Connecticut Green News


Lee Company Inaugurates New Solar Installation

  

Westbrook, Conn., June 29 — Last week, the Lee Company inaugurated its new solar energy system. With 1,760 photovoltaic panels on the roof, the 308-kilowatt solar electric system is the largest of its kind to be installed by a manufacturing company in Connecticut, and one of the largest in New England.

Nearly half the size of a football field, the system covers 29,000 square feet on the rooftop of the manufacturing facility. At peak usage, the system is expected to generate the equivalent energy used by 34 homes each year.

The system was designed and installed by Gloria Spire Solar of Bedford, Mass., and was made possible, in part, by a $1.2 million grant from Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, which will defray approximately half of the cost of the photovoltaic system. Additionally, the Lee Company will seek to further defray costs utilizing the Federal renewable energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program.

Both the Lee Company and Gloria Spire Solar emphasize that the renewable energy tax credits are critical to future projects such as this one.

“As a member of our community, our state and our country, we are absolutely committed to doing what we can to use renewable resources,” says Leighton Lee IV, facilities manager for The Lee Company. “However, as a business, the realities of funding projects like this one would be difficult without the financial incentives we’ve received.”

The Lee Company has pioneered the development of miniature precision fluid control components for aerospace, down-hole oil tools, machine tools, medical/scientific instrumentation, and ink-jet printing.


Source: Lee Company Press Release

Rowland Technologies Partners With BioSolar

  

Wallingford, Conn., June 22 — Rowland Technologies, Inc., located in Wallingford, Conn., and a manufacturer of high-quality plastic film and sheet has been selected by BioSolar, Inc. of Santa Clarita, Calif. for production of the company's flagship BioBacksheet' solar cell component. This breakthrough technology uses bio-based materials from renewable plant sources to reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells.

"After an exhaustive selection process it was evident that Rowland Technologies was uniquely positioned to meet our requirements,' said Dr. David Lee, BioSolar's CEO. 'Specifically, Rowland Technologies' expertise in sophisticated extrusion manufacturing and their highly-regarded custom manufacturing capabilities, coupled with our shared commitment to being both environmentally aware and yet economically feasible, allowed us to achieve the common goal of delivering the highest quality product to our customers."

Commenting further on the company's growth from an early development stage company to a manufacturing company, Dr. Stan Levy, BioSolar's chief technology officer said, "I want to emphasize the challenging and time consuming nature of transitioning into manufacturing. We are implementing our internal quality control and measurement standards, developing the logistics for shipping and handling product and building up our marketing and sales infrastructure. This has been an exciting and sometimes exhausting endeavor, but with quality partners like Rowland Technologies, I firmly believe we are on track to achieve commercial success."

BioSolar is the first company to introduce a new dimension of cost reduction by replacing petroleum-based plastic solar cell components with durable bio-based materials.


Source: www.biosolar.com

CBIA Releases Green Business Survey Results

  

Hartford, Conn., June 19 — In an economy that is forcing businesses to cut costs where they can, most Connecticut companies are attempting to conserve energy and make better use of resources by going “green,” according to a statewide survey released Tuesday.

Businesses throughout the state are implementing a variety of initiatives to boost efficiency, from recycling to re-examining supply chains, according to the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) 2008 Sustainability and Connecticut Business Survey.

This year’s is the second annual survey.

“Connecticut businesses are well-known for their innovation and resourcefulness,” CBIA President and Chief Executive Officer John R. Rathgeber said in a statement.

“The concept of corporate sustainability is a natural extension of that tradition. It is also a very smart way of doing business that continues to reap competitive rewards,” Rathgeber said.

However, while some business owners said that going green was worthwhile because it resulted in financial savings, others said that green practices were too costly to initiate at their companies.

  • When asked what they perceive as barriers to going green, 56 percent cited the expense, while 42 percent cited a lack of knowledge about sustainable practices, and 15 percent pointed to a lack of company leadership on the issue.
  • Most, 84 percent, of respondents said they integrate green practices into their company to “demonstrate environmental and social responsibility,” while 58 percent said they do it to lower operating costs and 30 percent do so to improve their market strategy.
  • Roughly two-thirds of business owners who have adopted green practices in the workplace said it has benefited their business.
  • About 72 percent of respondents said they feel sustainable practices may lead to long-term savings, up from 66 percent who felt that way during the first survey a year ago.
  • Certain green practices proved more popular than others. For example, while 86 percent of respondents recycle and 73 percent have policies for properly disposing of waste, just 28 percent encourage suppliers to adopt green initiatives, and 24 percent have water conservation strategies.

CBIA conducted the survey via e-mail among 474 businesses statewide.

The business association has an online Green Business Center, at www.cbia.com/green, which provides information on green programs, vendors and business practices.


Source: cbia.com

UTC Power Wins Freedom Tower Contract

  

White Plains, NY, June 16 — The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced that it has reached an agreement that will make the redeveloped World Trade Center the site of one of the largest fuel cell installations in the world. The agreement, valued at $10.6 million, was reached with UTC Power of South Windsor, Conn., for equipment purchases to provide heat and power for the new towers.

The fuel cells, totaling 4.8 megawatts (mw) of generating capacity, will provide an on-site supplement to the renewable power and other clean energy the rebuilt World Trade Center will receive via power lines from off-site sources. Together with design measures to minimize energy use, the “green” power arrangements will make the Freedom Tower and three other towers that are part of the Trade Center a model for environmentally friendly energy and for energy efficiency. The Freedom Tower is being developed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the other towers by Silverstein Properties.

“One of the most important building projects in the nation will be equipped with space-age energy technology that uses an electrochemical process to produce clean on-site power,” Gov. David A. Paterson said. “The fuel cells and other measures will help make the new World Trade Center towers an exemplar of environmental sustainability and will signal to the world New York State’s commitment to greater energy security and reduced dependence on foreign oil. I can think of few sites in the country where the symbolism of this is more important.”

Fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction. They require few moving parts, making them a quiet, reliable and safe source of power suitable for around-the-clock operation.

The buildings at the World Trade Center site will also benefit from wind power-purchase agreements that NYPA reached in late 2006 with two renewable power developers in upstate New York on behalf of various governmental customers in New York City. They include the Port Authority, which is responsible for building several projects at the World Trade Center site, including the Freedom Tower and Tower 5.

UTC Power, a unit of United Technologies Corp., was the successful bidder among the qualified firms responding to a Request for Proposals that NYPA issued in October 2007 for four 1.2 mw fuel-cell systems for the World Trade Center. (One megawatt is enough power to serve approximately 800 to 1,000 homes.)

Source: New York Power Authority

AuctorVerno Receives U.S. Registration of GreenStorming® Service Mark

  

Bloomfield, Conn., June 11 – The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted a registration for the term GreenStorming® to AuctorVerno, LLC, a leading green building/green business marketing services firm based in Connecticut.

“The service mark is used to help identify our services which bring a unique perspective for those involved with the development of commercial and residential property, as well as manufacturers, service providers, governmental institutions and non-profits," said Adam Ney, managing director, AuctorVerno. "GreenStorming services help organizations develop green business strategies for their workforce, operation, supply chain and image/reputation."

GreenStorming services include:

  • Green Building/Green Business Project Development – AuctorVerno's trained staff conducts initial stakeholder engagement meetings, employee engagement programs and LEED®/green building project management.
  • Employee Engagement – AV provides engaging speakers that promote the use of corporate responsibility measures for employees or stakeholder groups.
  • Green Buzz – AuctorVerno helps firms develop outreach programs that help tell their story. From media and community relations, to event coordination, AV's staff identifies and helps find the perfect platforms for you to deliver your green message.

In 2007, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office saw a 10 percent increase in trademark filings for green-themed marks, making it the busiest year ever according to a report released by the Dechert law firm this past April.(1) According to the report, “Trends in Trademarks,” filings for new trademarks set a record of more than 300,000 in 2007. The number broke the previous record of 289,000 set in 2000 during the Internet boom. "This shows that if the 90s were known as the dot.com decade, the 2000s will be remembered as the green decade," stated Ney.


*LEED is a registered service mark of the U.S. Green Building Council

1. EnvironmentalLeader.com, April 25, 2008


TicketNetwork Goes Solar

  

Hartford, Conn., June7 – Add one more commercial building to the growing list of businesses in Connecticut installing solar panels. Thule in Seymour, Whole Foods Distribution in Cheshire and now TicketNetwork, parent company of TicketNews. This past week the company unveiled a large solar array at its Vernon, CT headquarters.

The array consisits of 172 solar panels that were installed to two south-exposed roofs of their building and will be able to create 30kW of power during peak times of the day. Over the year that adds up to roughly 10 percent of the company's annual power usage, or enough to power four small homes.

"The actions taken by TicketNetwork are exactly the ones the DEP advocates," said Chris Nelson, a member of the Connecticut DEP Climate Change & Energy Group.

The solar panel By reducing the energy consumption, the company estimates that over the life of the system that company will avoid the need for 821,272 pounds of carbon dioxide, 2,492 of sulfur dioxide and 1,517 of nitrous oxide.

The solar panels, the first to be installed at a company in Vernon, are just one of the environmentally proactive projects that have been put place with others including the installation of high efficiency lighting and lighter color roofing, which cools the roof by as much as 10 degrees.

TicketNetwork received financial assistance from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and tax credits from the government which will help the system pay for itself in five years.

Source: CTEnvironmentalHeadlines

Governor Honors Climate Change Leaders


  


Hartford, Conn., June1 – Governor M. Jodi Rell has recognized seven individuals and organizations with awards from the Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change.

Governor Rell said, "Connecticut has been a leader in addressing climate change by putting strong programs in place to reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of our economy. If we are going to successfully meet the challenge of climate change, however, state government cannot do it alone. It will also take the commitment of businesses, local governments, organizations and individual citizens."

"The accomplishments of those being honored today demonstrate the breadth of strong leadership in Connecticut - from 10 year olds to octogenarians, small towns to large cities, and nonprofit organizations to small businesses and multinational corporations," Rell said.

Gina McCarthy, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and chair of the Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change and other members of the Governor's Steering Committee presented the third annual climate change Leadership Awards at a ceremony last week at ING's new energy efficient headquarters in Windsor.

At the ceremony, McCarthy said, "The challenge of climate change is also an opportunity to rebuild our economy on principles of sustainability, including energy efficiency, clean energy, cleaner transportation, local food systems, and carbon neutrality. Those we are honoring today are demonstrating the common sense, practical and cost effective steps we can all take to achieve those goals."

2008 Climate Change Leadership Award Recipients



Source: Environment News Service

Global Executive Partners With BeGreen


Ridgefield, Conn., May 26 – Connecticut based Global Executive, a conference and events logistics management company, has announced a partnership with BeGreen, the carbon offset division of Green Mountain Energy Company. Global Executive will now be able to offer conference participants and organizers the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions generated by attending organized business events. Using eTouches®, Global Executive's award-winning applications suite for Meetings and Event Management Technology, conference organizers and delegates can lessen the environmental impact of their travel and hotel stay with the purchase of any of BeGreen's Conference Traveler Packages, during the online registration process.

"More than 280 million people will attend meetings and events globally in 2008," said Leonora Valvo, CEO of the Global Executive Companies, active in more than 1,000 events for major organizations per year. "This exciting partnership will provide attendees with a chance to give back to the environment," added Valvo.

Registrants who elect to offset their travel can choose from three packages, designed to meet the individual needs of attendees:

  • Conference - Traveler 1 (Offsets Equal to One Metric Ton)- Approximately 3,200 miles of flying (like a roundtrip flight between New York and Denver)
    - Three nights in a hotel
    - Rental car for up to 500 miles of driving
  • Conference - Traveler 2 (Offsets Equal to Two Metric Tons)- Approximately 5,000 miles of flying (like a roundtrip flight between Boston and LAX)
    - 3-5 nights in a hotel
    - Rental car for up to 1,000 miles of driving
  • Conference - Global Traveler (Offsets Equal to Three Metric Tons)
    - Approximately 10,000 miles of flying (like a roundtrip flight between Dallas and Madrid)
    - Up to ten days in a hotel
    - Rental car for up to 2,500 miles of driving

The new service is already being used by the PhoCusWright Conference, taking place in Hollywood, Calif., and the Greener By Design Conference in Alexandria, Va.

According to Lisa Carroll, event director for Greener by Design, "We were looking for a way to backup the event marketing message and to give our conference delegates a tangible way to show their commitment to the environment. BeGreen's Conference Traveler Package option turned out to be ideal. It's simple, flexible and fully integrated with eTouches, our online conference registration application."

"We worked closely with Global Executive to provide them with easy-to-use tools to make any event or conference more environmentally-friendly," said Gillan Taddune, chief environmental officer of Green Mountain Energy Company. "With only a few mouse clicks, eTouches enables attendees to purchase an offset package that's tailored to their conference travel."

Source: The Global Executive

Wal-Mart To Provide Energy Audit For State Capitols


Hartford, Conn., May 18 – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has announced a partnership with Connecticut and 18 other states and Puerto Rico to help them save on energy and electricity costs at their capitols.

Wal-Mart will pay engineering experts to perform energy audits at the capitols and recommend ways to save energy, lower electricity costs and reduce greenhouse emissions, company officials announced earlier this month at the National Governors Association's State Summit on Clean Power and Efficiency.

Engineers will visit Hartford and the other state capitals in 2008 and 2009 to examine lighting, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning systems, refrigeration equipment and building structures.

Wal-Mart will then provide recommendations based on technology it uses to reduce energy consumption at its stores, said Matt Kistler, the retail giant's senior vice president of sustainability.

The other states included are Missouri, Arkansas, New Hamshire, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.


Source: The Associated Press

CVS Adopts Green Policies For Opertions


Woonsocket, RI, May 12, – CVS Caremark, the largest pharmacy health care provider in the U.S. with stores throughout Connecticut has announced a new green policy, detailed in it's first Corporate Social Responsiblity (CSR) report released last week.

The policy, formally adopted earlier this year, includes such measures as phasing out toxic chemicals from its house-branded products in favor of safer alternatives and greening its data centers by replacing computer room HVAC units.

In the report, CVS Caremark states it has worked to reduce unnecessary packaging for products shipped to distributors, such as the replacement of corrugated shipping boxes with plastic shipping totes. Its recycling efforts have allowed the company to recycle more than 78,000 tons of paper and cardboard.

The company streamlined its transportation and logistics network to drive overall fuel mileage efficiency by 11.2 percent. A lighting retrofit at two distribution centers will save the company about $128,000 each year in energy costs.

Looking ahead, the company plans to further integrate LEED and ENERGY STAR principles into its construction projects, streamline operations at its data centers and evaluate its carbon footprint impact with assistance of the MIT Center for Transportation.

To read the CVS Caremark's CSR, click here. (pdf)

Source: Greenbiz.com

Hartford's Academy of Engineering and Green Technology Gets Funding


Hartford, Conn., May 5 – The Academy of Engineering and Green Technology, opening at Hartford Public High School in August 2008, has received a $74,000 grant from United Technologies Corporation (UTC), allowing the Academy to meet start-up requirements set by the National Academy Foundation (NAF) Project Lead the Way program.

The grant makes United Technologies the lead corporate sponsor of Hartford's new Academy of Engineering and Green Technology. "In our home city of Hartford we're pleased to sponsor an urban academy that focuses on engineering and the environment for the next generation of engineers and scientists," said Andrea Doane, UTC Director Corporate Giving and Community Affairs. "These are vitally important principles to UTC and we look forward to building on our longstanding relationship with Hartford Public High School and the National Academy Foundation through this new program."

The Academy is partnered with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), who also co-authored the application to NAF with the Hartford Office of School Design. NAF collaborated with its partners Project Lead the Way and the National Council of Minorities in Engineering to develop a new academy theme in engineering. They are using NAF's Academy Development Model to deliver the Project Lead the Way "Pathways to Engineering" high school curriculum. The Academy's affiliation with NAF will provide leverage to its industry and higher education partners in supporting a college ready curriculum for all students and in opening engineering career pathways to under-represented youth.

The grant from UTC, a national NAF partner, ensures two state-of-the-art computer labs at the academy and funds the work of CBIA Dayl Walker to support the Academy for one full day a week during the 2008-2009 school year. Walker will act as the industry liaison to Principal Jacqueline Ryan and will serve on both the School Governance Board and the External Advisory Board. "CBIA is very pleased to be a partner in the creation of the new Academy of Engineering and Green Technology and are eager to expose the students to many career opportunities existent in this industry," said CBIA Vice President Lauren Weisberg Kaufman.

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