Phoenix Becomes Nation's Solar City
by Kristin Underwood, San Diego, CA on 09. 4.08
Image source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
The Greening Greater Phoenix Initiative, launched today, is encouraging more green businesses such as solar and clean technology, green building, renewable energy and other green industry organizations. The program is a joint initiative by Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and SolarCity to encourage green businesses to locate in Phoenix and make Maricopa County the greenest in the US. The City of Phoenix, City of Scottsdale and the City of Surprise (who's on first? no really, their name is Surprise) are all joining in the initiative by adopting renewable energy and green building standards city-wide.
As part of the program, SolarCity will be hosting 6 seminars in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Surprise on September 20 and 27, which will be open to the public. Representatives will be on hand to talk about solar installations, particularly on residential buildings, as well as government rebates and cost savings. In addition, as part of the kickoff there is a 2008 GreenSummit Conference, September 5-6 in the Phoenix Convention Center.
How are Each of the Cities Going Green?
Phoenix adopted a renewable energy goal of sourcing 15% of city power from renewable sources by 2025. Also, all 16 city buildings constructed in 2006 were built to basic LEED standards. The City of Scottsdale's Green Building Program, which began in 1998 as a voluntary program to encourage inclusion of green practices. As of 2005, its now mandatory that all new buildings in Scottsdale meet at least LEED Gold Standards. The City of Surprise also has its own green initiative, including cracking down on water wasters and an air pollution PM-10 program to reduce dust particulates from the air.
To attend a seminar, check out SolarCity online. More information on Greening Greater Phoenix can be found on their website.
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The impetus for making solar energy a viable technology is gathering pace, be it a rather slow pace no thanks to the oil oligarchs.
In 15 minutes, the sun radiates as much energy onto our globe as humans use during an entire year.
There are so many other countries which would be suitable for solar technologies; heliostats, solar farms, etc.
Looks like Phoenix is the new innovation nation when it comes to utilizing solar energy.
this article is very good , thanks a lot
The first sentence of this post doesn't make much sense. Editing anyone?
Great news. Hope this starts a trend. It seems cities are very stubborn, seeing as they have so many other problems to worry about.
That’s the best thing I’ve ever seen :)
"As of 2005, its now mandatory that all new buildings in Scottsdale meet at least LEED Gold Standards"
Really? Every building? And the sky hasn't come crashing down, construction hasn't come to a screeching halt? Amazing :)
How about Nevada?
Is sustainability possible in Las Vegas? Well a new company in town seems to think so. The founders of ISOS Group, LLC believe they can help others determine just how sustainable their practices really are. The company was recently established after the founders noticed a void in sustainability services such as assessing sustainability, developing strategies, tracking impacts and reporting successes related to social, economic, and environmental accountability, or what is referred to as the triple bottom line.
Just as the rest of the country is catching the green wave, numerous companies are popping up across the valley boasting their uniquely green business approaches. Many have believed that what was initiated by Al Gore was something of a trend, but “do-gooder” ways are actually taking hold and transforming the marketplace. Many people are now specializing in different aspects of sustainability, such as green design, sustainable development, sustainable agriculture, building sustainable communities, corporate sustainability, carbon footprinting, recycling programs, local-food systems, organics, and/or renewable energy projects. Yet, true sustainability should encompass all these and more!
Whether we like it or not, our systems have become increasingly interconnected and our consumer decisions can result in greater ramifications than we can even imagine. Meeting the needs of the present should occur without compromising the ability of next generations to fulfill their own needs. This change in mindset requires a shift from solely profit maximization to a triple bottom line approach that will inherently transform corporate culture as we know it.
You might be wondering how a city that has branded itself on sin can integrate sustainability into an economy characterized by activities that are not readily found in other parts of the country, or the world for that matter. If you ask the founders of ISOS Group, they’ll say that, “essentially, we all want the same things for ourselves and our families- an ample supply of clean drinking water and food, energy independence, fair and functioning public systems, employee’s rights and benefits, and accessibility to quality education. Safeguarding vital aspects of our livelihoods are not only ethical, but essential to long-term success and prosperity.”
After years of working and studying around the world, Las Vegas native, Nancy Mancilla felt compelled to return home to embark on this venture with partner and co-founder, Alexandru Georgescu. The next several years promise to be exciting for ISOS Group, LLC. The Group plans to open a second office in Bucharest, Romania and intends to introduce the concept to various industries through a series of lectures and trainings nationally and internationally. The Group’s commitment goes beyond simple green-washing; it is also reflected in the relationships they hold as well as being recognized as a Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Organizational Stakeholder and adhering to the UN Global Compact. To learn more about ISOS Group, log onto: www.isosgroup.com
Don't be fooled. I have lived in Phoenix for several years and they are not the greenest thinking people. There are more Humvee per square miles than anywhere else. Even with water conservation people consume more water than an elephant. They have more golf courses that anywhere else. Obviously, they recycle the watering, but still!!!
The city hall of Scottsdale is decorated with plush green grass. Duhhhhh. The city is own by redneck cowboys and big businesses. Only now! They want to have a solar city??? I think the hot sun has fried their brains.
That's just great! They should make a competition between cities all over the US the winner will be the greenest city. The winner can get more money for financing new greener technologies.
arizona is one of the sunniest states in the US. it is geared up for solar power but it's still trailing behind California at the moment for investment