Expert Q&As

After graduating from college in 1975, when the environmental impacts and energy inefficiencies of waste disposal were starting to become more apparent, Rick Dovey followed a dual track in his career. He began moving up in the planning world—city, county, regional, and environmental planning—and also became involved in solid waste management and recycling waste energy. After eight years as the Atlantic County planning director and head of Economic Development and Engineering, Dovey got the opportunity to become president of the ACUA, where he had been a staff person for a brief period of time.

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On December 11, 2009, Sopogy, Inc. was proud to inaugurate the world's first MicroCSP™ Solar Thermal Plant at the Natural Energy Laboratory in Kona, Hawaii. Taking up 3.8 acres of desert, the project consists of 1,000 solar panels and has the capability to bring two megawatts of solar thermal power to the state. Also known as "Holaniku at Keahole Point"—"holaniku" being a Hawaiian term for a self-sufficient location—Sopogy's newest plant is just part of their goal to provide Hawaii with 30 megawatts of energy by 2015. Encouraged by the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, Sopogy President and CEO Darren T. Kimura spoke more on their efforts and the innovative technology their plants utilize.

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Shaw, a leading flooring manufacturer headquartered in Georgia, has developed a successful platform, known as the Shaw Green Edge, to promote their sustainable products and eco-friendly initiatives. With the goal of creating beautiful, but sustainable, carpeting, laminate, hardwood flooring, and more, Shaw has developed a "Cradle to Cradle" philosophy, which ensures that "waste is never an option" in their designs. As a result, they have also become known for recycling waste through their successful post-consumer carpet recycling and collection initiative. David Wilkerson, Shaw Residential's director of sustainability and environmental affairs, told MGB more about this program and other green practices that Shaw has been proud to put into action.

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A leading brand of luxury automobiles, Audi has consistently shown ingenuity when it comes to building intelligent and eco-friendly vehicles. Recently, as part of an overarching "awareness campaign," the company premiered their "Season of Audi" television ads during the holidays. The ads, which depict Audi cars using LED technology to outshine elaborate and inefficient winter light displays, did not emphasize upscale amenities, but focused on superior performance and sustainable innovations instead. Meanwhile, Audi has also paved the way in terms of clean diesel fuel, engine efficiency, and aluminum frames, all of which contribute to creating a better vehicle with fewer emissions. Chief Marketing Officer of Audi America, Scott Keogh, spoke with MGB to share more on how Audi has evolved beyond luxury and become a role model for environmentally-conscious design as well.

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Headquartered in Wappingers Falls, NY, Rueste International Limited offers a new, breakthrough technology that can change the way homes and businesses are wired. Unlike conventional electrical wiring systems, Rueste's N2A (Neural Network Architecture) system does not need a central controller, instead functioning as a "loop-wired system" that requires significantly less copper wire. According to Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart, founder and director of the Research Institute for the Environment in Hamburg, Germany, N2A reduces "the use of precious metals in an average installation" by up to 80 percent, and the technology increases energy efficiency by 59 to 89 percent. Providing dramatic energy cost savings, President of Rueste, Dr. Karl-Heinz Froehner, believes that N2A is the future of electrical wiring technology and shared more on the innovative system with MGB.

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EarthKind Energy is a young company, founded in January 2007. The founders spent that year getting all their ducks in a row- and by 2008 , EarthKind (www.earthkindenergy.com) had become the state’s leading authority on Solar Thermal technologies. They’ve conducted more public education and trainings on the subject than any other public or private entity in New York, and developed the most extensive statewide network of installers. EarthKind trained dealers currently sell and install 20% of the solar thermal installations in the state of New York.

MGB spoke with founder Ron Kamen, currently the President of the New York Solar Energy Industry Association (NYSEIA), about the state of solar tech in the Great Northeast.

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Marty Stevens-Heebner calls it “the next evolution in style,” and one may certainly hope so. The rich hues, eye-popping weaves, and fanciful graphics of her Rebagz eco-chic handbags make a statement in themselves- and the story of how they’re made adds depth to the fun, as does knowing that part of the proceeds are going to good causes.

And Stevens-Heebner is having fun. Her design firm, Half the Sky Designs, won a Best Small Business in California award in 2009, her work has been featured in numerous magazines, and a growing roster of A-list celebrities are rockin’ Rebagz. “We don’t think you need to shout and scream to change the world,” is the refreshing sentiment on the Rebagz website (www.rebagz.com). “Rock it with style instead.”
Indeed.

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Insulspan, a manufacturer of insulated panels for more than 27 years, strives to create and maintain the highest quality standards in the structural insulating panel industry today. By subjecting their product to rigorous tests and always trying to provide the most energy-efficient building products for the home, it's no wonder Insulspan was voted one of 2007's Top 10 Green Products, and has high hopes for continued success and sustainability. Tony Mammone, involved in the structural insulating panel industry for more than 20 years and currently the product manager of Insulspan, spoke with MGB about what Insulpan's newest technologies mean for the company, what sets Insulspan apart, and where the company sees itself in the future.

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Founded by brothers Jack and Michael Hidary, Global Solar Center (GSC) is an up-and-coming destination for all things solar in the ever-expanding market of alternative energies. GSC serves residential and commercial customers by analyzing and endorsing the best suppliers and installers in a market drenched in dealers whose quality is largely unknown. By offering free quotes concerning costs and incentives for those who decide to go solar and providing a network of reliable, quality installers and manufacturers, GSC is leading the way in solar energy and efficiency services. Michael Hidary, managing director and co-founder, spoke to MGB about how going solar is green for the environment and your wallet.

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Begun in 1949, the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association has been advocating environmentally responsible water and land practices for 60 years. Through the principles of Conservation, Advocacy, Science, and Education, the group has grown into one of the largest and most successful watershed associations in New Jersey. The association’s Nature & Environmental Summer Day Camp, for example, has become a popular program for New Jersey youth, particularly those raised in urban environments. Using the 860-acre Watershed Reserve as both classroom and playground, the day camp offers children from grades one through nine the opportunity to experience nature and learn more about the environment. Jeff Hoagland, the education director of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, spoke to MGB about the camp and how it creates a lasting impression on those that attend.

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Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Renaissance Lighting "is a global leader in the development of next-generation solid-state architectural downlights and controls, the result of on-going breakthroughs in the application of LED technology and Constructive Occlusion, a patented technology for the unique mixing and blending of multiple LED light sources. The company's innovation and unrelenting commitment to green technology are key forces driving the development of highly creative lighting products that deliver the solid-state industry's purest light source with exceptional appearance, superior efficiency and glare-free illumination for all architectural applications. Renaissance Lighting deploys a revolutionary approach to product engineering and design that is supported by 30 patents including its optical and feedback control technologies."

MGB asked CEO Barry Weinbaum a few questions about Renaissance, LED lighting, and just what the future may hold for this particular green technology.

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Christopher C. Womack is Executive Vice President and President of External Affairs for the Southern Company, which has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Based in Atlanta, Southern Company has 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity. Womack joined the company in 1988 as a governmental affairs representative for Alabama Power, and has held his current position since January 2009.

In June, Womack represented his firm at the IREO (Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization) conference at the United Nations, a gathering of experts from UN member states and professionals from the corporate and academic communities. The goal: to develop a global good governance model as a clean energy source. MGB had the opportunity to ask Mr. Womack a few questions about the relationship between energy and the environment in 2009.

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Prism Solar designs and manufactures high-efficiency films and solar modules that improve solar collection efficiency by 200 to 300%, partnering with leading manufacturers to help them develop more efficient designs for silicon and thin-film based solar modules. MGB talked to CEO Rick Lewandowski about Prism’s expansion plans and his company’s role in a sustainable future.

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Sundog Solar is a renewable energy company based in Chatham, New York, a leading source for solar electric systems, solar hot water systems and bio spray foam insulation for both residential and commercial markets. They’re located in Solaqua Power & Art, a center for green business and the arts powered with renewable energy.

Betsy Ferris Wyman, SunDog Solar’s Vice President of Sales, has a B.S. degree and over 10 years experience in the field of environmental engineering. MGB talked with Ms. Wyman about strategy, public/private collaboration, and how things are going…

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What comes to mind when you think about pest control? Chances are it’s toxic chemicals- poison baits and fog bombs.

The very thought is enough to make one decide that it’s better to live with noxious pests…well. Ugh. Fortunately, this is a false choice. You can eliminate pests without destroying your immediate environment or endangering your health. MGB asked Knockout Pest Control President Arthur Katz for more information.

Based in Uniondale, Knockout serves commercial and residential customers throughout the metro New York area.

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It seems like an alarmingly obvious idea, when considered for a moment. It gets light out every day. Why must humans duplicate this effort, using large amounts of energy to light interiors? We could all take our desks and such outdoors. Or…

Abby Vogen Horn of the Energy Center of Wisconsin is the Program Director of the Daylighting Collaborative, and has been advocating energy efficiency and daylighting design for almost 15 years now.

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Quality of air is just one of several factors that contribute to a healthy home or work environment. Pollutants, carbon emissions, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the air pose a hazard to health and the environment. For the past five years, Peter Mann, CEO of Alen Corporation, a portable air purifier manufacturer based in Austin, TX, has been creating indoor air-quality products that can make us all breath a little easier.

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Clean Air’s motto is “changing the way America mows the lawn.” With a company history web page that starts out “Three guys walk into a bar…,” these folks may be a breath of fresh air in more ways than one.

President Gerry Keane is an avid outdoorsman, family man, and entrepreneur who’s been in business since the dot-com boom, and sounds happy to be right where he belongs- on the cutting edge, so to speak.

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At 180 years old, serving over three million customers, Con Edison is definitely one of the Big Dogs. ConEdison Solutions, a subsidiary, focuses on power supply, energy efficiency, and greener solutions for businesses, residential, and government customers. VP James Dixon is currently Vice Chairman of the National Association of Energy Services Companies (NAESCO) which is the leading energy services industry trade organization that promotes energy efficiency nation-wide with over 70 member companies. He's an electrical engineer, a lawyer, and a retired Army man.

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As sustainable principles begin to be applied to various human endeavors, we can expect to see changes that go way beyond slapping solar panels on the roof and tucking a recycling bin into the foyer. MGB talked to Chicago dentist Mladen Kralj about green health care and how the principles involved make going to the dentist an entirely different experience. Those of us not in Chicago can only hope this catches on…

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