In a truly staggering breakthrough in LED intensity that will have wide ramifications on electricity use worldwide, the Finnish LED producer Obelux has developed by far the most powerful LED of all time.

In response to aviation industry requests, Obelux created a flashing High Intensity LED that delivers 200,000 candelas. Current technology delivers just 10 candelas. This marks an incredible 20,000-fold improvement on the old Xenon technology.

These will be installed on over 150 meter tall buildings and masts, replacing the flashing red aviation obstacle lights that are currently in place on masts and tall buildings to warn airplanes. Boosting brightness even further, they will be in groups of three, so that each can deliver 600,000 candelas.

Energy consumption? Just 350 watts!

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Researchers at the University of California have developed a smart phone chip that could spur a new generation of more efficient mobile electronic devices. In turn, a more energy efficient device would enable the more widespread use of solar energy and other forms of renewable energy for battery recharging.

The new chip is based on the use of “dark silicon.” Dark silicon is shorthand for the growing portion of silicon on transistors that is underused because there is not enough power available to run them all of the transistors at once. The new chip, called GreenDroid, is designed to use about 11 times less energy than a typical processor.

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When President Obama stated his commitment to developing the industries and skilled workforce to support a transition to a clean energy economy, Wendy Evers was hopeful her ideas for green industry training were going to take off. As senior director of new program development at SDSU’s College of Extended Studies, she had already set up several construction certificate programs, so it was a natural move to address preparing workers for green industries in San Diego.

Sign up Now for Sustainable Energy Week 2010

Save the dates for Sustainable Energy Week, Sept. 12-18, during which CCSE will spotlight the many benefits homeowners and businesses enjoy when they take a holistic approach to their energy use – energy reduction, cost savings and a cleaner environment. Presentations, displays and demonstrations will highlight energy efficiency, solar power, electric cars, home energy retrofitting and a host of other green and sustainable lifestyle choices. It’s a week full of events, tours, a family fun day and a day-long conference.

Online planning resource for schools nationwide

A new resource planning guide for schools outlining measures to reduce energy use and save school districts money on utility costs with sustainable practices is available for schools nationwide from CCSE. Commissioned by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), the guide provides a roadmap for reducing energy consumption through energy efficiency and renewable energy while promoting a healthier environment.

Loans help where it matters, at the bottom line

While the California housing market remains distressed, those who are in the position to buy or refinance can add value to their home and save on future energy costs by taking advantage of under-used mortgage programs that support residential energy efficiency. Society benefits as well, because energy-efficient homes cut greenhouse gas emissions.

New law to require energy rating on commercial buildings

The next wave of California legislation aimed at reducing the state’s energy consumption and meeting mandates for reduced greenhouse gas emissions is set to wash ashore in January 2011 when Assembly Bill 1103 goes into effect. Its approach has commercial building owners, facility managers and real estate brokers scrambling to understand the new law and how to collect the data necessary to keep their properties competitive.