New Zealand Renewable Energy Entrepreneurial Powerhouse

Posted on February 2, 2011 by quest

New Zealand has begun the 2011 year as one of the most entrepreneurial countries on the planet. It is “an entrepreneurial powerhouse,” according to The Economist. The World Bank ranked New Zealand #1 for starting a business in 2010 and Forbes pegged New Zealand at #3 on its new “Best Countries for Business” list in 2010, up two notches from the year before.

With a recent study by The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation finding that net job growth in the U.S. is now driven primarily by start-ups, many are taking a closer look at why New Zealand has been so successful in fostering an entrepreneurial culture.

“Entrepreneurs are the life blood of New Zealand’s economy. We have more than 470,000 small businesses run by smart, inspired Kiwis with mindsets that operate without boundaries,” said Marta Mager, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Regional Director, Americas. “New Zealand is one of the most innovative, creative, technologically advanced and internationally competitive countries in the world.”

Mager said the following five factors encourage entrepreneurship in New Zealand:

1. Drive Ingenuity – The government nurtures entrepreneurs in New Zealand, providing 45% of all R&D funding. Much of the money is directed through the country’s universities and Crown Research Institutes, which are required to generate revenue through commercial successes. New Zealand incubator Icehouse was named one of the top 10 start-up incubators in the world by Forbes magazine.

2. Focus on Natural Niches and its Science Base – New Zealand has used its agrarian and maritime heritage as a springboard to become a leader in sustainable food and wine, aquaculture, biotechnology, agribusiness and more. One example of a global game changer is CLIMsystems, a company that has created software to help predict the impact of climate change. Another cutting-edge company is Baker No-Tillage, a finalist at the World Technology Awards, which offers a credible way of providing sustainable world food production. Just last month, New Zealand wine brand Mobius Marlborough became the first in the world to display a carbon footprint label adjusted for each export market.

New Zealand is also on the cutting edge in renewable energy and clean technology, with nearly two-thirds of all electricity in New Zealand coming from renewable sources. By 2025, that figure is projected to rise to 90%.

3. Remoteness Spurs Innovation – As a far-flung Pacific island nation, New Zealand spawned generations of entrepreneurs and natural-born engineers whose problem-solving “tinkering” has evolved into world-class innovation. Case in point: Auckland-based Rex Bionics who have developed the world’s first commercially available robotic exoskeleton, providing a groundbreaking new option for the physically disabled. Other examples include New Zealand companies Sealegs and B2P who were recently featured in Popular Science Magazine’s ‘Best of What’s New’. Sealegs makes an amphibious boat built for demanding all-terrain conditions and B2P offers a web-enabled, easy and fast bacteria detection system. Both innovations, applicable world-wide, were creative solutions to geographic challenges.

4. Break Down Barriers – There are few tariffs or trade barriers in New Zealand. The government’s philosophy is to connect international buyers and investors with New Zealand industries that have long-term, sustainable advantages and high-growth potential. The companies, however, must compete on an international playing field. It’s truly survival of the fittest.

5. Perform on a World Stage – The New Zealand creative industry burst into international consciousness following the phenomenal box-office and award-winning success of films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Visual effects for the world’s highest grossing film, Avatar, which received accolades at the 2010 Academy Awards®, BAFTAs® and Golden Globe® Awards, were the work of Weta Digital whose accomplishments over the past ten years have changed the way movies are made.

UNDERSTANDING ECOTOURISM

Jersey Gardens To Build Largest Roof Top Solar System

Posted on January 18, 2011 by quest

Glimcher Realty Trust, one of the country’s premier retail REITs, today announced plans for the largest single-roof top solar system in North America to be built on the roof of Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The 4.8MW solar array will generate enough power to offset 11 percent of the electrical consumption of the mall. Jersey Gardens, with 1.3 million square feet of leasable space, is one of the largest properties in Glimcher’s regional mall portfolio, with tenants including Gap Outlet, H&M, Lord & Taylor Outlet, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nike Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.

Throughout its portfolio, Glimcher has been a leader in implementing various techniques resulting in environmentally friendly methods to conserve energy, manage or reduce waste and recycle used materials. The addition of a solar array to Jersey Gardens was made possible through a partnership with Gerding Edlen Development, Inc. , the nation’s leading expert in creating a future in green buildings, and Gerding Edlen Sustainable Solutions, a subsidiary of Gerding Edlen and expert in sustainable development, renewable energy and financing.

Marshall Loeb, president and COO, Glimcher Realty Trust said “Jersey Gardens is already known as a premier international shopping destination and has been an innovator in sustainability. We are proud to be working alongside Gerding Edlen to create a model for clean and effective energy development and management,” said Marshall Loeb, president and COO, Glimcher Realty Trust. To realize this initiative, Glimcher entered into a power purchase agreement with Clean Focus Corporation.The Jersey Gardens solar system will be designed, installed, and maintained by SunPower Corporation.

FOLLOW ECO FASHION

Solar Energy Thrives At Kaiser Permanente

Posted on January 7, 2011 by quest

Kaiser Permanente’s Santa Clara Medical Center has gone live with solar power, becoming one of the country’s first major medical centers to receive a significant amount of its energy from the sun. Kaiser Permanente agreed in March to install solar power systems at 15 of its California facilities — deploying a total 15 megawatts of solar energy — by the end of 2011. The agreement with Recurrent Energy, a solar project developer and generating company providing clean electricity to utilities and large energy users, launched one of the largest sustainable energy programs in U.S. health care. Solar panels at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara will produce 8.5 percent of the power used at the medical center — or enough to provide electricity for 136 homes for one year.

Installing solar panels on Kaiser Permanente hospitals, medical offices and other buildings is the first step in a comprehensive plan to use onsite renewable energy sources to power Kaiser Permanente’s buildings nationwide. A focus on renewable energy sources is just one aspect of the organization’s industry-leading work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the use of harmful chemicals, and promote sustainable food choices. Kaiser Permanente’s investment in solar power will reduce the organization’s reliance on the public power grid and help it diversify its energy sources. The 15 megawatts of solar power will produce an average of 10 percent of the electricity at each of the facilities, which also include the Vallejo Medical Center in Northern California, and medical offices in Lancaster and La Mesa in Southern California. This is enough to provide electricity for about 1,900 homes a year.

“Kaiser Permanente has a long history of energy conservation and environmental stewardship, and our use of solar and other forms of renewable energy further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to improving the overall health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve,” said Gregory A. Adams, group president, regional president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan/Hospitals, Inc. in Northern California. Kaiser Permanente agreed to purchase the solar power through power purchase agreements with San Francisco-based Recurrent Energy, which will own and operate all of the solar power systems. Kaiser Permanente also will retain all the Renewable Energy Credits awarded for these solar projects.

This move is the latest in Kaiser Permanente’s long history of energy conservation and environmental stewardship. Sustainable design and construction practices, including the use of energy-saving infrastructure and non-toxic materials, help Kaiser Permanente to build green and stay on budget.

UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE CHANGE

Cities Confront Climate Change in Cancun

Posted on December 12, 2010 by quest

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, “COP 16 marked a defining moment for local governments’ critical role in addressing the devastating impact of climate change,” said Executive Director Martin Chavez.”The ICLEI USA Delegation combined forces with over 150 mayors worldwide to ensure that the next global climate deal empowers local governments and to show that local government voluntary actions can be measured and verified. Local governments are change agents for climate action, from planning to implementation, leading by example and stimulating demand for renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as driving private sector investment that spurs clean technology and innovation. While modest agreements were achieved this year in Mexico, there is no doubt that local governments continue to lead the way on climate action.” ICLEI was founded in 1990 as the ‘International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives‘. The Council was established when more than 200 local governments from 43 countries convened at the World Congress of Local Governments for a Sustainable Future, at the United Nations in New York.

After two weeks of sometimes tense and difficult negotiations, nations set aside their differences and joined forces to develop a shared global approach to addressing the threat of climate change. This is a remarkable achievement and an encouraging turn of events that resulted in considerable progress to advance climate action. All of the delegation members, international NGOs, business NGOs and Local Government representatives that worked tirelessly and contributed to achieving a final positive outcome are worthy of tremendous admiration and praise.

“Although everyone would have hoped for a much stronger climate agreement that would be legally binding and sets clear targets and reductions; the world’s most powerful economies came together in a last-minute effort to honor the pledges set forth in Copenhagen, while agreeing to create an important funding mechanism to help developing nations address the climate change crisis,” said Mayor Patrick Hays of North Little Rock, AR. “ICLEI USA applauds the world community for recognizing, for the first time, the crucial roles of local governments in fighting climate change – as local governments are now recognized by delegate nations as “government stakeholders.” ICLEI welcomes this recognition, and simultaneously calls on the international community to follow the lead of local governments who have been on the front lines of climate change for the past 20 years,” added Mayor Hays.

GO ORGANIC

Oil Man Gets Smart Goes Solar

Posted on December 12, 2010 by quest

Steve Holdaway has been named president of Chapel Hill, NC, based Academy Solar. Academy Solar is a residential and commercial solar energy design and installation company. In this role, Holdaway will lead the company in overall strategy, financial management and oversee the commercial sales sector of the business.

We are confident that as president, Steve will continue to lead Academy Solar into a successful business,” said JW “Wild Bill” Stealey, partner and head of residential sales at Academy Solar. “Founding a new company in this economy will be difficult, but we feel that there is a strong market for solar energy in North Carolina, and with so many state and federal tax incentives, it is a great time for homeowners and business owners to consider alternative energy sources.”

Holdaway, a former oil executive along with three other partners, founded Academy Solar on the belief that it is important to secure a more sustainable energy mix for the future. Academy Solar is the only firm of its kind in the southeastern United States that allows customers an online calculator to estimate a firm, final price for their solar energy installation with complete cash flows, payback, expected real energy production and anticipated environmental benefits that their system will produce.

VISIT THE SOLAR WALL

Image Leader Creates Sustainable Innovation Group

Posted on December 6, 2010 by quest

Eastman Kodak Company has announced the formation of the Innovation and Materials Science Institute (IMSI). A consortium of cross-disciplinary thought leaders in science, business, government and education. The Institute will host its first initiative – a “State of Innovation Summit” entitled “Materials Science as a Key Enabler to Today’s Innovation Economy,” at the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY, December 7, 2010. Brad Kruchten, President, Film, Photofinishing & Entertainment Group, Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company said, “Major breakthroughs and game-changing innovations are increasingly taking place at the intersections of materials science. Many of the business opportunities related to the green economy and renewable materials require the same strong technology foundation that companies like Kodak have developed over the last 100+ years. With the IMSI initiative, we hope to determine where new concepts intersect with established capabilities and infrastructure, and then find opportunities where innovation can flourish through collaboration.”

“The Institute is committed to providing the ideal learning environment for the future. We want to create a kind of giant water cooler to encourage discussion and collaboration at every level,” Kruchten said.“Once the discussion gets going, the multi-disciplinary expertise of the group will focus on developing pathways from innovative concepts to full commercialization,” said IMSI board member Ron Valente. Valente is Vice President of Research and Development at Novomer, an Ithaca, NY-based company that has successfully converted carbon dioxide into a variety of polymers.

Other members of the Institute come from major areas of the innovation economy – sustainability, clean technology and energy efficiency/independence – and represent a broad spectrum of business, science and academia within the materials science arena. The commercialization pathway can be very challenging for a technology start-up company, Valente said. “We have really benefited from the type of joint approach that IMSI represents,” he said. “After Novomer secured funding through the U.S. Department of Energy, we needed help scaling up our efforts to create a family of plastics, polymers and other chemicals using industrial waste. By partnering with established companies like Kodak, we were able to scale-up our new technology innovation with a much smaller degree of risk and investment,” Valente said. “IMSI will provide value to many entrepreneurial ventures by promoting and nurturing partnership opportunities.”