Create. You can submit your idea or solution (preferably a video) around our questions about climate and energy challenges.
Vote. Help us choose the best ideas by rating their viability or discuss the ideas submitted by others. Get the FAQs.
Make it. Your ratings and comment help us decide which ideas are featured on our PBS TV Special. Learn how to make a video.
ActivismAdaptationAgricultureAlgaeArchitectureArtBikingBiofuelsBiomimicryBusinessCampus SustainabilityClean Tech
Climate ChangeEconomicsEducationEfficiencyElectric CarsEnergy StorageEngineeringEPA P3GeothermalGreen BuildingGreen CitiesGreen CommunitiesGreen Living
Topic Page: Efficiency
Can you really “do more with less?” Sure thing. PF Members tell you how here. Have an idea in Efficiency? Tell us
Related Categories : | Business | Clean Tech | Electric Cars | Engineering | Science |
Featured Ideas
Webisodes Related to Efficiency
Monitor Power Usage With Smart Meters
Did you know that the cost of using electricity changes throughout the day? A business in New York shows us how smart meters can help us save money and energy.
Beer as a Model for Sustainable Business
THIS WEEK: Holy cow! This week Planet Forward got up close and personal with some Virginia livestock. DC Brau, the first local brewery in D.C. feeds their organic waste to livestock in the Virginia area. Take a look!
How does YouTube Consumption Affect the Environment?
THIS WEEK: Have you ever wondered ‘What’s something I do everyday that impacts the environment and I don’t even know it?’ #Thinkfwd student Charles Pulliam-Moore sheds light on an idea you might never have thought of: how green is YouTube?
Solar Decathlon – Tennessee’s on Top
Viewers voted and TENNESSEE is on top in the race for the Solar Decathlon! Check out the Tennessee team’s use of solar energy, insulated windows and a remote control iPad. Ask expert Bill Worthen what HIS thoughts are on the Tennessee team’s Living Light House.
WATCH!
Energy Pimp Your SUV – Make it More Cost-Effective than a Prius
In this week’s webisode, we take a look at a video submitted to us by Sewanee’s Eco-Auto Club. The students set out to take a 1998 Ford Explorer with 231,000 miles and transform it into a more energy efficient “Eco Explorer” vehicle. Would you do this to YOUR car? WATCH!
Energy Secretary Bill Nye?
Planet Forward met up with Bill Nye at the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards last week. See the first item on his #EnergyToDo list. Tell us yours on twitter. (@Planet_Forward)
Energy Freedom Fries: Is this Cooking Oil Powered Speed Car the Missing Ingredient in the Energy Mix?
Planet Forward member Dan Gray shares an innovation that goes from the fryer to the racetrack. Do you think this idea can be supersized? Watch>>
Top Online Vote Getters – Who Did YOU Choose?
Your viability ratings helped up select 22 nominees, then your votes determined the top three online vote getters. These three pieces made the cut and will be on our April PBS prime time special. Check them out…
Can Bacteria be our Energy Solution?
Students at Arizona State University are researching how to harness the power of the sun to create energy. Their solution goes back to the basics. Do you think it will shape our energy future?
The Phantom of the Outlet
Students at the University of Nebraska are developing technology to combat vampire energy and we want to know if you think it’s a good idea. What are your thoughts on these smart houses?
Rolling out the Red Carpet: First Up, Solar Leasing
Planet Forward is gearing up for the April 2011 PBS special. Take a look at one nominee and find out how you can weigh in on the idea and have your comment appear on national television
New Technology Updates Public Transportation
Erin Parsons and Lexi Combs, Planet Forward members and students at Ole Miss, share an innovation that is making bussing around Mississippi the hot new trend
Solar Artist Sculpts with Renewables
Environmental artist Rein Triefeldt calls on more than just stone to make his sculptures. In this week’s webisode, we look at his innovative way of making solar beautiful. Sorry Garden Gnome, these front lawn ornaments aren’t just pretty decoration, they produce energy too. Watch>>
The Rink of Fire
The Rockville Maryland Ice Arena is powering almost a third of its energy use from the sun. In this week’s webisode, Planet Forward features a video that explains how.
Ditch the Peanuts, Pack with Shrooms
In this week’s webisode, Planet Forward host Frank Sesno skypes with Eben Bayer, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecovative Design about the company’s sustainable product that is replacing styrofoam packaging material and home insulation. Watch>>
Energy Insider Answers: What Happens Now?
In part 2 of this week’s webisode, Planet Forward host Frank Sesno sits down with President of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and former Democratic Congressman Dave McCurdy (D-OK) about Tuesday’s results and the future of energy policy. Watch>>
Ogden’s Green City on a Hill
Planet Forward hosted a LIVE event during the White House’s GreenGov Symposium, a conference focused on making all levels of government more sustainable. In this week’s webisode, the U.S. General Services Administration shows how restoring a building can change a city, even if it means moving some bats! Click on the video to learn what …Read More…
Sandia Labs Aces Solar Golf Carts
Planet Forward hosted a LIVE event during the White House’s GreenGov Symposium, a conference focused on making all levels of government more sustainable. In this segment, Sandia National Laboratories shows the potential of how a little change can go a long way. In webisode 215, we see how and learn what our esteemed panel (Laura …Read More…
Waiting for the Sun…to Pay Off
On the one hand, it’s a positive sign for renewable fans… a small family business making a go of it in solar and wind power. This Long Island family has been installing small-scale solar and wind energy packages in back yards, reducing homeowner’s electricity bills to almost zero. But, on the other hand, it illustrates …Read More…
Ding!: Bright Ideas for Energy Efficiency
Planet Forward is kicking off our conversation on energy efficiency. View what others are doing to change how we use or generate energy and then submit your own innovation.
An Electrifying Vision: 20 Million Plug-in Hybrids on the Roads in 5 Years
Planet Forward host Frank Sesno talks with Commissioner Mark Spitzer, of the Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission about how the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico may finally lead to commercialization of plug-in hybrids.
Business + Stealth Greening = Fail
Planet Forward host, Frank Sesno, talks with George Washington University business professor and Planet Forward member, Mark Starik, about what businesses can and should do to reduce their carbon footprint.
Tom Friedman Takes Your Questions
Planet Forward host Frank Sesno asks NYT columnist Tom Friedman questions submitted by the Planet Forward community. Part II coming next week.
Van Jones on Obama’s Fuel Efficiency Standards
Part 3 of a 3 part series See Part 1: Van Jones on Community Solar and Wind Energy See Part 2: Van Jones on What Individuals Can Do to Increase Efficiency Former green jobs adviser to the White House and founder of environmental justice group, Green For All, Van Jones joins Planet Forward’s Frank Sesno in …Read More…
Van Jones on What Individuals Can Do to Increase Efficiency
Part 2 of a 3 part series: See Part 1: Van Jones on Community Solar and Wind Energy See Part 3: Van Jones on Obama’s Fuel Efficiency Standards Former green jobs adviser to the White House and founder of environmental justice group, Green For All, Van Jones joins Planet Forward’s Frank Sesno in a discussion …Read More…
Van Jones on Community Solar and Wind Energy
Part 1 of a 3 part series See Part 2: Van Jones on What Individuals Can Do to Increase Efficiency See Part 3: Van Jones on Obama’s Fuel Efficiency Standards Former green jobs adviser to the White House and founder of environmental justice group, Green For All, Van Jones joins Planet Forward’s Frank Sesno in a …Read More…
Planet Forward: Our Energy Future
Our first TV special focused on great ideas from you, our members, about how we as a country should approach our energy future. Originally broadcast on April 15, 2009 on PBS.
Your (Grand)Parent’s Grid or a Smart Grid? From the National Renewable Energy Labs
It’s almost as universal to our lives as air, but how many of us really know where our electricity comes from or how it gets to our homes? Is our energy infrastructure up to the 21st consumer’s demands? Is it really worth the investment to upgrade. Some 30 percent of the grid is 40 to …Read More…
What’s at Stake in Copenhagen? An Interview with Mike Tidwell, CCAN
Planet Forward host Frank Sesno interviews Mike Tidwell, head of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, via Skype from Copenhagen. Hear why the best thing we can do for the environment might be to stop ‘going green.’
TV Segments Related to Efficiency
Demand Response: Enernoc Applies Social Media Tech to the Power Grid
Social networks have the power to link cultures across continents. See how energy demand response companies, such as Enernoc, wired their networks to fend off this summer’s heat waves, which scorched communities from New York to Texas.
Home Energy Saving Device
Can researchers find an easy button that will get Americans to save energy? Some experts say we waste 40% of our energy in our homes. Could this be the gigantic energy reserve, hidden right under our doorsteps, that we need?
Planet Forward on Nightly Business Report: Innovation at one of New York’s Iconic Structures
How many windows are in the Empire State Building? Watch our Nightly Business Report segment to find out and learn about the building’s innovation retrofit.
Leasing the Sun: An Innovative Business Model from Sungevity
Last month we test drove Nissan’s Leaf…this month, we show you one way you may be able to afford solar panels with zero upfront costs. Check out our piece on PBS’s Nightly Business Report and let us know what you think of Planet Forward member Danny Kennedy’s business model.
Behind the Scenes: Planet Forward’s New NBR Segment
This Thursday, Planet Forward member Danny Kennedy, will show you his idea on PBS’s Nightly Business Report. Check out this behind the scenes reel from our NBR shoots and don’t forget to set your DVRs to record Nightly Business Report this Thursday.
Articles From the Blog Related to Efficiency
Aloha Alternative Energy
In the past week I was lucky enough to be asked to travel to Hawaii with a good friend of mine over spring break. It was my first trip to Hawaii and I was unsure of what was to come—I knew there would be beaches, surf and sun but what surprised me most when I …Read More…
One Small Button for Man, One Giant Leap for Data Access
15 million Americans to start getting easy access to their energy data. What does this mean for green building? USGBC explains.
Help this New England Church Become More Efficient
Recently, a Planet Forward member emailed me to ask how her church should become more energy efficient, especially considering their tight budget. I’m opening up the question to you, our community of experts.
Energy Management is a Global Issue
By Sayre Evan Swarztrauber There are many lessons that we have and haven’t learned from the economic calamities wrought by the 2008 collapse of the housing market. But one truth about the 21st century was made clear: we, as people of the world, are interconnected. Economies depend on one another more than ever as nations …Read More…
On Houses and Homes: Top 5 Stories Behind Solar Decathlon Entries
We build houses, but it’s the living in a house that makes it a home. Every home — even your home — has a history that represents who lived there and how they lived. The same goes for the houses in Solar Decathlon. While they’re lauded for their innovation, they also use their region’s rich …Read More…
A Window Into Efficiency
Every year, I spend countless hours putting those plastic sheets over my windows for insulation. The bigger the window, the bigger the pane in the glass, the more time I spend and the more energy I lose to the winter. We often neglect insulation when it comes to energy expenditures because it only lowers heating …Read More…
What’s Next in Green Building?
Do you have an idea for the next big innovation in green building? If you submit a video that tells your story in one minute or less, you could find it on display at the world’s largest green building expo. In 1891, Clarence Kemp, a Baltimore-based entrepreneur that sold home heating equipment, came up with …Read More…
Race for the Green Flag: 5 Auto Innovations to Sustain Our Planet
5. Is Nissan’s Leaf Too Sexy for Your Pocketbook? Tradition is sacred in the sport of auto racing. In the field of innovation, it’s a practical joke. Wireless refueling, EPA approval, and no tailpipe. These features separated the Nissan Leaf from its predecessors in the electric car business, and prompted 16,000 reservations of the vehicle …Read More…
5 Ideas for When You Turn Out the Lights
The clock ran out in Congress last week on a bill to repeal energy-efficient light bulb standards. Cue the giant, energy-devouring, glass ball above Time Square. It’s time to celebrate! We’re counting down five of Planet Forward’s best ideas about efficiency. Discover which innovations will brighten our energy future, then tell us about the radiant …Read More…
President Obama calls for Electric Vehicles and Clean Energy in his State of the Union Address
During his State of the Union address, President Obama set a new goal: by 2035, 80 percent of America’s electricity will come from clean energy sources.
Watch
Energy Innovations at a Big Apple Icon
Planet Forward and PBS explore how the Empire State Building is greening its giant footprint.
“Green is so 2008…”
Serious Materials CEO Kevin Surace says, “Green is so 2008.” After interviewing him, along with an energy expert, a green tech consultant, and a BBC producer, I’m beginning to think that’s right. Green for green’s sake may be history. Do you remember 2008? Global Warming was so hot back then. Now in 2010 over 41% …Read More…
Baby, it’s cold outside!
The weather outside is finally changing. Everyone is donning their puffy winter jackets. One thing everyone does during the winter is try to make themselves comfortable with the frigid temperatures outside. Here are five elements that you can look at in your home that will keep you, your family and your wallets comfortable. Heating – …Read More…
Seattle Prioritizes Green Building
The City of Seattle recently announced Priority Green, a new program that provides incentives for and prioritizes green construction projects. This program, says the city, will promote and facilitate green innovation, design, and efficiency The city breaks its program, announced by the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, into three categories, Expedited, Facilitated, and Tools. …Read More…
Empire State of Energy
The iconic Empire State Building just took a gigantic green leap with building renovations that do more than scrape the surface of energy efficiency. You’ve seen the benefits of weatherization, but New York City’s trademark skyscraper takes it to a whole new level. (104 levels up to be precise.) The Empire State building has successfully …Read More…
Viva Green Vegas!
Las Vegas is considered a city of excess, with its neon lights, massive buffets, and perhaps too many Elvis impersonators. Lately, Vegas hotels and casinos are keen on a new green trend. For example, the awe-inspiring CityCenter conglomerate with the world’s first green fleet of stretch limousines and energy-efficient slot machines. The 18-million square feet …Read More…
Solar Energy Overflow in Germany
Wait…too much solar energy? These are words I thought I would never hear but as with anything in life, too much of a good thing always spells bad news. According to Stephan Kohler, chairman of the German Energy Agency (DENA), there is too much solar energy flowing into the country’s aging energy grid and it …Read More…
Ten Outrageously Easy Ways to Be Green
I will openly admit that I am not a treehugger. I’m not a vegetarian, I don’t watch those PETA videos about animal cruelty, and I certainly would not consider myself the most energy efficient student on the block. Don’t hate me just yet. I like to think of myself as the leading example for all …Read More…
Bundle Up the Savings!
Bundle up! It’s getting cold out there, which reminds us of all that fall fun that comes with the changing weather. Colorful scarf’s, your favorite pea coat, brisk walks, hot coco and higher energy bills! Ok, so maybe your not really looking forward to that last one, but unfortunately it’s a bitter cold reality. In …Read More…
Believe it or not, climate doesn’t vote
Next week’s elections might affect climate and energy conservation less than you might think. Although politico says that it will be difficult for GOP candidates to succeed unless they are climate change deniers, evidence suggests that stance may not be so important in terms of protecting the environment if you approach it for the right reasons. …Read More…
A Crash Course in Energy Efficiency
What does it mean to be energy efficient? Well, according to the Alliance to Save Energy, all it means is doing more with less energy. It seems simple enough, doesn’t it? I figured why not show some informational videos, movements and facts about energy efficiency in homes and businesses. In September, the Environmental and Energy …Read More…
Set your sights on solar!
By Miranda Green The increase of solar panel installations seems to be increasing. This can be seen on the local, national and international levels. And there is good reason for it. Solar panels not only offset carbon fuel emissions but they can save and sometimes earn you money! The increase of solar panels internationally can …Read More…
Can’t stand the heat? Get insulation!
Think turning down the AC is the only way to decrease energy use for heating and cooling in your home? Think again. According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for 56% of the energy usage in your home. You can change this. You don’t have to get rid of your heater or …Read More…
NGV’s: an ‘ethanol’-like boondoggle?
Despite all the green washing out there (and there is lots of it, lets be clear), corn-based ethanol is far from a panacea in terms of reducing America’s dependence on imported oil, dependency on fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gases and representing a good investment for the taxpayer. While supporting corn ethanol is, it seems, great …Read More…
No Pain, No Power
Going to the gym and using a treadmill is part of many people’s daily routines. Most focus on the results they will get after their exercise, but many don’t realize the amount of electricity they are using to get to their goal weight. However, with self-powered gyms people won’t waste energy–they will create it. Human-powered …Read More…
Human hamsters generate gym power
Want to shrink your waistline while shrinking your carbon footprint? To capitalize on your calorie-burning workouts, fitness centers worldwide are now harnessing human power to generate electricity for exercise equipment. Green machines capture the kinetic energy of gym goers and use it to power other equipment – like stereo systems, lighting, TV sets or the …Read More…
Planet Forward on TV this week
This week Planet Forward will air its first segment for Nightly Business Report on PBS. The segment, the first in a monthly series, focuses on the Nissan Leaf, an all-new 100% electric car, and will feature an in-studio appearance from our host Frank Sesno. Daniel Gray of MPGomatic showed us the Nissan Leaf earlier this …Read More…
Are You Sealing and Saving?
I had never heard about energy audits before I shot a piece on Pascal Maslin, a local Washington, D.C. energy efficiency expert. Much less did I know that the single biggest contributor to inefficient homes is not insulation or appliances rather insufficient sealing. Now that may or may not come as a surprise but Pascal’s …Read More…
“Stuff” Abuse: You’re addicted, and the Environment is paying for it.
Mother Nature has a bone to pick with your “stuff.” Since you were young you’ve probably heard the echo’s of parents, teachers, estranged hippies, and even Barney (yes, I’m a 90’skid) encouraging you to conserve energy and protect the environment. They’d urge you to ride your bike, flick off the light, and turn bottle caps …Read More…
Government and Private Sector Come Together: Greengov 2010
The first annual GreenGov Symposium was kicked off last week with keynotes from the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Nancy Sutley, the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack and President of the Biomimicry Institute, Janine Benyus. Harkening back to President Obama’s Executive Order …Read More…
One House = Three Cars?
We all admit that the growing trend today is to be “green” and energy efficient. Some people buy hybrid cars, some swear by compact fluorescent bulbs, others even mount solar panels and wind turbines to their homes! Well, homeowners, you’re in for a big surprise — you can be trendy AND reduce your emissions without …Read More…
Real stimulus, balancing the budget at little cost
Real stimulus, balancing the budget at little cost. Balancing the budget, energy independence, fighting terror, corporate welfare at little cost is something we not only can but have to do. Especially because they have the same cause, corporate welfare for big oil, coal. We every year subsidize big oil by our Persian Gulf military programs, …Read More…
A Better Battery
EnerG2, a Seattle-based company has just opened a new plant in Albany, Oregon. The goal? Creating high-tech batteries to be used in ultracapacitators. These new batteries are aiming to be both more efficient and longer-lasting. The end goal is to use the batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles. This new plant, built by an Oregon-based …Read More…
National Grid Equals Survivability
Unless a miracle happens and Power Companies and Utilities have a Revelation? Our Pursuit to Clean Our World will Always be as a handicapped victim. We have abundant geothermal resources throughout the West. Isolated by lack of a National Grid to tie in the Resources to where the people are. Tesla? Now we are caught …Read More…
Highland Deserts
Enel, First Wind, Razer are elevating the bar with anticipateD Geothermal, Wind, Solar and Algae in South Central Utah. The Three Counties of Beaver, Iron and Millard are considered the Alternative Energy Cooridor of Utah. Enel is Deep Drilling to 10,000′ to tap ancient rivers that float just a mile above magma. First Wind is …Read More…
Prosperity depends on Energy
There is not allot of historical support for the view that, if you voluntarily choose to reduce energy use per capita, that the GDP per capita will remain the same or increase. The roughly linear graph of GDP per Capita as a function of Annual kW-h per capita would suggest that as you reduce the …Read More…
Nautical torque – the best way to meet our energy needs.
Critical facts remain missing from the renewable energy debate; how to replace the high density power stations that use nuclear, natural gas, and coal with the low density and scattered renewable sources of electricity such as wind, solar and geothermal. Investment in these large scale wind and solar farms is indeed growing (a good thing) …Read More…
Federal Register: July 26, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 142)
Well, I guess the Department of Interior can’t be TOO mad at BP. They destroy the Gulf and what does our brilliant government do? Reward them with tax breaks to build an environmentally unfriendly wind farm. More here: [Federal Register: July 26, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 142)][Notices] [Page 43551-43552]From the Federal Register Online via GPO …Read More…
FEED IN TRANSPORTATION
You can stop the OIL addiction that causes the USA to import 60% of the OIL we burn each day. This cost us over 1 Billion dollar each day and creates pollution at the same time which is killing us. This affects our economy, environment and security. An ICE Internal Combustion Engine is less than …Read More…
Water equals energy
The water is always cold in the morning. Any idea how much water each shower wastes waiting for the water to warm? About 1,500 gallons. That water has to be pumped to the water works from a river, lake or wells, purified and then pumped to your home. It then has to be heated by …Read More…
Air heat with solar energy, a new approach
At present, both efficiency and output of solar thermal power plants are quite low and it’s a big reason behind the high cost of kWh electricity produced in present day solar thermal power plants. The other reason is the high cost of maintenance of array of reflectors. But, this cost can be reduced to less …Read More…
Facebook powered by coal? Dislike
With the news that Facebook has recently moved its data processing center to an Oregon office that will receive its energy primarily via coal has come great public outrage (most notably from Greenpeace). Facebook responded by saying their new facility, which is due to open in 2011, will still be highly energy efficient. No good, …Read More…
How can we implement sustainability? Let us count the ways.
By: Elizabeth Cherneff How do we harness ideas for sustainable initiatives and turn them into realities on an urban campus like George Washington University’s? To start, just ask the students, staff and faculty who reside here. On Friday January 29th, members of the university community pitched their plans to greenify GW at the GW Greenhouse, …Read More…
The New Green Economy
Research and development is essential to making progress in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable energy. During the New Green Economy Technological innovation symposium Friday January 22nd, Dr. Brian Czech, president of the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, said “I think we need to look deeper into the relationship between …Read More…
Thomas Friedman Answers Your Questions
Last night, Thomas Friedman came to The George Washington University’s sold-out Lisner Auditorium, where he spoke to over 1000 students and others about climate change and what he thinks needs to be done to solve it. His controversial take: we need real — not phoney — green revolution, and we need a tax on carbon. …Read More…
Down the Lines: Our Delicate Electrical Grid
Dependent on technology developed over 100 years ago, our energy grid is in trouble. Consumption is increasing dramatically, and the construction of our power lines has fallen far behind, setting the stage for more serious and frequent blackouts in the coming years. Video by Eileen Mignoni http://unc.news21.com/index.php/stories/grid.html
How GWU is reducing its carbon footprint Thanksgiving weekend…
This email came across the transom at the George Washington University this week and someone forwarded it our way. We thought it offered a few good nuggets of practical advice so we decided to post it here. ______________________________________ GW Students, Faculty and Staff: You can help GW save energy over the Thanksgiving Break by conserving …Read More…
facebook
twitter