What steps are big business taking to go green?  Quite a bit, take a look at this short YouTube video to find out.

Search for Business Loans, Grants and Financing | Business.gov

Today, while searching through forums for interesting news and information to share with my readers, I found many questions about how to find government loans and grants for green businesses. I did the digging for you and found a handy search tool for U.S. Business owners looking for business loans, grants and financing. In addition, there is a U.S. government webpage with business loans and grants resources and news. Please share with myself and your fellow readers if you have any other additional resources that have been helpful to you in the past.

Search tool:

Search for Business Loans, Grants and Financing | Business.gov

Resources & News:

Small Business Loans and Grants | Business.gov

Bloom Energy Officially Unveils the Bloom Box Today

Bloom Energy, a U.S. fuel cell developer, revealed the Bloom Box today. The Bloom Box is a solid oxide fuel cell that uses hydrogen, natural gas, methane or other fuels to produces electricity. This device can generate electricity without connecting to an electric power grid. In addition, the electrochemical process generates significantly less emissions than a typical power plant. It has been designed for installation in residences and small businesses. Google, FedEx, Wal-Mart, eBay, Staples, and even the CIA are among a some of the companies currently using the Bloom Box.

This new eco-friendly technology may have some large benefits and with it comes a large price tag. A commercially-sized Bloom Box costs $700,000 to $800,000. There has been some skepticism about the reliability of this new technology. Will the Bloom Energy live up to it's mission, "to make clean, reliable energy affordable for everyone on earth."?  Time will tell.

This image was provided in conjunction with Bloom Energy's press release earlier today.

Articles:

Bloom Energy Unveils its 'Bloom Box' Fuel Cell

Bloom Energy revs up for mystery fuel cell launch

Truck Fuel Efficiency Device to be Tested in NASA Wind Tunnel

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has joined with Navistar Inc., NASA's Ames Research Center, and the U.S. Air Force and industry in the development and testing of a new device. This new device may be used to reduce the aerodynamic drag of semi-trucks increasing fuel efficiency by up to 12 percent. Both commercially available devices and prototype devices will be tested in the world's largest wind tunnel. A 12 percent increase in fuel efficiency translates into an approximate annual saving of 3.4 billion gallons of diesel fuel and $10.2 billion in fuel saving. Kambiz Salari, LLNL lead scientist on this project, says retrofit semi-trucks could be brought to market in three years.

NASA's Wind Tunnel May Hold the Answer to Big Rig Fuel Efficiency | GreenBiz.com

NASA -
NASA Wind Tunnel Used by LLNL, Navistar to Test Truck Fuel Efficiency: "NASA Wind Tunnel Used by LLNL, Navistar to Test Truck Fuel Efficiency"

For American Consumers, a Responsibility Revolution

For American Consumers, a Responsibility Revolution

Restaurant Industry Survey Uncovers Motivation For Going Green

Green initiatives gaining traction in restaurants - Nation's Restaurant News: "

Green initiatives gaining traction in restaurants Nation's Restaurant News The hard part still is measuring ROI in terms of new revenue. The direct correlation is not clear, yet.” The study, “The Better-Run Restaurant: ... Restaurants Going Greener to Save Costs and Attract Customers, New Study FindsPR Web (press release) all 4 news articles »

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New U.S. Laws and Bills Related to Green Business

Around the States: "California boosts small solar; Delaware buys green power; Wyoming wants to tax wind."

Green Business Guide | Business.gov

Green Business Guide | Business.gov

Starting a Green Business | Business.gov

Starting a Green Business | Business.gov

Green Building Projects Supported by GPA

New Association to Support, Promote Green Building Products: "The Green Roundtable/NEXUS has launched the Green Product Association (GPA) to advance the sustainability of building products and help manufacturers promote their products."

Green Business Benefits

What are the benefits of obtaining a green business certification? Preserving the environment is an admirable and attainable goal for any business to undertake. Improving your environmental performance is not just about corporate responsibility. There are a numerous advantages to be gained by any company that chooses to reduce their environmental impact. Going green not only protects the environment but it will increase the profitability of a business in many areas. Listed below are some of the many reasons why your business can and should go green today.

Customers/Goodwill

Eco-friendly businesses gain a marketing advantage over other companies in their industry. Businesses making good environmental and ecological decisions will attract positive publicity and goodwill. Customers have shown an increasing interest in purchasing from businesses that are environmentally savvy. These patrons tend to be loyal to the companies they purchase from and have more disposable income.

Cost

There are environmental grants, loans, and incentives available to assist businesses in achieving environmentally friendly practices. Many investors are attracted to green businesses. In addition, the changes implemented by going green save companies money. Insurance premiums may be lower. An environmentally-friendly business, no matter it’s size, is resource efficient leading to savings in energy, water, and garbage bills.

Employees/Improved work environment

Going green leads to improved employee health and productivity. Many of the best employees are attracted to an environmentally conscientious work place. Employees will be proud to work for an eco-friendly company and may become your best advocates.

Making the decision to go green is an intelligent investment in the future of any business. Are you ready commit to going green today?

"If we are not respectful of the environment and of the societies where we operate, people will cease to trust us and our brands and will cease to buy them. Corporate Social Responsibility is a hard-edged business decision - not because it's nice to do but because it's good for our business"
Niall FitzGerald, CEO, Unilever

Quoted from http://www.greenbusiness.ie/benefits.php

Other helpful links:

Driving Success: Marketing and Sustainable Development