Established Supply Lines

Establishing dependable relationships with suppliers is another challenge new business owners often face. A lack of adequate supplies can cripple your operation’s ability to do business, killing any chance your business has to succeed. Franchises usually offer a reliable avenue for supplies to franchisees. Not only do they have pre-established relationships with suppliers, but many franchisors also sell supplies directly to their franchisees.

Training Programs & Employee Policies

Yet another benefit of franchisees is that franchisors usually provide employee training programs for their franchisees. These training programs equip employees (and franchise owners) to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. This can be a big help for new business owners because company trainers can often offer a more professional training program than the owner could if she were to do it on her own. In addition to training programs, franchisors also provide employee policies and procedures that are critical in keeping the workplace running smoothly.

A Built-In Support System

Finally, franchises provide new business owners with a built-in support system – a safety net to assist them in building a business they can be proud of. This is a particularly important benefit for business owners who have little or no experience in business ownership or business owners who have limited experience in their industry. Before you decide on a specific franchise, talk with the franchisor representative about how much support you can expect to receive after you start doing business. In most cases you’ll find that the franchisor will be willing to help you as much as they are able, every step of the way.

In desert areas, where native and drought-adapted plants thrive, water is a precious commodity.

That’s why rainwater harvesting makes sense.

It makes use of “free” water to irrigate gardens and landscapes. Using this “free” water reduces the stress on surface drinking water [...]]]> Every day, untold billions of gallons of drinking water is used to water landscapes.

In desert areas, where native and drought-adapted plants thrive, water is a precious commodity.

That’s why rainwater harvesting makes sense.

It makes use of “free” water to irrigate gardens and landscapes. Using this “free” water reduces the stress on surface drinking water supplies such as reservoirs and rivers.

It also reduces the use of groundwater from aquifers and other underground supplies.

Other Benefits to Using Rainwater

Generally, the quality of rainwater is very good. Rainwater helps wash accumulated salts, magnesium and calcium carbonate from soil.

It helps reduce water costs and energy costs.

Harvesting rainwater reduces flooding and erosion by holding rainwater on site. If large amounts of rainwater are held in a pervious area, it can percolate into the water table.

What is water harvesting?

Water harvesting is the capture, diversion and storage of rainwater. Harvested rainwater has a variety of uses.

Even where rainfall is scarce, harvesting rainwater can be dramatic.

For instance, rainfall in Santa Fe, New Mexico averages around 13 inches a year. That much water harvested from a 2,000 square foot surface (a roof, perhaps) can amount to over 15,000 gallons a year. That’s over 42 gallons a day. It might not seem much to areas with high annual precipitation, but in the desert, it’s considered bountiful.

But where do you put that much water?

You can store it, or you can use it. Using it immediately is simple – build a raingarden, direct it into berms or swales along hillsides, or into small holding ponds.

However, understand that in most desert areas, low humidity will cause high evaporation rates and water stored in open areas will dissipate quickly.

There are simple storage systems. Rainbarrels, either manufactured for that purpose or recycled receptacles (large plastic food containers are excellent because they have never contained toxic materials). Water from gutters or canales is directed into the containers. Hoses or drip irrigation tubes attached near the bottom take advantage of gravity to carry the water directly to plants.

Larger tanks are also available.

Gutters can be connected to each other in a way that allows water from the entire roof surface to be directed into a single holding tank.

Pumps, mechanical and electric flow valves, sensors and a number of other additions can be added.

Additonally, there are many energy-saving devices, like solar-powered rainwater sensors which guage rainfall and automatically adjust your irrigation systems, solar-powered valves and a whole plethora of other choices.