Genovation's Creating Green Cars Right Under Our Noses

I’ve been looking for an eco-friendly car and had no idea Rockville startup >Genovation Cars, Inc. existed, never mind that their administrative offices and research facilities are on East Gude Drive.

Anyone looking for vehicles costing less than $30,000 that run on less than 4 cents a mile, will find their car at Genovation™.

Genovation is a low-budget alternative to those who want a conventional-looking electric vehicle, but without dishing out the dough for a Volt or a Tesla. The company is developing cars with green bodies, green frames, and green interiors by researching the use of bamboo, flax seed and other natural fibers for the composite body panels. They also hope to use the resin from soybeans to reduce the use of petrochemicals used for fiberglass by 80%. Their intent is to use recycled steel for the frame.

This week the company selected and contracted with American Dynamics Flight Systems (ADFS) of Jessup, Md. to perform the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of Genovation’s G2 electric car. These will be plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), a combination of battery technology that can be efficiently charged when plugged into a standard electric outlet coupled with a traction motor that propels the car with a smooth, powerful feel. Back in May they selected and contracted with Tata Technologies to design and prototype its G2 model. Tata Technologies’ parent company, Tata Motors, recently purchased the Jaguar and Land Rover automobile lines from Ford Motor Company.

Founded in 2007 by Andrew Saul, the scion of Washington, D.C. real estate mogul B.F. Saul II, Genovation also modifies pre-owned 2000-2004 Ford Focus sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks, removing their internal combustion powertrains and replacing them with complete electric drive components. The conversion, called the Genovation G1, costs $22,000 plus tax, with the vehicle delivered five months after ordering. The process starts with a $2,500 down payment, and a clean accident-free Focus has to be supplied by the customer. Otherwise the company will provide a Focus base car for $6,000 if a customer does not want to hunt for a used Focus.

Long term, it is Genovation’s goal to operate from a business plan that attains profitability building only 1,000 units a year through manufacturing “pods” that require only a few robots, a departure from the Detroit manufacturing model. To achieve this goal Genovation plans to rely heavily on small teams of well-trained employees. “With this model, we can be nimble and market driven in order to react to where there is a demand and volume is achieved through deployment of multiple pods,” said Mr. Saul.

I must agree that Genovation differentiates itself from its competition with a better understanding of its clientele, because I’m concerned about spikes in the future cost of gas and want to be as green-conscious as possible, but I also want a sports car and I can’t find one I can afford!

Genovation tells us “One hundred years ago, there were nearly 100 electric car manufacturers in America. By 1920, nearly all were extinct. Now they’re roaring back with a vengeance.” We certainly hope so!

What You Can Do About Poor Air Quality Days

According to the >Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, today and tomorrow, June 23 and 24, 2010 are Code Orange days. The Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast is “Unhealthly for Sensitive Groups”.

AQI Color Codes:
Green = Good
Yellow = Moderate
Orange = Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Red = unhealthy air for everyone
Purple = Very Unhealthy conditions

The AQI tells you how polluted your air is and alerts you to the health effects that can happen within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. EPA uses the AQI for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Groups which need to be careful outdoors include children, the elderly, outdoor workers and people exercising. Repeated exposure to ozone pollution may cause permanent damage to the lungs.

Let’s hope we don’t have many Red or Purple days this summer. Here are some tips from the Environmental Protection Agency on how you can keep the air clean:

• Try not to gas up on other ozone action days. If you must, gas up in the early morning or wait until the evening. Gasoline vapors are harmful to you and the environment. Not only are they toxic to breathe, they contribute to ozone formation in the atmosphere. Since gasoline vapor production increases during the hot summer months, it is important to be careful when refueling your vehicle. Make sure you secure the gas cap after refueling to prevent vapors from escaping.
• When you travel try taking a bus, train, bike, or walking. This simple action can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 1,500 pounds each year. It’s summertime, which means that weather conditions are favorable for ground-level ozone formation. Emissions from motor vehicles are the primary source of ozone-causing pollutants, accounting for almost half of our air pollution. Because heat and sunlight are important factors in ozone formation, ozone pollution generally peaks during the months of April through October, on hot, sunny days with little or no wind and no precipitation.
• When it’s time, replace your vehicle with a fuel-efficient model. You may be surprised to know that you have cleaner more fuel-efficient choices in any vehicle size you need, even an SUV. Find out for yourself. Go to the Green Vehicle Guide to find the cleanest, most fuel efficient vehicle that meets your needs.
• Encourage your employer to become part of Best Workplaces for Commuters, a recognition and partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation that encourages employers to offer their employees an outstanding level of commuter benefits such as tax-free transit passes, vanpool benefits, or telecommuting. If you want to know how your organization can participate, email the program, call the Best Workplaces Hotline at 1-888-856-3131, or visit the Best Workplaces for Commuters Web site.
• Look for the “Energy Star” label when you buy new appliances. Depending on the appliance, products with this label will consume between 13% and 40% less energy than conventional appliances.
• Enroll in a clean energy program. More and more utilities across the country are offering consumers the option of having some or all of their household or business energy purchased from renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and biomass.
• To save gasoline and money during those long vacation trips, keep your car tuned, your tires properly inflated, and drive carefully.

We all cause the poor air quality in our region but we can take action to improve the situation. If you have any other ideas, let us know.

You Can Still Make The Switch To Clean Energy

Each day we learn about the programs cut to eliminate next year’s Montgomery County budget deficit. Unfortunately the Clean Energy Rewards e-newsletter reports the program will be closing permanently on June 15, 2010. Clean Energy Rewards program participants will stop receiving rewards on their electricity bill, but will continue to receive clean energy or renewable energy certificates through the duration of the contract with their clean energy supplier.Since 2007 over 6,000 residents and 300 businesses in Montgomery County have bought clean energy through the program, a 1000% increase. The switch avoided over 120,000 tons of carbon dioxide from fossil-fuel fired power plants.Even though the program is closing, clean energy is competitive with 2010 summer utility rates for electricity supplied by utilities. In fact, in many cases clean energy costs less. I know one local nonprofit organization which is switching to wind power and expects to save $35,000 this year. You can compare for yourself by checking out the complete list of suppliers available to all Maryland residents and businesses on the >Clean Energy Rewards page including Clean Currents located in Rockville Town Center.

The Clean Energy Rewards e-newsletter explains how to make the switch:

Switching energy suppliers is easy and can be done on-line. All you need to do is choose a supplier through the Clean Energy Rewards program web site, choose a 50% or 100% clean energy product, and follow the enrollment instructions on the supplier’s web site. It’s easy! A typical clean energy application involves entering your address and your utility account number in a form on the clean energy supplier’s web site, or providing this information to a customer service representative. The rest will be taken care of for you. Your electricity service will not be interrupted and your utility will provide the same emergency response service should there be a power outage. In fact, your clean energy service will still be billed by your utility company so there is no additional paperwork.

As I know there has been much interest in discussing going solar, Bethesda Green is holding “Solar Bethesda” this Saturday, June 12th from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can speak with industry experts and find out if solar is right for you. You don’t have to be a Bethesda resident and so Rockville residents are welcome. You do need to RSVP through the event web site.

You can learn more about solar and solar installers through the Department of Environmental Protection’s web site. You can also find out about all of the available financial incentives such as Montgomery County Property Tax Credits, State Grants and Federal tax incentives for solar and home energy efficiency projects. The County’s Renewable Energy Property Tax Credits have been exhausted for this year, but you can still apply and be in queue for when additional funds become available. Energy Efficiency Property Tax Credits are still available. See the Department of Finance’s web site for forms and more information.

Even though the Clean Energy Rewards program is closed, we can still make a switch to clean energy this summer.

Rockville Organic Grocery Bans Bottled Water

>MOM’s Organic Market, which some have mentioned as a possible new tenant at the empty grocery site in Town Square, has announced that it will eliminate all bottled water from its stores.

According to an article in the Gourmet Retailer, the Rockville-based organic grocery’s effort is part of a “Battle the Bottle” program inspired by the movie “Addicted to Plastic.”

According to the article:

“Societies are truly addicted to plastic, much in the way we are addicted to oil,” said Scott Nash, founder and CEO of Rockville, Md.-based MOM’s. “There are now five swirling masses of plastic in our oceans, each roughly the size of Texas. Plastic never goes away, and the problem will only get worse. The sooner we take action, the better. Not only does plastic damage our environment, but it [also] increases our dependence on oil. The tragic part of our addiction is that, by and large, petroleum-based plastics are not necessary for consumer products and packaging, as we have the technology and innovation to use plastic products that biodegrade.”

As a part of this effort, MOM’s plans to install water filter stations in all of its stores stores so customers can use reusable containers. And, they will offer the first gallon free on every visit.

Get your containers ready!

What do you think? Will you be able to give up your bond to the bottle?

Herb's Solar-Powered House

Now that it’s stopped raining for a while, I don’t know about you but I am thinking about sun! My neighbor recently pointed out >Rockville Central friend Herb Winkler’s amazing solar array on his roof and suggested we do a piece on it. Herb has gone way beyond signing up for wind power — he’s actually generating his own electricity.

Here’s what Herb says about his setup:

Our solar array produces 4.3 kw, which is an instantaneous power production value. It should produce 5289 kwh over the course of a year. This figure depends on the number of sunny days we have, and the orientation of the array (south facing and tilted at 39 degrees is best for our latitude). Other orientations, shade and cloudy days will compromise energy production, but are taken into account when projecting a system’s efficiency. The sidewalks were recently widened on Beall Ave, and two neighboring trees were removed. The resulting sun exposure makes our roof ideal, and the carbon offset exceeds those tree’s carbon absorption effect.

The financial incentives make the payoff much faster than the avoided cost of energy alone. Montgomery County offers a property tax credit of 50% of the system’s cost, capped at $5000. The US tax credit is 30% of the cost, and is not capped. Maryland’s grant depends on the system’s size, and it’s capped at $10,000. Additionally, because of Maryland’s participation in the regional greenhouse gas initiative, a renewable energy credit is awarded with every megawatt hour produced, and those are sold to polluters to offset carbon emissions. We get paid to generate energy even if we use it ourselves. It really pays to produce, and not pollute!

Man, that is one sweet deal. Go, Herb!

Contributor Opinion by Carl Henn: Solar Co-op Options

>Let’s say you want to put solar panels on your roof. It’s a big expense. There are many options to choose from, many companies offering different products, lots of paperwork to get the state, local and federal support that is available. It’s a daunting prospect. I’m sure some people who might otherwise move forward with solar panels haven’t due to the complexity of the process, while others fear they’ll pay too much or buy a system that doesn’t perform as anticipated.

Solar Co-ops can help overcome these barriers. Depending on how it is organized, they may also reduce the cost by buying in bulk instead of as a single system at one household.

There is a fine example of what a solar co-op can do in the nearby DC neighborhood of Mount Pleasant. A few neighbors there wanted to install solar panels and thought if they are going to go to all the trouble of figuring the whole thing out, they would bring some other neighbors along and get a volume discount. They were driven to action by deep concern about global warming and other environmental problems. They have succeeded in getting 50 systems installed so far. See http://www.mtpleasantsolarcoop.org/

Another twist on this idea comes from the United Power Co-op in Brighton, Colorado. In this case, the power co-op is the local utility. Noting that many of their customers wanted solar power but face the same barriers noted above or don’t own their roof or have too much shade for solar to work at their home, they created a “solar farm” leasing arrangement. See http://www.unitedpower.com/solpartners.aspx They set up solar panels on their own land, getting the capital from their customers. They provide a 25 year lease on a 210 watt photovoltaic panel for $1,050. They provide a 3% return on investment, based on current energy prices. Their promotional material claims a 17 year payback, though my own calculation shows that unless electricity prices increase, it won’t pay for itself before the lease expires. But carrying an income source into the future isn’t risk free. The stock market disappointed my expectation for a return on investment and indeed has swallowed much of the principal I invested. This investment has the potential to hold its own against inflation since rising energy costs are a primary source of inflation.

Another co-op approach worth noting is the effort by the Rockville Chamber of Commerce. They will negotiate purchase of wind generated electricity on behalf of their members. See http://www.gazette.net/stories/12022009/rocknew220922_32535.shtml This will be done through Clean Currents, which is also available to individuals who aren’t in the Chamber of Commerce. Clean Currents will sell you electricity that has been generated via wind turbines as described at http://www.cleancurrents.com/index.php/C-Green-Overview Currently, their price is lower than the standard Pepco price.

So what should we be doing differently in Rockville to increase renewable energy generation? First – step back and look at the bigger picture. There is a good chance you can save more energy by putting insulation in your attic then by putting solar panels on your roof, and can do so for less money. You should get an energy audit. Chevy Chase recently set up a rebate program for their residents to pay for energy audits and a portion of the upgrades that such audits recommend. See http://www.townofchevychase.org/n/166

The co-op approach used by Mount Pleasant is very powerful. But it requires a huge effort by a few individuals. I’ve seen several websites from other people trying to do the same thing. Most of them haven’t had a single installation yet. My hat is off to the Mt. Pleasant folks. Convincing people to part with thousands of their dollars, and setting up a structure for the contracts to work through is quite an accomplishment.

I would recommend a simpler approach – negotiating a “Rockville Deal” for solar panels that any resident can use, without trying to put the contract through the City or a community group, without guaranteeing a certain number of installations. While this would likely mean the cost per unit would be a bit higher, it is a more achievable approach. It would still be helpful. The City could set up a competitive process, eliminating those companies that have had performance issues, negotiating the technical specifications and prices of the unit and setting forth how to capture the state, local and federal subsidies. It would likely still be cheaper than most people would get on their own. The City could present the Rockville Deal approach in the proper perspective – energy audit first, invest in the most cost effective upgrades, how much sunlight/shade do you have?, is your roof good for another 15 years (i.e. Don’t put new panels on an old roof). If you get guidance from a salesman, you might not get unbiased advice.

The City could also mirror the approach taken by the Brighton co-op. The City’s owns a number of buildings that have unshaded roofs where solar panels could be installed. The City doesn’t have the money to do this, and indeed if they did they would probably be better served to put that money into more efficient street lights or better insulation at Glenview Mansion. But they could lease panels in such a manner that citizens would pay for the panels and the city would then pay the citizen for the electricity that the panels generate.

Investing in solar panels as an individual requires an appropriate site, knowledge of the marketplace and technology, knowledge of government subsidy programs, research into contract terms and such. Making this investment through the City allows for economies of scale, and makes it so each individual doesn’t have to do all the legwork alone. It makes the process more simple and accessible. This program would provide an investment alternative to the stock market which may fail widely in an era of declining oil production. A Rockville Solar Farm may well be one of the better investments available.

Carl Henn

This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Receive Rebates To Lower Stormwater Runoff

>

I first learned about the Rockville Rainscapes Reward Program at Science Day last April where the City set up a display. Basically, if you have residential property, you can help reduce the amount of stormwater and pollution entering local streams and increase the groundwater supply in two simple ways.

1.) Rain Barrels – By collecting rainwater in barrels, the amount of stormwater runoff is lowered. Although the water can’t be consumed, it can be used to wash cars or water the lawn/garden, which saves money on water bills. The water supply is even more beneficial during droughts. If you have installed rain barrels since March 1, 2008, you can receive $50 per barrel for up to 4 barrels.

In case you are thinking you really don’t want an unsightly barrel on your property, consider a recent project at the University of Akron in Ohio. Ten students turned 50 water barrels into functional art. The containers will be auctioned with proceeds going to Keep Akron Beautiful. I always appreciate a fine idea to make an environmentally-friendly idea even better.

2.) Conservation Landscaping – Removing grass and replacing it with plant species with deeper root systems also reduces runoff. The City just started to offer a $500 rebate on July 1, 2009 if you change your lawn over to plants with at least 3/4ths being native.

Upcoming City of Rockville training sessions will provide all the details:

Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10 AM -Noon at the Lincoln Park Community Center
Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 1:30-3:30 PM at Croydon Creek Nature Center
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009 from 1:30-3:30 PM Twinbrook Community Recreation Center

Call Audra Lew at 240-314-8877 or e-mail alew@rockvillemd.gov to reserve a spot in the training or for details. Session participants will have a chance to win a rain barrel.

Just think, that’s less mowing and lower water bills!

Avoid Possible Hazardous Material At Chestnut Lodge Site — And Around Town

Some Rockville citizens have pointed out a new aspect of the >Chestnut Lodge fire that has not yet come to the fore. The fire may have spread contaminants into the air and surrounding areas.

Specifically, some are worried about lead paint and asbestos. Chestnut Lodge was built before those substances were banned.

It appears that if asbestos were used in construction of Chestnut Lodge it would have vaporized into the air. However, some say there is a possibility that the many paint chips that fell from the air in the hours after the fire were lead-based. Lead, as a heavy metal, could easily leach into the surrounding ground.

Our understanding is that the City has been in touch with state environmental officials about the issue and have received preliminary information and are formulating a response.

At least one West End resident has been collecting paint chips and charred pieces of wood that could be used for testing. But Lincoln Park residents also spoke of dust on their cars after the fire so a broader examination may be a good idea.

For citizens, the best current advice is to stay away from the Chestnut Lodge site (treat it as a hazardous area). Here is a good information sheet from New York State on lead paint. Residents may also consider avoiding using lawnmowers and leaf blowers so as not to further stir up possible lead dust. Parents of nearby Beall Elementary School children should keep their children away from the site.

Just to be clear: We do not know that lead-based paint was spread around, but according to some — it is a possibility.

We understand that the City should be issuing a press release or other communication on this in the near future.

If readers have advice, please add it in the comments so others can have your good counsel.

State Clean Energy Center To Be In Rockville

According to many sources, the state of Maryland has chosen Rockville, Our Fair City, to be the home of the new >Maryland Clean Energy Center.

The office, whose mission is to keep the Free State at the forefront of clean and renewable energy research, will be housed at the Universities at Shady Grove. (Well, that’s just outside our coverage area, but still.)

This from the Maryland Daily Record:

The Maryland Clean Energy Center will foster development of green technologies statewide, including at an industrial park near Annapolis, a demonstration site in Frederick and an incubator in Baltimore, President Kenneth M. Connolly said.

A five-member staff, assisted by student interns and volunteers, will be based at the Camille Kendall Academic Center at the University System of Maryland’s Shady Grove campus just outside Washington.

This is big news, as it further solidifies our reputation at the forefront of tech. All up and down the I-270 corridor, we’ve got tons of biotech, clean energy, engineering, and other foreward-looking startups. We’ve got the human genome covered and . . . we’ve even got a big-deal gaming company.

Mayor Hoffmann Appointed To Environmental Policy Committee

>This from Our Fair City:

Rockville Mayor Susan R. Hoffmann has been appointed to the National League of Cities Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee.

“I’m thrilled for this opportunity to be part of creating guidelines on a national level that will improve our environment,” Hoffmann said. “Building a cleaner environment is one of my top priorities.”

The Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee is responsible for developing policy recommendations on issues of air quality, water quality, energy policy, national wetlands policy, noise control, and solid and hazardous waste management.

The National League of Cities is a national organization that represents municipalities by strengthening and promoting them as centers of opportunity and leadership.

Hoffmann is active with the Washington Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, where she serves on the Board of Directors and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board. She is also a member of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the National League of Cities.

Congratulations Mayor Hoffmann!

Congratulations To New Mark Commons

>

New Mark is receiving the award because of the neighborhood’s exemplary management of the many trees that make up its urban forest — it’s known for this aspect (indeed, I have heard it can be ten degrees cooler than other parts of town due to the shade).

Rockville Central Radio To Focus On Sustainability And Environment

We have a special show lined up for tomorrow’s edition of >Rockville Central Radio! As always, we go live at noon on Friday. (And if you miss it, you can always listen to the podcast by following the above link.)

This week’s show is going to focus on sustainability and the environment. We’ll have guests on who will talk not only about policy but also about their in-the-trenches experiences in converting to solar, using alternative transportation, and more. Council Member John Britton (who recently wrote a piece on reducing greenhouse emissions), bicycle advocate (and alternative energy proponent) Carl Henn, and solar conversion expert Herb Winkler are just a few of the people who will be on. We hope to have a few surprise guests too.

How to listen? Oh, it’s so easy. Just go here on your computer. Or, feel free to just call into our listener line at 646-200-3332. While you’re on the phone, you can hear the whole show. AND . . . you can ask questions too.

In fact, we encourage it. So call in at 646-200-3332!

Just go here to listen on Friday at noon.