Future is now for green energy switch

Future is now for green energy switch

Even among those who believe strongly in sustainability, renewable energy as a major percentage of production may seem like a futuristic, far-off goal, one to strive for but which may only be seen by the next generation. Those in the industry, though, know that the future is rapidly arriving, and some recent news shows that, when it comes to renewable energy, the future is now.

Austin boosting renewable energy use
Austin, Texas, home to popular music festivals and University of Texas, has long been famous for its atmosphere, and has taken strong stands on many forward-looking issues. When it comes to renewable energy, it's been at the vanguard of adopters. Only a few years ago, Austin Energy, the city-owned utility company upped its focus on renewable energy, hoping to boost its efforts ingreen energy switch and hit a benchmark of 35 percent of its energy being renewable by the year 2020. An ambitious and noble goal, certainly, but 2020 was still years away. The company, though, may not even need that long.

According to a recent article in the Austin American-Statesman, Austin Energy is about to sign a pair of contracts that would put the company past its 35 percent goal by 2016. 570 megawatts of wind generated capacity, stemming from the Texas Gulf Coast, would be added in contracts worth $1.4 billion and lasting 25 years. The new wattage would sufficiently increase the company's renewable work and break it into a new frontier. With the 35 percent barrier behind it, it may have bold new ambitions to take on next.

Other great news for renewable energy
Around the country, other good news about renewable energy continues to come out. Nebraska recently signed into a law a bill aimed at pushing renewable energy in the state higher through tax incentives, such as exempting certain renewable energy costs from the 5.5 percent sales tax the state has in place. The law also requires renewable energy companies to put at least $20 million into certain properties in the state in order to receive the tax benefits. According to an article from ReedSmith, Nebraska has the fourth-highest wind-energy potential in the nation, but has hardly capitalized on this and remains 26th in the nation in wind-energy production. Hopefully, the bill will take wind energy production in Nebraska to the next level, and help bring America further into a future of green power.

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Goldman Sachs amps up renewable energy investment

Goldman Sachs amps up renewable energy investment 

Renewable energy has sometimes been seen by outsiders as a progressive industry, one for companies and individuals more concerned with the environment than their wallets, more into green trees than green bills. But those involved in the industry have long known that is not the full story. And with Goldman Sachs increasing its investment in renewable energy, one has to wonder if maybe renewable energy has cemented its status as big business.
Investment banking titan ups renewable energy portfolio
According to the Financial Times, Goldman Sachs has invested $135 million in ReNew Wind Power, an Indian wind farm company. Combined with previous investments, that means Goldman now has $385 million invested in the company.
Ankur Sahu is co-head of private equity in Asia at Goldman Sachs, and he spoke to the Financial Times about the company's turn to renewable energy power generation companies like ReNew Wind Power, saying shortages in energy production and a variety of new tariffs have led them to ramp up production.
"All these factors play into being in power generation more than in the suppliers," Sahu told the FT. "We feel that generation is certainly the more interesting place to be."
Not their first entry into the market
Last month, Goldman announced it would be investing up to $487 million in JRE, a solar power generation company in Japan. It may be a developing trend - after all, the Wall Street Journal's website notes that the company has vastly increasedits clean-energy budget, moving from 1.4 billion in 2006 to $4.3 billion last year. And all of this comes on the heels of last week's two announcements by Google about renewable energy investments in Africa and Europe, where they will be spending millions of dollars on wind farms and solar energy. All around the world people are interested in renewable energy - in the UK last year, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Edward Davey said he thought renewable energy could "create a multi-billion pound boom for the British economy, driving growth and supporting jobs across the country."
Europe, Africa, Asia - these titans of American capitalism are spending millions of dollars on renewable energy around the world. People may think of investment banks like Goldman Sachs as cutthroat profiteers, but certainly their investment is good for the industry, good for Goldman Sachs and, above all, good for the future of the environment.

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Maryland group aims to connect green consumers, businesses

Maryland group aims to connect green consumers, businesses

In Carroll County, Maryland, a small environmental group has developed a new program that hopes to bring togetherbusinesses focused on sustainability and consumers who are equally aware, the Carroll County Times reports.
According to the news source, the initiative is the culmination of hard work done by a newly formed committee made up of members from Waste Not! Carroll, Sustainable Living Maryland and the Catoctin chapter of the Sierra Club. Sally Long, a committee member, stated that the program was based on a similar one that is already functioning in North Carolina. Committee member Don West originally proposed the idea, saying it would be a great way for the Green Business Network in Carroll County to help eco-savvy consumers buy products from green companies.
The program uses a scorecard to rate businesses in the area on their green status, which is then released on the groups website for all to see.
"The way I see it, all businesses want to be sustainable, otherwise they wouldn't be in business," Long told the media outlet. "We wanted to help businesses recognize that being 'green friendly' could result in financial benefits as well as environmental and community benefits."
A new focus
The scorecard will bring to light four different areas related to environmental progress, which is meant to incentivize companies to adopt a more sustainable business model. These areas include solid waste management, green purchasing tactics, efficient energy consumption and renewable energy and water conservation.
Dan Andrews, another committee member, said any business can fall into one of three tiers that displays their green status, which will be printed onto a decal and displayed at the business.
"We tried to keep phase one of this very practical and pragmatic," Andrews said. "People can begin to learn these methods and these techniques and phase into more sustainable practices over the course."
The media outlet noted that although some committee members expected resistance from local business owners, the majority were supportive of the idea.
"Once they see what we've tried to do, it's been unanimous as far as thinking this is a good idea," West added.
It's becoming much easier for green businesses in America to get off the ground thanks to growing demand for sustainable practices. To help nurture these businesses, South by Southwest has launched its Eco Startup Central, which will help companies devoted to green operations find their footing.

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Getting more money out of your refrigerator and freezer

Getting more money out of your refrigerator and freezer

When it comes to introducing energy efficient solutions into the home, some of the most beneficial will include updating your refrigerators and freezers, as well as taking a few steps to ensure these appliances are operating at their most efficient level.
According to the Wisconsin Energy Group, choosing the right refrigerator/freezer combo can significantly lower energy costs. To start, choose an Energy Star model. This is as simple as searching for the easily identifiable Energy Star symbol. It's also important to choose the right size refrigerator. Buying a product larger than necessary can result in serious energy waste.
Using a second refrigerator or freezer is also a major detriment on energy costs. A second appliance can raise energy bills by as much as $120 per year. If you need two refrigerators to accommodate a large number of guests, such as around the holidays, only plug it in during these times.
The Department of Energy states that it is also important to replace your refrigerator if it is more than 10 years old. These models consume much more energy than current products. An Energy Star refrigerator uses roughly half of the energy as a comparable model made a decade ago.

                                               

Top four reasons businesses are focusing on sustainability

Top four reasons businesses are focusing on sustainability

Creating a more sustainable business can be achieved in several ways. Maybe it means installing solar panels on the roof of your office buildings. Perhaps you could give out free bicycles to your employees to ride to work, as IKEA has done, or even incentivize riding or walking to work, like Colorado's New Belgium Brewery started doing years ago.
If you haven't considered operating your business in a sustainable way, you could be missing out on an opportunity to save costs and drive new business, a group of business owners concluded at a recent event. The panelists spoke at a session held by the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, according to Technically Philly.
The participants spoke on how the Swedish and Scandinavian culture has had a profound impact on corporate sustainability, and outlined four reasons why any company, anywhere in the world, should implement more environmentally sound practices.
1. Because it's what the customers want
Amy Bellcourt, vice president of communications for manufacturing firm SCA Americas, stated that hopping on board the green train makes business sense because it will drive your brand up in the eyes of the customers.
"If you have not started working with sustainability yet, you have missed a major opportunity," she said. "Customers are getting more aware every day and they demand sustainable business partners and products."
2. It will set you apart
If the competition is stiff in your respective industry, you may want to use sustainable practices to differentiate yourself from others in the field.
3.It's a great long-term investment
The media outlet pointed out that all the panelists agreed that when you see sustainability merely as an additional cost, you'll also likely miss out on huge opportunities. To Bellcourt, only looking at the upfront costs of sustainability is a major mistake.
"It is definitely giving us value back," Bellcourt said. "If sustainability would be a cost, we would never be able to keep it up in the long-run."
4. Good workers flock to forward-thinking companies
Bellcourt added that companies that focus on sustainability tend to attract the best talent in any given industry. This is especially true for the young workers around the world, she said, who want to work for companies with a "good agenda."
According to a recent study from Apparel, 87 percent of Fortune 1,000 CEOs said sustainability is important to profits, while another 73 percent said it can result in cost savings.

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KENTUCKY HIGH SCHOOL RADIO STATION IMPLEMENTS SOLAR POWER

Green energy solutions are increasingly finding themselves incorporated into various daily processes. Residential and commercial properties are having their lights, heat and technology powered with the of the sun. Corbin High School's radio station is now broadcasting over the wavelengths using solar energy.

WYMT TV reports that the high school, located in Corbin, Kentucky, was able to make the switch to solar energy thanks to a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for $10,000. Now, brand new solar panels will begin to collect the sun's energy to power the 100 watt transmitter needed for the school's radio station.

Teachers claim that the introduction of solar energy for the radio station is just one move the school is making to include green energy technology and sustainable solutions into the educational facility. Promoting sustainability at a high school may get students thinking about the consequences of their energy use and the energy solution solar and other renewable sources offer.

Students are encouraged to learn about solar energy, according to the news source, and how it integrates with the broadcasting system.
"I've never seen any solar power around here, especially since we're in such a coal area, and since you can run something like this from solar energy is just awesome," student Tanner Broughton, told the news source.

The integration of solar panels into the radio tower required special hookups.

"We do want to make some hard connections to the electric back-up there just to make sure, but at this point the batteries are now fully charged and we're ready to go solar," radio station manager David Colvin, told the news source.

Officials and faculty at Corbin High School are hopeful that solar energy will soon be incorporated into the school's science curriculum, reports WYMT TV.

Green Rankings winners do more than switch electricity

Green Rankings winners do more than switch electricity

For the last few years, Newsweek has been publishing its list of the most environmentally friendly organizations, those that go the extra mile to use green energy and switch operations to more eco-conservative measures, creating a competitive landscape for businesses. In order to rank up on the list, some businesses are making a final push to increase their standings.
Daily Finance wrote that Sprint is working on building more green initiatives and making these programs public, earning more attention for its clean programs. The company is making 100 percent recycled devices available for purchase, as well as pushing its customers to bring unused electronics back to stores for that purpose. The company has previously earned accolades from the EPA for this drive, as the company is making a dent in the over 2 million tons of electronics sent to landfills every year.
This shows how tough it is to move up in the Green Rankings list, as The Daily Beast wrote. Simply adding more green energy to power portfolios is not enough - businesses must challenge themselves to find ways of cutting costs, reducing waste and making cleaner operations. In this case, the winning company not only gains more public attention and prestige, but the environment wins as well.

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Cutting energy use in hospitals with renewables

Cutting energy use in hospitals with renewables

The U.S. Department of Energy's Commercial Buildings Program and National Renewable Energy Laboratory announced that they are working with the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers and the general buildings industry to research means to reduce the energy used by high-level consumers such as large hospitals, schools and retail buildings. The partnerships resulted in a series of guidelines for energy design that could help facilitate a 50 percent savings for buildings designed for high-level consumers, achievable by making electric choices that are designed to be "easy to implement."
Shanti Pless, NREL Senior Research Engineer and Chair of the Advanced Energy Design Guidelines project, revealed that the AEDG series "represents the best practices in industry for energy efficiency in buildings."
Given the fact that U.S. hospitals spend more than $5 billion a year on energy, which on average equals 1 to 3 percent of a hospital's budget for operating, Pless said, "We felt this industry needed resources, and there weren't many out there helping them to achieve 50 percent savings in energy."
The NREL has been operating for roughly 35 years, aiming to help facilitate the emergence of the green energy industry, and is reportedly the only national laboratory that is dedicated to advancing the renewable energy industry and energy efficiency technologies from the initial concept phase through to commercial applications.

Sustainability changes for every organization

Sustainability changes for every organization

Climate and sustainability expert Bob Doppelt wrote a recent article published in Business Review USA, in which he offered up six changes that he said every organization is capable of making to cost-effectively reach sustainability.
Doppelt noted the need to revise the classic "more and cheaper is better" approach to business, offering up an alternative mantra for personal happiness and economic success, saying, "sustainable is better, healthier, morally just - and essential to sustain life on the planet."
Doppelt's six cost-effective changes for sustainability begin with his recommendation for businesses to complete a Life Cycle Analysis to fully explore the effects the company's goods and services have on the environment and society. Then, Doppelt advised undertaking an analysis of the company's carbon footprint for all production facilities, and to simultaneously perform an energy audit. These beginning steps are key for helping companies inexpensively discover where there is room for improvement and new ways to save money.
The next change Doppelt offered up was to hold a company-wide dialogue with the goal to establish clear ethics to help manage the company's activities around sustaining the natural environment.
Fourth on Doppelt's list is arguably his boldest suggestion, telling companies to set an ambitious target - something similar to either increasing efficiency or reducing energy use by 30 percent - in an effort to show commitment to the company's initiatives.
The fifth change is to have the company establish a plan to reduce its use of coal across its value chain, completely eliminating coal use in a period of five to 10 years. Doppelt maintains that this is achievable by transitioning to renewable energy sources such as wind or solar while simultaneously working to increase energy efficiency.
Doppelt's final change involves setting yet another ambitious goal, this time to reduce company waste that goes to landfills through the gradual building up of recycling and reuse at facilities.
Once organizations have gone through Doppelt's six changes, he advises them to then continue approaching goals like these in a similar fashion until they have gone through the company's entire value chain.
Today, companies around the globe recognize the necessity to restructure their sustainability efforts, residential households are making individual efforts to do their parts, and entire cities are taking on the sustainability challenge. For example, a recent article in Peoria new source the Peoria Times described how that city developed a sustainability initiative in 2009 in an effort to counter financial hardships and have "positive, lasting effects" on Peoria's future.

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Saving Electricity

Saving Electricity

By making modest changes, individuals can conserve electricity, take advantage of substantial savings on utility bills, and contribute to sustainability for the planet, according to a recent Demand Media article published by National Geographic.
One of the easiest and most cost-efficient changes that individual homes can make is changing light bulbs from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. A 20-watt CFL not only uses less energy to produce the same amount of light as a 75-watt incandescent bulb, but it also produces less heat and can last seven times as long.
Another easy tip for saving electricity is to plug all devices, chargers, televisions and computers into a power strip. This allows the entire strip to be turned off with one simple switch when devices are fully charged or not in use.
Electricity consumers can implement two easy changes depending on the seasons. In the cold winter months, wearing a sweater indoors could keep individuals just as warm as raising the thermostat would. In the summer months, a ceiling fan is capable of circulating the air in the entire room which creates a "wind chill factor" indoors, and makes the room seem considerably cooler than it would be otherwise.
In another article by Demand Media published in National Geographic recommended purchasing green power and energy efficient appliances, as "not all energy sources come at the same price to the environment."

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DIRECT SALES MARKET OUTPACES GDP FOR GROWTH

The direct selling market continues to grow in the United States and across the globe, providing evidence of the model's success in the modern day business marketplace.

According to Direct Selling Association's "Annual Growth & Outlook Survey," direct sales increased by 4.6 percent from 2010, totalling $29.87 billion in 2011 compared to $28.56 billion in 2010. DSA's findings also show that the industry grew more than the gross domestic product did over the same time period - the GDP only experienced a 3.9 percent increase over the same time frame.

"Growing a small business when the economy is struggling is a tall order," said DSA president Joseph Mariano. "As an industry that celebrates entrepreneurship, the achievements made in 2011, particularly by small direct selling companies, are remarkable."

Of all industries surveyed - which included industries such as home durables, personal care, wellness and clothing, according to the survey participation form - nearly 50 percent experienced major growth in sales. One particular standout was Viridian Energy, which received DSA's 2012 ETHOS Rising Star Award for 2012. Past recipients of the annual award include Team Beachbody, a wellness company that tailors meal and workout plans for its clients, and Rodan + Fields, a skincare product company. 

Viridian Energy Fundraising Program

Fundraising Program

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The Viridian Fundraising Program offers an innovative way for organizations to raise funds without over-burdening their members. The program is simple and is a true win-win situation enabling charitable organizations to raise funds without ever asking for money.

How You Earn Money:

By signing up as a fundraising entity, you are able to help members of your organization save money by switching their energy supplier to Viridian. As they do, you earn money for your organization. From day one, you earn a residual check each month for every active customer you refer. All your members have to do is use greener more affordable electricity at their home or business. It's that simple. You get to help your members and Associates make a better energy choice for themselves... they SAVE money all while helping you EARN money!

Many types of charitable organizations and fundraising entities can benefit from the Program. Some of the ones that have benefited through working with Viridian include:

• Churches and Synagogues
• Private and Religious Schools
• Sports Teams
• Charities and Foundations
• Volunteer and Community Service Organizations
• Parent Associations
• School Groups

In order to qualify for program participation, your organization must have a membership base that currently receives electrical service in one of our active markets 

David Fernandes 

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What's so great about being green?

What's so great about being green?

By purchasing Viridian products, customers help sustain renewable generators as well as aid the development of new renewable resources. As a measurement of our customers’ impact, we regularly measure the collective carbon emissions our customers have avoided simply by using greener electricity. collective reduction in carbon emissions from our family of customers.
In addition to feeling better about your contribution to the environment, there are many widespread benefits of greener energy resources. Some of these benefits include:

• Environmental improvement
• Increased diversity and security of energy supply
• Lower natural gas prices
• Reduced volatility of power prices
• Local economic development 

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Viridian Mass Leadership Dinner

 

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Sunblock to keep the pain at bay

Sunblock to keep the pain at bay

As many people know, the power of the sun is great for producing green energy, but can be harmful for human skin.  For sun worshippers who are hoping to hit the beach quite often this summer, the best thing they can do for their epidermis and the Earth is use eco-friendly sunblock.
A number of sunscreens have recently been reported to contain harmful chemicals. While many consumers use sunblock to prevent the risk of skin cancer, sunblocks that include vitamin A in their formulas may actually put an individual at a higher risk of developing skin tumors, the Environmental Working Group reported.
The EWG currently has a guide to safer sunscreens that consumers can find on the group's website, which beachgoers can use to find the most affordable and health-beneficial sunscreen. According to the source, most sunblocks marketed to babies and young children are the safest for adults, too.
According to Grist magazine, between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of sunscreen are going into the world's oceans annually, so choosing a healthy sunscreen can also assist the world's largest waterways in their health as well. Sunscreens with avobenzone provide some of the most mindful UVA protection, so consumers should keep their eye out for companies that use this, but not oxybenzone.  

Green energy within reach for many consumers

Green energy within reach for many consumers

Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2012 at 4:31:31 PM

Homeowners, even those who live in states without energy deregulation, are likely able to afford solar power, according to a recent article from Travis Hoium on behalf of financial company The Motley Fool.

"Solar power is no longer something only wealthy, eco-conscious homeowners can afford," wrote Hoium. "It's now within reach for most electricity users in the U.S., and it may make financial sense for you to switch."

The costs of solar power have continued to drop, with both solar installations and the power created from the panels sometimes costing even less than other panels. Some solar panels are selling for as little as $1 per panel, and installation costs are just as reasonable.

According to the Solar Power Authority, solar panel-produced electricity costs an average of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. However, electricity-sucking devices like hot tubs can produce occasional spikes in these estimates. These costs also vary dramatically depending on an individual's state of residence. According to The Motley Fool, solar projects in California are selling for as low as $0.089 per kilowatt-hour. 

David Fernandes 

781-244-4778 

Go Green 

AMERICANS EMBRACE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

According to recently released results from The Harris Poll, which surveyed 2,056 adults online about their green energy use, Americans are gradually making their homes more energy efficient.

The poll showed that Americans are knowledgeable about different energy sources and are doing basic things to conserve energy such as turning off lights, televisions and other appliances when they're not in use, and replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent ones.

Fifty-six percent reported that they use power strips and 54 percent stated that they are now using low-watt bulbs.

Americans around the country are being helped by utilities that are controlling energy costs with Smart Meter technology, and 20 percent of Americans reported hearing from their utility or co-op about the energy efficiency tools available to them.

Sarah Simmons, senior research executive and industry thought leader, believes that Americans are troubled by the initial costs of converting to renewable energy sources, which could compel energy providers to be more creative in how they encourage customers to make the switch.

According to research firm Clean Edge, global revenue for solar photovoltaics, wind power and biofuels increased 31 percent to reach $246 billion in 2011, which is evidence that the world realizes the need for alternate energy sources.

Deregulation of energy

Deregulation of energy 

Since it began in the late 1990s, deregulation of energy has created opportunity throughout the marketplace.

Deregulation allows consumers to choose where they buy their power, much as they can choose their long-distance company. This choice creates a competitive marketplace in which each energy company is working to provide the best product. Creating competition drives prices down and improves quality.

Our product

Viridian Energy is proud to stand out among its competitors by offering an affordable product that meets or exceeds the proposed 2020 federal environmental goal of 20% renewable energy.

It's safe and reliable energy

Under deregulation, each part of your energy service is broken down into separate pieces that are provided by different companies. Delivery of the electricity to your home as well as all necessary service is still provided by your utility, making it possible for you to still have safe and reliable electricity in your home. Electric suppliers like Viridian are licensed by state and federal agencies and are not in competition with the local utility. The local utility does not make any money on the energy, only on the delivery and service of electricity, so the utility company supports customers who choose to switch suppliers. We provide greener energy to the grid and your utility delivers that energy to your home or business. It's that simple. All this adds up to a perfect reason for you to exercise your choice to select the best supplier for your electricity.

It's up to you

Deregulation means you can shop around to find the product that's best for you. You have a choice. Why wouldn't you make the choice that saves you money and helps the environment? You can make a difference for your family and the environment with Viridian Energy MA.

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