In green technology news this week, two California utilities are challenging customers to push a “green button” on their websites for attention-grabbing results; employment experts report that green-friendly flexible jobs are on the rise; five nations accounted for approximately 52 percent of the world’s installed hydropower capacity in 2010; a U.S. farm is sourcing 90 percent of its energy from solar production; JP Morgan (News 
- Alert) Chase has completed the largest renovation ever to achieve LEED Platinum in New York City – and much, much, more.
A new Green Button may just be tempting and useful enough to energize the public: It’s kind of a practical version of the popular Staples (News - Alert) “Easy” button. The concept of a Green Button was proposed by U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra at GridWeek 2011 in Washington, D.C., last September. This week, he stood at a Silicon Valley Leadership Group event with representatives of two of California’s three largest utilities–Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric – to help them launch a Green Button on each of their websites that will enable nearly six million households – representing about 17 million electricity consumers – to download detailed energy usage data with one-click simplicity. In addition, Southern California Edison (News - Alert) (California’s second largest utility), Glendale Water & Power, Dallas-based Oncor, Washington, D.C.-based Pepco Holdings Inc, and several other utilities nationwide that collectively serve an additional 11.3 million households plan to make the feature available later this year.
According to the Flexible Jobs Index, environmentally friendly work styles, such as working from home, free-lancing, and working a flexible schedule, are on the rise. The jobs help reduce pollution by keeping commuters off the road – either completely, or during rush hours. The career field with the highest increase in available jobs was Medical & Health – which reclaimed its top position in December, after leading most of 2011– followed by Administrative, Education & Training, Computer & IT, and Sales.
A study published by the Worldwatch Institute has found that five countries – China, Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Russia— accounted for approximately 52 percent of the world’s installed hydropower capacity in 2010. And in that year alone, $40-$45 billion was invested in larger hydropower projects: There are now three hydropower plants on the planet generating more than 10 gigawatts (GW) of power: the Three Gorges Dam in China, Itaipu Hydroelectricity Power Plant in Brazil, and Guri Dam in Venezuela. Hydropower is produced in at least 150 countries but is concentrated in just a few countries and regions.
Vista Solar, Inc., a solar PV integrator, has announced a new client: Airdrome Orchards, Inc. in San Jose. Vista recently completed a 305 kW solar system at the family-owned citrus packaging facility. Airdrome Orchards, which has been in business since the 1950s, credits its longevity to its adaptability. Owner John Fumia emphasizes that Airdrome's “ability to evolve and diversify our operation over the years has contributed greatly to our success.” Evolving and diversifying are two of the goals the farm has with its new solar panel installation. The installation is expected to offset approximately 90 percent of the packinghouse's current electricity bill. The system will offer an estimated savings of over $101,000 in the first year alone. The investment is expected to save Airdrome more than $3.5 million over the warranted life of the solar panels.
Word on the street is that a restructuring at JPMorgan Chase in New York City is attracting accolades –from environmentalists. The global investment bank has achieved the highest possible rating, LEED Platinum, from the U.S. Green Building Council for the renovation of its global headquarters at 270 Park Avenue in Manhattan – making it the world's largest renovation project to achieve Platinum status. The retrofit will enable the primary tenants of the 50-story skyscraper – originally designed in 1959 by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill – to cut its electricity consumption in half and to save more than one million gallons of water a year.”
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Cheryl Kaften is an accomplished communicator who has written for consumer and corporate audiences. She has worked extensively for MasterCard (News - Alert) Worldwide, Philip Morris USA (Altria), and KPMG, and has consulted for Estee Lauder and the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspapers. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.
