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May 20, 2008 
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Onsite Renewable Energy Projects – Why DIY?
Historically, energy projects were not considered part of core business function. So why are companies including REI, Mars, SunChips, and Smart Papers all embracing the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach?
The short answer is that the playing field has changed. Increasing costs and market volatility have made energy management a top priority for many businesses. At the same time, government agencies have laid on the financial incentives and supporting programs for renewable energy projects (U.S. EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program and California's Million Solar Roofs initiative, for example). Add to that the growing desire to couple corporate carbon reduction goals with visible carbon reduction projects, and you’ve got a recipe for DIY worthy of Martha Stewart. But don’t take my word for it. Dan Maheu, president of Smart Papers, summed it up perfectly when he explained that his company's $30 million biomass project "enables us to have a future that is completely independent of volatile energy markets" while "reduc[ing] production costs… and greatly reduc[ing] our greenhouse gas emissions." These are sound business strategies, and you should be considering them (if you aren’t already). The fact is, energy and carbon management may soon become a core competency for business, just as environmental, health, and safety was brought “in-house” once companies recognized these competencies as critical for successful business operations. Why DIY? Better yet: Why not? ~Will Sarni, SLM Advisor What do you think? Post Your Comment Here! Also This Week... ExxonMobil Shareholders Revolt over Climate Issue 
A shareholder rebellion over climate policy at the world's biggest oil company has gained new momentum with the support of four leading British institutional investors. Read more...
REI to Equip 10% of Its Stores with Solar Panels 
Outdoor gear retailer REI has announced plans to retrofit more than 10% of its stores with solar electric technology this year. Read more...
EPS Unveils Carbon Tracker for Product Manufacturing 
EPS Corporation, an energy-management solutions firm, has released a new tool that allows companies to track their carbon emissions at the product, plant, and corporate levels. Read more...
Analysts Predict $1 Trillion U.S. Market for Carbon Trading 
The U.S. will be home to a $1 trillion carbon trading market by 2020 if policymakers follow through on current plans for a domestic cap-and-trade program, according to analysis firm New Carbon Finance. Read more...
How to Get Approval for Greener Manufacturing Projects 
One way to strengthen the business case for emissions reduction projects? Consider the likely future cost of carbon in your cost/benefit calculations, suggests John Davies of AMR Research. Read more...
Mars Powers Candymaking with...Landfill Gas? 
Mars Snackfood has flipped the switch on its first landfill gas project, which will recover methane gas from a Waco, Texas, landfill and convert it to steam energy for the company's nearby candymaking operation. Read more...
Smart Papers to Take Products Carbon Neutral with New $30 Million Biomass Plant 
Smart Papers has broken ground on a $30 million biomass cogeneration facility that the company says will power all of its manufacturing operations by next year. Read more...
UPS to Expand U.S. Green Fleet by 30% 
UPS, operator of the largest commercial green-delivery fleet in the U.S., has placed orders for an additional 500 alternative-fuel trucks - effectively expanding its green fleet by 30%. Read more...
Consumers Getting Savvier on Companies' Climate Performance 
Consumers are getting better at fingering the companies that aren't doing their part against climate change, even within industries that have a generally good reputation on the issue, according to a new survey from Havas Media, a market research firm. Read more...
Top Corporations Launch Greenhouse Gas Registry in Brazil 
Top companies including Ford, Alcoa, and Wal-Mart have founded a new climate reporting registry in Brazil, the world's fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Read more...
More Climate Management News & Tools... SLM Readers Speak Out! John Davies' advice to consider the likely future cost of carbon in your cost/benefit calculations for manufacturing projects earned a response from SLM reader Elizabeth Bernick, who called the recommendation "too unbelievably elementary," saying: "If you work in a manufacturing environment, and you are looking at how to reduce emissions, I find it hard to believe that you haven't considered costs!"Well, manufacturers, how about it? Are you currently taking into account future taxes on carbon emissions (which are looking increasingly likely) when you spec out the costs for new projects? Read more, and post your own comments, here.  We want to hear from you! Post your comments or questions below any SLM news story and we'll feature the best of them here.(Note: You must be a registered SLM user to post. Not yet signed up? Click here!) |
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Cutting-Edge Research to Debut at SB'08! NOTE: This event will sell out - register today! Solution Providers KEEN's Bobbie Parisi on Challenging the Green Consumer 
Bobbie Parisi is the mastermind behind the KEEN Footwear’s Hybrid.STAND campaign, which netted a mention on Advertising Age's list of top 50 marketing ideas for 2007. In this SLM interview, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at the sustainable-lifestyles contest that helped boost KEEN’s web traffic by more than 50%. Read more...
Nau: Ahead of Its Time? 
The failure of Nau is a real tragedy. As part of my mourning process, I want to speculate “from the cheap seats” on why Nau failed and what we might all learn about sustainable business. By Phil Berry Read more...
NRDC Greening Advisor 
The National Resources Defense Council has packed this online guide with tips and advice to help companies green their operations and cut costs, including articles on how to produce less waste, consume less paper and energy, and use resources more efficiently. (NRDC) Visit now...
Top Headlines from Other SLM Channels Toyota Nudges Dealerships Toward LEED Certification Avis Stops Printing Customer Broshures Business Leaders Take to the Airwaves as "Faces of Climate Change" Headhunting Firm Launches Energy-Czar Placement Service Green-Building Retrofits Make for Happier Workers, Report Finds Dell to Make Computers 25% More Energy Efficient by 2010 Cisco Debuts TelePresence for Large Meetings, Small Offices Mall Operator Saves $11 Million a Year Through Energy Efficiency Starbucks Wants 50% of Store Energy to Come from Renewable Sources Wal-Mart Canada Bans PVC from Lightbulb Packaging Find Peers and Partners If you haven’t already joined the fastest growing online sustainable business community, create a profile now and start connecting. Advertise on SLM! Become a Sustainable Life Media advertiser or sponsor and reach thousands of business leaders looking for product or service solutions to help them build their sustainability story. Click here to learn more. Have a story you want told? Send it to us! | | ||
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