EIN Presswire: Environment Press Releases

NW Natural Elects New Board Chairman

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:07:00 +0000

The Board of Directors of Northwest Natural Gas Company, dba, NW Natural (NYSE: NWN), today announced at the company's annual shareholder meeting the election of Tod R. Hamachek as board chairman. Hamachek will replace Russell F. Tromley who is retiring after serving as chair since 2008 and as a member of the board since 1994.

"Russ's insights and his commitment over the past two decades to the company, its shareholders and the board have been invaluable. He's been a thoughtful leader who will be greatly missed," said Gregg Kantor, NW Natural President and CEO.

Incoming chair Hamachek has served on NW Natural's board since 1986. During his 26-year tenure, he served on the governance and audit committees, and chaired the strategic planning committee. "We are honored to have Tod step into the role as chair, and look forward to the leadership he will provide," added Kantor. "As our longest serving director, the continuity, historical perspective and expertise Tod brings is a huge advantage for the company."

Hamachek is the former chairman and CEO of Penwest Pharmaceuticals Company in Danbury, Conn. He currently serves as a director of The Seattle Times Company, The Blethen Corporation, Virginia Mason Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical System in Seattle. He is also president of the Board of Directors of The Sun Valley Center for The Arts in Ketchum, Idaho. Hamacheck is a graduate of Williams College and Harvard Business School.

NW Natural board also approves to extend share repurchasing program
Additionally, NW Natural's board of directors today extended the company's share repurchase program effective through May 31, 2013. The repurchase program, first authorized in 2000, authorizes the company to purchase up to $100 million in value and up to 2.8 million shares of the company's common stock. Since the program's inception, the company has repurchased 2.1 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $83.3 million.

About NW Natural
NW Natural (NYSE: NWN) is headquartered in Portland, Ore., and provides natural gas service to about 682,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in western Oregon and southwestern Washington. It is the largest independent natural gas utility in the Pacific Northwest. Additional information is available at www.nwnatural.com.

Media Contact:
Kim Heiting
503-220-2366
kah@nwnatural.com

Investor Contact:
Bob Hess
503-226-4211 ext. 2833
bob.hess@nwnatural.com

Hundreds show for Apple Valley's first water conservation fair

Thu, 24 May 2012 23:45:39 +0000

Hundreds show for Apple Valley's first water conservation fair

PR Newswire

APPLE VALLEY, Calif., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of people showed up to Mojave Water Agency on Saturday, May 12 to celebrate water awareness month at Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company's (AVR) first annual Spring Conservation Fair.

The event boasted dozens of booths, workshops, landscape demonstrations, children's activities, awards, and more. Local businesses and organizations sponsored the event donating thousands of dollars in prizes.

This year, the fair served as voting headquarters for the AVR People Choice Awards—a before and after contest open to water conservation trailblazers who turned their yards into beautiful, high-desert water conservation landscapes.

"It is a spirited event that created a lot fun and learning," said General Manager Scott Weldy. "The landscape irrigation workshop signed up 100 people within a few hours."

Apple Valley's award-winning Police Volunteer group Citizens On Patrol (COPS) provided no-cost fingerprinting to families with children. The Apple Valley Fire Protection District was also in attendance. The company forecasts a very successful year in 2013 too; they will soon begin gearing up for next year.

"We are committed to raising awareness on water matters," said Weldy. "It is nice to see people demonstrate an interest. As a steward of water, it is our responsibility to reach out and educate the public on all water matters, such as conservation and protecting the aquifer."

About Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company

Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company (AVR) delivers safe, reliable water and exceptional service to about 20,000 connections, about 63,000 people, in the town of Apple Valley and parts of San Bernardino County communities. Additional information may be found by visiting avrwater.com.

SOURCE Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company

FDRA to Co-host Footwear Investment Forum in Nicaragua

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:10:00 +0000

Nicaragua will be showcasing why it has become an attractive and increasingly competitive footwear production platform during its upcoming investment forum titled Nicaragua, The Right Step!

WASHINGTON, DC, May 24, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Nicaragua will be showcasing why it has become an attractive and increasingly competitive footwear production platform during its upcoming investment forum titled "Nicaragua, The Right Step!". The event, which is hosted by PRONicaragua, the official investment promotion agency of Nicaragua, in coordination with the Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA), will be held on June 13th and 14th in Managua's prestigious Barcelo Hotel.

Footwear manufacturers, international footwear brands, industry associations, retailers and industry consultants are expected to attend the event, representing countries such as the U.S., Dominican Republic, Brazil, Venezuela, Central America and Japan.

Renowned international speakers include Matt Priest, President of FDRA; Mike Jeppesen, President of Global Operations Group; David Spooner, Principal Negotiator for DR-CAFTA in his role as Textile & Apparel Negotiator and Transition Coordinator in the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR); Mike Todaro, Managing Director of American Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN); Clay Jenkins, Senior Vice-President of Global Sourcing, Compliance & New Business Development of Brown Shoe Company; and Leandro Winter, Director of Tecshoes Latinoamerica S.A.

The program will feature an overview of the international footwear market, industry trends, commercial footwear rules and market access, as well as Nicaragua's main advantages for investments in this industry, which include a favorable business climate, competitive cost structure, preferential access to international markets, pro-business legal framework and its high levels of personal safety.

The program also includes site visits to international footwear manufacturing companies operating successfully in Nicaragua, during which participants will be able to witness their world-class facilities and learn about their experience investing in the country.

The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), in its recently published 2012 Annual Footwear Sourcing Forecast, showcased Nicaragua as a "rising star" with great potential to increase its footwear exports to the U.S. In this forecast the U.S. is advised to restructure its sourcing strategies and options due to China's increasing prices, shortages in labor and increased compliance costs, and to "keep an eye on Cambodia, Bangladesh and Nicaragua".

For more information on this up coming footwear investment forum, visit www.pronicaragua.org/footwearforum/

PRONicaragua is the Nicaraguan Investment Promotion Agency, established in 2002. It is a non-profit, public-private institution whose mission is to generate economic growth and job creation in Nicaragua by attracting high-quality foreign direct investment. The agency provides complimentary support services to qualified investors seeking investment opportunities in our country. For further information, please contact us at (505) 2270-6400 or http://pronicaragua.org.

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Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

Ballard to Present at the Lazard Annual Alternative Energy Investor Summit

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Ballard to Present at the Lazard Annual Alternative Energy Investor Summit

PR Newswire

VANCOUVER, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLD), a world leader in delivery of clean energy fuel cell solutions across a range of applications, announced that Mr. Tony Guglielmin, Chief Financial Officer will present at the Lazard Capital Markets Annual Alternative Energy Investor Summit in New York.

Mr. Guglielmin will participate on a panel discussing Emerging Technologies to Serve Distributed Generation Markets on Thursday, May 31^st at 2pm ET.

About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD) (NASDAQ: BLDP) provides clean energy fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of applications. Products are based on proprietary esencia™ technology, ensuring incomparable performance, durability and versatility. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.

SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.

Global Thin Film Photovoltaics CIS/CIGS Market Poised for Massive Growth Through 2017

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:40:44 +0000

Global Thin Film Photovoltaics CIS/CIGS Market Poised for Massive Growth Through 2017

PR Newswire

FARMINGTON, Conn., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Global Information Inc is pleased to announce the immediate availability of two new reports on Photovoltaics Technology & Markets

Thin Film Photovoltaics CIS/CIGS Technology & Market

Photovoltaic (PV) modules have gradually turned into a commodity market, as numerous PV products based on various PV technologies have become commercially available. While crystalline silicon PV remains the leading technology, CIS/CIGS thin film PV, based on copper-indium-gallium-selenium (sulfur), has gained increased interest due to its recently-discovered potential for high efficiency at low manufacturing costs. However, much effort is still required to overcome some of the barriers associated with the complexity of this technology and the manufacturing process.

Yole Development's new Thin Film Photovoltaics CIS/CIGS Technology & Market research report provides a detailed analysis of different CIS/CIGS technology approaches and of the CIS position amongst all PV technologies.

This report analyses numerous technologies regarding the technology and its manufacturing issues in close connection to the possible applications of resulting products. This helps to understand the real market potential of the final product.

A summary for this report and a free sample of the full document are available at http://www.giiresearch.com/report/yd242055-thin-film-photovoltaics-cis-cigs-technology-market.html

Global Photovoltaic Inverter Market 2011-2015

The analysts at TechNavio reveal in their new Global Photovoltaic (PV) Inverter market research report and forecast that this segment will grow at a CAGR of 8 percent over the period 2011-2015. A key factor for this growth is the integration of energy storage devices into PV inverters. The Global PV Inverter market has also been witnessing increasing number of new entrants. However, the decline of PV inverter prices could pose a challenge to the growth of this market.

TechNavio's report has been prepared based on an in-depth analysis of the market with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the Americas, and the EMEA and APAC regions; it also covers the Global PV Inverter market 2011-2015 landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

A summary for this report and a free sample of the full document are available at http://www.giiresearch.com/report/infi239315-global-photovoltaic-inverter-market-2011-2015.html

About Global Information Inc. Global Information (GII) (http://www.giiresearch.com) is an information service company partnering with over 300 research companies around the world. Global Information has been in the business of distributing technical and market research for more than 25 years. Expanded from its original headquarters in Japan, Global Information now has offices in Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Europe and the United States.

Media Contact: Jeremy Palaia Global Information, Inc., 1-860-674-8796, Press@gii.co.jp

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE Global Information, Inc.

Pennsylvania State Parks, Forests Roll Out Welcome Mat for Summer Visitors

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:38:22 +0000

Pennsylvania State Parks, Forests Roll Out Welcome Mat for Summer Visitors

PR Newswire

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania's forest and park system offers a wide range of ways for visitors to enjoy spending time outdoors during the summer, according to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

"Summer memories of times in the outdoors are truly priceless, and the good news is we have plenty of affordable opportunities to create those memories in our state parks and forests," said DCNR Secretary Richard Allan. "With 2.2-million acres of state forests, and 120 state parks covering 300,000 acres, there is a state park within 25 miles of nearly every Pennsylvanian.

"If we have good weather this weekend, we anticipate it will be a very busy holiday in our state parks and forests," Allan said. "A look at our overnight reservations indicates many of our campgrounds at parks will be at or near capacity for the Memorial Day weekend."

Allan highlighted some unique recreational opportunities for the summer season:

Stay the Night: Sixty-seven Pennsylvania state parks have overnight accommodations, ranging from tent sites to the modern Nature Inn at Bald Eagle. For a reservation, visit www.visitPAparks.com. Primitive camping also is available throughout the state forest system. A brochure can be found at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd1/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_001910.pdf.

A new overnight option this year is the Inn at Cook Forest in the Cook Forest State Park. Built around 1870, the inn was the home of the Cook family, whose long-term vision preserved the natural areas of Cook Forest State Park for future generations. The inn is now owned by DCNR and is being operated as a public-private partnership. The nine-room inn features furniture from the Cook family collection. A full breakfast is provided. For more information or a reservation, call the inn at 814-744-8590.

Dogs in cabins: First the first time this year, dogs are allowed to stay with their owners at select state park cabins and camping cottages. The pilot program applies only to dogs and involves select cabins and camping cottages at seven state parks: Chapman, Warren County; Cowans Gap, Fulton County; Kooser, Somerset County; Poe Valley, Centre County; Prince Gallitzin, Cambria County; Promised Land, Pike County; and Pymatuning, Crawford County. Pets also are allowed to spend the night at designated sites in 47 state park campgrounds. For more information go to http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/thingstoknow/pets/index.htm.

First-time camper program: In a partnership with Gander Mountain, DCNR provides first-time campers with needed gear and a reservation for two nights at a participating state park for just $20. A list of parks and information about reservations can be found here http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/first-time-camper/.

Natural events: May and June are the time to hear the whip-poor-will singing, and see the mountain laurel blooming and the waterfalls running. In July and August, there are blueberries, birding and summer wildflowers. For more information, go to http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/recreation/sightseeing/natural-year/index.htm.

Programs and recreational activities: DCNR works to connect people to the outside world through guided recreation outings, educational programs, workshops, volunteer opportunities and more. The DCNR Calendar of Events http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar/list.asp provides quick and easy access to the latest events and activities offered in state parks, forests and communities.

Geocaching: This activity is a high-tech treasure hunt conducted with GPS units. Some locations have loaner units, but bringing your own device is recommended. There are many caches in state parks and forests, and many programs and activities focused on geocaching that can be found at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/geocaching.aspx. Ryerson Station, Sinnemahoning, Nockamixon and Prince Gallitzin state parks participate in a Ranger Rick geocaching partnership with the National Wildlife Federation especially for kids. For more information go to http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Geocaching-Participants.aspx.

Disc golf: A game played with Frisbees on an established course; there are a dozen state parks where you can play. Find them at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/recreation/discgolf/where/index.htm.

Fishing: Some of the best fishing anywhere in the state can be found on state forest lands. For more information visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/fishing/index.htm. Many state parks also have lakes and streams to challenge anglers. To find a location go to http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/recreation/fishing/index.htm.

Allan said the DCNR website now features an interactive map at http://www.gis.dcnr.state.pa.us/maps/index.html where people can discover a wide variety of information about state parks, all in one convenient location. State forest information will eventually be included.

Allan also reminded visitors that state parks and forests have a mobile app for smartphones.

"This mobile app allows our visitors, while they are on-the-go, to search for park and forest locations; activities and events; get directions; share photos and even make a reservation," Allan said.

There previously was a charge for some features of the app, but all versions are now offered free of charge.

You can search for 'Pennsylvania State Parks' or 'State Parks' or 'Pocket Ranger' through your phone's app link, or follow the direct links for Apple at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-official-guide-for-pennsylvania/id435566050?mt=8 or Android at https://market.android.com/details?id=com.avai.amp.lib.pbn_penn&feature=search_result.

For complete information about Pennsylvania state parks and forests, visit DCNR online at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Terry Brady or Christina Novak, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Customers Benefit As Oce Eco Start Program Accelerates

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:23:42 +0000

Customers Benefit As Oce Eco Start Program Accelerates

Over 350,000 trees planted by Oce

PR Newswire

TRUMBULL, Conn., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Oce, a Canon Group company and an international leader in digital document management, today announced that the Oce Eco Start Program funded the planting of over 350,000 trees in 2011. The Oce Eco Start Program partners with Trees for the Future, planting trees on behalf of Oce U.S. customers to help offset CO2 emissions attributable to the energy usage from production equipment during the first year of operation.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101018/CG84120LOGO)

Through the Oce Eco Start program, Oce customers have the opportunity to enhance their environmentally responsible business practices and minimize the environmental impact of their production printing equipment. The Oce Eco Start Program also assists production printing customers in marketing their environmental sustainability initiatives. This program is part of a larger, holistic approach to environmental responsibility that includes sustainable products, practices and tools to promote a healthier environment.

As part of this holistic approach, Oce devotes substantial time and effort to sustainable engineering and manufacturing practices. Oce also maintains a dedicated Asset Recovery facility and participates in sustainable practices around the word.

As organizations seek out business partners with a proven record of environmental responsibility, Oce is proud to be one of the few companies for whom sustainability has been a defining philosophy from the very start. From the founding of the company in 1877, Oce has established a tradition of environmental stewardship that continues to raise the bar across the industry.

"Our customers are taking sustainability very seriously and looking for more environmentally responsible ways to do business, said Jodie MacLellan, Marketing Manager of Field Programs, Oce North America Production Printing Systems division, and member of the Oce Sustainability Council. "We are extremely proud of our leadership in this arena and of the Oce Eco Start Program in particular. We are delighted at the response we've gotten from our customers, who have contributed their ideas and feedback, which has been an essential component of honing our sustainability efforts."

What Customers Are Saying About Sustainability & the Oce Eco Start Program
According to Mari and Gary Reed, Owners at Dakota Press, "Our business is now a certified green business and that could not have been possible without the help from Oce. We were delighted that the Eco Start Program was in place as it showed us that together we can make a difference in the future!"

For Business Ink (BI), it's important that everything they produce and distribute is as environmentally friendly as possible. "We're pleased that Oce is a diligent steward of all Green Initiatives and that they are a strategic partner with our company, said Jim Goodwin, Executive Vice President at Business Ink.

Since 2009, Standard Register has been actively engaged in the Carbon Disclosure Project's (CDP) Supply Chain program to reduce carbon emissions. Participation in the program helped Standard Register identify ways to realize significant energy savings from emissions reduction activities. So when Standard Register decided to upgrade outdated printing technology, Oce's Eco Start program and commitment to energy efficiency was a factor in their purchase decision. "Replacing our digital fleet resulted in tremendous productivity gains," said Steve McDonell, Vice President of Engineering. "But not only that – our new Oce fleet was a significant factor in reducing energy usage by 37%! Undoubtedly, without the Oce 6000 fleet it would have been difficult to realize that accomplishment."

Oce Eco Start Program – Better Business and a Better World
Francis McMahon, Vice President of Marketing at Oce North America Production Printing Systems, summed it up: "Our business performance is critical to everything we do, as well as exceeding our customers' expectations. But what's also very important to us is how we interact with the communities we live in, and the world we live in. That's why we developed the Oce Eco Start program and the partnership with Trees for the Future."

About Oce
Oce is one of the leading providers of document management and printing for professionals. The Oce offering includes office printing and copying systems, high speed digital production printers and wide format printing systems for both technical documentation and color display graphics. Oce is also a foremost supplier of document management outsourcing. Many of the Fortune Global 500 companies and leading commercial printers are Oce customers. The company was founded in 1877. With headquarters in Venlo, The Netherlands, Oce is active in over 100 countries and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide. Oce North America is headquartered in Trumbull, CT, with additional business units in Chicago, IL and Boca Raton, FL. For more information visit www.oceusa.com.

Oce and Canon: Stronger together
In 2010 Oce joined the Canon Group of companies with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, to create the global leader in the printing industry. Canon develops, manufactures and markets a growing line-up of copying machines, printers, cameras, optical and other products that meet a diverse range of customer needs. The Canon Group comprises over 198,000 employees worldwide. Global net sales in 2011 totaled USD 45.6 billion. Visit the Canon Inc. website at www.canon.com.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010* and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

*Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Oce North America

Clean Water Act Turns 40: U.S. Conference of Mayors To Address Rising Costs of Unfunded Environmental Mandates

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:06:52 +0000

Clean Water Act Turns 40: U.S. Conference of Mayors To Address Rising Costs of Unfunded Environmental Mandates

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To mark the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act (CWA), a landmark federal law protecting water resources in the United States, The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) will host a panel discussion with five mayors on Thursday, May 31 at the National Press Club. During the session, the mayors will highlight the progress that has been made, as well as underscore the urgent need for reform of rules governing city-water systems as aggressive environmental unfunded mandates collide with the ability of cities' ability to pay for them.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110125/MM36443LOGO)

The mayors will also engage in an interactive conversation with reporters to explain their local challenges and their interactions with EPA, as well as offer suggestions to both EPA and Congress to better meet the water/wastewater needs of cities and their residents.

Providing safe and adequate water and wastewater infrastructure and services is the third largest expenditure of municipalities after education and electrical supply, yet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to pursue a program that expands the responsibility of cities and significantly increases their financial burden. Cities are almost single-handedly shouldering this burden while also dealing with increasing long-term debt and shrinking municipal funds.

WHO:

Hallandale Beach, FL Mayor Joy Cooper - Chair, USCM Environment Committee
Chicopee, MA Mayor Michael Bissonnette - Vice-Chair, USCM Environment Committee
Chattanooga, TN Mayor Ron Littlefield (Former Public Works Commissioner for Chattanooga)
Lima, OH Mayor Dave Berger
Omaha, NE Mayor Jim Suttle (Former Public Works Director for Omaha)

WHAT:

The U.S. Conference of Mayors hosts a panel discussion with attending media to address different ways in which cities can deal with the financial burden of unfunded environmental mandates by the federal government.

WHEN:

Thursday, May 31, 2012 | 11:30 am

WHERE:

Lisagor Room | National Press Club | 529 14th Street NW | Washington, D.C. 20045

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,309 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.

SOURCE The U.S. Conference of Mayors

The Green Building Initiative Successfully Completes ANSI Audit

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:49:00 +0000

Procedures Approved for the Development and Maintenance of Green Building Standards

The Green Building Initiative (GBI) recently received notification that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) had completed review and approval of the GBI's revised process for development and maintenance of consensus standards for environmentally preferable design, construction and upkeep of buildings.

The GBI is a nonprofit organization that became an ANSI-Accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO) in 2005, breaking new ground for the industry by being the first green building organization to publish an ANSI-Accredited Standard for commercial green building.

Officially named "ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings," this standard represents one of the most scientifically advanced and robust green building rating systems for the new construction or major renovation of commercial buildings in the U.S. It takes a holistic approach to green building with seven areas of assessment: Project Management, Site, Water, Energy, Emissions, Indoor Environment and Resources.

GBI President Ward Hubbell said, "This approval of our process enables the GBI to continue its leadership role accelerating the adoption of sustainable building practices across the U.S. The use of an inclusive, consensus-based process ensures a high level of confidence in our assessment and certification programs."

The ANSI/GBI standard was developed following ANSI's consensus-based guidelines, which are among the world's most respected for the development of consensus standards. A variety of stakeholders including sustainability experts, architects, engineers, and industry groups participated in its development including committee members listed here: http://www.thegbi.org/commercial/standards/technical-committee.asp.

ANSI is a nonprofit organization that accredits the procedures of standard-setting organizations, ensuring that characteristics and performance of products and services are consistent and credible.

The Green Building Initiative is a nonprofit organization and ANSI Standards Developer dedicated to accelerating the adoption of building practices that result in energy-efficient, healthier and environmentally sustainable buildings by promoting credible and practical green building approaches. For more information visit www.thegbi.org.

Media Contact:

Sharene Rekow
VP Marketing/Sales/Membership
Green Building Initiative
Email Contact
503.546.2287

Global Impact of Ivory Poaching in Africa Addressed at Congressional Hearing

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:02:51 +0000

Global Impact of Ivory Poaching in Africa Addressed at Congressional Hearing

PR Newswire

Further protections needed as 1.5 tons of elephant tusks seized in Sri Lanka

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sri Lankan authorities said they seized around 350 illegal elephant tusks weighing nearly 1.5 tons in Colombo port on Tuesday – marking the single biggest ivory haul in the island nation. As authorities around the globe work to bring these culprits to justice, today in the U.S. the Senate Foreign Relations Committee led by Senator John Kerry held a hearing to examine the global security implications of elephant poaching in Africa.

"We applaud Senator Kerry for recognizing the global impact of the illegal ivory trade in Africa," said Kelvin Alie, Program Director, Wildlife Crime and Consumer Awareness, IFAW. "Since 2004, the scale of wildlife trafficking and its subsequent impact on wildlife in African range states has increased significantly. It is vital that this illegal trade is eliminated before it causes irreparable damage to these species and the ecosystems in which they live."

So far, 2012 has proven a bloody year for elephants. A report released this week from wildlife officials in the Republic of Congo estimates that nearly 5,000 elephants have been killed by poachers around the Nouabale Ndoki National Park over the past five years. In addition, a tragic killing spree earlier this year in Cameroon's Bouba Ndjida National Park left more than 200 elephants dead by the time the country's military was sent into action.

"The U.S. has long been a leader in elephant conservation through programs like those managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and USAID," said Jeff Flocken, IFAW DC Office Director. "With more and more links being found to organized crime, regional conflict and even terrorist groups, the U.S. can now lead in fighting wildlife crime by looking at it the same way we do the arms and drug trades – as a threat to national security and global stability."

To learn more about IFAW's efforts to protect elephants, visit www.ifaw.org.

About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare

Environmental Protection Agency Names All Three Colleges in Wellesley - Babson College, Massachusetts Bay Community College/Wellesley Campus and Wellesley College - Green Power Partners

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Environmental Protection Agency Names All Three Colleges in Wellesley - Babson College, Massachusetts Bay Community College/Wellesley Campus and Wellesley College - Green Power Partners

PR Newswire

WELLESLEY, Mass., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named all three of the colleges located in Wellesley, MA - Babson College, Massachusetts Bay Community College/Wellesley Campus and Wellesley College - Green Power Partners. This makes Wellesley one of the first communities in the nation with all of its institutions of higher education named Green Power Partners.

By participating in the Town of Wellesley's Power to Choose Renewable Energy Program, the colleges are reducing the environmental impacts of their electricity use and supporting the development of new renewable generation capacity in New England.

The combined green power use of the three colleges amounts to more than 2.5 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually. This is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of more than 200 average American homes annually.

"Colleges and universities have an incredible opportunity to lead the way in reducing the risk of climate change by choosing green power," said Blaine Collison, Director of EPA's Green Power Partnership. "Babson College, Massachusetts Bay Community College/Wellesley Campus and Wellesley College are excellent examples of schools that are making this proactive choice and by extension, reducing carbon pollution and protecting public health. EPA is excited to welcome all three schools as Green Power Partners."

These colleges are committed to sustainability and are implementing a wide range of environmental initiatives including water conservation and waste reduction, as well as increasing energy efficiency while using renewable energy -- making Wellesley one of the greenest college towns in America. The students benefit from sustainability courses as well.

Babson has committed to adhere to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). Babson College is also a charter participant in the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS), a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to gauge relative progress toward sustainability.

In addition, Babson and Massachusetts Bay Community College are signatories of the American College and University President's Climate Commitment. Wellesley College is a Charter participant in the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS).

"All across the Babson campus there are staff, students and faculty tackling issues of sustainability and resource efficiency and working to solve these integrated challenges," said Shelley Kaplan, Associate Vice President, Facilities at Babson. "The Babson Sustainability Office works to support, enhance and coordinate these efforts," he said.

"For the past nine years, Massachusetts Bay Community College has realized a $1.6 million savings in its fuel and utility costs on its Wellesley Hills campus through management controls of its heating and cooling systems, installing LED lighting and lighting control mechanisms, and roof replacement projects," said Marco Brancato, Director of Facilities. "We are diligent in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and improve our environmental sustainability."

"Wellesley College is pleased to partner with our neighboring colleges and the town of Wellesley for the Renewable Energy Program," said Andrew Evans, Vice President for Finance & Treasurer at Wellesley College.

"This partnership extends Wellesley's commitment to sustainability, and it builds on the conservation efforts of the College's institution-wide sustainability program. In the past six years the College has reduced electricity consumption by 25 percent. Through this partnership, we're delighted to continue our efforts with support for alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power."

Environmental sustainability is highly valued at Wellesley College. The College has shifted to integrated pest management and removal of invasive plant species, more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and increased use of local vendors to supply College needs.

Students are active partners, participating in programs that include a free bike-share program and Sustainable Move-Out, an effort to reduce the waste stream by donating clothing and household goods discarded by students leaving campus.

"We are proud to be part of a community where more than 10 percent of residents, and many retailers and educational institutions are minimizing their carbon emissions and moving toward using the Town of Wellesley's Power to Choose Renewable Energy Program as part of their overall carbon reduction goals," said Selectman Barbara Searle, Town of Wellesley. "The higher education community in Wellesley is strengthening the collective commitment to creating and implementing environmentally sustainable practices," Searle said.

Wellesley's Power to Choose Renewable Energy Program enables the Town, its residents, retailers and large users such as the colleges to choose renewable energy sourced primarily from Spruce Mountain, a wind farm in Maine. This gets the town of Wellesley closer to its goal of reducing energy usage 10 percent below the 2007 baseline by 2013.

For more information, please contact:

Babson College
Barbara Blair
781-239-4621
blairb@babson.edu

Massachusetts Bay Community College
Jeremy Solomon
781-239-3122

Wellesley College
Sofiya Cabalquinto
scabalqu@wellesley.edu

Wellesley's Power To Choose Renewable Energy Program
Phyllis Theermann
Phyllis@Theermann.com

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Green Power Partnership
Mollie Lemon
Lemon.Mollie@epa.gov

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise™. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE Babson College

Union Equity, Inc. Increases Revenues by Over 115% for Quarter Ending March 31, 2012 as Compared to the Same Quarter Last Year

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Company Also Increases Its Net Income by Over 200% as Compared to Same Quarter Last Year

Union Equity Inc. (PINKSHEETS: UNQT) is pleased to announce that the Company has generated $259,028 in revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $63,799 in revenue for quarter ending March 31, 2011, which is an increase of 115%. The increase in revenue is due to the Company's increase in class 8 semi trucks which generate additional lease revenues and management fees.

Union Equity reported total net income of $71,822 for quarter ending March 31, 2012 as compared to $7,573 for the previous quarter ending March 31, 2011. The increase in net income is due to the increase in lease revenue and management fees produced by the Company's subsidiary. http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/UNQT/financials

The Company recently announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Union Equity Investments, Inc., has acquired 100% ownership of Natural Product Laboratories LLC, a privately held company based in Melbourne, Florida, in exchange for an undisclosed amount of Union Equity, Inc.'s restricted Stock and cash. Natural Product Laboratories is a contract filler and blender of FDA regulated custom personal-care products for the hotel, resort and destination spa industry.

For more information, please visit: www.unionequityinc.info

Follow Union Equity, Inc. on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/UNQT

To Learn more about Natural Product Laboratories, please call the toll free number: 888-522-2550

About Union Equity, Inc.

Union Equity, Inc. is a holding company that is comprised of 3 subsidiaries (Easy Semi Truck Leasing America LLC, Natural Product Laboratories LLC and Union Equity Investments, Inc.) that cover a vast business spectrum. Easy Semi Truck Leasing America LLC is a commercial truck leasing business engaged in leasing class 8 commercial trucks to owner operators located around the contiguous 48 states. Easy Semi Truck Leasing America's strategy has been to target both groups of owner operators through an aggressive marketing program and complete "one stop shop" solution for the owner operator. Through their unique business model, the Company is able to provide owner operators with a leased truck regardless of their credit history.

Natural Product Laboratories LLC (NPL) laboratory and production facility is located in Melbourne, Florida and is FDA regulated and certified as well as Green Seal approved to produce the highest quality skin-care, personal care, hair, pet, baby and sunscreen products. The Company specializes in formulizations of new product lines as well as reverse engineering existing products. The staff includes a licensed chemist and certified microbiologist, with over 25 years' combined experience. NPL's skilled production team and broad range of equipment allows them to accommodate almost any size order. Packaging capabilities include a wide range of sizes for both professional and retail use. To Learn more about Natural Product Laboratories, please call the toll free number: 888-522-2550

Union Equity Investment, Inc. is to provide the best possible risk-return value for Union Equity shareholders, by making direct investments into or outright purchases of revenue generating foreign and domestic private/public companies, which are in the need of a strong management team and capital in order to make it to the next level.

Safe Harbor Act: This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involves risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic business conditions, and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

Contact:
David Donlin
Cervelle Group
407-299-2377

National Park Foundation Grants More Than $200,000 To Restore And Establish Trails And Promote Healthy Lives In America's National Parks

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:32:42 +0000

National Park Foundation Grants More Than $200,000 To Restore And Establish Trails And Promote Healthy Lives In America's National Parks

PR Newswire

Thirteen National Parks Awarded National Park Foundation's 2012 "Active Trails" Grants

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, announced over $200,000 in grants to be awarded to the thirteen national parks selected to participate in the 2012 Active Trails program. Now in its fourth round of grants, the National Park Foundation's Active Trails program promotes national parks as a venue for community engagement and encourages healthy living through various forms of recreation and volunteer service on land and water trails.

(Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090630/DC40408LOGO)

"Maintaining over 18,000 miles of trails is no small task," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "The Active Trail funds help parks across the country create or expand vital trail related projects, improving the visitor experience and encouraging engagement opportunities with each parks' gateway community."

Since 2008, the National Park Foundation has granted over $1.2 million through its Active Trails program. To date, Active Trails has engaged more than 3,100 volunteers and 86 project partners who combined have contributed over 13,000 hours to help promote, refurbish or build national park trails that were ultimately enjoyed by 291,000 visitors (and counting!).

The 2012 Active Trails Grantees include:

Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland

Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi District, Florida

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Louisiana

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Georgia

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

New River Gorge National River, West Virginia

River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

A listing of these parks and their Active Trails project descriptions can be found on the National Park Foundation website.

The National Park Foundation wishes to thank the Coca-Cola Foundation for their generous support of the Active Trails program.

For more information on the National Park Foundation or how you can support and protect America's national parks, please visit www.nationalparks.org.

About the National Park Foundation. You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world's most treasured memorials, landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites -- all protected in America's nearly 400 national parks. Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks. We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow. Join us in supporting your national parks -- this is your land. www.nationalparks.org

Media contact:
Marjorie Hall, mhall@nationalparks.org, 202.354.6480

SOURCE National Park Foundation

Being Green While Traveling Important for Most Travelers

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:16:07 +0000

Being Green While Traveling Important for Most Travelers

PR Newswire

CHICAGO, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Travelers are an eco-conscious group according to a joint survey conducted by The GO Group, LLC, an international ground transportation provider and GO Airport Express, a GO Group member company based in Chicago. Seventy-one percent of the survey respondents say it is either important or very important to try and reduce their carbon footprint while traveling.

The companies, which provide door-to-door airport shuttle services, asked travelers: "How important is it to you to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling?" More than 2000 people responded.

Just 13 percent of participants responded that it was not important, while 15 percent said they hadn't thought about it at all.

"These results indicate that travelers are environmentally aware, and we will continue to explore ways we can help them reduce their carbon footprint," says John McCarthy, president, The GO Group, LLC. "By nature, shared rides are green rides. With six people on board, a van uses only 30 percent of the fuel that six cars would use and creates 54 percent fewer carbon emissions."

Many of the GO Group companies, including those serving San Francisco International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Milwaukee's General Mitchell International, Dallas-Ft. Worth and Puerto Rico's Luis Munoz Marin International are converting all or part of their fleets to alternative fuels – either compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane. While GO companies in Los Angeles (serving all southern California airports) and Chicago (serving Midway and O'Hare) also are in the process of doing so.

The GO Group, LLC is a one-stop source for door-to-door airport shuttle services. Each year, its members transport some 13 million passengers to and from airports in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Europe. Travelers can book ground transportation to and from both departure and destination airports through GO's website, www.goairportshuttle.com. GO Airport Express serves Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports.

SOURCE The GO Group, LLC

Image Microsystems Named Texas School for the Deaf's 2012 Partner of the Year

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:08:00 +0000

Image Microsystems -- a leading provider of technology restoration, reverse logistics, e-waste recycling, and MicroStrate® recycled plastic products manufacturing -- today announced they have been named Partner of the Year by the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD). At the school's annual Diamond Event fundraising gala last week, Alex Abadi, CEO/President, and his wife, Toni Abadi, Directory of Diversity and Community Relations for the company, accepted the honor from TSD Superintendent Claire Bugen in recognition of Image Microsystems' long-time support of TSD's Career and Technology Education Program (CTE).

Image Microsystems provides paid internships to TSD students. Upon graduation, the students are qualified and encouraged to apply for full-time employment. As a result of this effort, as many as 25% of Image Microsystems' employees come from the Deaf community. In 2011-2012 alone, Image Microsystems employed 23 high school seniors from TSD. In addition to gaining valuable employability skills, students take great pride as contributing members of the Image Microsystems team. Many are able to pay for their graduation cap and gown, their senior trip, and have spending money they otherwise might not have due to financial circumstances.

"We believe very strongly in our TSD program," stated Dr. Abadi. "It's more than just a community effort for us, but truly a mission to show the business world that employing disabled workers is a positive for the employer -- not just the employee."

"It's our pleasure to recognize Image Microsystems for the important opportunities they provide to TSD students and the Deaf community," stated Claire Bugen, Superintendent of the Texas School for the Deaf. "Image Microsystems provides our students valuable work experience that is impossible to replicate on the TSD campus. We love the company, because it is not only a Deaf friendly business, but their cause is global and their business practices innovative. Annually TSD honors a community partner that goes above and beyond to assist our students. We're just touched by all that the Image Microsystems team does to support the community and we're proud to recognize Image Microsystems as Texas School for the Deaf's 2012 Partner of the Year," concluded Bugen.

About Image Microsystems, Inc.
Founded in 1992, Image Microsystems, Inc. is a reverse logistics and technology restoration leader dedicated to offering innovative solutions to eliminate the legal, financial, and environmental risk associated with information technology and consumer electronics reclamation, recycling, and disposal. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.imagemicrosystems.com.

Contact:
Liz Walker
512-623-5621
Email Contact
www.imagemicrosystems.com

Texas School for the Deaf Students Intern at Image Microsystems