Businesses

See a summary of the Union of Concerned Scientists report "Automaker Rankings 2007: The Environmental Performance of Car Companies" and a PDF of the full report.

The construction and maintenance of buildings are responsible for 40% of US energy use and 30% of wood and raw materials use. Source: Green Cross International USA affiliate Global Green (http://www.globalgreen.org/greenbuilding/index.html).

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Source: US Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org).

Biofuels, or fuels made from plant materials, can help free America from oil dependence and cut global warming pollution. If produced the right way, biofuels can help farmers and offer land use benefits.

For information visit biofuels.
For information on biodiesel suppliers, distributors, and retailers.

Run errands or visit a friend on a bicycle and save the environment while getting healthy and fun exercise. Business owners: Have a 'company bike' that employees can use to run errands. For information on bicycle routes and bicycling in Massachusetts, see: http://www.massbike.org/index.htm

According to Wikipedia, "carbon offsetting is the act of mitigating (offsetting) greenhouse gas emissions. A well-known example is purchasing offsets to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions from personal air travel."

While somewhat controversial, carbon offsets are are one of the easiest ways to combat global warming. For a list of providers visit Green Pages.

• Turn off your computer at night or when you are not using it for several hours.
• Enable the Power Management feature for your monitor.
• Turn off your computer monitor when you are not using your computer for 15 minutes or longer.
• If you buy a new computer, consider a laptop. Laptops use only 1/4 the energy of a standard desktop.
• If you buy a new monitor, consider a flat screen. Flat screens use only 1/3 the energy of a standard screen.

For additional information, see: http://www.tufts.edu/tie/tci/pdf/Computer%20brochures.PDF

Share your commute with another traveler. Find Concord carpool options at:
http://www.erideshare.com/carpool.php?city=Concord&state=MA&zip=01742

"In Massachusetts, businesses may take a credit against the state excise tax for the purchase and installation of a solar water-heating system. The system must be installed at a commercial building, and the credit may not exceed $300 or 15% of the system cost, whichever is less. This credit expires December 31, 2007. A business may carry over unused portions of the credit for use in taxable year 2007" (DSIRE site). Check out Corporate Credit for more information.

The Electronics Recycling for Businesses encourages and supports businesses that want to be environmentally friendly. Twice a year in Concord; for more information and required forms, see:

http://www.concordma.gov/Pages/ConcordMA_Recycle/tv

"The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), as administrator of the state's Renewable Energy Trust Fund, is offering financial assistance in the form of loans to support renewable energy companies entering or expanding within the manufacturing stage of commercial development. Applicants must be companies that currently, or plan to, manufacture renewable energy technology products in Massachusetts. These may be new products, existing products or a combination of the two.