The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal

From Climate Biz News:

In This Issue

Voluntary emissions reduction programs continue to gain ground week by week, sector by sector. The latest comes from the tech sector, as a number of Silicon Valley heavy-hitters last week formed a ground-breaking coalition to combat global warming. The news came hot on the heels of firmer emissions-reduction commitments by members of the Chicago Climate Exchange, who pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 4% over the next two years. We're looking forward to seeing more of these kinds of voluntary commitments in the coming months.

Also this week: A message on the economics of climate management from United Nations Environment Program executive director Klaus Toepfer.

News and Columns


Silicon Valley Firms Unite to Promote Sustainability, Fight Global Warming
A coalition of major Silicon Valley companies has announced an ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to collectively combat global warming, one of the first such business collaborations in the U.S.

CCX Members Commit to Cutting Emissions
Members of the Chicago Climate Exchange have committed to cutting their carbon emissions by 4% by 2006.

COLUMN: Combating Climate Change: An Economic Opportunity
UNEP executive director Klaus Toepfer's comments at the tenth anniversary of the "Coming into Force of the Climate Change Convention" in March 2004.

New Web Site Shows How Energy Efficiency Can Create Jobs
Rocky Mountain Institute has launched a new interactive Web site that calculates potential energy and dollar savings, air pollution emissions reductions, and potential jobs a community could create by implementing an energy efficiency program.

California Vintner Launches Largest Solar Installation in Wine Industry
The largest solar-powered system in the wine world -- 4,032 panels -- is up and running at Rodney Strong Vineyards' 100,000 square-foot barrelhouse.

Vermont Renewable Energy Program Links Customers, Farms, Environment
Central Vermont Public Service has asked the Vermont Public Service Board to approve the state's first voluntary renewable energy offering for the company's 148,000 customers.

Insurer Says Costs Are Rising with Global Temperatures
According to Swiss Re's latest "sigma" report, overall economic losses from natural disasters -- aggravated by climate change -- in 2003 amounted to an estimated $70 billion.

Fuel Cells to Convert Waste Gas into Energy for NYC
A new pollution abatement program at the city's wastewater treatment plants uses fuel cells to convert waste gas into energy, helping to power the facilities and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions from the plants.

More News and Columns >


Tools and Resources

Point Carbon
Find the latest information and developments in the global emissions trading market.

Emissions Trading: Environmental Policy's New Approach
Gives an overview of the business issues related to emissions trading and offers guidelines for applying this controversial policy effectively.

The Importance of Top-Level Commitment and Communication
Because reducing emissions is a companywide process, communicating support from the top of the company is critical. This top-level communication serves both internal and external communications needs.

Green Power Emissions and Benefits Calculator
Estimates the emissions savings from renewable-energy systems.

Organizing and Sponsoring Environmental and Sustainable Development Awards
A useful guide for companies and organizations involved in sponsoring or organizing environmental awards.

More Resources and Tools >


Best Practices


Wal-Mart: Energy-Efficient Retail Store
Wal-Mart store in City of Industry, Calif., uses half the energy of a typical new California store, thanks to advanced lighting and efficient, downsized climate control system.

Western Digital: Efficient Building Design
Company built the most efficient disc drive factory in the world.

More Best Practices >