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Tuesday, March 30, 2010 |
In this issue: |
Profiles in Green
Green Collar Association is pleased to bring you an inside look at sustainability initiatives within leading companies. This month we bring you an inside look at CSR through the eyes of Deborah Willig, Senior Communications Specialist at FedEx. We spoke with Deborah while her department is completing "Everything is Connected" the company’s annual Global Citizenship Report (to be released early next month).
By: Dr. Michael O. Dayan, Director of Research & Communications
Green Collar Association: What’s your official title at FedEx? I’m Senior Communications Specialist, in the Media Relations Department, on the Philanthropy and Environmental Programming teams. Green Collar Association: Tell me about your background and training before joining the CSR team at FedEx. I came to FedEx with a Public Affairs background from working in Washington. I have a Communications background and issue expertise. Also, I have a passion for sustainability and I’m involved in the area outside of work.
>> Click Here
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Green Around the Collar
You’re Either With Us or Against Us – Heard This Before?By: Ron Sokolov, Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships
Given the ferocity of the rhetoric, what are the chances of Congress passing meaningful clean energy legislation now or even in the near future? Can politicians risk alienating their constituents, particularly following on the heels of the health care debate? The answer is yes, but a conditional Yes. Some notable differences between this issue and many others, including health care, bode well for a bill. However, the road is still very arduous. But let’s try to be positive and focus on the reasons that it could pass.
>> Read more
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What's HotLots happening in both Washington DC and Ottawa on the climate change front as well as opportunities for you to save thousands of dollars through energy efficiency.In Washington DC the past month has seen significant movement toward regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, including surprising events in Congress and unexpected announcements from the EPA. And from Ottawa, Canada once again reenters the climate change legislative debate by considering one of the most restrictive emission standards of any country, and a young man promises to go on a hunger strike until Parliament considers the bill. Globally, over 100 countries now have signed onto the COP 15 accord, leaving one major emitter still on the sidelines, and it’s not China. Can you guess who? Finally, learn how you can save money by increasing your household energy efficiency.
>> Click Here
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Links between LEED Buildings and Higher Worker ProductivityBy: Joseph Tohill, Green Collar Association Staff Writer In the unrelenting drive to remain competitive in today’s economy, business executives are always looking for new ways to remain ahead of the curve and increase their profit margins. In particular, some realize that reductions can be made to their operating costs through the redesign of their old and inefficient buildings into new "green" buildings. The recent expansion in green buildings has led to the establishment of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, which awards buildings based on sustainability and energy conservation. Although the business community has long known the vast energy savings that can be made through LEED buildings, an often overlooked aspect is their potential to increase employee productivity. >> Click Here
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Green education becoming an emerging global trend?By: Victoria Biernacik, Green Collar Association Staff Writer There’s been a lot of hustle and bustle surrounding the subject of the emerging green collar economy. Everyone wants to be involved, but finding experienced and skilled employees familiar with the hot topics can be a difficult pursuit. How does one prepare for this new path? In order to get ready for green collar jobs, you first need the right training and education to equip yourself with the necessary skills and tools. Prospective students could take a tip or two (or a few) from some of Denmark’s leading universities. >> Click Here
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To be Green or not to be…… read the labelBy: Paul Kleving, Green Collar Association Staff Writer "Green" is the mass-marketed buzz word of the young decade, but are we losing touch with the true spirit of the word as it applies to sustainability? We are bombarded with images of leaves and trees on product packaging, we are told that certain companies are ‘family companies’, and we are asked to upgrade our current vehicles for newer, more fuel efficient hybrids. Do green leaves, family companies, or hybrids in themselves make for wise, sustainable, "green" lifestyle choices? Perhaps, but there is really only one way to know if your well intentioned decisions are truly beneficial to yourself, your community, or the world; do your homework. Reading the product label is possibly the single most impactive sustainable decision you could make on a daily basis>> Click Here
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Nature vs. Culture: A Brief History of Common Perceptions of the EnvironmentBy: Anran Luo, Green Collar Association Staff Writer Many environmentalists have suggested that in modern society there exists a dichotomy between nature and culture. The processes of the earth, phenomena that occur as a result of organic activities are generally defined as ‘natural’, while acts induced by human intelligence are referred to as ‘cultural.’ For example, photosynthesis, the process which green plants absorb sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water is a natural procedure, while the generation of electrical energy through the damming of a river or lake is an act of culture. The legacy of the separation between nature and culture is evident in our current environmental crises and debates. >> Click Here
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Renewing our Interest in Clean EnergyBy: Alanna Mackenzie Renewable energy – energy that is constantly replenished through natural processes – has traditionally been overshadowed by its non-renewable counterparts in serving as a supplier for the world’s energy needs. However, as more and more research indicates that rising emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels are responsible for the warming of the earth’s atmosphere, renewable energy sources are being increasingly turned towards as greener, more ethical alternatives for fueling homes, businesses and transportation. Combined with cleaner coal sources and nuclear technologies, renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower, could ideally cooperate in attempting to slow down climate change. >> Click Here
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Green Gaffes
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Member NewsMembers are invited to submit news releases to greencollar.org. In addition to posting these to our site, we add them to our newsletter. Please enjoy the following news releases from some of our members. To submit your news, please e-mail us: gcnews@greencollar.org
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Dow Chemical CompanyThe Dow Chemical Company, the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia (ECA), and the City of Philadelphia, announce a city-wide contest as part of an effort to help Philadelphia become "the greenest city in America." The "Coolest Block" contest will allow residents of Philadelphia row homes to compete to win an energy-saving "cool roof" and other energy efficient products, such as air sealing and insulation, for their entire block. >> Click Here
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Southern California EdisonSouthern California Edison is giving green and going green as it recently donated $1 million to 10 state community colleges engaged in environmentally-friendly job training programs. El Camino College in Torrance was one of the 10 to receive $100,000 that will be distributed through scholarships. >> Click Here
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HVACReducationGreenCollarEdu.net and HVACReducation.net, the leading online industry education providers, deliver the training you need to keep your customer’s homes functioning at the very peak of performance. Now, more than ever, HVACR technicians need certifications. You can study for them in the comfort of your home or office, on your schedule, ONLINE. >> Click Here
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Sustainable.toWhen Daniels hired LEED accredited Dowsett (then at Scott Morris Architects), to design an ambitious "green" renovation of his 1930s Art Deco home, Daniels interviewed many professionals, all claiming to be "green." But taking a closer look, there were few with as much "green" design and building experience as Paul, including residential, commercial and institutional projects. The renovation was so successful (already awarded by the R.A.I.C. for sustainability in design) that when Dowsett decided to set up his own "green" practice, Daniels suggested they join forces and Sustainable.TO Architecture + Building was born. >> Click Here
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Mesalands Community CollegeMesalands Community College’s North American Wind Research and Training Center (NAWRTC) recently received condition monitoring hardware and software, valued at approximately $30,000 from SKF Group. SKF is one of the leading global suppliers of condition monitoring services including the SKF @ptitude Asset Management System, which will allow NAWRTC to monitor and record data trends to understand the health and reliability of the College’s 1.5 megawatt wind turbine. >> Click Here
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HVACReducationGreenCollarEdu.net and HVACReducation.net, the leading online industry education providers, deliver the training you need to keep your customer’s homes functioning at the very peak of performance. The Building Analyst Quick Start Program (58 or more instructional hours) followed by BPI Field Training (8 hours) and BPI proctored Building Analyst Certification Written and Field Exams This program is designed for those interested in working toward BPI (Building Performance Institute) Building Analyst Certification in partnership with Clean Edison. It covers everything you need to know to keep your customer’s homes functioning at the very peak of performance. >> Click Here
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Long Beach City CollegeThe Green Building and Energy & Water Efficiency Workforce Training Program was designed to address the needs of the emerging green industry by training displaced and new workers, as well as updating the skills of those currently employed in the traditional construction trades. Trainings are conducted by college instructors and industry professionals. To be accepted into the program, participants must have a clean criminal record, valid social security card, driver license, and the ability to pass a basic skills test. >> Click Here
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Johns Hopkins UniversityThe Johns Hopkins University today launched a master of science degree in energy policy and climate. Based at Johns Hopkins’ Washington, D.C. Center near Dupont Circle, the part-time graduate program addresses the challenges of climate change and sustainable energy systems. "In a carbon-constrained environment, there is a need for people knowledgeable about energy systems, climate change science, carbon management, and climate change policies," said Eileen McGurty, associate program chair of Johns Hopkins Environmental Studies Programs. "We’re looking to help prepare the next generation of interdisciplinary professionals to address this need." >> Click Here
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About Green Collar Association
Green Collar's mission is to advance the socially responsible economy and promote green collar jobs by aligning the interests of companies, educational institutions, and members of the workforce - including professionals and skilled workers. We believe that an issue of such critical importance to our economic growth, national security, and environmental health will require a collaborative approach that engages the best and brightest ideas, people, and resources from each sector. Thus, Green Collar Association is focused on:
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