Yesterday's post and RISD partnership

A reader rightfully pointed out that on yesterday's blog, I failed to note the "business side of green" point (that is the slogan of the show, of course):  That being, the new equipment, run on alternative energy, as noted by Jay, allows users to reduce their power consumption and save money.  That is, in fact, the point I should have made...that is the ROI on saving emissions and money.  Thanks.  Good to have readers and friends.

Great article in the Environmental Leader I picked up on a Google alert.  Here's the link:  http://www.environmentalleader.com/2011/04/05/boosting-rhode-island%E2%80%99s-economy-through-green-initiatives/.

More importantly, here's the first paragraph: 

"One of the states hit hardest by the recent recession, Rhode Island is officially out of recession and on the road to recovery. Nevertheless, double-digit unemployment persists. In fact, as of February 2011, Rhode Island’s unemployment rate was 11.2%, compared with Massachusetts’ rate of 8.2% for the same period. Rhode Island is expected to continue to struggle as it recovers given that the state has a dearth of growth technology-related industries and is dependent on the slow-growth sectors of manufacturing and construction. Nevertheless, collaborative efforts between public and private partners are set to help in turning things around in the Ocean State."

The article goes on to describe RISD's partnership with "Rhode Island Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RI-CIE)" and their "Call for Proposals, seeking potential partners, early-stage businesses and/or product designers working in the area of sustainable development or the green economy".

The article identifies new companies/projects supported by RI-CIE, including office space in Providence constructed from recycled shipping containers, and residential housing built from the same containers.  Both use at least 25% less energy than conventional space.  Both fully reuse existing material, giving those containers a new, cradle-grave life.

Here's a perfect example of the business side of green:  New technology, new companies supported by investors who are growing new industries in a city (Providence) and state (RI) decimated by the recession and the migration of companies to cheaper places...or a migration into bankruptcy.

We will make sure a future Renewable Now show includes guest from both RISD and RICIE to discuss their more recent projects and update our viewers on their progress in growing these companies and the related new jobs.

Of course, this is one city, one state, one partnership.  There's more of this going on around us and around the world.  We will find similar stories in those cities, states and countries and bring them to you.