Half a century ago, the first images of Earth from space were broadcast around the world. These catalyzed awareness that, for better or worse, Earth is a dynamic, interconnected system. For tech companies pursuing “sustainability,” this awareness presents a paradox of cosmic proportions. On the one hand, we hope that new innovations will improve the quality of life for billions of people. Yet we’re accelerating the transformation of ecological commons into expendable commodities.
Not all businesses are created equal. There are numerous approaches on how to run a business. They are all based on one or a mix of five paradigms. They are drawn from and incorporate arcane, discredited beliefs as well as popular modern ideas which are filled with myths. All are invisible to their leaders, as to their source and rationale, but determine the results they get in markets and the effects they have on the world around them. It is difficult, if not impossible, to create change without exposing these underpinnings.
Corporate buyers, state regulators and large utilities are increasingly taking a leadership role across the U.S. with significant renewable energy projects. In New York, ConEdison is leading a set of initiatives called Reforming the Energy Vision, or REV, to redefine the way customers participate in the electric power system. In California, Governor Jerry Brown, state legislators and the California Public Utilities Commission are pushing increases in renewable energy procurement.
The CNN political commentator and founder of Dream Corps discusses how to communicate with people with different political and personal world views.
Senior executives from three very different U.S. utilities discuss their respective visions for the future of utilities — specifically, the energy transition issues they are dealing with locally and nationally, and what it will take for corporations and local governments to work collaboratively with utilities to advance a clean energy economy. The conversation will also include a focus on how innovations within the power sector — including technologies and business models — are spurring significant opportunities for all industry stakeholders.
What should business leaders do to compensate for the lack of leadership on renewable energy from policy leaders in Washington?They need to reframe their responsibility to compel the government to do its job, according to a congressman, Google’s head of energy policy and market development and a former White House chief sustainability officer turned renewable energy finance entrepreneur, at a VERGE 17 panel.
GreenBiz welcomes everyone to the last day’s plenaries — with some special announcements.
For years, utilities have resisted the distributed energy revolution already underway. Yet, electrification of the transportation sector presents a historic opportunity for growth, and it is a critical path for climate stabilization.
A conversation with Apple’s visionary sustainability executive on the company’s commitments on renewable energy, circular materials and other topics.
Digital efficiency is a critical differentiator enabling competitiveness and growth in companies and countries. The industrial internet enables efficiency improvements that yield economic gains and environmental benefits beyond the traditional development and introduction of new technology. Leaders from GE, Intel and MWH will share insights and global examples of how embracing digital efficiency has returned costs savings, reduced emissions, and created greater productivity within their own operations and for their customers.