2008 Nov 13 Green Beijing: Pedal Power and Energy Efficient Houses
First Fengtai, next the world! The answer to the looming energy crisis that threatens the planet has been revealed in a residential community in Beijing’s Fengtai District. In an effort to harness the surfeit energy of retirees, the local residence committee has installed six brightly colored exercise bikes that also function as electric generators. 
The bikes are capable of providing enough energy to power lights and simple household appliances. According to The Beijing Daily, the power generated by the purple and green bikes will be used to help needy households in the neighborhood.
It’ll be interesting to see how the initiative goes, - just imagine how much energy China could produce by hooking up every local exercise area in the country. However, the pilot program could run into some unforeseen problems with the mis-use of equipment - we doubt that Zhang Yeye stretching his leg on the side of the bike is going to do much to charge the generator.
Green House
In mid-October Beijing held an International Energy-saving and Environmental Protection Exhibition at the Beijing Exhibition Center. One of the most popular attractions at the show was a “Beijing Energy-saving House”, which made up part of the capital's Sichuan earthquake relief effort (in a passing note - yesterday marked the 6-month anniversary of the disaster). The house can be assembled quickly (it took only 1 week to erect 86 of these energy-efficient houses) and solid enough to sustain a magnitude 9 earthquake. Although they may appear to be temporary, the buildings can actually be used for more than 30 years. The walls are made of a special light thermal insulation material with good bearing capacity, which helps save large quantities of cement and steel. This kind of fireproof and anti-rot sheet materials also makes for quick and easy assembly. Each 20 sqm house costs about RMB 50,000 to produce.
Links and Sources
The Beijing Daily: 东高地街道万源东里“脚踏发电车”节能又健身
Sina: 图文：一位老人单腿夹在铁管上锻炼身体
CRI: 2008 Beijing International Energy-saving and Environmental Protection Exhibition
2008 Beijing International Energy-saving and Environmental Protection Exhibition Official Site (Chinese Only)
Xinhua: Image of Beijing Energy-saving House
Peswiki: Human-Powered
You might also be interested in :
Back To Green: Root For Environmental Education
Who on earth would put Dame Jane Goodall and the Hash House Harriers in the same boat? All is not what it seems, though. On September 24, the Roots & Shoots China World Summit will be held at the Jane Goodall Institute of China, featuring stage performances, informational displays about NGOs and environmental programs and fun educational activities. We chatted with Executive Director Lei Wong about China’s youth and meeting the British premier.
River Watch: Get Back in Touch With Nature
Living in Beijing, we often feel out of touch with nature. High-rise buildings, pollution and concrete roads hardly call to mind dewy grass, fresh water streams and chirping songbirds.
Now, the Green Earth Volunteers – one of the oldest local environmental NGOs in China – is offering expats an opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors. They have been organizing a “River Watch” activity (乐水行) every Saturday for the past two years, but starting in July, they’ve arranged for monthly English-language translations as well. And their second one ever is taking place tomorrow morning (see details below).
News You Might Have Missed
Here’s a look at some news and opinions for the past week from the drain of sexpats on Beijing to China’s environmental efforts.
Lights Out on Saturday Night?: Earth Hour 2011
The world’s largest voluntary action takes place this Saturday, March 26, 2011. Organized by the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour 2011 intends to be bigger than ever.
This year’s theme has expanded to not only promote awareness of climate change, but also environmental sustainability. The WWF asks that individuals, businesses and governments turn off their lights from 8.30pm-9.30pm, as well as pledge to make one change for the planet.
85 Days Without Rain & Counting: Beijing Contemplates Water Restrictions
Due to a lingering drought and a record breaking dry winter, Beijing is to experiment with measures to more strictly regulate water conservation and recycled water usage.
TitoMontana
Re: Green Beijing: Pedal Power and Energy Efficient Houses
These bikes should be something we all get installed in our own apartments. Maybe evolve the market into elliptical trainers, rowing machines, stair-climbers and treadmills that all function as electric generators.
Perhaps instead of running around trying to make a $$$ we can all stop for a few more minutes at home and just try to save a $$$. It would sure make it easier to work off all of that McDs.
marchse
Re: Green Beijing: Pedal Power and Energy Efficient Houses
That's very true..this system helps us to save energy and have a good economy.