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  • Innovations in Electricity Business Models Must Overcome Two Challenges February 21, 2012
    The Energy Collective writes “[by Christine Hertzog]…Private enterprises are also deploying DG, DER, and microgrids in their energy strategies. IKEA…recently increased its percentage of US-based stores that will house rooftop solar panels to 85%. They are also installing EV charging stations at some of their retail locations. And they are not alone. Other retailers, like Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Walgreens are…Clearly, profit-driven businesses are finding compelling financial reasons to…” more
  • Cincinnati Could be 100% Powered by Renewables this Year February 20, 2012
    Clean Technica writes “[by Silvio Marcacci]…Powering any city with 100 percent renewable energy sources without any significant cost increase for consumers is a no-brainer, right? The answer is definitely “yes” in Cincinnati, Ohio, where city officials are working on a deal that could have only renewable electrons flowing across the city by this summer. The Queen City is moving toward a renewable-only portfolio through…” more
  • US Virgin Islands to Reduce Fossil Fuels 60% by 2025 February 20, 2012
    Clean Technica writes “[by Andrew]…Targeting new, emerging technologies in locations and environments where they can make the greatest impact makes a lot of sense, and when it comes to renewable energy, island communities, cities, and states fit the bill. A clean, renewable energy movement is afoot in Hawai’i, where proponents are laying out a path to a 100% renewable energy future. A similar initiative is underway in the US Virgin Islands…” more
  • How Much Solar Costs & How Much You Could Save on Electricity in Your State February 17, 2012
    Clean Technica writes “[by Zachary Shahan]…How much could you save by going solar? How much would it cost to install a solar system? What’s your estimated return on investment (ROI)?…This infographic…has all the answers, and a few more. Well, they are generalized answers, based on the state you live in, but that’s as good as it gets beyond contacting a solar company and getting a quote…” more
  • Carbon Disclosure Project Supply Chain Report 2012 February 15, 2012
    Globe Net writes “…Climate change has become a mainstream business issue, and large global corporations are now extending their gains in internal carbon management to the next opportunity: their supply chain…according to the most recent Supply Chain Report by the Carbon Disclosure Project…” more
  • Big Solar Fights California County Sun Tax February 13, 2012
    The Energy Collective writes “[by Nino Marchetti]…fight has broken out in Riverside County, Calif., that could impact the future of utility-scale solar power development in the United States. The county’s Board of Supervisors moved last November to impose an acreage-based fee on solar projects that could cost developers millions of dollars every year. Now the developers have asked the Riverside County Superior Court to invalidate the fee—which they call the “Sun Tax”—claiming it…” more
  • Water Bottle Industry Fights Students' Campaign February 13, 2012
    Yale Environment 360 writes “…Student groups on some college campuses are pushing their schools to ban the sale of plastic water bottles, a campaign that so far has prompted more than 20 colleges and universities to impose partial or complete bans. The bottled water industry has responded with a sarcastic video belittling the campaign. Student groups, citing environmental and health concerns of one-time bottle use, have…” more
  • Criticism of "Secret" Panel to Evade $18 Billion Ecuador Judgment February 13, 2012
    Electric Energy Online writes “…The Andean Commission of Jurists and five prestigious international law experts from around the world have joined a growing chorus of criticism targeting Chevron’s attempt to use a secret investor arbitration as part of its campaign to evade an $18 billion environmental judgment in Ecuador, according to letters released today…” more
  • Legislation Introduced in Arizona Would Squash Progress on Renewable Energy February 13, 2012
    CleanTechies writes “[by The Vote Solar Initiative]…In fact, this bill is a thinly veiled attempt to squash progress on clean energy and energy efficiency…In recent years, the ACC has enacted strong new policies like the Renewable Energy Standard that have made Arizona the clean energy powerhouse it is today. But if Lesko’s bill becomes the law of the land…” more
  • On the Road Back to Rio, Green Direction Has Been Lost February 9, 2012
    Yale Environment 360 writes “[by Fred Pearce]…The truth is that we have gone backwards in the past two decades. The growing power of big developing nations like China and Brazil is often putting the international agenda on sustainability into reverse….The summit badly needs outside input. Right now, the official Rio+20 agenda and draft text show few signs that politicians are willing to go beyond the green-sounding rhetoric we heard from…” more
  • 18 Oil-Gas Companies Challenged on Climate-Sustainability Risks February 9, 2012
    Electric Energy Online writes “[by Meg Wilcox]…Leading U.S. investors announced they have filed shareholder resolutions with Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, ConocoPhillips and 14 other oil and gas companies, pressing them to disclose their plans for managing environmental and workplace challenges including hydraulic fracturing, greenhouse gas emissions and worker safety. “The common thread of these resolutions is stronger management focus on environmental and social challenges that will have real bottom-line…” more
  • Electric Car Tops Out Greenest Vehicle List February 8, 2012
    Clean Technica writes “[by Joshua S Hill]…For the first time in the 12 year history of the Greencars.org Greenest Vehicle List, an electric vehicle has topped the list, based on the 14th annual comprehensive environmental rankings provided by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The Mitsubishi i-MIEV battery electric vehicle claimed…” more
  • The Alternative Energy Matrix February 8, 2012
    Energy Bulletin writes “[by Tom Murphy]…Not only does this conclude the end of the phase on Do the Math where we evaluate the quantitative and qualitative benefits and challenges of alternatives to fossil fuels, it also points to the fact that we face the end of a golden era of energy….Our success at managing the transition away from fossil fuels while maintaining our current standard of living is far from guaranteed. If such success is our goal, we should…” more
  • The Continual Waffling on the Clean Energy Path February 8, 2012
    Energy Bulletin writes “[by Lindsay Curren]…Memo to them all: No amount of wishful thinking will turn a finite resource into an infinite one. And no amount of friendship with corporate masters will make the US a better place to live, a stronger pro-business economy or a more energy secure nation. In fact it’s quite the opposite…” more
  • Nearly Half of Electricity at UK Businesses Wasted during Off Hours February 7, 2012
    Yale Environment 360 writes “…A UK report says that nearly half of the electricity consumed by British businesses is wasted when employees are not at work. In an analysis of more than 6,000 smart meters, British Gas found that 46 percent of electricity use occurs from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., when most businesses are typically closed. Common examples of unnecessary electricity use include the lighting of parking areas during weekends…utility also released a series of thermal images illustrating how much energy is lost from…” more
  • EU Wind Energy Capacity Grew 11 Percent in 2011 February 6, 2012
    Yale Environment 360 writes “…renewable energy installations accounted for more than 71 percent of all new installed power capacity, with more than 32,000 megawatts installed, according to the report. In the UK, the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the offshore wind industry will unveil new policies today to…” more
  • A Parable of American Competitiveness: Thin Film Solar Cells February 6, 2012
    HBS Working Knowledge writes “[by Dina Gerdeman]…Much of the damage to American competitiveness in the science and technology fields has already been done. The United States has lost a great deal in the area of energy storage and green energy production, for example, including lithium ion batteries for cell phones and laptops, silicon solar cells, and power semiconductors for solar panels. As a result, Shih says, the country risks losing thin-film solar cells, the latest solar-power technology…” more
  • Offshore Wind Picking up in Scotland, South Korea and US February 3, 2012
    Clean Technica writes “[by Andrew Burger]…It looks as though 2012 is going to be another pivotal year for wind energy. Battling against economic and financial headwinds and cuts in subsidies and other financial incentives, wind energy industry players worldwide are looking offshore for opportunities to continue growing their businesses…Eleven offshore wind energy project developers have submitted proposals for a total 12,000 MW of capacity across…” more
  • MIT Researchers Turn Grass Clippings into Solar Panels February 3, 2012
    Alternative Energy writes “[by Mark Boyer, Inhabitat]…breakthrough “carries the promise of inexpensive and environmentally friendly solar power,” according to the study, and Mershin hopes that within a few years someone in a remote village will be able to take some grass clippings, mix them with some chemicals, and paint them on the roof to produce power…” more
  • Solar Power Revolution in India Could Have Global Effect February 3, 2012
    CleanTechies writes “[by EnergyRefuge.com]…India has a Solar Mission to install 20,000 MW of solar power by 2022. Solar electricity is already cheaper than electricity produced with diesel generators. These optimistic figures from India, the second most populated country in the world, has led the New Scientist magazine to write an in-depth article about it saying…” more
  • San Jose is Becoming the California Solar City February 3, 2012
    CleanTechies writes “[by Solar Calfinder]…San Jose added more residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems last year than any other city in California, according to the latest PV Solar Report, a quarterly analysis conducted by solar company SunRun. San Jose’s number of home solar systems in 2011 was up 45.4% from just the year before, a dramatic increase that points to the rising popularity of home solar.Out of the 960 home PV systems installed last year, 648 of them were…” more
  • Raising the Efficiency of Solar Cells February 3, 2012
    The Energy Collective writes “[by Nino Marchetti]…There’s a cottage industry in solar research involving the manipulation of quantum dots. Solar cells using these tiny particles of semiconductors are much less expensive to produce than traditional ones, because they can be made using simple chemical reactions. And scientists for a number of years now have been drawn to their ability to harvest invisible, infrared light in addition to visible light…” more
  • Water in the Drought-Prone American West February 1, 2012
    Building Green writes “[by Alex Wilson]…Throughout this resilient design series, I’m covering how our homes and communities can continue to function in the event of extended power outages, interruptions in heating fuel, or shortages of water. Resilient design is a life-safety issue that is critical for the security and wellbeing of families in a future of climate uncertainty…” more
  • Windy Vancouver Island Comes Online February 1, 2012
    CleanTechies writes “The IPP Sea Breeze Power is launching a $300 million shovel-ready wind farm at the northern end of Vancouver Island, BC. The Cape Scott project will feature 55 Vestas turbines that will generate close to 100MW. It took ten years to develop…It is expected to come on line in early 2013. Two other plants are already in operation…“The wind resource on Vancouver Island is one of the most economic in the world…” more
  • Want to Sell a Green Product? Don't Call It Green January 31, 2012
    GreenBiz writes “[by Tilde Herrera]…In a wide-ranging conversation with GreenBiz Executive Editor Joel Makower today at the State of Green Business Forum, Lowry and Ryan explained why a company created 12 years ago with environmental responsibility written into its DNA would distance itself from the green label. “We don’t run from the green, we just don’t make that the lead story,” Ryan said. Instead, Method sells an experience, or…” more
  • Going Solar in Vermont is about to Become Profitable January 27, 2012
    CleanTechies writes “[by Solar Calfinder]…When a grid-connected, residential solar system generates more electricity than the home is currently using, the home’s electrical meter literally spins backward, sending the surplus energy back into the electrical grid. In many states, the customer then gets a credit for that energy on the monthly electrical bill. Net metering is one of the primary reasons that going solar has become so affordable. Even with a small home solar system…” more
  • California Saves 1 Million Tons of Carbon Emissions January 27, 2012
    Alternative Energy writes “[by Brit Liggett of Inhabitat]…The State of California has decided that instead of trying to change the stubborn behavior of humans, they’re going to change the behavior of the chargers. In 2013 the state will introduce new battery charger standards that will reduce overall consumption by up to 40%, save enough energy to power 350,000 homes, save Californians $300 million in energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions by one million metric tons…” more
  • Wide Variety of Threats Wiping Out Worldwide Big Trees January 27, 2012
    Yale Environment 360 writes “…litany of environmental threats, from forest fragmentation and logging to climate change and disease, are wiping out the world’s biggest trees, according to a published report. In forest ecosystems The World’s Tropical Forests Are Already Feeling the Heat…ecologist and tropical forest expert William Laurance writes in New Scientist magazine…” more
  • Top Ten California Solar Cities January 26, 2012
    CleanTechies writes “[by The Vote Solar Initative]…This week our friends at Environment California released a new report ranking California cities by the amount of solar they’ve installed. The good news? “From Fresno to San Francisco and Clovis to Culver City, solar power is becoming a mainstream technology throughout California,” said Michelle Kinman, clean energy advocate with…” more
  • After the Nuclear Disaster, Japan Considers a Green Future January 26, 2012
    Energy Bulletin writes “[by Brendan Barrett]…Any measures that Japan takes now could fundamentally influence future global energy policy. According to Antony Froggatt from the British think tank Chatham House, nuclear power currently only accounts for 6 percent of global energy.9 If a country like Japan, which has very few natural energy resources, were to find a new energy pathway that involved little or no nuclear and no fossil fuels, it would prove…” more
  • Hiriko Folding Electric Car Headed for Production January 25, 2012
    Green Autoblog writes “[by Zach Bowman]…One very unusual electric car has debuted in Brussels. The Hiriko EV uses a hub-mounted electric motor at each wheel, though that’s not the most interesting aspect of the vehicle. According to The Telegraph, the Hiriko uses an interesting rear suspension design that allows the vehicle to fold up, rotating the cabin vertically, to take up less space while parking. The partnership behind the vehicle say the car consumes approximately one third the parking space of a…” more
  • Business Beware: Why Consumers Now Have All the Power January 25, 2012
    GreenBiz writes “[by Marc Gunther]…Schulkin got Carrotmob going four years ago by organizing his friends and their friends to support a liquor store in the Mission district of San Francisco. They spent $9,000 in a single day on “beer and popsicles,”…and in return the owner did an energy retrofit on the store. They made a video of that first campaign and the idea spread…Since then, more than 175 Carrotmobs organized by grass-roots groups around the world, including…” more
  • BASF Plant Science Leaves Europe for US January 25, 2012
    Kellogg Sch of Bus writes “…BASF announced last week that it was moving its genetically modified plant-science headquarters from Germany to the United States. The chemical firm said widespread resistance to GM crops in Europe prompted the move, one which mirrors a decision the company made two decades ago when it opened a biotech research lab in Boston…” more
  • How the Keystone XL Rejection is Inspiring Young Environmentalists January 24, 2012
    The Energy Collective writes “[by David Roswell]…The fight against tar sands is not over; rather it has only just begun. But now we have the upper hand: the energy built throughout this fight has been infectious, and will power my generation further than any dirty oil ever could…” more
  • Fracking in New York Gets its Own Occupy Movement January 24, 2012
    Energy Bulletin writes “[by Ellen Cantarow]…But for once, this story isn’t about tragedy. It’s about a resistance movement that has arisen to challenge some of the most powerful corporations in history. Here you will find no handsomely funded national environmental organizations: some of them in fact have had a cozy relationship with the gas industry, embracing the industry’s line that natural gas is a “bridge” to future alternative energies….” more
  • Fossil Fuels vs Renewables: Environmentalists Miss the Point January 24, 2012
    Energy Bulletin writes “[by Kurt Cobb]…Mark Twain is reported to have said: “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” What most environmentalists think they know for sure is that oil, coal and natural gas are all abundant-so abundant…they are forced to make a Hobson’s choice of natural gas as a so-called “bridge fuel” …Let’s discuss each fossil fuel separately:” more
  • We Have Waited Too Long: Taking Stock of Our Climate Outlook January 23, 2012
    Breakthrough Institute writes “[by Jesse Jenkins]…our future holds a much different climate and world, as we’ve simply waited too long to mitigate away all potential impacts. One might call this an inconvenient truth. And it means we must proactively prepare for this warming world as best we can. It is time to build climate resilience. So what does our current climate outlook look like? It means first…” more
  • Evidence Shows Chinese Solar Companies Sell Below Cost January 23, 2012
    MIT Technology Review writes “[by Kevin Bullis]…A source involved in the investigation, which is part of a trade dispute initiated by a complaint from seven U.S. solar panel makers, says that analysis of available data suggests that the costs of making the solar panels are higher than the prices companies in China are selling them for…The U.S. solar panel makers who asked for the investigation have asked the U.S. government to impose tariffs that would…” more
  • Colorado Company Introduces Plug-n-Play Solar Panels January 23, 2012
    CleanTechies writes “[by Tim Laughlin]…The launch of new “plug-n-play” solar panels has generated buzz in recent weeks…The new 330-W system will offer homeowners the option of purchasing a complete, pre-packaged solar PV system that can be set up at low cost with relative ease and connected with a standard plug or extension cord. With its “point and shoot” ability, the new system alleviates typical wiring and installation requirements. And the solar panels have a standard power outlet plug that…” more
  • Deutsche Bank Completes Roof-Mounted Solar Project in NY January 23, 2012
    Alternative Energy writes “[by Investor Ideas Newswire]…Deutsche Bank today announced the completion and operation of a 122.4 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at its Americas ‘ headquarters in New York , located at 60 Wall Street . The roof-mounted array will reduce the Bank’s electricity consumption from the grid and will decrease carbon emissions by 100 metric tons per year. The building is a 50 story, 745 foot tall skyscraper, occupied solely by…” more
  • NASA Graphic Depicts Significant Spike in Temperatures in 2011 January 20, 2012
    Yale Environment 360 writes “A new NASA graphic shows that temperatures in several global regions were appreciably higher in 2011 Click to enlarge NASA GISSGlobal temperature anomalies, 2011than at mid-century, with large swaths of Siberia and the Arctic experiencing temperatures as much as 4 degrees C (7 degrees F) above the 1950 to 1981 average. The planet’s average temperature in 2011 was nearly 1 degree F warmer than the mid-20th century baseline, according to the annual global analysis by…” more
  • Canceled Oil Pipeline Won't Mean Less Emissions January 19, 2012
    MIT Technology Review writes “[by Kevin Bullis]…The Obama administration has denied an application for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, which was to have allowed increased imports of oil from the oil sands in Canada. It says that a congressional requirement that the application be reviewed within 60 days made it impossible to determine whether the pipeline would be safe…” more
  • Practical Scoring System Drives Companies and their Supply Chains January 18, 2012
    GreenBiz writes “[by Charles Hansard]…The CDP Supply Chain Program offers companies and their suppliers a practical scoring system, enabling industry benchmarking and removing existing complexities related to supplier carbon data collection…is designed to give organizations an opportunity to explain their sustainability performance to supply chain members across a broad range of areas, such as strategy, governance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions management. More than 50 brands…” more
  • IBM Spearheads Coalition Working on Green Innovation January 18, 2012
    GreenBiz writes “[by Tilde Herrera]…When you look at the companies coming together under this council, they have been implementing sustainability in their individual businesses for some years now, so I think what they’re looking to do is take sustainability to the next level, in terms of best practices and looking to further differentiate themselves in the marketplace,” said Terry F. Yosie, WEC president and CEO…each meeting addressing one of four sustainability issues: Traceability…Sustainable infrastructure…Water management…Logistics…” more
  • San Antonio Engaged in Massive Solar Power Deal January 17, 2012
    Clean Technica writes “[by Zachary Shahan]…The solar project, offered by OCI Solar Power, is expected to: [1] have up to 400 megawatts (MW) of power capacity (which will be bought through a 25-year purchased power agreement) [2] create over 800 professional and technical jobs [3] result in over $1 billion of construction investment…” more