I’m going to take a break from George W today. I need something positive to talk about. We all know the U.S. economy has slowed down. Unemployment is up, inflation is up, the stock market is down, earnings are down, and the pace of venture capital investment has slowed dramatically. We’ve seen dramatically fewer technology IPOs this year, and even the once “immune” technology sector is seeing the effects of the ailing economy.
One area bucking this trend is green technology. A United Nations report indicates over $148 billion was invested into alternative energy last year, up a whopping 60 percent from the $92.6 billion spent in 2006. The report describes this as a “green energy gold rush”. Wind energy led with $50 billion in investments, but solar was the largest gainer with a 90 percent rise, totaling $28 billion in investments. Even high profile venture capital firms such as Kleiner Perkins have established funds and partner areas earmarked for green investments.
What’s great is that this appears to be a global trend led by Europe, which as we all know is far more advanced from clean tech and alternative energy perspectives than the rest of the world. There appears to be strong and growing interest in emerging countries such as Brazil, China, and India as well, as these countries recognize their growth and development will soon be hindered by their consumption and dependence on foreign energy. In case you’re wondering, not only do we pollute the most in the U.S. (on both an absolute and per capita basis), but we are one of the worst, least advanced clean tech, developed countries in the world.
On my first trip to Paris, I visited an apartment which had a grass balcony. It was amazing – like going out into a park, but 5 stories up.  Today, there’s a growing movement to put green gardens on roofs. Why? Because they can:
- Increase the life of your roof
- Save energy for cooling in summer, and heating in the winter
- Reduce noise
- Help improve air quality
- Reduce stormwater runoff
- Look bitchin’
Before you go off and plant some sod on your roof, you should know that they’re not exactly easy to install – according to Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, they consist of, “a high quality water proofing and root repellant system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants.”So they are a somewhat complex, and perhaps mostly suited for larger buildings, although there are some who are pioneering planting them on residential buildings.But if you’re interested, the really good news is that cities like New York  and Chicago are offering tax credits for installing green roofs.  Regardless, it’s really fascinating and gorgeous stuff. Take a look!Â
Hey did you hear the news that Utah is implementing a 4-day work week for most of their state workers? The reason? To cut energy costs in governmental buildings.
Instead of a 40 hour work week over 5 days, workers are being asked to work 10 hours a day, 4 days a week.
It is estimated that 1000-3000 state buildings will be closed on Fridays, resulting in a reduction of about 20% in energy costs.
What do you guys think? Good idea? Bad idea?
McKinsey’s Global Institiute released another study recently discussing what it would cost to reduce carbon emissions. As it turns out, not that much. I mean, yes, it does cost something, but according to their calculations, just 0.6-1.4% of GDP to get to managable levels, which is less than the 3.3% we pay as a society for insurance. And as they have noted before, many of the reductions can actually increase GDP! So in other words, we have no excuse for stronger leadership and more action. Money quote:
The microeconomic changes needed to increase carbon productivity at the levels required will not occur without the active leadership and collaboration of governments and businesses globally. We need new policies, regulatory frameworks, and institutions focused on four areas: creating market-based incentives to innovate and raise carbon productivity; addressing market failures that prevent abatement opportunities from being captured profitably; resolving issues of allocation and fairness, in particular between the developed and developing worlds and between industry sectors; and accelerating progress to avoid missing critical emissions targets.Â
Thanks to Climate Progress for pointing this out.
JB just posted yesterday about her dreams of a yard, and a mower to go with it. Well, JB, don’t get a gas mower!
According to the EPA, gas mowers use 800 million gallons of gas annually and account for five percent of U.S. air pollution.
Because of this, according to one of our favorite new blogs, the Dwell Daily Blog, several cities are hosting an exchange program that allows residents to trade gas mowers for an eco-friendly alternative at a reduced price: the battery-powered Neuton CE 5.2.
Ah, but hold the phone! As it turns out, according to researchers at the University of Florida, even battery powered electric mowers cause plenty of pollution – mostly when producing the battery, and when those same batteries are not disposed of properly. (it’s the same reason that you shouldn’t necessarily replace your perfectly good car with a hybrid)
Their suggestion? Buy a corded mower – there’s no battery, and the only energy you use is the energy to run the mower.
