by: Jessica Sheridan Assoc. AIA LEED AP
Arriving in NY’s North Cove Marina on May 8, the Swiss vessel sun21 has completed the first solar-powered transatlantic voyage. The solar-powered catamaran left continental Europe on December 3, 2006 from Chipiona, Spain. It arrived in Martinique on February 2, completing its journey on the open seas and traveled along the U.S. East Coast through March and April. The transatlantic21 Association set out to prove the feasibility of clean energy vessels on open seas, as well as to showcase the wide spread applications of solar technology to transform the shipping and boating industry. Click the link to read the blog, learn more about the boat, and see pictures of the voyage.
Also on the shores of Manhattan is the Science Barge, a sustainable urban farm designed by New York Sun Works, an environmental nonprofit organization. Offering educational tours, the barge is a sustainable urban farm powered by solar, wind, and biofuels, and irrigated by rainwater and purified river water. Using recirculated greenhouse hydroponics (water collected from rain and the river), tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and peppers are grown in a greenhouse. According to the website, “In a world of climate change, rapid urbanization, and endless pollution, sustainable urban agriculture can help.” Currently the barge is moored at Pier 84 in Hudson River Park. Click the link for more information and for schedules and directions.