Reports have found that in excess of 50 % of the top 250 companies in britain have released energy efficiency measures at their building but many are concerned that the cost of setting up equipment to reduce their carbon emissions is too expensive.

Market research from Ernst and Young revealed that 71 per cent of the top businesses are preferring to purchase other areas instead of energy efficient equipment such as voltage optimisation units, as they are concerned about costs and the amount of time it may need to recover the money they’ve allocated to an investment.

Over half of businesses have already improved their energy efficiency but just 9 per cent have existing intends to make any extra changes.

Nearly all of the companies who replied said that a considerable rise in energy prices would make them look for ways of lowering their energy consumption and becoming more effective.

Even when your company can’t manage to install new products, there are still lots of energy saving ideas for companies of all sizes to help companies decrease their carbon footprint. Apolloenviro supply environmental consultancy services to aid businesses of any size cut their carbon emissions.

The government CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme makes it more essential than ever for businesses to find ways of becoming more efficient to prevent paying additional costs, so contact Apollo Enviro today to see what they are capable of doing for your business.

The program targets business owners who want to make significant energy-saving improvements to their business facilities, allowing them to finance real estate and equipment upgrades or improvements. Unlike other initiatives, which can involve complicated applications or reporting requirements, the pilot program is a simple solution for business owners who need between $50,000 and $300,000 for green investments.

To fund the program, CRF received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

“Providing funding for energy financing and ‘green-dollar’ jobs strengthens Minnesota’s small businesses and gives them the resources to operate in an eco-friendly manner,” said Commissioner Mike Rothman of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, “and we are proud to work with CRF.”

“After more than 20 years of serving the capital needs of small businesses, CRF and its partners are uniquely suited to meet the growing demand for green building loans that will help spur development in communities throughout Minnesota,” said Frank Altman, president and chief executive officer of CRF.

For More Information

Visit www.crfusa.com/greenloan.

About CRF

CRF, a nonprofit organization and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is the nation’s leader in bringing capital to public and private, nonprofit community development lenders through the secondary market for community development loans. Formed in 1988, CRF has injected more than $1 billion into low-income and economically disadvantaged communities around the country to help stimulate job creation and economic development, provide affordable housing, and support community facilities. CRF is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. www.crfusa.com.

This four-day event is expected to draw on more than 500 companies / organizations from around the world and over 80,000 visitors. Don’t miss out on the green opportunities and register your participation now.

Read more here.

PHOTON’s 5th Solar Electric Utility Conference in San Francisco, California, on Feb. 17, 2011 features North America’s leading experts from the solar industry, regulators, utilities and investors to discuss the impact and challenges of that unprecedented solar growth.

The 5^th Solar Electric Utility Conference is part of PHOTON’s Solar Terawatt-hours Conference Series, which takes place each year both in Europe and the United States. The event is organized by PHOTON – the world’s leading solar publisher – to provide a catalyst for in-depth discussions, analysis and action as solar technologies increase in scale and impact on global power generation. This year’s 3-day US conference takes place on Feb. 15-17, 2011, at the University of California, San Francisco’s Mission Bay Conference Center.

For more information on the event, please go to: www.photon-expo.com

Hanger announced that 90 small businesses across the state will receive more than $560,000 in grants through the Small Business Advantage program to reduce energy use and pollution, enabling them to become more competitive.

“Small-business owners face many challenges including how to reinvest their hard-earned dollars,” said Hanger. “In recent years, a growing number of small-business owners have realized that investing in projects that reduce pollution and energy use produce immediate and long-term positive results. Owners can improve their bottom lines, allowing them to make significant investments in their own futures, and the economic and environmental future of Pennsylvania, as well.”

Pennsylvania’s Small Business Advantage program provides small businesses (those with fewer than 100 employees) with 50-percent matching reimbursement grants of up to $7,500 to implement projects that will save at least 20 percent annually in pollution prevention or energy-related costs. Since 2004, the Small Business Advantage Grant program has invested $6.7 million in 1,220 small businesses.

Examples of eligible projects include HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency lighting, solvent recovery and waste recycling systems, and auxiliary power units that help large trucks reduce time spent with idling engines.

The 90 projects in 40 counties will receive a total of $564,291 and leverage an additional $1.1 million in private investments. In the first year, they will have a cumulative savings of $521,782 in operating expenses related to reductions in energy and pollution. The savings include:

• 1.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity–enough to power 130 homes;
• 110,421 therms of natural gas;
• 28,000 gallons of propane;
• 26,000 gallons of kerosene and fuel oil; and
• 40,741 gallons of diesel fuel.

In addition, the projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly five million pounds, equivalent to the total energy used by 190 homes or removing 425 passenger vehicles from the roads.

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us

At this event, emphasis will be made on reducing the impacts of entrepreneurs and enterprises activities on all stakeholders while creating social and economic value. The seminar will also provide an opportunity for delegates to learn how to:

• Build social values without compromising business value
• Communicate the need for transformation (commercial, social and environmental)
• Become catalysts for change and align incentives (environmental, societal and financial)

Dr. David Cleevely, Founding Director (University of Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy), who will be chairing the event, says, “There is a big opportunity for addressing societal challenges using the energy and insight of entrepreneurial approaches. New technologies – in particular networking – have significant potential. This promises to be a great event.”

Other guest speakers will include Cathy Taylor, Senior Partner (Ernst and Young); Simon Brown, Managing Director (2degrees solution); Stine Jensen, Senior Sustainability Consultant, (Radley Yedlar); Dr. Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley, Business Innovation Manager, (InCrops Enterprise Hub, University of Cambridge and UEA) and Dr. Nicola J. Dee (Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge).

The seminar will begin at 16.00 at the LG17, Faculty of Law. Attendance is free; members of the public are advised to register at: http://theseyoungminds.co.uk/events/viewevent.php?view=3

Experience has taught us that lone consultants do not have the strength or staying power to succeed, but this market is vital and growing.   Therefore, it is our decision to place strong people into areas where a “Team Spirit” can be engendered, and the community vitally will be influenced. We have established an easy-to-join organization to provide a neutral ground for crossing into any area of Green development.  The whole Certified Sustainability Officer program will be moved over to The Sustainable Forum.  You should know that by setting up a chapter of The Sustainable Forum, you have a major opportunity to engage every kind of business in your community.

But, let’s get back to the opportunity.  We are seeking to consolidate our program through a highly-effective group of team leaders.  All business in an area should be guided through a system that is well-managed, carefully marketed, and enjoys a flow of readily business from our corporate connections.  We must be the system that businesses use to Go Green. The HIGHEST CRITERIA for leadership is what we seek in assigning GBL Agencies and placement of The Sustainable Forum in an area.  You will find that we seek people of character and strength that we can build a literal dynasty around.

Read more here.

Free and open to the public the summit will focus on the importance of proactively investing in the emerging green economy, and facilitate dialogue on how sustainability can grow Florida’s economy and create jobs. Confirmed speakers include Mayor Pam Iorio, Florida state representative Darryl Rouson, Ike Brannon the chief economist for the US House of Representatives House Energy and Commerce Committee, and more. Those interested in VIP tickets or becoming a sponsor are encouraged to visit GreenBusinessSummit.org for details.

“It is imperative that our communities begin to better understand and embrace green business practices,” said Brig. General David “Tanker” Snyder, United for a Sustainable America board member and managing director of Aerosage. “Ultimately, these strategies and tactics will yield more successful, sustaining organizations and economies.”

The 2nd Annual Tampa Bay Green Business Summit invites members of the business community who are seeking to learn about the opportunities of integrating sustainability into their businesses and managing associated challenges in the wake of impending legislation and litigation. Major sponsors include the Pinellas County Housing Authority, the State of Florida’s Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development, PBS local affiliate WEDU, Creative Recycling, the Florida Aquarium, Eco-Technologies, the Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy, the Tampa Bay Housing and Community Partnership, District Management Services, and more.

FARE is offering a special sponsorhip opportunity for this event, email info@farenergy.org for details.

The results were launched today in New York at an event hosted by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, one of CDP’s global sponsors.

Bob Moritz, PwC’s U.S. chairman and senior partner, believes companies are waking up to the significant commercial potential for products and services that reduce carbon emissions.  ”As a result,” he said, “companies are not just talking differently about climate change, they are also acting differently.  More and more of them see the upside of climate related business opportunities.”

There are three times as many Global 500 companies(1) (48) compared to S&P 500(2) (14) that scored well enough to be recognized on this year’s new Carbon Performance Leadership Index (CPLI).  Those are companies with the highest performance scores that have demonstrated a commitment to strategy, setting emissions reductions plans, governance and stakeholder communications.

The survey also found a widening gap between the companies in the CPLI and other companies in the S&P 500 index.  93 percent of the S&P 500 CPLI companies report integrating climate change risks or opportunities into their overall business strategy, as opposed to 35 percent of all respondents in the sample.  In addition, more than half of the CPLI companies report in their CDP submission that they have achieved significant emissions reductions in the past year, compared to just 15 percent of all respondents.

Read more here.

Ten stages and pavilions give attendees the opportunity to engage with 125 local experts and nationally-renowned authors, actors, leaders, educators, farmers and visionaries. Exciting keynote speakers include Ralph Nader, Amy Goodman, Gilberto Gil, Patti Moreno, Reverend Lennox Yearwood, Jr., Dean Baker, Bernardine Dorhn, Bill Ayers, Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, Daniel Pinchbeck, Goumbri, Tracy McQuirter and many more.

Green Festival’s mission is to inspire and inform as many people as possible to help make our world more just and sustainable. New admission options allow people to invest in their local community while receiving immediate dividends from Green Festival. “Pay It Forward and Get it Back at Green Festival” invites community members to volunteer with or donate to local nonprofit organizations to receive complimentary admission to Green Festival. Also new this year, when an individual purchases any ticket to Green Festival, they receive “Green Bucks,” which can be used as currency at Green Festival in the green marketplace.

“Green Festival has something for everyone,” says Green Festival Board Member and Green America Director, Denise Hamler. “Whether you go to shop, learn, try new organic foods or experience art and music, this event has it all, with the goal to motivate every person to think, participate and make more planet-friendly, sustainable choices in their every day lives.”

Washington D.C. Green Festival highlights include:

• Green Business Seminars at the Green Business Pavilion — the latest on financing for growth, marketing and new media, public policy and green trends, ethical sourcing and partnering for success.
• Green Lifestyle — practical tips for everyday life and innovations ranging from green products to green building and organic foods.
• Mother Earth News Fair Stage – workshops and ‘DIY’ presentations from the best loved topics of their magazine and fair, including urban chicken raising, cheese making at home, seed swap exchange and growing and using herbs.
• Fair Trade Pavilion — how fair-trading your home, workplace and community with coffee, home furnishings, chocolate, rice and textiles can make a world of difference.
• Better World Stage — critical issues and solutions in communities to effectively implement and support sustainable networks.
• Vegetarian Food Court — organic cuisine from local restaurants, organic beer and wine garden and fair trade organic coffee bar.
• Green Home and Energy Pavilion — demonstrations of practical skills for personal and household sustainability from solar energy to composting and green home improvements.
• Music – live music and spoken word.
• Yoga and Movement Sessions – opportunities to relax and focus body as well as the mind.
• Eco Fashion Show — showcase of eco-conscious fashion designers, make-up artists and hairstylists. (presented by EFFACA.)
• Annie’s Green Kids’ Zone — activities and storytelling for the whole family.

Read more here.

In 1999, Jeff Zeigler discovered a problem and a business opportunity. “As Y2k approached, I saw a huge event about to happen. Lots of companies were upgrading computer hardware and there were no good options for their old units.” Seeing the financial and environmental potential in reclaiming electronic waste, Zeigler launched TechTurn in Austin, Texas.

Read the interview here.

OG offers attendees engaging breakout sessions, experiential workshops, networking sessions, and panels on topics such as Accelerating Green Product Innovation, SmartGrid Technology and Strategic Brand Messaging. “In its fourth year, Opportunity Green has established itself as a leader in bringing together business leaders and influencers to collaborate and connect around technology, design and sustainable businesses,” said Karen Solomon, co-founder of OG. “The new location will showcase LA’s vital entertainment industry as well as highlight the convergences between sustainability and profitability across all industries.”

More here.

“EcoAware Moms are a receptive target market for sustainability. They are rethinking their decisions and often making new choices, creating unprecedented opportunities for businesses offering sustainable solutions for everyday living,” observes Linda Gilbert, CEO of EcoFocus.

“Mainstream consumers are starting to wonder why toothpaste is in a tube inside a box, and why packaging for plant-based cleaning products often doesn’t align to the purity of the contents. They are unsure of whether local or organic is the better choice, or if recycled paperboard can be recycled again. They are looking for help from retailers, manufacturers, and service providers to find and make better choices to meet their personal eco- friendly lifestyle goals and aspirations.”

According to the EcoFocus report, EcoAware Moms are a reflection of a parenting paradigm shift. Today’s parents are coming to regard eco-friendly choices as opportunities to improve their own quality of life, to set good examples and teach important behaviors to their children, and to leave a legacy for future generations.

Find out more about the report here.

Key Speakers: The Opportunity Green 2010 Conference will feature a diverse array of speakers including:

• Andreas Schierenbeck, President of Building Technology, SIEMENS Industry, Inc.
• Rick Ridgeway, VP of Environmental Programs & Communication, Patagonia
• Laurenz Schaffer, Group President, BMW Group Designworks USA
• Liba Rubenstein, Director of Global Energy Initiative, The News Corporation
• Steve Wesley, Managing Partner, The Westly Group
• Eric Garcetti, President of the Los Angeles City Council
• Jennifer Orgolini, Sustainability Director, New Belgium
• Seth Farbman, President, OgilvyEarth
• Michela O’Connor Abrams, President & Publisher, Dwell Media
• Yalmaz Siddiqui, Director of Environmental Strategy, Office Depot
• Tony Huffman, Director of Strategic Cooperation, BP
• Steven L. Kline, VP Corporate Environmental & Federal Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer, PG&E Corporation
• John Woolard, President & CEO, BrightSource Energy
• Katie Fehrenbacher, Founding Editor, GigaOM
• Bill Kelly, Managing Director, SunPower

Key Sponsors & Partners: BMW Group, Gensler, OgilvyEarth, NBC Green is Universal, Los Angeles Community College District, Eastman, GFK, BBMG, Classic Party Green Zone, Fast Company, Newsweek, Dwell, amongst others.

Opportunity Green Key Events:

• The OG25 Business Award, representing the best of innovative green start-ups.  Past winners include Ecovative Design, Balqon, iCeL Systems, Novomer & CleanFish

• EcoMaverick Award to Michelle Rodriguez (Avatar, LOST)

• Art Center College of Design is cited by Business Week as on of the best design schools in the world.  They will be bringing together their leading undergrad and masters students for the first time curating an interactive off campus green installation of the students work.

• LACCD NexTrendinLA Sponsored Transportation Pavilion featuring the latest in alternative and hybrid vehicles from BMW, Coca Cola and more

• Being Green and Being Profitable networking after-party, featuring locally-sourced, organic restaurants, caterers, and wine and spirit providers.

About Opportunity Green

Founded in 2007, Opportunity Green brings together leading companies and visionaries in technology, design, media, and more, showcasing the hottest opportunities to drive profitability through sustainability. The conference exposes participants to an interdisciplinary cross-section of ideas at the forefront of sustainable business practices through a variety of formats, including creative panels and experiential workshops.  Opportunity Green is the largest Southern California multidisciplinary green business conference, attracting over 800 attendees from Fortune 500 powerhouses to cutting-edge startups. For more information on the conference, visit www.opportunitygreen.com.

Follow the latest news and updates related to Opportunity Green on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/opportunitygreen and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/oppgreen.

Texas was an independent republic until 165 years ago, allowing the state to control its own electric grid, its own regulatory structure, and its offshore lands.  That status sets the Lone Star State as an emerging 21st century leader in the Americas offshore wind energy and creates streamlined business opportunities.

Texas already leads the Americas with more than 10,000 megawatts (MW) of installed onshore wind energy capacity.  Offshore, the General Land Office (GLO) has issued eight leases covering more than 220 square miles (more than 140,000 acres) that are anticipated to evolve into more than 3,500 MW by 2020.  The first Texas offshore test turbine will be operational by 2011.  GLO offshore wind energy leases offer sites along the full length of the Texas coastline, from Port Arthur on the Louisiana border to Port Isabel at the Rio Grande.

TOWER features the policymakers and project developers who have authority over Texas offshore development, and will combine the experience of the European offshore wind energy industry, the Gulf and European offshore oil industry, and the streamlined business opportunities of the Texas offshore wind industry.  TOWER offers unparalleled networking opportunities with state and business decision-makers as Texas prepares for action in the America’s first gigawatt-scale offshore wind locale.

OWL will provide attorneys with a crucial understanding of the unique combination of laws governing Texas offshore wind energy development and how those laws make Texas a streamlined market opportunity.  Offshore wind energy development lies at the intersection of many bodies of law – international, maritime, energy, contracts & more.

Texas offshore wind energy commercial opportunities are likely to be the most massive in the Americas and its regulatory processes the most streamlined.

TOWER and OWL are jointly organized by the German American Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Wind Energy Clearinghouse, with the active leadership participation of the GLO.

For more information please visit www.tower-conference.com.

Led by CITEM, PINES is a three-day trade event meant to encourage environmental investment through the showcase of the latest Philippine-made environment-

PECO Green Region provides grants for projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, and conservation. Since 2004, PECO has provided nearly $800,000 toward qualifying projects.

In partnership with Natural Lands Trust, the region’s largest land conservation organization, PECO will award grants to the following municipalities:

– In Bucks County: New Britain Borough ($7,500) Doylestown Township ($7,500), New Britain Township ($7,500), and Morrisville Borough ($7,500).

– In Chester County: East Bradford Township ($5,000), East Pikeland Township ($5,000), Valley Township ($5,000), Oxford Borough ($5,000), London Grove Township ($5,000), Pennsbury Township ($2,500), and West Pikeland, ($2,500).

– In Delaware County: Thornbury Township ($10,000), Folcroft Borough ($5,000), Haverford Township ($5,000), Springfield Township ($5,000), and Concord Township ($5,000).

– In Montgomery County: Norristown Borough ($5,000), West Pottsgrove Township ($10,000), Conshohocken Borough ($10,000), and Worcester Township ($5,000).

– In Philadelphia: three organizations with open space projects in Center City, Wissahickon, and Chestnut Hill each will receive $10,000. They are Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation, Friends of the Wissahickon, and Chestnut Hill Historical Society.

Grants provided this year will support an array of green projects including the development of recreation trails, the purchase of open space, planting of trees and other vegetation, and park planning.

Municipalities can apply for a Green Region grant of up to $10,000 per project each year. A committee with representatives from PECO, its parent Exelon, county agencies and conservation organizations reviews each application and selects the projects to receive funding.

“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and greening our operations at PECO,” said Denis O’Brien, PECO president and CEO. “We want to work together, with our customers and community partners, to have an even greater environmental impact through grants and educational programs.”

“Open space preservation and access to outdoor recreation are essential to the livability and prosperity of our communities,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Land Trust. “That is why Natural Lands Trust has been so honored to be a partner in PECO’s Green Region program. It is a wonderfully effective way to help our region’s municipalities invest in their own future.”

Industry experts and insiders from General Electric (GE), National Grid, Siemens, and the U.S. Department of Energy will share their insight and outlook on jobs and contract opportunities, among other green-related issues. They will be joined by Asian American business Ampcus, Inc. of Virginia who is doing energy-related work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Presented by the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC), the session is part of USPAACC’s 25th Anniversary CelebrAsian Business Opportunity Conference, to be held on May 25-27, at the The United States Capitol, Omni Shoreham hotel, and The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC.

“There is now a burgeoning market demand for more sustainable and renewable products and services, thanks to the widening appeal and popularity of the Obama Administration’

Through an online contest located at www.Entrepreneur.com/greenoffice, U.S. small business owners and others can enter the “Green Your Small Business Challenge” by submitting a 100-word essay on how and why they would make their office more sustainable. Qualifying entries must be submitted between May 5, 2010 and June 4, 2010.

Entrepreneur.com will select the three top submissions, awarding the grand-prize winner with a $10,000 green office makeover (through a Staples gift pack) and a spotlight in an online feature themed “How to Take Your Business Green” in August. The second-place winner will receive a $2,000 Staples gift pack and the third-place winner will receive a $1,000 Staples gift pack. Staples offers a wide selection of eco-conscious products which incorporate various environmental features such as recycled content, environmental certifications or other environmental designs. Through the company’s offerings, including the Sustainable Earth brand line, Staples remains committed to providing customers with innovative eco-conscious products.

“Staples strives to make it easy for small business owners to make their workplace more sustainable by offering unique, useful and affordable eco-conscious products like our Sustainable Earth by Staples notebooks and pads made from 80 percent sugarcane waste, to the Staples Verdesol chair, featuring fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles,” said David D’Angelo, senior vice president of Staples Brands Group. “This initiative with Entrepreneur.com is a great opportunity for Staples to provide the winners with the products and tools they need to make a difference and have a positive impact on the environment.”

EcoEasy Tips for Any Office

1. Whether it’s reusing old stationery as scratch paper, setting up a recycle bin for cans and water bottles, or separating boxes and newspapers, make sure materials in the office are sorted to be recycled.

2. Set up computers and other energy-draining equipment (i.e. copiers, fax machines) to go on standby to reduce energy consumption. Use ENERGY STAR-certified products, which are 50 percent more energy efficient than a standard unit, or consider switching to services like internet fax or virtual office to cut down on equipment altogether.”

3. Turn off equipment at the end of the day or before the weekend starts and unplug equipment until it is needed since many machines consume energy even in the “off” position.

4. Replace any incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs which last up to 10 times longer.

5. Take your old computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes and all-in-ones to any StaplesU.S. store and drop them off at the customer service desk to be recycled properly. All brands are accepted for recycling regardless of where they were purchased. Staples also provides ink and toner cartridge recycling and offers $3 back in Staples Rewards for any ink and toner cartridges returned to stores, up to 10 per month.

6. Save materials and important documents digitally on your computer instead of in file cabinets. When printing, use a printer like one from the Staples HP EcoEasy line of printers which use up to 50 percent less paper with double-sided printing.

7. Makeover your desk with eco-conscious products; in addition to recycled paper, Staples offers a wide selection of eco-conscious products such as bamboo flash drives and remanufactured toner cartridges.

8. Use eco-conscious cleaning products when tidying up the office. Staples’ Sustainable Earth(R) cleaning products provide powerful cleaning action and minimize impacts to the environment.

9. Look into furniture and cubicles that are Greenguard Certified (www.greenguard.org). The materials in these products have been tested for toxic emissions. Products that are under the allowable limits of toxins are defined by the U.S. Green Building Council as Greenguard products.

10. Carpool to work; if you and a coworker live by each other, riding to work together will reduce polluting car emissions. If you live close to work, why not walk or ride your bike.

Top Products for Going Green in The Office

– Staples Brand folders and paper make it easy to clean up while greening up. Perfect for the environmentally conscious, the 3-tab 100% Recycled Manila File Folders contain 40 percent post-consumer content. Staples Brand paper also comes in a variety of eco-conscious ream and case options such as Staples 100% Recycled Multi-purpose Paper or Staples 100% Recycled Copy Paper.

– Made from 80% sugarcane waste, Sustainable Earth by Staples Notebooks and Writing Pads are an eco-conscious alternative for any note-taker.

– Sustainable Earth by Staples Glass and All-Purpose Cleaners are formulated with the EPA Design for the Environment, and meet Green Seal environmental standards for household cleaners based on its reduced toxicity, biodegradability and packaging.

– The Staples 7-Outlet and 12-Outlet EcoEasy Surge Protector with Dataline Protection automatically shut off peripheral devices when the primary device is turned off or goes into stand-by mode, resulting in easy energy savings for the office.

– Sustainable Earth by Staples Remanufactured Toner delivers superior printing every time, while reducing the environmental impact.

– With 4GB of storage space and a 100% renewable and biodegradable bamboo casing, the Staples Bamboo USB Flash Drive is perfect from transporting files on the go.

For more information about the Staples and Entrepreneur.com’s “Green Your Small Business Challenge” or to submit an entry and find full official rules, visit www.entrepreneneur.com/greenoffice. For details on Staples environmental initiatives and products visit www.staples.com/ecoeasy.

About Staples’ Environmental Commitment

Staples long-standing commitment to sustainable business practices is based on four key environmental cornerstones: recycling, offering a wide assortment of eco-preferable products, investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy and educating customers and associates about sustainability. Through its EcoEasy commitment, Staples makes it easy for customers to make a difference for the environment by offering more than 3,000 eco-preferable products and providing everyday, in-store recycling for computers, office technology, personal electronics and ink and toner cartridges. For more on Staples environmental initiatives, please visit www.staples.com/ecoeasy.

About Staples

Staples, the world’s largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2009 sales of $24 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 25 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples /quotes/comstock/15*!spls/quotes/nls/spls (SPLS 23.19, -0.07, -0.30%) is available at www.staples.com/media.

The focus of this session is to examine how companies can: utilize empty real estate, reduce energy costs by 20-30%, convert waste to energy, and employ those who are unemployed, as well as veterans.

“The purpose of this event is for attendees to learn about new green technologies and how it can improve the economy of the business, as well as the community,” says Mary Adelman, Assistant Director of NJSBDC at Centenary College. “These technologies also reduce our carbon footprint while creating jobs. It also offers employment opportunities for the handicapped, as well as veterans.”

Featured speakers include Damon Schlenske, President of E3 and Native American Trading of Helena, Mont.; Willie Prince, President and Senior Engineer of ISI; and Barry Berman, Vice President of AgriPower.

Schlenske will discuss how his company built mini-farms which produced fresh vegetables and fruit in the middle of sub-zero temperatures and blizzards in Montana.
The mini-farms utilize vertical farming and “growhouse” technology, which makes farming highly profitable, with yields of 7 to 15 percent greater production in the same space when compared with traditional farming methods.

Prince will speak about the Energy Avenger high-intensity lights and their ability to reduce power and electricity cost at a minimum of 20 percent. These lights, which are used in city or town street lights, sports stadiums, schools and colleges, require no equipment changes and no replacement of existing bulbs or ballast tubes. This product is manufactured and warranted by GE.

Berman will speak about AgriPower, which is an advanced biomass-to-energy conversion technology and a leader in its field. It combusts a variety of waste products to create energy, including shopping mall and supermarket waste, packing boxes and landfill items, plastic bags and more.

ACCION USA, a leader in U.S. microfinance and small business lending, today announced a new step into the green business arena with the launch of a green loan and education program in New York and Massachusetts. By combining microfinance and green business, ACCION USA’s 2010 pilot program will help an estimated 70 small businesses qualify for the loans needed to jumpstart local environmental change through energy efficiency and eco-friendly businesses practices.

Under the program, announced today in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, loans are available to start or grow a business that provides eco-friendly products or services, or to help everyday small businesses incorporate green business and energy-saving practices into their operations. ACCION USA’s innovative underwriting method will consider energy savings as part of an applicant’s income, allowing green businesses to more easily qualify for needed financing. A flat, reduced interest rate of 8.99 percent annually is available in New York through ACCION USA’s Small Business Administration (SBA) microlending program.

A Green Business Webinar series, conducted in coordination with partner experts in green business, kicks off on May 4. Sessions focus on how to set green goals for your business, saving money by saving energy, green marketing tips, and more. A full listing of Webinar dates, times, and topics is available at www.accionusa.org/workshops. In addition, a May 6th Webinar is available for organizations interested in partnering with ACCION USA; registration and additional information is available at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/544969512

“This loan program is designed to have a triple-bottom line impact—we hope to boost profits for mom-and-pop small businesses and contractors, improve local environments, and spark community change,” says Gina Harman, president and CEO of ACCION USA. “We are excited start putting our 20 years of experience in small business lending to work for the environment.”

The green loan program comes at an opportune time for small businesses that are struggling to keep costs down and improve profits while still being challenged by the recession. Businesses, especially restaurants, who invest in energy savings can save up to 30 percent on monthly utility costs and qualify for government tax credits. However, these businesses often do not have the funds for an upfront investment in energy efficiency. In addition, entrepreneurs can boost profits by tapping into the growing base of eco-conscious consumers—90 percent of consumers describe themselves as eco-conscious, according to the BBMG Conscious Consumer Report (November 2007).

For more information on green business loan requirements, webinars, partnerships, and how to apply, visit https://www.accionusa.org/green.

About ACCION USA
ACCION USA is a leading U.S. microfinance organization that provides access to capital and financial education to low- and moderate-income individuals, primarily minorities and women. A pioneer and recognized leader in U.S. microfinance, ACCION USA empowers individuals to create sustainable businesses, increase family incomes, and contribute to the economic development of cities across the U.S. Since inception in 1991, ACCION USA has provided over $119 million in small business loans ranging from $500 to $50,000, offered nationwide via the ACCION USA online lending platform. For more information about small business loans, visit http://www.accionusa.org.

“We are pleased that Orlando has been selected as the host city for this annual summit,” said Mayor Richard Crotty.

The Orlando Green Business Summit invites members of the community who are seeking to learn about the opportunities of integrating sustainability into their businesses and managing risks in the wake of impending legislation and litigation. Major sponsors include Creative Recycling, Powertron Global, Phillips Development, and Sustainable Strategies.

“It is imperative that our communities begin to better understand and embrace green business practices,” said Don Phillips, United for a Sustainable America board member and managing director of Phillips Development and Realty. “Ultimately, these strategies and tactics will yield more successful, sustaining organizations and economies.”

The inaugural green summit was held in St. Petersburg with Mayor Rick Baker – with plans for nation-wide outreach in the coming years. For detailed speaker information, VIP tickets or sponsorships, call (813) 868-6711 or visit www.GreenBusinessSummit.org.

The GEBOC initiative is attracting a broad spectrum of national and regional organizations to help organize experts and industry leaders to share insight, business prospects and financing leads.  Major energy and construction industry representatives; small, veteran, women and minority business owners; and capitalists, bankers and investors will gather at the forum led by the President’s Round Table.

“Rebuilding America’s competitive edge requires the nimble, the entrepreneurial and the insight to see the opportunity. Today the key to that growth is alternative energy, energy efficiency and American business expertise. This gathering brings all of that together. We’re delighted to be a part of it” said Rodney Hudson, a Maryland resident and an officer of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network.

Featured and nationally recognized speakers include U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings; Douglas Nazarian of the Maryland Public Service Commission; James Degraffenreidt formerly with Washington Gas; David Owens of the Edison Electric Institute [EEI]; Timothy Simon of the California Public Utility Commission; Eric Seleznow of the Maryland’s Governor Workforce and Investment Board [GWIB]; Donna Harper of Honeywell;  Beth Host of the Green Building Certification Institute; Katherine Magruder of the Maryland Clean Energy Center; Josiah Lyndsay of Fortress group and, Alvin Collins of the Maryland Department of General Services; among others.

To register or for an updated agenda, panel topics and list of speakers,  go to www.businessforgreen.com.

“As the leading green business certification entity, it is our mission and responsibility to educate businesses on ways they can help protect the environment,”

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About GBB:

The GBB is as a national third-party program providing certification for businesses that follow environmentally responsible practices. Started by a group of environmental and business professionals who recognized a need in the marketplace for a trusted green certification for small- to medium-sized businesses, the GBB fosters environmental awareness among businesses and promote business practices that are both environmentally responsible and commercially beneficial.

http://www.gbb.org

Hailed as one of the best niche manufacturing companies in Humboldt County, Kokatat for nearly four decades has fostered a positive relationship with Arcata, a dedicated and diverse staff, and a service-driven business model that supports and promotes proactive green practices. Kokatat employees participate in community development and maintenance projects and the company also donates directly to (and partners with) a variety of local and national charities and events.

“Kokatat promotes and follows the practice of what our community calls the 3R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle,” said Arcata Chamber director Brenda Bishop. “Their environmental promotion and stewardship supports several organizations and provides an educational approach for turning recreational paddlers into conservation advocates,” Bishop added.

Kokatat was recognized and honored with a plaque at the Chamber’s Annual Leadership Dinner and Awards event held at the historical Arcata Theatre and Lounge. The sold-out event entertained some of the top City, County and State business leadership and community members. Arcata is home to one of only fifteen “California Welcome Center’s,” – official state visitor centers – and Kokatat’s recognition will be featured in the CWC’s marketing collateral.

“This recognition is as much an acknowledgment for Kokatat as it is for the culture of the Arcata community,” said O’Meara. “Our town’s beautiful natural environment and social equality is something Kokatat strives to preserve. We’re honored to receive the Green Business of the Year award,” O’Meara added.

About Kokatat Watersports Wear
For the past 38 years, Kokatat has built a reputation as a friendly company of paddling enthusiasts, dedicated to creating innovative paddlewear and accessories. Kokatat is a highly trusted brand known for its independence, high level of quality in addition to an extremely well respected, service-driven business model. Kokatat is an incredibly strong brand and is known for authenticity and launching game changing paddling products. Please visit www.kokatat.com and follow Kokatat on Twitter “@kokatat”.