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Special Report: New Energy Rush
Eight pages of features and a special pull-out world
map on the state of energy development. We begin
with an exploration of the future of fossil fuels.
...Read
more
New Pieces
in the Energy Puzzle
Producing alternative energy is starting to look
like the easy part; now, try getting it to
consumers. Plus: Examining the prospects of
wind, solar, nuclear and even tidal energy.
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more |
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POWERED UP, READY TO GO
Since we decided to make energy a big focus of this
issue, we’ve been saving news clippings describing
new frontiers in energy around the world. The pile
soon grew high with tales of exotic locales and
strange new technologies. They all sounded equally
exciting to us, but it was only after talking with
Patton Boggs’ energy specialists that we began to
understand where the true opportunities and hurdles
were found. We’re proud of the resulting Special
Report. It’s the most comprehensive package we’ve
offered our readers since Capital Thinking
was launched back in 2006.
As press time approached, economic troubles in the
U.S. and around the world deepened, which make our
Capital Thoughts columns especially timely. Just
this morning, we read about an unprecedented wave of
bankruptcies among retailers, leaving their
suppliers and other business partners holding
millions of dollars in bills that may never be
repaid. But as Patton Boggs attorneys Max Tucker and
Eric White explain bankruptcy laws are designed to
protect the creditor, not just the debtor. So
knowing your role in the bankruptcy process could
help minimize your losses.
Our other Capital Thoughts writers highlight aspects
of the financial crisis that have received little
attention in the business press. Douglas Miles
describes the challenges involved in providing fair
and accurate pricing of the rarely traded
alternative assets at the heart of the crisis. And
Talcott Franklin and Thomas Nealon show how the
much-maligned securitization process actually has
significant benefits. Let’s hope that the regulators
who swoop in the aftermath of this crisis don’t
overlook them.
RICHARD SINE
Editor
New rules for a new election season. Bringing
broadband to the nation’s schools and libraries.
Tips for planning a green building. Protecting trade
secrets.
...Read more
Douglas Miles discusses alternative assets. Talcott
Franklin and Thomas Nealon describe the pros and
cons of securitization. And Max Tucker and Eric
White explain what to do if your business partner
goes bust.
...Read more
Al Zapanta - The retired two-star general describes
opportunities for minority investors in a major new
domestic energy project. ...Read more |
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Considerations when greening your business |
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By
Russ Randle
and
John Corbet |
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1 |
Savings: Green
practices such as waste reduction can
significantly reduce energy and other
operating costs. |
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2 |
Green
initiatives must be coordinated. Otherwise,
one part of the business may unwittingly
undo the good work of others. |
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3 |
Green claims
invite scrutiny by advocacy groups and
others. Unless you comply with your other
environmental obligations, your adoption of
green practices won’t be credible. |
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4 |
Green product
claims must be verifiable. Check the Federal
Trade Commission’s “Guidelines for the Use
of Environmental Marketing Claims” for
guidance. The EPA regulates certain
products, such as cleaners. |
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5 |
Obtaining
third-party certifications such as LEED (for
buildings) and Green Seal (for products) can
build credibility for your claims. |
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6 |
Green standards
such as LEED are being written into state
and local law. Expect them to start
appearing in government contracts. |
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7 |
Following green
building measures can provide a healthier
environment for employees, reducing
absenteeism and improving retention. |
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8 |
Green building
upgrades such as new electrical or plumbing
systems can also reduce the risk of dangers
such as fires, flooding or mold. |
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9 |
Green efforts
take time. For example, LEED certification
can take over a year. Be prepared to go the
distance. |
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10 |
While many
companies are aiming for “carbon
neutrality,” spend your money wisely. Carbon
offsets don’t always stand up to review. |
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