Heat Waves Could Slam
California’s Energy Grid

Climate change and rolling blackouts may be a package deal. More frequent and intense heat waves expected in California over the next 100 years could overburden the state’s electric utility grid, according to a study led by Berkeley Lab scientists. “If a large area of California is hot and there is also demand on the energy grid throughout the western U.S., these conditions will likely lead to blackouts,” says Norm Miller, a climatologist in the Earth Sciences Division who examined the impacts heat extremes will have on the Golden State’s energy demands. Full story.

Berkeley to Give Ex-L'er
Art Rosenfeld His 'Day'

Rosenfeld

Former Berkeley Lab researcher Art Rosenfeld will be honored by the city of Berkeley for his pioneering work in the field of energy efficiency. The Berkeley City Council passed a proclamation on Tuesday night that declares Sept. 27 "Art Rosenfeld Day," when he will be attending the annual reception of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. A member of the California Energy Commission, Rosenfeld in 1974 formed the Lab's Center for Building Science and for 20 years developed a variety of innovative energy-efficient products and programs here. The proclamation says he "made Berkeley the center of the energy efficiency world." Go here to read the City Council's action.

EH&S Division Offers
Online Safety Survey

Help make the Lab a safer place by filling out an online survey on the Lab’s safety culture and the services provided through the Lab’s Environment, Health & Safety programs. The questionnaire has about 30 questions and should take 10 minutes or less to complete. All input is anonymous. Results will be analyzed for differences between divisions and between different levels of the organization. The survey will close on Thursday. Go here to take the survey.

Events at Neighboring
Botanical Garden

A world-class collection of plants is located right next door to the Lab, offering employees a unique opportunity to view 34 acres of nearly 12,000 different species. The garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free the first Thursday of every month, and closed the first Tuesday of every month. Visitors can take guided tours or participate in various events, such as a plant sale next Sunday or Californian Indian Day this Friday. Go here for more details.

Deadlines, Web Resource
To Assist With Close

With the end of the fiscal year only a few days away, Divisions are working hard to meet fiscal close deadlines. Go here to view important dates and deadlines related to the close, as well as a link to the fiscal close website.