The results are in...and we come in 39th.
Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, Yale University, Daniel C. Esty Director
The 2008 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) quantitatively tracks national performance on a core set of environmental policy goals for which every government can be – and should be – held accountable.
The EPI focuses on two overarching environmental objectives:
1. Reducing environmental stresses to human health, and
2. Promoting ecosystem vitality and sound natural resource management.
The two overarching objectives are gauged using 25 performance indicators tracked in six well-established policy categories, which are then combined to create a final score.
Switzerland, Norway, and Sweden top the list, while Sierra Leone, Angola, and Niger rank at the bottom.
See the rankings and learn more about the index at http://epi.yale.edu/2008EPIOverview.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Advancing the New Energy Economy
Green Jobs and Investment in California
Green Tech Summit, Yerba Buena Center, San Francisco, January 14, 2008
This one-day summit was attended by nearly 800 investors, policy makers, educators, industry experts, and labor leaders to discuss investment, growth, and job opportunities in green tech. It was a very interactive and educational meeting with the primary goal to identify mechanisms to achieve tangible economic, environmental, and social benefits through California's progressive climate and environmental policies.
The summit began with opening addresses from Timothy Alan Simon, Commissioner for the California PUC, Willie Brown, former Mayor of San Francisco, and Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco.
- Amongst other things, Willie Brown said buy his "g*ddamn book".
I missed a lot of what he said because the audience was laughing so loudly.
- Gavin Newsom basically said that San Francisco is committed to going green, and showed a very hip music video to prove it. He also mentioned some more concrete examples, including the transition to natural gas-powered taxis, the carbon neutralization of the city through the purchase of locally based carbon offsets from three SF-based trading companies, and the move toward replacing revenue from city payroll taxes by assessing carbon taxes.
Later in the day we were also treated to video feeds from California State Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez (live) and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (not so live), as well as a visit from Attorney General and former Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown. Jerry Brown had some pithy advice for the forward-looking audience:
- There will be resistance to moving towards a green economy. Some people think that talking about the future is 'flaky', so try to make it all sound like yesterday.
- Try not to get too far ahead of yourself.
- The road ahead is rocky, with obstacles, and strewn with Republicans.
The first panel, moderated by Phil Angelides, Chairman of the Apollo Alliance and former Treasurer and Democratic candidate for Governor, focused on how to prepare California for a booming green economy. The panel comprised Van Jones, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Peter Darbee, Chairman of the Board, CEO, and President of PG&E, Nancy Pfund, JPMorgan, Dr. Marshall Drummond, Chancellor of the LA Community College District, and Jay Hansen, Legislative and Political Director of the State Building & Construction Trades Council. The panel identified that there are large gaps between labor demand and supply, and a significant need to develop a diversified and skilled green workforce. Some key comments:
- Training and education in green technologies needs to begin with vocational training and adequate training investment, starting in primary and secondary schools, community colleges, and prisons.
- There needs to be equity in the new green workforce. The green economy should be inclusive, especially of those who were left out of petroleum-powered industry jobs.
- With only 4% of the world's population, the US accounts for 25% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions and 25% of the prison population (of those known to be incarcerated?).
The second panel, moderated by Dan Kammen of UC Berkeley, focused on how to go from investment and innovation to green jobs to meeting the state's climate change goals. The panel comprised Julie Blunden of SunPower, Nancy Floyd of Nth Power, Joseph Perkins, President and CEO of the Home Builders Association of Northern California, and Dan Reicher, Director of Climate Change and Energy Initiatives for google.org and former Assistant Energy Secretary under President Clinton. The panel proposed that in addition to private investment, there need to be government incentives to initially subsidize the green economy, just as the petroleum economy has been subsidized historically. Some key comments:
- Solar/thermal energy technology and application is growing exponentially. It is estimated that solar energy costs will decrease 50% by 2012 as compared to today's costs.
- 10% of today's venture capital dollars are going to research, development, and product innovation in new energy technologies.
- 50% of US energy still comes from coal. We need a carbon price and cap immediately.
- The easiest and largest energy efficiency gains to be made right now come from conservation.
The third session consisted of interactive break-out groups of approximately 150 people each. Each group focused on a different topic, with the goal of developing strategies and solutions that advance clean energy investment in California. My group was moderated by Jose Carmona, policy coordinator for the non-profit Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology (CEERT). Honestly, I didn't hear any concrete solutions come out of our or the other sessions, except one guy did propose that if we could convince 14-year old girls that fuel inefficiency was really uncool, they would never date another guy who drove a Hummer, which would ultimately drive up CAFE standards.
The fourth and final panel was moderated by Bob Epstein, co-founder of Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). This session basically verbalized the perspectives, experiences, and opinions of the panel members, who comprised Dr. Philip Day, Chancellor of City College of San Francisco, Raquel Pinderhughes, Professor of Urban Studies at SFSU, Peter Liu, founder of New Resource Bank, and Tom Martinez, Business Development Director for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
The summit hosts included the California Public Utilities Commission, the Willie L. Brown Jr. Institute on Politics and Public Service, the California Clean Energy Fund, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, and the Apollo Alliance.
Other sponsors included Manatt, PG&E, Southern California Edison, Morrison Foerster, Cal-Am, Independent Energy Producers Association, Goodin MacBride Squeri Day & Lamprey LLP, Constellation NewEnergy, Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services, Shell, Blaylock & Co., Grant Capital Management, Renewable Energy Marketing Board, Woodside Natural Gas, EnXco, Bloomenergy, Navigant Consulting, and many others.
And here's a link to an article about the summit published last week in the SF Chronicle.
Green Tech Summit, Yerba Buena Center, San Francisco, January 14, 2008
This one-day summit was attended by nearly 800 investors, policy makers, educators, industry experts, and labor leaders to discuss investment, growth, and job opportunities in green tech. It was a very interactive and educational meeting with the primary goal to identify mechanisms to achieve tangible economic, environmental, and social benefits through California's progressive climate and environmental policies.
The summit began with opening addresses from Timothy Alan Simon, Commissioner for the California PUC, Willie Brown, former Mayor of San Francisco, and Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco.
- Amongst other things, Willie Brown said buy his "g*ddamn book".
I missed a lot of what he said because the audience was laughing so loudly.
- Gavin Newsom basically said that San Francisco is committed to going green, and showed a very hip music video to prove it. He also mentioned some more concrete examples, including the transition to natural gas-powered taxis, the carbon neutralization of the city through the purchase of locally based carbon offsets from three SF-based trading companies, and the move toward replacing revenue from city payroll taxes by assessing carbon taxes.
Later in the day we were also treated to video feeds from California State Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez (live) and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (not so live), as well as a visit from Attorney General and former Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown. Jerry Brown had some pithy advice for the forward-looking audience:
- There will be resistance to moving towards a green economy. Some people think that talking about the future is 'flaky', so try to make it all sound like yesterday.
- Try not to get too far ahead of yourself.
- The road ahead is rocky, with obstacles, and strewn with Republicans.
The first panel, moderated by Phil Angelides, Chairman of the Apollo Alliance and former Treasurer and Democratic candidate for Governor, focused on how to prepare California for a booming green economy. The panel comprised Van Jones, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Peter Darbee, Chairman of the Board, CEO, and President of PG&E, Nancy Pfund, JPMorgan, Dr. Marshall Drummond, Chancellor of the LA Community College District, and Jay Hansen, Legislative and Political Director of the State Building & Construction Trades Council. The panel identified that there are large gaps between labor demand and supply, and a significant need to develop a diversified and skilled green workforce. Some key comments:
- Training and education in green technologies needs to begin with vocational training and adequate training investment, starting in primary and secondary schools, community colleges, and prisons.
- There needs to be equity in the new green workforce. The green economy should be inclusive, especially of those who were left out of petroleum-powered industry jobs.
- With only 4% of the world's population, the US accounts for 25% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions and 25% of the prison population (of those known to be incarcerated?).
The second panel, moderated by Dan Kammen of UC Berkeley, focused on how to go from investment and innovation to green jobs to meeting the state's climate change goals. The panel comprised Julie Blunden of SunPower, Nancy Floyd of Nth Power, Joseph Perkins, President and CEO of the Home Builders Association of Northern California, and Dan Reicher, Director of Climate Change and Energy Initiatives for google.org and former Assistant Energy Secretary under President Clinton. The panel proposed that in addition to private investment, there need to be government incentives to initially subsidize the green economy, just as the petroleum economy has been subsidized historically. Some key comments:
- Solar/thermal energy technology and application is growing exponentially. It is estimated that solar energy costs will decrease 50% by 2012 as compared to today's costs.
- 10% of today's venture capital dollars are going to research, development, and product innovation in new energy technologies.
- 50% of US energy still comes from coal. We need a carbon price and cap immediately.
- The easiest and largest energy efficiency gains to be made right now come from conservation.
The third session consisted of interactive break-out groups of approximately 150 people each. Each group focused on a different topic, with the goal of developing strategies and solutions that advance clean energy investment in California. My group was moderated by Jose Carmona, policy coordinator for the non-profit Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology (CEERT). Honestly, I didn't hear any concrete solutions come out of our or the other sessions, except one guy did propose that if we could convince 14-year old girls that fuel inefficiency was really uncool, they would never date another guy who drove a Hummer, which would ultimately drive up CAFE standards.
The fourth and final panel was moderated by Bob Epstein, co-founder of Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). This session basically verbalized the perspectives, experiences, and opinions of the panel members, who comprised Dr. Philip Day, Chancellor of City College of San Francisco, Raquel Pinderhughes, Professor of Urban Studies at SFSU, Peter Liu, founder of New Resource Bank, and Tom Martinez, Business Development Director for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
The summit hosts included the California Public Utilities Commission, the Willie L. Brown Jr. Institute on Politics and Public Service, the California Clean Energy Fund, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, and the Apollo Alliance.
Other sponsors included Manatt, PG&E, Southern California Edison, Morrison Foerster, Cal-Am, Independent Energy Producers Association, Goodin MacBride Squeri Day & Lamprey LLP, Constellation NewEnergy, Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services, Shell, Blaylock & Co., Grant Capital Management, Renewable Energy Marketing Board, Woodside Natural Gas, EnXco, Bloomenergy, Navigant Consulting, and many others.
And here's a link to an article about the summit published last week in the SF Chronicle.
Sustainability Coming Soon to a Building Code Near You
Sustainable Building Standard Expected by Year-End
Nadine M. Post, Engineering News-Record, January 23, 2008
The first US standard for high-performance buildings--called Sustainability in Building Codes, ASHRAE/USGBC/IESNA Standard 189.1P--could be released by the end of the year, according to one of the co-developers of the standard. The proposed standard will provide minimum requirements for the design of new high-performance commercial buildings and for major renovations. It will address energy efficiency, a building's impact on the atmosphere, sustainable sites, water use efficiency, materials and resources, and the quality of the environment indoors.
The standard is being developed by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the US Green Building Council (USGBC). In writing the standard, the committee "considered and incorporated" other aspects of national initiatives on sustainable buildings, including those of federal agencies, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the US Conference of Mayors.
Read the complete story here: http://enr.ecnext.com/coms2/article_nebuar080123
Nadine M. Post, Engineering News-Record, January 23, 2008
The first US standard for high-performance buildings--called Sustainability in Building Codes, ASHRAE/USGBC/IESNA Standard 189.1P--could be released by the end of the year, according to one of the co-developers of the standard. The proposed standard will provide minimum requirements for the design of new high-performance commercial buildings and for major renovations. It will address energy efficiency, a building's impact on the atmosphere, sustainable sites, water use efficiency, materials and resources, and the quality of the environment indoors.
The standard is being developed by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the US Green Building Council (USGBC). In writing the standard, the committee "considered and incorporated" other aspects of national initiatives on sustainable buildings, including those of federal agencies, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the US Conference of Mayors.
Read the complete story here: http://enr.ecnext.com/coms2/article_nebuar080123
Not All Biofuels Are Created Equal
Europe, Cutting Biofuel Subsidies, Redirects Aid to Stress Greenest Options
Elisabeth Rosenthal, New York Times, January 22, 2008
There is increasing evidence that the total emissions and environmental damage from producing many “clean” biofuels outweighs their lower emissions when compared with fossil fuels. European biofuel manufacturers and sellers will now have to quantify their fuel’s net effect on the environment before being eligible for subsidies. Governments in Europe and elsewhere have begun rolling back generous subsidies for biofuels, acknowledging that the environmental benefits of some have often been overstated. Under a proposed Swiss directive, for example, a liter of biofuel would have to produce 40 percent less in emissions than fossil fuel to qualify for special treatment. It will be hard to make corn ethanol or even rapeseed (used to make canola oil) meet the standard, said Lukas Gutzwiller of Switzerland’s Federal Energy Office.
Read the complete story here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/22/business/worldbusiness/22biofuels.html?em&ex=1201237200&en=e6734a420d6683cb&ei=5087%0A
Elisabeth Rosenthal, New York Times, January 22, 2008
There is increasing evidence that the total emissions and environmental damage from producing many “clean” biofuels outweighs their lower emissions when compared with fossil fuels. European biofuel manufacturers and sellers will now have to quantify their fuel’s net effect on the environment before being eligible for subsidies. Governments in Europe and elsewhere have begun rolling back generous subsidies for biofuels, acknowledging that the environmental benefits of some have often been overstated. Under a proposed Swiss directive, for example, a liter of biofuel would have to produce 40 percent less in emissions than fossil fuel to qualify for special treatment. It will be hard to make corn ethanol or even rapeseed (used to make canola oil) meet the standard, said Lukas Gutzwiller of Switzerland’s Federal Energy Office.
Read the complete story here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/22/business/worldbusiness/22biofuels.html?em&ex=1201237200&en=e6734a420d6683cb&ei=5087%0A
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Dreaming of a Green Christmas
Friends of the Urban Forest and SF Environment are offering delivery, pick-up and planting of living, potted trees in time for the holidays. The eight-ft tall trees have been hand-picked to thrive in San Francisco. There are four types of trees to choose from: Southern Magnolia, Small Leaf Tristania, Strawberry Tree, and New Zealand Christmas Tree.
Trees are $90, and orders are available through Tuesday, December 19, 2007. Or visit their Green Christmas Tree lot on Saturday, December 15 from 4-7 pm to tag one for delivery or take one home on the spot.
Delivery and pick-up available to SF residents only. Maybe next year, Oakland?
Trees are $90, and orders are available through Tuesday, December 19, 2007. Or visit their Green Christmas Tree lot on Saturday, December 15 from 4-7 pm to tag one for delivery or take one home on the spot.
Delivery and pick-up available to SF residents only. Maybe next year, Oakland?
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Cargo Ship Spills after Hitting Bridge
Spill closes SF Beaches
Jonathan Curiel, Peter Fimrite, Jane Kay, SF Chronicle, November 8, 2007
Approximately 58,000 gallons of heavy-duty bunker fuel oil spilled from a container ship when it rammed the Bay Bridge on Wednesday. Some 8,000 gallons of oil have been contained since Wednesday's accident, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. William Uberti said this morning. Large patches are still floating in the bay and some has washed up on several San Francisco beaches and the Marin Headlands, officials said today. Some officials say the impacts to beaches will worsen early this afternoon as the tide rushes out of the Golden Gate.
Read the complete story here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/11/08/BAD8T8PLU.DTL
Jonathan Curiel, Peter Fimrite, Jane Kay, SF Chronicle, November 8, 2007
Approximately 58,000 gallons of heavy-duty bunker fuel oil spilled from a container ship when it rammed the Bay Bridge on Wednesday. Some 8,000 gallons of oil have been contained since Wednesday's accident, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. William Uberti said this morning. Large patches are still floating in the bay and some has washed up on several San Francisco beaches and the Marin Headlands, officials said today. Some officials say the impacts to beaches will worsen early this afternoon as the tide rushes out of the Golden Gate.
Read the complete story here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/11/08/BAD8T8PLU.DTL
The Energy Cost of Water
An interesting talk about the connection between water and energy given a few months ago by Heather Cooley at the Commonwealth Club of California.
Carbon Calculus
Accounting for the True Cost of Energy
Matthew L. Wald, NY Times, November 7, 2007
On Thursday, a Senate subcommittee approved a bill to establish a cap-and-trade system for carbon dioxide, and the Democratic leadership is eager to have the Senate pass it by year’s end. But prospects in the House are less certain. Carbon dioxide is what economists call an “externality,” something that imposes a cost on somebody other than the manufacturer. At some point, the thinking goes, Congress will force industries to pay those costs, either with a tax or a cap-and-trade system in which allowances will cost money. Cost for fuels that result in hefty emissions, like coal and oil, as well as "closet carbon" fuels like corn-based ethanol, would likely increase. And some — sunlight, wind, uranium, even corn stalks and trash, as well as natural gas — would probably cost much less.
Read the complete story here.
And, more green business stories in the NY Times.
Matthew L. Wald, NY Times, November 7, 2007
On Thursday, a Senate subcommittee approved a bill to establish a cap-and-trade system for carbon dioxide, and the Democratic leadership is eager to have the Senate pass it by year’s end. But prospects in the House are less certain. Carbon dioxide is what economists call an “externality,” something that imposes a cost on somebody other than the manufacturer. At some point, the thinking goes, Congress will force industries to pay those costs, either with a tax or a cap-and-trade system in which allowances will cost money. Cost for fuels that result in hefty emissions, like coal and oil, as well as "closet carbon" fuels like corn-based ethanol, would likely increase. And some — sunlight, wind, uranium, even corn stalks and trash, as well as natural gas — would probably cost much less.
Read the complete story here.
And, more green business stories in the NY Times.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Green Festival November 9-11!
Looking for something to do this weekend?
Go to the Green Festival in San Francisco!
One of four nationwide events, Green Festivals highlight what is working in our communities, for people, for businesses and for the environment. Each festival features more than 200 visionary speakers and 400 green businesses, how-to workshops, green films, yoga and movement classes, green careers sessions, organic beer and wine, delicious organic cuisine and live music.
You can:
- attend lectures and workshops by thought leaders, business visionaries and community activists
- connect with like-minded individuals and organizations who are committed to a better world
- learn about organizations effecting positive and sustainable change in our region, our country, and the around the planet
- have fun meeting interesting people who share common interests
- eat delicious, healthy, organic, and sustainably produced food and listen to local musicians
A 3-day festival pass is only $25, and children under 12 are free. Daily tickets are $15.
Learn more about the festival at greenfestival.
Go to the Green Festival in San Francisco!
One of four nationwide events, Green Festivals highlight what is working in our communities, for people, for businesses and for the environment. Each festival features more than 200 visionary speakers and 400 green businesses, how-to workshops, green films, yoga and movement classes, green careers sessions, organic beer and wine, delicious organic cuisine and live music.
You can:
- attend lectures and workshops by thought leaders, business visionaries and community activists
- connect with like-minded individuals and organizations who are committed to a better world
- learn about organizations effecting positive and sustainable change in our region, our country, and the around the planet
- have fun meeting interesting people who share common interests
- eat delicious, healthy, organic, and sustainably produced food and listen to local musicians
A 3-day festival pass is only $25, and children under 12 are free. Daily tickets are $15.
Learn more about the festival at greenfestival.
Lecture on Climate Change Implications of Waste Treatment
Tuesday, November 13th
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Room 112, Wurster Hall, UC Berkeley
Perry L. McCarty
Silas H. Palmer, Professor Emeritus, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University
Winner of the 2007 Stockholm Water Prize
Meet the speaker, 5:15pm - 5:30pm
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that four percent of the equivalent anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in the world result from methane and nitrous oxide produced from wastewater, solid wastes, and animal manure. However, if such methane gas is collected and used as a biofuel, not only would the methane emissions decrease, but also the need for fossil fuels could be decreased as well. Indeed, the potential to produce methane from wastewater treatment might be exploited to a greater extent than it has at present to turn a potential problem into a significant benefit for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. How might wastes best be handled in the future to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and how might this change our current practices?
For more information, contact the Water Resources Center Archives at (510) 642-2666 or waterarc@library.berkeley.edu, or check out the Colloquium web site: http://lib.berkeley.edu/WRCA/ccow.html
PDF of flyer for this lecture: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/WRCA/pdfs/mccartyflyer.pdf
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Room 112, Wurster Hall, UC Berkeley
Perry L. McCarty
Silas H. Palmer, Professor Emeritus, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University
Winner of the 2007 Stockholm Water Prize
Meet the speaker, 5:15pm - 5:30pm
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that four percent of the equivalent anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in the world result from methane and nitrous oxide produced from wastewater, solid wastes, and animal manure. However, if such methane gas is collected and used as a biofuel, not only would the methane emissions decrease, but also the need for fossil fuels could be decreased as well. Indeed, the potential to produce methane from wastewater treatment might be exploited to a greater extent than it has at present to turn a potential problem into a significant benefit for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. How might wastes best be handled in the future to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and how might this change our current practices?
For more information, contact the Water Resources Center Archives at (510) 642-2666 or waterarc@library.berkeley.edu, or check out the Colloquium web site: http://lib.berkeley.edu/WRCA/ccow.html
PDF of flyer for this lecture: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/WRCA/pdfs/mccartyflyer.pdf
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