Google has invested more than $10 million in breakthrough geothermal energy technology called Enhanced Geothermal Systems. This funding also includes next-generation geothermal resource mapping, EGS information tools and a policy agenda for geothermal energy.

Conventional geothermal systems look for naturally occurring pockets of steam and hot water while the EGS process creates it's own "by fracturing hot rock, circulating water through the system, and using the resulting steam to produce electricity in a conventional turbine".

According to one MIT report, just 2% of the heat below the continental US (between 3 and 10 kilometers deep) is more than 2500 times the total annual energy used by the US.

Google's initiatives also focus on solar thermal power, advanced wind along with EGS and other potential breakthrough technologies. The difference between this technology and using solar and wind is that it is available 24/7.

Google's goal is to produce enough renewable energy to power a city the size of San Fransisco, in years, not decades.

FortisBC PowerSense Rebates for energy efficient updates

FortisBC PowerSense is offering incentives to it's customers on being power smart. They are offering rebates on energy star product installation in new homes, on home improvements, with installation of heat pumps and lighting.

• New Home Program Info & Application Form

If you are building a new home you can receive immediate rebates on ENERGY STAR® windows, insulation and more through the New Home Program

• Home Improvement Program Info & Application Form

If you are thinking about upgrading your windows or insulation you can benefit from the same incentives with rebates on ENERGY STAR® windows, insulation

• Air Source Heat Pump Rebate/Loan Info & Application Form
  

• Ground Source Heat Pump Rebate/Loan Info & Application Form

If you are thinking about replacing your heating and/or cooling systems, you may benefit from the rebates offered for both Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps. Not to mention, they can reduce your energy costs by 40% and 65% respectively.

• Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulb Rebate Form

We have talked about the benefits of CFLs in a recent post titled: Save Money and Energy with CFLs

Source: FortisBC PowerSense Incentives 

Mode offers green inspired systems and materials

The Mission Group, the company that brought us developments such as the Verve and Sheerwater, are working on their eco-friendly project Mode - A smart address. The Mission Group has strived to be unique in their projects and Mode is by all means just that.

The Mode project is inspired green with the following features:

• the building is located in the Landmark neighbourhood so there isn't a need for cars, you can just leave it at home.
• plumbing fixtures, appliances and drought resistant landscaping are all desgined to conserve water
• carpets and paints have been chosen for their low emmisions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
• water heaters are powered by solar energy systems
• the homes are fitted with low "e" windows that are superefficient
• the home is heated and cooled using geothermal packaged terminal heat pumps

The project recently won an Mayor's Environmental Achievement Award for Most Sustainable Development.

Since the development is in the heart of the Landmark Centre, it only makes sense that it's equiped with hi-tech features such as iPod docking stations and the Telus Smart Box.

The Development is located at 1620 Dickson Ave and features "loft-style citi-homes with seperate street entry, and a variety of contempory living spaces from studios to two bedroom homes". Prices range from $185,900 to $415,900. 

At the time of this posting, there's only 10 homes left.

The City is developing an urban community at the corner of Richter and Harvey

The City Of Kelowna is spearheading a project to set the standard for sustainable planning and building practices. The project will have a mix of commercial and residential development alongside an extensive park.

Some of the highlights include:

• geothermal energy systems
• solar energy systems
• storm water retention
• natural ventilation
• green roofs
• green businesses

The Central Green project will be developed to the gold standard of LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED™ is the most recognized green building rating system in North America and can achieve energy savings of 50 per cent and reduce water consumption by more than 35 per cent. 

There is a public forum April 30th 2008 7 PM at the Laurel Building, 1304 Ellis Street.