The Envi boards are made with MBDC certified safe materials (cork, cardboard and steel), which are sustainable and recyclable, so that they can be used again and do not have to be dumped in landfills at the end of their lives. The silver award certified, and patented ENVI boards are also “Designed for Disassembly,” meaning they can be easily dismantled by the consumer for recovery in the recycling process.

“Our customers want products that are more ecologically sound, and we’re working to deliver them,” said Sam Moon, product manager for sustainability at Quartet. “We are extremely excited to introduce the Envi line because no other retail line of whiteboards or bulletin boards offers this unique designation. This is just the first step in Quartet’s “Design for the Environment” efforts to incorporate innovation and sustainability into all of its new products.”

MBDC is a third party certification consulting firm that qualifies a company’s manufacturing processes and products have been properly evaluated under specific criteria. These criteria include environmentally safe and healthy materials, material reutilization, water and energy conservation, and strategies for social responsibility.

Quartet’s president, Paul Easthope, is the driving force behind the pursuit of Cradle to Cradle certification in the development of its new products. “This innovative design approach is good for the environment and good for our consumers and our business as well,” he states. “It truly helps consumers to do their part for the environment.”

The Envi line is available in four designs and sizes – an 11 x 17 dry-erase board, an 11 x 17 and 23 x 17 dry-erase monthly planner, a 17 x 23 magnetic combination board, and a 17 x 23 cork bulletin board. The products can be purchased at Wal-Mart and Staples for $9.84 to $12.84.

About Quartet and ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE:ABD)

Quartet is the leader in presentation whiteboards and accessories. From boards, easels and markers, to overhead projectors, transparencies and screens, Quartet is synonymous with the essential functions of visual communication that take place in workspaces every day. To learn more about Quartet products, visit www.quartet.com.

ACCO Brands Corporation is a world leader in select categories of branded office products, with annual revenues of nearly $2 billion. Its industry-leading brands include Day-Timer®, Swingline®, Kensington®, Quartet®, GBC®, Rexel®, NOBO®, and Wilson Jones®, among others. Under the GBC brand, the company is also a leader in the professional print finishing market.

“Water covers more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. Using environmentally responsible technologies, we have a tremendous opportunity to harness energy produced from ocean waves, tides or ocean currents, free flowing water in rivers, and other water resources to advance the Administration’s comprehensive energy strategy and provide clean and reliable power in the United States,” Andy Karsner, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said.  “The U.S. Department of Energy is aggressively pursuing the development of next-generation technologies that are capable of increasing the use of clean, renewable energy to further our energy security and help meet the President’s goal to stop greenhouse gas emissions growth by 2025.”

Through public-private partnerships, the FOA seeks to advance water research and development projects in support of water power technology.  DOE plans to award industry-led partnerships to research, develop and/or field test advanced water power technologies to further the President’s Advanced Energy Initiative, which dramatically increases clean-energy research funding to develop cleaner, lower cost, and more reliable alternative energy sources. Successful applicants will be required to develop collaborative project teams involving at least one other industry, university or national laboratory partner and a minimum 50 percent non-federal cost share is required.

The FOA provides industry-led partnerships with the opportunity to conduct research on engineering standards and codes, utility grid interconnection issues associated with water technologies, technical sitting requirements, and wave and tidal resources assessments.

DOE also plans to award grants to university-led groups to conduct advanced research on marine renewable energy.  These groups will serve as an information clearinghouse for the marine renewable energy industry, collecting and disseminating information on best practices research.  Research will include technology testing, experimental and numerical modeling, wave forecasting, environmental impacts, and corrosion-resistant materials research.

Completed applications for this FOA are due June 16, 2008.  All grant applications will be merit reviewed and competitively awarded.  DOE anticipates selecting up to 17 awards, and projects are expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2008.  The continuation of projects beyond FY 2008 is subject to Congressional appropriations.

In working to develop technologies that harness the power of our water resources, DOE is furthering the President’s Advanced Energy Initiative, which aims to dramatically increase clean energy research investments to develop cleaner, lower cost, and more reliable alternative energy sources.  The Energy Independence and Security Act signed by President Bush in December 2007, authorizes DOE to establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to expand marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy production.

“Our goal is to complement current environmental efforts and initiatives being pursued by USGBC’s LEED, EPA’s Green Partnership and the Energy Star program,” states John Hemeon-McMahon, GGEC – New England Chapter Chief Executive Officer. “We intend to help public utilities, oil and gas companies raise awareness of their commitment to Sustainability and Green Energy.”

In addition to providing GGEC Carbon Credit Aggregation and Trading, Green and Sustainability Solution Certification and Incubation services, the GGEC – New England Chapter will be very active in supporting and promoting GGEC Greening & Cleaning America℠ Initiative in all New England States.

“We will actively promote Globally Green Hospitality Consortium (GGHC) services for the hospitality industry in New England,” said Robert Cardone, GGEC – New England Chapter Chief Financial Officer. “GGHC New England will provide to the hospitality industry in New England the resources needed to implement sustainable standards and practices offered by various green associations, State, and federal programs such as EPA Green Partnership, Energy Star and US Green Building Council’s LEED certification.”

“GGEC is committed to establishing chapter presences everywhere in the United States and the rest of the world.” said Mr. Mondel. “We will be announcing the opening of several chapters over the next few weeks. We are very pleased with the support afforded to GGEC by our members, partners as well as several Federal, State and Local agencies.”

About Global Green Energy Consortium (GGEC):

GGEC is a non-profit organization registered in the State of Delaware. The Consortium’s mission is to provide businesses and communities with the education and tools to effectively and efficiently implement sustainable and green energy initiatives. A primary objective is to align the offerings of the energy market segment with the needs of the business world to effectively reduce our energy usage and promote renewable energy technologies.

GGEC’s unique portfolio of services demonstrates the commitment to serve as a comprehensive source of energy conservation standards, certification and resources to facilitate implementation of sustainability initiatives across market segments.

GGEC recognizes the host of information and standards offered by numerous organizations and strives to consolidate, not duplicate current standards. A key message of the Consortium is that the implementation of energy and resource conservation initiatives can be profitable for all businesses.

For more information about the consortium and its objectives, please contact Rob Cardone, at 866-505-6869 or at rcardone@ggec.org.

Conference Proceedings, 2008
Proceedings from our New International Conference!
Brussels, Belgium, 26-27 February 2008

Current consumer demand for bacterial-resistant products, global concern over hospital acquired infections such as MRSA, and conditions such as the so-called “sick building syndrome” have done much to promote the rise in biocides in plastics in recent years. As such biocides are now being increasingly used in materials such as PVC, PU, PE and WPC and in low -VOC water-based paints and coatings to prevent fungal and bacterial growth.

However impending environmental regulations both in Europe and abroad present major challenges for suppliers of biocides. The EU’s Biocidal Products Directive (BPD) and the flagship REACH chemicals policy – will force the rationalisation of many product lines, removing a large number of active ingredients from the market and requiring manufacturers to source replacement “green” actives.

It is critical now – perhaps more than ever – to formulate new biocidal blends. With this in mind Smithers Rapra developed the first international conference on Biocides in Plastics: From Preservation to Hygiene Control.

The conference featured case studies from the likes of Arch Chemicals, PolyChem Alloy, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Sanitised and Thor Specialities as well as a regulatory update from the US EPA. Papers provided insight into many key developments and solutions to the key issues of the biocides sector.

These include:

* Test methods for plastics: antifungal and antibacterial testing
* The harmonization of regulation for biocides for treated articles
* How to implement an antimicrobial hygiene concept for appliances
* Modelling the end-use of plastic treated articles to support label claims

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c90744

TiE-ISB Connect is back with its highly successful business plan presentation opportunity. Entrepreneurs are invited to submit a maximum of 5 page abstract of their business idea to TiE-ISB Connect Committee to get the opportunity to meet and interact with leading Capitalist’s of the world on November 5-7 as they seek to fund bright ideas and cool start ups. Participants for the 2008 Business Plan Presentations can register at http://www.tie-isbconnect.com. The last date for submission of Business Plans closes on 15th June 2008.

The Business Plan Presentations are designed to encourage entrepreneurs in the creation, start-up and early-growth stages of businesses. Participants have an opportunity to meet face to face and interact with leading Venture Capitalists and Business Leaders for finding capital and strike business alliance that will help them launch and grow their businesses.

The primary mission of TiE Hyderabad and the globally renowned Indian School of Business is to create, provide, and support rewarding networking opportunities for the new age entrepreneur. TiE-ISB Connect attracts the finest businesses minds, smart investors, policy makers, researchers, incubators, successful entrepreneurs to foster and enrich participants experience that help in creating sustainable enterprises.

Speaking about the TiE-ISB Connect goal, J A Chowdary, President TiE Hyderabad Chapter said “Our mission is to become a resource to a number of deserving new age entrepreneurs who want to jump start and commercialize their ideas. Our goal is to nurture and mentor ideas by creating the right eco-system”, “TiE-ISB Connect attracts the best business and investor minds from across the world and we hope young business minds will leverage its advantage.”

Ajit Rangnekar, Deputy Dean, ISB, comments on the overall theme of the TiE-ISB Connect 2008, “This year’s TiE-ISB Connect fits in perfectly with the ISB’s goal of working with Industry to nurture entrepreneurs focused on solving the challenges of Emerging Economies.”

Professor Chandrasekhar, Executive Director of WCED, ISB commented “TiE-ISB Connect was conceived to enable tangible benefits for young entrepreneurs who wish to actualize their entrepreneurial dreams. It is a unique forum where they will be able to learn and assess the strength and profit potential of their idea and generate strategic interest from successful business leaders and investors.” He added “Our event programs emphasize the process of recognizing the potential for an idea to become a profitable enterprise”

Our focus is to encourage the 1000’s or so businesses in this country, who are at the bottom of the pyramid to leap forward and gain attention from leading investors who bet on new and profitable ideas.

Over the last 3 years the event attracted over 1000 business plans and over 50 Venture Capitalists representing the core and sunrise industries. TiE-ISB Connect has also held several rounds of mentoring sessions helping many entrepreneurs to refine their strategies and business approaches.

Some of the VCs who have actively interacted with the TiE-ISB Connect entrepreneurs: NEA Indo-US Ventures, Peepul Capital, VentureEast Funds, Canaan Partners, DFJ, Battery Ventures, Sandalwood Partners, Silicon Valley Bank, Tech-Birmingham Ventures, Lightspeed Ventures, and Greylock Partners, Way gate Capital, and Helion Ventures.

The building offers office tenants the benefits of significant energy cost savings as well as greater workforce productivity.

The 130,000-square-foot building is pre-certified to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at completion, from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a national not-for-profit organization that encourages environmental responsibility.

“LEED-certified buildings provide tenants an average annual energy savings of about 30 percent,” said Stiles President Doug Eagon. “National industry studies have also shown that a healthy building with good indoor air quality improves employee productivity and reduces absences,” he said. “We will encourage tenants to comply with LEED criteria when completing their office spaces, such as installing carpeting that does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).”

Located at 1300 Concord Terrace in Sawgrass International Corporate Park, at the intersection of I-75 and I-595 and the Sawgrass Expressway, Lake Shore Plaza II is a joint venture between Stiles Corporation and WLD Enterprises.

“Being first-to-market in Broward demonstrates Stiles’ companywide commitment to meet the region’s growing demand for energy-efficient, sustainable commercial buildings,” said Eagon. “We expect all our upcoming office, retail, industrial and mixed-use buildings to be designed and constructed with ‘green’ systems and features. We are also adopting environmentally friendly practices in every division of our company.”

Stiles Development is developing the project with Stiles Construction Co. serving as general contractor, and Stiles Realty Co. responsible for leasing the five-story building, which has 25,000 square feet of leasable space per floor. Stiles Property Management Co. will manage the facility after completion.

LEED pre-certification means the design and construction practices for a building site and shell have been reviewed and found by USGBC’s expert staff in Washington, D.C., to meet LEED requirements. “Pre-certification allows the developer to go to market with the knowledge that a project is on track for LEED certification at completion,” said Rob Hink, president of USGBC’s South Florida chapter, and principal of the Spinnaker Group, a sustainable design consulting firm in Weston.

Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Stiles Corporation (www.stiles.com) is a full-service commercial real estate development and investment company that provides clients with premier development, design, construction, financing, realty and property management services.

FONTANA, Calif. – CenterStone Communities and Petersen-Dean Roofing Systems celebrated Earth Day with the official opening of Harmony at CenterStone Estates where, for the first time in San Bernardino County, solar power is included as a standard feature in homes designed for families as well as for singles and couples.

Each of the 56 single-family detached homes to be built at this new Fontana community will be topped by a 2.3-kW integrated solar roof tile system, designed and installed by PD Solar, a division of Petersen-Dean Roofing Systems. The rooftop solar system and other energy efficiency and green features built into the homes are expected to lower utility costs by 40 to 50 percent.

”By going solar and adopting a broad array of energy and green features, we are able to significantly reduce utility costs, conserve natural resources and protect our environment, all while improving the quality of life to be enjoyed by those who live in our homes,” said Hal Woods, the president of CenterStone Communities.

“Solar is a proven technology and with decades of experience, we know the benefits and savings are real,” said Jim Petersen, president of Petersen-Dean Roofing Systems. Based in Northern California, where the company has been installing integrated solar roof systems for the past 30 years, Petersen-Dean is particularly pleased to be bringing its expertise to Southern California and into the largest county in the state – San Bernardino County.

Unlike other new home communities where solar is offered as an extra-cost option, the PD Solar Roofing System is a standard, fully warranted feature in every home at Harmony at CenterStone Estates. Depending on usage, the 2.3 kW solar systems are estimated to provide 30 percent or more of a family of four’s power needs.

For more on this solar home community, visit: http://www.needaroof.com/pr15.php

About CenterStone Communities

Dedicated to innovation, superior design and the sustainability of the neighborhoods that it creates, CenterStone Communities has built more than 700 homes throughout Southern California and Nevada.

About Petersen-Dean Roofing Systems

Petersen-Dean, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries provide roofing, solar energy and waterproofing services to commercial, residential and public-sector clients in California, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and Texas. For more information, please go to www.needaroof.com.

LOS GATOS, Calif. – Akeena Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKNS), a leading designer and installer of solar power systems, today announced the Star Quality Concrete project. This installation will be the largest commercial solar power system in San Jose.

The 410 KW Akeena Solar power system will house 1,890 Akeena solar panels on the roof of Star Quality Concrete in downtown San Jose.

“At Akeena Solar, we are excited about the opportunity to help existing manufacturing businesses operate in a renewable and lower cost way,” said Jim Curran, Akeena Solar COO. “At the same time that we assist companies make the transition, we’re also proud to move San Jose closer to achieving Mayor Reed’s vision for a greener San Jose.”

Star Quality Concrete, a family-owned, independent concrete mixing plant has received global recognition for its innovative technology and its recent foray into sustainability. The company’s newest technology manufactures sand and rock for concrete aggregate by crushing demolition concrete.

“The desire to use clean power to support a facility like ours first drove us to look at installing a solar system,” said Jerry Blatt, owner of Star Quality Concrete. “Recycling old concrete relied heavily on fossil fuels, which also significantly drove up operating costs. Akeena Solar is building a renewable power system that will help us lower our operating costs and improve our efficiency in a way that is both economically and environmentally beneficial.”

“I am delighted that one of our long-time San Jose companies, Star Quality Concrete, is going green by installing the city’s largest commercial solar system,” said Mayor Chuck Reed. “From residents to businesses, San Joseans are working hard to increase our use of clean energy and decrease our reliance on foreign fossil fuels.”

About Akeena Solar, Inc.

Founded in 2001, Akeena Solar’s philosophy is simple: We believe producing clean electricity directly from the sun is the right thing to do for our environment and economy. Akeena Solar has grown to become one of the largest national installers of residential and commercial solar power systems in the United States. The company’s new integrated solar panel system, Andalay, is the only solar panel system with integrated racking, wiring and grounding. Andalay panels offer unprecedented reliability, performance and aesthetics. For more information, visit Akeena Solar’s website at www.akeena.com.

WARRENVILLE, Ill. – As the world becomes more vigilant and active about key environmental issues, many industries have renewed commitments to green initiatives.

One group that has been steadily improving the environmental landscape is the commercial transportation industry. The industry has traditionally been thought of as unfriendly to the environment, but new technology has transformed many of today’s trucks and buses into environmentally responsible forms of transportation.

Below is a list of the top five things that the public may not realize about green transportation:

5. American Idle – Do Trucks Really Need to Idle at Truck Stops?

Thousands of commercial trucks transport goods from coast-to-coast and keep our nation’s economy going. And when it’s time to stop for a rest, the trucks can’t always be turned off. While parked at truck stops, drivers eat and sleep in their truck cabs and need power to run air conditioning, heaters, microwaves, radios, TVs and even computers (to work on their business). The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that, each year, trucks use 10 percent of diesel fuel idling – costing nearly $10 billion annually and emitting countless amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The good news is that new technology provides trucks the necessary in-cab power without needing engines to idle. A MaxxPowerTM auxiliary power unit (APU) from Navistar provides truck drivers with a best-in-class power system that can save each truck more than $7,000 in fuel costs each year because the trucks will not need to idle to produce power. No idling means less diesel fuel used. The APU can produce the power many trucks rely on while using only two-tenths of a gallon per hour.

Environmental product: Auxiliary Power Unit

Fuel savings: 1,920 gallons(1) annually per truck

Financial savings: $7,600(1) annually per truck

Environmental advantage: Significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions (in idle mode), reduced fuel use

((1) Savings based on 2,400 hours idle time/year; 0.8 gallon/hour savings; national average diesel price of $3.97 on 3/17/08)

4. Are Semi-Trucks Fuel-Guzzlers?

It requires a substantial amount of fuel for trucks to haul goods across the country. And because semi-trucks operate most of the journey at highway speeds, air resistance is a major inhibitor to fuel economy. Not all trucks are fuel-guzzlers, though. New advances in truck design allow for more aerodynamic, fuel-efficient travel. The International® ProStarTM is the most fuel efficient semi-truck on the road today, achieving a fuel savings of more than $5,000 per truck. The fuel savings is based on traveling 144,000 miles annually and when compared to a leading competitor. It results in a whopping 1,300 gallons of fuel saved each year – per truck. The ProStar and the new International LoneStar both feature aerodynamic designs that make a big difference both in reducing diesel fuel consumption as well as lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

ProStar is designated an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay™ solution. If 30 percent of new trucks sold were SmartWay tractor-trailer combinations, the EPA estimates that more than a million barrels of oil would be saved a year – reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1.2 million tons.

The new SmartWay combination tractor-trailer meets EPA’s health-based 2007 air pollution standards for heavy-duty diesel engines, achieving significant reductions in NOx, particulate matter and other air pollutants.

Along with idle management products such as the MaxxPower APU and cleaner diesel engines, today’s semi-trucks are more environmentally responsible than ever before.

Environmental product: Aerodynamic semi-trucks

Fuel savings: More than 1,300 gallons annually per truck (ProStar)

Financial savings: More than $5,000 annually per truck (ProStar)

Environmental advantage: Reduced fuel use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions

3. We Have Hybrid Cars, Why Not Hybrid Trucks?

Hybrid trucks actually are in production today. In fact, Navistar is the first company to enter full assembly line production of hybrid commercial trucks. To date, the company has built more that 100 hybrid trucks that are in service by more than a dozen major utility companies, including Florida Power & Light, Exelon and American Electric Power.

The International DuraStarTM Hybrid can provide dramatic fuel savings of 30 to 40 percent in many applications. Fuel efficiency can increase to more than 60 percent in utility-type applications. Diesel emissions are completely eliminated when the hybrid truck operates equipment (such as overhead utility booms) solely on the truck’s battery power, instead of allowing the engine to idle.

Navistar also partnered with the EPA, the U.S. Army, UPS and Eaton Corporation to develop the first-ever series of diesel hydraulic hybrid urban delivery vehicles. Last year, Navistar received the 2007 Blue Sky Award from WestStart-CALSTART, the nation’s leading advanced transportation technology organization, for its contributions to the commercial development of diesel hybrid technology.

Environmental product: Hybrid trucks

Fuel savings: Nearly 1,000 gallons annually per truck

Financial savings: Nearly $4,000 per truck annually (The Energy Policy Act of 2005 also provides tax credits for hybrid commercial trucks of up to $12,000 per unit)

Environmental advantage: Lowered fuel use, elimination of greenhouse gas emissions (in idle mode)

2. School Buses Are Yellow, But Can They Be Green?

The school bus industry is getting better grades for its environmental responsibility. The next generation of school bus is much greener than the school bus in years past. With clean diesel technology, today’s engines are more fuel efficient and emit significantly less pollutants. Plus, each school bus can take approximately 30 to 60 cars off of the road during peak rush hour times. If every parent drove their kids to and from school, the traffic congestion, pollution and fuel use would not have a positive impact on the environment.

Now, the leading school bus manufacturer, IC Bus, is producing the nation’s only line of hybrid school buses. These hybrid school buses improve fuel efficiency by up to 70 percent and also reduce diesel emissions by up to 70 percent. The school buses are “plugged in” at night, charging the electric motor that is part of the hybrid system. The electric motor and the diesel engine work effectively together during operation of the school bus, resulting in the lower emissions and increased fuel efficiency.

Environmental product: Hybrid school buses

Fuel savings: 800 gallons annually per bus

Financial savings: $3,000 annually per bus

Environmental advantage: Lowered fuel use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, fewer cars on the road

1. Aren’t Diesel Engines Smoky and Noisy?

Diesel engines are no longer the smoky, noisy polluters that many people remember from earlier eras. Today’s diesel engines meet strict EPA emissions requirements. With diesel fuel, drivers can get 40 percent more miles to the gallon than gasoline. Plus, diesel engines burn cleaner due to reformulated diesel fuel introduced in 2007 called Ultra Low-Sulfur Diesel.

In 2007, new diesel engines were introduced that eliminate more than 90 percent of particulate and hydrocarbon emissions, leaving the exhaust smokeless, odorless and much cleaner for the environment. In 2010, diesel engines will be even cleaner, with aggressive “near-zero” emissions goals.

Navistar’s new MaxxForceTM mid-range diesel engines are 9-13 percent more fuel efficient. In fact, MaxxForce 7 and MaxxForce DT engines include a fuel efficiency guarantee. If customers don’t experience improvement in fuel economy over their previous engines, they are eligible to be refunded the difference (up to $1,000).

Environmental product: Green diesel engines

Fuel savings: 9-13 percent (for MaxxForce 7 and MaxxForce DT engines)

Financial savings: Variable, based on actual truck use

Environmental advantage: Lowered fuel use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions

About Navistar

Navistar International Corporation (Other OTC: NAVZ) is a holding company whose wholly owned subsidiaries produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce™ brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial buses, and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine parts and service. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com.