When energy experts periodically promote combined heat and power (CHP) (sometimes referred to as "cogeneration" or "district heating," generally speaking, it 'don't get no respect.' This oversight needs to change, as CHP's potential to cost-effectively increase energy efficiency is very high, and the technology offers returns for investors and municipal taxpayers.

Image from Patent Application

EEStor may not be having much luck getting their ultracaps into cars, but Lockheed is working hard at getting them into your pants. They have made a patent application to build them into armoured clothing. According to BariumTitanate, it is:

Photo: Robert Stolarik for The New York Times

Solar-powered air conditioning just makes so much sense; it is usually hottest when the sun shines brightest. Now piano maker Steinway has installed an 80 ton absorption chiller that is powered by hot water from tracking solar panels. In the winter, the solar collectors provide water for heating.
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Oil Shale Specimen. Image credit: Los Angeles Times, Michael Brands

Filling the coal-fired stove in Sugarloaf, PA; Laura Pedrick for the NYT

The New York Times covers the return of coal as a heating source in American houses.

The slowing of construction in the USA has created a once-in-a-generation opportunity for driving significant, positive environmental change. Although I hesitate to even use the word because it has so little currency in the USA, an opening exists for a nation-wide consideration of sustainable development.

The construction slow-down reduces pressure on endangered species and prime farmland surrounding urban areas.

Desmogblog brings us Rob Cottingham's cartoon, but cut his great headline, which we repeat above.

This year, Barcelona city council decided to set an example and opt for low energy Christmas lights around town. The most intriguing ones are the 6 metal Christmas trees that are either solar or bike-powered. The Barcelonans however believe they are being tricked…...