Renewable Energy in Micronesia-Island Legislators Take on Sustainable Public Policy

When the Association of Pacific Island Legislators (APIL) met in Honolulu last week, the membership heard from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) on the efforts in Micronesia to drive forward into the future less reliant on foreign fuels.  Each and every day islanders from Majuro to Yap  spend each day without the modern amenities of power as a means to help drive their respective island societies and economies.  While the larger island like Guam may enjoy such technologies across much of the unincorporated U.S. Territory, there are many isolated areas of Micronesia that still do not have electricity serving residents. 

Legislators listened intently to an SPC presentation that was not exactly an "eye opener", but allowed them all to re-think their collective positions on this important quality of life issue and how to help bring every part of their respective island communities into the 21st Century. GET, LLC was privileged to be part of this important audience held at the Hawaii State Capitol Building.

We learned that there are fascinating things happening across Micronesia related to advancing the use of renewable energy. Solar power is bringing 6,000 people in the Marshall Islands access to basic electricity for the first time ever.  Solar powered-lanterns are bringing light to isolated parts of Yap that was previously done courtesy of kerosene-fueled fires or other means.  This is the first time that at least 7,000 people there will have access to electricity and specifically lighting.  Also, Hydropower is changing lives in Pohnpei.  Other renewable energy sources like wind and Biofuels are allowing commerce and job creation to thrive throughout the remote islands of the FSM. Palau is adding grid connected solar photovoltaic systems into their Capitol Building and Guam is anxiously awaiting the completion of a 100 kW solar array construction project in Inarajan.   There is no question that electricity can change lives all while preserving centuries old cultural practices.  The SPC study did highlight the need to protect culture and preserve our way of life by finding smart policies to make this work for every man, woman and child across our great region of the Pacific.

Legislators remarked of ways to bring affordable solutions to the islands.  Policies that endorse technologies with multiple applications were encouraged.  Commitments to create modern laws and new regulations related to this important issue were shared with the shared concern that they all are driven with community input was broadly accepted best practices for island communities.

There were some missing components.  Renewable Energy targets were outlined but associated policies were are not placed on the front burner-low hanging fruit to begin the trek to wean ourselves from fossil fuels.  Energy efficiencies to include the changing of light bulbs or the use of energy efficient appliances can help this across the islands, but many see food and other staples more important that these swift and largely sustainable moves. Lawmakers were intrigued with this, but challenged to bring about such policies that would be of great help to reduce energy.  Even transportation-the means that connects us to the world around us all-is complex and makes this issue even more important, especially related to energy security. 


We as a global community should get behind the APIL's efforts on the energy front.  They all are committed.  They all are prepared to be leaders in energy.  They all know the fallout for not taking action or by a misstep to satisfy small constituencies that benefit financially while the greater communities of Micronesia remain left behind with such a simple amenity of life in the island and part of the world community. 

AIA Pushes Ahead in Colorado

Day two proved to be a bigger day on the Convention Floor at the 2013 National Convention of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).  Classes were in full swing and Keynote Speaker and Co-founder of Architecture for Humanity Cameron Sinclair explored the core passion of the architecture profession—the desire to leave the world better than we found it—and how we all can, and should, focus that passion to tackle large, global issues within the built environment.  

There was so many folks out and about on the second day.

Of note, many convention goers were focused on finding the next best application for their latest project.  Other convention goers were looking for new technology to make their jobs better. While other AIA members were securing commitments for the next National Convention in Chicago.


This was happening all over the Denver Convention Center.GET, LLC was amazed with the effort and enthusiasm to make this all work out for the AIA.  As a relative outsider from Guam, this group seems very committed to helping its members get the most of these education programs and to bring a level of comfort to vendors and partners that there efforts here were not in vain. 

Can the AIA get bigger? We'll see.

2013 AIA Opens in Denver


In talking to my friends at Ashboro, North Carolina-based Phase Change Energy Solutions, the 2013 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention is one of the most important events for architects during the calendar year.  The AIA Convention has drawn professionals from all over the world-including GET, LLC from Guam.  Even at my hotel some two miles away from the Denver Convention Center, I have ran into architects from Africa and Europe who were drawn to the education program and Expo this year's edition is offering.
 
The venue is an impressive one.  Surrounded by 63 conference rooms, the AIA Expo sits in the heart of a really big main hall-584,00 square feet to be exact.  Attendees have said that is small in comparison to some of the other venues that have hosted the AIA show in year's past-but impressive nonetheless.  Traffic was a bit slow though past the tables of the 800 exhibitors on the first day.  I would chalk it about to the scores of AIA Chapter Meetings and off-site meetings held Thursday that were as big of a draw as the activities at the Convention Center.

Let's talk about the exhibitors.  Each of the companies on hand, were completing final preparations of their booths into midday.  Many did not get that much traffic, while others saw many people-architects and exhibitors alike.  Giving out coffee was a big draw.  Giving out beer was bigger-especially near the end of the day.  All the giveaway items were just getting placed for probably a banner day today.  More exploration is planned by this blogger today.



There is no question that the AIA is committed to providing its members a great experience.  Talks on renewable building practices, the innovations in modeling technology and insights into emerging green policies are expected to give Convention-goers a great program that will make the AIA Chicago 2014 event that much harder to top. 

More to come from Denver.

GETting Perspective at the AIA National Convention in Colorado

GET, LLC is proud to be a part of the annual American Institute of Architects National Convention in Denver, Colorado.  The three day show, which opens on June 20, 2013 brings together the industry's top professionals under one roof to celebrate their collective work that changes the lives of people around the world each and every day. 

The AIA has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857. They are responsible for a number of different education programs-case in point, GET, LLC attended an Introduction to Metal Buildings course hosted by the AIA in Guam last Fall and was very well received by the local architect community. We were blown away by the information presented in the Continuing Education course and has been the catalyst for our current work with the Denver-based Metal Construction Resources, LLP and MCR Guam Inc.

The 2013 edition of the AIA's National Convention is such a great extension of that AIA Course in Guam for this blogger. I am very excited about what the next couple of days has in store.  With that, over the course of the Convention I will use this forum to describe what I see and write about the AIA show from a perspective of a first timer to the event and general feeling about the AIA and their signature event. 

What I can say so far is that this city is getting ramped up big for the AIA.  800 exhibitors will showcase their wares and over 30,000 participants are expected to attend the courses and check out the variety of products and services that will be on display at the Denver Convention Center.  Even at the hotel where I am staying and a number of eating establishments I have already visited, scores of attendees are mapping out their plan of attack for the AIA Convention.  Each with a unique mission to accomplish to further advance their businesses at home and as part of the network of 300 state and local AIA Chapters.


"Building Leaders" is the theme for the AIA Convention-something I hope will inspire me and the other attendees to think about over the course of the next couple of days in Denver and to take home with us following its conclusion. 

What Is The Future of LED Lighting? A Report on The Global Market For LED lighting In Buildings

The London-based market research and  investment consultancy Memoori, has released an interesting report that reviews the future of emerging trends that can expect to change the face of the Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting industry.  

What do they expect is going to take off like a rocket?  OLED, Smart Lighting & Controls, Low Voltage AC LED, Alternative Substrates and Phosphor Technology will set the trends. 

With, lighting accounting for 19% of the worldwide electricity consumption and commercial, residential, and industrial buildings responsible for 49% of the world’s energy consumption, what will be the next steps for building owners to respond to this growing energy concern.  Studies estimate that by US building owners cutting the energy used by lighting by 40% would save about $53 billion in annual energy costs, and reduce total energy demand that is equivalent to the annual operations of 198 mid-size power stations.

The Memoori Study also found some other interesting pieces of information:

Their research estimates that the total value of the global market for lamps and luminaires used in building lighting in 2012 was approximately $54 billion, and project that this overall market will grow by 3.6% in 2017

Memoori predicts that the revenue of the global LED market for buildings will rise from $9.46 billion in 2013 to a total of $25.4 billion by 2017.

And finally, they project market growth for LED lighting in all regions. Growth in India will be the highest at approximately 31%, but from a very low base, and penetration rates there are likely to remain relative low. The rest of Asia (with the exception of Japan) will experience growth of around 24% due to positive legislation, new construction, and government incentives.

The report adds that many global lighting product sectors remain highly fragmented. This is likely to change over the next few years. Memoori predicts that the continued drive for improved lighting performance and lower costs should drive continued vertical integration in the market particularly downstream in the value chain.

The Business of LED Lighting in Buildings 2013 to 2017 report by Memoori does so much to provide important conclusions, supported with facts, as to what is shaping the future of the LED lighting industry.  It is a must read.


For more information on bringing an LED lighting solution to your facility, please contact us at GET,LLC at 671-483-0789 or see our website at www.get-guam.com for details of the technologies that can be of significant value to all building owners-All Made in America!!!

An Ambit Energy Thought of the Week-Service to Others

A great question from Ambit Energy National Consultant Carlos Marin to GET, LLC and other consultants this week-Do you have a passion for inspiring and helping others achieve their dreams?

Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others, while unsuccessful people are always asking, "What's in it for me."

The fact that you've decided to start your own business and become a part of the Ambit family means that you desire to become a successful person. So you've definitely chosen the right business because by helping others achieve their dreams you WILL achieve yours!

Remember, you can get everything you want in life if you will just help enough other people get what they want.

Offer your time, knowledge, and expertise to your team and the sky is the limit for you personally and in your business.

Again to find out more about this issue and how to turn on the inspired cash flow whenever someone uses electricity and gas at http://getllc.myambit.com/start-a-business/energy-526-California is now Ambit Energy Country.  Let's talk further about how we can help you with this exciting opportunity.


Guam-A Different Perspective

It is that time of year-high school graduations are underway in Guam and across the rest of America.  

When wrapping up the semester recently at the University of Guam, I had a discussion with another faculty member related to the logical next steps for the outgoing and incoming Seniors in our island's high schools-preparing for and entering college or other post-secondary educational opportunities.  The talk centered on just how prepared are our island school children to enter the halls of higher education.  It was clear that there was a pretty big gap between the expectations of college life and how kids are prepared in high school for the leap into the university setting.  

I know that Guam is not alone in this and such can't be looked at from just one position. 

What are the choices?

Pretty simple: out young people will decide to attend a Junior College, an "off-island" university in the U.S. Mainland or in the Asia-Pacific region, or enroll down the road at the University of Guam.  Also, the U.S. military is offering other opportunities for a unique educational experience that since the Spanish American War hundreds of Guam's young people each year have used as an opportunity to "see the world".

Many have or are now starting the tedious process that will decide their respective "futures" with an eye on what tomorrow may bring them.  Scores of high school seniors have just taken the SAT.  Others are compiling college catalogs and financial aid packets.  Bunches made or are considering runs for the local military recruiters office.

With a vision to attract the best and brightest from around the world, higher education stakeholders must look to administrators and policy makers to address the important question here-when should colleges get involved in improving the quality of elementary and secondary education?  That is a very challenging question in Paradise Guam with no ready answer.  School districts all over America, including the Guam Department of Education and those of the other U.S. Territories  are having trouble just teaching the basics to our kids.  There is a sense of urgency to improve on the building blocks of academics from K-12. 

This business of educating our school children  is and will constantly be under siege by other legislative or fiscal priorities across Guam and the Western Pacific.  So it is time to focus.

Guam's high schools should start college readiness efforts during the last two years of high school.  We can prepare our teachers until we are "blue in the face", increase the availability of classes for students that offer dual credits and we can align curriculum earlier with college as an end goal.  But efforts will need to be agreed on by education policy makers.  Also all educators must be disciplined to instill a single effort for more than just a year to study the benefits or challenges of a "new normal" in education.  Parents too will need to be an active part of this change in education vision for our schools.  Moms and Dads will be there to push our young people to think about their future with an education and need to remind their kids to not be so "scared" of learning.  

To all incoming high school Seniors-take it one day at a time.  To those outgoing Seniors-Congratulations Class of 2013! Your future awaits!

Savoy Contract Furniture Showcased at ACUHO-I Event

Minnesota is hosting an important event this summer for the casegood furniture industry.  The Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I) supports and promotes the collegiate residential experience across 900 institutions across the globe. The ACUHO-I creates value through education, avocation, and network connections through its members. They also help housing professionals meet the needs of dynamic campus environments.

Case in point: they are hosting the largest conference and exposition of its kind to do just that.  

A part of their professional development events, the ACUHO-I Annual Conference in Minneapolis from June 14-18, 2013 will continue this effort of outreach to its members and highlight the latest products and services to this important market segment. 

Savoy Contract Furniture will be there (Booth 325 & 327).  They will answer the following questions at the event:

What's the Smart Bed all about?
Do all chairs loosen at the joints?
Can safety have style?
How long should lounge furniture last?
Power outlets - in furniture?   

GET, LLC is so very proud to be part of the Savoy Furniture Team and encourage our friends in the higher education business to not miss this important show.  They do hold a GSA Schedule for casegoods (GSA Dorm and Quarters Contract #GS-27F-3019D/GSA Package Room Projects Contract #GS-27F-3019D (John Savoy & Son, Inc.)).


Savoy and the ACUHO-I remind us all to help make a positive difference in the lives of all ACUHO-I members and the students we serve.  For more information give GET, LLC a call at 671-483-0789 or check us out on the web at www.get-guam.com where you can find a complete catalog of Savoy's products.

Are CFLs Safe? A Closer Look.

In 1976, the non-profit National Lighting Bureau (NLB) was founded to educate lighting decision-makers about the benefits of using what has been termed, "High-Benefit Lighting®". The NLB helps guide many a professional society and trade association and manufacturers, utilities, and agencies of the federal government alike. The latest argument : are compact-fluorescent lamps (CFLs) safe-especially when they reach the end of their useful life?  The NLB is taking a hard look at this as speculation is abound that speaks to the contrary. Even NLB Chair Howard Lewis has recently described such claims as "Absolutely, categorically untrue. An urban myth."

There are documented reports that the basis of the rumor might very well be the normal performance of well-designed CFLs’ fire-safety systems. In most CFL end-of-life situations, these safety systems remain dormant, Lewis said. “Most commonly, CFLs get somewhat dimmer as they enter failure mode, and then expire or, in some cases, expire with a popping sound similar to the sound made by an incandescent bulb when it ‘gives up the ghost.’”

In some cases, however, capacitors, resistors, or other electronic components located in the CFL's ballast may fail in such a way that they make a slight sizzling sound and/or cause odor or smoke. It’s even possible for the ballast housing to discolor or deform, principally because of the fire-inhibiting chemicals incorporated into the plastic that the housing is fabricated from. Such reactions pose no danger.

“What it really is,” he noted, “is a demonstration of the CFL’s remarkable fire-safety design working exactly as it’s supposed to, to protect consumers and keep them safe," said Lewis.

In a 2010 report, Underwriters Laboratories said that CFL bulbs may emit a bit of smoke at the end of its useful life including a more "dramatic pop".  Additionally, the National Geographic Green Guide says that CFL bulbs “burn out when the ballast overheats and an electronic component, the Voltage Dependent Resistor (VDR), opens up like a fuse in your home’s fuse box, shutting off the circuit and generating heat and possibly a small amount of smoke. This might sound dangerous, but the VDR is a cut-off switch that prevents any hazards.” In some cases, the ballast’s plastic housing can melt slightly where the glass coil connects to the ballast, the Green Guide states, noting that this “is simply a sign that the heat is escaping as intended in the design of the bulb.”

Simply put-CFL bulbs may emit a bit of smoke and smell and have burnt looking bases when they die, but that's as it should be. There is no fire danger. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission continues to be on the look-out for such activity.  The Commission started an online complaints database in March 2011-in that year there were 34 complaints about CFLs emitting smoke or a burning odor and four reports of the lights actually catching fire.

For years, CFLs have been touted as the bulb of the future because it uses about a fifth of the power than a regular bulb and is reported to have a life six to 10 times as great.  The Energy Independence and Security Act has mandated the gradually phase out of the once touted "traditional bulbs" since 2012. Funny-the incandescent bulb has not changed much since Thomas Edison patented it in 1879. Few are aware that the federal government passed a bill in 2007 that makes the sale of incandescent light bulbs illegal. Fires from the old incandescent bulbs, on the other hand, were virtually nonexistent.

The fire hazard concern with CFLs is not a new issue. In a past recall, Trisonic Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs were recalled due to fire hazard by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in October of 2010. In 2009, standards were revised for materials used in the plastic housing of the base of CFLs sold in North America. However, millions are still in use that were produced before the change.

Want to change? There are other solutions, such as the light-emitting diode (LED) light. GET, LLC can assist you with that choice.  Give us a call at (671) 483-0789 or check us out at www.get-guam.com for more information and put the fear aside and move ahead with the future of lighting-LED.


Ride the Wave of Momentum-An Ambit Energy National Consultant's Perspective on Moving Forward

Ambit Energy National Consultant Carlos Marin asked a very simple question of GET, LLC and other consultants: How was your week? Did we take the necessary actions to propel ourselves forward in our respective businesses? Do we feel like we've gained some momentum?

Marin said, "Successful people know this secret... the more they succeed the more they WANT to succeed, and the more they'll find a way to make their dreams and goals a reality. The opposite is also true. If someone if failing they tend to go down a negative spiral and their defeat leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Don't let that be you! Get on board, take advantage of the resources you have at your fingertips, and together - let's gain some HUGE momentum going into the summer. The more we succeed as individuals the more we motivate our team members, partners, colleagues, friends and families to succeed."

We are so very happy for the advice.  Marin ended by saying, "You are capable of being, doing, and having everything it is that you want in life. Don't allow set backs to get in the way. Set a new income goal, or rank achievement and go after it with everything you've got!"

Again to find out more about this issue and how to turn on the inspired cash flow whenever someone uses electricity and gas at http://getllc.myambit.com/start-a-business/energy-526.  For my friends in San Leandro and Bakersfield-California is now Ambit Energy Country.  GET that momentum and let's talk further about this exciting opportunity together.


GET, LLC on "The Bench" with the GCA Construction Bulletin

GET, LLC is proud to announce our relationship with the Guam Contractors Association in providing information via this Blog to the "Around the Bench" Segment of the GCA's Monthly Construction Bulletin.

As a proud Associate Member of the Guam Contractors Association, GET, LLC has been really excited about contributing to the monthly publication that is read by the 535 member organization. 

Many GCA members are always on the go.  Many are busy with a construction deadline or two.  Many don't have a moment to jump on getguam.blogspot.com to get our take on a host of issues from selecting casegood furniture, aerial lift news and other related matters to the goods and services we provide.

The "Around the Bench" article is our way of giving back to an organization that has been so beneficial to us as a small business, but allows us to share more about what we do for our customers.  The focus so far has been on examining trends in the lighting industry-specifically light-emitting diodes or LED.

GET, LLC debuted our contribution in the April 2013 edition of the Construction Bulletin-to the surprise of many in the community.  The May 2013 version was published recently. 


We want to personally thank Sales and Marketing Director Geri Leon Guerrero of ADZtech and Publisher James Martinez for their support on this new way of linking this part of the www.get-guam.com family to the masses in print form. 

Did I say it is replicated on the GCA website at www.guamcontractors.org?  Click on publications and there you go.