Grass is Not So Green: Marijuana Has a Huge Carbon Footprint

Grass is Not So Green: Marijuana Has a Huge Carbon Footprint

indoor marijuana weed cannibisThe yearly greenhouse-gas pollution of the $40 billion per year marijuana industry is responsible for about 3% of all electricity use or 8% of household use. Indoor growers use high-intensity lights that are 500 times more powerful that a standard reading lamp. They also use several other high energy industrial practices. The closest comparison for these massive, industrial-style grow facilities are data centers, which consume about two percent of the nation’s electric power.

If You Can’t Go to Sustainable Brands 10 Catch Our Live Blog Coverage!

If You Can’t Go to Sustainable Brands 10 Catch Our Live Blog Coverage!

The Sustainable Brands 10 Conference, held in Monterey, CA from June 7-10, is probably the hottest ticket in town for people working with sustainability issues. Unfortunately, not all of us will be able to attend. While we cannot get you there, we can do the next best thing… Live blog Sustainable Brands 10 for you.

Celebrating Eight Women in Cleantech – Add Your Favorites to the List

Celebrating Eight Women in Cleantech – Add Your Favorites to the List

All during this month we have been spotlighting the achievements of women in green careers.  So far, we have profiled 29 women who are excelling in solar and wind power, sustainability, and conservation.  Today, we are showcasing women who have found success in the cleantech sector in the United States.  While men dominate in pretty […]

The Business Case for Environmental and Sustainability Employee Education

The Business Case for Environmental and Sustainability Employee Education

Educating employees about energy efficiency,conservation, recycling, waste reduction and other similar measures benefit not only the companies that institute them, but also the organization’s employees, but also the communities in which they operate.

Carbon Management Is Becoming a Core Supply Chain Business Issue

Carbon Management Is Becoming a Core Supply Chain Business Issue

Companies are now requiring their suppliers to address carbon management as a core business issue. A plan to deselect some suppliers in the future for failing to meet carbon management criteria set by the companies. These organizations are increasinigly developing strategies for engaging with suppliers on carbon related issues amd have emissions or energy reduction plans in place.

After Drastic 68% Decline CSR Job Postings on the Upswing

After Drastic 68% Decline CSR Job Postings on the Upswing

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) jobs appear to have been another casualty of the global economic recession. But, the good news is that, like other economic indicators, this one appears to be on the upswing.

The Four Best Practice Strategies Needed for Successful Carbon Management

The Four Best Practice Strategies Needed for Successful Carbon Management

A new report released by independent research firm, Verdantix, explains why firms are floundering with carbon management and putting the future of the business at risk due to flawed governance and strained business processes. It warns that unless CEOs take ownership of carbon management as a business transformation challenge their firms will fail to achieve absolute reductions in CO2 emissions.

Commerce Department to Speed Review of Green Technology Patents

Commerce Department to Speed Review of Green Technology Patents

The U.S. Commerce Department announced on Monday that its U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will pilot a year-long program to accelerate the examination of certain “green” technology patent applications by as much as one year. The new initiative is designed to speed the development and deployment of green technology, create green jobs, and promote U.S. competitiveness. In particular, the program focuses on patents for renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, plus other environmental technologies.