Archive for the ‘News’ Category

It’s not just for cars and utilities that manufacturers seek to reach a zero emissions graal. This is also valid on the side of agriculture, and in this case, at the tractors.

Thus, an American manufacturer, a subsidiary of Fiat Group, has presented at Farm Progress Show held from August 31 in Boone, Iowa, its NH ², the electric motor is powered by a tank hydrogen and fuel cell. It develops 106 horsepower and comes with a CVT gearbox transmission in order to operate in silence.

The development of NH ² is the first element of a wider project of own farm where the power supply for vehicles, but also for heating and lighting, would be provided only by “renewables” like the sun , water or waste.

Hi!

This is NOT a nice day for commuting. Gothenburg is suffering from one heck of a downpour, so bad that one could hardly see the ferry down at the harbour, about 100 meters from the office some moments ago… In other words; we got to be be prepared for a wet commute.

OK, am I going to write about the local weather today? Haven’t I got anything better to do?

No, not really

Well, rather I would like to discuss preparations. Commuting without a car takes preparations, like bringing an umbrella and a waterproof jacket.  Mass transit may require you to stand and wait in the rain for some time, so a full rain-proof suit is recommended. Yet, you still see MANY commuters that stand around trying to get into shelter from buildings, bus stops etc.

However, IF you do prepare some, a rainy commute is no problem at all. First of all; umbrellas offer lousy protection, no matter how big they are. I prefer to use a coat (and am really annoyed that I forgot it and brought the umbrella instead…) with a hood, as it offers better protection. Second; the seats are always wet on a day like this, so bring something to sit on during the commute. That is if you don’t like that “my butt is wet” feeling.

One thing that I cant stress enough is how important it is to handle the umbrella well on the transit. Wet and pointy things do not belong in peoples laps, or faces. Keep them on the floor, behind your feet.

A mass transit commute is kind of uninteresting to write about, its mostly common sense. A bike commute during rainstorms is MUCH funnier. Most people aim to drive or take the bus when the weather is like that. But some brave souls bike to work no matter the weather. And they have all kind of nice solutions. Umbrellas are not an option here, even if some brave (?) use them while cycling. However, rain-ponchos and rain-suits ARE. They are even really good. And it is a good investment as a good raincoat with matching trousers and a pair of rubber boots may always come in handy for dirty jobs around the house anyway.

But you also have to protect the bike from rust and/or frozen locks and gears. There are many anti-rust appliances out there, and some are even environment-compensated. That and some lock oil should always be close at hand for a bike commuter, as they help keeping the bike in good condition. Something to protect the saddle is also recommended. You can buy all kinds of fancy stuff for that purpose, but I simply use a plastic bag from the grocery store. After all, you have to get some use from it after bringing it home… And this is the most common method that I know of. Why buy something expensive when that useless bag is close by.

Another thing to think about is were you park the bike in this kind of weather… Indoor or under a roof is definitely preferable. Captain obvious strikes again

And remember to be careful in traffic. YOU have bad visuals when it rains, and drivers definitely have it too. Accidents can always happen, but with wet and slippery roads and bad visuals the risk is increased. Take it easy and be careful! And remember that a little rain is no reason to stop to Commute Greener!

That’s it for today! You have other tips and tricks for a safe and dry commute? Share them with us on facebook. We love to hear from you!

I’m off to write a rapport.

Fredrik

Hi!

You know, the big environmental conferences have other focuses then just the climate. Sure, CO2, climate change (I still refuse to use the term Global Warming) oil, fossil fuels etc are at the top of the agenda. But biodiversity is getting its share of spotlight too. And this is kind of important, even if many people don’t make the connection. Climate change is a threat to the biodiversity of our world, but so is our land use and exploiting of nature.

Corporations often get a lot of flack for not caring about the environment. But many do. They would be stupid otherwise. And they’re not stupid; if they were they wouldn’t be in business. There are many companies that don’t care though. It is sad, but expected.

What surprised me is that many companies also care about biodiversity, ie the diversity of species. It might be because there are many new products to be developed because of said diversity. And because having a green profile give new business opportunities. But the number of companies that care is what is most surprising. A (not so) new McKinsey Global Survey shows that more than 55 % of the respondents say that biodiversity should be in the top ten important items on the corporate agenda. And more then half of the respondents is doing something for biodiversity. Over all it  is still a down prioritised issue, well under climate change and human rights.

I find this interesting. It is easy to get sceptical about corporate environmental responsibility, and you should always be. Greenwashing is a problem after all, and it seems like the oil-industry still don’t want to join in the effort of reducing CO2. At least in USA. And the sceptism is a good thing as it keeps the guys in suits on their toes.

In many countries there are rules that require environmental protection and responsibility from companies, so it is good that an eco friendly attitude pays of. I mean otherwise they would only have the whip, but no carrot. Now they can munch on new opportunities while striking a blow for the environment.

And as for biodiversity, it is an important issue. Look at what modern farming has made with our crops. Pesticides are used because the crops have no other means to defend themselves, and if a parasite survives it can ruin whole crops. And if one key species get wiped out, the whole ecosystem will be affected.

Corporations should show their environmental actions more openly. That would be good PR, if nothing else, as well as giving the employees something to be proud of. Look at Volvo, with all its environmental projects. Putting the environment on the agenda is one thing, but as long as people feel that they stand against an industry that doesn’t care or actively work against action, and governments that only talk, why should they feel the need to change. And it is a hint to the politicians, something that is always welcome. Of course, this is my opinions. But I do think that communication is very important in these issues, and both the industry and the scientific community need to get better at that!

Well, that’s it for today. Take a look at our other media pages, like facebook and twitter. And don’t forget youtube.

I’m off

Fredrik

Hi guys!

You know, we are quite focussed on environmental factors here at Commute Greener!. Or at least I am. I tend to block out other (not so) small factors like health and money. Yes, I am an environmental nerd:-). I guess it is my interest in science that does it. But lately, we have been discussing health benefits more and more at the office. This has always been a focus of Commute Greener!, but CO2 measurements and reductions has had a higher priority… But the health benefits really adds up! A short example: a 30 minutes bike commute equals 60 minutes exercise (to and from work). Do this some times per week and you have a good amount of exercise, probably loose weight and gain a lot of stamina, without going to the gym.

I found this blog through the bike commute tips blogs facebook page. Well worth a read. Apparently, the states in USA with highest obesity factor have the least zero emission commuters, and vise versa. Now, a blog post is not scientific data, and should always be taken with a grain of salt. But that post is based on the yearly Gallup health survey, and it paint a grim picture. People are getting heavier, and exercise less. Heart problem and high cholesterol are running rampart. Not exactly a good development. I won’t say anything about Europe or the rest of the world as I don’t have the corresponding numbers, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the trend is somewhat the same. And I mean, look at this:

Something has to be done. This epidemic is related to travel and eating habits. These factors are not the only one of course, but they are the most obvious.  Loads of sugar and fat, hamburgers, fries, soft drinks, you name it. Add poor exercise habits to that, and a habit of driving everywhere, and you get this situation. The whole western world need to change attitude. I know, I sound like a broken gramophone now. Somehow, this get into every entry. But it is true. As stated above, taking the bike to work, or walk, is good for you. Even public transportation is better for the health then driving as the walk to the station adds up. This is a factor that is just as important as carbon emissions when talking about a greener commute.

And it is possible to change habits to a healthier commute. We can take an example from the real world. As I have written some weeks back, the city of Gothenburg have used Commute Greener!. On the departments that have done best, the amount of zero emission kilometres are high. Together the departments (or teams) have saved over a ton of CO2, and collected enough zero emission kilometres as a trip to Shanghai… And this in only ten weeks. A very good job indeed.

Well, that’s it for today. Give us a like at facebook, and follow us on twitter for news, interesting articles and comments on environmental issues.

I’m off

Fredrik

Hi!

I’m both exiting and sceptical today… The whole “green” community on the Internet seems to be talking about the new Chinese commute option. Or I should say possible future option. It is a bus that should be able to take  1400 commuters, without disturbing the regular traffic. The “bus” is hollow, letting cars drive under it while it drive along rail or painted support lines. Now this is one heck of an idea. This hulking monster is supposed to run of electricity and solar power too, with minimal disturbance to regular traffic. It sounds to good to be true, right? Well, maybe, buses in Shanghai and several cities run of electricity so it may be possible. There are still some major logistic problems to sort out, even when all the engineering is done but the Chinese are resourceful.They may pull this one off.

The most exiting thing about this project, in my opinion, is that it may cut the car traffic by 30 %. That is a lot of CO2, which is even more important in a growing economy like China were more and more are getting a car. It is also an interesting example of looking outside the box, even if the basic idea isn’t new (if you are going to trust rumours and blog comments… I have never heard of it before). I have written several times about the importance of good options and infrastructure for commuters. Sometimes driving is the only option, but this monster may make it possible for massive amounts of people to choose to let the car rest. Options can lead to curiosity, and humans are curious by nature.

Another good thing with this project is that it have opened up debate on the internet. I am not much for spectacle, but this kind of thing draws so much attention that people may start to look at their own city, and their own options. That in turn may well lead to a political debate about alternative or better public transportation. That is of course speculation.

This kind of project can’t be easy to implement. Chinese cities have such a vast amount of commuters so this kind of solution make sense. Could a smaller version be used in the west? Would it be needed here? It is too soon to say, in my opinion. But this project is exciting.

/

I’m off

Fredrik

Hi guys! We’re back and ready to roll again.

You know, I have written a lot about attitudes. And today that will be the subject, but on a different level. Corporations are often getting flack for not caring about the environment. BP-oil is an obvious example but several others are accused all to often. Granted, sometimes it is correct. And a lot of greenwashing is going on. But many corporations are actually very aware that they are part of the problem, and are trying to be part of the solution as well. The world market now includes thousands of companies that have an ISO 14001 or EMAS certification (EU only). The Asian market is getting there as well.  ISO 14001 and EMAS  are standards for environmental managements, and the certification mean that the companies environmental management systems follow the international standard of ISO and EU. The certificate is granted by accredited audit firms to ensure that the certification process is unbiased. Thousands of companies get a certification every year, and the awareness and understanding of environmental problems are spreading.

But, you ask, is this not purely done for marketing and PR? Well, partly. It is always good to be seen as caring and responsible to the public. And communication of environmental work is actually a requirement in both standards. But it is also a way to become more effective, and can save money. For some companies, this is enough. Others do it mostly to do their part. But the point is that due to the unbiased audits, whatever reason you have for implementing a standard for environmental management, the environmental work will have a high lowest ambition. And that so many companies and corporations are getting certified shows a trend toward higher awareness.

Let’s make an example; Volvo Group has done many things for the environment. The three-way catalytic converter, several technical innovations, environmentally friendly server halls and environmental management systems are just some of it. And lets not forget Commute Greener! The latest achievement is a new facility in Shippensburg, North America. This is a good example of well thought out goals and plans for sustainability from an early point in the project. The factory is large, and built for sustainable production with good conditions for the employees. Recycling and Volvo Groups own emaballage system were implemented, as well as several other smaller environmentally friendly practises, and education for all the employees. To quote Chris Stone, director of industrial support and project in Shippensburg, in the press release; “For Volvo CE the most important aspect of environmental care is the promotion of eco-friendly practices – both at work and at home,”

During the build phase they even went so far as to plan for the Carpools, bike-racks and preferred parking for low emission vehicles that were implemented.

This is something more companies should take after. Planing for a more eco-friendly commute, and providing the means to take the bike or bus to work have the benefit of healthier employees and less environmental impact from the company. The small things count, and they add up. Recycling in the cafeteria, turning the light and computer off when leaving, taking the bus instead of the car one day/week are small changes, but when many people do it, the environmental impact can be reduced a lot.  And as long as the cost is low and the work efficiency doesn’t suffer, many directors and managers don’t mind doing some environmental work. Small changes go a long way. Like starting to Commute Greener!

That is it for today! Feel free to drop a line here or at facebook, and be sure to follow us on twitter.

I’m out

/Fredrik

Teams Championship Formula 1 launched an ambitious program to reduce their carbon emissions. Measures applicable both on and off the track.

Formula 1 environment can sometimes mix. FOTA, the association of all the F1 teams, is to mandate Trucost, an organization dedicated to research and environmental analysis. This collaboration aims to reduce championship emissions of carbon dioxide significantly.

New measures should target the supply of raw materials and logistics organization. Contrary to popular belief, the activity of cars on the track only reject a small proportion of total CO ² rejected in a world championship. It would also introduce the use of engines more efficient in energy terms.

Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren boss and FOTA, said “it has been possible to reduce total rejections of CO ² in Formula 1.” The reduction target is 12.4% for next year. Less than the average target of Commute Greener! users

Hi everyone!

This Monday, I went of on a rant about transportation, campaigns and some other stuff. Today, I red an article at grist.org. It is about the rather pessimistic tone the environmental debate have taken in USA, were the “left” wing present ideas to solve environmental problems and the right wing shoots them down, in the name of the market. This is a very simplified picture of course. And I am sure it isn’t totally like this in USA.

But it does raise a couple of new questions that I have touched before. The government need to understand that the car isn’t sacred, and that mass transit actually is a good thing. The car isn’t sacred, as the Michael Linds article that the Grist article was based on seems to assume. It is true that rich countries have a higher density of cars, as people can afford them. Does that mean that public transportation isn’t an option in the future, especially in urban areas? And the reason many drive to work from the suburbs is 1) habit and 2) lack  of descent mass transit systems. So when new suburbs are built, make sure there are bus-lines! Trains may be expensive, but buses use the same infrastructure as the rest of the traffic. This is how it is done in Sweden, at least in cities that think ahead.

Michael Lind is right on one thing though… Asphalt may not be exciting, but new and low particle emitting asphalt is something to pay out for. It reduces wear and tear on the road, noise, particles and lowers fuel consumption, and thereby CO2 and NOx…
But the bottom line is that there have to be an attitude shift. I have said that before, haven’t I. Both from the politicians point of view and from the people. I am not talking about USA here, but in general. While the European governments are less conservative and are more keen on discussing CO2, there is still to much discussion and to little action. And climate denialists and traditionalists exist here to. The difference is that religion is less of an issue in the politic game in Europe and the climate model is the norm. I am not going to harp about religion being bad, because in itself there is nothing wrong with being religious. Hiding behind it or using the argument “god wants it” is a bit medieval though, right?

Ok, I got sidetracked again… Sorry. Attitude shifts… I really think that the conservative wing, regardless of continent view environmentalists as smug, self righteous, smug hippies. And there are many of them around. You know who you are! Many seems to hate cars, or even development. But is this how most people who work with environmental issues are. Is this how most interested persons out there are? Once again, to much focus is placed in the wrong places. Get serious and see opportunities instead of sticking the head in the sand. So much could be done for the environment if one started to look for opportunities. Wind and solar power and publit transportation are some of those opportunities. In Europe, they have expanded. Why haven’t they in North America? With the oil-spill, declining amount of fossil fuels, climate change, thinning glaciers and disturbed weather, it is time to open our eyes!

Well, I’m off. I have some statistics to finish. Have a nice one, and remember to follow us on facebook and twitter, and to Commute Greener!

/

Fredrik

Hi!

Yesterday’s entry had a serious tone and a very serious subject, so let’s lighten up the mood with a user story. A story about changing habits. While not all of this users success can be attributed to Commute Greener!, it helped along the way.

Jan Arvidsson at Gothenburg City Biskopsgården is called the 100 % man by his colleges. Biskopsgarden, a part of Gothenburg, have been using Commute Greener! for two months now. As a whole, the 750 employees have reduced their emissions from commuting by about 10 %. The different branches of the administration, ranging from schools and daycare to the social office and clinics have competed in saved CO2. It is always fun to look at the statistics from the different departments. They are doing really well.

Jan used to be a habitual driver, ie. he drove out of habit. Nothing special or unusual with that. When they started using Commute Greener!  and a bicycle initiative at work he made a commitment. Switch from driving to bike commute.

Jan Arvidsson a windy day at Orust

Jan have stood by his word to a 100%. He seldom use the car nowadays, and only for long distance meetings. If he have to drive he leaves the car at home on his way back, opting for the bike the rest of the way. He states that changing habits aren’t hard, but one must make a commitment and show some dedication. It takes some preparation and afterthought and planning after all. Rainproof clothes and a change of clothes  are good to have at the office on hot or rainy days. Commuting by bicycle does require a bit more time to. The fact that Gothenburg is a good city for cycling with lots of bicycle lanes, scenery and few real hills certainly helps.

As a result of the change of habits, Jan states that he feel healthier, have gained some stamina and that he get to enjoy the scenery more then when he drove. He even use the bike on weekends for errands most of the time.  Now that is commitment!

The question is if this change had come to if the whole organisation hadn’t started to use Commute Greener!, as a starting point if nothing else.  There have of course been discussions, some groaning and complaints. But as a whole the organisation have adopted a positive attitude. Jan’s colleges have been supportive, and try to change their habits as well. They now call him the 100% man, and while we spoke Jan took the opportunity to point out that I am not exactly a good example for Commute Greener! since I don’t commute by bike regularly. I suppose he is right as I only live 5,5 km from work. I don’t have an excuse not to cycle other then loving the half an hour of reading on the way home.

As you all can see, even a habitual driver can change habits. Anyone can. The only thing you need is some commitment, a stubborn attitude and plan the day a bit. I guess I will have to get my bike out to. It’s time to walk the talk.

That’s all for today. Have a nice one

I’m off

Fredrik

Hello.

Today’s entry will have a more serious tone then yesterdays. Once again, I had something else planned but got sidetracked. Through one of our followers on twitter, I came across this article. I promised myself not to delve into the oil-spill, but here I go. The article is about the BP oil spill, and what have to be done to reduce the effects. The author makes a good case about what he thinks  must be done. For all of you that don’t have time to read a full article, here is the short version: The gulf oil-spill is causing a shortage of oil in USA. Instead of trying to remedy that with short term oil imports there have to be long term changes in attitudes from drivers and government. Public transportation needs to be spruced up, and bicycle lanes need to be better planned and constructed. And a total of 20% of reduction of driving is required.

Commute Greener! is all about reducing needless driving and promoting use of public transportation and bicycle lanes. 20% reductions of driving sounds harsh, but statistics from users show that IT IS possible. But many reductions pre-suppose the existence of well planned and proportioned public transportation network, as well as bicycle lanes. The main part that struck me in the article was how different views Americans have compared to the situation for me on this side of the pond. The car is holy, taxes are bad and a tax on gasoline is sacrilege. And petrol is dirt cheep. I have of course known this for a long time but never really considered the problems of trying to change the citizens’ habits.

When I look at this article and the environmental debate in USA from an outsider’s perspective, I see a need for stronger regulations and environmental taxes. I come from Sweden however, and that is what is normal for me. The problem of excessive driving is very much an economical issue as well as one based on attitudes. People are afraid of change. And as long as it is cheep to take the car, why take the bus. As long as the gasoline is somewhat expensive, they may consider different options. The problem here is that interest groups of habitual drivers always get so much attention in the debate. While I understand the need for a car, driving five miles to work is not a sustainable way of commuting. But if you never have taken the bus and have heard all kinds of bad things about it, or never rode the bike in town, would you really dare to try? 

There has to be a change of attitudes from the top to stimulate the public transportation system. At the same time I am a huge advocate of grassroot action, but for something as big as this, will also need governments to take actions as well. California’s “new” Assembly Bill 32 may bring an interesting and inspiring change in 2011. Only time will tell.

What I wrote yesterday about that there is a demand for bicycle lanes that is very important. If you like to use the bike you will have to demand proper and safe roads from the politicians. If the public transportation system is under-dimensioned and slow, get active. The politicians don’t know if they should act if no one tells them. After all, they are there to serve you, the voters. I do understand that there are many of them who don’t care about the environment, and think that climate change is a hoax, but they will think about the election. The same is true for a better public transportation system.

Most of what I have written today is aimed at USA but is true in other parts of the world as well. Canada, UK, China, Japan, Sweden, it doesn’t matter which country; CO₂ emissions must be reduced. Building functioning and environmental friendly commute systems are a crucial factor in changing the habits of commuters. We can’t reduce the dependence on oil, and the following environmental problems, without changing habits. And then we are back were we started.

Well, I think I have ranted enough for today. Feel free to comment, and give tips about how to change people’s habits. Good ones will be quoted in a later entry. And remember to follow us on twitter and facebook. And Commute Greener!

/

Fredrik