The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal

ClimateBiz News March 2005 In This Issue Kyoto’s magic February 16 date came and went, leaving in its wake both new challenges and new opportunities for businesses the world over. In the U.K., for example, Natsource seized the chance to become the first asset management group to offer its corporate clients the option of pooling their purchases of carbon emissions credits. We’re betting the next few months will see an increase in this kind of innovative approach to meeting the protocol’s compliance requirements. Also: In his column “Seizing Opportunities in the Future Fuels Market,” RoyalDutch/Shell exec Rob Routs explains why the current climate makes it so exciting to be in the fuels business. News and Columns Report Proposes Aggressive Plan for Solar’s Day in the Sun A new report proposes a three-pronged, “man on the moon” federal program to regain American leadership in the high-growth global solar photovoltaic industry. If enacted, the plan would create up to 500,000 new American jobs and generate up to 9% of the country’s total electricity needs by 2025. COLUMN: Seizing Opportunities in the Future Fuels Market RoyalDutch/Shell exec Rob Routs explores two factors that can help us meet the challenges of operating in that increasingly complex and competitive market -- technology and marketing. Private Sector Eyes Buyers' Pool for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Credits The new Greenhouse Gas Credit Aggregation Pool is the world’s first private sector mechanism designed to help corporations and governments manage their greenhouse gas compliance requirements. Tokyo Dept. Stores Cooperate on Deliveries to Cut CO2 Emissions Department stores in Tokyo have introduced a joint product delivery and distribution system to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion as well as to promote measures to combat global warming. Companies Feel Heat from Record-High Shareholder Resolutions on Climate Change Oil and gas companies, electric power producers, real estate firms, manufacturers, financial institutions, and automakers face a record number of global warming resolutions that have been filed by shareholders for the 2005 proxy season. DOE Partners with Auto Industry on 12 New Energy-Efficiency Projects The U.S. Department of Energy is joining forces with major industry players to fund 12 new projects that will increase the energy efficiency of passenger and commercial vehicles while maintaining low emissions. COLUMN: Kyoto as an Opportunity The Kyoto Protocol will become official today, offering the world a fresh start on an issue marked by international divisiveness for the last 15 years. Attention now turns to the crucial next steps: meeting the Kyoto targets and forging a new agreement to cover the period beyond 2012. By Christopher Flavin and Janet Sawin Gas-Powered SUV Cracks 'Greenest Vehicles of 2005' List Amid excitement over new advanced technology vehicles entering the market and worries about sustained high gas prices, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has announced this year's "greenest" and "meanest" vehicles, along with the environmental scorings of all model year 2005 cars and passenger trucks. More News and Columns > Tools and Resources Tracking the Kyoto Protocol Site looks at what it means now that the protocol is has gone into force, its history, and what happens next. Western’s Energy Services Cost calculators and other tools and resources on hydroelectric power options in 15 western U.S. states. Campus Climate Action Toolkit Software, information and instructions, links, and case studies to help colleges and universities slash emissions while saving much-needed cash. Investor Confidence in Corporate Climate Management and Disclosure This ClimateBiz White Paper explores how corporate reporting of climate risk management can have a boom -- or bust -- effect on investor confidence in the company. Carbon Contracts Cornerstones A primer on drafting contracts for the sale of project-based emissions reductions. More Resources and Tools > Best Practices Avis Europe: Carbon Emissions Reduction and Offsets In the period from 2002 to 2003, Avis’s European operations reduced its emissions by over 5% and planted almost 150,000 saplings, creating 300 new acres of woodland. Monsanto Company: Addressing Climate Change by Bringing Farmers and Processors Together Company's Fuel Your Profits initiative brings together Monsanto, General Motors, the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, dry-mill ethanol producers, corn growers, grain elevator owners, independent seed companies, and fuel retailers. More Best Practices > Forward This Newsletter Use this form to send a copy of this newsletter to colleagues.