CEOs See Sustainability as Engine for Growth but Industry Sectors Split on Priorities

CEOs See Sustainability as Engine for Growth but Industry Sectors Split on Priorities

Despite an overall trend towards seeing sustainability as an opportunity for value creation and business success, according to a new research study published today by the United Nations Global Compact and Accenture, there are major differences in perceptions of sustainability between CEOs in different industry sectors, and significant gaps in the level of integration of sustainability already achieved in their companies.

Renewable Energy Standards: Savvy or Silly?

Renewable Energy Standards: Savvy or Silly?

Are mandated renewable energy standards the most efficient way to promote renewable energy. In this post, David argues that legislating goals for renewable energy is picking winners and losers, because many of these renewable energy standards laws mandate specific percentages for say wind or solar. He questions why so many people, in light of the recent nuclear disaster in Japan, have rejected nuclear power and he makes the claim that renewable sources of energy cannot provide baseload electric energy supplies. These are arguments that advocates of wind and solar need to address head on.

Ten Clean and Green Energy Stocks for 2011

Ten Clean and Green Energy Stocks for 2011

This is my fourth annual list of renewable energy and energy efficiency stocks since I began the series in January 2008, which I expect to outperform in 2011.

Which Is Cheaper? Nuclear or Solar

Which Is Cheaper? Nuclear or Solar

A new study reveals that nuclear energy and other traditional energy supplies like fossil fuels cost are and will continue to rise and not likely ever go back down. Meanwhile, renewable energy has achieved a “downward cost curve” over the last decade, and they are likely to continue to fall in price.

Wind’s Latest Problem: It Makes Power Too Cheap

Wind’s Latest Problem: It Makes Power Too Cheap

Utilities don’t like wind not because it’s not competitive, but because it brings prices down for their existing assets, thus lowering their revenues and their profits. Thus the permanent propaganda campaign against wind. The reality is that wind power brings prices down for consumers.

Smart Meter Upgrades and Market Opportunities

Smart Meter Upgrades and Market Opportunities

As a time-limited $19.5 billion market opportunity, meter and communications suppliers with be working with utilities around the world on replacing typical home and business electric meters with Smart Meters. Be prepared for empowered decision making around your business’s energy usage and energy costs.

New State-by-State Wind Power Data Helps Build a Green Grid

New State-by-State Wind Power Data Helps Build a Green Grid

The first comprehensive update to Unites States wind potential estimates in 17 years helps renewable energy proponents by providing solid data for development and legislation. However, the wind power industry needs an improved electrical grid in order to transport and sell wind-generated energy…

The Smart Grid: Why Getting Dynamic Pricing Right Is More Important Now Than Ever

The recent announcement of billions of dollars of federal funding for smart grid demonstration projects is of particular interest to people who have been involved in thinking about how modernizing the electric grid can bring new benefits to consumers. Many projects awarded have a dynamic pricing option that gives customers access to an electric rate that varies across each day, and provides incentives to manage peak electric demand; and some projects feature a real-time pricing model based on the wholesale electricity market prices. For these projects to truly benefit consumers, it is essential to think about dynamic pricing from the consumer’s point of view.

Businesses Break Ranks Over Climate Change: How Public Pressure Can Change Corporate Culture

Senior members of the US Chamber of Commerce are strdently opposing the Chamber’s position of opposition to climate policy. These organizations are eager “to boost their green credentials,” for fear of alienating their customers and senators. This is an indications that Social movements shape political power and concerned citizens, can move even the most entrenched corporate and political interests. NRDC research finds that “only 23 members of the U.S. Chamber’s board have a publicly stated position on climate change and more than 80 percent [19 members] are not on board” with the Chamber’s official position.