Companies on a race towards innovation

ially small time entrepreneurs seeking exposure and funding.

Companies have tried different approach for business growth and beating competition. Most have patented anything that might be commercialized; others adopted sampling products and step by step introduction to products; some spend millions in advertising. The list is just so long, however internal methods seems to be lacking the “market value” that is why most businesses scout for innovations outside their wall.

Take for instance General Electric’s Ecomagination Challenge, a contest looking for companies, inventors, and students with the best clean-technology ideas and come together to building the next generation power grid to meet the needs of the future. GE [NYSE:GE] along with Emerald Technology Ventures, Foundation Capital, KPCB and Rockport Capital are investing $200 million with the best idea entered in the contest.

Among the 1000 contestants vying for the price is Tom Quinn, a former president of networking software Novell and inventor of the motion-controller technology behind Nintendo’s Wii. His entry is a portable system converting food straps and other waste into ethanol. According to Quinn a partnership with GE could boost the E-Fuel market. Beyond funding, GE may also offer work to work collaboratively with its researchers to produce or distribute a product and be included on its $40B green energy business.

GE’s Ecomagination Challenge is only one of a dozen similar programs sponsored by corporations scouting for new business ideas and in turn giving opportunities to green entrepreneurs. Pepsi Co. [NYSE:PBG], Cisco [NASDAQ:CSCO], and Netflix [NASDAQ:NFLX] have launched same competitions to identify innovations outside offering partnership opportunities and cash prizes. Other companies have the same concept but with different approach. The likes of Procter and Gamble [NYSE:PG], Starbucks [NASDAQ:SBUX], Dell [NASDQ:DELL] and many more have encouraged posting of suggestions of new products thru their websites.

However, skeptics fear that the trend in outside innovation will threaten secrecy and an issue on intellectual property leakage. But the bottom line is since competitive pressure is high on the market; companies need to exert all effort including the use of both internal and external innovation strategies to gain edge.

Companies offering green consultancy service increasing

With the current trend in going green, increase awareness on eco-issues, environmentally friendly measures to cost energy consumption, more and more people are hiring the services of a home energy auditing company to be in the know on how to save energy bills. Home energy audit provides vital information, feedback and advice on how to have an eco-friendly and efficient home leading to a greener lifestyle that definitely bring about low energy bills.

This is the reason why Pro Energy Consultants is making its way to the market and solidifying its market position. It has actually managed growth efficiently even with the economic recession and is now investing in new resources and corporate staff. Started in 1994 at Cleveland Ohio, Pro Energy Consultant is the leader in energy efficiency auditing, energy conservation services and home performance. It has franchise locations across the nation is still keen on adding more. Their mission is to help US homeowners to have informed decisions through energy audits and energy efficient management consulting.

To manage this growth, Pro Energy Consultant is hiring new staff which will include experts in different aspect of the business. It will also roll out aggressive initiative to expand customer service and will continue to develop support systems for their franchise owners. Chief Operations Officer Suave Brachowski said that Pro Energy Consultants is dedicated and relying on consistent service across all markets and will in turn solidify their position as America’s leading energy auditing firm. Pro Energy Consultants has done more than 11,000 energy audits in more than 15 years in service. It has also grown to 60 franchises nationwide in just less than two years, making it the first franchise in energy auditing.

Pro Energy Consultant is proving itself to be a sound business opportunity with very big potential in the market with its “going green” undertaking. If you are venturing to a new opportunity, Pro Energy business may be feasible but make sure that you have the right individual to manage the business and at the same time be prepared for enormous responsibility that goes with it.

Green Consultants and Eco Experts are the future of new home businesses and for those that get in on the ground floor this may be a very rewarding green business opportunity.

Companies responding to global climate change

Global warming has been a big concern and it gets even worse over the years. A two percent reduction in carbon emissions every year for the next 40 years is needed in order to stabilize our climate. As the fight against global warming continues, more people are becoming involved when it comes to environmental issues.

Business owners have been starting to be involved in this fight too. It has been observed in most companies that are now socially responsible that they not only help our environment but they have also gained in their business too. Most consumers today are now concerned with how environmentally conscious a business is. Several things that a small business that wants to green a company can do to become socially responsible and makare:

• Change light fixtures. Use highly efficient lights like CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps). Yes a simple light bulb can make a big difference in energy consumption and electric costs. CFLs usually last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Green Architecture. Design new buildings or upgrade old ones with construction materials that have innovative climate control and power generation systems such as installing solar panels on your roof. This will bring benefits such as low energy costs and healthier climate for all.
• Use energy saving equipment. When buying office equipment and appliances, look for the Energy Star label, which identifies the most energy efficient appliances.
• Make it a habit to turn off computers or any equipment when not in use. It is a big waste of energy and leads to higher electric bills too.
• Follow the 3 Rs. Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle.

In a comprehensive presentation of the proactive coalition of environmentalists held at Dobbs Ferry library, the co-owner of Riviera Bakehouse, Peter Simon spoke about how going green can be great for business. He shared how installing solar panels on their bakery’s roof reduced their electric bills. They have also started using reusable coffee cups, degradable plastic bags and energy-saving light bulbs and also recycle as much as possible.

During this presentation, representative for Con Edison’s Small Business Direct Installation Program (SBDI), Esteban Vasquez also discussed how their company can help businesses spend less and save more on the energy they use, while preserving the environment. They offer a free energy survey, free energy saving upgrades and incentives for up to 70 percent of installations. They help in installing energy efficiency measures at no cost such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), low-flow aerators, high pressure rinse sprayers, and water
heater thermostat setback.

Each and every one of us should play our part and be more socially responsible. This is not only for the benefit of businesses but for the benefit of the future generation as well.

green loan programs for home retrofitting pushed

Most business establishments and large scale industries have started retrofitting and remodeling to be at par with the “go green” global inclination. Some of these green programs are government backed or funded providing loans to the business sector with environmentally friendly projects. These green loan programs are already being adopted globally.

Green programs include energy efficiency measures, pollution reduction, recycling, and reusing and proper waste management system. However, the residential sector who wants to go green to cut cost on energy is in indeterminate state. Home owners do not know how to start because of the high expenses that goes with house remodeling and house greening.

Home greening includes improving on air quality, installation of roof mounted solar energy system, replacement of older energy inefficient appliances, and water conservation thru plumbing works. These energy efficient appliances upgrades will not only provide environmentally friendly comfortable home but will definitely save you energy costs. Good news is there are programs available for the home sector already. The firms usually government-backed provide loans for household upgrades to lower utility bills and at the same time have an environmental impact.

An example is Fannie Mae, a government-supported company offering incentives for borrowers who use part of their loan to energy-related improvement. This policy also goes the same with Energy Star in helping businesses and homeowners protect environment by going through energy efficiency practice. Previously the only option for borrowers offering energy efficient mortgage is the Federal Housing Administration. Borrowers from FHA may qualify for larger loans for energy related home upgrades. However, it is noted that they are slightly more expensive because of the insurance premiums that the borrowers must pay.

In addition, a program called the Property Assessed Clean Energy or PACE gives low-interest government financing to green home improvement like solar systems or energy efficient retrofits. However this financial program was “temporary halted” by local and state government because of federal regulators’ warning that is poses financial risk to homeowners by violating mortgage terms and may face foreclosure.

These are just few of the companies offering energy efficient mortgages. Other options are still available for homeowners in obtaining financial loans to make green improvements however, even with loan programs available, they could still face a lot of obstacles in obtaining one; or in any case may lead them to financial ruin if not given proper assessed value or reasonable interest rates.

Jerry Brown proposing for clean energy job creation

More and more political candidates are jumping on the bandwagon of going green by including environmental friendly plans into their platform pitching even far-reaching goals sometimes. One addition to these “eco-candidates” is Jerry Brown, a Democratic gubernatorial nominee who wants to create clean energy jobs. Brown, a wizened political veteran was California’s Governor in 70s. He was actually one of the first politicians to promote renewable energy like solar and wind during his time. And now with the current green trends his renewable energy goals are all the more applicable.

Brown is proposing to create 20,000 megawatts renewable electricity by 2020 and calls for placing solar panels on major thoroughfares across the state. A goal which other clean energy analyst say is unrealistic. By comparison, The California Solar Initiative aims to create 3,000 megawatts of solar produced by 2016.

Brown’s plan also includes education and infrastructure development, tax breaks for manufacturers by reducing regulations to retain businesses. He is also proposing for a fast tracking projects through the California Energy Commission in obtaining permits which usually run for six to eight years. Most of Brown’s suggestions are already in the works. It’s given information that regulators from state and the federal government are already fast tracking clean energy project to meet guidelines to receive federal funding from the stimulus bill.

On the contrary, spokeswoman for Brown’s Republican challenger, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman said Brown’s goal doesn’t appear to be anything new. Spokeswoman Sarah Pompei said Whitman already professed support to California’s 33 percent renewable standard plan months ago. Pompei added that while Brown mocked Whitman’s agenda, he now appears to be taking ideas from it.

Brown is said to be emphasizing his political skills from being a two-termer governor from 1775-83 and his clean-energy proposal on most of his speech, even subtly referring to Whitman as a newbie in political arena. Getting eco-friendly platform from candidates is a welcome treat. It is important for our future leaders to be environmentally conscious and pro active in thinking sustainable measures, however they also need to consider if these plans are reasonable and can be implemented easily.

Energy efficiency and renewable materials

To achieve 2050 green housing objectives, a Government adviser warns that UK requires 12,500 retrofits weekly.A big three million pound research project is going to focus on the task of refurbishing 12,500 homes weekly for the next 40 years. This is for the purpose of determining whether Britain’s cold and draughty houses could be improved by large scale produced building technologies. The research project will focus on the best way to start a nationwide green business program and is being supported by Energy Technology Institute (ETI) and consortium of businesses (e.g. building consultancy BRE, EDF energy firm, Peabody-Energy and property firm etc).

Based on Government figures, most of the UK’s 26 million homes will be still in use in 2050 which means that there is a need for large scale home energy efficiency improvement on the housing stock.  If this is done then there is a possibility that the country can achieve its goal of curtailing carbon emissions by 80% by mid century.

The chief construction adviser at the Dept for Business, Innovation & Skills, Paul Morrel said the challenge of retrofitting 26 million homes for energy efficiency could easily be intimidating, because that would mean 12,500 homes weekly. He added the project is large scale and is being attempted for the first time. The projects hopes to address that challenge by conducting research on whether large scale production/customization on new building technologies could be used to reduce the costs of retrofitting and energy efficiency improvements, which could attract homeowners.

A spokesman from ETI said the objective is to determine whether the mass customization of vehicles that occurred in the auto industry could be applicable to the building industry. Practically the two year research project will develop a modeling system, where building firms can try ‘what if’ situations for different UK house types. This will help them determine on the best way to improve a building’s energy efficiency.

The spokesman further explained, that the project team will analyze what approach could work, particularly areas common to all homes where mass production is feasible. Common areas like window, roof, and house fittings. CEO of ETI, Dr David Clarke said also the project would analyze on the need for evolving by the building industry supply, to meet the required mass roll out of energy efficiency retrofitting. Green makeovers are becoming an important part of the push for energy efficiency in the UK this year.

Sean Meenan: the man behind Habana Outpost and Cafe Habana

Going green is fast becoming the new “in” thing, and by that we do not only mean in terms of home decorating or any fashion trend that is rapidly leading the commercial market these days. Take the case of Habana Outpost, an eco-friendly restaurant owned by Sean Meenan—the same man who masterminded the opening of another environmentally-inspired café called the Café Habana.

Recently, Mr. Meenan showed off his festive-colored eco-eatery to a group of girls, ages 11-14, who were delighted to experience not just the Outpost’s delectable menu but also catching a glimpse of the rainwater-collection system that feeds the toilets, a recycling and composting station, wheat-board wall paneling and corn-based plastic cups, and a bicycle-powered blender. Not only that, the amazing environmentalist also showcased the $40,000 solar panels installed in the restaurant and funneling electricity to the Outpost’s nearby buildings. According to Mr. Meenan, he was inspired by the early memory of Ronald Reagan who ordered the removal of the solar panels installed by Jimmy Carter in the White House. “It just seemed to me God gave us the sun, it’s there, we’re not doing anything bad by putting up some solar panels, right?” Mr. Meenan said. “They even kind of look cool.”

A self-confessed rebellious during his younger years, Mr. Meenan did not have a good affinity for making the right choices and this somehow led him to live with two junkies in the East Village and ran off with his Columbia University scholarship money and a girl from Berlin during his late teens. But with the ample guidance of his mentors and surrogate parents, he managed to get back on the right track and was inspired to do more good in his life and for the environment.

Aside from giving the youths of Elizabeth Street their first job in the café, Mr. Meenan continues to promote environmental awareness among kids and adults alike by offering weekend workshops for children, playing host to student tours, and participates in speaking engagements about sustainability concepts.

GPS vehicle tracking systems can quickly slash vehicle fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas and CO2 emissions. Drivers should install a GPS vehicle tracking system into their vehicles to monitor engine diagnostics, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions as each vehicle moves. GPS vehicle tracking systems enable drivers to easily set realistic goals to reduce vehicle emissions and show tangible results. Data that used to either be unavailable or used to take days or months to compile now take just seconds with a modern GPS tracking vehicle system.

With a Green GPS vehicle tracking system, it’s easy for drivers to identify areas for improvement and take decisive action on key issues such as:

•Speed Limits: Reduce fuel use and CO2, and improve safety, by monitoring for excessive speeds. According to recent studies, a truck traveling at 75mph consumes 27% more fuel than it does at 65mph and a van at 70mph consumes 12% more fuel than at 60mph.

•Route Optimization: You pay for every mile, so even a small reduction in vehicle mileage can reduce costs and greenhouse gas pollution. Depending on the vehicle type, a decrease of 250 miles per month can translate to carbon reductions of roughly 160kg per month or 2 tons per year, plus a yearly cost savings of $1,000 per vehicle. GPS fleet vehicle tracking systems enable you to minimize distances using automatic route optimization based on time, distance, or avoided roadways.

•Proactive Vehicle Maintenance and Smog Checks: You can remotely monitor motor oil life, engine fault codes, and emissions control system status. In the US alone, better oil-life monitoring could save over 100 million gallons of oil over 5 years. For every 1lb psi of tire under-inflation, around 4 million gallons of fuel are wasted each day. A poorly tuned engine can use up to 50% more fuel and produces up to 50% more emissions than one that is running properly. Depending on the size of your fleet, this proactive effort can lead to thousands or even millions of dollars saved in vehicle maintenance, repairs and replacement costs.

•Driving Analysis and Training: Stop aggressive driving. Reduce sharp acceleration aka jack-rabbit starts, hard braking, and unnecessary idling events. Jack-rabbit starts and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by as much as 40%. Tests show that “jackrabbit” starts and hard braking reduces travel time by only four percent, while toxic emissions were more than five times higher.

In city driving, nearly 50% of the energy needed to power your car goes to acceleration.A GPS fleet tracking system helps you to find each of your fleet vehicle’s “sweet spots” such as the specific speeds, gear shifts, and acceleration where the best fuel efficiency can be achieved.

•Compliance with Upcoming Regulations for Government Contracts: Recently the EPA handed down a ruling that requested suppliers in the U.S. to report their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). For some US fleets this will prove to be a major headache, for others, like those using FieldLogix fleet management software, it won’t be a problem. Government departments are under pressure from environmental agencies to control and limit GHG emissions, and that has a rippling effect for all American fleets, especially those the government does business with.

•Customer Service: Diminish unnecessary customer service issues by as much as 95% through on-time delivery, accountability, and immediate responsiveness. With GPS fleet tracking you can identify and send out the nearest vehicle, improve route optimization, and reduce cargo spoilage. Also you can increase customer retention by offering proof of the company’s green achievements.

•Idling Controls: Lower idling times by up to 90%. Long-haul trucks can save up to $8,000 per truck per year (averaging 1,800 hours idling per year).

•Improve Vehicle Utilization: Drivers and fleet vehicle managers can realize huge savings in labor and fuel expenses because drivers aren’t sent out in search of lost trailers. Large fleet operators have recovered millions of dollars this way. Plus, you can avoid additional trailer purchases by lowering tractor-trailer ratios by 10% to 15%.

•Paperwork Reduction: With a fleet GPS management system you can automatically share electronic driver logs, fuel tax reports, employee time cards, and schedule analysis of dispatch and accounting systems. Because paper trails are no longer necessary, overtime and administration costs can be cut by 10% to 35%.

GPS fleet management system FieldLogix will give you a Green Driving Report that is easy to understand and utilize to develop a green driving strategy. These automated Green Fleet Score Reports work around the clock, so you can quickly see increases in profitability, performance and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. With this type of GPS fleet tracking solution, even a small fleet can save thousands of dollars per vehicle per year.

The  GPS fleet tracking system can correlate all this data with routing options, schedules, maintenance, and driving behavior to establish current baselines. Once baselines have been established, realistic goals can be set and the results can easily be measured by the GPS fleet tracking system. Fleet management can instantly communicate the news to customers, investors, or other company stakeholders.

Hotels supporting environmental protection program through LEED-certification

What’s the major push for the hotels these days if not to sustain the green trends? That’s right. US Green Building Council (USGBC) is in their major campaign taking care of the environment and pursuing ways on across-the-board compliance. Sounds like a big challenge for the council. But thinking about the benefits of caring for the environment, promoting sustainable homes and operating at cost-effective green solutions on how to address this challenge. Of course, inviting hotel owners to comply is another thing. So what’s the result?

Certification is the answer. It means for a building or a hotel to pass compliance test, it must be USGBC LEED pre-certified. How is this possible?

LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is USGBC’s driving environmental care program. It’s aimed at promoting cost-effective building and certification process while maintaining the quality of work in building hotels. LEED is also an effective program as it promotes leadership and invites long term commitment amongst business owners. In fact, market leaders can include this certification in their portfolio as their achievement.

In terms of compliance, Starwood’s Element Hotels paved its ways to its commendable recognition. Why? Element is considered to be the first hotel that promoted and pursued the LEED program within their business. Following through a simpler LEED pre-certification procedure, Element finally got its pre-certification in 2008. Comparing the property’s environmental contribution and energy-saving reports from the previous years, Element had a 20% saved energy and more than 30% reduced water consumption which is equivalent to around 950 gallons of water.

There are other benefits from utilizing the LEED certification program. Think about the extensive results if all the hotels in the US alone comply with this program. It does yield results. If all other hotels activities like car and bike rentals are aimed at enhancing and promoting environment care, the guests would definitely notice the market owner’s drive to sustain and promote LEED-based program.

It sure is a strong advertisement isn’t it? Well, this is also a business strategy. Know how word of mouth works. So when guests started sharing their experiences to their friends and relatives, you’ll get nothing but raves and increased profits.

Back-to-school eco-friendly tips for students

Ever thought how exciting it is to meet your classmates for the first time? After few months of vacationing, you will finally get the chance to enjoy your college life. Yes, it’s back to school again so what’s in store this year for you?

Life in school can either be socially engaging or just pure fun. A student like you gets to choose which is which. But more often than not, you will get to engage yourself in so many extracurricular and academic activities. Now given the time and the opportunity, back to school may mean a lot for you when you think on how you could care more for the environment. Learn about greening my dorm utilizing lots of green tips.

Remember, you are not yet employed and financial support may be really tight. But if you’re targeting at living a cost-effective way while in college, you may want to start saving not just for yourself but for the environment as well. Here are few but effective tips for you:

• Minimizing waste. Check on reusable items. Would you buy plastic cups than a mug for your coffee or hot tea? The amount of money you’ll spend buying disposable items can be put in your piggy bank and you can contribute in trimming down plastics in landfills. Used books and websites are good resources too. You will save a lot from these, really.
• Be a minimalist. Staying in dorms is really cool. But do you need to purchase big furniture for your living room? Or do you really have to buy one master bed for your room? Instead of shelling out extra bucks, you may want to check some furniture in your garage. You can save energy when you use fluorescent light bulbs. It’s also best to invest on good beddings and linen but if you have extras from home, why not use them instead of buying fancy ones?
• Be active and save gas. Increase your savings and reduce car repairs. You can choose a dorm near your school or use bicycle every now and then. This option will not only keep you healthy but you can save a lot from buying gas due to frequent car travel.

That’s right. School youths are encouraged to contribute in caring for the environment and live economically. What seems to be your little contribution means a lot when collected.