Jan. 7, 2008 This year's International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which opens today in Las Vegas, has added a new green element to its lineup: A "Sustainable Techzone" dedicated to "pioneering technologies that benefit the environment and sustainability of the global economy." The tradeshow, the industry's largest, will provide a showcase for innovative green products from solar backpacks to the latest wireless technologies.

"The field is open for a vendor to lead in green products and company attributes," Forrester Research analyst Christopher Mines told Reuters. "We are watching for products that move well beyond incremental energy efficiency or recyclability."

The focus on green extends to the conference agenda as well. Session topics include "Sustainability 101: How CE Industry Leaders are Setting an Example in Environmental Stewardship" and "Complying with the Patchwork: A Primer on State Electronics Recycling Requirements."

The Consumer Electronics Association, organizer of CES, has contracted with CarbonFund.org to offset the estimated 20,000 tons of carbon emissions associated with the event.