5. Library

Unsure of what something is? This section provides one page overviews of key topics including information on alternative energy and real estate.

• Solar Energy - A guide to solar energy.

• What Does “Cradle-to-Cradle” Mean? - A short article explaining what the phrase "Cradle-to-Cradle" entails and how to get C2C-certified.
• A Green Lease Overview - As companies are increasingly looking for ways to support the environment, a Green Lease is an effective starting point. Learn about specific actions Landlords are taking to be more eco-conscious.
• Green Leases: A Primer - How is a "green lease" different than an ordinary lease? How can it save you money? This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of a green lease.
• Is Green Building a Good Investment? - This Business Week article from May 18, 2009 provides an excellent overview of the benefits of greening a building, along with some of the challenges.
• Building Green – A LEED Primer - Why Build Green? There are numerous financial and environmental benefits to buidling Green. LEED, (Leadership in Energy and Environemental Design) is a rating system created by the US Green Building Council. Learn about the myriad of benefits and opportunities to sustainable building practices.
• Overview of Transformers - An overview of building transformers, including a quick recommendation on what to look for and how to utilize lifecycle purchasing methods when evaluating a purchase decision.
• Lower Your Trash Disposal Costs - This article provides an overview of ideas for how to limit what goes into your garbage, reducing your hauling charges.
• Energy Star Labeled Buildings - A quick overview of eligible of this government program.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - The quality of the air in buildings is gaining - deservedly - increasing attention. Science has shown the impact that poor air has on health. IAQ effects the health of the building, and of course the health of the occupants.
• Green Roofs - Alternatives to a traditional roof, a green roof provides a more temperature stable environment. This enables lower energy costs as the roof is kept warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

• Sustainability and Prosperity in Japan - Japan's temperatures have been steadily rising over the past century. The country is taking active measures to improve global warming in both public and private industry.
• Sustainability in Ontario - Ontario is one of the more progressive Canadian provinces that is initiating innovative ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
• Going Green In Italy - Food and Wine sales make up a large part of Italy's economy. In an effort to increase revenue and save money, the food and wine industry is implementing a variety of sustainable practices.
• International & Domestic Examples of Going Green - There are many examples of ways domestic and international companies, both large and small are going green in order to reduce climate change and increase profit. This article gives examples of companies in the U.S., China and the U.K.
• Sustainability in Costa Rica - Costa Rica may be a small undeveloped country but it has high aspirations for becoming one of the world's leaders in sustainability initiatives.
• Sustainability in British Columbia - British Columbia is making some progressive steps within both the government and private industry to be more sustainable. Read on for examples in various industries, including Tourism and the wine industry.
• Climate Conference in Copenhagen - The Copenhagen Climate Conference in December 2009 will create a new global climate protocol as the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012. Many Clean Tech companies feel the conference will prove to be ineffective as they feel the real responsibilty rests on the national government level. Others advocate for the conference as a way to further strengthen global progress.
• Sustainability in New Zealand - New Zealand's government has some ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and there are many companies in diverse industries that are creating successful sustainability initiatives.
• Sustainability in Japan - Both the government and private industry in Japan are making strides to increase their sustainability initiatives. From Tokyo's huge effort to increase solar power to companies manufacturing upcycled products such as a messenger bag made from used fire hoses, Japan is practicing innovation in the world of sustainability.
• Sustainable Businesses in Australia, Pt. 3: The Fairfield City Partnership - Part three of a three-part series examining different sustainable businesses in the U.K. In this chapter, we look at the collaboration between Fairfield City and The Smithfield Wetherill Park Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

• Solar Energy - A guide to solar energy.
• Geothermal Energy - A guide to geothermal energy.
• Wind Energy - A guide to wind energy.
• An Overview of CHP - This article looks at the benefits and drawbacks of Combined Heat and Power and what it can do for your business.
• Considering the Alternative in Energy Consumption: Tidal Energy - Tidal Energy is a renewable energy source that is not written about in the U.S. as often as wind, solar and geothermal. Typically it is more popular in coastal countries like Japan and the U.K. but there are certainly opportunities to benefit from this clean energy source in the U.S.
• NYSERDA Commercial Industrial rebate Programs - NY State offers a multitude of incentive programs for small businesses that pursue energy efficient technologies. We've summarized several of the programs that are relevant to small businesses.
• Smart Grid Stimulus - The economic stimulus package has a provision for the electric utility industry. In this article we summarize the provisions for smart-grid upgrades, barriers to adoption of the smart-grid program and the jobs that are expected to result from this whole exercise.
• Grid for Green Energy - Provides a pointer to an excellent issue of the MIT Technology Review, and a related article from the New York Times. The grid is critical, and difficult.
• Biomass - Biomass is conversion of garbage to energy.