Super-efficient living laboratory seeks to address two major sources of U.S. CO2 emissions: cars and homes Project achieves more than 11 tons of CO2 reduction per year compared to a conventional home and vehicle Honda home energy management system (HEMS) maximizes the homes energy efficiency while communicating with the electric utility to improve grid stability Home surpasses Californias 2020 target for zero net energy residential construction Member of University of California, Davis community will live in home, drive Honda Fit EV (electric vehicle) DAVIS, Calif., March 25, 2014 / PR Newswire / Honda today marked the opening of Honda Smart Home US, showcasing technologies that enable zero net energy living and transportation. The home, located on the West Village campus of the University of California, Davis, is capable of producing more energy on-site from renewable sources than it consumes annually, including enough energy to power a Honda Fit EV for daily commuting. A Honda-developed home energy management system and an energy efficient design will allow the homes occupant to use less than half of the energy of a similarly sized new home in the Davis area for heating, cooling and lighting. The home is also three times more water-efficient than a typical U.S. home. See videos about Honda Smart Home US. Read more Read more

Honda Smart Home US, construction of which began in April 2013, will serve as a residence for a member of the UC Davis community, whose selection will soon be announced. The fully-furnished home comes equipped with a Honda Fit EV battery electric vehicle for the resident's daily transportation.

In addition to showcasing Honda's vision for sustainable, zero-carbon living and personal mobility, the home will function as a living laboratory where the company, along with researchers from UC Davis and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), will evaluate new technologies and business opportunities at the intersection of housing, transportation, energy and the environment.

Honda's environmental efforts extend beyond personal mobility to address two of the primary sources of CO2 emissions: cars and homes. Together, energy used to power homes and light duty vehicles contributes to approximately 44% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in the United Statesi. Technology that enables distributed renewable energy generation to supply power to homes and cars seamlessly is one of the key potential pathways to address climate change.

UC Davis's West Village, where the Honda Smart Homes is located, is the largest planned zero net energy housing development in the U.S. Opened in 2011, West Village is home to the university's internationally recognized research centers focused on energy efficiency, sustainability and transportation.

Honda Home Energy Management System Honda Smart Home US implements Honda's home energy management system (HEMS), a proprietary hardware and software system that monitors, controls and optimizes electrical generation and consumption throughout the home's microgrid. A 10kWh battery energy storage system in the garage, using the same lithium-ion cells that are used in the Honda Fit EV, allows stored solar energy to be used at night, when household demand typically peaks and electric vehicles are usually charged. Honda's HEMS leverages the battery to balance, shift and buffer loads to minimize the home's impact to the electric grid. The system will also enable Honda to evaluate the second life, or re-use, of EV batteries in grid applications, home-to-grid (H2G) connectivity and other concepts.

Honda's HEMS is also capable of improving grid reliability by automatically responding to demand response signals and providing other grid services. If the electricity grid is overloaded, for example, Honda Smart Home is capable of shedding its load and even supplying power back to the grid. This type of smart grid connectivity will enable the mass deployment of electric vehicles and renewable energy without sacrificing grid reliability.

Sustainable Features Honda Smart Home US brings together innovative technology and the latest green building concepts:

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) A 9.5kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system mounted on the roof will generate more energy than the home and Fit EV consume on an annual basis, due in large part to the efficient design of the home. All of the energy for space heating, space cooling, ventilation, lighting, hot water, appliances and consumer loads, in addition to the transportation energy for the Honda Fit EV, is supplied by the solar panels on the home.

DC-to-DC Electric Vehicle Charging The Honda Fit EV included with the home has been modified to accept DC power directly from the home's solar panels or stationary battery, eliminating up to half of the energy that is typically lost to heat during DC-to-AC and AC-to-DC power conversion. When the solar panels are generating electricity at full capacity, the vehicle can fully recharge in approximately two hours directly from sunlight.

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Honda Smart Home US Offers Vision for Zero Carbon Living and Mobility

Tour the inside of the Honda Smart Home

Video by Andy Fell/UC Davis

Honda and the University of California, Davis, today marked the opening of Honda Smart Home US, showcasing technologies that enable zero net energy living and transportation. The home in UC Davis West Village is capable of producing more energy on-site from renewable sources than it consumes annually, including enough energy to power a Honda Fit EV for daily commuting.

A Honda-developed home energy management system and an energy efficient design will allow the occupants to use less than half of the energy of a similarly sized new home in the Davis area for heating, cooling and lighting. The home is also three times more water-efficient than a typical U.S. home. Watch videos about Honda Smart Home US.

Honda Smart Home, construction of which began in April 2013, will serve as a residence for a member of the UC Davis community, whose selection will soon be announced. The fully-furnished home comes equipped with a Honda Fit EV battery electric vehicle for daily transportation.

In addition to showcasing Honda's vision for sustainable, zero-carbon living and personal mobility, the home will function as a living laboratory where the company, along with researchers from UC Davis and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), will evaluate new technologies and business opportunities at the intersection of housing, transportation, energy and the environment.

Hondas environmental efforts extend beyond personal mobility to address two of the primary sources of carbon dioxide emissions: cars and homes. Together, energy used to power homes and light duty vehicles contributes to approximately 44 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Technology that enables distributed renewable energy generation to supply power to homes and cars seamlessly is one of the key potential pathways to address climate change.

Honda Smart Home fits right in at UC Davis West Village, the largest planned zero net energy housing development in the United States. Opened in 2011, West Village is home to the university's internationally recognized research centers focused on energy efficiency, sustainability and transportation.

Honda Smart Home implements Hondas home energy management system, or HEMS, a proprietary hardware and software system that monitors, controls and optimizes electrical generation and consumption throughout the homes microgrid.

A 10kWh battery energy storage system in the garage, using the same lithium-ion cells that are used in the Honda Fit EV, allows stored solar energy to be used at night, when household demand typically peaks and electric vehicles are usually charged. Hondas HEMS leverages the battery to balance, shift and buffer loads to minimize the homes impact to the electric grid. The system also enables Honda to evaluate the second life, or reuse, of EV batteries in grid applications, home-to-grid connectivity and other concepts.

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Honda Smart Home at UC Davis West Village offers vision for zero carbon living

Pouring a (GFRC) Concrete Countertops in Lynchburg, VA
This is a time lapse video of us pouring a (GFRC) concrete countertop.

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Pouring a (GFRC) Concrete Countertops in Lynchburg, VA - Video

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- At 78 million strong, baby boomers usually get what they want as consumer.

That's how we got the Ford Mustang, lite beer, granite countertops and video on demand. The younger half of the boomers famously said, "I want my MTV" -- and they got it.

So when boomers start saying they're tired of "going big" on everything from cheeseburgers to McMansions, businesses better begin paying close attention, and that's exactly what the generation born between 1946 to 1964 is saying now. It's a downsizing world they want, and they're going to get it,but not without the amenities and comforts the materialistic boomers are famous for.

"Those baby boomers who worked hard for and embraced the affluent lifestyle of the 1970s through the middle of the last decade owning large homes and spacious vehicles -- have reached a turning point," says Sheryl Connelly, global consumer trends and a "futurist" for Ford. "This generation is now trending toward a simpler way of living, one that doesn't eliminate the lavish comforts they've come to enjoy.

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Baby Boomers Are in Downsizing Mode

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Nutritional meals for one was featured in Healthy Living on the Morning News.

What do nutritional cooking for one, READ Saskatoon, Humans of Saskatoon and countertops have in common? All were featured on Tuesdays Morning News.

Cooking for one is not an easy feat, I am speaking from experience. When my boyfriend is gone for work, Im often left with the daunting duty of cooking single meals.

You learn tips and tricks on how to make it easier for yourself, and this segment with Brooke just helped me learn more!

Humans of New York is fascinating.

I read somewhere, a while back, with my digital SLR cradled like a baby in my arms, that the way to photograph a person isnt to ask them to smile its to ask them to think. Make them be responsive. Make them have to answer questions about themselves, or, better yet, their beliefs. Make them talk to you, and open up to you. Expose their hearts. Then, youll see their face, not the faade of a smile.

Thats what Humans of Saskatoon aims to do; Moe and Daniel Morin are taking this project around our fantastic city to expose us to the people around us.

Support them. Learn something new about a stranger. Sonder is a very complex thing, and this brings us one step closer to understanding it.

In my opinion, a counter can make or break the look of kitchen. It helps cohesively bring the look of the room full circle.

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BLOG: Morning News Rewind March 25

(credit: istockphoto)

(credit: Opening Ceremony)

Opening its first store in Los Angeles in April of 2007, Opening Ceremony is actually located in Charlie Chaplins former dance studio. The sprawling two-floor space has everything you need from classic cool to attention grabbing clothing and is truly one of the most original shops to offer style and fashion for men. From designer picks to books, Opening Ceremony offers some of the latest looks.

(credit: Union Made)

Located in the Brentwood Country Mart, Unionmade carries a great selection of classic mens clothes, shoes, and accessories. The prices may be a bit pricey, but the quality of their shoes and clothing are well worth the price tags as the clothes and style has longevity to it. Shop top brands from Gant Rugger to Golden Bear and The New England Shirt Company.

(credit: Self Edge)

Located On La Brea Ave., Self Edge is a great shop to find your perfect pair of raw denim jeans. From jean brands like Iron Heart, Real Japan Blues and Sling & Stones, you wont leave with out a pair of jeans that fits perfectly with your body. And, with an excellent staff, you can be sure you are measured to perfection so you can find your right size. If you are new to the raw denim world, this shops staff is very helpful and will answer any questions you may have.

(credit: General Quarters)

This shop is truly a shop built for men. If youre one of the rare men in LA who actually dislikes shopping, this is the place you will enjoy to shop! Blair, the owner, is usually on hand to tend to all his customers and he wants all his shoppers to feel comfortable, whether they are just browsing or purchasing an item. Stop by and you will find an eclectic mix of amazing menswear at this fantastic shop.

(credit: Jack Spade)

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Best Mens Boutiques in LA!

timber flooring price Buy online timber flooring price
http://timberflooringgoldcoastzealsea.com.au/flooring/solid-hardwood-floor.html If we are buying a real Timber Flooring well we should not be paying through ...

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New Delhi, Mar 25 : GlacialLight, a division of lighting and technology manufacturer GlacialTech, recently announced the newest addition to its down light range with 6" surface mounted down lights, here.

The GL-DL06-SM down light series are all-in-one lighting fixtures which can be installed without drilling holes in ceilings or walls.

GlacialLight noted that the surface mounted lighting fixtures are highly compatible with a range of electrical standards around the world and offer high quality light at various color temperatures.

Non-dimmable, 3-in-1 dimmable, AC-TRIAC dimmable, and DC input options are available.

According to the officials, the GL-DL06-SM comes as an easy to install all-in-one light and fixture.

As a surface mounted down light, no drilling is needed, so ceilings and walls are left in intact.

An optional metal pendant rod mounted allows the down light to be closer to the lighting target for kitchen countertops, cafes, and other indoor lighting applications.

Moreover, the GL-DL06-SM comes in a variety of models to suit various indoor lighting applications around the world.

The AC models support international mains voltage from 100-240V AC and an AC-TRIAC dimmable option means these down lights can be controlled with traditional dimming switches.

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GlacialLight launches surface mounted lights

LAS VEGASWhile lighting equipment makers continue to provide LED fixtures to replace energy-hungry legacy lighting gear, there are some fresh introductions of older technology fixtures with new features.

LIGHTING ARRI will introduce its M8, the latest and smallest lighting fixture in the companys M-Series of HMI lamp heads. It features MAX Technology, a unique reflector design that combines the advantages of Fresnel and PAR fixtures.

BBS LIGHTING will show their AREA 48 LED Light system with interchangeable phosphor technology for HD. The AREA 48 offers ultra high 97 CRI in 3200K and 95 CRI in 5600K while eliminating LED color accuracy issues.

CINEO will debut the Maverick, a portable member of the companys TruColor family. It provides all of the benefits of remote phosphor technology found in the TruColor HS and LS, while better meeting the demands of field use. Also look for Cineos Foton2 LED lighting systems, small, PAR-style LED fixtures with 2,000 lumen output in tungsten and daylight color temperatures.

FREZZI will showcase its HyLight and Sky- Light Luminaires, each delivering impressive amounts of daylight-balanced light for TV indoor/outdoor newsgathering and field production. The portable LED fixtures are powered by standard broadcast batteries, DC or AC power.

K5600 will debut its 800W Zoom Beamer, a smaller version of its 1600W Zoom Beamer with a facetted open-face reflector. Its manually focusable from 10 to 50 degrees. Also look for K5600s new 200 Watt lamps in both 3200 K and 5600 K color temperatures.

KINO FLO will debut the Celeb 400 DMX soft light, which doubles the output of the companys Celeb 200 DMX fixtures and has the same high-end control features: variable color temperature (2700K- 5500K), color presets, and full-range dimming on AC and DC power. The company will also debut a new generation of power factor and universal voltage 4Bank, double, single portable systems and the new Image 87X and Image 47X luminaires (3K light/2.4 amps and 1.5K light/1.2 amps.

LOWEL-LIGHT will premier a pair of new lighting systems for location production, The Lowel PRO Power LED, and Lowel Prime Location LED. The PRO Power LED is a compact focusing light available in tungsten or daylight colors with a high output and a wide focus range. The Prime Location LED is a 1 x 1 location panel in rugged housing, with a high IP rating. It features AC or DC operation and is available in daylight, tungsten, or bicolor models.

MATTHEWS STUDIO EQUIPMENT will take the wraps off its Minivator II heavy-duty light stands. These are a stronger and taller version of MSEs Minivator stand.

PHOTON BEARD will present its Square One fluorescent lighting fixture, featuring eight 12-inch long T5 fluorescent tubes that deliver light with none of the spectral limitations typically associated with similar LED-based fixtures. Also new is the Platinum Blonde, a 1200 Watt HMI linear lamp in an open face format supplied complete with ballast.

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NAB 2014: Lighting & Batteries

Casas+Architects, Inc., one of the top design firms in the Philippines announced recently the acquisition of NEWFORMA, a new project information management (PIM) software.

The software intends to streamline project delivery workflows, and improve communication among both internal and external project team members, including consultants and clients.The NEWFORMA Project Information Management software makes a particular project more organized and searchable even on mobile devices. It liberates architects from having to attend to administrative tasks in a particular project, allowing them to concentrate on their core competency which is excellence in design.

Casas+Architects, Inc. President and CEO, Carmelo Casas said, one of the primary benefits derived from the software is improved overall productivity among its architects and staff, because they are no longer burdened with time-consuming administrative tasks, giving them more time to focus on the design process and improve the quality of work.

Before this IT solutions implementation, our project information management processes were disjointed, cumbersome, manual and time-consuming. Now, workflows have been streamlined, less time is spent on administrative tasks and deadlines are met. In addition, the increased efficiency means we can take on more projects and deliver excellent service.

Newforma Chief Executive Officer Ian Howell said, We created Newforma to help the industry transform project delivery by managing project information, increasing transparency and driving team-wide accountability. We are proud to have prominent firms like Casas +Architects, Inc. using our solutions to streamline their workflows, better organize project information, and communicate more effectively with all of the stakeholders working on our projects. As a result, our customers are delivering more high-quality, on-time, on-budget projects than ever before.

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Top architectural firm acquires new IT software