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The Barking Seal

• Boulder Businesses Meet for Change

  24Nov
  Author: ned Categories: Green IT Comments: 0

  Last week’s 10 For Change meeting was a success – there was a great turnout and lots of good conversation.  I had fun sitting on the panel, and each of the other panelists had something interesting to share…

  • Toby Russell from Natural Capitalism Solutions spoke first about the web-based tool they are developing to help small businesses plan their Green initiatives. They plan to have their first module, focused on lighting efficiency and solutions, ready for public consumption in January.
  • John Shaw from Bella Energy sat next to me on the panel, and gave an informative introduction on the solar electric options available to businesses today. Solar Electric systems can be cost-neutral in as little as four years, thanks to the many different rebates and credits offered by Xcel and the government. Although almost any Solar Electric system can be profitable in ten years, smaller systems (those under 10kW) qualify for the more generous rebates. It was exciting to hear just how affordable these systems have become! I’ll be looking forward to hearing more from John when he speaks at the next 10 for Change meeting in January.
  • The panel wrapped up with John Anderson from Clean Energy Solutions, who provided some good advice on local resources for efficiency and environmental planning. He mentioned the Center for ReSource Conservation, located just up the street. John also had some thoughtful suggestions for dealing with the “split incentive problem,” where building tenants who pay triple-net rent are not incented to conserve energy use. The trick is to negotiate – in John’s words, “it’s only money.”

  

  Tags: 10 for change, boulder