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Interface Introduces First Biodegradable Carpet Product

Interface Inc. is introducing a carpet tile made from poly lactic acid (PLA), a renewable resource derived from corn. John Wells, president of Interface Americas, predicts that plant-derived products could make up as much as 10 percent of Interface’s business over the next three years. Interface, Inc., has exclusive rights to develop floorcovering products with PLA, which has been developed through a joint venture between Dow Chemical and Cargill at their new plant in Nebraska. The new floorcovering products will available to customers fourth quarter 2000.

New York Passes First Green Buildings Credit Bill

In May, Gov. George Pataki made history when he signed New York State’s Green Building Tax Credit – the first in the nation – into law. It provides $25 million in credits over the next five years to encourage owners and tenants of commercial and residential buildings to incorporate environmental features into buildings. The credits are intended to offset some of the additional upfront costs associated with high performance buildings. Buildings that meet the program’s minimum requirements will be 35 percent more energy efficient than required by state energy code; renovated buildings will be 25 percent more efficient. Qualifying buildings will meet standards on indoor air quality, waste disposal, energy and water use, and will be eligible for additional credits for incorporating renewable energy. For detailed information, contact Wayne Tusa, chair of Green Building Tax Credit task force of Environmental Business Association of NY State.

Peru Stops Unauthorized Logging

In an amazing action, Peru’s President, Alberto Fujimori, deployed the military to stop unauthorized logging by a U.S. company in the Amazon and ordered that 15.6 million acres be protected. He declared an “environmental state of emergency.” Newman Lumber Company of Mississippi was caught taking mahogany valued between $37-$40 million. Quoted in an article by the Associated Press, Fujimori said, “The exploitation of resources will take place under certain conditions. That is to say, in a sustainable manner, which means that with time the resources will be renovated and our forests will not be depleted.” The president of the lumber company countered that his company won a ruling from Peru’s Supreme Court to begin logging after the government shut down the operation nine months ago.

EPA Launches Performance Track Program for Business

Late last month, the U.S. EPA launched the National Environmental Performance Track program which rewards businesses for beyond-compliance environmental performance. The program rewards top performers – companies with a proven record of regulatory compliance, an operational Environmental Management System, and a demonstrated commitment to continued improvement and outreach to stakeholders. Participating companies will benefit through regulatory and administrative flexibility, a reduction in record keeping and reporting requirements, and national recognition. The EPA is accepting applications for charter applicants through September 30. track@indecon.com http://www.epa.gov/performancetrack

Common Sense Construction Means Reduced Emissions in UK

As of January 1, 2001, British homeowners and developers will be required to integrate standard energy efficient products into construction and renovation projects. The proposed standards for attic insulation, windows, and other common energy efficient products will save homeowners money and reduce emissions by 25 percent. This act alone will fulfill the country’s commitment to the Kyoto Protocol. There are standards for insulation in new or repaired roofs and walls, boiler efficiency, windows, and requirements for compact fluorescent bulbs in new construction. Presently, 46 percent of Britain’s carbon dioxide emissions come from heating and hot water, cooling and lighting.

Reducing Greenhouse Emissions Can Be Quite Profitable

According to a recently released report by USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development), environmental technologies and services that assist in reducing greenhouse emissions will be a rapidly growing market over the next ten years. The authors predict the market will grow from its present $29.9 billion today to between $52 -$65 billion by 2010. The report, “Market Opportunities for Climate Change Technologies and Services in Developing Countries,” explains that the energy sector is among the fastest growing sectors in most developing countries and also generates the largest proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. Energy suppliers will acquire over half of the market for climate change services – energy efficiency and clean fuel technologies.

160 of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. (70 percent of visits) have endorsed the Environmental Charter for Ski Areas, produced by the National Ski Areas Association. It was developed with support from the U.S. EPA and in consultation from environmental NGOs. Its’ 24 pages commit the industry to ongoing environmental performance assessments, to setting goals for improvement, and providing guidance on best practices. The Charter outlines elements of sustainable planning and design, stakeholder relations, environmental facility management, wildlife and forest management, and ways to integrate visitor environmental awareness with the resort experience. Ski resorts that follow the principles may display a “Sustainable Slopes” logo. SKI Magazine printed thousands of copies of the charter for ski areas to distribute to visitors. NSAA will collect data from resorts annually and issue a progress report. The EPA is providing technical assistance through its Water Alliance for Voluntary Efficiency, WasteWise, Energy Star, and Smart Growth programs. NSAA: [sorry this link is no longer available]

First Banana Company Certified as ECO-O.K.

Agricola Bananera Reybancorp S.A. in Ecuador is the first banana company in the world to receive ECO-O.K. certification at all 33 of its locations. ECO-O.K. is the international ecolabel of the Better Banana Project, a program initiated in 1991 to halt deforestation by banana plantations. Deforestation has stopped on farms that meet the 256 criteria, replaced by programs in reforestation, soil conservation, waste management, and wildlife protection. Workers receive good wages, proper safety equipment, improved housing, schools, training for adults, and medical care. Pesticide use has declined dramatically, and the most dangerous chemicals have been outlawed. Ecuador is the world’s largest banana exporter and Reybancorp is the country’s second largest banana company. The company has planted hundreds of thousands of trees and restored about 7,054 hectares in the some of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The company foundation supports 20 schools and is helping small banana farmers meet certification requirements. “For Reybancorp, the main benefit of the program has been in increased worker morale and safety,” says President Rafael Wong. “Certified farms are cleaner and safer – and production is higher.” More than 160 farms are certified, totaling more than 120,000 acres in Ecuador, Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica, Guatemala and […]

California Raises the Bar to Reduce Smog

In an attempt to phase out diesel fueled municipal vehicles, the Los Angeles air quality agency, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, voted unanimously to require that all future purchases of buses and garbage trucks be clean fuel vehicles. The rules apply to 3,700 transit buses and 7,200 garbage trucks to be purchased in the next two years. In a second phase, public agencies must purchase vehicles that meet Californias Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle standards, the cleanest on the market. The SCAQMD will release additional rules that cover school buses, taxis, airport shuttles, street sweepers and other fleets. Diesel fuel emissions account for over 70 percent of air pollution in the Los Angeles Basin, according to a recent SCAQMD study. The state-wide Air Resources Board adopted a similar but less stringent measure in February; it allows vehicles to run on clean diesel fuel and gives ten years for phase-in. As part of California’s smog reduction plan, as of July 1, car owners whose vehicles fail the state emissions may be paid to either repair or permanently retire the cars. Owners of 1974-1996 model cars will receive a $1000 “bounty” if they turn their car into a dismantling center. […]

New Energy Bills Introduced in Congress

The “Clean Power Act” (HR.4861), introduced by Representatives Rick Lazio (R-NY) and Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) on July 13, addresses the impact of electric utility restructuring on acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions by providing incentives for utilities to develop renewable energy resources. If enacted, electricity suppliers would be able to trade nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide permits across the U.S. Participating facilities would be allowed to emit a ton of NOX for the year, except between May 1 – September 30 – the “ozone period” – when only half a ton would be permitted. One ton of CO2 would be permitted per year. Facilities would be subject to fines and fewer allotments for lack of compliance. Starting in 2004, renewable resources must contribute to at least three percent of total U.S. electricity generation as tracked by the Energy Information Administration (Department of Energy). If it falls below this percentage, electricity suppliers would be required to use (tradable) renewable energy credits equal to three percent of the total electric energy sold for that year. In 2010, the credits are scheduled to increase to six percent per year. On June 13, Senator Bob Smith (R-NH) introduced Bill S. 2718 to offer tax […]

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