Eco Factor: Zero-emission concept car designed to be powered by electricity.

The Bentley Aero Ace Speed VI is the brainchild of auto designer Gabriel Tam and has been inspired by the original Speed 6 driven to victory by the Bentley Boys of the ’20s at Le Mans. The next-generation Speed VI is an overtly sporting vehicle with the raw aggression of a pure blood racer, while retaining the refined elegance of past Bentleys.

During the design process, close attention was paid to refining the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle so as to improve its efficiency and increase its speed. Moreover, a double wishbone suspension has been integrated within the adjustable spoiler/aerofoil to further better its efficiency.

The air intakes to keep the electric motors of the vehicle cool feed out to twin rear heat exhaust ducts. Integrated diffusers aid air flow and create downforce. The battery pack of the vehicle has been evenly distributed and the vehicle has a 1+1 seating layout for optimal weight distribution.

Thanks: [Gabriel Tam]

Eco Factor: Concept gasoline station harvests solar energy to recharge EVs.

With the rise in the number of electric and plug-in hybrid cars on the streets, it will be important for gasoline stations to adopt the new trend and equip their stations with EV charging stations. However, since most of the electricity generated in different parts of the world still comes from coal-fired power plants, greening the world will take much more than green cars.

In an effort to design a gasoline station that is both green and trendy in Europe, design firm Geotectura has unveiled a station dubbed Green Gasoline. Designed in association with Malka Architects, the unique station will harvest renewable energy and will feature recharge poles for the next generation of electric vehicles.

The station will also feature a service area and a café, both of which will be below ground, leaving the horizon unblocked. Solar and wind energy will be harvested to power the station and electric vehicles.

Via: Geotectura

Eco Factor: University building designed to harvest renewable energy.

Woods Bagot has unveiled plans for the Australian Catholic University’s new Center for Health and Wellbeing, which is being touted to be an exercise in healthy architecture. The sustainable building will adopt active mass cooling concrete slabs, solar hot water heating panels, wind turbines and a rooftop garden terrace.

The building will set new standards in energy efficient design without compromising on an attractive social and working environment for faculty. Faculty offices will be accommodated within the northern component on a level-by-level basis. This arrangement allows for a naturally illuminated atria and circulation core, which improves air flow and conserves energy.

The green credentials extend to level six, where a landscaped roof terrace has been designed. The project is slated to be completed by the end of 2011 at an estimated cost of $49.5 million.

Via: Architecture & Design

Eco Factor: Fuel-efficient river boat uses solar energy for hot water.

The Zambezi Queen is a new 15-foot-long river boat that has been designed to provide all modern amenities to the passengers with minimum impact on the environment. The boat offers a luxurious new way to explore the Chobe River in Botswana, which runs through the Chobe National Park.

The luxurious boat is both luxurious and green as it is equipped with solar water heater and uses jet propulsion instead of conventional propellers for better fuel economy. Moreover, the boat doesn’t have any air-conditioners to save on precious energy. All of its 14 suites are appointed with private balconies, modern colonial-style décor and plenty of mosquito netting.

Via: The New York Times

Eco Factor: Millimeter-scale sensor harvests solar energy for nearly perpetual operation.

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed the world’s smallest self-powered sensor that can operate nearly perpetually running solely on solar energy. The system’s solar cells, processor and battery are all located in a tiny frame measuring just 9-cubic-millimeter.

The system can be used in new biomedical implants and various home-, building- and bridge-monitoring devices and could improve the efficiency and cost of current sensors designed to detect movement of track air and water quality. The sensor is based on an industry-standard ARM Cortex-M3 processor that uses about 2000 times less power in sleep mode than its most energy-efficient counterparts.

The sensor has been designed to spend most of its time in sleep mode, waking briefly every few minutes to take measurements. The designers claim that the average power consumption of the sensor is less than 1 nanowatt. The sensor can run nearly perpetually if periodically exposed to reasonable lighting conditions as its only limiting factor is battery wear-out.

Via: Physorg

Eco Factor: Portable electronic device charger harvests solar energy.

Statistics point out that over 6 billion portable electronic devices were purchased last year, most of which are dependent on grid electricity for a recharge. In an effort to conserve energy, industrial designers have often come up with concept devices that harvest renewable sources of energy for a sustainable recharge.

The IllumiCharge by Greenwaves is currently competing in the Greener Gadgets competition and offers a solar-powered recharge for all devices that support USB charging. The device is equipped with 2 USB inputs to charge two devices simultaneously. The designers claim that when developed, the device will ship in sustainable materials comprised of cornstarch plastic alternatives and recycled cardboard.

Thanks for the tip: [Ryan Hess]

Eco Factor: Sustainable building carries gardens at all levels.

Green roofs and plantations not only improve the air quality but also better the aesthetic appeal of any facility. This is the reason we see buildings with green roofs and vertical gardens. Japanese architects Kengo Kuma have designed a commercial building in Tokyo that carries gardens on the roofs and borders.

Dubbed the Tamagawa Takashimaya S + C Marronnier Court, the shopping center consists of three floors, each of which is equipped with a garden roof. The center also features triangular metal mesh screens border at each of the levels, where over time plants will grow. The center has large windows, which allow plenty of daylight to enter the premises to maximize energy conservation.

Via: DesignBoom

Eco Factor: Electric vehicle charging station sources energy from renewable energy plants.

After receiving the nation’s first solar-powered EV charging station, Chicago is trying to make EV charging as sustainable as possible by now receiving the first wind-powered EV charging station. The charging equipment has been supplied by Coulomb Technologies through Carbon Day Automotive.

The station is located in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park and the energy it uses to recharge zero-emission electric vehicles comes from MC Squared Energy Services. The sustainable EV charging station will ensure that a zero-emission ride is exactly zero-emissions by sourcing energy from renewable sources.

Via: Gas2

Eco Factor: Energy-conserving building harvests rainwater.

The Springfield Public School District’s new Thurston Elementary School replaces an existing school on the same site with a building that reflects the surrounding McKenzie River Valley. The new sustainable building aims to promote environmental understanding at a young age.

To encourage green living and environmental conservation, the building harvests rainwater from its roof, which is then put on display by directing flow into open concrete runnels that distribute into landscaped bio-filtration cells. The school also features large wood-framed glass walls on each side that allow the interiors to be naturally lit to conserve energy.

Via: World Architecture News

Eco Factor: Zero-emission motorcycle with an electric engine.

The brainchild of industrial designer Tian Lingrui, the Kumoi is what the world of today desperately needs. The Kumoi is an all-electric lightweight motorcycle that promises a zero-emission drive with great efficiency. The electric motorcycle is designed to offer an ergonomic ride at a fast speed.

Boasting lightweight credentials, the Kumoi features a carbon fiber frame and a shell carved out using aluminum alloy. Unlike conventional motorcycles which carry the controls on the handlebar, the Kumoi is equipped with unique Speed Control Pedals. The wheels of the Kumoi will be made from steel and synthetic rubber will be used for improved traction.