High-Density Building
Creates Heat Islands

This opinion piece by Ali Modarres ran in Sunday's Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles' accelerating quest to create centers of higher population density may be on a collision course with California's crusade to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. And the potential trouble comes from buildings. High-density development is usually considered environmentally friendly, but only if residents abandon cars and use nearby subway, rail or bus lines. A study of the city by Berkeley Lab’s Heat Island Group estimates that "the demand for electric power rises nearly 2 percent for every degree Fahrenheit the daily maximum temperature rises." Compensating for the effect of the urban heat island could cost millions of dollars annually, and could result in significant increases in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Full story.

Lab, SynapSense Work
On Efficient Data Centers

Berkeley Lab will work with Folsom, CA, startup company SynapSense to determine a baseline for energy utilization and efficiency for some of the largest data centers in the United States. SynapSense has developed a battery-powered wireless sensor-networking device that's about the size of a wallet and communicates wirelessly. SynapSense officials say the technology provides data center operators with up to 1 million "vital signs" each day to enable energy savings of up to 30 percent. Full story.

Stroll volunteers Rosanne Boudreau, left, and Valerie Wysinger

Volunteers Turn Out
For Solano Stroll Event

Nearly 30 employees turned up at the Solano Stroll in north Berkeley this past Sunday to volunteer at the Lab’s information booth. Hundreds of Stroll visitors stopped by to learn more about the Lab’s research, recent discoveries, educational outreach, and contributions to the community. The annual event also featured music, dancing, artwork, food, and a parade. The Lab’s Community Relations office would like to thank all staff who donated their time. Go here to view a list of volunteers.