Governor Recognizes Companies for Saving Gas and Reducing Driving

Hartford, Conn., July 30 — Governor M. Jodi Rell today presented awards to over a dozen Connecticut companies that actively participated in the “Tri-State 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare Challenge,” a program to encourage carpooling that has saved thousands of gallons of gas and reduced auto emissions across the state.

In April 2007, Governor Rell challenged commuters and businesses in the Connecticut, New York and New Jersey to work together and reduce driving by 5 million miles by April 2008.

“I am very proud of the accomplishments that Connecticut commuters and businesses have achieved,” said Governor Rell. “Over the last year Connecticut commuters reduced their driving by 3.4 million miles, which is equal to having every major road and highway throughout the state being completely empty of cars for 1 hour. In addition commuters also saved 153,000 gallons of gas, the equivalent of 17 tanker trucks worth over $600,000!

“Especially these days, with the national economy in a slump and the prices of food, gasoline and energy going through the roof, sharing rides saves money,” the Governor said. “Of course, it also gives our environment a break and conserves fuel, too. And it is not a rebate or a tax credit – it is cash, in your pocket, right now.”

Commuters participated in the Tri-State Challenge by using the NuRide online ridesharing service to arrange rides and earn rewards provided by regional sponsors. Businesses participated by sponsoring rewards and promoting NuRide to employees.

Connecticut-based employers that received the top awards during the ceremony included:

Aetna
ASML
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
Cartus
Perkin Elmer
Travelers
UBS

Connecticut-based sponsors that received awards during the event include:

Lake Compounce
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Seaport
Peapod by Stop & Shop
Bob’s Stores
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Splash Car Washes
Essex Steam Train
Dunkin’ Donuts
Black-eyed Sally’s
The Maid’s Home Services
Hartford Stage
The Children’s Museum
Bruegger’s

Other businesses and organization that were recognized for their contributions to the rideshare challenge included:

Department of Environmental Protection
Department of Transportation
Hartford Financial Services Group
Health Net
Hewitt Associates
Merritt 7 Corporate Park
Northeast Utilities
Pfizer
Pitney Bowes
Sikorsky Aircraft
State of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut Health Center
Unilever
Yale New Haven Hospital
Yale University

For more information about the challenge, including a complete list of companies and sponsors, please visit www.nuride.com/events/tri-state. To learn more about NuRide, its sponsorship or to find commuting partners please visit the NuRide Web site at www.nuride.com.

Source: Governor M. Jodi Rell Press Release

Green Earth Technologies Goes Global

Stamford, Conn., July 30 - Green Earth Technologies has announced its first co-packing and distribution agreement with an international distributor. The first container load quantities of their products have shipped to Nano1 Limited, a New Zealand based distributor of low maintenance, environmentally friendly products and services.

Nano1 will facilitate both bottling and distribution of GET's line of biodegradable car care products. The company will stock the shelves of retailers in New Zealand and Australia, including Bunnings, with GET's entire line. Nano1 will also distribute to the Pacific Islands, South East Asia and the United Arab Emirates.

"Nano1 Limited's core mission is to provide our customers cleaning and maintenance solutions with a low environmental impact," says Edmund Lim, Director of Nano1. "In an effort to address the growing demand for green products in the countries we distribute to, we began a global search for environmentally accountable products that offer performance and a competitive price. In the process, we found the line by Green Earth Technologies. Green Earth Technologies', 'Save the Earth, Sacrifice Nothing,' motto aligns perfectly with Nano1's own goals."

GET President and CEO, Jeff Marshall, believes overseas distribution is a major development for the firm. "To be hand-selected by an international distributor, that also considered hundreds of our competitors, speaks volumes to the quality of GET's products," says Marshall.

GET's line of bio-based, "ultimate biodegradable," superior performing, automotive appearance and performance products includes G-OIL(TM) Motor Oil, 2-Cycle Engine Oil, and Bar and Chain Oil, G-WASH(TM) Car Wash; G-GLASS(TM) Organic Glass Cleaner, Anti-Fog, and Hydrophobic Rain Repellent; G-WHEEL(TM) Wheel Cleaner, and Brake Dust Shield; G-TIRE(TM) Ultimate Tire Shine; and G-SCENT(TM) Odor Eliminator.

The line is currently available across the United States. Thirteen retailers have Green Earth products on the shelves, including Target, Amazon.com, participating ACE and True Value Hardware locations, Fred Meyer, VIP, National Auto Stores, Bennett Auto Supply, Bigg's, Redner's Warehouse Markets, Trader Horns, The Anderson's, Frank's Auto Supermarket, and Autoality.

All of GET's products are made with a base derived from either plant or animal fats (beef tallow). These American-grown base oils reduce dependence on foreign petroleum and reduce the environmental impact of car care, performance and appearance products. For more information on Green Earth Technologies please visit www.getg.com.

SOURCE: Green Earth Technologies

U.S. News and World Report Picks FuelCell Energy

Bloomfield, Conn., July 30 - The Investor's Guide to What's Green, which looks at companies with a stake in clean energy and is published by U.S. News and World Report, picked Connecticut based FuelCell Energy as one of seven companies in the Up-and-Comers catagory.

The report however didn't give a glowing review of the company which has operations in Danbury and Torrington and sells fuel cells around the world. The Guide states,"This company makes fuel cells that power large facilities like hotels, universities, and hospitals. Key fact: Despite rapidly growing sales (revenues tripled in the second quarter compared with the year-earlier period), the company is losing money—an estimated $1.16 per share this fiscal year."

Source: www.usnews.com

Wholesaler of Biodiesel Expands Into Connecticut

New Rochelle, NY, July 21—Ultra Green Energy Services(UGES), a leader in the biofuels and petroleum sectors, has announced that it has expanded its service area to include the Tri-State region of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The Chicago based company with offices in NY has opened to new fuel terminals in Southington, CT and Newark, NJ.

Michael Cooper, Vice President and Director of Sales and Trading says “Ultra Green Energy Services, LLC is the most experienced company in the Northeast U.S. integrating biodiesel in to the wholesale diesel and heating oil markets. We have major advantages- these terminals will allow us to have the lowest distribution costs- passing on these savings will encourage people to use Bio-heating oil blends this winter.”

In 2001, the principals of UGES were the first heating oil dealers in the U.S. to market a biodiesel blend as retail Bioheat™.

Source: Ultra Green Energy Services

CCSU Launches Institute for Sustainability

New Britain, Conn., July 21 - The School of Business at Central Connecticut State University has launched a new program that will focus on increasing knowledge in environmental economics for both private sector and the public sector stakeholders.

According to the articles author, Dr. Drew Harris is associate professor of Management & Organization in the School of Business at Central Connecticut State Universityan the Summer Institute for Sustainability, has 12 faculty members working on seven projects exploring various aspects of sustainability. The goal is to create a knowledge base and engage the Connecticut business community in finding and implementing more sustainable business practices and public policies.

Faculty will develop and produce a series of public seminars on best practices, leading theories, major challenges, and policy recommendations to be presented in fall 2008. Their findings will also be presented in a series of white papers that will be available in various media.

Source: New Britain Herald

Conference Center Recognized For Green Initiatives

Bloomfield, Conn., July 21 - Retreat Insider, a Web site/blog that monitors and discusses emerging trends in retreats and retreat programs, has announced the 2008 Green Retreat Award winners. Trinity Conference Center in West Cornwall, Connecticut was one of three awardees recognized.

The Green Retreat Award distinguishes a retreat or conference center that has adopted general green policies that are detailed in an environmental commitment statement on the center’s website. Such policies include:

Natural resource conservation practices
Creating and or maintaining their natural setting
Waste reduction and energy saving practices
Promotion of the use of local goods and services as is practical and feasible within their geographic locale
Culinary services that offer clients a choice of organic and/or local foods

The other two awardees were the Essex Conference Center Retreat in Essex, Massachusetts and the Headlands Institute in Sausalito, California

Source: allaboutretreats.biz

Renaissance Index to Track New Green Firms

Greenwich, Conn., July 18 —US investment research firm Renaissance Capital has launched an index to track recently listed ‘green segment’ companies.

The Green IPO Index tracks the initial public offerings (IPOs) of companies in alternative energy, recycling, conservation, energy efficiency, clean transport and ‘green enabling technologies’. At present, the index only tracks firms listed in the US, but Renaissance has plans to expand the coverage.

Companies must maintain a free-float market capitalisation of at least $50 million and the majority of their business must be related to the index’s green theme to be included. Constituents are removed from the index on the second anniversary of their listing.

At launch, the top holdings were First Solar, Nymex and Aecom Technology, which provides support services to environmental businesses. Just over 50% of the index is made up of solar stocks.

Greenwich, Connecticut-based Renaissance Capital also offers products based on the performance of the wider IPO market.

It is in talks with institutional investors over products based on the Green IPO Index, and plans to partner with another organisation to launch a tradable product.

According to the firm’s quarterly report, the index would have lost 30% in the first half of the year, but would have generated an 8% return in the econd quarter.

Kathleen Shelton Smith, principal at Renaissance Capital, told Environmental Finance: “It’s true that there’s been a slowdown in the global IPO market, however we’ve been following the IPO market since 1991, and we believe this is a long-term product that will be useful through good and bad markets.”

She added that “many of the IPOs that have been able to get out the door” have been in the environmental sector. She said the next IPO to watch in this space is GT Solar International, scheduled for next week, which provides manufacturing equipment to the solar industry and has a pre-listing market cap of $2.4 billion.

Source: www.environmental-finance.com

Connecticut Ranked Eighth For Energy-Efficient Buildings

Bloomfield , Conn., July 18 - While Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire took the top four slots in a report released this week at The College of Architecture - Texas A & M, Connecticut did make the top ten finishing eighth.. Authored by Jerry Jackson, Ph.D., an energy economist, author and university professor, the report looked at office building energy efficiency by states.

Jackson researched use of electricity in public and private office buildings in the 48 contiguous states. In his study, Jackson determined the number of buildings in each state that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star standard and the cost savings associated with efficient energy use, then ranked the states accordingly.

"This ranking is important because it provides the first assessment of efficiency achievements in individual states and, more importantly, uncovers how much efficiency potential still exists," said Jackson, whose study focuses on office buildings because they account for about 23 percent of commercial buildings and for about 26 percent — the largest sector — of commercial electricity use.

The study, "State-Level Office Building Energy Efficiency Rankings," also "highlights the fact that there may be more and better ways to be energy efficient and to encourage that efficiency," Jackson said.

In descending order, Jackson's study identifies the 10 states with the most energy efficient office buildings as Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Nevada, New York, California, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Jersey. At the bottom is Virginia.

Source: www.greenerbuildings.com/

Green Earth Technologies Has New Chief Financial Officer

Stamford, Conn., July 12 - Green Earth Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of environmentally friendly consumer products, has appointed Greg D. Adams, 47, as its Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Gordon Donovan, who has chosen not to relocate to Company headquarters in Connecticut.

From 1999 to 2007, Mr. Adams served as Chief Financial Officer of EDGAR Online Inc., a leading provider of business information. In January 2003, he added the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer and in 2004 was appointed as a member of the Company's Board of Directors.

Green Earth President and CEO Jeff Marshall said, "We are very pleased to have Greg join the Company as its new Chief Financial Officer.This is a pivotal role for Green Earth and Greg brings to the company the financial, accounting and strategic experience necessary to help us reach our ambitious strategic goals. I would like to thank Gordon for his service during an important time in our development and wish him well in his future endeavors."

Mr. Adams brings extensive SEC and compliance experience to the company, having served for 11 years at KPMG in the audit and advisory services group. He also was CFO of PRT Group Inc., a technology and solutions company, based in New York and the Blenheim Group. Mr. Adams is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and serves as Vice Chairman of Financial Executives International committee on finance and information technology. He received a B.B.A. degree in Accounting from the College of William & Mary.

Commenting on his appointment, Greg Adams said, "I look forward to building the financial infrastructure that will allow Green Earth Technologies to achieve its near- and long-term objectives. The company is just beginning to generate revenues, so I am thrilled to be a part of the team that will put the Company on the map in terms of innovative non-petroleum solutions to key industries as well as consumers at large."

Green Earth Technologies produces "G" - Branded superior performing totally green products made with American-grown base oils that utilize the power of nanotechnology to deliver environmentally friendly products with no compromise...meaning, consumers can now "do their part" thout having to give up performance or value - Save the Earth - Sacrifice Nothing. The G-Brand family of products include G-OIL(TM), G-WASH(TM), G-GLASS(TM), G-SCENT(TM) , G-WHEEL(TM) and G-TIRE(TM), and are offered in a wide range of automotive categories including performance & appearance chemicals.

Source: Business Wire 2008

SolarWrights Acquires Connecticut Solar Company

Bristol, RI, July 12 — SolarWrights, Inc., New England's premier solar provider of photovoltaic, solar thermal, and wind systems has announced the acquisition of Sunsearch, LLC, a solar energy company based in Guilford, Connecticut. Sunsearch has been designing, installing, and servicing solar systems since 1975 throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

"SolarWrights' growth strategy includes future acquisitions of quality companies like Sunsearch," said Mark Nelson, Vice Presidnet of Business Development.

Sunsearch founder, Everett Barber, has been named Chief Solar Thermal Engineer for Solarwrights. Robert Chew, SolarWrights president and founder, regards Barber as a tremendous asset to SolarWrights. “Everett Barber is well respected and an established name in the solar industry. We are particularly impressed with his expertise in the field of solar thermal technology," said Chew.

“This acquisition represents an exciting growth opportunity for SolarWrights,” according to Mark Nelson, Vice President of Business Development. "This acquisition will allow SolarWrights to expand our geographic location into the southwest corner of Connecticut and further strengthen our solar thermal division."

SolarWrights is rapidly expanding through both acquisitions and organic growth. In January 2008, SolarWrights acquired Kosmo Solar, a Springfield, MA solar energy company. “SolarWrights’ growth strategy includes future acquisitions of quality companies like Sunsearch”, said Nelson.

This acquisition brings the number of SolarWrights offices to nine throughout the Northeast with approximately 65 employees.

Source: http://www.solarwrights.com/

Solar Energy Initiative For Affordable Housing

Rocky Hill , Conn., July 12 - The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) board has announced authorization for an additional $2.5 million for CCEF’s Affordable Housing Initiative. The Affordable Housing Initiative is an incentive program that helps make solar photovoltaic (PV) installations an attractive, affordable option for developers of both small and large-scale affordable housing projects.

Lise Dondy, president of CCEF, said, “We are excited to be rolling out this program on a large scale after our successful pilot. The additional funding will allow us to make the program incentives available to more developers across the state.” Dondy added, “As a result, more developers and tenants will now be able to enjoy the benefits of solar PV installations.”

Through the Affordable Housing Initiative, developers who install solar PV systems at affordable housing projects may apply for a grant to defray a portion of the upfront installation costs. In addition to benefiting from the financial incentive, developers will be helping the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since the solar PV system will displace a portion of the electricity used, tenants will receive long-term financial benefits through stabilized electricity costs.

Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity’s Family Services Director Karraine Moody remarked, “Habitat for Humanity is excited to be one of the first affordable housing developers in the Hartford area to install solar panels on its homes. We are grateful for the assistance provided by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and look forward to working with CCEF in the future to support the greening of Connecticut’s affordable housing.”

CCEF launched the Affordable Housing Initiative in November of 2006 with a small-scale “pilot” effort. Through that effort CCEF supported solar installations – now either under construction or completed – at six affordable housing sites in Connecticut: Mill Pond Village in Broadbrook, Rolling Ridge in West Haven, School House in Waterbury, Sunset Ridge in New Haven and two Habitat for Humanity developments in Hartford.

Source: renewableenergyworld.com

UTC Power Provides Mini-Power Plant at Manhattan Marriott

Hartford, Conn., July 6 — Marriott International has announced it has "turned on" a new tri-generation power plant that will provide the hotel with its own electricity, cooling, and heating on-site. The new system, built by UTC Power, based in South Windsor, Conn. and a division of United Technologies, uses 11 microturbines to generate electricity for the facility. Waste heat from the turbines is used for space heating, hot water, and air conditioning.

“Not only will the hotel lower its overall energy costs, but the innovative technology ensures there is a minimal environmental impact because of the ultra-low emissions and efficiency overall,” according to UTC Power, which estimates that the system operates about three times more efficiently than a conventional power plant.

“Our hotel guests are very aware of hotels’ impact on the planet; more and more, they are making hotel choices based upon the company’s commitment to environmental practices,” says Gene Coutu, vice president of market operations for Marriott’s Eastern Region. “The installation of the new tri-generation plant speaks to Marriott International’s overall efforts in reducing our environmental footprint.”

Marriott has registered the project with the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification program.

In April, Marriott International outlined a sweeping five-point plan to reduce the environmental impact of its global operations.

Source: Source: www.sustainablelifemedia.com

Furniture Store To Install Solar Array

Milford, Conn., July 6 - Pilgrim Furniture City of Milford has announced the launch of the largest solar photovoltaic installation on a commercial showroom in New England. The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund allocated $1.4 million towards a solar power system to be built at the new Pilgrim Furniture City showroom. Soltage, Inc. will finance the rest and will install and service the solar power system at the Milford retail store and American Solar Alternative Power advised Pilgrim on options to finance solar at their facility, which opened in April.

Mike Albert, owner of Pilgrim Furniture City, planned the new showroom as an example of a sustainable approach to retail sales. Rather than demolish the existing facility, he led a retrofit construction effort to reuse the majority of the existing industrial facility built in the 1950s. Albert implemented energy efficient lighting and heating techniques and planned landscaping to reduce runoff and provide green space.

"Teaming up with Soltage allowed me to save money on operating costs and contribute to a sustainable future without having to pay anything upfront," said Albert.

New Jersey-based Soltage, Inc. is a full-service renewable energy company that develops and operates solar energy stations on client structures across the United States.

"We are pleased to have worked so closely with Pilgrim and the Clean Energy Fund to help Pilgrim achieve its environmental stewardship goal," said Vanessa Stewart, chief operating officer of Soltage, Inc.

She added, "By hosting the Soltage PowerStation on their rooftop, Pilgrim not only saves on their energy costs but also aids in the reduction of greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions, which are linked to climate change?

Soltage estimates that 273,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, 180 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 250 pounds of nitrous oxide will be prevented from polluting the air annually during the lifetime of the Soltage PowerStation. This is equivalent to the electricity consumed by 30 households or taking 23 vehicles off of the road each year.

Once constructed, the solar installation, which is sized at 315 kilowatts, will consist of nearly 1,100 high efficiency panels which have been manufactured by Sun Power - and will generate about 50-80 percent of the electricity used by the furniture showroom.

Source: New Haven Business Times

International Solar Company Opens CT Office

Hartford, July 6 – Apricus Solar Co. Ltd., a joint Australian-Chinese venture that produces solar heating systems, recently established its North American headquarters in Branford. The firm designs and manufactures solar thermal systems that provide hot water and heating for residential and commercial use. The components are manufactured in Nanjing, China.

Apricus sells its products, intended to function in any climate, through a global network of distributors, including 20 in the U.S.

"It's a convenient location for travel and I hail from Connecticut," said Steve Elkin in a recent story in the Hartford Courant. Elkin, a Guilford native is chief executive of Apricus Inc., the company's U.S. subsidiary, which employs four people.

Apricus expects to boost production of its solar thermal collectors to more than 20,000 units a year. The solar collector, which is typically mounted on a roof, measures about 6 feet by 8 feet and weighs about 210 pounds. Composed of 30 specially designed glass and copper tubes, the collector converts the sun's radiation directly into heat energy, rather than converting it into electricity.

Last September, Apricus' solar water heater was featured on the ABC television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Source: The Hartford Courant