Scary Halloween Consumer Statistics

One of the scariest parts of Halloween is the tons of non-biodegradable waste generated by wrappers, decorations and Halloween costumes. Halloween is the second biggest decorating holiday of the year, surpassed only by Christmas. Halloween is also a major retail event that has grown substantially in recent years. In 2005 US, consumers spent approximately $3.29 billion on Halloween. In 2010, even after a deep recession, Americans spent $5.8 billion for the holiday.

Consumers are spending increasing amounts of money on Halloween. According to the National Retail Federation, the average American consumer planned to spend $48.48 in 2005. According to the 2010 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Action Survey commissioned by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average Halloween spending by Americans in 2010 is expected to be a little over $66.00 per adult. That's up from $56.31 spent in 2009.

Of the top four things that most people buy, three have a heavy environmental footprint. The first is candy, the problem here is the non-biodegradable packaging. The second most popular item people buy is pumpkins, properly composted, this is the best of the four from an environmental standpoint.

The two worst Halloween buys for the environment are decorations and costumes. Both are commonly made of plastic that do not break down. Plastics also contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates toxins including Bisphenolic Compounds like BPA.

In 2008, Halloween retail sales reached an all time high of nearly $6 billion nationwide. In 2009, as the effects of the recession set in consumers began making changes to their Halloween purchasing. Total spending on Halloween declined to $4.75 billion in 2009. Consumers expected to spend an average of $56.31 on Halloween in 2009, down from $66.54 in 2008.

Increased consumer frugality reduces Halloween's environmental impact. One 2009 survey reported that 46.5 percent of consumers said they would buy less candy and 35.4 percent said they would use less decorations. Almost two in ten people (16.8 percent) planned to make their own costumes instead of buying and 15.8 percent planned to reuse 2008 costumes.

In 2010, about 30 percent said economic concerns are affecting their spending plans. The 2010 survey reports that while consumers are continuing to be frugal, they are planning cutbacks in candy but not costumes. However, store bought costumes, particularly those made of plastic, are a big part of Halloween's footprint.

Two out of five Americans are planning to wear a costume in 2010, that is up from one-third last year. Four out of ten Americans are planning to spend an average of $23.37 for costumes. In the 18- to 24-year-old group nearly 70% (69.4%) are planning to wear a costume. A survey by National Retail Federation (NRF) showed that costumes will be the single largest expense.

About 11.5 percent of consumers are planning to dress up their pets for Halloween.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

7 Billion Actions: A Global Movement For All Humanity

On 31 October 2011, the world’s population reached 7 billion. The ever increasing population is expected to overwhelm the earth's carrying capacity. A movement titled, '7 Billion Actions,' is rallying people and organizations around the world to address the challenges of overpopulation.

This campaign touches upon different issues, including issues related to the environment and urbanization. Every one of us has a unique role and an inherent calling to help one another and to make the world a better place. Every organization has a responsibility to help solve the problems larger than any one person can tackle alone.

The campaigns two key objectives are:
  • Building global awareness around the opportunities and challenges associated with a world of seven billion people.
  • Inspiring governments, NGOs, private sector, media, academia and individuals to take actions that will have a socially positive impact.
Born from a unique gathering of leaders from media, corporations, NGOs, universities, and grassroots organizations, 7 Billion Actions is a global movement open to every organization and individual committed to addressing the most challenging issues of our time.

This bold, collaborative movement will showcase the stories and actions of people throughout communities around the world using an array of online, SMS, and offline activities. Tremendous breakthroughs are happening in boardrooms, labs, kitchens, and communities all over the globe. Actions and innovations that have the potential to change our world gain power as they are shared and replicated.

A growing number of global, regional and national partners are coming together to participate in this monumental initiative. Connect your organization’s vision and expertise to this global conversation by becoming one of our partners today.

For more information or to join click here.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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World Wind Energy Conference & Renewable Energy Exhibition (WWEC 2011)

The 10th World Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition (WWEC2011) will be held from 31 October - 2 November 2011 in Cairo, Egypt. The conference is aimed at presenting, exchanging and discussing the latest knowledge on the state of wind energy utilization, turbine technologies, and renewable energies in general, local and regional energy planning, and other related topics. The special focus will be on how to harvest the abundance of renewable energy in the deserts of this world and thus convert deserts into powerhouses.

The conference will provide an open international forum to discuss future research directions towards a better understanding of the windenergy and renewable energy systems. This meeting will provide ample opportunities to present and discuss research results which will be supported by various panels and several keynote speeches with special emphasis on public dialogue. In addition to plenary sessions for accepted papers, a number of poster sessions will be held.

CONFERENCE TOPICS

1. Wind turbine technology, systems, and components
2. Renewable energy system integration and optimization
3. Industrial strategies and creation of local manufacturing capacities
4. Wind farm planning
5. Wind resource assessment and prediction
6. Monitoring, operation and maintenance of wind farms
7. National policies on wind energy and renewable energy sources, barriers, incentives
8. Financing models: Equity, loans, carbon finance
9. Community power: Ownership models
10. International frameworks and programmes
11. Training and education
12. Water desalination
13. Small Hybrid systems and storage
14. Other renewable energy technologies

For more information click here.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

2011 GreenGov Symposium

Between October 31 and November 2, 2011, the GreenGov Symposium will be taking place in Washington DC. At the Symposium there will be dynamic, forward-thinking session speakers from the public and private sectors as well as networking opportunities.

Approximately 40 exhibitors will present representing a broad range of sectors. There will be special sessions supporting process, policies, and best practices. Post-conference workshops and green facilities tours will take place on November 2. In addition there will be 70 sessions, 9 breakout tracks and more than 325 speakers and moderators.

According to Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, "By enlisting the innovation and expertise both inside and outside the Federal Government, the 2011 GreenGov Symposium will help agencies deliver on President’s Obama’s commitment to save money and reduce waste by increasing energy efficiency and reducing harmful pollution through sustainable practices in government operations."

Confirmed participants include more than 325 senior officials from Federal agencies and thought leaders are already confirmed to speak. To view the latest agenda click here.

Confirmed plenary speakers include:
  • Jack Lew – Director, Office of Management and Budget
  • Nancy Sutley – Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality
  • Martha Johnson – Administrator, U.S. General Services Administration
  • Kevin Johnson – Mayor, City of Sacramento, California
  • James L. Connaughton – Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Public and Environmental Policy, Constellation Energy
  • George Frampton, Jr. – Senior Of Counsel, Covington & Burling LLP

Confirmed keynote speakers include:
  • Thomas Armstrong – Director of National Coordination, U.S. Global Change Research Program, White House Office of Science and Technology
  • George Arnold – National Coordinator for Smart Grid Interoperability, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • Sharon Burke – Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy Plans and Programs
  • Cindy Drucker – Director, Global Sustainability, SC Johnson
  • Nancy Gillis – Director, Federal Supply Chain Emissions, U.S. General Services Administration
  • Katherine Hammack – Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Energy & Environment), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army, U.S. Army
  • Tom Hicks – Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, U.S. Navy
  • Alice Hill – Senior Counselor to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Kathleen Hogan – Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, U.S. Department of Energy
  • David Lear – Executive Director, Corporate Sustainability, Dell
  • Stephen Leeds – Senior Counselor to the Administrator, U.S. General Services Administration
  • Jason Miller – Special Assistant to the President for Manufacturing Policy, Executive Office of the President of the United States
  • Eleni Reed – Chief Greening Officer, U.S. General Services Administration
  • Robert Peck – Commissioner, Public Buildings Sector, U.S. General Services Administration
  • Michael Robertson – Chief of Staff, U.S. General Services Administration
  • Dorothy Robyn – Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment, U.S. Department of Defense
  • Mayor Brian Roth – Town of Plymouth, North Carolina
  • Josh Silverman – Director of the Office of Sustainability Support, U.S. Department of Energy
  • James Sullivan – Director, Office of Asset Enterprise Management, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Rear Admiral David W. Titley – Oceanographer and Navigator of the Navy, Director, Maritime Domain Awareness and Space
  • Tim Unruh – Program Manager, Federal Energy Management Program, U.S. Department of Energy
  • Terry Yonkers – Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, U.S. Air Force
  • Liz York – Chief Sustainability Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control
For more information click here.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Understanding Policies and Finances - Fast Track to a Renewable Energy Consultancy Job

On October 29th and 30th, 2011, the course "Understanding Policies and Finances - Fast Track to a Renewable Energy Consultancy Job," was held at Imperial College, London. This two day course is designed for individuals considering a consultancy job and/or those who have to evaluate the benefits of adopting renewable energy technology. The course is also attended by managers and directors who intend to invest in the renewable energy sector.

Course content:
  • Course Introduction
  • Introduction to Renewable Energy Finance
  • Feed-In Tariff
  • Project Finance calculations 1
  • Basic technical calculations – energy, economics, emissions
  • EIA and LCA reports
  • Project Finance calculations 2
  • Government policy and support schemes – UN, EU, UK
  • Project Finance examples
  • Practical international case studies
Participants who pass the exam earn the internationally recognized Galileo Master Certificate. The cost of the course is £450 Course + Certificate of Participation or £495 Course + Certificate of Participation + Exam for Galileo Master Certificate.

Additional courses are also scheduled for Edinburgh Napier University on November 4th and 5th, and Coventry University on November 25th and 26th. To register click here.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Net Impact Conference 2011: Changing the World Through Business

Net Impact's 19th annual conference took place in Portland, Oregon between October 27th and 29th. The Net Impact Conference is the world’s largest and most inspirational event for students and professionals using their business skills to create social and environmental good. The Conference discussed changing the world through business with 2,600 members and community friends.

The event was attended by MBAs, undergraduates, and professionals from a variety of fields, including consultants, CSR practitioners, nonprofit leaders, and sustainability specialists. Over three days, these individuals came together at the LEED-certified Oregon Convention Center to tackle tough CSR and sustainability challenges, build their careers and professional networks, and participate in sessions that push boundaries and limits.

This year’s Conference was focused on the unexpected places where we find social and environmental efforts. Some of the world's most effective changemakers and most promising leaders explored:
  • Where creative problem solving and playful approaches can lead to serious solutions
  • Where sustainable innovations were championed by those you least expect
  • Where unlikely partnerships accelerate change

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Campus Sustainability Day Summary of Events

On October 26th many college campuses across North America celebrated the 9th annual Campus Sustainability Day (CSD). Campus Sustainability Day highlights the green accomplishments and initiatives of staff, faculty and students.

Since 2003, CSD has been a time to acknowledge the success of the sustainability movement in higher education. It is also an opportunity to bring different groups on campus together for a united purpose. CSD events and celebrations can be a catalyst for collaborations on campus, they also strive to advance sustainability in higher education.

CSD is a project of the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC), a consortium of about a dozen higher education associations. The working group included participation from Second Nature, U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools, and NWF’s Campus Ecology Program.

There were over 70 events that took place on CSD. To see the CSD list of events click here.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Video: Highlights from Campus Sustainability Day



Campus Sustainability Day was celebrated by most colleges on October 26th. Here is a compilation of video clips that were submitted to Planet Forward to commemorate the day. These schools are working toward more sustainable college campuses. This video covers sustainable food, green meal plans, and algae that can be used as fuel. You can also see what sustainability chief Meghan Chapple-Brown has to say about what campuses can do to become sustainable.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Video: Future Supply Chain 2016



The Future of Supply Chain 2016 report covers the challenges and innovations in supply chains. The report addresses the importance of collaboration, as well as government and regulatory issues. Information is making supply chains more efficient. The world has changed and we need to change our supply chain to adapt to it. We have a duty of care to do as little damage as we can.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

University of Alberta - Sustainability Awareness Week

The University of Alberta's Sustainability Awareness Week took place between October 17-23 and comprised 50 events. The fifth annual Sustainability Awareness Week (SAW) included more than 50 free workshops, tours and events across Augustana Campus, Campus Saint-Jean and North Campus, all hosted by the Office of Sustainability and more than 30 student groups and campus organizations.

The University of Alberta's Sustainability Awareness Week included activities related to economic, social and environmental sustainability and highlighted how individuals can make a difference when it comes to sustainability both on and off campus.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Washington University in St. Louis Campus Sustainability Week

Campus Sustainability Day is celebrated at different times by different schools in the month of October. It is most commonly celebrated between October 17 and 28. The ninth annual Campus Sustainability Day (CSD) asks colleges and universities to commit to maintaining the momentum of higher education sustainability by connecting new campus groups and allies, highlighting student stories and reaching out to partners who can help move towards success.

Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) celebrated Campus Sustainability Week from October 17th to October 22nd. WUSTL celebrated national Campus Sustainability Day on Thursday, October 20 to bring attention to the achievements and challenges for students, faculty and staff in working to instill sustainability principles in higher education institutions and their surrounding communities.

WUSTL Sustainability Celebrations featured:
  • Tours of their Living Learning Center — one of the country’s greenest buildings and one of the first two buildings in the world to be certified as a “living building” by the International Living Building Institute — at the university’s Tyson Research Center near Eureka, Mo. Visitors learned about ecological sustainability research at Tyson.
  • The Clean Energy Challenge which included a panel discussion, Q&A and networking sessions with a focus on clean technology innovation in the St. Louis region.
  • The Clean Energy Trust’s annual business plan competition awarded a $100,000 prize to the top cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest. Panelists discussed the Clean Energy Challenge and the services their organizations provide to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
  • Tours of the School of Engineering & Applied Science’s newest buildings, Green Hall and Brauer Hall, both built to LEED Gold certification standards. Attendees learned how they were constructed and what features make them sustainable.
  • Activities fair promoting alternative means of transportation featured free bicycle repairs, bicycle commuter education, food, and informational booths.
  • Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Centennial Greenway trail through campus. Tour reviewed how the single stream recycling gets sorted.
  • Local dinner and the movie titled "Fresh," a documentary that celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across the US who are re-inventing the American food system.
  • There were also concerts, composting tours, garden tours, and an environmental justice tour.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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The Rise of Sustainable Supply Chains

After the recession of 2008 companies got leaner and part of this new way of doing business involves looking at inefficiencies throughout the value chain as a way to leverage cost and enhance savings. Lean efforts have been demonstrated to yield substantial environmental benefits (pollution prevention, waste reduction and reuse opportunities) as well as leverage compliance issues.

Although sustainable supply chains have been steadily growing, in 2010 we saw an explosion of activity. The growth of greener supply chains in 2010 included a much greater focus on monitoring, measurement and verification from a host of companies including Wal-Mart, IBM, Proctor and Gamble, Kaiser Permanente, Puma, Ford, Intel, Pepsi, Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Dell, AT&T, P&G, and Herman Miller.

In addition to private enterprise, government agencies in the US (General Services Administration) and abroad (DEFRA in Britain) have set green standards and guidelines for federal procurement.

Major value chain concerns such as materials water and waste management, are part of a growing sustainability trend where companies are increasingly concerned with their suppliers' sustainability efforts.

Corporate social responsibility issues including addressing concerns for human rights, fair labor and sustainable development got a lot of attention from big companies like Nestle, Corporate Express, Danisco, Starbucks, Unilever and the apparel industry.

Companies are embracing transparency and collaboration in the supply chain in an effort to be truly sustainable. They are getting on board with supply chain sustainability because they can't afford to be viewed as laggards and because they recognize that there are very real benefits to being first movers with green technological innovation.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Environmental Regulations Shaping Today's Sustainable Supply Chains

On Wednesday, August 31, 2011, Environmental Leader aired a webinar that included an update on RoHS2, REACH, Conflict Minerals, and other key issues driving sustainable sourcing and supply chain initiatives.

The summer of 2011 brought a wave of regulations. The REACH Committee composed of member state representatives kicked off June with a draft Commission Regulation to amend Annex XVII of REACH. In July, an amended RoHS Directive (or “RoHS2”) followed with its long-anticipated overhaul and new restrictions for electrical and electronic equipment (“EEE”). And July 21, 2011 marked the first anniversary of Dodd-Frank legislation and its controversial Conflict Minerals regulations.

RoHS/RoHS2, REACH, and conflict minerals are just a few of the key issues intensifying demands for product compliance and material disclosures. Meanwhile, conflict minerals joins a rising number of human rights concerns that transcend product lifecycles, sourcing and the supply chain. Passing the mid-point of 2011, The webinar explored what these and other issues such as take-back and waste laws have in store for producers, importers, and other stakeholders throughout electronics value chains.

The webinar covered:

The regulations including timelines, scope, marking requirements and exemptions, reporting, record-keeping, informational obligations, registration, compliance, enforcement, sourcing, product lifecycle, tracking and material disclosures.

Speakers included Rick Goss, VP of Environment and Sustainability at the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), Paul Hagen, Principle at Beveridge & Diamond, and Scott Wilson, Sr. Content Strategist at IHS Inc.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Sustainable Supply Chains and New Environmental Laws

In the international and domestic marketplaces, laws and regulations have been implemented to regulate how manufacturers, collectors, recyclers, refurbishers and material processors should behave in an environmentally responsible manner.

Enactment of new environmental laws in the past several years—such as the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directives—are forcing companies to plan how they will retake possession of goods from end users at the end of a product’s life cycle.

In the face of these regulatory drivers, being sustainable and environmentally responsible in the reverse supply chain arena is a complex issue.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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ISO 50001 Podcast Series

These exclusive ISO 50001 podcasts feature expert panelists Ed Pinero, the Chairman of the ISO 50001 Technical Committee and Carolyn Campbell, LRQA Energy Management Expert.

The Forgotten Fuel Source
The Importance of ISO 50001

For more information on ISO 50001 Certification to gain greater visibility and control of your energy resources click here (pdf).

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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The Importance of ISO 50001 On Demand Webinar

In this webinar, international energy management experts discuss how ISO 50001 provides organizations with a harmonized and consistent methodology for identifying and implementing improvements to:
  • Increase energy efficiency
  • Reduce cost
  • Improve energy performance
The webinar features expert panelists Ed Pinero, the Chairman of the ISO 50001 Technical Committee and Carolyn Campbell, LRQA Energy Management Expert.

The webinar covers the following:
  • Why and how ISO 50001 was developed
  • Benefits and advantages of ISO 50001
  • Organizational drivers of energy management
  • Link between ISO 14001 and ISO 50001
  • Steps to integration with other standards
  • Approach to certification
To gain access to the webinar click here.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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ISO Sustainable Buildings Standards

Sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings are the leading edge in building design today. To achieve a high level of building sustainability in an efficient and effective manner requires the integration of the best management system standards available. Integrated management systems will ensure that we have the capacity to produce more sustainable buildings and ISO 26000 provides a useful set of guidelines.

The initial standards and models that addressed elements of social responsibility (SR) include OHSAS 18001 for Health and Safety and most important ISO 14001, the environmental management standard. The systematic ISO 14001:2004 approach requires that organizations take a hard look at all areas where its activities have an environmental impact.

There are now more than 1 million certified ISO 9001 organizations in 176 countries and 200,000 certified to ISO 14001 in 155 countries. (ISO) With this increased application of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001, the traditional approach of operating quality, environmental, health, and safety management systems independently began to give way to an integrated approach. The key advantage of the integration of these management systems is the synergy created, resulting in increased efficiency and effectiveness in the management of organizations.

Other related building standards can also be integrated including:
  • ISO/TS 21929-1:2006 Sustainability in Building Construction–Sustainability Indicators
  • ISO 21930:2007 Sustainability in Building Construction–Environmental Declaration of Building Products
  • ISO 16813:2006 Building Environmental Design–Indoor Environment, General Principles
  • ISO 15686-3:2002 Buildings and Constructed Assets–Service Life Planning
The full integration of these ISO standards in building planning, design, construction, use, improvement, maintenance, and eventual demolition. This life cycle needs to be considered in conjunction with society, the environment, and the users/occupants, owners, and builders. There is a standard for each step in the process. These steps are complementary and when aligned they create efficiencies. The issues of gaining input from the community, evaluating the environmental impact, communicating with stakeholders, driving continuous improvement, and tracking corrective and preventive actions at all levels of the project can be supported by the infrastructure of these standards.

These ISO standards can be implemented on a single project or the can be implemented within organizations to create a consistent and seamless supply chain.

Clause 5.3.4 Global Thinking and Local Action in ISO 15392 connects to ISO 26000 when it states, “The building and construction sector is highly important for sustainable development because it has a significant interface with poverty reduction through the basic economic and social services provided in the built environment and the potential opportunities for the poor to be engaged in construction, operation, and design.”

Clause 5.3.2 Continual Improvement in ISO 15392 again makes the connection to ISO 9001 when it states, “This principle encompasses the improvement of all aspects of sustainability related to the built environment including the buildings and other construction works over time. It includes the performance of construction works as well as processes, and addresses means of assessment, verification, monitoring, and communication.”

ISO/FDIS 26000 clause 2.18 states that SR is the “responsibility of an organization for the impacts of its
decisions and activities on society and the environment through transparent and ethical behavior that contributes to sustainable development including health and the welfare of society; takes into account the expectations of stakeholders; is in compliance with applicable law and consistent with international norms of
behavior; and is integrated throughout the organization.”

In ISO/FDIS 26000 clause 2.23, sustainable development is considered to be meeting “the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Baldrige sees very similarly sustainability as “your organization’s ability to address current business needs and to

As new technologies become more efficient with regard to to environmental and energy issues, we also need to focus on improving how we manage the planning, design, and construction processes. This will translate into sustainability in regard to how effectively and efficiently the planning and building processes are conducted, resulting in saving time and money and ultimately increasing our ability to build more sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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California is Leading the US with a Cap-and-Trade System

California, a leader in efforts to combat climate change, has become the first US state to implement cap-and-trade to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The system will place a price tag on carbon emissions and allow the state's industries to trade carbon credits. The system will provide financial incentives to companies in order to curb greenhouse-gas emissions. The cap-and-trade program is scheduled to start in 2013 and it aims to slash emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

The first part of the plan will include a cap on emissions, allowing businesses to sell their excesses to companies exceeding their carbon allowances. Companies included in the plan will have to pay 10 percent of their initial credits, but they will be able to purchase carbon offsets in order to comply with the eight percent of annual emission obligations.

The plan should drive a a surge of investment in clean energy technology. The system will also force companies to innovate in order to stay competitive.

This is great news for the renewable energy sector. According to research group Next 10's latest edition of the "Many Shades of Green" report, green job growth in California outpaces the overall economy by three times the rate of overall job growth. The new regulations are sure to add to the core green economy in California.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Benefits of The ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard

The ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard defines how executives can establish an energy management plan for their organization. A recent article in CSEMag.com outlines the three factors that make the ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard so appealing to organizations. They are as follows:

1. ISO 50001 is applicable to any size and type of organization in any country and to every type of building using any type of energy from any source. And, it’s designed to be integrated with organizational policies and practices already in place—so organizations do not have to reinvent themselves around energy management.

2. ISO 50001 adopters can self-certify or undergo a third-party audit, which supports small companies that can’t afford the audits, and enables the larger companies to boast their certifications. And, the ISO brand is regarded highly all over the world. This isn’t yet another new standard by yet another new organization nudging its way into the crowded green scene.

3. ISO 50001 is supported by the U.S. EPA Energy Star program and the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). EPA and DOE will release tool kits in October 2011 to help organizations adopt ISO 50001, and the standard is being embedded in overarching programs, such as the Superior Energy Performance program for manufacturers.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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ISO Campus 14001 Training: Environmental Safety

ISO 14001 is the Environment Management Standard (EMS) and sets requirements for implementing, maintaining and improving an environmental management system, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations. In today’s global marketplace it is essential to maintain a consistent standard of quality in manufacturing, management, environmental safety, and employee safety in order for a business to be and stay successful.

ISO 14000 certification courses cover the “environmental” aspects of the ISO standard and will educate and prepare your organization to implement and maintain this internationally-recognized standard.

ISO 14000 certification courses can assist your business in preparing for certification while bringing your employees up to speed on what ISO standards are and why they’re important.

ISO 14000 Certification Offers:
  • 100% online courses written by experts
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Learn on YOUR schedule: stop and start as often as you like
  • Corporate discounts available
  • Top-notch LMS to drive corporate training efforts included
  • Become prepared to gain ISO certification
  • Learn how to uphold standards after they have been implemented
Courses
  • Introduction to ISO 14000 ($25.00)
  • ISO 14001:2004 – Overview and Implementation ($169.95)
  • ISO 14001:2004 Environment Management System Certified Auditor Training ($169.95)
For more information or to register go to the ISO Campus.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Michigan State University Protesting Coal on Campus

Although schools across the US are increasingly adopting greener energy alternatives, this is not the case for Michigan State University. The school has the largest on-campus coal plant in the nation burning over 200,000 tons of coal each year. In addition to contributing to climate change, the plant's pollution contaminates the air in the community of East Lansing, and far beyond.

Greenpeace reports that the incidences of asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, lung disease, and emphysema are drastically higher in areas near coal-fired power plants. It is estimated that coal pollution causes 31 deaths annually in East Lansing.

“Coal is harmful to our environment and us, but not everyone knows. I think it is important to raise awareness of the problem so it can be fixed and the damaging effects of coal can be stopped,” said student activist Kendra Majewski.

For two years MSU students have been engaged in Greenpeace's Quit Coal campaign. Students have gathered petitions, rallied, marched, met with the administration, and brought clean energy experts to campus to meet with physical plant engineers. They are demanding that the administration quit coal and transition to clean energy. The MSU administration has thus far ignored their pleas.

Even though three students were recently arrested at a Michigan State University Sit-in, MSU activists have indicated that they are going to keep demanding clean air. Hundreds of other campuses across the nation have demonstrated in support of the school's Quit Coal campaign. month of October's 100 Actions for 100% Clean Energy.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Zerofootprint Challenge is Greening Schools

Zerofootprint is putting its monitoring system to work in schools so that they can identify issues are and address them. Toronto-based Zerofootprint is a cleantech software and services company which is leveraging competitive benchmarking between peers to help determine the “green” factor for any given building. Zerofootprint aims to focus on benchmarking buildings against other buildings within a community to achieve maximum community efficiency.

The company is presently working with over 100 customers including school boards, to apply its data to drive change at a school-by-school level.

Zerofootprint uses its mapping and analytics engine to correlate multiple consumption and usage data points, like power usage, costs, emissions, etc. These data points are then ploted on an interactive map for easy viewing.

Zerofootprint tracks key information parameters (like energy use) and shares this information with students, teachers, parents and administrators. Schools can then work to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Using this approach Zerofootprint has already been able to help some schools achieve a 20 percent energy reduction.

The minimum for a Zerofootprint installation is $25,000, which pays for the analytics and dashboard that help track the progress within the organization. This information acts as a catalyst to spur behaviour change.

Zerofootprint’s key differentiator will be tying performance to financial incentives. Zerofootprint has begun to partner with banks to give special financial incentives to those who reduce their eco footprint.

Information is the first step to formulating solutions that increase efficiency.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Everblue Training Institute's Comprehensive Green Building Curriculum

As the nation’s leading green educator, Everblue Training Institute has the primary goal of helping people to succeed in the green economy. Whether to earn professional certification or for personal edification, at Everblue people can learn everything they need to know about sustainable, green building principles and practices.

Everblue’s mission is to build the earth’s sustainable workforce. Their efforts are premised on the belief that education for a clean energy economy promotes energy security, increases prosperity, and safeguards the health of the environment.

Everblue believes that everyone wins with sustainability. Owners benefit with comfort, health, and savings. The environment benefits with increased density, reduced sprawl, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Nations benefit by reducing their dependence on foreign oil.

Realizing the impact that homes and buildings have upon the environment and quality of life issues, Everblue is committed to helping people understand and build sustainably certified homes and buildings. Everblue is dedicated to improving US energy security by reducing its dependence on foreign oil while simultaneously tackling the environmental, climate, security, and economic challenges of the 21st century.

Everblue is the world's premier LEED training firm, the nation's largest BPI Certification training organization and the largest USGBC Educational Portfolio Provider.

Approved by the American Institute of Architects, Everblue offers courses in 94 cities nationwide and 7 countries internationally at many prestigious colleges and universities.

Everblue's veteran founded, accredited educational institution offers an extensive sustainable building curriculum, that includes multiple BPI Certifications, Renewable Energy Training, Weatherization Training, RESNET HERS Rater, LEED Accredited Professional, (LEED Certification & LEED Exam Prep), RESNET HERS Rater, Solar Training (NABCEP Solar Certification), Wind Energy, Energy Auditor, Corporate Sustainability, Carbon Accounting, Corporate Sustainability, and more.

Here are links to some of the more popular Courses:
BPI Certification / Energy Auditor
Solar and Wind Energy Training
LEED Green Associate Exam Prep
LEED Credential Maintenance
RESNET HERS Rater
Solar Bootcamp with NABCEP Exam
Corporate Sustainability Manager
Renewable Energy Training

To go to the Everblue site click here.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Sustainable University IdeaLab Workshop for College Students

The National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) are hosting the Sustainable University IdeaLab workshop Jan. 4-8. The large-scale operations of university campuses make for large ecological footprints. But their students are also a great resource of potential problem solvers.

The Sustainable University IdeaLab workshop will help students identify money- and energy-saving opportunities on campus, prototype and develop business cases based on the students’ ideas, and in some instances develop them into real commercial enterprises. The program will also provide student teams that come up with the best "commercializable" ideas with seed grants of up to $1,000.

“We are looking for potential entrepreneurs, problem seekers and innovators who are passionate about addressing critical sustainability issues on the RIT campus,” says Jon Schull of RIT’s Center for Student Innovation.

During the course of the five-day workshop, students will learn how to develop and commercialize products and innovations that promote and support productive and environmentally sustainable universities.

The Center for Student Innovation will hold informational sessions for students interested in applying for ETeam grants or the IdeaLab workshop from 5-6 p.m. Oct. 19 and Oct. 26.

The cost per student is $100. The deadline application is Nov. 2. To apply, go to www.invention2venture.org/sustainrit. The IdeaLab is designed to help students form teams and develop new ideas focused specifically about sustainability.

For further information about the IdeaLab workshop click here. For more information about the Innovation Center and its programs, contact Jon Schull at jon.schull@rit.edu.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Inhabitat Interview with the Winning Lead Designer of the 2011 Solar Decathlon

Here is an Inhabitat interview with David Gavin the project design lead for the University of Maryland team that won the 2011 Solar Decathlon. Their winning entry was a solar powered, water conservation-focused home called the WaterShed.
________________________

INHABITAT: How did you get involved in the 2011 Solar Decathlon?

David: I became involved in the 2011 Solar Decathlon pretty much the minute I began my graduate degree in architecture at the University of Maryland. When I was applying to graduate schools, I saw that Maryland had presented course options for their Solar Decathlon entry. At that point I knew that Maryland and the Solar Decathlon would be a great fit for me because I wanted my graduate education to go beyond the classroom, and I wanted to get my hands dirty. The Solar Decathlon has been able to provide that, and I feel that it has prepared me very well for the professional world by allowing me to work collaboratively with people from a variety of fields, including the engineering, construction and management disciplines. It has also presented many of the technical and logistical challenges of a real building project.

INHABITAT: What is your favorite part of the WaterShed Home design?

David: My favorite design element of WaterShed is probably the relationship between the constructed wetlands we’ve created inside the house and the bathroom. When one stands in the shower, they realize the impact of their water usage simply through being able to see the water draining into the grey water filtration wetlands just outside the window. The bathroom’s open design and delicate detailing suggest the continuation of the wetlands through the bathroom, thus reinforcing our message of water conservation.

INHABITAT: What do you think it was that pushed your team’s house to the top of the Solar Decathlon pack and allowed you to win the competition?

David: Two of the main things that allowed us to win the 2011 Solar Decathlon were integration and organization. The University of Maryland had a number of different departments and majors working on WaterShed, and our constant communication among all disciplines allowed us to design a truly integrated house. Every component of the house, from structure to envelope to landscape to mechanical, plumbing and electrical components, were all designed with respect to the other disciplines. This minimized conflicts during the construction period, and in the end, allowed WaterShed to function most optimally during the competition. Organization was also key, all of the team leaders were in constant communication and aware of their responsibilities so that we could operate the house with precision and confidence throughout the competition.

INHABITAT: The Team Maryland WaterShed Home was designed in Revit. Was BIM (Building Information Modeling) an important part of your design process? Can you explain how you used it and how it helped you?

David: BIM was very important in the design process of WaterShed. Being able to model WaterShed in three dimensions was very important in the integration of all of the house’s systems. Not only did we model the structure and architecture of the house, but we created all of the engineering systems as well. BIM allowed us to see all of these systems together in one program, which in turn allowed us to design all of the house components in relation to each other so that there were no hot water lines running through light fixtures or ductwork cutting through structural members. This proved to be critical because it minimized the amount of problem solving we had to do in the field during construction. BIM was also great because it allowed us to generate all of our construction documents very efficiently. The 3D model also served as the base for all of the renderings and graphics we used for our communications materials.

INHABITAT: How did BIM technology allow you to do things you might not otherwise have been able to do?

David: One of the great ways BIM was able to help us with WaterShed was being able to see all components of the house in three dimensions. It allowed us to really make sure that everything within the house actually fit and worked before we began construction (in a way that two-dimensional drawings would not have been able to reveal). Being able to explore the 3D model of the house also helped us to resolve many construction details before construction even began. So, BIM really helped us to streamline not only our documentation process, but construction as well. Our use of BIM definitely gave us an edge and probably helped us to win the 2011 Solar Decathlon. Not only did it allow us to efficiently design and build a great house, many of the materials that were generated from the model helped us place in many of the juried categories. The quality of our construction documents was a scoring factor in both the architecture and engineering competitions, and in both we were praised for the completeness and clarity of our documents. Also, the model was the basis for many of our graphics, which were judged in the communications contest. So, our ability to create a great BIM model was definitely a big part of our victory.

INHABITAT: What would you like to do after you graduate from the University of Maryland? What are your goals?

David: After I graduate from University of Maryland, my main goal is to just get a job! I would like to get a job in a smaller architecture firm somewhere along the east coast. I would like to learn how to run a firm and operate a business so that I can one day accomplish my goal of having my own practice specializing in urban design and redevelopment.

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