L2ideas Green Blog

80 leaders are spending the day discussing the need for an updated version of the Kyoto protocol at the UN in New York.

President Bush's administration has historically been against specific emissions standards, regulations, guidelines and fines for non-compliance in the USA -- and today is no different.

But Bush isn't the only leader speaking on behalf of the USA. Arnold Schwarzenegger made a speech, exhorting the crowd that what was needed is "Action, Action, Action." He assured listeners that the US states are embracing emissions caps; specifically California's legislature has approved a law requiring a reduction of greenhouse gases by companies within the state by an estimated 25 percent by 2020.

A world consensus is emerging, mandating that CO2 emissions be curtailed. That's why companies should make the shift pro-actively, before the imposition of fines.

Every company contributes to C02 emissions: establish a baseline and look for opportunities to improve. Be a visionary and ensure a competitive advantage in a world where there is a growing consensus for carbon emission reduction.

Need help with your calculating your C02 emissions? Contact L2ideas. Additionally, we can help you integrate your efforts with a comprehensive Risk Management strategy.

Labels: business, carbon, climate_change, Kyoto

In the UK, the Joint Contracts Tribunal is meeting to discuss the possibility of integrating Sustainability performance indicators and thresholds as a part of contracts for the construction industry.

Contractual obligations are the foundation of capitalism. When there is a question about whether conditions of satisfaction were met, all the stakeholders turn to the contract. Anything outside of the contractual framework is out of scope; and if it is a positive benefit, it is merely viewed as "icing on the cake."

The inclusion of sustainability concerns in the contracts of major sectors is a big advance. This is representative of the paradigm shift that is taking hold in Europe. The US is a little bit behind, but I am confident that we'll gain momentum. L2ideas can help.

Labels: business, sustainability

Ignore the anti-Walmart propaganda. Open your mind to the possibility that they really are a force for good. In terms of environmental policy, they are doing more than almost any other major international company right now. They really are leading the way in Sustainability.

The message that they are sending to their company and supply chain is clear:

• Walmart wants to be Supplied by 100% renewable energy


• Walmart wants to have Zero Waste


• Walmart wants to Sell Sustainable Products

Maybe they should re-color their logo: from blue to green.

Labels: business, green, sustainability, Walmart

This month, Fortune magazine is highlighting 10 giant companies who are leading the green movement.
The companies listed are:

1. Honda


2. Continental Airlines


3. Suncor


4. Tesco


5. Alcan


6. PG&E


7. S.C. Johnson


8. Goldman Sachs


9. Swiss Re


10. Hewlett-Packard

Labels: business, green

SustainLane compiles the list of green tech incubators. And the winner is...
Austin, Texas, which has the following

• a Clean Energy Incubator (CEI) and


• the Austin Technology Incubator (ATI)

• San Jose


• Berkeley


• Pasadena


• Greater Boston

Labels: business, green, technology

American businesses are moving the ball forward. Recognizing that there is a business opportunity in being able to offer a more environmentally friendly product, they're embracing the marginal utility of sustainable design.

Take a look at this Business Journal article.

One quote describes the shift:
"Profits are important, he says, but there's more to business than profits. Taking care of the environment must also be part of the equation."
Later in the article:
"We're opening up a new market, and once that market opens up we'll have more demand and the price will go down," he says of the sustainable product market.

Labels: business

In a few years, you'll not only be able to go to Vegas and win green, you can visit the green MGM City Center.

The MGM CityCenter is a $7 billion project under development on the Las Vegas Strip. Designers are working within the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification guidelines for this project.

Seems that green is for more than money in Vegas!

Labels: architecture, business