Organic Innovation

Hydrofracking Could Affect Pennsylvania Archaeology Sites

2012-01-15T08:07:00.001-08:00

The practice of hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale in the eastern United States opens up the opportunity to drill in areas not before possible. Archaeology magazine recently reported that the practice may affect archaeological sites in Pennsylvania. Confusing state regulations combined with inability of the state to intercede increases the threat.

The state has a "10-acre rule," where if a company applies to the state's Department of Environmental Protection for a permit on a project that will take up 10 or fewer acres of land, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is not required to review the proposal to ensure the protection of archaeological sites, nor does it have to be notified. When a project does exceed that acreage, the PHMC is notified. However, thanks to a 1995 amendment to the state's history code known as "Act 70," the PHMC must fund, or itself undertake, any excavations of previously recorded archaeological sites that exist where a permit is pending.

The problem is the agency does not have the funding or the staff to conduct these operations. Pennsylvania and its localities are strapped for cash. Consider that the capital of the state, Harrisburg, recently declaredbankruptcy.

Some advocates are working to cross reference locations present and future archaeological sites to avoid disruption for sites designated for drilling. Others are looking at aligning with environmental groups to present a united front from expansion of drilling.

California Law Expands B Corporations

2012-01-14T07:29:00.000-08:00

B corporations businesses are organizations that care as much about society and the environment as they do about profits. It provides the legal framework for firms to meet their social goals as a business entity.. To qualify as a B Corp, a firm must have an explicit social or environmental mission and a legally binding responsibility to take into account the interests of workers, the community and the environment as well as shareholders.

A a new California law is designed to give businesses greater freedom to pursue strategies which they believe benefit society. The legislation takes place concurrent with a new law creating the flexible purpose company (FlexC) which allows a firm to adopt a specific social or environmental goal, rather than the broader obligations of a B Corp.

The organizations are ideal for individuals who think that existing laws governing corporations and charities are too restrictive and non-profits may have only few avenues to grow and raise revenue. Similar laws are already in effect in Vermont, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Hawaii

Four Sustainability Trends In The New Year

2012-01-03T23:01:00.000-08:00

The Clean Techies Blog rececently listed trnds for suastainabilty for 2012. After much attention and effort worldwide to make sustainability a leading issue, roadblocks came into the way of making it reach its fullest potential. Financial problems for countries and competing interests have made results inconsistent on an international basis. However continued efforts and cooperation can lead to success with different trends.

1. Transparency. Many corporations and government agencies have made a commitment and set goals for energy use. These entities have put forward what efforts are being done to meet these goals. More organizations are openly disclosing resources to meet these goals.

2. Global Consistency. More disclosure has meant more concerted efforts. Sustainable practice has become more recognized as necessary and international strategies have become more consistent.

3. Public/Private Collaboraton. More partnerships between the public and private sector are occuring. Governemnts with limited resources are working with private entities for sustained growth. One example is a recent announcement of a $4 billion energy retrofit commitment by the U.S. federal government and 60 CEOs, mayors, university presidents, and labor leaders.

4. FocusOn Solar Energy.Solar power, the leading source of renewable energy has seen more large sacle installations in different parts of the world. As the issue with energy based on fossil fuels continues to be debated, solar nergy may see a renewed focus.

Vermont To Use 90 Percent Renewables By 2030

2011-12-28T00:10:00.000-08:00

Vermont has relesed its Comprehensive Energy Plan highlighting how it plans to get 90% of all its energy from renewable sources by 2050. Currently the state receives 23% of its energy from renewable sources. This is mostly from biomass and hydropower which supply roughly 50% of the state's electricity.

During the first public comment period, from March 2011 to July 15, 2011 before the release of the Public Review Draft, over 7,800 comments were submitted. Over 7000 of these first period comments were form letters, signed and submitted by members of at least two different organizations. Another 200 comments were submitted by various municipal, business, and non-profit entities, including members of the general public.

For details of the plan: http://www.vtenergyplan.vermont.gov/

Is Google The New BFF For Small Business?

2011-12-18T15:33:00.000-08:00

Google has become almost an institution with the internet and technology. It is a company with assets of $170 billion. The name has become a form of action when seeking information on the web. The platform for this blog is provided by Google.

Now Google is driving to provide support for small businesses across the country. It has launcehed its Get Your Business Online campaign featuring free workshops by Google experts on creating websites and using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Places, and AdWords. Events have been held in 24 cities nationwide and more than 20,000 businesses have signed up.

Joining small businesses is key to the company's efforts to stay on top of online advertising which accounted for $28.2 billion of the company's $29.3 billion in revenue in 2010. There is certainly a market for this as 63 percent of small businesses still lack websites. Getting more small businesses online means more awareness as Google says 40 percent of its mobile searches are for local information and could help build customer base for new mobile advertising products.

For the full story check out: http://www.inc.com/magazine/201112/google-wants-your-small-business.html

Chinese Solar Panels To be Investigated

2011-12-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

The US international Trade Commision voted to investigate solar panel imports from China. The ITC will look into whether Chinese solar imports have harmed US solar manufacturers and if there should be a penalty for Chinese companies that illegally dump products. There is concern of China introducing lower priced solar panels into the US market undercutting domestic manufacture.

In opposition, The Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE), a group of US solar manufacturers is urging the ITC to find an equitable resolution to complaints. They believe the price reduction of solar panels could opened new markets in the US, and that lower costs are pushing the industry forward.

For more information on this issue in the solar industry:

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/23136
http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/23056

Renewable Energy At The Local level

2011-12-03T01:10:00.000-08:00

There is an increasing trend with the use of alternative energy in local areas of America. Local governments are sponsoring or are working with companies to promote projects in some areas. However some people do have concerns with some proposals in their back yards.

Camden County in New Jersey is undertaking installing solar projects in its offices, libraries, and college campuses throughoout the county. Camden County, New Jersey is embarking on a county-wide solar project for its offices, libraries, and college campuses.The $49 million project will install rooftop and ground-mounted solar, totaling 7 megawatts.

In Hardee Couty Florida, Florida-based National Solar Power will build 10 solar farms across the county for $70 million each. The solar developer is developing up financing and plans to sell electricity from the 200-megawatt farm to the local utility, Progress Energy Florida. http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/23209

However, some areas are facing opposition to projects by residents. Wisconsin-based home products manufacturer SC Johnson has planned wind turbines at its Waxdale manufacturing plant in Mt. Pleasant, WI. Some residents have expressed concerns about the turbines on several levels: noise, sun flicker, aesthetics, property values and deaths of flying wildlife. http://cleantechnica.com/2011/12/02/wind-turbine-noise-hurdles/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IM-cleantechnica+%28CleanTechnica%29

Entrpreneurs Start At Any Age

2011-12-01T02:10:00.000-08:00

People may think of entrepreneurism today as a bunch of college whizkids in a dorm room developing a new website or app for the iPhone. Many images of magazines show young twenty-somethings being profiled for their accomplishments developing some successful startup. The truth is there really is no age limit for starting a business. Many successful ventures have been launched by people of different ages. The key has been the proper support they need for starting out.

Young Business People

Many college graduates are now facing a competitive workforce with a limited number of jobs available. In a report by the Economic Policy Institute, unemployment rate among 16- to 24-year-olds at 18.4 percent in 2010, twice as much as all workers. Many are now looking into developing a business as an alternative to finding a
regular job. Millenials bring new ideas, enthusiasm and knowledge of technology in developing a new enterprise. However many are reluctant to attempt to try a business even if they have a plan due to the economy. According to a report by the Young Invincibles, a non-profit youth organization. Only 8 percent of the 18- to 34-year-olds own businesses now, and 11 percent plan to start businesses within the next year. A third of them said they have postponed starting a business because of the economy. However it might be the right time instead of waiting for more jobs to
open up to follow their passion and start a business.

Older Generation

Older people are trying their hand at business ventures more than ever. There are several reasons for this ranging from bouncing back from a layoff to doing something after retirement. Many are seeking to pursue an enterprise that makes a difference as well as a profit. One in four Americans between ages 44 and 70 wants to build an enterprise. Nearly half of them want it to be a business with a strong social impact. Older workers bring life experience and professional expertise to new startups. In one poll most retirees expect to work after 65. Baby boomers are starting to retire and in a tough economy, many are beginning entrepreneurial efforts pursuing an area they always wanted to work in.

Future Trends

According to the Kauffman Foundation there was a significant increase in activity of entrepreneurs between ages 55 and 64 in the last two years.
Each generation has strengths that contribute to growth and development in solo proprietorships. Diverse products and services can be provided with a wide age group.

Legislation To Make Business Fundraising Easier

2011-11-27T13:43:00.000-08:00

Legislation recently passed bt the House of Representatives makes it easier for small investors to give money for small business startups. The Entrpreneur Access to Capital Act will allow up to $10,000 to be but into businesses that are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commision.

Websites have been set up allowing entrepreneurs explain what their plan is and what they want to accomplish with funding. Investors can provide money based on interest. Through the internet a wider audience is reached by business owners. This legislation may provide better access to funding.

For more info: http://www.economist.com/node/21538770

Older Workers Starting Social Entrpreneur Projects

2011-11-25T10:41:00.000-08:00

Americans reaching middle age and retirement are considering getting into starting a business. Many are using their previous experience in life and work to develop a company. More of these are interested in having these ventures create some sort of social change. 1 in 4 Americans between ages 44 and 70 wants to build an business venture with nearly half of them want it to be a business with social impact. In some communities, organizations are providing the assistance to help them.

Full story:http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/Change-Agent/2011/1122/Encore-entrepreneurs-Older-Americans-start-businesses-with-social-impact

Airlines Starting To Use Biofuels

2011-11-20T17:12:00.000-08:00

Two airlines this week became the first to have commercial flights run partially on algae-based and cooking oil-based jet fuels. Airlines are begiining to use biofuels and new careers such as aviation biofuels broker are developing.

Continental has flown the first commerical flight on a blend of algae biofuels. Alaska Airline Group announced that 75 upcoming commercial passenger flights in the US would be powered partly by used cooking oil.

See the story: http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/23120

Hybrid Solar Systems

2011-11-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

Systems to harness the sun’s energy typically generate either electricity or heat in the form of steam or hot water. But a new analysis by researchers at MIT shows that there could be significant advantages to systems that produce both electricity and heat simultaneously.
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/hybrid-solar-1021.html

Got Expertise?

2011-11-16T19:11:00.000-08:00

With unemployment still high and stagnant job growth much attention has been made to people going on their own to earn a living. There is information available in print and on the web regarding this concept. Whether it is pursuing your passion in another career field, catching the entrpreneurial spirit and starting a business, or being your own career agent and doing freelance work, there are many resources to help.

One thing that does help get the jump on your competiton is to be an expert in your area. But what does it mean to be an expert? Malcolm Cladwell in his book Outliers states that it takes 10,000 hours to be an expert at something. He cites examples of brilliant musicians and educators to highlight this. On the other hand you can take the view of Daniel Pink in his book Drive in what he calls "mastery asympote" where full mastery can never be realized and its pursuit is both attractive and frustrating. Think of this as not the destination but the journey.

The blog of Zenhabits mentions that being expert enough may be good enough to accomplish your goals. It comes down to continually learning and making mistakes along the way. Ultimately the best marker of success is your audience or customers. But in the beginning, you are your biggest critic. There are three things to keep in mind on the road to proficiency:

Practice: The FAQ section on the website of author George R.R. Martin, the author of the Song of Fire and Ice books, has a question put to him on what makes a good writer. His answer simply is to write. Write anything. Wheteher its fiction, non-fiction, books, articles, etc. the more you write the better you become.

Persistence: Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. However it took hom months and hundreds of attempts to finally get what he felt was necessary. Continual improvements through a gradual process brought success.

Patience: Ralph Waldo Emerson stated "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." Going at your own pace enhances the learning process.

Buying Local Does Matter

2011-11-15T02:23:00.000-08:00

A 2011 Independent Business Survey was conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and dozens of national and local business organizations. Respondents who participated in "Buy Local" campaigns reported an average gain in revenue of 5.6 percent, compared with a 2.1 percent revenue increase for those not involved in these campaigns.

An effort called Independent We Stand joined with American Express to create the national program in 2010 in response to small business owners' most pressing needs. Last years first program drove millions of dollars to localized merchants."Locally owned businesses reinvest in the local economy at a 60 percent higher rate than chains and Internet retailers, so Small Business Saturday shoppers will be revitalizing their economies while finding great deals at their favorite local merchants," says Bill Brunelle, project manager of Independent We Stand.
Find out more at: http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2011/10/28/how-consumers-and-communities-can-benefit-from-buying-local?PageNr=2

Studk Links Air Polltion To Weather

2011-11-15T02:18:00.000-08:00

Anew study finds that aerosols alter cloud density and the radiative balance of the atmosphere. This leads to changes in atmospheric stability, which can either suppress or foster the development of clouds and precipitation. The net effect is largely unknown, but depends on meteorological conditions and aerosol properties. The study examine the long-term impact of aerosols on the vertical development of clouds and rainfall frequencies.
http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ngeo1313.html

Image Courtesy of Krisjohn

Check Your Kit

2011-11-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

People who enjoy outdoor and recereational activities love their gear. They want the latest and the greatest items to make their experience better and more memorable. Hunters want the best guns and hunting equipment. Golfers want the best clubs they can get. Even ghost hunters want the best equipment for catching spectral images and sounds. The collection of gear is sometimes called the kit and for many enthusiasts they are the tools that spell success. They make sure what they have works and is up to date.

Job hunting or changing careers may not be that much fun but the same principle applies. Job seekers have a kit of items that need continual updating to be effective:

Resume: Contact information on the resume needs to be updated with any changes. Keywords need to matsh what the employer is looking for. Outdated words and phrases need to be replaced.

Network: Make sure the people who may have job leads in your network are still accessible. If there are amy changes keep these up to date.

Social Media: Be aware of your online presence. Delete those tidbits of information you prefer not to have an employer see. Maintain contacts that can help with employment leads.

Credentials: How old is your degree/certification? Is it still relevant? Consider training to update skills.

Associations: Dheck to see if memberships to professional groups and associations are still active. If possible, look into joining other relevant organizations.

Learning To Adapt

2011-11-09T04:04:00.000-08:00

There are many startling examples of survival in the animal kingdom. Chameleon lixards are able to change their color to match their surroundings. Sea turtles swim almost effortlessly in water yet move clumsily over land relying on a shell to protect them. Jaguars of Cental and South America blend in their surroundings waiting patiently for their prey then strike when the opportunity arises.

People have had to learn to adapt to changes as a matter of survival. Native Innuits survive in the coldest regions relying on few resources around them. For centuries nomadic tribes survive the harsh deserts of the world. Learning to deal with adversity is part of the human condition.

It is a fact that change does ocur in the labor market. People do become unemployed and jobs are eliminated for a variety of reasons. Often it is beyond our control and may not even seem fair. It is something that many have to face. Adapting to the workforce may be necessary. It may involve learning new skills or making a career change.

One thing that is important is that not everything can be changed. Understand what your strengths and skills are and develop from those. from those. As Richard Bolles in his book What Color Is Your Parachute? people need constancy as well as change during any transition. Tou need a place to stand when your life moves around which is provided by those things that are constant with you like skills, values and faith.

One thing to remember. Do not be like the turtle retreating into its shell. Think like the jaguar adapting to its surroundings and taking advantage when the opportunity occurs.

Dealing With Job Search Stress

2011-11-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

Most people do not enjoy doing a job search. The thought of going the process to get into a new job can bring anxiety to anyone. For people who are fed up with their jobs and are trying to find new employment, they have to look around work hours and play a game of cat and mouse with their employer. For unemployed individuals, discouragement sets in the longer the process takes. Rejections from employers can only add to the frustration.

There are warning signs that can be identified which affect health and socialization. These only get worse over periods of time. Phsyical conditions like insomnia, weight gain and depression can develop. Relations can sour as people withdraw from activities they enjoy and people in their lives. Changes can occur like impatience and increased use of alcohol and substance abuse. Feelings of hopelessness and shame begin to set in and fester.

Recognizing these signs are the first step. The next is to deal with them. For some people it is a call to action to change their methods or strategy. Understand what is important in life and become grounded with it. Recognize your support system of family and friends and rely on them. Never feel ashamed or worry about preconceived notions of people may have in your situation. In a few years roles may be reversed.

This is of course easier said then done but people cannot remain idle. Stress can be a good thing. It is a signal for a time of reflection and self evaluation. Change can take time but it has to start with a single step.

Small Business Ideas ForThe Holiday Season

2011-11-02T01:40:00.000-07:00

A study by American Express and research firm Civic Economics market share captured by locally owned independent businesses declined from 59 percent in 1990 to 48 percent in 2009. However, over the past 14 years, home values increased 50 percent more in residential neighborhoods served by a successful independent business district. (http://www.inc.com/start-up/howard-greenstein/tips-for-increasing-local-business-sales-this-holiday-season.html) In another survey by 792 retailers,38 percent of small businesses are reporting sales up from last year. Thirty six percent report flat sales and 26 percent say sales are down. Of course, being small businesses, about 50 percent are optimistic that things will improve.( http://www.manta.com/small-business/holiday_shopping_survey1111)

Companies are being encoyraged to use social media more for more exposure of their business and the low return on investments. Small business is also being promoted with Small Business Saturday. With the support of companies like American Express and Fed Ex, it is being promoted the day after black Friday on November 26 to increase awareness of small businesses. (http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/)

Brush Off Those Parachute Pants

2011-10-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

There is a quote from the 1936 movie " Swing Time" for people who have setbacks in life. "Pick Yourself Up, Dust Yourself Off, Start All Over Again". Singing star MC Hammer whose real name is Stanley Burrell is an example of this. He had great success inthe late 1980's and early 90's especially with the iconic 1990 hit U Can't Touch This. In the late 1990's he was in sebt and declared bankruptcy.

Burrell endured and is now in the spotlight as an entrpreneur. He is now involved in the development of a new search engine. On October 19 he unveiled the engine called WIREDoo. It turns out he lives in the San Francisco area and as he says "I spend a lot of time with young upstarts." He decided to get into investing in technology start-ups because of the income potential. This is certainly a different route from his singing career.

This serves as an example of the phrase "reinventing yourself"" where success in one industry does not necessarily mean it will sustain you indefinitely. Things do change especially in today's business world. Being able to bounce back from a setback is a true mark of success.

Solar Energy Faces Uncertain Future

2011-10-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

A recent article in the Economist Magazine about solar energy (http://www.economist.com/node/21532279) discusses the future of solar energy. There has been changes in the industry and in manufacture of panels that benefit consumers. First Solar, a major maker of solar panels is using cadmium telluride as the main semiconductor ingredient instead of the more expensive crystalline silicon. The material is less energy efficient but more cost effective. Prices for panels in general have decreased and systems have become more efficient.

There have been problems with the industry as a whole. Energy from fossil fuel is still cheaper than solar. Countries that have been proactive in promoting solar energy like Germany and Italy have had to cut back in investments and subsudies due to poor economic conditions. Expectations for big demand in solar energy meant companies produced panels to meet it. Demand has fallen off so now there is an oversupply of panels.

The good news is the cost of solar energy will continue to decrease with new materials. Breakthroughs with new products can still be developed. Even if there is turbulence in the industry, there is still a need for solar in the future.

Study Finds Small Business Brings Economic Growth

2011-10-05T03:02:00.000-07:00

Small business is truly the driving force for communities across the country for economic reasons as well as quality of life. In one study local business was found to be key to economic growth. Economists Stephan Goetz and David Fleming of Pennsylvania State University conducted the research. Looking at 2,953 counties across the country both rural and urban, they found that those araes with a larger density of small, locally owned businesses experienced greater per capita income growth between 2000 and 2007. Small firms were defined as having less than 100 employees. They provide more long term growth. According to Goetz, small businesses and startups bring more than just jobs for community members. They also bring innovation and productivity on a local level. Many contract with other local businessfor services. Economic recovery should focus on local growth instaead of bringing in large companies outside of the area.

Thee study found large companies have a negative effect on and economic growth and cannot be relied on for helping communities. Many lagre firms are in the process of laying off . Bank of America, the country's largest bank announced earlier in September that it will lay off 30000 of its employees in the next few years. The pharmecuetical company Merck announced in July that it will be trimming its workforce by 13000 by the year 2015. In contrast to the local business, these kinds of companies have too many of their own interests on a national scale to take matters of local communities to heart. They have their own systems of accounting, legal, supply and maintenance and are usually based in other states.

Tareget Your Resume

2011-09-28T04:03:00.000-07:00

Back in World War 2 Planes would carry large pat,oads of bombs on their missions. With simple navigational equipment, bombers would fly over desiganted areas and drop hundreds of bombs in the hope of hitting their target. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it didn't.

As guidance systems in bombs and missiles became more prevalent and advanced, accuracy improved. Eventually smart bombs made famous in the Iraq Gulf War in the early 1990's, could hit their objective with pinpont accuracy.

The same concept applies to the resume. It is not effective to just simply bombard several employers with a single generic resume in one massice mailing or email blast. The job search has become more specilaized. The resume needs to be directed to the job you are seeking. Objectives and accomplishments need to be tailored to the employer's needs. Keywords and phrasing need to match the job description. Having a few resumes for different job categories is also an option.

Jobs have become more specialized especially in the past few years. The job search itself has become more specialized as a reflection of this. Tailoring the resume to zero in on the job is essential.

Innovative Funding Options For Startups

2011-09-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

With the Great Recession there has been a tendency for the large well established financial institutions under pressure of remaining solvent to provide credit for small business ventures. People trying to establish small startup companies have had a difficult time establishing capital for their business. With traditional avenues not able to provide funding, entrepreneurs are looking at innovative ways to establish financial support.

One source of funding that prospective business owners would often try to access is small based banks and lending institutions. Many of these places were not affected by the financial meltdown as their larger counterparts. They were also great places to establish relationships and local connections. However, smaller institutions may not be reliable as sources of credit. On issue is that small banks are starting to decrease. To remain viable, many have had to merge or be bought out by larger institutions. The industry has become more concentrated and restrictive.

Entrepreneurs have had to develop innovative methods for funding. Social entrepreneurs are looking into making money through a method called niche crowd funding. Websites are set up for specific charitable projects. People who need financial backing describe their needs on the site. The organizers behind the site take a certain percentage of the money that is raised. Start up costs are low. It may take time to achieve a substantial return but sites are specialized and offer a smaller personal connection with the different parties.

Some small business owners are turning to peer to peer lending for funds. This kind of lending occurs directly between two individuals without the use of a financial institution. These arrangements can be between family and friends members of a community, or people in similar businesses. The distinguishing characteristic of this kind of lending is that there is a relationship of some kind. People use their social network to leverage the funding they need.

The common aspect of these types of lending practices is the use of social media. In the case of crowd funding, practitioners use social media tools to generate awareness of their cause. They direct their audience to the website detailing their cause. In peer to peer lending, social media is used to leverage their community of contacts in their social network for financing. Mutual support and familiarity are assets in getting capital.

These kinds of financing are relatively new forms of getting credit. If they gain a following it may usher in a new wave of venture capitalism as an alternative to financial institutions. They eliminate the needed requirements in traditional loans such as collateral and credit score checks. Although unconventional, these methods may be attractive in the next few years to people who are hesitant to work with banks.

New Study On Green Economy Released

2011-07-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

The Brookings Institute has recently released a report about the future of the Clean Economy. The study states that there is still uncertainty about these industries. Information is unclear about the size and potential for these sectors especially at the regional level.

Some highlights of the report:

The clean economy, which employs some 2.7 million workers, encompasses a significant number of jobs in establishments spread across a diverse group of industries

The clean economy grew more slowly in aggregate than the national economy between 2003 and 2010, but newer “cleantech” segments produced explosive job gains and the clean economy outperformed the nation during the recession

The clean economy is manufacturing and export intensive

The clean economy offers more opportunities and better pay for low- and middle-skilled workers than the national economy as a whole

Among regions, the South has the largest number of clean economy jobs though the West has the largest share relative to its population

Most of the country’s clean economy jobs and recent growth concentrate within the largest metropolitan areas

The clean economy permeates all of the nation’s metropolitan areas, but it manifests itself in varied configurations

Strong industry clusters boost metros’ growth performance in the clean economy

Some recommendations from the study:

Scale up the market by taking steps to catalyze vibrant domestic demand for low-carbon and environmentally-oriented goods and services

Ensure adequate finance by moving to address the serious shortage of affordable, risk-tolerant, and larger-scale capital that now impedes the scale-up of numerous clean economy industry segments

Drive innovation by investing both more and differently in the clean economy innovation system

Focus on regions, meaning that all parties need to place detailed knowledge of local industry dynamics and regional growth strategies near the center of efforts to advance the clean economy