With the incoming administration, I expect to hear the same arguments pitting energy conservation against the economy, followed by a call to build more pipelines and drill. Next time you hear that argument, you can share this graph. Between 1980 and 2011 the economy expanded by 230% from $6.5 trillion to 15.2 trillion (in inflation-adjusted dollars), while energy […]
by Jane Bender, President, Center for Climate Protection On April 27th, the Center for Climate Protection ran Chris Cone’s article, “Unintended consequence of tree removal reveals carbon reduction opportunity.” Indeed removing large redwood trees in Old Courthouse Square is causing the building owners of 50 Old Courthouse Square to increase their air conditioning load to ensure […]
By Chris Cone The recent removal of six 200-foot redwood trees for the Courthouse Square reunification project produced an unintended consequence that spotlights the concept, and the importance, of building performance in climate protection. The shade produced by the redwood trees, located in front of 50 Old Courthouse Square, significantly reduced the amount of heat, […]
We thank our new Business for Clean Energy Member, Allen Danley of Sure Thing Carpet Care for a generous in-kind donation. Our carpets and chairs are squeaky clean! Why is a mobile carpet cleaning business a Business for Clean Energy member? Allen is pursuing his goal to become the first clean-energy-powered mobile cleaning business. Allen’s […]
You don’t have to be a climate nerd to appreciate a good carbon footprint map. Measuring carbon emissions is a little like counting calories and steps. Just as data collection has emerged as a winning tool for achieving better, life-saving health (think FitBit), so too can data inform species-saving strategies for the health of the planet. […]
Windsor Efficiency PAYS®, available to eligible Windsor residents starting August 2012, provides water and energy upgrades for residential properties that provide immediate utility bill savings— with no upfront cost or debt. On July 18, 2012, the Windsor Town Council gave final approval for Windsor Efficiency PAYS®, a new, innovative water conservation program that provides residents […]
In June 2010 PG&E spent millions dollars to pass Prop 16. This initiative was designed to shackle the state law that allows local jurisdictions to establish Community Choice Aggregation. CCA empowers local communities to develop renewable energy and create more competition in the utility market. State Senator Mark Leno has authored SB 790, a bill […]
A new Pew Research Center poll “Beyond Red vs. Blue: The Political Typology” finds strong support for the environment and clean energy across party affiliations. 71% of Americans believe “this country should do whatever it takes to protect the environment.” For the complete poll results. Overall the public prioritizes developing alternative energy over expanding oil, […]
Ghilotti Construction Company, the largest contractor in Sonoma, Marin and Napa, is a Business for Clean Energy sponsor and is demonstrating leadership in the industry by reducing its environmental impact. Some of the company’s accomplishments: using biodiesel blend for trucks and heavy equipment, recycling jobsite asphalt and concrete materials, construction of a “Green” corporate headquarters, […]
“Natural gas may be a marginally cleaner fossil fuel than coal, but obtaining it through the processing of fracking turns out to be more damaging to the climate than coal ever was. Fracking is a process that splits deposits of natural gas deep underground, using high pressure chemicals. A new study at Cornell has revealed […]
