by jboullion | Dec 16, 2010 | Uncategorized
From an article by Kim Palmer in the Star Tribune, St. Paul, MN:
A doctor’s passion for sustainability inspired him to build what may be the most energy-efficient home in the Midwest.
Dr. Gary Konkol’s new house has lots of cool modern features. But the coolest, most modern thing about it might be the feature it lacks: a furnace.
This will be Konkol’s first winter in the house, but he’s not worried about keeping warm. “I make more energy than I need,” he said. “Even on the coldest, cloudiest day in January, I’ll use the equivalent of two handheld hair dryers.”
His house, which sits on a wooded cul-de-sac in North Hudson, Wis., looks starkly contemporary next to its traditional suburban neighbors. But beneath the surface, it’s truly radical: the first certified passive solar house in Wisconsin and one of fewer than a dozen nationwide.
by jboullion | Dec 7, 2010 | Uncategorized
From Scenic Valley:
Scenic Valley Farms recently installed the first subterranean solar thermal high tunnel at our farm in Readstown. The novel system is designed to significantly extend the growing season while also providing winter protection for blackberries.
The system works by capturing the energy of the sun and releasing it to moderate temperatures. Throughout the day, thermostatically controlled intake fans draw heated air from near the peak of the high tunnel and store the energy below ground in a thermal mass. When supplemental heat is needed to maintain optimal growing conditions, these same fans pull the cooler air through the thermal mass where it is warmed before circulating back into the high tunnel.
Solar thermal heating and cooling systems are a key technology in the SHARE farms being developed by our company. They are also ideal as a standalone technology for high tunnel growers who want to improve the profitability and sustainability of their farms.
The initial system was placed in operation in late November and we have installed temperature data loggers in both a traditional and the solar heated high tunnel to compare the results.
We have also applied for a 1603 grant to offset 30 percent of the installation costs and will be notified within 60 days if our request is approved.
by jboullion | Nov 12, 2010 | Uncategorized
From an article by Nick Paulson in the Stevens Point Journal:
AMHERST — Since 1971, Marguerite Ramlow and her husband, Bob, have renovated their rural property seven miles south of the village of Amherst, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly with every step.
And since they opened Artha Bed and Breakfast almost four years ago, that process has accelerated.
Solar panels provide electricity and heat water. The wood paneling comes from maple trees felled in a windstorm. Even the sheets, towels and cleaning products are organic.
“We want to show people they can live sustainably and be very comfortable,” said Marguerite, who, along with Bob, runs the Artha Sustainable Living Center, which includes the bed and breakfast.
This week, the couple were rewarded for their commitment. Artha, 9784 County Road K, was named honorable mention on a list of the top “eco-elegant” B&Bs by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
The department’s Travel Green program showcases top destinations for ecotourism, and being featured so prominently should be a boon to an already sound business.
“Just having our name out there will make people aware there is a place like this nearby,” Marguerite said.
A blurb by Travel Green describing the center mentioned the renovated farmhouse, solar heat and other information the center offers B&B guests.
“Guests come for the hands-on workshops and retreats on solar water heating, gardening and yoga,” the blurb states.
by jboullion | Oct 20, 2010 | Uncategorized
From a story on WDIO-TV, Duluth, Minnesota:
It may surprise you but 44 states–including Minnesota and Wisconsin—don’t guarantee their residents the right to line dry their laundry. But a Superior lawmaker is making sure his clothesline-using constituents aren’t hung out to dry.
There’s a million different ways Northland residents can enjoy a Sunny sunday, but at Jan Conley’s household perfect weekend weather is reserved for hanging the laundry.
“There’s something iconic about hanging clothes out,” said Jan Conley of Lake Nebagamon. “I think there’s something really nice about it you know you feel good you’re outside you’re hanging clothes you’ve accomplished something and then when you’re done great I washed these clothes and they’re hanging out.”
A movement, dubbed the “Right to Dry” revolution by followers, began some years ago in Oregon, when homeowners’ associations began banning residents from line drying their laundry. Although none of those communities exist here, Representative Nick Milroy wants to protect those rights for his Wisconsin residents before they’re taken away.
“People really cherish their freedom in this country and I think taking away something as simple as allowing people to line dry their clothes is save money save energy it just doesn’t make send to me,” said Wisconsin State Representative, Nick Milroy of Superior.
Conley joined the “Right to Dry” movement a few years ago. She said using a dryer is a waste of energy and she wishes more of her neighbors would let the wind to handle the job.
“It’s a part of America. Its part of who we are,” said Conley.
by jboullion | Oct 13, 2010 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle:
Projects to Create and Retain More Than 1,000 Jobs
PLOVER, GERMANTOWN – Governor Jim Doyle today announced $4.85 million in funding for McCain Foods and TecStar Manufacturing Company to help create and retain more than 1,000 jobs in the state. The funding comes from the State Energy Program (SEP).
“My top priority this year has been to help companies and communities move forward and create good-paying jobs for Wisconsin families,” Governor Doyle said. “With this funding, we will be able to help McCain Foods and TecStar Manufacturing Company expand their businesses and create hundreds of new jobs.”
McCain Foods USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of McCain Foods Limited, an international corporation that is the world’s largest producer of french fries and frozen potatoes, as well as a variety of frozen food products. McCain has been awarded $1.1 million in SEP funding for equipment purchases that will increase the efficiency of the company’s heat recovery capabilities. Specifically, the funding will help the company purchase $2.2 million in new and improved heat exchangers for various parts of their production line. The funding will help McCain in retaining 650 jobs at their Plover location.
Established in 1997, TecStar Manufacturing Company is a plastic injection molding manufacturer and a wholly owned subsidiary of the MGS Manufacturing Group. TecStar has been awarded $3.75 million in SEP funding to build injection molding machines for producing frames for photovoltaic panels. The total project cost is $15 million. With this funding, TecStar, of Germantown, has committed to creating 186 full-time positions in addition to the 170 already employed at the facility.
