"Responsive websites use a new variation of the traditional grid system called a "fluid grid."  A fluid grid system uses percentages to define column widths instead of pixels (fixed-width), letting the website adjust to the size of the device it’s being viewed on. As the device becomes narrower, it takes the content from each column (along with some additional code) and stacks it vertically, meaning the viewer only needs to scroll in one direction in order to keep looking at the site. … | … What does this mean to you?

Since it’s been predicted that mobile usage, via smartphone or tablet, will overtake desktop usage by 2014, it seems safe to bet that most website owners will want to offer a mobile experience of some sort. …"

"More from the IEEE Smart Grid/Zpryme report on energy storage: top-rated benefits are meeting peak demand, improving power reliability and reducing costs. Hurdles: costs, deployment and a lack of standards. Lithium-ion will see the most demand over the coming five years. Respondents think North America will see the most growth in lithium-ion-based storage in that period. Where’s the money? Respondents think government-backed R&D, industry R&D and private/venture capital will provide it. (See last week’s column, "Electric Vehicles: Looking Back, Looking Forward, Part II," for a new public/private partnership on R&D for energy density in batteries.) "

"AHJs report that installer errors and incomplete or inconsistent paperwork create extra work and delays for their staff. AHJs often operate in sub-optimal conditions that include strained budgets, lack of resources and high staff turnover; furthermore, in some areas where solar installations are less common, AHJ staff is simply unaware of existing practices or that problems even exist for installers.

Even if AHJs understand solar and want to work with installers, there is currently no channel by which they can communicate to installers about updates or process improvements, the company adds."

I have seen new materials developed and installed in other situations which ultimately fail as they have yet to undergo the test of real life conditions and are poorly installed. 

Ideally prepared test samples which manufacturer’s base data and promotional materials can be misleading regarding performance in the field.  Temperature and humidity at time of installation may play an important factor in the performance of the material over time as an example.

# One of the most powerful tools does not have to be a piece of technology, but a strong management system. Companies should consider centralizing their data and creating incentives. |

# Alternative energy can also help in managing unpredictable energy prices. In the cost-conscious world of business, making these investments can be challenging in the face of the competitive business case process.  We have found success in these deals by combining financial variables – areas with high electricity rates and available financial incentives – with funding mechanisms like a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) – to create steady electricity cost models that are competitive with current rate structures. | 

John Schinter is energy director for AT&T.

"The Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), an information and communication technology (ICT) industry partnership, just released a new report that details how expanded use of ICT could cut global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 16.5% by 2020 and offset $1.9 trillion in gross energy and fuel costs. …  Unsurprisingly, the power and transportation sectors, respectively, are found to have the highest potential for GHG emission reduction via greater ICT adoption. But the report also finds agriculture – even more so than manufacturing or the consumer and service sector – to be an area with significant potential for greater energy efficiency."

After buildings have been successfully commissioned and verified to be achieving their designed performance, they need to be operated in a manner that maintains that performance over time. Building re-commissioning is the practice of retuning a building every 5 to 7 years to bring its performance back in line with its design intent and technical capability. …

A well-instrumented building, and other buildings with interval utility meters, can be monitored using advanced analytical software to track energy performance and remotely detect faults in systems and equipment.

A systematic approach to improving building performance involves setting goals, establishing policies, defining metrics, developing action plans, tracking performance and reporting progress. As we have learned in recent projects, the timing of improvement actions — from retro-commissioning to opportunistic equipment upgrades to major retrofits — are critical to achieving significant efficiency improvements with the best financial returns.

"…So what exactly does energy management software do? “Energy tracking” says it best. Energy management software tracks utility bills, and in doing so spots abnormal trends and suspected billing and metering errors. Some programs also track 15-minute electric meter load data, which can provide valuable insights into near real-time usage patterns and expensive power leaks.

By compiling a database of utility bills, energy management software puts the power of information at your organization’s fingertips. Comprehensive energy management software ought to help you slash energy costs, comprehensively. Here are ten ways energy management software protects your bottom line:  …"

"…

The 110-megawatt (MW) Catalina Solar and 140-MW Pacific Wind projects are located in Kern County, California."

Emerson’s Ovation system will play a key role in adjusting electrical output as directed by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) – a task that is becoming more important as renewable energy sources provide an increasing share of electricity to the grid. …"