Tag Archives: embodied-energy

Solar Industry Turning Troublesome for e-Waste

Photo via OregonDOT Solar cells are everywhere these days, from household rooftops to handheld devices, powering up with the sun is popular. However, while solar cells allow us to harvest renewable energy, a lot of problematic materials go into creating them, and their embodied energy footprint can be substantial. Just how much does the popularity of solar cells contribute to the problem of e-waste? As solar panels start to reach the end of their useful life, we’re about to find out. … Read the full story on TreeHugger

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Solar Industry Turning Troublesome for e-Waste

Why The Choice of Insulation Matters

Dow Corning Alex Wilson raises an important issue in Buildinggreen : It is not only important to insulate really well, but to also think about what insulation you are using. He makes the point that many insulations use potent greenhouse gases as blowing agents. He writes: We rarely pay attention to the fact that insulation materials themselves contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. This happens in two ways: through the embodied energy of the insulation (the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions that … Read the full story on TreeHugger

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Why The Choice of Insulation Matters