Webinar: Low Carbon Future

A complimentary webinar on the low carbon economy entitled, "Steps towards a low carbon future: solutions and technologies that will support the global revolution required," will be aired on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 11:00 am ET / 4:00 pm GMT.

Corporate Sustainability is Driving Green Businesses in the UK

Despite a slow economy, corporate spending on sustainability will grow green businesses in the UK. According to a report from research firm Verdantix spending on sustainability by large UK firms on energy, environment and sustainability initiatives will grow by an average of 16 per cent a year for the next three years culminating in a market worth £6.8bn in 2015.

Environmental Sustainability Goals for Business

Sustainability goals require a clear strategy with actionable plans and well defined measurable outcomes. Specific environmental impact goals include things like publicly declared goals on reducing carbon emissions, decreasing energy consumption, diminishing solid waste, conserving water, increasing renewable energy consumption and recycling.

Slash Energy Cost & Reduce Budget Uncertainty

Here is a white paper on energy for big retailers sponsored by Verisae and published by Environmental Leader. In this special report you can discover energy management ideas tailored to the business of big retailers. New-store design, refurbs and retrofits may present the biggest and most obvious opportunities to make dramatic, long-lasting improvements in energy efficiency and budget certainty. But the weak economy has caused most retailers to cut way back on such projects. Energy-cost reductions can make a big difference for your company’s financial performance. After payroll, energy is among the largest operating costs for any grocery retailer. In fact, energy cost may amount to roughly half or more of net profit. A 10% reduction of energy cost can increase net profit by 5% to 10%. To download the white paper see below.

EWEA's Offshore Wind Statistics for 2011

On January 31, 2012 the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) published its annual offshore wind statistics for 2011. According to these 2011 statistics there were 235 new turbines with a power capacity of 866 Megawatts (MW) on nine offshore wind farms. These new fully grid connected wind installations are worth approximately 2.4 billion Euros.

Most Popular Green Search Terms for 2011

According to Google green searches ranked highly, showing the growing influence of the environment on public consciousness. Every year Google publishes Zeitgeist, a collection of the year's most popular search trends on the world's most popular search engine. According to Google's 11th annual Zeitgeist, people are increasingly looking up all things green. Google has revealed that some of the most robust trends in green search include things like "sustainable development." Some of the fastest-rising search queries in 2011 were “solar energy,” “garbage islands” and “reusable water bottle” .

Sustainable Leaders forum 2012

In collaboration with the UAE Business Council for Sustainable Development (UAE-BCSD) and Aliance Middle East, the Sustainable Leaders forum will be held in Dubai on February 15th, 2012.

Certified Carbon Footprint Practitioner Training

The IEMA approved Certified Carbon Footprint Practitioner training will take place in Brussels, on March 1 & 2, 2012. The training is comprised of a 2 day workshop plus additional time for preparation of the assignment.

Video: Lightening Electric Motorcycle Goes Over 200 mph for 18 Cents

Here is a motorcycle that proves you can have radical efficiency and extraordinary performance. In this video you will see just how fast the Lightening electric motorcyle can go (apparently the previous run was even faster at 218.6 mph). This is the first electric motorcycle to go over 200 mph. The black and orange markers on the sides of the track fly by even though they are 1/4 mile apart.

Video: The Koch Brothers are Oil Billionaires on a Maniacal Mission

The Koch brothers are oil billionaires who have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to increase their own profits through decreasing regulations. With a net worth of $43 billion the Kochs have already spent decades of their lives and over $324 million of their wealth exerting their influence. Here is a video from Brave New Foundation outlining the top five worst things this climate denying duo are doing to fulfill their self serving agenda.

Video: What do the Koch Brothers talk about at thier Secret Right Wing Retreats?

The Koch brothers are right-wing, climate change denying, oil billionaires. They hold secret retreats for rich conservatives. During one of these retreats Charles Koch was caught comparing president Obama to killed 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden. In this video, the Young Turks host Cenk Uygur shares more details.

Greener Vehicles Growing Cleantech and Providing Green Jobs

In 2011 greener vehicles were one of the driving forces behind the growth of US cleantech. We expect to see the habitual greentech drivers like solar and wind, but in 2011 we also saw tremendous growth in EVs and hybrid cars in the US.

Cleantech Partnerships and Collaborations

In cleantech as with most sectors, partnerships and collaborations are vital to drive innovation and move forward. This is particularly true during difficult economic times. This was certainly the case in 2011 and all indications are that it will be even more of an important trend in 2012.

California and Other US Leaders in Cleantech Investments

California is well known for its green orientation and this is borne out in the data for 2011. As the world's eighth-largest economy California has unmatched potential. More than any other state, in California the economy and the environment go hand in hand. Despite challenges, California continues to set the pace for policy, practice and green economic opportunity. A green revolution is unfolding, and California has the public support, technology innovation and history of commitment to sustainability to remain at the leading edge of this revolution. Here is a breakdown of the numbers for the US states leading cleantech investment.

Leading US Cleantech Investment Sectors in 2011 Q3 and Q4

Overall 2011 was a good year for cleantech investments but some sectors fared better than others. According to Ernst & Young in 2011 the Energy Storage segment led cleantech investment in Q3, while the solar sub-segment led in Q4.

VC Investment in US Cleantech in 2011

Overall 2011 was a good year for cleantech in the US but the numbers indicate that there may be a cooling trend in investments for 2012. In 2011 we saw increased investment in green technology compared to 2010, but investment slowed in the fourth quarter.

Retail Sustainability Leadership Report

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has released the first ever industry-wide Retail Sustainability Report. It explores retail’s sustainability successes, challenges and vision for the future. The 2012 report highlights sustainability leadership in the retail industry and discusses retail’s environmental, social, and community impacts. It also addresses the physical establishment of retail outlets and the products they sell.

GHG Protocol and Scope 3 Accounting and Reporting Standard

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions. A decade-long partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the GHG Protocol is working with businesses, governments, and environmental groups around the world to build a new generation of credible and effective programs for tackling climate change. It serves as the foundation for nearly every GHG standard and program in the world - from the International Standards Organization to The Climate Registry - as well as hundreds of GHG inventories prepared by individual companies.

The Success of RGGI Carbon Trading Shows Cap-and-Trade Works

Despite opposition from Republicans, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has been shown to be very successful. A January 28th New York Times article reviewed RGGI a carbon trading initiative launched by ten northeastern states in January 2009. According to independent reports the emissions reductions have been greater and cheaper than expected, and have produced substantial fringe benefits in terms of lower overall electricity costs, more jobs, and greater regional independence of fossil fuel imports.

What can be Done to Manage the Green Business Slowdown in 2012?

The 2012 State of Green Business Report anticipates a slowdown in 2012, but there are strategies to best manage the hard times ahead. Innovation is the key and this can be achieved through collaboration and cross-fertilization. Collaboration within industries and between industries is crucial to unlock the real potential of sustainable innovation. Cross-fertilization requires more synchronization of activity and adaptation planning, and a common paradigm to work towards.

A Slowdown for Green Business in 2012?

There are indications that as government money dries up, it will auger hard times for green business in 2012. The financial crisis saw a capital infusion into the green economy of around 2.400 billion USD. In 2012 we are seeing widespread spending cuts and funding has slowed dramatically.

CSA Standards for Sustainable Events

In 2010, CSA Standards, a leading standards-based solutions organization, introduced standards for use by event organizers seeking to plan and execute sustainable events. A sustainable event entails incorporating considerations of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of hosting an event into all areas of event planning and management.

Participate in the 2012 Green California Summit & Expo

The Green California Summit and Expo is the largest annual event focused on green policy, practice and technology. This event will take place on April 26th and 27th 2012 in Sacramento. For the second year in a row THE GREEN MARKET is proud to be an outreach sponsor for the sixth annual Green California Summit & Expo. Readers of The Green Market get a 20% discount by entering the promotional code GRMARKET.

Video: National Landscape Conservation System

This video narrated by actor and conservationist Edward Norton, reviews a land conservation system for the twenty-first century. See some of America's most prized landscapes known as the Conservation Lands. A new land ethic is focused on protecting some of the most beautiful American lands from development. A conservation system is dedicated to the sacred trust of stewardship of special places. The conservation mandate is to provide a safety net for wildlife seeking migration pathways and new habitat as climate change alters the landscape. Over 28 million acres are protected under this system which seeks to offer a positive legacy for future generations. This is the geography of hope.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Video: Reducing Emissions Through Forest Preservation with REDD

This video deals with the crucial role that forests play to reduce emissions and manage climage change. Specifically the video offers a simplified understanding of REDD which is an abbreviation for "Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries." This video explains the workings of REDD, the key mechanism to reduce forest loss which significantly contributes to climate change.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Video: Carbon Credits Explained

This video offers a simplified explanation of carbon credits and carbon finance. First it reviews greenhouse gases or GHGs, then it uses the example of a coal plant in the developing world to demonstrate how credits are earned and traded.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Canadian Prime Minister Criticized Over Tar Sands Development at Davos

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper advocated for European investment and reiterated his support for oil expansion. Harper is concerned about the new European Fuel Quality Directive, which targets dirty sources of energy, like Alberta's tar sands.

Sustainable Brands' Five Trends for 2012

Early in January Sustainable Brands published an article by Raphael Bemporad that addressed five trends that he believes will shape sustainable brands in 2012. Bemporad is the founding partner and Chief Strategy Officer of BBMG, he is a passionate champion for a new approach to brand innovation that creates shared value. An expert in brand strategy, CSR/cause marketing and public affairs, Bemporadl has launched national campaigns, drafted public policy, created consumer and nonprofit brands on aggressive timelines and budgets, and managed communications for local, state and federal elected officials. Here are his five trends for 2012:

Top Business Sustainability Trends for 2012

In 2012 it is becoming increasingly clear that sustainability adds value and helps to make an organization more competitive. Sustainability is moving beyond public relations and becoming a matter of survival. More organizations are engaging robust risk management and environmentally conscious operations. Here is a list of sustainability trends that will gain even greater prominence in 2012.

Clean Energy Excerpts of President Obama's 2012 State of the Union Speech

Members of the US House and Senate, along with hundreds of distinguished guests, convened at the Capitol on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 9 p.m. for President Obama's third State of the Union Address. According to article II, Section 3, Clause 1 of the US Constitution, the President must “give to the Congress Information on the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” Here are excerpts of the President's speech related to the environment, the green economy and clean energy:

Will 2012 be the Best Year Ever For Clean-Tech Investment?

Global investment in clean technology is expected to set a record in 2012 beating the record of $260 billion set in 2011. “Despite some of the well-publicized headwinds, venture capitalists continue to invest in clean-tech,” said Sheeraz Haji, chief executive officer of Cleantech Group, “Based on our historical data, we believe 2012 will be an all-time record year for global clean-tech investments.”

US Regains Lead from China as Clean Energy Leader

It may be the Chinese new year, but according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, in 2011 the US regained its place as the world’s number one investor in clean energy. According to this data the US has reclaimed the top spot from China which had been the leading country since 2008.

China is Leading in terms of Renewable Energy Attractiveness

According to Ernst & Young’s Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index, China is the best place in the world for renewable energy investment. In 2011 the Chinese government announced that it will hold tenders for 2GW of projects to reach its target of 5GW of offshore power by 2015. But Ernst & Young has indicated that the country will need to invest in its grid reliability and transmission access for onshore wind projects in remote locations.

Top CSR Initiatives for 2012

Many organizations that practice corporate social responsibility (CSR) are expanding their reach in 2012. Corporations are increasingly seeing the value of environmental sustainability. In addition to making more environmentally responsible decisions in 2012, organizations are realizing the value of working with others to achieve their goals and fulfill their CSR potential. Here are some CSR initiatives for 2012.

Top Green Stock Picks for 2012

The stock market has not performed well in 2011 and green stocks are no exception. If the US can maintain its current trajectory and Europe can avoid slipping into recession, 2012 may prove to be a better year for the alternative energy and cleantech sector. The overall environment was not the only drag on stocks in 2011, the Chinese flooded the market with cheap solar panels, bringing the price down and taking some solar companies with it.

Course on Life Cycle Assessment of Products, Processes & Services

A course is now being offered on the life cycle approach. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is being used by businesses and governments to improve the sustainability of products, processes and services. Businesses like 3M, Alcan, HP, Procter & Gamble, Unilever and others are using LCA to reduce product costs, increase market share and mitigate climate and energy risk. It is also embedded within the Sustainable Manufacturing Indicator Repository (SMIR).

Green Team GAP ASSESSMENT Workshop

This four hour workshop is designed to help green teams audit their energy, waste, water, transportation and health. The goal is to understand their "gap" and develop a plan to "green up" their facility.

Video: GE Creating Jobs with Fuel Efficient Airplanes

GE has launched a new ad campaign that shows American innovation at work and the company’s commitment to providing Americans jobs by building quieter and more fuel-efficient airplanes.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Video: Walmart's Sustainability Efforts

Walmart's sustainability efforts are making a positive impact on a global scale. These efforts are evident from the products they sell to the packaging, to the way those products are used by their customers. Sustainability is inextricably embedded within their overall business strategy and carbon reduction is a key element of their sustainability program.

Video: Aveda's Ongoing Culture of Sustainability

Dominique Nils Conseil became president of Aveda in 2000, taking over from Horst Rechelbacher. He has maintained the company mission which was focused on safe and environmentally friendly products. Aveda's emphasis on planet friendly approach to business has helped make the company one of the world's leading hair and skin care manufacturers. Even after the company was acquired by Estée Lauder, this mission remains the driving force at Aveda.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.