The United States produces 30 million tons of plastic each year, manufactured with 165 million barrels of crude oil. Today, an innovative, new technology has the ability to reverse the process of transforming oil to plastic by reusing plastic’s by products. More

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-ConditioningEngineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) recently selected James L. Newman, CEM, LEED AP, OPMP, FESD as a Distinguished Lecturer. The ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer program provides ASHRAE chapters, student branches, and other organizations with lecturers equipped to speak on relevant subjects of interest of ASHRAE members and guests. This is a prestigious honor to those selected, and a way to give back to the construction and engineering community.More

The City of Detroit has recently introduced a new ordinance that will challenge and encourage new green practices to help improve the city. More

Saint Clair Shores, Michigan– What does a “Green” City look like? When people in Michigan think of Green Cities they may think of Ann Arbor, Rochester, or Traverse City, maybe not Saint Clair Shores. However, there’s a network of individuals and organizations in the City that are working to change that. That is why Saint Clair Shores will host its first Green Fair in the Park at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.More

The world’s largest solar-powered boat was recently launched in northern Germany. The Türanor — “power of the sun” — is a 100-foot catamaran topped by high-efficiency photovoltaic panels that cover the majority of its surface. Additional panels are attached to outriggers on its starboard, port and stern sections, which can be retracted in stormy weather. The solar energy, which is stored in a lithium ion battery — considered the largest in the world — powers the vessel’s silent, pollution-free electric motor.More

On Tuesday, August 3, 2010, the third seminar in the Oakland County Sustainable Community seminar series was held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., in the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center – East Oakland Room.  More

Natural gas furnaces and hot water heaters have been added to the State of Michigan appliance rebate program effective August 1.  Purchases prior to that date will not be eligible.  The rebate for a 95% AFUE natural gas furnace will be $500.  The rebate for a 95% AFUE natural gas furnace with an ECM (electronically commutated motor) will be $650.  The rebates for natural gas hot water heaters (storage EF>=.67; tankless EF>=.82) will be $300.  State rebates are available until the dollars run out.  Federal tax credits end December 31.  This is a good time to upgrade your natural gas, propane, or oil furnace.  Go to www.michrebate.com or 1-888-642-4674. More