First, what we’re all interested in…the moolah. I’ve been hearing a lot about the investment going into clean tech these days. The first keynote speaker, Ira Ehrenpreis of Technology Partners in Palo Alto also explained why this is so.

• Sector Diversity: it’s not just about water and energy anymore. From green building to agriculture, clean tech is expanding
• Public Interest: green is mainstream, so there is a lot of demand from consumers
• Political Arena: federal and state legislation is pushing change (though not enough, I say!)
• Globalization: the EU and Brazil are key players
• Corporations: eco-consious companies are making big investments
• Exits: IPOs for cleantech companies are appealing

Another interesting session revolved around one of the best renewable energy sources out there: solar. Panelists worked to answer my biggest question about solar - when will it take off?

Fortunately, the answer wasn’t too complicated. Solar is growing at about 30-35% per year. Not bad. But to truly reach the kind of growth that we need, the price will have to come down to about 10-15 cents per kilowatt hour. New advances in technology, like thin film, may make that possible. However, improvements in storage capabilities are also needed - in other words, we need better batteries to hold energy for times when the sun isn’t shining. Still, the panel estimated a boom in growth in about 5-7 years. Seems like a long time off, but panelists were clear on one point: we can do it. We electrified the US once, we can do it again.

Eco-entreprenuers also got a lot of attention during the day via the Fast Pitch competition. Six companies had five minutes each - with time allotments strictly enforced - the present their concept and field questions from a panel of venture capitalists. Concepts ranged from a couple of algae derived energy companies to gasification processes designed to convert waste to energy.

Between the speakers, panelists, entreprenuers, and organizers, a lot of brain power was in attendance at this conference…something that’s sure to benefit us all in the long run.

Image credit: Lowerlighter at Flickr under a Creative Commons License

Based in Oakland, TRP is a nonprofit organization that works to reduce the amount of useable construction materials that go into landfills. Since its founding in 1993, TRP has salvaged over 200,000 tons of reusable building materials. The resulting resources are sold to the public, or are donated to a variety of worthy causes, including Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill Industries.

Though the materials can come from a variety of sources, over 90% come from TRP’s own demolition services. In demolition projects, TRP acts like any other contractor, except that they sell or donate the resulting “waste”. Homowners who use TRP for demolition get a bonus - tax deductions, based on the value of the materials salvaged. These deductions can be large, in some cases covering the cost of the demolition itself.

For those looking to build or renovate their own home, TRP is also a great place to look for materials and appliances on the cheap. Regional warehouses in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Washington are open to the public. They even have inventories online, so you can see if specific items are available before you go.

This weekend, the new Pacoima, CA store is hosting a dedication and open house on Friday (10am - noon) and Saturday (10am - 3pm). Friday’s speakers include Founder and President Ted Reiff, UCLA Professor of Operations and Environmental Management Charles Corbett, and representatives from  the EPA, among others. Saturday, May 10th, features a workshop conducted by Reiff at 11am called, “Tax Deductible Donations for Used Building Materials.”

To give you an idea of the kinds of deals available through TRP, the Pacoima site will have doors on sale for $5 on Saturday. Five bucks  for a door, and you keep it out of a landfill. That’s really cool.

These one-time crack houses were renovated by Cynthia Foster and Karel Samson to become 450 square feet of sustainable, solar-powered beach heaven. Each bungalow has been rebuilt using green materials, like reused wood and recycled denim insulation. Inside, each of the three cottages sports organic linens and mattresses, repurposed furniture, and energy efficient appliances.

Each cottage has its own design, so guests can pick the feel that they’d like. For a lake cabin theme, reserve Aunt Zoe’s Place. If a more masculine room fits the bill, try the Papa Hemingway. Or, select Le Bebe if mid-century modern is more your style.

In developing the property, the owners were able to use their experience and backgrounds: Samson is an environmental economist, and Foster is an actor and artist. The pair have also decided to donate three percent of each rental fee to the guest’s charity of choice, which is sure to make guests feel good about indulging in a beach getaway.

Image: Eric Staudemeir

Well, not Bart exactly, but his theme park counterpart, “The Simpsons Ride” at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. The first of its kind, the new rides use  a variety of technological innovations in their design and construction to reduce their environmental impact. Ay, carumba!

To open in May, the rides feature new techologies:

• Lighting: sporting 2,582 LED lamps - the largest lighting installation of such lights in a theme park ride - will save 2/3 of the energy needed over standard incandescent bulbs.
• Electronic motor drives: new systems that control the power supplied to each ride’s motors will cut power usage by half.
• Hydraulic systems: custom software designed to run the rides’ master control systems will change the way that power is supplied to hydraulics systems, resulting in additional energy savings.

OK, I admit that I don’t know what that last one means, but it shows thesort of holistic thinking that Universal Studios is employing when it comes to their “Green is Universal” initiative. By looking at each piece of an operation, they are finding new ways to save energy, and thus cut costs. Mmmm…money.

The company has also found success in their basic programs, like increasing their recycling rates, switching to alternative fuels, and printing on recycled paper. To all of this, I say, “Woo-hoo!”

Designed to promote green building, alternative energy, and sustainable technologies and practices, the Expo brings together all members of the building and construction community. This includes architects, contractors, designers, government representatives, as well as the interested public. And really, aren’t we all interested these days?

Though I didn’t attend last year, I did go to the event’s transportation equivalent, AltCar. I found AltCar to be very interesting, with tons of great information available to those looking to learn more about sustainable options. If AltBuild is as good, it will be well worth attending.

This year, AltBuild has moved to a new home at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium at 1855 Main Street. On Friday the 25th, the focus is geared toward those in the building trades, while Saturday’s agenda focuses on the general public.

Though admission is free, the event features many top speakers in addition to exhibitors. On Friday at 1pm, a special presentation will be made by Green Cities of California, a collaborative made up of cities throughout the state dedicated to accelerating efforts to achieve sustainability. The group will share its goals and impacts thus far.

Also of note, Victoria Johnston, LEED AP and board member of the US Green Building Council - Redwood Empire Chapter, will deliver Saturday’s Keynote address. Her topic: “Things that work to manifest your green vision.”

A few other panels and presentations that look interesting include:

• Exhibitor Paul Mosier from InvestGreen will offer insight into socially-responsible investing resources.
• SoCal’s Edison and Gas Co will showcase their latest professional and homeowner energy efficiency programs and rebates, and conduct extensive giveaways of showerheads, aerators, and light bulbs. That means free stuff!
• The “Developments Go Green” panel of residential developers and homebuilders will discuss financing sustainable homes and communities, and the integration of deconstruction and reuse into the development of green homes. The panel will be led by Greymar Associates founder and CEO Wally Geer, who brings an extensive background in design, construction, marketing, and finance of both conventional and alternative housing systems.

In addition, workshops and panels on landscaping, climate, interiors/remodeling, and affordable solar applications are scheduled. Check the full schedule for more details about dates and times.

To wrap up the event, the City is hosting free Green Building Tours on Sunday, April 27th. Tours include homes, offices and gardens. Check them out if you need a little inspiration!

Kicking things off is Santa Monica’s Earth Day on the Promenade. Santa Monica seems to be at the forefront of environmental issues and Earth Day is no exception - the city always holds its event early. On Saturday, April 12th, you can check out the booths and exhibits while enjoying live performances up and down the Third Street Promenade.

Also starting early, Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific’s Earth Day Celebration will be held April 12-13. In addition to educational booths, the event will focus on what each of us can do in our daily lives to improve our ecosystem. The event also features activities for children, like face painting. Entrance is free with the purchase of a ticket to the Aquarium, but organizers are doing a cool thing: if you bring in a piece of e-waste, you’ll get $10 off the price of one adult ticket.

For those of you looking for an excuse to visit Catalina (as if you need an excuse) here’s a great one: the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Earth Day Celebration and Eco-Fair. Slated for Saturday the 19th in Avalon, the event features the opportunity to see the elusive Catalina Island Fox, and to try out a “touch tank” featuring creatures from nearby waters. Exhibits, an organic lunch, and musical performances round out the day.

Also on the 19th, the South Los Angeles Earth Fest features unique events, including an environmental film festival and a poster contest. In addition to the fun, this event shines a spotlight on a key environmental issue that is often overlooked: the health affects of pollution on urban children. All proceeds go to California GreenWorks, an environmental outreach and education organization. To be held at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, the event runs from 10am - 5pm.

Likely the largest of all of the happenings, the Green Apple Music Festival is a multi-city event to be held in eight cities across the country. Los Angeles’ version takes place on Sunday, April 20th at the Santa Monica Pier. Performers include Ziggy Marley and Taj Mahal. Best of all, it’s free!

Many events occur on Earth Day itself, April 22nd. Among these is the Wilshire Center Earth Day, which will render a stretch of Wilshire Boulevard a car-free zone, from Western to Harvard. With a focus on green urbanism, the event features live musical performances, a bike raffle, and reusable grocery bag giveaways. One note: though the event only runs from 10am - 5pm, I’ve heard that Wilshire will be closed from 3am - 10pm for set-up and break-down. A good reason for area residents to go car-free that day!

With so many events across the Southland, it’s a great opportunity to have some fun, educate yourself, and commit to doing better by the environment. If you’re inspired to make a difference during this Earth Day season, there are a myriad of volunteer opportunities out there. You can clean a beach, a creek, a forest, or a park. you can restore native plants. You can even pick up that candy wrapper on the sidewalk. You can make a difference, which is what Earth Day is all about, isn’t it?

Business events like the AeA soponsored, “How Does Going Green Affect the Bottom Line?” further the cause. Held on March 20th at UCLA, technology companies discussed their successes along the journey to sustainability, and shared lessons learned related to different areas of greening.

A few key takeaways for companies interested in going green:

Green Building - Alan Ball, QualComm: In QualComm’s experience, higher initial costs can be offset by good planning. Multiple revisions allow costs to get out of control. And QualComm should know, as they have built the largest LEED certified building in the US. This is key, as it is well known that green buildings save money in the long run, but many companies balk at perceived higher initial costs.

Solar Energy - Carrie Norton, Energy Innovations: EI Solutions is the solar provider for Google’s installation, the largest in the country, as seen in the photo above. In their experience, the economics of solar are improving as the consideration of externalities, including environmental benefits, are being brought into the equation. This appears to be the case, as more stories regarding large scale solar projects hit the news, like SoCal Edison’s plans for rooftop installations.

Business Drivers - Doug Hileman, Consultant: Hileman made the case that sustainability is being driven by many developments in the general business environment, including globalization, outsourcing, and regulations like Sarbanes-Oxley. The movement is also being driven by human resources concerns as companies fight for top talent: it’s been reported that 92% of workers want to work for an environmentally friendly company. Now that’s a figure no firm can ignore.

Branding - Tom Feegel, Brand Neutral: According to Tom, the key for branding a green product is moving consumers from the awareness phase through to the advantage phase, where people feel that they are part of the solution by using the product. This emotional tie is what branding is all about, and green products are certainly no exception.

Event sponsor AeA, the nation’s oldest technology trade association, serves its member companies by lobbying all levels of government, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering networking and business services. At this particular event, AeA did a good job pulling panelists from different industries. They did such a good job, in fact, that I would have liked to have heard much more on each panelists’ views and experience - the large number of panelists meant that each had very little time to speak and answer questions.

Overall, the sense in the room was that this whole sustainability thing is just getting started in our offices and boardrooms. People want to make a difference, and are working on gaining the knowledge needed to do so. That’s definitely a move in the right direction.

Photo credit: Google.com

A panel held at UCLA this month, dedicated to sustainability in business, put this issue in the spotlight and revealed some useful information for companies looking to reduce their footprints. A few key points:Everyone does it differently: Companies looking to go green do so in many different ways, according to their business needs, structure, and culture. At toy giant Mattel, for example, sustainability is engrained in the company culture, so it’s something everyone thinks about. Initiatives to reduce resources used in shipping, packaging and catalogs have helped the company to lower their energy usage, carbon emissions, and water usage.

Use your company’s common language to “sell” sustainability: If you’re looking to convince others of the benefits of going green, stay away from buzzwords (like “sustainability”!) and instead focus on the language already used in your company, perhaps terms like conservation and efficiency. Back up your ideas with analysis, and don’t forget to use your people skills!

Keep an eye on trends: Smart companies, like Roll International (owner of the Fiji water brand) are working on carbon footprinting to establish a baseline of their greenhouse gas emissions. Measurable improvemets can then be reported both internally and externally, which points to another key trend - transparent reporting. By communicating openly with stakeholders about all of their successes and challenges, companies not only protect themselves from accusations of greenwashing, but also share their lessons learned with other companies. A boon for those of you following in their footsteps.

To help those in other parts of the world who are not as fortunate, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has developed The Tap Project, which runs this week through World Water Day on Saturday, March 23rd.

The concept is simple, but the results will be powerful: participating restaurants invite patrons to donate $1 for each glass of tap water that they normally receive for free. For every dollar raised, a child will have clean drinking water for 40 days. Since the lack of clean and accessible water is the second largest killer of children under five, this is an important outcome.

Last year, the project was limited to New York City. For 2008, it has spread nationwide with restaurants in 16 cities participating, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Here in LA, dozens of restaurants are involved, from The Lobster in Santa Monica to Mama’s Hot Tamales in MacArthur Park to Sushi Roku in Pasadena. No matter where you live, you can use the zip code search feature to find one near you.

Though it can be difficult to understand how BALLE works, I’ll try to nutshell it for you. BALLE, a national organization, is made up of local business networks.  The networks are spread out all over the country, and each is focused on improving the sustainability of its own unique local economy. The businesses that make up each network are locally owned - they work together to share local resources and ideas, and to improve their local economy. BALLE provides resources to these member networks, like conferences and trainings.

By maintaining a local focus, business dollars remain local, which means more local investment. From an environmental standpoint, buying local reduces the carbon footprint of goods, and thus, industry as a whole.

The original BALLE network, The Sustainable Business Network of Philadelphia, was launched in 2001 by Judy Wicks, a cafe owner looking to provide food that was local, organic, and humanely raised. After working hard to find suppliers (even providing a low-interest loan to an Amish pig farmer) she decided to share her knowledge and contacts with other restauranteurs. BALLE was born.

Over time, the network grew beyond food to include other areas of local sustainable economies, like green building, renewable energy, and zero-waste manufacturing. Additions to the BALLE network are springing up all over, each based on the needs and idiosyncrasies of its locale.

Surprisingly, BALLE LA is just getting going, so it’s the perfect opportunity to get involved. The next meeting will be held on March 19th from 7:00 - 9:00pm, at Essential Living Foods in Santa Monica. Steering positions are still available if you’d like to take the reigns in creating a local living economy here in LA.

First up on March 12th, the Sustainable Resource Center, in partnership with several UCLA clubs, is hosting a panel discussion dedicated specifically to sustainability consulting. Since this topic encompasses a variety of services, such as high-level strategy, facilities management, and environmental compliance, the panel will represent each of these different perspectives. Specifically, panelists wil discuss the evolution of sustainability consulting, emerging trends, and the possible business opportunities and career paths available.

Panelists include:

• Large Diversified Sustainability Consulting: Christopher Park, Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting
• Start-up Business Strategy and Clean Technology Consulting: Jay Brandeis, Co-founder and Partner, Teotl Energy Partners
• Environmental and Efficiency Project Consulting: Virginia Nicols, Corporate and Community Relations, EcoMotion
• Internal Corporate Social Responsibility: Kathleen A. Shaver, Senior Manager of Global Corporate Sustainability, Mattel

To be held at the UCLA Anderson School of Management in the Executive Dining Room in Gold Hall, the panel discussion will occur from 7:00 - 8:00pm, followed by open networking until 9:00pm. The event is free (though parking will set you back $6-8) but space is limited, so RSVP right away.

The following week on March 20th, UCLA is hosting a panel discussion and networking event entitled, “How Does Going Green Affect the Bottom Line?” Focused on corporate social responsibility and green initiatives and organized by AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association, industry panelists will share their “Triple Bottom Line” success stories and will discuss how companies can improve profitability through a commitment to the environment.

Moderated by Diane Wittenberg, Executive Director of The Climate Registry, the panel will discuss topics involving green technology initiatives, reduction of emissions, environmental stewardship, E-waste and green IT, water and energy usage, employee relations, sustainable practices, government incentives, and even cautionary tales about greenwashing.

This event will also be held at the UCLA Anderson Executive Dining Room in Gold Hall, from 5:30 - 8:00pm. However, when you RSVP there is a fee: $55 for AeA members and $75 for non-members. If you’re looking for information or contacts related to green technology, it seems a small price to pay.

Despite this year’s shortened Hollywood award season and last minute preparations, organizers managed to up the green cred for entertainment’s premier event, the Oscars®.

During the telecast, host Jon Stewart mentioned that the Oscars® had gone green, but didn’t go into any details…I was left wondering, “How green?” A quick trip to the Oscars website revealed a lot of detail. Some initiatives were simple prerequisites for any greening program, such as:

• Recycling collection for glass, paper, metal and plastics
• Use of low-VOC paints in the green room
• Reuse of anything and everything possible after the show, including plants, furniture, and set pieces
• Purchase of paper products containing post-consumer content

Other elements were a bit more interesting:

• Energy: The Academy scores points for using energy from 100% renewable wind power for the arrivals, pre-show, telecast, and Governor’s Ball. As an aside, at the Independent Spirit Awards the day before, host Rainn Wilson brought the funny by taking us “behind the curtain” to see the renewable energy powering that broadcast: a bicycle manned by a ferociously pedaling Ed Begley, Jr.
• Composting: For the first time, the Academy focused on composting food, plant and biodegradable/compostable service ware by placing labeled bins near catering stations.
• Set Deconstruction: Non-reusable set pieces and other construction elements were sent to a construction and demolition facility that recovers 75-84% of materials sent there for recycling.

As I read through all of the green initiatives that went in to making Oscar® night, it became clear just how big the Oscars® are – it’s not just one event, but a series of events that are supported by many industries. From energy and transportation to catering and the press, the current environmental impact is enormous. These steps forward are important ones, but they must be just the beginning.

Why is Lake Mead’s survival so crucial? Courtesy of melting snowpack feeding the Colorado River, the lake supplies 90% of Las Vegas’ water. Yes, you read that correctly: 90%. The Colorado system also meets much of the demand in the rest of the Southwest, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix and Tucson. Without this source, the current drought experienced in this region will become exponentially worse.

A post I wrote a few months ago detailing the top three ways that you can conserve water seems particularly salient now: fixing leaks, installing low flow devices, and eating less corn-fed beef will have a big impact. But this new news out of the desert pushes us to go further. So, courtesy of Sustainable Works in Santa Monica, California, here are some additional ways to save one of our most precious resources:

• Change your behavior: take shorter showers, sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them off, and allow food to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Patronize a commercial car wash that recycles water, or try a water-free alternative like Lucky Earth “Waterless” Car Wash
• Appliances: look for the Energy Star label on dishwashers and washing machines, and only run them when full. Consider a front-loading washer, which use a little over half of the water of traditional top-loaders.
• Landscaping: since an estimated 50% of residential water use occurs outside, plant drought tolerant or native plants, use mulch, and consider installing a drip irrigation system

In summary, every time the water is running, make sure that it is being used efficiently.

What about you? What steps do you take to reduce your water usage?

Photo credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET Networks

See Also:

Planetsave: Las Vegas Ripping Up Lawns to Save Water, But is it Enough?

Planetsave: R.I.P. Lake Mead, U.S. Southwest

To capitalize on the event, Global Green is hosting a pre-Oscar party. To be held on Wednesday, February 20th at super-club Avalon in Hollywood, the event just might provide celebrity gawkers with their fill of ogling…the Los Angeles committee includes such A-listers as Orlando Bloom, Penelope Cruz, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Charlize Theron.The event will showcase smart solutions to global climate change and will feature a performance by Michelle Branch, and other musical guests.

As a venue, Avalon is a Hollywood landmark. Built in 1927 and originally dubbed the Hollywood Playhouse, the site has seen many legends cross its stages, from Lucille Ball during her CBS Radio days to the Rolling Stones and Bill Clinton. Through its many lives, including its stint as hotspot The Palace, the venue has remained a piece of Hollywood history.

However, like most things in LA the event isn’t cheap - tickets start at $250. Premier Seating is available for $1,000 and provides reserved table seating and premium bottle service. At the Patron level, $5,000 gets you two tickets, plus “green carpet” entrance and access to the Patron Lounge. Of course, the money raised goes to support Global Green’s fight against global warming, including the green rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

If this event just isn’t in your budget, consider checking out Global Green’s Green Building Resource Center in Santa Monica. Open to the public, the center supports green building in Los Angeles by offering free advice and information on green building strategies. Hours vary by day, so make sure to check their website for times.