DesignImpact
The Basics
- Name: DesignImpact
More About Me
James Allison, author of Design Impact, is an engineer at the MathWorks, Inc., working on simulation and design of engineering systems. He has worked at GM and Ford on hybrid powertrain design and engine design. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. James has had a persistent interest in energy efficiency, renewable energy production, and transportation systems. As an undergraduate engineering student he founded a solar car design team, and as a graduate student studied engineering system design, including electric and hybrid electric vehicle design. When not playing engineer, James enjoys mountain biking, climbing, and hiking.
DesignImpact’s Recent Comments
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The CO2 released per gallon of diesel is not the only important factor here: engine efficiency makes all the difference. Recently U-Haul has been claiming that their gasoline-powered trucks are the 'green' choice for those who move themselves. The basis of their claim is the slightly lower carbon density of gasoline. But diesel engines are far more efficient than gasoline engines, and for moving the same amount of stuff the same distance, diesels emit much less CO2 than gasoline-powered trucks (and of course biodiesels fare even better). In this greenwash U-Haul is hoping to win customers by claiming a lower carbon footprint, but in fact is actively encouraging consumers to make choices that actually increase CO2 emissions. You can read more about this issue here.
On Ask Umbra on green moving companies posted 4 months, 3 weeks ago 2 ResponsesClick here to view comment in original post
There is certainly a lot more interest in the U.S. in taking the lead on climate change, and there is increasing investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. We are starting to move in the right direction, but the pace needs to pick up. I believe the only way to achieve the scale of investment needed is to send the right price signals for fossil fuels and inefficient systems. This, however, would require politically unpopular changes (gasoline tax?). What can we do to build support for policy changes like this that we need to really get things moving?
On Obama 'optimistic' U.S. can lead on climate change posted 5 months, 3 weeks ago 3 Responses