April 12th, 2010

Going Green Out on the Deep Blue

It has come time for sailors to stop saying that all ’stink pots’ aka motorboats pollute the seas with their fuel guzzling engines.

12_04_2010_12_02_59It is all about the environment and conserving the world’s seas and oceans for boat designing company J&J Design. Brothers Jernej and Japec Jakopin have designed over 250 boats both power and sail for manufacturers all over the world and have won over 30 Boat of the Year Awards in several different countries.

J&J Design have teamed up with VW Marine and renowed boat builders Seawayto bring their ideas for the future of motor boating into being in the form of the Greenline 33 (pic left)

The Greenline 33 is dedicated to efficiency producing four times less fossil fuels in a year than any other planing powerboat and is completely emission-free in the electric mode. These great features of the Greenline 33 means that for a boating family they are hugely reducing their carbon footprint by going green out at sea.

Not only for people out using the Greenline but for others enjoying the seas and boating areas there will be the added bonus of no smoke, no wake and no noise. The lithium batteries can have up to a 10 year life expectancy and the solar panelled roof will keep batteries charged and provide additional energy supply to the electric drives on board. This is all encompassed in a beautifully designed layout with comfortable and attractive features to appeal to any boating family, couple etc.

The mission is to preserve the world and its top boating areas for future generations. There is no reason why a motorboat cannot be enjoyed out on the water without it causing any damage to the environment or the water it is in. Already exceeding expectations, the Greenline 33 has gained J&J Design another Boat of the Year Award by winning the title at the HISWA (Dutch Boat Show) 2010. For all information and the design behind this new green creation go to www.greenlinehybrid.com

March 12th, 2010

Homestar Program Promotes Greener Homes

March 3rd, US President Barack Obama urged congress to consider his Homestar Program to promote greener homes in the US.

Now being nicknamed “Cash for Caulkers”,  the Homestar program outlines plans for a  government rebate to US businesses and homeowners who refit their homes to become more energy efficient. This includes replacing windows, doors, insulation and using other resourceful materials from an approved list.

Obama believes this initiative is going to revitalise the US construction industry, creating more jobs and lowering household energy bills. It could cost $6 billion to put into place but will pay back rebates to some 3 million homeowners direct from hardware stores or contractors. The incentives are attracting attention already with promised instant payouts of up to $1500 for an upgrade and up to $3000 for a home refit.

However, this is still being discussed by congress and has not yet been passed as law, but the Homestar Coalition have put in to place some strategies to help senators and congressional representatives to see the light.