EIN Presswire: Renewable Energy 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

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.

Shear Wind Receives Order to Extend Annual Meeting Date

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:28:59 +0000

Shear Wind Inc. ("Shear Wind")(TSX VENTURE:SWX) announced that it has been granted an order by the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia extending the time for Shear Wind to call the next annual meetings of its shareholders to November 5, 2012. Shear Wind will announce the date and details of the annual meeting of its shareholders once finalized.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Shear Wind in any jurisdiction.

About Shear Wind

Founded in 2005, Shear Wind is headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is engaged in the exploration and development of renewable wind energy properties in Canada. Shear Wind is focused on building a strong company based on a secure and sustainable supply of clean wind energy. Shear Wind is committed to building shareholder value governed by environmental stewardship. Inveravante Inversiones Universales, S.L., an international corporation based in Spain, indirectly owns 62% of Shear Wind on a fully-diluted basis and 49% of Glen Dhu Wind Energy Limited Partnership through Genera Avante Holdings Canada Inc., following its investment in Shear Wind in November 2009.

Additional information on the various projects may be viewed on Shear Wind's website: www.shearwind.com.

Forward-Looking Statements / Information

This news release may include certain forward-looking information, including statements relating to business and operating strategies, plans and prospects, using words including "anticipate", "believe", "could", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "potential", "project", "seek", "should", "will", "would" and similar expressions, which are intended to identify a number of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information reflects current views with respect to current events and is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking information as a result of a number of material factors, including failure to secure adequate financing to develop projects of Shear Wind. Shear Wind undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as may be required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating any forward-looking information.

Shear Wind Inc. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "SWX".

Shear Wind Inc.
Mike Magnus
President & CEO
Head Office: 902-444-7420
mmagnus@shearwind.com
www.shearwind.com

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

Nominations Now Open for SolarVision Awards

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:13:23 +0000

Nominees to be Recognized at SSX ONTARIO: Solar Summit & eXpo 2012

Solar Network International is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the first annual SolarVision Awards. "This award will celebrate the visionaries who have made possible the gains in solar energy in Ontario," said Jacob Travis, President of Solar Network International. Nominees will be recognized at a gala on June 25 at Solar Network's SSX ONTARIO: Solar Summit & eXpo 2012 being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Nominations are being sought from a wide range of initiatives and projects, including those at municipal, institutional, K - 12 and post-secondary locations; urban and rural sites; and in aboriginal communities. Submissions that recognize leadership in public education and public relations from the not-for-profit, corporate and political sphere are also encouraged. Nominees can be Ontario individuals, institutions, businesses, organizations, municipalities or partnerships.

The criteria for nominations and the nomination form are available at www.solarvisionawards.org.

All eligible nominees will be recognized and an Awards Committee will determine those deserving special acknowledgment. The members of the Awards Committee are known for their commitment to a renewable energy future with demonstrated actions in support of that commitment:

Angela Bischoff, Outreach Director, Ontario Clean Air Alliance
Richard Corley, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP; Director, Community Power Fund
Timothy Murphy, Partner, McMillan LLP; Former MPP; Former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Paul Martin
Timothy Nash, President, Strategic Sustainable Investments; Director of Sustainability Research, Ethical Markets Media
Todd Ross, Chair, Toronto Atmospheric Fund
Sheena Sharp, President, Ontario Association of Architects; Principal, Coolearth Architecture
George Smitherman, Chairman & Principal, G&G Global Solutions; Former Ontario Minister of Energy & Infrastructure; Initiator of Ontario's Green Energy Act (2009)
Jacob Travis, President, Solar Network International; Founder, Ontario Solar Academy

"We are fortunate to have assembled this outstanding committee to review the nominees," said Rob Newman, Director of the SolarVision Awards. "They are leaders committed to a future for solar in Ontario and they recognize the importance of honouring the people making it happen."

Solar Network International, a not-for-profit organization based in Toronto, Ontario, is committed to advancing solar energy for all stakeholders. Co-founders Jacob Travis and Graham Fowler, recognized thought leaders in Canada's solar energy field, are dedicated to strengthening key emerging markets in the Americas through events on regional opportunities and challenges.

Rob Newman
Director, SolarVision Awards
416-932-8038
awards@solarnetwork.org

University of Minnesota Professor Dr. Gerald Shurson to Receive Ethanol Industry Top Honor

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:01:00 +0000

The Award of Excellence Given at the 2012 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo

BBI International announced today this year's winner of the 2012 Award of Excellence given to one honored recipient at the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop, June 4-7, 2012 in Minneapolis, MN. Hailed as the "Ethanol industry's highest honor," The Award of Excellence, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the fuel ethanol industry through their research, technical advisory and/or development activities.

This year's award recipient is Dr. Gerald Shurson, Professor at the University of Minnesota. Since the early 1990's, Dr. Shurson has provided the academic research for Minnesota and surrounding states ethanol plants demonstrating the efficient use of distillers grains in swine rations, breaking the stigma that distillers grains were ruminant feed only. He set up, and continues to maintain, a web page devoted to providing information on distillers grains: www.ddgs.umn.edu. Dr. Shurson has traveled around the world as a speaker and consultant on the use of distillers grains as a feed. His work with the U.S. Grains Council helped open doors for use of distillers grains in many countries.

"I'm deeply humbled and very honored to receive this award," said Dr. Shurson. "I'm really fortunate to have a career and a position that I very much enjoy. I'd like to thank those who nominated me and provided their support for this award."

"Dr. Shurson has set the standard for innovation and research in the ethanol industry," said Tim Portz, Director of Program Development at BBI International. "What's unique about having Dr. Shurson win is the fact that this year's FEW is taking place in his home state of Minnesota. It couldn't be timelier and more deserved."

Presented by Tom Bryan, Vice President of BBI International, Dr. Shurson will be honored at the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo, Wednesday, June 6th, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.

To learn more about the 2012 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo visit www.fuelethanolworkshop.com.

About The Award of Excellence
Regarded as the "Ethanol industry's highest honor" by industry professionals, The Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the fuel ethanol industry through their research, technical advisory and/or development activities. Established in 2000, the Award of Excellence nominations are received from ethanol industry professionals from around the world. Past award winners include: Dr. Bruce E. Dale (Michigan State University), Dr. Raphael Katzen (KATZEN International), Dr. Rodney Bothast (Nat'l Corn-Etoh Research Center), Dennis Vander Griend (ICM Inc.), Dr. Mike Ingledew (Univ. of Saskatchewan), Steve Lewis (Poet), Dr. Jay Shetty (Novozymes), Phil Madson (KATZEN International), Gunter Brodl (Vogelbush USA).

About BBI International:
Founded in 1995, BBI International produces globally recognized bioenergy events and trade magazines. In addition to the International Biomass Conference & Expo, BBI owns and operates the largest, longest-running ethanol conference in the world -- the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW). The company publishes Biomass Magazine, Ethanol Producer Magazine and Biodiesel Magazine, as well as a number of ancillary products including maps, directories, e-newsletters and other Web-based industry resources.

Contact Info:
John Nelson
866-746-8385
Email Contact

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

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

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

Bella Energy completes largest solar array in Utah

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:04:28 +0000

Bella Energy completes largest solar array in Utah

PR Newswire

SALT LAKE CITY, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Denver, CO-based Bella Energy is proud to announce the completion of the 1.65 megawatt solar array atop the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT. Covering 3.85 acres of rooftop, the project is currently the largest solar photovoltaic system on Rocky Mountain Power's entire electric grid. It is also the largest solar array in the State of Utah.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120524/LA13479)

"This is a monumental achievement by all parties involved," said Jim Welch, CEO of Bella Energy. "Building a project of this scale in Utah is a wonderful accomplishment resulting from the hard work of countless people. We'd like to thank everyone involved in the project for all their efforts. Bella Energy looks forward to continuing to develop other large scale projects, helping people and organizations save money in Utah, across the United States, and around the world."

"This solar project boosts the county's clean energy goals while benefiting our pocketbooks," said Mayor Corroon, Mayor of Salt Lake County. "Together, we can make solar an integral part of our bright, prosperous and resilient energy future."

The 6,006 solar modules will produce an estimated 2.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity in its first year, covering approximately 17% of the Salt Palace's annual electrical usage. Project development began in 2010, construction began in December of 2011 and took about 6 months to complete. The array required more than 14,000 man-hours from local labor. There were zero change orders, zero OSHA violations and no injuries. The project is the result of efforts from multiple parties including, Salt Lake County, Bella Energy, CarbonFree Technology, Chase Bank, Rocky Mountain Power, the National Development Council, Zions Bank, Ballard Spahr, Suntech, Solectria Renewables, and Unirac.

Financing the 1.65 megawatt project was achieved using a mix of grants, bonds, public and private capital. The project also holds the distinction of being one of the first solar projects in the nation to utilize the New Market Tax Credit. "Financing this project required a lot of sweat equity and 14 months of hard work to develop a funding package that would satisfy the needs each party," said Andrew McKenna, Executive Vice President of Bella Energy. "I'm thrilled to see all that hard work finally capturing the power of the sun."

About Bella Energy: The people of Bella Energy have been working to provide communities with renewable energy since 1982. Specializing in mid to large scale solar electric systems, Bella Energy is a premier solar developer. Our mission is to provide the solar energy systems that will empower our future, help businesses grow and communities thrive. Learn more about commercial solar at http://www.bellaenergy.com

SOURCE Bella Energy

enXco Acquires Pinelands Biomass Project

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

enXco, an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company, has closed on the purchase of the Pinelands Biomass Project from Southeast Renewable Energy, LLC (SRE). Pinelands consists of two nominal 17.8 MW generating facilities located in Allendale and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina. Both projects are currently under construction and expected to be fully operational by the end of 2013.

The two projects will interconnect to Santee Cooper's transmission system adjacent to the sites with the generated renewable energy contracted to the utility under 30-year Power Purchase Agreements. "enXco is pleased to work with Santee Cooper and SRE on this excellent opportunity to use waste wood to produce economically attractive renewable energy," said Jim Schretter, Vice President of enXco's East Region.

The projects use a well proven biomass design with a stoker boiler, supplied by Factory Sales Engineering (FSE) and a steam turbine generator supplied by General Electric (GE). Bibb Engineers is the engineer of record and Summit Industrial Construction is the general contractor.

The projects offer important economic benefits to the local community. SRE's Vice President of Business Development Don Cotton said, "Our relationship with enXco has allowed us to realize development objectives for jobs to the local communities with this transaction."

Allendale and Dorchester Counties have substantial and reliable wood supply. The Pinelands project, with a consistent wood demand, will bring significant economic benefits to both counties by contracting with the existing trucking and wood supply industry and creating new jobs.

"Utilizing wood waste to generate electricity is a proven renewable technology that complements enXco's robust portfolio of wind, solar and biogas projects in North America," said Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO of enXco. "Biomass is poised to be a key renewable base load energy resource for South Carolina."

About enXco - an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company:
enXco (www.enxco.com) - an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company (www.edf-energies-nouvelles.com) develops, constructs, owns, operates and manages renewable energy projects throughout the United States. For more than two decades, we have been a leader in wind-energy focusing on large-scale wind projects. Today enXco's portfolio includes solar and biomass technologies, in an effort to help drive our nation's transition to a sustainable energy economy. enXco is a significant owner and developer of wind-energy installations in the United States, and is the leading third-party operations & maintenance provider for wind farms in North America.

Contact:
Sandi Briner
Director of Marketing & Communications
858.521.3525
Email Contact

MiaSole Sets Flexible PV Efficiency World Record at 15.5 Percent

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

MiaSole Sets Flexible PV Efficiency World Record at 15.5 Percent

Latest Efficiency Gains in Large Area Flexible PV Modules Outperform Strategic Roadmap and Set New Industry Benchmark

PR Newswire

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MiaSole, the leading manufacturer of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic solar panels, today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has confirmed a 15.5 percent aperture area efficiency on commercial size flexible PV module (total area 1.68m2). MiaSole's record represents over 2 points of improvement compared to the previous world record for flexible PV of 13.4 percent set earlier this year.

"Achieving 15.5 percent efficiency is a clear validation of MiaSole's unique and innovative approach to delivering high efficiency CIGS flexible cell technology," said John Carrington, CEO of MiaSole. "MiaSole's world leading efficiency and low cost flexible PV technology demonstrates the potential of CIGS compared to silicon-based and other thin film technologies."

MiaSole's proprietary cell technology is creating new and compelling opportunities for their customers by bringing high efficiencies to flexible applications. Companies in the building, vehicle and fabric integrated PV markets that were previously unable to realize the potential of solar, can now explore new and innovative applications for high efficiency, flexible solar panels.

"Along with our current capacity to deliver 14.5 percent glass modules, the NREL verification of our flexible modules highlights the progress we are continuously making against our efficiency roadmap and goal of delivering the lowest levelized cost of electricity to our customers," added Carrington.

The cells for the record device were made using MiaSole's existing production lines in Santa Clara, CA. MiaSole's large area flexible PV module was submitted for evaluation by NREL as part of the company's ongoing process for third party verification.

About MiaSole (www.MiaSole.com)

MiaSole is a pioneer and leading developer of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic solar panels, one of the lowest-cost, highest efficiency solar panels in the world. MiaSole's primary mission is to advance the extraordinary potential for harnessing solar power as a competitive, sustainable energy source. MiaSole operates its manufacturing facilities in California.

Contact:
Matt Marcus
mmarcus@webershandwick.com
Phone: 212-537-8742
MiaSole
http://www.MiaSole.com

SOURCE MiaSole

GDT Tek, Inc. Files DHS 2 Limited Liability Company Agreement

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:36:00 +0000

GDT Tek, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: GDTK) President Bo Linton announced today that GDTK on May 21, 2012 filed its DHS 2 Limited Liability Company Agreement, which provides its members the investment opportunity and its corresponding tax credits that are available to the Company through its renewable energy projects.

Members of the LLC will have the benefit of receiving up to 15% of the amount invested in tax credits. The Projects covered by the DHS 2 LLC are RTR's current Energy Service Agreements (ESA) exclusive of the DHS 1 LLC, which is a 20MW project.

Mr. Linton, President, stated, "Fully funded the DHS 2 LLC will have up to $5,000,000 invested into the LLC. The investment consideration can be either cash and or its equivalent in the Company's stock. We had our first members join earlier this month with expectation that the balance of the membership will be closed within 90 days."

"The goal is to have the LLC members benefit from all available tax credits on both the state and federal level which in turn will benefit GDTK," concluded Mr. Linton.

Mr. Linton will be on the "Money TV" show Friday and describing the Companies progress to date.

About "Money TV": "MoneyTV" with Donald Baillargeon is an internationally-syndicated weekly business television program, reaching 150 million TV households in more than 60 countries. "MoneyTV" debuted in 1996, is now in its 16th year on television and produced and aired its 750th original episode in January. Website: www.moneytv.net

About GDT Tek, Inc.

GDT Tek, Inc. is a Florida-based publicly traded company (PINKSHEETS: GDTK) focused on renewable and sustainable energy technologies. The company has licensed patented waste heat to electric power generation technology and is driving its adoption by power plants, landfills and other waste-heat generating industries. GDT Tek's waste heat to electricity systems are powerful enough to serve as a primary energy source, highly efficient, immediately cash-flow positive when installed under a Power Purchase Agreement and are scalable with system sizes from 150 KW/Hr to 5000 KW/Hr currently available. The GDT Tek system has been proven through a long-term five year installation at a San Jose, California-area landfill. Waste heat captured from landfill-generated methane gas generator engine exhaust and radiator jacket coolant systems is used by the GDT Tek system to generate electricity which is then sold to the grid. Professor Robert W. Dibble of the University of California at Berkeley assessed the GDT Tek system and stated that "Of the many technologies that I have evaluated over the course of the past several decades, GDT Tek's heat to power conversion solution has proven to be the most reliable, versatile, efficient, lowest emissions, and overall cost-effective solution available in today's changing world market."

RTR Global Investments, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of GDT Tek, Inc. Its holds projects, contracts, and power purchase agreements for its parent company GDT Tek, Inc.

GDT Tek, Inc.'s website is www.gdttek.com, which is in the process of being updated; please sign up for our newsletter (http://www.gdttek.com/info-signup.php) for future information about the company.

Safe Harbor Statement: This release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as GDTK or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

Contact:
Investor Relations
info@gdttek.com

Bryan Andrew
Wall Street Media Group
PH. 480-588-8658

EcoFactor Launches Enhanced Homeowner Experience for Effortless Energy Savings

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

New Reports Quantify Energy Savings for Each Individual Home

EcoFactor®, the leading residential energy management company, today announced the next version of its web and mobile user interfaces that make it easier than ever for homeowners to achieve energy savings without sacrificing comfort or devoting a lot of time to managing their energy use. The new features provide more visibility into users' individual energy savings over time, support for English and Spanish language, as well as a seamless experience for homeowners to set up and manage their temperature preferences.

EcoFactor is an automated home energy management service designed to save energy while keeping occupants comfortable. Its patented algorithms learn from and adapt to residents' temperature preferences and each home's individual thermal characteristics, constantly optimizing the energy usage of the heating and cooling system automatically.

Included in the new features are individualized month-by-month energy savings reports. EcoFactor's patented data analytics engine quantifies savings in specific detail for each individual home, for each month. Now users can see how much they've saved with EcoFactor at any time by logging into the new interface. If users just want to save energy but don't really care to dig into the details, they can do that too: EcoFactor works 24/7 to deliver energy savings effortlessly for the homeowner.

"With the latest enhancements to our interface, homeowners can see just how much energy they've saved on a very personal basis -- not just a national or regional average," says Clifford Collio, Product Manager, EcoFactor. "Our users now have personalized insight into the contribution that their heating or cooling system makes to the bottom line on their energy bills. They can see tangible value in the EcoFactor service by seeing those bills go down."

Homeowners can sign up for the EcoFactor service through partner home service providers and utilities. EcoFactor is currently working with partners around the country and announced an agreement earlier this year with Comcast to integrate its service with the Xfinity Home system.

About EcoFactor
EcoFactor is the leading residential energy management company that enables home service providers to offer an intelligent energy management service to their customers. Homeowners get an automated way to reduce energy consumption, save money and stay comfortable, and partners have the opportunity to take advantage of broader initiatives for energy efficiency, demand response and load shaping. The EcoFactor platform uses data from communicating thermostats to determine the unique thermal characteristics of an individual home and automatically optimize the energy use of that home's heating and cooling systems to save energy and money. Currently in homes across the country, EcoFactor continually documents and quantifies energy savings for its users and already has proven to reduce energy consumption of heating and cooling systems by up to 20 percent. Based in Redwood City, Calif., EcoFactor was founded in 2006 to provide an automated alternative to behavior-based residential energy management solutions. The company has been awarded nine patents to date for its residential energy management technology and methodology. EcoFactor is privately held and funded by Claremont Creek Ventures and RockPort Capital Partners.

Media Contacts:
Jason Mandell or Katie Wattie
LaunchSquad
ecofactor(at)launchsquad(dot)com
+1 415 625 8555

RMT Completes Turbine Erection at KWP II Wind Project

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:30:00 +0000

RMT Completes Turbine Erection at KWP II Wind Project

RMT reaches significant construction milestone

PR Newswire

MADISON, Wis., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- RMT, Inc. (RMT), a renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor specializing in the design and construction of wind and solar energy generating facilities, completed final turbine erection and energized the electrical system at First Wind's 21-MW KWP II Wind project in Maui, Hawaii, in early May.

Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110822/CG55479LOGO)

"This is not only a critical construction milestone, but also a great technical accomplishment for our team, who experienced difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions," said RMT Vice President of Construction Operations Kenny Knecht. "This has been a complex project with challenges from every angle. I am proud of our ability to keep everyone onsite safe and to deliver a quality project to First Wind."

RMT began construction on KWP II in 2011. The company is providing engineering, procurement, and construction of the civil and electrical infrastructure, including the installation of 14 GE SE 1.5-MW wind turbines. The civil infrastructure includes roads, crane paths and pads, and turbine foundations. The electrical infrastructure includes a 34.5/69-kV substation, 34.5 kV electrical collection system, and interconnection to the 69 kV Maui Electric Company (MECO) transmission line. RMT is also responsible for tower erection, operations and maintenance building remodel, SCADA system, and storm water management design.

KWP II is an expansion of the existing 30-MW Kaheawa Wind. When complete in the summer of 2012, the expanded wind farm will have a combined capacity of 51 MW.

In addition to KWP II, RMT is currently building First Wind's Palouse Wind project in Washington and Kawailoa Wind project in Hawaii. RMT also led the construction of First Wind's Milford I & II wind projects in Utah, Kahuku Wind project in Hawaii, and Sheffield Wind project in Vermont.

About RMT
RMT is a leading EPC contractor specializing in the design and construction of wind and solar electric energy generating facilities. RMT's experienced construction crew is backed by in-house engineering and development support professionals. RMT's EPC renewable energy portfolio includes over 5,000 MW. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, and is a unit of Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT), an energy holding company. We build clean energy. It's all we do. Visit www.rmtinc.com.

For more information, contact:
Stacey Pisani
Senior Communications Specialist
Phone: 608-662-5384
Email: Stacey.pisani@rmtinc.com

SOURCE RMT, Inc.