We’re constantly hearing about green technology, alternative energy, and other buzzwords aimed at stopping climate change. It’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s hype. Yet there has been a group of people who have been preaching responsible energy use for as long as we can remember. They’re call Dads. You’ve probably heard one of these: “What are you trying to do? Cool the entire house? Close the refrigerator door!” or “Why did you raise the thermostat to 63? Go get two more blankets!” or “Do you really need that light on to do your homework? Can’t you do it by candlelight?” And it’s all to save a few cents off of the electricity or gas bill. Well, think of Louisville, KY based Summit Energy as the mother of all Dads (I know that makes no sense). They’re in the business of energy management, which means that they help companies that spend a lot on energy spend more efficiently. Summit Energy manages “nearly $20 billion in annualized global energy spend,” so while your Dad is saving pennies, they’re saving millions of dollars. Continue reading about Summit Energy…
I never thought that I’d live in a major city, yet somehow I ended up in downtown Chicago. It may not be near any trout streams, and an occasional gang fight might break out while I’m playing volleyball at the beach, but I’m actually enjoying Chicago. Cities are filled with opportunities, and with so many opportunities come quite a few challenges. Cities can attack those challenges on their own, but often it’s better if they work together. That’s why the National League of Cities exists (I wonder if there’s an American League of Cities…). They are “the country’s oldest, largest and most represented organization serving municipal governments.” They’re based in Washington, DC and they work to represent their members in a number of ways including “advocating for cities and towns, promoting cities and towns, providing programs and services, keeping leaders informed, strengthening leadership skills, recognizing municipal achievements, partnering with state leagues, and providing opportunities for involvement and networking.” It makes sense that our cities should be working together, and the National League of Cities facilitates that cooperation. Continue reading about National League of Cities…
When I was in college, campus sustainability was just starting to become a common buzzword. I guess it makes sense that higher education institutions would be at the forefront of such a movement—you know, since they deal with students protesting by camping in tree tops all the time. Second Nature is a Boston based non-profit organization that is continuing this movement (no not the camping out in tree tops). They initiate and support “high-leverage national initiatives and programs aimed at re-orienting the higher education sector toward more sustainable outcomes.” It’s a smart idea, because they’re targeting the places where their ideas are most likely to catch on. If they can succeed by pushing sustainability forward on college campuses, then there’s a good chance that the sustainability movement can go a lot farther. Continue reading about Second Nature…
