Sunday, September 18, 2011

Energize America by investing pension funds in energy retrofits

The economy waits for new jobs and new investments. American communities see the old infrastructure deteriorate and inefficient old buildings and plants waste valuable energy. Interest rates are so low that most pension funds see very low rates of return.So what does this scenario tell us? Why not invest and get the old buildings and plants fixed NOW and achieve economic development and create jobs.

In coming weeks Past president Clinton is gathering the public private leaders under his Global Initiative. It was mentioned that Nation's large Union pension funds may be investing in installation of energy retrofits for conservation and Green power generation. This will create jobs and save energy for ever. Saved money can be used to buy products and create demand. The return on pension funds would be assured and better than their current returns. Government and Unions can loan the money so it all comes back to them. The savings in energy will enable the payback of the loan. All the old buildings and plants become efficient user of energy.

Sounds a simple and low risk plan. So what are we waiting for?

Saturday, September 03, 2011

Message from my Grandson's Go Green photo

My son sent me a photo of our Grandson wearing a white shirt with " GO GREEN" message on the chest. It is a very cute photo with a very important message.
So what does it mean?
Is he telling us that in next 15- 20 years (as he grows) the world's environment would change significantly. Last two years events of extreme weather events are giving us some hints.
Is he asking us what have we done about dealing with Climate change? and what kind of world his Grandfathers generation is leaving for him?
The interpretation is really in our hands but demands action and not just talk. Hope that we will not disappoint him and his generation and leave for them a world full of possibilities and not despair.
The dream come true may include him living in " Net Zero" community, driving a Hydrogen car that exhausts water. Every home making power and recovering natural energy. Locally grown healthy food consumed that uses organic fertilizer made from food waste. Solar powered bikes that people use instead of cars for local commute.Harvested rain water reducing our water demand. Coal & Oil forgotten as fuel sources. Future generation may wonder how we got hooked to polluted fuels and sent Billion of Dollars outside the country rather than investing at home.
I can only pray that sanity prevails and politics allows common sense solutions to be implemented, as my Grandson grows to become an active participant of Green economy.
Good Luck!

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Follow Europe or Lead the World for Energy Independence?

The reality is that in alternative energy market, Europe has great examples of how to develop green energy projects to reduce their dependence on oil. August 2011 issue of Biocycle magazine featured a Village in Germany that is " Energy Independent". This Village implemented Green energy projects and used the revenues to fund their other infrastrucure needs.
With dire economic conditions and poor job environment,America has the opportunity to invest into the Alternative Green energy markets and enable the consumers to become power producers to meet their own needs. It will inspire innovation in Green Technology field and help us lead the world with new solutions.
The interest rates are lowest and offer perfect timing to offer ZERO interest 30 Year mortgage loans on power generating systems. This is not taking in more debt for the nation, it is investing the money which will be paid back by the borrower.
Let us hope the President and Congress presents practical programs next week that can directly help reduce energy costs and build a new infrastructure.
May God Help America!

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