Upload
energizenj
View
583
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Green Energy Observer
Citation preview
T H E G R E E N E N E R G Y
O B S E R V E R
Brought to you by:
CHANGE ISIN THE WIND
The Role of Green Energyin the New American Economy
BRINGING A NEW LIGHT TO AFRICA
Green Energy & Education in Ghana
FA L L 2 0 1 1 • E D I T I O N 1
2 3
As a Viridian customer, you are part of a very important
movement. By joining the millions of people who choose
where their energy comes from, you’re helping to change the
way energy works in this country. And because suppliers now
have to compete for your business, you can and should expect
more from them.
At Viridian, we’re proud to have created a convergence between
affordability and sustainability, ultimately helping to define what
has become an entirely new industry. And it’s an industry that
continues to evolve—which is why we are launching the “Green
Energy Observer.” This report will keep our customers and stake-
holders posted on the latest news in both energy deregulation and
renewable energy development, and analyze the impact these two
trends are having nationwide. Plus, we’ll take a broader look at
global issues and how our actions have an impact both locally
and globally. In short, you’ll always know what’s going on in this
energy niche, and how Viridian is a part of it.
While we began by providing affordable green energy to our
customers, our ultimate goal is that the collective impact of so
many opting for greener energy will drive the development of
renewable technologies in our country and set an example of en-
vironmental stewardship for the next generation. We also know
that with growth comes increased responsibility, which is why
we engage on a local level with our communities on projects that
impact sustainability and promote greener living.
Our commitment to sustainability extends across our borders
with a global pledge we call “7 Continents in 7 Years.” I am
proud of our role as global citizens. Whether it’s planting trees
in an area of the Amazon devastated by deforestation or install-
ing solar panels in a remote village in Ghana, our efforts around
the globe represent our commitment to positive social and
economic change and bringing awareness to sustainability
issues. You’ll learn more about these commitments later in
this report.
But first, I’d like to personally thank each one of you for your
decision to use Viridian and for the impact it has had, not only
on the environment, but on our ability as your supplier to
provide more and do more.
{Welcome to the introductory edition of the Green Energy Observer}Renewable
electrical output was up 25.8% in the first three months of 2011 compared
to the first quarter of 2010.*
The number of customers choosing
independent retailers will steadily rise from 20% of residential sales in 2009
to 34% in 2016.*
Globally
renewable energy
will be the fastest growing
source of electricity generation
over the next 25 years.*
WINDPOWER
ALL OTHERRENEWABLES
0
75,000
150,000
225,000
1997
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
2011*
(Per Thousand Megawatthours)
*expected
Wind Energy: 1,948% increase in the past decade.*
With gratitude,
Michael Fallquist, Viridian Energy Founder & CEO
Simply put, these growing trends in the development of renewable technology
mean more people care about creating a cleaner future. Customers like you are
a significant part of continuing to drive these trends. By demanding higher quality
sources, you have the potential to increase the use of green energy in our country.
{What does it mean?}
*Sources: KEMA, a leading authority on energy consulting and deregulation development; U.S. Energy Information Administration, the federal
public organization devoted to collecting, analyzing and disseminating energy information to promote policymaking and market efficiency.
{Growing Trends}
4 5
{Choices today that change tomorrow}WATCHViridian’s mission is to infuse market innovation into the newly deregulated landscape and, as a result, increase consumer
demand for renewable energy. Your simple decision to choose greener energy leads to increased production of renewable
energy in the U.S. and a decrease of our dependence on foreign fuel. As the push for renewable development continues,
more benefits have been realized. Reports illustrate job creation, investment in new energy technology from both the public
and private sector, and, of course, positive environmental impact. From national to local publications, here’s a look at what
has made headlines just this past quarter as a result of increased consumer demand for cleaner energy:
DEVELOPMENT, MORE INVESTMENT & DECREASED COSTS
ECONOMYThe increasing awareness of deregulation has resulted in more customers choosing
alternative suppliers than ever before. These competitive offerings have resulted
in measurable positive results and savings for customers, including individuals,
businesses, municipalities and schools.
Take Pennsylvania. By August 2011, 1,327,017 customers had chosen their electric
supplier, compared to only 103,178 the previous year. But while this is a dramatic
increase, it is easily explained: according to recent reports, before deregulation was
implemented, electric customers in Pennsylvania paid roughly 15 percent more
than the national average. Since deregulation was implemented, Pennsylvania
customers pay 12 cents per kilowatt hour, or just about the national average. As more
and more customers experience savings, suppliers will be able to offer more options
and competitive offers, compounding the positive economic impact for consumers.
Customer choice has also helped spur the growth of new renewable generators,
encouraging major private sector investments, which serve to confirm the viability
and sustainability of energy development.
RESEARCH
INCREASEDRESEARCHDOLLARS
INCREASEDINFRASTRUCTURE
INNOVATION
DECREASED OVERALL ENERGY COSTS
$
While unemployment in the U.S. is at its highest levels in decades and new job
growth is stagnant, the green energy sector is seeking professionals of all kinds.
From running a generation station to building wind turbines to installing solar
panels, or performing audits and other services that improve energy efficiency,
the opportunities currently offered in the green energy sector outpace not just
those in the general economy, but in the fossil fuel industry as well. In fact, right
now the clean economy—including the solar, wind, fuel cell, smart grid and
biofuel industries—employs more than 2.7 million Americans. Growing at a rate
of 8.3 percent, over twice as fast as the overall economy, the clean energy sector
shows no signs of stopping.
Pennsylvania’s renewable energy industry, practically nonexistent 12 years ago, now employs more than 106,000 people.
1999 2011
JOBS CONTINUE TO GROW IN THE GREEN ENERGY SECTOR
JOBS
SMARTER CHOICES LEAD TO CLEANER AIR & MORE INNOVATION
ENVIRONMENT
With dwindling resources and record growth in population, now more than ever, it is critical
that we become better environmental stewards of our natural resources. As more and more
customers realize this, more are demanding greener energy solutions. It’s not surprising,
then, that government, both at the state and federal level, supports further development
of alternative sources. For example, Vermont has approved a $150 million wind turbine
project at Lowell Mountain Ridge, Washington state has installed 149 turbines in lower
Snake River, and Michigan has planned a $250 million wind farm with 75 turbines. Iowa
has set aside $20 million for research in renewable energy and Colorado has recently
budgeted $26.5 million for wind development.
As for the federal government, it reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy
development when the U.S. Department of Energy announced the allocation of $81
million for the development of green energy. This formidable public sector investment is
augmented by the $100 million in private investments over the past two years.
And it’s not just the government and big investors who are dedicated to developing
renewable energy. A recent study by a market research firm in Maryland shows that
Maryland customers not only favor wind development but are willing to pay for it. The
poll results showed that 62 percent of Maryland residents would pay a $2 surcharge every
month on their electric bills to fund renewable energy generated from offshore wind.
In Virginia, private investors have committed up to $9 million to the state’s newest in-
vestment in renewable energy: A wind turbine test facility that will help test and certify wind
turbines, greatly accelerating local renewable growth in the mid Atlantic region. Similarly,
in Massachusetts, research and testing has begun on the nation’s first in-water hydrokinetic
energy production device. The system would use the power of ocean waves, tides and
currents to generate turbines. Both projects would increase the potential for locally-produced
clean energy and both have already contributed to local job growth.
As of October 1, 2011. Viridian custom-
ers have avoided 248,626,531 pounds
in carbon emissions. That’s the equiva-
lent of 2,891,669 trees or the annual
greenhouse gas emissions from 22,113
passenger vehicles. This incredible impact
is from just one company. Imagine the
ripple effect as other companies and
customers follow suit.
OF CARBON EMISSIONS AVOIDED.248,626,531 LBS
(CARBON SEQUESTERED BY 10-YEAR OLD TREE SEEDLINGS)
2,891,669 TREES
22,113 VEHICLESAVOIDING THE GAS EMISSIONS OF
VIRIDIAN’S COLLECTIVE IMPACT
For more information and current industry news
that affects you, visit:
ENERGYNEWS.VIRIDIAN.COM
Updated Daily!
Growing at a rate of 8.3 percent, over twice as fast as the overall economy, the clean energy sector shows no signs of stopping.
The development of local, renewable energy is necessary for the future of our
environment. It’s necessary to ensure that our children have clean water and air.
And it’s necessary to end our dependence on foreign fuel. While it may seem
obvious, we can’t assume that others are setting the example for change. We know
that Viridian alone cannot revolutionize the world’s sustainable economy, but we
can spark change. And that change starts with a grand vision and is realized by
doing what’s right, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
Viridian’s pledge is simple: 7 continents in 7 years. This means going to a different continent each year for 7 years, and engaging in a local
project that will have sustainable social, economic and environmental benefit. The
point is not just to make a difference while bringing awareness to each issue, but also
to enable others to follow in our footsteps. In this way, our vision of collective impact
is realized, one small step at a time.
Over 50% of our tropical
rainforests have been destroyed in the past 50 years*
YEAR 1 YEAR 2
{Our Pledge & Mission}
{Viridian’s Global Commitment}
2011 South America (Brazil)2012 Africa (Ghana)2013 Asia2014 Antarctica2015 Australia2016 Europe2017 North America
WHEN WHERE
1 in 5 people lack access to electricity
globally*
2011: Reforestation in the Amazon
YEAR
7YEAR
6
YEAR
2
YEAR
3
YEAR
4
2012: Bringing Power
to Villages in Ghana
YEAR
1 YEAR
5
*International Energy Agency (IEA), World Energy Outlook; United Nations (U.N.), Forest Resources Assessment
8 9
The Amazon rainforest is a living, breathing, fascinating
ecosystem rich in nutrients and an incredible variety of
life, both large and small. It is also an essential part of our
global environment, producing one-fifth of the air we all
breathe. Unfortunately, it is also under threat, as thousands
of acres are being deforested for temporary use as cattle
land or other purposes.
In March 2011, Viridian embarked on our first 7 Continents
in 7 Years journey. The pioneer group of 36 Associates and
corporate staff went deep into the heart of the Amazon,
officially commencing our global sustainability initiative.
We prepared the ground and planted trees in a region
that had been previously burned down for cattle pasture.
Unable to support cattle, the land laid to waste until,
together with a local environmentalist group, the Viridian
crew came in to replant indigenous tree species to help
repair some of the vast damage that had been done,
focusing on five acres on Lake Tracaja, near the Mamori
River. The team’s efforts are only the first step in making an
impact on areas of the rainforest that have experienced
irreversible damage.
To continue what we started, Viridian launched the
Viridian Foundation and then the Amazon Preservation
Project, our pledge to continue to replant and preserve
the land by planting at least 5,000 trees in the Mamori
region. Through the Foundation, individuals can sponsor
parcels of land that will be cared for in their name in
perpetuity. The Foundation will also travel back to the
area with interested participants twice each year, beginning
in November 2011 until our goal is achieved and to learn
from local guides and experts about the inherent value
of the Amazon rainforest.
2011: BRAZIL
DESCRIBED AS THE “LUNGS OF OUR PLANET,” THE AMAZON RAINFOREST PRODUCES NEARLY 20% OF THE EARTH’S OXYGEN.
THE OBJECTIVE THE FACTS THE FUTURE
To help restore the complex ecosystem and its associated environmental benefits destroyed by systematic deforestation.
Become part of the solution and help the Viridian Foundation plant more trees. Sponsor your own parcel of land at:
www.theviridianfoundation.org
Trees planted: 155Species: Acai, rosewood oil, rubber tree, Brazil nutLand: 5 acres on Lake Tracaja, formed from the Mamori river.Execution: Designed and led by forestry engineer from the university in Manaus.
Learn more about how you can help: www.theviridianfoundation.org.
10 11
big image
global access to energy
Imagine living in a world with no light after the sun goes down.
A world where cooking and warmth require a fire and health
care cannot rely on pharmaceuticals that require refrigeration.
A world where your child cannot continue to learn past sundown
and where you may obtain a cell phone, but you have to travel
three, four, or more hours just to charge a device to connect you
to the outside world. This is a reality for more than 1.5 billion
people across the globe. Electricity is a fundamental necessity
for any modern community or society to develop.
In developing countries around the world, schools, hospitals,
and libraries are providing a path to stronger communities.
But access to basic power is a critical component for en-
abling residents to improve the quality of life, educate their
children, provide reliable health care and ultimately build a
thriving economy.
In the spring of 2012, we will embark on our second 7 Continents
in 7 Years journey, visiting a small group of villages in rural Ghana,
with a community of people we have already fallen in love with.
In and around a village named Asonafo, we have identified a
growing and thriving community in need of reliable power. This
summer, Viridian executives traveled to Ghana to meet the
villagers and to plan with our partner organization, World Joy,
a nonprofit dedicated to health and education initiatives in
13 rural villages in the Ghana’s Atiwa district. Founded in 2005,
World Joy has constructed many local government-run schools,
health facilities and libraries and trained teachers and ad-
ministrators to help strengthen public health and education
initiatives from the bottom up. With a unique collaborative
relationship with the Ghanaians, World Joy has laid the
foundation for a sustainable community.
As part of our initiative, Viridian will work with our partners
to plan and design solar panels to provide reliable and
sustainable electricity to hundreds of patients, students
and community members. In the spring of 2012, the Viridian
sustainability team will travel to Ghana to install the panels,
hardware for electricity storage, lighting fixtures, portable
lighting, charging stations, refrigeration in health care fa-
cilities and more, as well as provide training for ongoing use
and maintenance.
Bringing light and power to these communities will have am
immeasurable impact for years to come. We look forward to
seeing what these wonderful and industrious people are able
to accomplish simply by having something we take for
granted every day.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE, LITERALLY
THE OBJECTIVE THE NEED
Improve quality of life by
supporting social change
in thriving and growing
rural villages in Ghana.
1 in 5 people live without
access to electricity globally,
contributing to disease,
illiteracy, difficulty accessing
basic communication and
other conditions.
2012: GHANA
THE PROJECT
Install solar panels on health care, education and community development facilities. Ensure long-term viability of access to power.
Viridian will work with our partners to plan and design solar panels to provide reliable
and sustainable electricity to hundreds of patients, students and community members.
GREENLiving Living Green is an easily achievable way of life, through small changes in your daily routine that will have a big impact on your energy consumption, energy costs and carbon footprint. By making just a few easy adjustments in the home or office, everyone can contribute to a greener planet and a cleaner, better lifestyle for all. The following are some actions you can start with today, to help make a better tomorrow:
Turn it upMonitor your refrigerator, as it accounts for about 20% of household electricity use. Use a thermometer and keep it as close to 37 degrees and your freezer as close to 3 degrees as possible.
Dial it downDialing down the thermostat just one degree from your “normal” setting during the winter can result in about 1 to 3 percent less fuel use, and a similar reduction in your heating bill.
Keep it coldUse cold water whenever possible when doing your wash. Analysts estimate that 80% of the energy used in washing clothes is used to heat the water.
3 EASY THINGS YOU CAN DO
Visit www.theviridianfoundation.org to see how you can make a difference
by sponsoring your own parcel of land in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.
Sponsor & PROTECT THErainforest in Brazil
Trees with the square bit of grass/earth and the ribbon
www.theviridianfoundation.org
For more information about Viridian’s products or programs, please contact your local Viridian Associate.
© 2011 VIRIDIAN ENERGY. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copying or reproduction of this product, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. GEO_Fall2011_110711.