Climate entrepreneurs key to low carbon future

Two "old" reports in a new context....

1. Swedish report "12 Climate Entrepreneurs"

2. India report "Indian companies with solutions that the world needs"

This press release was sent out today:

30 Mar 2009
Bonn, Germany: WWF urges delegates at the ongoing UN climate talks in Bonn to find ways to support a new class of climate entrepreneurs as the main drivers for a future low carbon economy.

New research by the global conservation organization shows that innovative technologies available today can result in emission cuts of hundreds of millions of tons through rapid growth.

The two new WWF reports – including 17 case studies from developed economies such as Sweden and emerging markets such as India - show what works and what doesn’t in bringing the power of innovation to bear on the need to rapidly face the challenge of climate change.

“There is immense potential for both climate and business success in technology innovations coming forward – what we need to do is to remove obstacles to successful commercialization and wide diffusion that innovative entrepreneurs and companies are faced with,” said Stefan Henningsson, Director of the Climate Change Programme at WWF Sweden.

New ways of bringing natural light into large buildings developed 8 years ago by a Swedish construction consultant in collaboration with an innovator could save an estimated 220 million tons of CO2 equivalent in emissions per year, as well as delivering huge savings in electricity bills.

In another example, systems for large-scale production and distribution of district cooling, developed by one Swedish innovator, are more efficient than traditional cooling technology. A 25% expansion in the share of district cooling on the European cooling market alone would cut CO2 emissions by up to 50 million tons each year.

In India, a company setting out to provide LED-based solar powered lighting to the rural poor is tackling sustainable and climate friendly development on two fronts. This and other examples show how sustainable business and social entrepreneurship can shape future economic growth.

“The Indian companies featured in the WWF report reflect the incredible potential that lie in the alignment of sustainable development needs and business value in developing countries – and the global solutions they can provide,” said Henningsson.

The Swedish case studies also identified the major obstacle to the development and deployment of promising new technologies at scale: continued high levels of direct and indirect support for incremental improvement of existing outmoded production methods in larger companies.

“In planning policy and public investment there is a tendency to consult mainly with the big players in business and industry who generally favour traditional solutions,” said Henningsson. “But often traditional solutions and improving old methods simply are not good enough to ensure the market transformations and emission reductions we need.

“Even systems which don’t discriminate against new ideas are insufficient. Let’s embrace systems that actively seek them out.”

While a co-ordinated focus at high government levels on facing the climate change challenge would be a welcome first step to improve the environment for innovations, WWF is also proposing the creation of “one stop shops” for climate entrepreneurs, where outstanding ideas could be linked to public and private resources for research, financing, commercialization and export.

At the international level, WWF is calling for Technology Action Programmes to be established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to speed up the development and demonstration of new technologies and the better diffusion of existing sustainable technologies.

“Majority of the ideas are already out there and some of these come from developing countries and others from industrialised countries. “What we lack are sufficiently efficient ways of moving from ideas to working solutions past the gaps and rigidities in our systems.”

The low carbon work with Novozymes is now launched

Really look forward to this. Download the folder here and below is the press release:

Search on for best climate biosolutions

WWF points out that the over-exploitation of fossil fuels - such as coal, gas and oil - is putting the whole of humanity under threat from climate change.

25 Mar 2009
Global environment organization WWF and leading enzyme biotechnology company Novozymes today announced an initiative which will map how and where low carbon biosolutions can eliminate the first strategic billion tonnes of CO2.

“Low carbon biotech solutions are a good example of hidden or invisible climate solutions that are all around us already today but are easily overlooked by policymakers, investors and companies,” said Kim Carstensen, Director of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative.

The biotechnology industry is an important part of the climate solutions the world is in need of because the emissions reductions secured by biotech solutions are factors of magnitude greater than the emissions involved in creating them. Enzymes, for instance, save large amounts of energy when applied to the production of a variety of every day products, such as paper, washing powder and bioethanol.

Last year, Novozymes emitted about one million tonnes of CO2 eq in the production of raw materials and enzymes but helped eliminate around 28 million tonnes of CO2 eq emissions over enzyme free production.

“What we offer our customers is to produce more from less input, use less energy in their processes and generate less waste,” said Steen Riisgaard, CEO of Novozymes.

“Clearly, biotechnology is therefore an important route to securing big emissions cuts while creating succesful business models.”

With only a small portion of the potential of biotech so far realized, the joint Biosolutions Initiative – Eliminating the first billion tonnes of CO2 will seek out key and priority areas where biotechnology solutions can be applied to achieve emissions cuts.

Low carbon winners of future need support now

The partnership will also engage in dialogue with central policy makers and create low carbon business partnerships to ensure that low carbon bio tech solutions become an integrated part of all major climate projects and initiatives.

“So far, the main effort to combat climate change has focused on reducing the negative impact of the big emmitters,” said Carstensen. “While important, this neither secures all the reductions needed nor does it provide a sustainable economic model for creating jobs, growth and a prosperous society.”

The project aims to contribute to accelerating and exploring the further potential of biotechnology as a crucial part of overall climate solutions.

“Fighting climate change is also about innovation and finding smarter ways to do things, and biotechnology helps us do just that,” said Carstensen.

The project will also identify how to best deploy emerging bio-solutions .

In order to unlock the full potential of biotechnology, policy makers need to integrate low carbon biotech solutions as part of all major climate strategies," said Riisgaard.

"Together with WWF we want to inspire decision makers in building low carbon solutions for our society."

The low carbon work with Novozymes is now launched

Really look forward to this. Download the folder here and below is the press release:

Search on for best climate biosolutions

WWF points out that the over-exploitation of fossil fuels - such as coal, gas and oil - is putting the whole of humanity under threat from climate change.

25 Mar 2009
Global environment organization WWF and leading enzyme biotechnology company Novozymes today announced an initiative which will map how and where low carbon biosolutions can eliminate the first strategic billion tonnes of CO2.

“Low carbon biotech solutions are a good example of hidden or invisible climate solutions that are all around us already today but are easily overlooked by policymakers, investors and companies,” said Kim Carstensen, Director of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative.

The biotechnology industry is an important part of the climate solutions the world is in need of because the emissions reductions secured by biotech solutions are factors of magnitude greater than the emissions involved in creating them. Enzymes, for instance, save large amounts of energy when applied to the production of a variety of every day products, such as paper, washing powder and bioethanol.

Last year, Novozymes emitted about one million tonnes of CO2 eq in the production of raw materials and enzymes but helped eliminate around 28 million tonnes of CO2 eq emissions over enzyme free production.

“What we offer our customers is to produce more from less input, use less energy in their processes and generate less waste,” said Steen Riisgaard, CEO of Novozymes.

“Clearly, biotechnology is therefore an important route to securing big emissions cuts while creating succesful business models.”

With only a small portion of the potential of biotech so far realized, the joint Biosolutions Initiative – Eliminating the first billion tonnes of CO2 will seek out key and priority areas where biotechnology solutions can be applied to achieve emissions cuts.

Low carbon winners of future need support now

The partnership will also engage in dialogue with central policy makers and create low carbon business partnerships to ensure that low carbon bio tech solutions become an integrated part of all major climate projects and initiatives.

“So far, the main effort to combat climate change has focused on reducing the negative impact of the big emmitters,” said Carstensen. “While important, this neither secures all the reductions needed nor does it provide a sustainable economic model for creating jobs, growth and a prosperous society.”

The project aims to contribute to accelerating and exploring the further potential of biotechnology as a crucial part of overall climate solutions.

“Fighting climate change is also about innovation and finding smarter ways to do things, and biotechnology helps us do just that,” said Carstensen.

The project will also identify how to best deploy emerging bio-solutions .

In order to unlock the full potential of biotechnology, policy makers need to integrate low carbon biotech solutions as part of all major climate strategies," said Riisgaard.

"Together with WWF we want to inspire decision makers in building low carbon solutions for our society."

PRESS RELEASE : WWF STUDIES FIND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES CLIMATE IMPACTS, COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS

Here is a press release for two reports at the same time. Will post both here later with some info...

PRESS RELEASE

WWF STUDIES FIND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES CLIMATE IMPACTS, COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS

Global climate policy can drive broad implementation of existing technologies
to achieve meaningful greenhouse gas reductions

WASHINGTON, DC, March 25, 2009 – World Wildlife Fund today released two new studies that underscore how existing information technology (IT) solutions can meet the demands of today’s corporations while also reducing the harmful CO2 emissions that contribute to climate change. As world leaders work this year to gain agreement on global strategies to combat the worsening climate crisis, policymakers and corporations are increasingly looking for solutions that reduce harmful emissions while creating jobs, saving money and driving innovation.

“IT can be a significant driver of greenhouse gas reductions, but we need strong global climate policy to ensure these solutions are implemented at the speed and scale necessary to make a difference,” said Dennis Pamlin, a WWF Policy Advisor and co-author of the reports. “This research tells us that if relatively simple measures are implemented globally, we can achieve annual emissions reductions equal to at least half of current U.S. total annual emissions by 2050. But we must start to walk in the right direction now, before it’s too late.”

According to the reports, which were independently authored by WWF together with leading academic experts and with funding support from HP and Microsoft, collaboration is fundamental. Business and policy makers can deliver a low carbon future, but they must work together to achieve meaningful results.

For example, the first report, “Virtual Meetings and Climate Innovation in the 21st Century”, highlights the significant impact employee travel makes on a company’s total carbon footprint – accounting for 50% or more among non-manufacturing companies. Virtual meetings are an existing alternative that can increase the efficiency of business while reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

“Creating a global network of more than 4,000 high quality videoconferencing studios in cities around the world would help build a new infrastructure for the 21st century and would cost less than one and a half airplanes,” Pamlin noted.

The second report, “From Workplace to Anyplace”, highlights opportunities to employ existing technologies that enable one or more individuals to work or collaborate remotely. This would create new efficiencies and cut emissions created by daily commuting or business air travel.

In the report’s “smart world” scenario, where policies and IT industry users contribute to a climate smart future, roughly one billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions are avoided through tele-work in year 2030–an amount equivalent to the total current annual carbon dioxide emissions from the United Kingdom and Italy combined. By the year 2050, tele-work could reduce almost 3.5 billion tons of emissions–equivalent to more than half of the United States’ current CO2 emissions.

The report also says that developed countries may deliver the majority of greenhouse gas emissions with increased tele-working in the short term, but developing countries can deliver the bulk of the reductions in the long term.

As part of this research, a carbon calculator for policymakers and businesses was developed and is available online at www.worldwildlife.org/carbonprojector.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The report, Virtual Meetings and Climate Innovation in the 21st Century, is available online at: www.worldwildlife.org/climate/videoconferencing

The report, From Workplace to Anyplace, is available online at:
www.worldwildlife.org/climate/teleworking

The reports have been peer-reviewed by scientists, economists and expert bodies, including WWF. The research was funded by both HP and Microsoft.

PRESS RELEASE : WWF STUDIES FIND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES CLIMATE IMPACTS, COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS

Here is a press release for two reports at the same time. Will post both here later with some info...


PRESS RELEASE

WWF STUDIES FIND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES CLIMATE IMPACTS, COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS

Global climate policy can drive broad implementation of existing technologies
to achieve meaningful greenhouse gas reductions

WASHINGTON, DC, March 25, 2009 – World Wildlife Fund today released two new studies that underscore how existing information technology (IT) solutions can meet the demands of today’s corporations while also reducing the harmful CO2 emissions that contribute to climate change. As world leaders work this year to gain agreement on global strategies to combat the worsening climate crisis, policymakers and corporations are increasingly looking for solutions that reduce harmful emissions while creating jobs, saving money and driving innovation.

“IT can be a significant driver of greenhouse gas reductions, but we need strong global climate policy to ensure these solutions are implemented at the speed and scale necessary to make a difference,” said Dennis Pamlin, a WWF Policy Advisor and co-author of the reports. “This research tells us that if relatively simple measures are implemented globally, we can achieve annual emissions reductions equal to at least half of current U.S. total annual emissions by 2050. But we must start to walk in the right direction now, before it’s too late.”

According to the reports, which were independently authored by WWF together with leading academic experts and with funding support from HP and Microsoft, collaboration is fundamental. Business and policy makers can deliver a low carbon future, but they must work together to achieve meaningful results.

For example, the first report, “Virtual Meetings and Climate Innovation in the 21st Century”, highlights the significant impact employee travel makes on a company’s total carbon footprint – accounting for 50% or more among non-manufacturing companies. Virtual meetings are an existing alternative that can increase the efficiency of business while reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

“Creating a global network of more than 4,000 high quality videoconferencing studios in cities around the world would help build a new infrastructure for the 21st century and would cost less than one and a half airplanes,” Pamlin noted.

The second report, “From Workplace to Anyplace”, highlights opportunities to employ existing technologies that enable one or more individuals to work or collaborate remotely. This would create new efficiencies and cut emissions created by daily commuting or business air travel.

In the report’s “smart world” scenario, where policies and IT industry users contribute to a climate smart future, roughly one billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions are avoided through tele-work in year 2030–an amount equivalent to the total current annual carbon dioxide emissions from the United Kingdom and Italy combined. By the year 2050, tele-work could reduce almost 3.5 billion tons of emissions–equivalent to more than half of the United States’ current CO2 emissions.

The report also says that developed countries may deliver the majority of greenhouse gas emissions with increased tele-working in the short term, but developing countries can deliver the bulk of the reductions in the long term.

As part of this research, a carbon calculator for policymakers and businesses was developed and is available online at www.worldwildlife.org/carbonprojector.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The report, Virtual Meetings and Climate Innovation in the 21st Century, is available online at: www.worldwildlife.org/climate/videoconferencing

The report, From Workplace to Anyplace, is available online at:
www.worldwildlife.org/climate/teleworking

The reports have been peer-reviewed by scientists, economists and expert bodies, including WWF. The research was funded by both HP and Microsoft.