The sun has yet to fully shine on the solar-power industry in Texas. The industry is still tiny, accounting for a fraction of 1 percent of the state’s electric power generation. But industry professionals and advocates of renewable energy say that Texas potentially could become the No. 1 generator of solar power in the U.S. within several years, thanks to its size, wide-open spaces, sunshine and a large, fast-growing population that will need more electricity. The Lone Star State will be in the solar spotlight this week, with 24,000 industry professionals flocking to the Solar Power International conference at the Dallas Convention Center. With costs for solar panels plunging and big new power transmission lines being built in West Texas, “we’re getting ready to have a solar boom,” said Michael Osborne, an official with Austin Energy, a municipal electric utility that expects to buy power from a new 30-megawatt solar farm east of Austin by year’s end. [Read this article]
Texas Sun May Soon Heat Up Solar Power
Date: 10/17/2011 | Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram 
Most Innovative Green Designs
Date: 10/17/2011 | Source: Newsweek
It’s not enough merely to make a product that helps the planet by being less wasteful. A really green design has to be propaganda for the whole idea of greenness itself. Consumers need to be sold on a future of more cautious consumption and that’s where daring design comes in: an object that draws attention to itself as new and exciting also draws attention to the fabulous green principles behind it. Will the world be saved by an iPhone case made from rice-harvest byproducts? Probably not – our brightest future almost certainly lies in buying way fewer phones and their cases. But until that low-consumption future comes along, designers can remind us that our planet needs saving. In an ideal world, today’s best green objects might even help us bring our object population down by changing the ecology of every home and office. A few precious designs, screaming their green credentials, could push a mass of trivial goods to extinction. [Read this article]
California Has 1 In 4 U.S. Solar Energy Jobs, Study Says
Date: 10/17/2011 | Source: Los Angeles Times
One in every four solar energy jobs in America is held by a Californian, and growth in the clean-tech industry is burgeoning nationwide, a new study said. In August, California had an estimated 25,575 solar-related jobs out of 100,237 for all 50 states, according to the National Solar Jobs Census 2011. California’s solar jobs tally was more than four times greater than runner-up Colorado, which had 6,186 solar jobs. The Golden State ranked first in the nation for generating electricity from both photovoltaic solar panels and concentrated solar power systems that use mirrors to create steam to run turbines, the study said. “This report shows that the solar industry is not only creating green jobs across California but that the industry is forecast to continue growing at a much faster pace than the overall U.S. economy,” said Michelle Kinman, a clean energy advocate for Environment California. [Read this article]
Los Angeles: Go Eco-Awesome At Green Festival
Date: 10/17/2011 | Source: LAist
America’s largest green living event is coming to the L.A. Convention Center at the end of October. Green Festival – a project of Green America and Global Exchange – celebrates positive community solutions, local business and a ten year milestone this year. Over 25,000 attendees are expected at this year’s fest. More than 125 speakers and teachers will inspire and educate on ten stages and pavilions. Taking place on October 29 and October 30, Green Festival offers something for the green in everyone. “It’s where people come to meet renowned authors, actors, visionaries and community leaders; shop with hundreds of green businesses; participate in DIY workshops; enjoy live music and local vegan and vegetarian cuisine; and join friends at the organic beer and wine garden,” as stated in a press release. The Green Marketplace will profile hundreds of green, socially responsible businesses and organizations, and an eco-fashion show will showcase earth-friendly casual wear and couture. [Read this article]
What Students Taught Dow About Innovation
Date: 10/17/2011 | Source: GreenBiz.com
From resource scarcity to climate change and poverty, the sustainability challenges we face are immense. This hasn’t escaped a growing number of companies that are increasingly viewing the issues as potential business opportunities, leading them to develop new products and services designed to address these problems. For the last three years, Dow has gone a step further by trying to foster the next generation of sustainability problem solvers through the Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge. The event is meant to “encourage and promote forward thinking mindsets in social and environmental responsibility,’ according to Neil Hawkins, Dow’s vice president of sustainability and environment, health and safety. The contest helped some students launch new companies and taught them about the potential of collaboration. In this Q&A, Hawkins explains that students also taught Dow a thing or two. [Read this article]
New Addendum Could Help Appraisers Give Credit For Green Features
Date: 10/12/2011 | Source: Los Angeles Times
Here’s some good news for homeowners who’ve installed energy-saving features but haven’t been sure appraisers will credit them with higher valuations: Thanks to a new industry-issued appraisal addendum, the odds have improved that such upgrades get the fairer market value they’re due. The Appraisal Institute published the long-awaited addendum late last month. It’s designed to be attached to any standard appraisal report covering a property with significant green features. The institute’s addendum runs the gamut of improvements and ratings, and goes well beyond energy efficiency. Though it has basic sections covering insulation, windows, lighting, heating, air conditioning and solar, it also covers sustainability features such as the presence of water-saving or reclamation systems, landscaping that lowers either water or energy use, and even the presence – or lack – of public transportation nearby that might help lower fuel usage. [Read this article]
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