Clean & Green Alternative Energy Action Plan - Silicon Valley ...

Cool CommutesSolarTecha competition to reduce greenhouse gasesTransportation is the largest and fastest growing sourceof greenhouse gasses (GHG) in California and accountsfor more than 40 percent of all GHG emissions. Collectively,our region can set a powerfulexample and begin to ratchet downgreenhouse gas emissions by substantiallyincreasing the number ofemployees who carpool, take transit,bike, walk, or telecommute ratherthan drive solo to work.In this competition, similarly-sized employers are competingto see who can encourage the greatest number ofemployees to use a green commute. There are severalways – many of these free or low cost – for employers toencourage employees to try alternative commutes. Forexample, employers can post information on transit inpublic spaces, provide lockers and showers for those whowant to bicycle to work, or consider giving out prizesto those who use commute alternatives. More ideas areposted on svlg.net along with information on how toparticipate in Cool Commutes.The second annual competition will begin in October2007 and conclude in October 2008. Come join in. This isa competition where everybody walks away a winner!solar industry center for excellenceRecently, the California Solar Initiative and national SolarAmerica Initiative have established programs and incentivesfor implementing solar power. Will Silicon Valley beable to meet the challengeto become a center of excellencein solar technologyindustry development andmarket deployment? Canregional collaboration focusingon reducing the installedcost of solar drive job growthand industry sustainability?The newly formed “SolarTech” partnership released aWhite Paper in June 2007 examining these questions, andis forming the blueprint to achieve the vision of a “Solar”Valley focused in seven areas: developing standards forinstallation, equipment performance, and utility interconnection;streamlining building permitting; ensuringadequate workforce training; creating accessible financingmodels; and facilitating new technology developmentand market dispersion.Visit solartech.org to find out more and join the LeadershipGroup utility, industry and education partners in oureffort.Contact: Bena Chang, bchang@svlg.netContact: Justin Bradley, jbradley@svlg.net• Impact on GHG emissions: • Decreases traffic congestion• Increases transit efficiency• Reduces pollution• Increased productivity• Impact on GHG emissions: • Provides cost competitive and reliablesolar powered products• Provides economic stimulusSilicon Valley Leadership GroupClean & Green Alternative Energy Action Plan