R.E.preneur

Arizona's Own Espresso Pundit: Brand Awareness

So much of public policy is either right or left.  It's hard to find someone who can make intelligent points that appeal to both sides of the spectrum.  Take a few minutes this weekend and watch this video by Stewart Brand.  Not only is it extremely interesting but it's also likely to change your perspective. 

via www.espressopundit.com

Blogger Greg Patterson points us to a great video via Ted Talks from Stewart Brand. Brand, a pioneer of the environmental movement never stops evaluating the difficult choices our Planet faces going forward.

If you're interested in Arizona politics and assorted other topics, Greg writes a very entertaining blog which is always worth reading.

Pangea Day - See The World Through Another's Eyes

Pangea Day taps the power of film to strengthen tolerance and compassion while uniting millions of people to build a better future.



Can we change the world in 4 hours?

Follow up on An Inconvenient Truth

Al Gore's most recent TED talk has been posted online.  If you haven't watched the Inconvenient Truth, this is a shorter (20 minute) talk that will allow you to take a simple test. 

If you watch this talk, and feel absolutely no urgent need to take some sort of personal action to solve the Global Climate Crisis than you are officially a moron. 

I used to think a lot about being politically correct.  But now, with all of the evidence so strong, I can't stop thinking about ways to get people off their aces.  I feel like I need to shake my entire generation into waking up from their obsession with consumer electronics and celebrity gossip and somehow convey the message that there are causes worth fighting for out there. 

I know, there was a time in my life when I didn't really get environmentalism, but come on, we're in college now.  In six weeks I will have graduated.  I'm scared that my graduating class is more concerned about what new ring tone they just bought for their iPhone than how their working life will affect the planet.

Just so we're clear on how much I take this to heart, here is a list of my current projects around this concern (not meant to brag, more to the point of: if you're not doing anything get off your ace):

• Trying desperately to finish a documentary highlighting the work of students, staff, and faculty from across the U of A working on sustainability/green projects
• Applying to be the convocation speaker at The Eller College of Management's 2008 graduation ceremonies.  An attempt to inspire 500+ graduates to consider "doing well by doing good" in 3 minutes
• Submitted an application to Property & Environment Research Center's Summer Week-long camp on Free-Market Environmentalism.  After all I called it "the opportunity of a lifetime", how could I not apply?
• Still working on getting a job developing renewable energy in America (or anywhere for that matter), if you are in this field and looking to hire a passionate young people with an entrepreneurial education, email me.
• Tomorrow, I will begin a new project (right like I have time for this) to develop solar power in a new way in the US.  Its not 100% original, but I haven't seen it done anywhere else in solar, and I think there may be some key advantages to this new approach.  Vague enough for ya?

As you can see, I have many projects.  If you think that you can help me, or would like to sponsor any of these projects, I'd love to talk with you.

In fact, that gives me a great idea.  Why on Earth have I not sought out a sponsor in much the same way that the FABULOUS PBS series e2 (that's E squared or the economies of being environmentally conscious) has been sponsored by Autodesk.

I wonder what Tucson businesses would be interested in sponsoring my video. One more project to keep in the air. 

Aquaduct: Transporting + Filtering Water for the BoP

I love people who try to solve the world's challenges instead of just reflecting on how to avoid personally falling into their own problems. 

Check out this short, informational video from the creators of the Aquaduct. 

So what will you do to solve the problems of the world?  What will your legacy be?

Renewabuilt Energy Shines At University of Arizona's Innovation Day

My team in the McGuire Entrepreneurship program participated in the University of Arizona's Innovation Day on Tuesday.  During the trade show portion of the day 19 venture teams presented their companies to angel investors who came from across the southwestern US, met with members of the Tucson community to promote our businesses, and many were interviewed by local and regional media about the event. 

At the end of the show, the angel investors picked six of the 19 teams to make full venture presentations that afternoon.  Our Renewabuilt team was thrilled to be picked as one of the six teams.  We did not "win" our room of three presentations, but we did get some great feedback from the angels on how to improve our pitch and find funding for our company to launch. 

Here's some press coverage including a link to a short video about the event.

Rebecca Batterman and Kyle Cherrick, both with Renewabuilt Energy, talk with John Hughes from the University of Arizona's Nanotechnology program at UA's Innovation Showcase Tuesday.

UA student innovators meet investors

Camera phone lens, rural solar fields among 6 ideas to get chance at financing

ALAN FISCHER

Published: 03.26.2008

 

Student exhibitors at Tuesday's University of Arizona Innovation Showcase hoped to pitch their business plans to angels - the financial type, not the heavenly host.

Angels - investors who seek startup ventures to fund - from Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and California attended, scouring the aisles to find the next great breakout business ideas.

The student entrepreneurs were eager to connect with them for advice, guidance and - hopefully - funding.

The group selected six UA teams to present their plans in greater detail following the showcase.

"There were two or three investable companies in there today," said John Chavez, president of New Mexico Angels in Albuquerque.

But no checks would be written Tuesday, he said, since due diligence to validate the companies, people, technology and intellectual property would take from six weeks to three months.

The student entrepreneurs were on their toes.

"We have to assume that everyone is a prime customer," said Kerissa Kelly-Slatten, marketing manager for Cookie Fusion, a company that bakes in four to six minutes custom cookies from a wide variety of ingredients.

"We have to persuade them, convince them, that we have a strong plan and a strong team to open the business," she said. Her team is seeking $750,000 to open its first store.

The six companies selected to give formal presentations were: Cookie Fusion; LenSense, which offers flat liquid crystal diffractive lenses for zoom optics in camera phones; FireGuard Industries which offers an aerator that fits between a fire hose and nozzle that allows firefighters to put out fires 40 percent faster with 50 percent less water; uBike, an automated bicycle rental kiosk for short-term commutes; Renewabuilt Energy, which plans to build solar fields to meet the needs of rural communities; and SystemGreen, which recycles shipping containers into affordable, stylish and environmentally friendly housing.

Emre Toker of Tucson's Desert Angels said he was impressed with the entrepreneurship and thoroughness displayed by the students.

"Some of them piqued my interest to look at them in more detail," Toker said.

BoP Solutions: Light Up With Renewable Energy and LED's

I used to think non-profits were boring.  I think the issue was really that most non-profits do not convey their message well, or are not addressing a compelling issue. 

Light Up The World Foundation isn't like that.  From the website:

Light Up The World Foundation (LUTW) is the first humanitarian organization to utilize renewable energy and solid-state lighting technologies to bring affordable, safe, healthy, efficient, and environmentally responsible illumination to people who do not have access to power for adequate lighting.

So now you are asking, what's solid state lighting (SSL)?  Good question. 

Commonly referred to as LED's, Light-emitting diodes have been used in the US for years as digital power indicators on TV's, computers, radios, etc.  Previously, they were only able to emit low amounts of colored light.  But recent advances in the technology have allowed for bright white light to be produced from an amount of energy an order of magnitude smaller than with traditional incandescent light bulbs.

That means that a few LED's put together into a small lamp can be powered by a very small 5W solar panel and long-lasting battery.  This means that families no longer have to use inefficient, expensive, dangerous, unhealthy kerosene lamps in order to light up there homes at night. 

Check out this short ten question quiz from their website that explains all of the issues that the foundation is solving with these new technologies. 

I would encourage you to watch this short ten minute video chronicling how the company got started and how they are providing affordable lighting solutions to the two billion people in the developing world.  After watching the video, consider making a donation to the Light Up The World Foundation that will help them light up schools, aid stations, and orphanages in places like Papua New Guinea, Tibet, Ecuador, and South Africa. 

Predicting The Future: Environmental Trendwatching

EnviroNerd Alert!!!

Ask me what the current generation needs in order to become active in the debate over global climate change and here's what I say: Start Paying Attention!

Stop watching TV.  Turn off your cable.  You can get all the entertainment you need from the internet.  But you need to start actively educating yourself on the effects and trends of global climate change and how you can participate as part of the solution instead of adding to the problem.  All of this can be done by videos and organizations currently on the internet. 

Read my blog, watch the videos I put up, they just might boggle your mind.  The global effects of climate change are incredible.  Tortilla riots due to rising corn prices affected by biofuels and oil.  Regional droughts increasing dramatically.  Global water resources being vastly depleted.  I could go on and on, but the World Resources Institute does it faster, more intelligently, and add another degree of credibility.

The video below from late December is an hour long, so make some time for it if you care at all about the macro trends that will play out in 2008.  This is important information for all citizens of the Earth to understand so that you can prepare your family, your profession, and your business for the effects global climate change.  That is, look both ways before using up all the world's natural resources. 

This video correlates very closely with an accompanying Download trends-to-watch-2008.ppt , so I would recommend downloading that and following along. 

There are a lot of trends that I am excited about such as the fact that Central (concentrated) Solar Power (CSP) is now considered to be cost-competitive with other forms of conventional power generation.  Additionally, companies in China, the U.S., and Europe are engaging in heated competition and making great strides towards reducing the cost of photovoltaics.

The stories about how rapid weather changes caused by climate change in Australia caused that country to focus on that issue more than any other in their most recent elections.  The newly elected prime minister signed the Kyoto protocol on his first day of office, no small promise considering Australia's per capita energy consumption.

For Americans, the big question is how will climate change affect this country's 2008 presidential elections.  As WRI notes, only Bill Richardson, John Edwards, and Barack Obama consistently speak favorably about the need for proactive legislation from the top down to address the issue (And the last man standing is...).

 

How will the world respond to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing (right), boasting some of the poorest air quality standards on Earth.

An hour really is not too much of your time to hear from respected experts about what is happening around the world with climate change. 

I'd love to hear your feedback on the video as well as how you plan to take action in your own life.  Comments always welcome.

This Is The 11th Hour: What Will You Do About It?

An amazing thing happened when I embarked (two days ago) upon my quest to produce a documentary entitled "Think Green, Live Green - The University of Arizona edition".  One amazing thing that happened is that I discovered that the entire green community is clamoring for individuals to join the rally cry and do their part to educate and motivate their communities in response to global climate change.  These are what I call An Action Campaign.

I'll be highlighting more Action Campaigns of organizations and productions that have recently sprouted up in response to "The fierce urgency of now" (MLK Jr. & Barack Obama) related to global climate change.  The first of which is this new full length documentary by Leonardo DiCaprio entitled "The 11th Hour". 



Details:

Leonardo DiCaprio's “The 11th Hour” is a feature length documentary
concerning the environmental crises caused by human actions and their
impact on the planet. "The 11th Hour" documents the cumulative impact of
these actions upon the planet's life systems and calls for restorative action
through a reshaping of human activity. With the help of over fifty of the
world's most prominent thinkers and activists, including reformer Mikhail
Gorbachev, physicist Stephen Hawking, and Nobel Prize winner Wangari
Maathai, “The 11thHour" documents the grave problems facing the
planet's life systems. Global warming, deforestation, mass species
extinction, and depletion of the oceans' habitats are all addressed, and
their causes rooted in human activity. The combination of these crises call
into question the very future not of the planet, but of humanity.

However, the most powerful element of “The 11th Hour” is not a portrait of
a planet in crisis, but the offering of hope and solutions. Scientists and
environmental advocates such as David Orr and Gloria Flora (note: these
names can be interchanged for any of the experts) paint a portrait for a
radically new and exciting future in which humanity seeks not to dominate
the earth's life systems, but to mimic them and coexist. “The 11th Hour"
calls for a future now within our grasp that is both sustainable and
healthier.

The 11th Hour Trailer:

Please take a minute to watch the trailer, I'll be featuring more Action Campaigns such as this in the future.  An Action Campaign is one of the best ways to both educate yourself and curb your environmental footprint, so I encourage you to get involved in one. 

The Case for the Electric Car: Project Better Place Video

If you haven't heard of Project Better Place, here is your chance.  In this video, Founder and CEO Shai Agassi presents his case for a new model for personal transportation based around the electric vehicle.  Through this combination video and slideshow, its easy to see how the world could quickly transition from internal combustion engines to clean, efficient electric vehicles in a single generation. 

Here's some info from their website that details the company's innovative adaptation of an existing, proven business model. 

What is Project Better Place’s business model?
The business model for the electric cars will be similar to that used by mobile phone operators.  In the same
way that wireless operators deploy a network of cell towers to provide an area of mobile phone coverage,
Project Better Place will establish a network of charging spots and battery exchange stations to provide
ubiquitous access to electricity to power electric vehicles. 

The company has raised $200 million from investors and has a goal of deploying 100,000 EV's in its subscription service in ten test markets by 2010.  I love people who dream big, and then act on it.

Go here for a full size video, and to check out the rest of the company's website.

The 2030 Challenge: An Achievable Solution for Global Warming

In this short video, the award-winning and inspirational architect Ed Mazria briefly summarizes one of the clearest paths to fighting global warming I have ever seen.  Its called the 2030 Challenge and it has been adopted by the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

 

There is an even better video here, click on the Ed Mazria Plenary link.  There he lays out in more detail how by 2030, 3/4 of all built square feet will be new or renovated from today's built environment. 

I haven't blogged much about green building, partially because I believe green building projects get tons of coverage.  However, even with all of the momentum moving in the press, the total number of green buildings being built is quite small. 

Ed makes a great point about the fact that building is a local issue, and we don't need federal mandates in order to achieve our goals.  I believe that's true, but I have a bit of an issue with Ed's contention that we need "only a little bit of help" from the federal government.  He calls for raising tax credits from 30% to 50% and lifting caps on the amount, increasing tax deductions from $1.80 to $2.75/sf if you meet the challenge, and he goes on.  While I would love for the federal government to basically double all tax credits and incentives for efficiency and renewable energy, I don't see that happening anytime soon.

I think renewable energy will get a few small victories in 2008, and hopefully see greatly increased support under a new presidency (hopefully Obama!).

Now, although I don't write about green building as often, let me stress that I believe green building (to the degree of the 2030 challenge) should be adopted immediately.  To put it blatantly, I basically think not doing it is just plain stupid. 

When I think about how many of these green issues are local, it makes me encouraged that there are great strides being made by local politicians in pockets of the country.  Hopefully, this will spread across the nation.  And maybe someday I will be in one of their positions... maybe not.

Plug-In Electric: Aptera Typ-1 h

How does this sound for your next car purchase? 

• Super low drag coefficient
• Plug-In Series Hybrid
• 300 MPG or more
• Batteries that charge in 2-4 hours costing just $1-$2 in California
• Three wheel design is registered as a motorcycle and qualifies for HOV lane
• Lightweight, composite body resembling an airplane
• Solar assisted climate control system to keep your car cool in summer and warm in winter
• Under $30,000 price tag

Meet the Aptera Typ-1 h

I admit I'm really becoming an electric car geek.  I still love Ferrari's and other beautiful gas-powered automobiles, but the more I think about my next car purchase which will probably be five years from now, I want to buy at least a plug-in hybrid. 

Plug-in Hybrids are becoming increasingly practical.   I really feel that plug-ins will continue to increase in market visibility.  Many traditional auto manufacturers are also working on plug-in versions of their traditional autos but so far I am most impressed by the start-up companies who are focused solely on bringing new technologies to market. 

The Aptera Typ-1 h looks much different than typical cars, and I like that.  The book Natural Capitalism talks about how much efficiency can be gained by using lightweight materials, and new low-drag sleek designs for automobiles.  The Aptera is a true application of many of the concepts that the book talks about. 

Take a few minutes to visit www.aptera.com and also click on the link below to view a video from Popular Mechanics profiling the vehicle. 

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid377000833/bclid452310430/bctid1351300070

Video: John Doerr on Global Warming

This is a great speech by venture capitalist John Doerr of Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield, & Byers.  John  has directed venture capital funding to some of the most successful technology companies in the world including Compaq, Netscape, Symantec, Sun Microsystems, Amazon.com, and Google, as well as Friendster, Go.com and myCFO.

His speech at TED defines how attitudes and behaviors are changing in response to global warming, but as he says, "it may not be enough". 

Enjoy

Arctic Ice Retreating Video

Hello All,
  Yes I've been gone awhile, busy focusing on my solar energy focused business plan for the McGuire Entrepreneurship Program.

I don't study global warming in depth very much, I have accepted the scientific consensus that it is happening and I respond by considering the business case. 

However, today the guys over at groovygreen.com posted an interesting video from the washingtonpost.com on the melting ice caps.

Take a look.

Friedman on the greening of America

Earlier today, Charlie Rose interviewed New York Times Columnist and author of The World Is Flat, Thomas L. Friedman.  Much of the conversation was about Iraq and the various foreign policy initiatives in the area that have largely failed. 

Towards the end of the interview, the conversation shifted to the greening of America.  I believe Rose asked whether this was an actual green revolution or not.

Friedman’s answer was very insightful.  He said that the last five years have been a technology revolution defined by large sums of money being thrown at new technologies implemented at scale.  As of right now, this is not happening in green energy.  Friedman described the current status of the greening of America as a “party”.  In order for a revolution to occur there needs to be a price on carbon. 

Friedman described how when the cell phone was invented it became a must have, and now we all do.  Green energy is not this way, it is not life changing.  If you go to someone and say that you will sell him or her solar power to power their light bulbs, they won’t care.  They already have power for their light bulbs and they don’t care where the carbon comes from or goes to.  But if you make people financially responsible for their carbon, now green energy can shift your paradigm.  Its value becomes truly fiscal instead of moral or a feel-good.  Today for example it costs you $100 to power your light bulb.  With a price on carbon it now costs you $110.  So when I come to you and say I will sell you solar power for your light bulb that only costs $105 because there is no carbon cost, you go crazy for it.  Of course, $5 bucks is a bad example, but at scale it would spread like wildfire.  This is the idea of a carbon tax.

One of Rose’s follow up questions was interesting.  Who, of the current presidential candidates is talking about this?  Obviously, no one is.  Though most candidates pander to the Iowa caucus by talking about homegrown ethanol, the world knows that ethanol is NOT a solution to America’s energy independence. 

The hour long interview can be seen on the video post above. The specific part of the discussion that I reference is at the end of the interview at about minute 48.  The rest of the interview is quite interesting as well. 

So the question is, does any presidential candidate have the know-with-all and leverage to actually take a stand for a carbon tax?  In my opinion it is too late in the race for any candidate to make a stand for a carbon tax.  It would require vulnerability, which none of the current front-runners are willing to risk. 

It takes a fresh face with a bold new message and charisma to bring this into popularity. The only personality with these characteristics is Barack Obama.  He is the fresh face of the election that is capable of this.  However this would only have been possible if he held that position from the beginning of his campaign.  Though his policies are still evolving (a benefit of being the resident rookie) I do not foresee Barack taking any action in support of a carbon tax or trading system.  Partially, because Barack is from Illinois, a coal wealthy state, and a carbon tax would not bode well for the coal industry. 

Its unfortunate that green energy in America will stay a luxury, a press release, a gadget.  It is unfortunate that green energy in America will continue to be the exception, instead of the rule.  Yes, the cost of RE will become more attractive and businesses will adopt these technologies because they are the right thing to do.  But until there is a price on carbon, there will not be a green revolution in America. 

In conclusion, I encourage you to decide whether or not you believe that a carbon tax is truly the right way to encourage the adoption of clean energy, and secure American energy independence.  If you believe that a carbon tax would bring green energy to scale, then I encourage you to contact your representative in order to make the American people’s voice heard.  This is the beauty of democracy.

The Art of the Start Video - Guy Kawasaki

Few people capture the essence of entrepreneurship like Guy Kawasaki.  I found this video a few years back and I have probably watched it a half dozen times.  Though it has nothing to do with being green, it has everything to do with being an entrepreneur, an undertaker.  There are a ton of applicable points in this video for anyone considering moving into the cleantech sector.

Based on Guy's book "The Art of the Start", this keynote highlights Guy's top ten tips for entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship.  I'll warn you ahead of time, the video is 40 minutes long, but I promise you won't be bored.  After watching the video, you can read my thoughts below on how Guy's points apply to an REpreneur. I recommend watching the video full screen in order to focus on the topic and think critically about how it applies to your life and business.

Why are you reading this?  I said watch the video... YES the whole thing.  Find some free time, come back and read my thoughts later.

I had planned a little spiel about all of my favorite points, but I practically started writing a book.  Then I thought: “my readers aren’t stupid, if they watched the video, then they got everything that I did from it.” 

    Make meaning, make mantra, get going (A Bias Towards Action), Hire infected people, niche yourself, use the 10/20/30 rule, lower barriers to adoption, seed the clouds, and don’t let the bozos grind you down.  It’s all great, and it is all applicable to your idea, to your business, to renewable energy and sustainable design.