WorldWide Drilling Resource

24 AUGUST 2013 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® EPA Awards $2 Million for Water Research Adapted from Information by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $2 million will be awarded to 25 small businesses nationwide to help fund the development of new environmental technologies. EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program funds inno- vative research resulting in new commer- cial products, processes, and services which protect the environment, benefit the public, and promote the growth of small businesses. Among other issues, this year’s projects will focus on drink- ing water, wastewater, and homeland security issues involving decontamina- tion and drinking water security. “Over the past 30 years, EPA’s SBIR program has funded over 900 small busi- nesses that develop unique environmen- tal technologies,” said Lek Kadeli, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This funding opportunity allows these companies to help protect public health and the environment through innovative technology and more sustainable solu- tions while creating jobs and increasing economic competitiveness.” Each of the 25 companies will receive an SBIR Phase I contract of up to $80,000 to further develop their technology over the next six months. Once the project has been demonstrated to be commer- cially viable, the companies are eligible to compete for a Phase II award of up to $300,000 to commercialize their tech- nology. Walgreens Aims for LEED Platinum Status Adapted from a Press Release by Walgreens Drugstore giant Walgreens an- nounced plans to build what it believes will be the country’s first net zero ener- gy retail store. The company plans to pro- duce energy equal to, or greater than, what it consumes by utilizing solar, wind, and geothermal technology, among other methods. “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and leading the retail industry in use of green technology,” said Thomas Connolly, Walgreens vice presi- dent of facilities development. “We are investing in developing a net zero store so we can learn the best way to bring these features to our other stores.” Located in Evanston, Illinois, the store will be monitored by the company’s head- quarters in nearby Deerfield. The compa- ny will measure the store’s performance for an entire year to determine if it reach- es its goal of net zero energy use. The plan is to use 800 rooftop solar panels, 2 wind turbines, LED lighting, and energy-efficient building materials, in addition to drilling 550-foot wells for a geothermal system. Initial engineering estimates indicate the store will use approximately 200,000 kilowatt hours per year of electricity, while generating 256,000 kilowatt hours per year. “This planned building development reflects the City of Evanston’s ongoing commitment to the constant improvement of sustainable practices in the natural and built environment and will serve as an excellent example of how responsible development and the environment can be harmoniously combined,” said Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl. “Green building is important to Evanston as it is good for business, good for the environment, good for our health, and essential to our future. We are honored that Walgreens has cho- sen our community to build the nation’s first net zero energy retail store that will be LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] certified as well.” Walgreens will attempt to have the store achieve LEED Platinum status, which is the strictest green designation by the U.S. Green Building Council This project is the latest of many green initiatives for the company, which currently operates two LEED Gold cer- tified stores; 150 stores utilizing solar power; a store in Oak Park, Illinois, using geothermal energy; a distribution center in Waxahachie, Texas, generat- ing energy with wind; and 400 locations with electric vehicle charging stations. Editor’s note: Whether using solar, wind, or geothermal power, today’s drilling professional is at the center of renewable technology. After all, solar panels and wind turbines require iron, molybdenum, lead, copper, and even coal to produce.