EIN Presswire: Waste Management 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

CAL/OSHA: American Reclamation Guilty of 36 Safety Violations

Thu, 24 May 2012 23:33:17 +0000

CAL/OSHA: American Reclamation Guilty of 36 Safety Violations

PR Newswire

Citations Follow 13 Unfair Labor Practice Charges by NLRB Against Recycling Company

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) cited Los Angeles-based recycling company American Reclamation, Inc. this week for 36 safety violations that put the more than 60 sorters, drivers, helpers and mechanics at risk while on the job.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGO)

Cal/OSHA's citations come closely on the heels of a complaint filed by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that charged American Reclamation with 13 unfair labor practices (ULPs) in connection with the workers' campaign to join Teamsters Local 396 in Covina, Calif. The complaint, filed on April 30, included three ULPs for wrongful termination of workers by the company.

The 36 citations issued against the company by Cal/OSHA totaled $38,895 in penalties. Within the next week, the NLRB will be filing for immediate reinstatement of the three workers that it determined American Reclamation wrongfully terminated.

"We, as an organization, are fully committed to fighting to make green jobs, like those at American Reclamation, good jobs with strong wages and benefits," said Ron Herrera, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 396 and International Trustee. "With the Teamsters supporting them, these 60 workers will not be exploited by American Reclamation."

The organizing campaign at American Reclamation is part of the Don't Waste L.A. effort, a coalition of community, environmental, faith and labor organizations working for clean air, green jobs and recycling for all Angelenos through region-wide standards and accountability in our commercial and multifamily waste and recycling system.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @TeamsterPower.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters

BusiNeighbor.org Announces Cell Phone Drive to Purchase 500 Payless Shoe Gift Cards

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:31:07 +0000

BusiNeighbor.org Announces Cell Phone Drive to Purchase 500 Payless Shoe Gift Cards

Busineighbor.org announces cell phone drive to help children

PR Newswire

ATLANTA, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 58,000 Georgia children live in poor or low-income households and are considered homeless. According to the National Center on Family Homelessness Georgia ranks 47 out of 50 states in child homelessness.

But statistics don't get to the heart of how a child feels when they can't attend school because they have no shoes. If they don't have shoes, they can't go to school. Or worse students are embarrassed and teased. Interviews show a new pair of shoes can help reduce bullying, boost a child's self-esteem and improve the economy.

This critical need has prompted a Georgia organization BusiNeighbor Inc. to take a stand and announce their kickoff of a Cell Phone Fundraising Program, in partnership with GRC Wireless Recycling and Payless ShoeSource, Inc. BusiNeighbor Inc. will earn from .50¢ up to $30.00 for every cell phone collected, regardless of age or condition. The proceeds from this collection drive will go towards the purchase of 500 Payless ShoeSource Gift Cards to distribute 100 cards to five Georgia local charities that provide services to homeless families at a celebration event held at Villa Christina on August 13, 2012.

"It is estimated that Americans have 3 or more cell phones they no longer use but haven't discarded or recycled. "BusiNeighbor Inc. can use these phones to make a child happy and assist financially-challenged parents. Aside from providing new shoes, let's help restore dignity, and build confidence said Charmelle Scott Executive Director of BusiNeighbor Inc. BusiNeighbor Inc. want these children happy in school making friends and creating positive memorable moments instead of focusing on what peers think and reflecting on their most unfortunate situation."

BusiNeighbor Inc. is requesting assistance from local businesses to initiate collection campaigns with its employees, customers and friends. People and companies interested in donating or collecting phones can visit the organization's website.

About BusiNeighbor.org®
BusiNeighbor Inc. is a Georgia-based 501(c) (3) organization. BusiNeighbor Inc.'s philanthropic efforts include financial assistance to anyone in need: homeless, single parents, elderly, and veterans. BusiNeighbor Inc. partners with many local organizations to foster a relationship based on compassion for a fellow neighbor.

SOURCE BusiNeighbor.org

Richmond Police Department Helps to Honor Mothers Who Don't Often Get Praise Through Phone Recycling Drive

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:14:36 +0000

Richmond Police Department Helps to Honor Mothers Who Don't Often Get Praise Through Phone Recycling Drive

HopeLine® from Verizon Wireless Makes it Easy to Honor Moms on Mother's Day and Everyday

PR Newswire

RICHMOND, Va., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Families in the Tri-Cities of Hopewell, Petersburg and Colonial Heights, Virginia, gathered earlier this month to pay tribute to moms on Mother's Day, with wrapped gifts, flowers, and breakfast-in-bed. The Richmond Police Department found a way to make sure that local moms who are living at The James House emergency shelter for domestic violence victims also received the recognition, praise and support they deserve.

Under the leadership of Sergeant Carol Adams, a dedicated 15-year member of the Richmond Police force, officers conducted a HopeLine wireless phone recycling drive between Earth Day and Mother's Day 2012, and encouraged local residents to do something good for the environment and good for mothers affected by abuse by dropping off used wireless equipment at police headquarters on Grace Street. Hundreds of cellphones, chargers, batteries and cases were collected and are being packed up for shipment to be recycled by HopeLine, Verizon Wireless' nationwide phone recycling program which refurbishes for sale or recycles no-longer-used wireless equipment, and then uses the proceeds to provide free wireless phones with airtime and cash grants to support domestic violence prevention programs and shelters. In return for this installment of phones, Verizon Wireless is providing a HopeLine grant to The James House in the amount of $1,500. The funds will be used by mothers living at the organization's confidential shelter to purchase clothing and personal items which got left behind when they had to flee their homes due to abuse.

A longtime domestic violence prevention advocate, Sergeant Adams has collected upwards of 20,000 no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories for HopeLine over the past eight years, making her Verizon Wireless' most prolific collector nationally. Verizon Wireless, in turn, established the "Carol Adams Community Outreach Program," which has awarded nearly $40,000 to Virginia non-profit domestic violence service providers in Adams' honor, including a $10,000 donation to the Richmond YWCA to refurbish a playground at the Y's confidential domestic violence shelter; the donation was made in memory of Adams' mother, Orine, who died in 1980 at age 34 in a domestic violence incident.

Since 2001, Verizon Wireless has collected more than nine million no-longer-used wireless phones for recycling, awarded more than $14.2 million in cash grants to local non-profit organizations, and kept more than 200 tons of electronics waste and batteries out of landfills. For more information on Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline. For those interested in donating equipment to this local HopeLine phone drive, please contact Sergeant Adams at 804-646-4069.

About The James House
Founded in 1989 on the belief that all people deserve a life free of interpersonal violence, The James House provides support, advocacy, and education for people in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia affected by sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking to empower them to become healthy, safe and self-sufficient.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless

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

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

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

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

Battelle Engineers Work on Fix at Chernobyl

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:34:00 +0000

Construction of Enormous Cover for Ruined No. 4 Reactor Began on 26th Anniversary of Disaster, Should Be Completed in 2015

When reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded in the early morning hours of April 26, 1986, a disaster of mammoth proportions unfolded. Radioactive material blew as high as six miles and covered more than 60,000 square miles. A quarter century later, the first structure built to enclose the reactor needs to be replaced.

That's where a consortium including Battelle comes in. With a reputation for excellence in confronting large, complex scientific and engineering challenges, Battelle scientists and engineers and colleagues from Bechtel International Systems Inc. and other companies have begun the most important part of the recovery process. Twenty-six years to the day -- April 26 -- after the disaster occurred, construction of a moveable building that weighs as much as three Eiffel Towers began. Battelle employees from corporate headquarters in Columbus, Ohio along with staff from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., are working on the project.

It's part of the EUR 1.5 billion Shelter Implementation Plan (SIP), the master directive funded by donations from more than 30 nations to the Chernobyl Shelter Fund, which is administered by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Bank held an open international tender in 1997 for a project management unit to provide technical and fiduciary oversight for SIP works. It was won by a consortium of Battelle, Bechtel and Electricité de France (EDF withdrew from the consortium in 2010).

The SIP's confinement building is an enormous steel shelter called the New Safe Confinement (NSC), and it will help mitigate the radioactivity for the next century while disassembly and cleanup activities are conducted inside. Although the SIP consists of 22 tasks, the largest is construction of the NSC, an arch-shaped steel structure that is being built distant from the current Object Shelter to avoid radiation exposure of construction workers. Once construction of the arch is complete, the team will slide the NSC -- 250 meters wide, 150 meters long, 100 meters tall, built from one-meter diameter tubular steel and big enough to enclose the Statue of Liberty -- over the older Object Shelter. The project should be complete in 2015.

Many of the other 21 SIP tasks are complete, or nearly complete, including providing site infrastructure and conceptual design of the NSC (which was performed by Bechtel-Battelle-EDF 2002-2003 and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in 2004). A contract for final design and construction of NSC was awarded in 2007 to the joint venture company known as Novarka. Novarka consists of the two large construction companies, Vinci Construction Grands Projets and Bouygues Travaux Publics (both French). The arch's steel is being fabricated in Italy.

Battelle's history of working on huge projects extends back to its beginning in 1929. Battelle scientists performed work for the United States government in developing nuclear energy 70 years ago. Today Battelle has a significant management role in six of the U.S. Department of Energy's premier national laboratories -- including important nuclear work performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory.

The SIP was developed in 1996 as a means to transform the Chernobyl Object Shelter to an environmentally safe condition. Development of SIP was led by Carol Kessler, then at the U.S. Department of State and later a Battelle employee in the Center for Nonproliferation.

About Battelle
As the world's largest independent research and development organization, Battelle provides innovative solutions to the world's most pressing needs through its four global businesses: Laboratory Management; National Security; Health and Life Sciences; and Energy, Environment and Material Sciences. It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $6.5 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 22,000 employees in more than 130 locations worldwide, including eight national laboratories for which Battelle has a significant management role on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the United Kingdom.

Battelle also is one of the nation's leading charitable trusts focusing on societal and economic impact and actively supporting and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

For more information contact
Katy Delaney
(614) 424-7208
Email Contact

T.R. Massey
(614) 424-5544
Email Contact

About 300 meters west of the current Object Shelter, workers begin construction of the new cover. Because the ground is contaminated, the area has been covered by new concrete to protect the workers. The massive new steel building will be moved to cover the old reactor after construction is completed.

Sutron Corporation Consummates Acquisition of IPS MeteoStar, Inc.

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:16:00 +0000

Sutron Corporation (NASDAQ: STRN), a global leader in hydrological, meteorological, and oceanic monitoring products, systems, software and services, announced today that it has consummated the transaction to acquire substantially all of the commercial and operating assets of IPS MeteoStar ("IPSM") for a cash purchase price of $4,175,000, subject to a partial escrow to secure certain representations and warranties.

Dr. Raul McQuivey, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Sutron, commented, "Today is a red letter day and transforming event for Sutron. Together, Sutron and MeteoStar are uniquely positioned to provide the most comprehensive set of monitoring and warning solutions available globally to extend mission-critical services and to assure they are managed, secure and responsive. The combined portfolio will include a broader and deeper range of products, an enhanced commitment to innovation, ensuring next-generation technology solutions, and greater support and resources available worldwide."

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include without limitation any statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should" and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements, including the risks of integration of acquired assets and operations and customer retention Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings with the SEC, including the disclosure under the heading "Business" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 28, 2012. We are under no obligation to update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:
Sid Hooper
(703)406-2800
Email Contact

ThinkEco and Best Buy Bring Smart Wireless Control to Window Air Conditioners in New York City

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:14:40 +0000

ThinkEco and Best Buy Bring Smart Wireless Control to Window Air Conditioners in New York City

First Web- and App-Enabled Window AC Thermostat Now Available to New York City Residents at Select Best Buy Stores

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ThinkEco, Inc., the energy efficiency firm, is now offering New York City residents an easy way to take control of their air conditioning bills this summer. Using the modlet smartAC kit – available exclusively at select Best Buy stores throughout New York City – residents will now be able to remotely control their window air conditioners via smartphone app or browser, and preset convenient savings schedules so their rooms are only cooled as needed. Best Buy is offering the modlet smartAC kit in partnership with the coolNYC program (www.coolnycprogram.com), created by ThinkEco and Con Edison.

The coolNYC program combines the modlet smartAC, an easy-to-use energy efficiency product, with an incentivized program that uses real-time energy reduction capabilities to help manage residential peak usage on window air conditioners. It also allows Con Edison customers to help protect the environment by using less energy while keeping their homes cool during the summer heat.

By Memorial Day, Best Buy will be offering modlet smartAC kits for $69.99 for the coolNYC program ($150 MSRP). As a coolNYC partner, the Geek Squad will also be available to support the installation of smartAC kits and get consumers connected, making this experience as easy as possible for everyone. NYC purchasers will receive a $25 rebate upon setting up their smartAC account, and an additional $25 thank you gift at the end of the summer. The $25 thank you is a recurring gift that users will receive each summer that they use the modlet smartAC kit and participate in coolNYC.

"At Best Buy, we believe retail-utility partnerships are critical in the education of our consumers to reduce energy consumption. We bring innovative technology to our customers, and teach them how easy it can be to help the environment, save money and enhance their lifestyle," said Kris Bowring, senior director of Home and Energy Management at Best Buy. "We are excited to partner with ThinkEco and CoolNYC, and credit them for being a leader in this type of market-based program. The modlet smartAC fits perfectly with our commitment to educate and assist our customers' concerns about their energy use."

ThinkEco's modlet (http://themodlet.com/demo.html) is a smart outlet that wirelessly combines with the smartAC thermostat. When used together, users can remotely view their current room temperature, change the target temperature for the room, or simply turn the window air conditioner unit on/off from any smartphone or browser. In addition, users can preset convenient on/off schedules for their window AC units, so that their rooms are cooled only when needed, and the savings associated with those schedules are tracked. This transforms the stand-alone window air-conditioner into a smart, networked device that gives users enhanced convenience and control.

Customers who participate in the coolNYC program also have the opportunity to play a role in maintaining electrical service in NYC during times of heavy usage. When a peak usage event is called, customers can opt-in to have Con Edison adjust the temperature of their air conditioner unit. With over six million window air-conditioner units in Con Edison's service area – which sometimes run unnecessarily when residents are not home – the ability for Con Edison to adjust air-conditioner temperatures remotely during a heat wave could help to manage peak summer demand.

"The modlet smartAC is the only user installable demand-reduction product with a strong consumer and utility benefit," said Mei Shibata, Chief Strategy Officer of ThinkEco, Inc. "What this ease-of-use enables is an entirely new way for leading retailers, like Best Buy, to play a pivotal role in the distribution of utility-sponsored solutions by partnering with utilities and technology providers."

About ThinkEco, Inc.
New York City-based ThinkEco, Inc. is a leading provider of easy-to-use energy efficiency solutions for homes and businesses. Its patented modlet system is a networked and scalable smart-plug platform that wirelessly connects any plug load to ThinkEco's robust cloud solution, powered by proprietary algorithms. The modlet provides the remote metering of plug-load power consumption in real time, and enables users to set savings schedules to better control their energy use and quantify savings.

For more information, visit www.thinkeco.com or follow the company on Twitter @ThinkEco and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThinkEco.

About Best Buy
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is a leading multi-channel global retailer and developer of technology products and services. Every day our employees - 167,000 strong - are committed to helping deliver the technology solutions that enable easy access to people, knowledge, ideas and fun. We are keenly aware of our role and impact on the world, and we are committed to developing and implementing business strategies that bring sustainable technology solutions to our consumers and communities. For information about Best Buy, visit www.bby.com and to shop at Best Buy, visit www.bestbuy.com.

SOURCE ThinkEco, Inc.