V-Poles: The Future of Vancouver

Vancouver's city planners are taking a page from the imagination of one of the city's most celebrated writers. Douglas Coupland's V-Poles are conceptual multipurpose poles of 12 feet or higher, that are equipped to bolster cellular and wi-fi infrastructure, power electric cars wirelessly, process parking transactions and display information via an LED display. The V-Pole (V standing for Vancouver) is an efficient solution to urban utility clutter, and, according to Mayor Gregor Robertson will enable “new generation communications, data and zero emission transportation.”

Coupland hopes that these multipurpose poles will eventually replace inefficient old infrastructure, reducing the need for multiple utility poles cluttering neighbourhoods. The poles will also be a statement attesting to Vancouver's readiness to transition from fossil fuel automobiles to efficient electric vehicles.

The technology for these does not yet exist, however, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has approved a Telus proposal to build three monopoles in the West End. A monopole is similar in concept to Coupland's V-Pole. They are integrate wireless improvements with electric car charging, but lack the wifi, parking and signage features of the full V-pole. Coupland himself seems a little bit disappointed by the monopoles, likening them to giant lint rollers over his twitter. Vancouver city council has passed a motion to seek out pilot projects to develop full V-poles, so we can hope to see the full technology in the next few years.

 

Check out these articles to learn more about how electric cars are driving Vancouver's green future:

Inside Vancouver: Electric Car Capital of Canada

Georgia Straight: Electric Vehicles in Vancouver

Sources: Open File, V-Pole.com, The Globe and Mail, Inside Vancouver, Georgia Straight

WE RECYCLE! Do you?

International Eco Endeavors Corp. is based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and participates in the Blue Box Recycling Program. See below for more information on Vancouver's green program or contact your local municipality for information in your area! 

The Basics Of The Blue Box Recycling Program

The City of Vancouver Blue Box Recycling Program was implemented City-wide in 1990 and now provides service to over 101,000 households. The program enables residents of single-family, duplex, and some smaller multi-family dwellings to recycle materials such as newsprint, paper, cardboard, as well as metal, glass, and plastic containers.


Each residence is supplied with a blue box (for metal, glass and plastic containers), a reusable yellow bag (for mixed paper products) and a reusable blue bag (for newsprint). Residents sort their recyclable materials into the appropriate bag or box and on collection day, set them out for collection.


City crews collect the sorted recyclables into three different compartments inside the collection vehicles and deliver the recyclables to a processing facility for further sorting in preparation for the recycling market.


For a copy of our blue box program brochure, go to Blue Box Recycling Program Brochure.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about renewable energy! Knowledge Is Power If there is something else you'd like to know write to us at info@endeavorscorp.com and we'll do our best to address it for you!

5 Ways To Go Green This Week

1. Reduce Waste - Use Reusable Bags


It's easy to purchase a reusable bag at many local stores now, some are even giving them away for free! Try to pick up at least one and keep it in the most accessible place as a reminder to use it often. If you can, get yourself two or three and keep them in your home, vehicle, or day-pack so you can use them for a variety of needs that arise throughout the day.


2. Reduce Usage - Turn Your Power Off


Turning your lights and electronics off will not only save you money but also reduce total electricity consumption. According to BC Hydro, for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours you save by turning things off you cut $55 from your utility bill.


3. Reduce Emissions - Walk, Run, Bike, Carpool, Transit


There are many ways to get from place to place without driving your own car, try to use them as often as possible to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions generated each day. Walk, run, bike, carpool, or take public transportation whenever you can. Zip Car has shown that during the past year, members in Baltimore own fewer cars, drive less, and use public transportation more.


4. Reduce Footprints - Buy Locally


More and more stores are turning towards local supplies making it easier for individuals to buy what they need from their area. Local food requires less fuel to transport, store, and refrigerate, and according to Buy Local Think Global it will be more nutritious!


5. Reduce Reuse Recycle - Bring Your Own Bottle


We all need water to survive and particularly in the summer months we need it often! Save yourself time, money, and waste by carrying your own reusable water bottle to fill at home and various clean water stations. Metro Vancouver has developed Tap Map to show you where the closest clean water refill station is to you. In addition to water, you can use reusable coffee mugs and food containers to reduce waste even more.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about renewable energy! Knowledge Is Power If there is something else you'd like to know write to us at info@endeavorscorp.com and we'll do our best to address it for you!