The Energy Costs of Cooling and Heating a Home
NPR's Climate Connections series with National Geographic has prompted a lot of questions from listeners. Several wanted to know how air conditioning compares in its energy consumption – and climate impact — to home heating.
The answer, experts say, is that both heating and cooling your home take large amounts of energy, more than we use for any other appliance. But according to researchers at National Geographic's The Green Guide, you will probably consume more energy heating your home than cooling it.
In colder states, heating can account for up to two-thirds of your annual energy bills, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). And, on average, heating an American home with natural gas produces about 6,400 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2, a major warming gas). Use electricity, and CO2 emissions average about 4,700 pounds. In a cold state like Minnesota, the numbers jump to 8,000 pounds of CO2 for natural gas and 9,900 pounds for electric heat.
In hot parts of the country, the calculation changes: Air conditioners become the bigger energy users. A typical centrally air conditioned home in Florida, for instance, produces about 6,600 pounds of CO2.
You can reduce emissions by adjusting your thermostat. If you have central air conditioning, for instance, for every degree above 72 F you set your thermostat, you save 120 pounds of CO2 emissions.
Source: npr.org
YTL Cement ventures into China with RM69m cash acquisition
YTL Cement Bhd (YTLC) is venturing into China following a proposed acquisition of a cement and clinker manufacturer, Zhejiang Lin’an Jin Yuan Cement Co Ltd (Jin Yuan), from various parties for RMB150 million (RM69.36 million) cash.
In a statement yesterday, YTLC said it had entered into a contract for the proposed acquisition of the entire interest in Jin Yuan, which is mainly involved in the manufacture of Ordinary Portland cement and clinker.
The proposed acquisition, which is expected to complete in three months, will enable YTL Cement to utilise Jin Yuan as a base to tap China’s cement market.
Jin Yuan, being one of the top five cement suppliers in the Hangzhou market, is also the largest cement manufacturer in Lin’an, capturing 60% of its market share.
Its plant has cement and clinker production capacities of 1.5 million tonnes and 1.55 million tonnes per year, respectively.
YTLC managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh Sock Ping said: “With Jin Yuan’s established presence in China, the proposed acquisition will facilitate the growth of YTL Cement’s operations into the vast China markets, well in line with YTL Cement’s expansion strategy.
“This acquisition represents an excellent, timely opportunity for the group to acquire a fully-operating plant with developed facilities and distribution networks, and which has acquired significant market share within its operating region.”
Source: theedgedaily.com
Legacy Roofing is Included in Inc. 5000 List
Legacy Roofing, a Redmond-based roofing installation company, has been included on the Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest growing privately held companies in the nation.
The Inc. 5,000 list showcases private companies across the United States that represent the future of business as a whole and the best of our nation's entrepreneurial spirit. The magazine expanded its popular list of the 500 fastest growing companies by ten-fold this past year.
"This is a wonderful honor and a testament to our company's Gold Standard for quality and service," said Legacy owner Cliff Hurn. "I want to thank every one of our employees for their companywide commitment to operate by the highest standards of service from the first sales call through final inspection."
Companies on the 2007 Inc. 5,000 list are ranked according to their percentage of revenue growth from 2003 through 2006. Legacy Roofing experienced sales that nearly quadrupled during that period, with an overall increase in revenue of 168 percent and ranking it number 2,137 on the Inc. 5,000 list. The company closed 2006 with $24 million in sales and is on track to continue its impressive growth in 2007.
To qualify for inclusion on the list, companies must have been founded and generated revenue by the first week of 2003. Companies also had to grow its revenue by at least $200,000 to a minimum of $2 million during the four-year span.
This honor is the latest in a string of recent recognitions and awards for Legacy. The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce selected the company as one of three finalists for the 2007 Eastside Business of the Year award. The Puget Sound Business Journal recognized Legacy as one of the state's 100 fastest growing private companies in 2005 and 2006. Replacement Contractor, a national trade magazine, featured the company's pioneering marketing and business success in a February 2006 feature profile. Legacy also earned a 2005 Master Builders Remodeling Excellence (REX) Award for restoration work on a historic, 100-year-old home in Bellevue, Wash.
Source: biz.yahoo.com
Roofing products maker finds space on Southside
An Alabama-based maker of roofing products and designs will move into a Southside location. Mid-States Asphalt is leasing more than 28,000 square feet at 3000 Shelby St., according to a statement from Ryan Kelly and Tony Hupp of Summit Realty Group of Indianapolis. Andrew Morris, also from Summit, represented the landlord, Merchandise Warehouse.
Source: indystar.com
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