March 12, 2015

 

Renewable energy has grown so rapidly that, in 2014, it accounted for most new electric generation capacity added nationwide. California leads the pack with the share of electricity from renewable sources, more than doubling from 12% in 2008 to 25% today. In that period, private companies invested more than $20 billion in new renewable power plants here. California is home to the largest geothermal, wind, solar thermal and solar photovoltaic power plants in the world.

 

To read the full article, click here.

Green California Summit & Expo
Paths to Economic Growth, April 7-8

Education sessions draw upon the expertise of technical experts, policy experts, program managers, and more - expert practitioners who share their knowledge and experience. The Expo offers attendees another kind of educational experience - a chance for hands-on exposure to technologies and services that can play a critical role in the planning, design and execution of green projects.

 

Senate President pro Tem Kevin De Leon will deliver the keynote address.

 

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

 

Celebrate Earth Day with a fun and festive reception and award's celebration at the Lexus Santa Monica located at 1501 Santa Monica Blvd.

The awards reception and ceremony salutes and spotlights Southern California companies working daily to create sustainably focused products and services that reduce ecological impact.

 

This year's SBC's Pioneer in Sustainability Recipients will be presented to Honest Tea co-founders Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan. 

 

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

The CaliforniaGeo's True Zero Net Energy Seminar+Webinar, Creating Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Buildings with Off-the-Shelf Technologies, is set for April 23 at San Jose City College (SJCC).

Save a spot on your calendar to learn how progress will be made toward an all-ZNE new residential building requirement for 2020, with another one for commercial buildings by 2030. If your business is not prepared for making new buildings carbon-free and ZNE in five short years- reserve your seat to learn how ZNE is happening in both the new and (retrofit) built environment.

 

There are two ways to participate. Attend in person at SJCC or spare the air and attend via webinar from the comfort of your desk. Seating is limited for both, consider registering today. 

 

CBA Members use discount code: CaBizAlliance-SJCC to receive $25 off the $150 in-peron or $125 webinar registration fees.

 

To learn more and register, click here.

 

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is hosting its annual Sustainability Summit at Oracle on June 25. Attendees will learn how to employ the latest innovative technologies and practices to create lasting value and learn what they can do on a practical level to prepare for a changing landscape.  

 

Traditional sources of business value are being eroded and new opportunities are being created in our carbon and water constrained world. How can your company ensure it is best prepared to adapt to this changing landscape?      

 

What's more, with Governor Brown's announcement regarding his clean energy goals and next steps regarding AB 32 implementation being discussed, the state will again be called on to help lead the development of clean air and clean energy solutions. What will the impact be to businesses across the state?The Summit will feature three concurrent tracks around the Governor's 50-50-50 plan:

• Energy Efficiency
• Next Generation Transportation
• Renewables Deployment

Stay tuned for detailed agenda with keynotes, plenary panels, and case studies.

 

To learn more and register, click here.

 

The Los Angeles Business Council is hosting its annual Sustainability Summit at the Getty Center on Friday, April 24 from 7:00am - 2:00pm.

 

Val Zavala, VP, News ad Public Affairs for KCET will emcee the summit that will feature an impressive speaker lineup including: 

• Kevin de Leon, Senate President Pro Tem
• Eric Garcetti, Mayor, City of Los Angeles
• Mary Nichols, Chairman, CA Air Resources Board
• John Chiang, CA Treasurer
• Fran Pavley, State Senator
• Michael Picker, President, CA Public Utilities Commission
• Nancy Sutley, Chief Sustainability and Economic Development Officer, LA DWP
   

The Summit will focus on the long term sustainability goals and strategies affecting businesses in Los Angeles.

 

To learn more and register, click here.

As the nation's longest running and most anticipated conference for discussing climate policy and carbon markets, Navigating the American Carbon World (NACW) has a well-established history of providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on carbon markets and climate policy. And because it is North America's largest carbon conference, it is known as the best event for networking with colleagues from the business, government, nonprofit and academic sectors.

 

In its 13th consecutive year, NACW 2015 will take a close look at the current status and future growth of California's historic cap and trade program, other established and emerging carbon markets, potential linkages between markets, activity stemming from U.S. EPA's proposed Clean Power Plan, other national climate change policies and other innovative environmental initiatives. Industry participants and observers know this is a must-attend event.

 

NACW 2015 takes place April 28-30 in Los Angeles and is hosted by the Climate Action Reserve.

 

To learn more and register, click here.

 

The International Green Industry Hall of Fame was established in 2008 to recognize excellence in the Green Industry and establish an educational platform for the general public, at no cost.

 

Beginning in 2010, IGIHOF has recognized 23 organizations including: Electronic Recyclers International, Grundfos Pumps Company, Grid Alternatives, SunRun, UC Merced, D. Light Design, Empower Playgrounds, Frey Winery, and New Belgium Brewing. Additionally, IGIHOF and honored 13 individuals including: Ray C. Anderson, Ed Begley Jr., John Schaeffer, Christina Schwerdtfeger, and Donald Simon.

 

This year IGIHOF is holding it's 5th Annual Induction Ceremony and Conference on the campus of UC Santa Barbara co-sponsored by the Bren School of Environmental Sciences and Management and the Environmental Education Group on April 16, 2015. The theme of the event is "The Water Nexus: Challenges and Solutions." Join us as we celebrate excellence and learn about innovations and best practices in the green industry.

 

To learn more and register, click here.

'Green Janitor' Education Program Launches with National Potential and 126 Graduates in 8 Buildings 

 

On March 25, 2015, a press conference took place at Constellation Place in Century City to present the report of the inaugural Green Janitor Education Program. The Los Angeles pilot program, through which janitors are certified, provides hands-on energy management and green cleaning training to address operations and maintenance practices that enable buildings to meet green performance standards, with special focus on resulting energy efficiency. This pilot program, which is expected to be expanded nationally, involved 8 LEED-certified buildings across Los Angeles, with 126 janitors earning certification.

 

The training curriculum - presented in Spanish - was created jointly by the Building Skills Partnership (BSP) and USGBC-LA over a two-year period, and addresses energy efficiency, recycling, waste management, water conservation and other sustainable and green cleaning practices.  

 
"Janitors are the eyes and ears of what happens in a building. The work they do every night impacts a building's ability to save energy, conserve water, divert waste and improve indoor air quality. It is important to invest in their education and skills to promote the best practices of a sustainable cleaning system," states BSP's Executive Director Aida Barragan. "We are proud to partner with USGBC-LA, SEIU-USWW, building owners and janitorial contractors to train and certify janitors under the Green Janitor Education Program. By investing in this primary immigrant workforce we are integrating them in the workplace community and creating confidence and skill for career pathways."