(ARA) – If you’re torn between your concern for the environment and your need to make a living, good news is on the horizon. Rising demand for environmentally friendly alternatives for fossil fuels is opening up new career opportunities for professionals in a variety of fields.
Growing environmental concern and limited fossil fuel supplies are driving the growth of domestic and international markets for renewable energy systems, the U.S. Department of Energy reports. Rising demand for cleaner energy directly affects career opportunities in industries related to renewable resources.
“The 2008 economic forecast suggests that one of the newest, fastest growing markets for jobs will be alternative energy,” says Sheryl Decker, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – South Bend, Ind. Decker recently attended a business outlook panel presented by Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. “Growth opportunities appear in companies that are exploring the use of wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower and bioenergy power technologies.”
Millions of professionals already work in alternative energy industries, yet more are needed, including:
* chemists
* engineers
* sales and marketing professionals
* administrators
* managers
* clerical workers
* human resources
* information technology
* business
* finance
* law
“Professionals who are already in the workforce, and students seeking to enter into a green career, can prepare with a number of degree programs and continuing education courses,” Decker says. “Many different types of skills can be applied to these upcoming industries.”
“Alternative energy companies are seeking professionals to fill a wide variety of positions, including mechanical engineer, project manager, programmer analyst, IT sourcing specialist, administrative assistant and marketing director,” she says.
”Business Week” magazine reports that a growing number of professionals are moving to jobs in renewable energy fields to promote their own personal environmental concerns. While some intend to transfer existing skills to a different industry, others are making a mid-life career change simply to become part of the solution for the many environmental issues we face today.
The rising cost of oil is proving to be a catalyst for the further development of alternative energy sources. While substantial growth is happening now, Decker points out that many people don’t yet realize the opportunities it affords.
“People tend to overlook many untapped markets and job opportunities in their local employment arenas,” she says. “Networking can be an effective way to gauge the hiring needs in your area. I encourage everyone to join industry-specific organizations, volunteer in community activities, and become involved with the Chamber of Commerce. By becoming involved in the community and networking, you will see new doors opening with different job opportunities.”
To learn more about career training opportunities in alternative energy, and how to prepare for working in this quickly growing business sector, visit www.brownmackie.edu.
Inexpensive electric vehicles, like the Zap truck, eliminate expensive fuel costs.
(NewsUSA) - What’s the best way to save money on gas? Stop buying gas and use electric cars.
According to a new AAA survey, gas prices are becoming a chief concern for consumers. But for Americans with long commutes, walking and biking between work, home and children’s soccer games might not be a viable option.
Electric cars - the ones that run without gasoline engines - are no longer science fiction.
One electric car maker, Zap, has put affordable electric cars and trucks on the market. Zap vehicles use rechargeable batteries and plug into standard outlets. All you do is plug it in like a cell phone.
These vehicles are even becoming a viable option for dealerships to stimulate sales in a down economy. Zap cars provide a gas-free way to get to work, pick up the kids and run errands. They also make an economical addition to your business or government fleet.
Zap city cars and trucks might cost around $11,000, while electronic scooters sell for as little as $3,000. Along with their low initial cost, electric cars also save drivers money on the roads. You can even qualify for 100 percent financing on these vehicles.
As gas prices climb, more Americans are spending over $60.00 just to fill their vehicles’ fuel tanks. Recharging an electric car costs around 60 cents.
According to the California Air Resources Board, a person driving an electric car for 30 miles each day can save 750 gallons of gas - and around $2,500 - each year.
Electric vehicles have no tailpipe exhaust. They don’t emit greenhouses gases. Even after factoring in the pollution from electric power plants, electric cars still cause 90 percent less pollution than gasoline-powered cars.
State and federal governments understand electric cars’ value. Many offer financial incentives for people purchasing electric cars.
Electric cars can include a solar option that helps save even more. Solar panels can extend your range if parked on a sunny day and can double the life of the battery before it needs replacing. Plus, nothing makes an environmental statement like a solar-charged electric car.
Zap dealerships are being set up across the U.S. To find one or to register to test drive a Zap, call 800-251-4555 or visit www.zapworld.com.
(NewsUSA) - As America’s oil and gas prices hit record highs, drivers look to save money on their cars.
But skipping routine maintenance checks can lead to bigger costs. Poorly maintained vehicles waste fuel and become worn more quickly, leading owners to pay for damage repairs or replacement vehicles.
According to Lauren Fix, The Car Coach (www.laurenfix.com), a former racecar driver and the host of a cable automotive talk show on the DIY network, “Routine maintenance is the key to helping your car achieve its potential.”
The people at Midas, who have over 50 years of experience in automotive service, offer these tips to help drivers get better gas mileage and extend the lives of their vehicles:
- Don’t Ease the Pressure.
Under-inflated tires cost drivers two miles per gallon in reduced fuel economy, so drivers should check their tire pressure once a month.
Drivers can find the correct tire pressure inside the driver-side door. They should check their tire pressure in the morning, when the air is cold, and remember to inflate their spare tire.
- Keep Things Oiled. Drivers should check their oil once a month and change their oil according to their vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations. Midas can provide quality oil and filter changes, which will help keep engines running smoothly.
- Keep the Filter Clean. The air filter acts like a car’s lungs.
Drivers should check their air filters when they change their oil.
Buying a car can be a person’s second-largest investment. To save money in the long run, car owners should keep their vehicles running as long as possible. To save money on maintenance costs, drivers should look for package deals. The Midas Touch Maintenance Package includes an oil and a filter change, a four-wheel tire rotation and a 45-point courtesy check.
Routine car maintenance can help drivers improve their fuel efficiency and keep their vehicles working longer. As Fix said, “By checking the essential parts of your car regularly, drivers will see a big difference in the performance of their automobile.”
To learn more about saving money on fuel and extending the life of your car, visit www.midas.com.
Like Roche, consumers can go beyond recycling and find new ways to reduce their environmental footprints
(NewsUSA) - Being environmentally responsible is not only the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do. While helping preserve the environment, it is likely you will save money. Many U.S. corporations understand that being green is good for the environment and for their bottom line, which is why they have implemented original ways to reduce their environmental footprints.
Companies and consumers who want to be greener, but don’t know what to do beyond recycling, can look to some of these innovative companies for eco ideas. For example, Roche pharmaceuticals has been very successful in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the company achieved this goal two years ahead of schedule, which was set with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program (http://www.epa.gov/climateleaders/).
Roche’s pharmacuetical division cut down waste and energy use in a variety of ways, such as:
- Changing the packaging of its osteoporosis drug, Boniva (ibandronate), from a plastic material to a recyclable “blister wrap.”
- Converting its system for submitting paper documents to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to an electronic submission process, saving reams of paper and energy that would have been spent shipping the materials.
- Offering its pharmaceutical sales force the option to choose a hybrid car to drive, saving more than 80,000 gallons of gas per year.
- Roche also introduced co-generation, the ability to generate steam and electricity simultaneously as a source of energy, at its Nutley, New Jersey, headquarters. With co-generation, the costs and emissions were reduced, but generated enough electricity to meet 65 percent of the site’s electricity needs.
ARA) - It seems everything is going “green” these days. The good news is that it’s also easier than ever before for your family to reduce its eco-footprint to help the environment both inside and outside of your home.
Let “earth friendly” be your family’s new mantra by adopting a few simple, yet effective tips from Hannah Keeley, founder of TotalMom.com.
Watch Your Waste
The supermarket checkout line is one place where the battle for the environment is often lost. Next time you’re at the grocery store, keep a close eye on the amount of wasteful packaging that’s going into your shopping cart and try to choose eco-friendlier options. For example, instead of individually-packaged single servings, look for larger quantities that can be divided into smaller, reusable containers once you get home. Make your own lunch instead of purchasing packaged meals. Bring a reusable bag to carry your purchases. A good rule of thumb: the less packaging, the better.
Save Your Energy
Conventional energy use goes hand-in-hand with carbon emissions, so do the earth and your wallet a favor by cutting the amount of energy consumed at your home. Simply turning the thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer can save energy. You can cut cooling costs up to six percent for every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer. Another option is installing a programmable thermostat like the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Comfort Control that will automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day, ensuring greater energy efficiency in your home, even when you’re not there.
Go Easy on the Gas
Consider setting up a carpool for school or work to save on gas. Consolidate your errands to one day during the week and map out a route that is as fuel efficient as possible. If you feel like you are constantly on the road, you may want to think about dropping a few activities and cultivating the fine art of hanging out at home. Be sure to check out public transportation — a more fuel efficient and inexpensive ride may be right around the corner.
Clean Smart
Chemicals are used all over your home — they make the sink shine, the air smell fresh and the floor practically glow. The majority of these chemicals are not only dangerous to your health but also harmful to the environment. Reduce the amount of chemicals entering in to the water supply by making your own cleaners: simple baking soda is a great scouring powder; vinegar works wonders on glass and mirrors; and plain old Castile soap cleans practically everything.
Don’t Overlook the Little Things
No matter how small you may think it is, any action to help the earth is a big step on the road to being greener. Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent blubs. Cut your showers by a few minutes. Wash your clothes in cold water. Cut down on trash by composting your vegetable scraps.
Most importantly, make it a family affair. Teach your children how to care for the earth while they are still young. There are many simple things you can do to go green (not to mention save money), so make it a family adventure and start today.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Hannah Keeley is a lifestyle expert, author and founder of TotalMom.com. Her work has been published in numerous publications and she has been featured on national television programming as the go-to source for moms.
RALEIGH - A group of private investors has partnered to buy an office building at a marquee intersection, hoping an Earth-friendly renovation will reduce operating costs and lure tenants willing to pay more for green digs.The group, which includes three Greensboro partnerships and one from Durham, last week paid a partnership led by Mark Properties $3 million for the Navigant building, county property records show. Known for its time-and-temperature display, the building is at U.S. 70 and Creedmoor Road.
It’s the latest deal on a corner across from Crabtree Valley Mall, an area where developers are planning several buildings, including one under construction that would be among the region’s tallest.
The project is expected to meet the standards of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, rating system.
Details of the 32,000-square-foot renovation are being worked out, said Greg Sanchez, a partner in the ownership and president of Durham commercial real estate services firm Tri Properties, which will manage the building and conduct the renovation.
To meet LEED standards, the renovation would incorporate environmentally friendly construction practices and energy-saving design, which lower operating costs. The LEED designation could attract tenants willing to pay a premium for green offices. “A lot of tenants want to be in an energy-efficient building,” Sanchez said.
Read More:News & Observer
The Rev. Sally Bingham is the godmother of the environmental movement in the religious community.Back in the 1990s, when religiously based environmentalists were still viewed as nature worshippers, she founded Episcopal Power & Light. Now called Interfaith Power & Light, the nonprofit organization has 27 chapters across the United States, including North Carolina. The mission of the organization is to mobilize a religious response to global warming through the promotion of renewable energy and conservation.
Bingham, the president of Interfaith Power & Light and the environmental minister at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, met with 20 religious leaders at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh last week. She said religious communities have made remarkable strides in addressing the intersection of faith and global climate change, and she encouraged them not to give up.
“You clergy need to talk about it,” she said. “I think it should be in every single sermon.”
We caught up with her on the occasion of Earth Day on Tuesday to ask her about the progress religious people have made on the issue.
Q: How are churches becoming more active in environmental issues?
A: Environmental issues were once political issues. They didn’t belong in the church. Now it’s integral to mainstream religions in ways unimaginable five years ago. … We’re seeing changes in the liturgy to reflect care for creation. That’s huge because in the Episcopal Church there’s a deep tradition that resists change.
I am seeing clergy take this responsibility seriously enough to actually say that care for creation belongs with love, justice and peace. You hear the term “JPIC,” or justice, peace and integrity of creation. It’s putting care for creation on parallel with love, justice and peace … We have a green mosque in Washington, D.C. We have hundreds of Protestant churches with solar panels on the roof. We have two large cathedrals with geothermal systems — in Boston and in Cleveland, Ohio. The Catholic Cathedral in Los Angeles in solar.
Q: How has Interfaith Power & Light changed?
A: We now have an office in San Francisco and a staff of seven. We coordinate this national campaign. That means we help the state programs get started … One of the important things we do is make sure the Interfaith Power & Light campaign doesn’t get sidetracked. We don’t want to be viewed as the Sierra Club at prayer. We’re not political. We’re not Republicans or Democrats. Our message is rooted in theology. It’s different from an environmental organization. We want to be seen as conservative people coming from a theological perspective. We don’t love trees more than people.
Q: What is the spiritual message you offer?
A: I see it as part of the commandment to love God and love your neighbor. If you love your neighbor, you don’t pollute your neighbor’s air. We are called to serve one another. If you see that your behavior is harming your neighbor and your neighborhood, other species, flora and fauna, or the next generation, it’s a direct disobedience to the commandment. Jesus said what you do to the least of these you do to me. If vulnerable and poor communities are harmed by our behavior, we’re insulting God.
Read More:News & Observer
(ARA) – In an effort to jumpstart the struggling economy, the federal government has approved an economic stimulus package that will send rebate checks to qualifying taxpayers, some as early as May. Homeowners can use this refund to invest in home improvements that add value in a difficult housing market.Qualifying individual taxpayers will get up to $600 in rebates, working couples $1,200 and those with children an additional $300 per child. Add that to the average refund some taxpayers can expect after filing their taxes ($2,548 in 2007, according to CNNMoney.com) and that’s approximately $3,800 in total refunds from the federal government this year.
Investing these dollars in home improvements, such as replacing old leaky windows with newer, energy efficient ones, can offer homeowners a significant return on investment. Some experts believe that replacement windows are one of the best home improvement investments you can make in your home.
“Remodeling Magazine’s” 2007 Cost vs Value Report estimates that a homeowner may recoup 81 percent of the cost of installing low maintenance replacement windows at resale. That means on an $8,000 window replacement project, homeowners may recoup $6,480 at the time of sale.
In addition, new energy efficient windows can lower heating and cooling bills, improve a home’s comfort and aesthetics, and add long-lasting value.
There are some important things to keep in mind when choosing new energy efficient windows. Craig Evanich, president of Renewal by Andersen, suggests homeowners look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that they are energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing inefficient single pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows could save up to 15 percent on your energy bills.
Evanich adds that Renewal by Andersen energy efficient windows are designed to perform at even higher standards. They come standard with High-Performance Low-E4 glass which is over 14 percent more energy efficient than stringent ENERGY STAR requirements and is 56 percent more energy efficient in summer than ordinary dual pane glass.
With a substantial savings in energy costs along with a solid return on investment from home improvement projects, buying energy efficient windows is a wise use of your rebate dollars. And, if you ever decide to sell your home, energy efficient windows can give you the edge — and often a higher resale value — over other sellers in an increasingly competitive housing market.
For more information on choosing energy efficient windows, visit renewalbyandersen.com or call (800) 630-5838.
ARA) - The American dream is no longer contained by a white picket fence. The dream is now green, and it is embedded in homes and lifestyles.
Ninety percent of builders are incorporating green ideas into residential design and construction, a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders found. Homeowners have also begun to seek environmentally friendly classifications, such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification, for their new construction and remodel projects.
“Building green is red-hot right now,” says Paul Mackie of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. “Builders are continuing to find ways to make green look good, be cost-effective, and complement the style of a home.”
Whether it is improving the insulation, installing solar power, or using environmentally sound and durable materials, building green is firmly rooted in today’s construction approaches. Experts suggest planning, cost, design and materials are the most important green building considerations.
Planning
The first step to a successful remodel is planning. Homeowners should enlist help from committed professionals well-versed in green building techniques and able to navigate the subtleties of design and efficient heating, cooling and plumbing systems.
“The basics to building green include careful planning, efficient systems and environmentally friendly materials,” says Mike McDonald, an architect experienced in green design.
McDonald is building a LEED-certified house in Oakland, Calif. The home intentionally blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Western red cedar siding used on the porch continues into the house, fluidly transitioning from indoor to outdoor living, a green technique.
“The quality, richness and sustainable practices that Western red cedar providers are using helped me to decide to use that wood,” McDonald says.
Cost Conscious
Cost is always a concern during a remodeling project. The perception is that buying and building green is more expensive. That is not always the case. Prudent consumers weigh the long-term costs of operating their homes against the cost of upgrading and the resale benefits realized from home improvements.
High-quality, sustainable materials often last longer and improve a home’s design much more than thrifty alternatives. For example, some plastics or composites might be less expensive to purchase, but have shorter lifespan and greater environmental cost. Other options, like wood harvested from sustainable, certified forests, have far less environmental impact, offer natural beauty and long-lasting durability. Unlike all other building materials, wood stores carbon rather than releasing it into the environment. So using wood, rather than other material, significantly reduces a project’s carbon footprint.
“There is no other commonly used building material that requires less energy to produce than wood,” Mackie says. “Renewable and naturally insect- and decay-resistant wood, such as Western red cedar, is perfect for homes that deserve both elegance and environmental friendliness.”
Environmentally conscious design and high-quality materials typically save homeowners money over the long run through improved resale value, energy conservation and lower maintenance costs. And, when environmental costs are factored in, green building is often a homeowner’s best overall option.
Design
Smart design makes all the difference in green building projects. If done correctly, homeowners can expand their living space, lower their energy bills, and reduce their environmental impact.
Approaches are often simple. Passive design strategies that consider things like the shape and orientation of the home, the amount of natural lighting and use of alternative spaces can be immensely valuable in green building.
Outdoor living spaces, which provide cooking and living areas tempered by the climate and open to the outdoors, are one example. The environmental cost and the price of building an outdoor living space is less than building a traditional room because less building material is required.
“Outdoor living spaces are critical for quality of life,” McDonald says. “A beautifully designed outdoor space effectively increases the useable space of a home without using a large amount of building resources.”
Materials
Building green is all about selecting higher efficiency, lower impact, recycled or reused materials.
Green building materials are made using techniques that avoid chemicals and environmentally harmful manufacturing processes. Products to look for include recycled, durable and renewable materials, and those that require low off-gassing of harmful air emission (such as low VOC paints).
Wood is often preferred over exotic hardware or stone that is mined or manufactured using large amounts of energy and chemicals.
(ARA) - It’s been said it’s not easy being green – but in today’s business, it’s being said a lot. Everywhere you turn, there’s more about the “greening” of America. This is certainly true with American businesses striving to build new and remodeled offices to meet the latest sustainability standards and certifications.
One way to gauge the best in sustainable design, particularly when creating commercial interiors, is through LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). This green building rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED-CI (Commercial Interiors) is the rating system for building tenants to certify their interiors are healthy, productive work environments.
LEED is used as a benchmark by architects and interior designers, real estate professionals, engineers and facility managers, landscape architects, construction managers, lenders and government officials to help transform the built environment into a more sustainable environment.
Keri Luly, stewardship coordinator at Allsteel, a leading contract office furniture manufacturer, noted that most building and interior “green” design concepts not only meet today’s changing requirements, but also make good business sense. “There’s no denying that cutting waste, reducing energy and conserving water is smart for everyone, whether it’s new or remodeled interior space,” she says. “Saving money and improving the environment at the same time – what’s not to like?”
“To achieve certification, there are many options to consider. It may mean using low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and cleaners to reduce indoor air pollution, or adding renewable energy and drought resistant plantings to demonstrate long-term commitment,” she continues.
According to the USGBC, LEED-CI, the rating system for commercial interiors, provides tenants with the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their interiors’ performance. It uses a credit system to seek and establish a level of achievement, and based on number of points earned, can award one of four different levels of performance: certified, silver, gold and platinum.
Allsteel recently received LEED certification for three new office furniture showrooms in Atlanta, San Francisco and Santa Monica. Luly points out several of the LEED features it implemented during the design and construction process and notes that other businesses may take these into account when they pursue a similar path for their interiors.
* Site selection: If possible, locate facilities in densely populated areas near public transportation routes, discouraging individual car use.
* Local manufacturing: Purchase a significant percentage of materials from manufacturers within a 500-mile radius to improve the local economy and reduce the fossil fuels needed for long-haul trucking.
* Water-saving technologies: Choose plumbing fixtures carefully and install readily available water-saving technologies, such as flow restrictors in sinks, low-flow toilets and dual-flush valves. By using this practice, Allsteel showrooms have reduced water consumption beyond government conservation requirements for commercial construction.
* Construction waste recycling: It’s important to clarify during design and planning that waste materials separation is required during construction to make sure as much construction debris as possible can be diverted from landfills to recyclers.
* Indoor air quality: Develop an indoor air quality management plan for all phases of project construction and occupancy. Then use low VOC emitting carpeting and adhesives and conduct air flushing to remove any remaining air pollutants before occupancy.
* Energy savings: It is important to use energy-efficient mechanical systems and zoning, as well as Energy Star-rated appliances and equipment. Lighting power density can be reduced to save energy using motion and light sensors and automated shades whenever possible to maximize the use of natural light.
* Education: Allsteel’s new showrooms were designed to be used for environmental education and outreach, including innovative, interactive kiosks that allow visitors to learn about sustainable building and LEED. The kiosks also tell the company’s sustainability story and guide viewers through each individual showroom’s green features.
“One of the clearest ways to demonstrate commitment to sustainability is to design and build to LEED standards creating a healthier environment for both employees and visitors, while significantly minimizing the impact on the environment,” Luly says. “In addition, building to LEED standards can translate into both immediate and long-term cost savings, which can directly benefit the bottom line.”
For more information on USGBC and LEED, as well as “going green” with your building or office interior, visit www.usgbc.org. For more information on Allsteel and its commitment to sustainability, visit www.allsteeloffice.com/sustainability
