Category: Clean Energy

Phoenix Energy: Jun 5, 2020

With growing issues about the ecological damage brought on by fossil fuels, more and more customers today are choosing for renewable sources of energy. Both organizations and domestic users are significantly embracing solar and wind energy. With the introduction of energy-efficient and low-cost PV panels and wind turbines, the once high preliminary investments are now manageable
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Even with the adoption of sustainable energy sources, the general costs of energies are on the rise. Incorporation of solar or wind energy needs substantial modifications in facilities which require capital and resources. Its ultimately the customer that pays of such increasing energy prices and financial investments on sustainable energy
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For this reason, today it has actually become exceptionally crucial to adopt wise energy strategies and minimize our electrical energy usage. Business, as well as people, need to examine their usage patterns and actively try to find methods to minimize energy.

5 methods to reduce energy usage.
You can still decrease your energy consumption and lower your expense, even though energy companies are constantly raising costs. Below are some cost effective, fast ways to minimize company and home energy usage and lower your energy costs.
1. When not in use, disconnect gadgets.
Most modern-day devices today have a “standby” mode when not in use. Its a relatively common practice in workplaces to leave workstations running throughout the night. Even domestic appliances such as TVs, cleaning makers, coffee machine and microwaves are frequently left on in one mode or another.
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Gadgets continue to use power when theyre plugged in, standby mode or not. While it can be a little additional work for you and your group, disconnecting gadgets when theyre not in use can be an excellent way to rapidly reduce your energy usage..
2. Usage Energy Star home appliances.
Energy Star home appliances are any appliances that have actually been rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as energy efficient. These devices utilize anywhere from 10-50% less energy than their non-Energy Star counterparts
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Regardless of utilizing much less energy, Energy Star appliances are also likewise priced to non-Energy Star home appliances. Combined with the fact that you can discover Energy Star rated HVAC systems and air washers, conditioners and clothes dryers, ovens, and more, theres little factor to opt for an Energy Star appliance. Even the process of using warm water requires water heating from your heater and can include up in utility expenses. Switching every device you can to Energy Star will lead to savings, and fast.
3. Improve your cooling.
Air-conditioning systems are one of the significant load sources in any domestic or commercial center. Preserving optimal working conditions needs workplaces and industrial facilities to manage the temperature level and supply appropriate lighting.
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Instead of utilizing heating/cooling systems, companies can focus on greener methods of climate control such as cross-ventilation, insulated roofs and ceilings, sealed doors and windows, and energy effective LED lights. If air-conditioning is an absolute necessity, then utilize a modern A/C system that allows you to set a thermostat and force automatic shut off of the unit when the optimum temperature is reached.
4. Optimize business travel.
Electric vehicles have actually changed contemporary transport. Theyve not just end up being feasible but are also as effective as regular vehicles. As costs have actually continued to drive down, electrical cars have actually become a growing number of common, making financial and ecologically sound travel a possibility.
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Transport is a typical function of commercial centers and domestic life. Business typically utilize the usage of on-campus shuttles and bus services for their workers. Changing to electric lorries adopting practices like car-pooling and public transportation is a sure shot way of decreasing energy intake.
5. Use an ESCO service.
An Energy Service Company (ESCO) will typically provide organizations with wise energy strategies and innovations for lowering energy use as part of an audit. These experts examine the energy use patterns of organizations and determine flaws in their practices. ESCOs then guide the company through the whole procedure of energy conserving till it is reflected in company earnings
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Some ESCOs will even offer energy plans that will operate in tandem with energy-saving practices to optimize energy decrease. If you want to see just how much energy and money you can conserve by switching to renewable resource, schedule your totally free consultation with Phoenix Energy today.
Decreasing energy intake, developing your company.
Service expenditures can rapidly build up, leaving you overwhelmed and in a panic. Lowering energy usage can lead to lower expenses, more savings, and ultimately more power to grow your organization. Most importantly, decreasing energy consumption is a fantastic method to guarantee our world is here for generations and generations to delight in.

Its eventually the consumer that bears the expense of such increasing energy prices and financial investments on eco-friendly energy
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Energy Star appliances are any devices that have actually been rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as energy effective. Despite utilizing much less energy, Energy Star home appliances are likewise priced to non-Energy Star devices. Coupled with the fact that you can discover Energy Star rated HVAC systems and air conditioners, clothes dryers and washers, ovens, and more, theres little reason to go with an Energy Star appliance. An Energy Service Company (ESCO) will typically offer organizations with clever energy plans and technologies for reducing energy use as part of an audit.

Phoenix Energy: Jun 8, 2020

While this has actually been the conventional method to solar panels, a newer innovation– thin-film solar cells– requires less energy to produce offered there are intrinsic risks to this procedure. The thin-film cells are made from cadmium which is a known genotoxin and carcinogen. Beyond the toxicity dangers of solar battery production, the energy usage in production is typically returned becoming carbon neutral in 2 years or less of usage and solar power maintains more than 200% of its initial input
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All in all, photovoltaic panels are a fantastic balance of efficiency and ecologically friendly. They dont produce any waste, and arent really destructive to create in the very first location. Coupled with their efficiency ranking of 15% and beyond, theyre a great option

No matter the sustainable energy you opt for, you can feel confident youre making an eco-friendly option that will benefit your business, and the planet, for several years to come. If youre interested in seeing how renewable resource can benefit your business, make certain to set up a complimentary assessment with Phoenix Energy today
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Wind power performance
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Wind power is the leading renewable resource source, bringing in 8% of the energy of the United States. This renewable energy source isnt as quiet as solar energy, but it does load a solid performance score and is typically eco-friendly. How effective and ecologically friendly is it?
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Wind power effectiveness is a little harder than solar panels due to the fact that of how wind turbines function. Wind turbines boast a typical effectiveness right in the mid 30%, but can peak in the 50% range. Theoretically wind turbines have a performance cap, as a turbine that contains excessive wind wont move. This would result in the generator not being powered and no energy being produced
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Regardless, wind power does have a much greater efficiency than photovoltaic panels. This is naturally, presuming you have wind and the area to place a field of giant turbines. Now, lets have a look at how theyre made.
Wind power production.
Production of a wind turbine represent more than 60% of production and operating expense of wind energy. The innovation demands less-specific refining and processing than solar, with the main aspects being steel, copper, and concrete. While being plentiful, these materials do need a high production energy cost
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Getting these aspects and improving them is a relatively safe process. This, coupled with the reality that turbines produce no pollution, makes them really ecologically friendly. Unlike solar, nevertheless, they do produce sound. This can make them less preferable near property and even organization locations. Regardless of this, theyre an effective, eco-friendly way to power services and homes.
Renewable energy: a much better, greener future
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The energy from wind and solar is able to be used and recycled without requirement of an exhaustible aspect. The waste of coal or natural gas requires environmental mitigation and an excess of energy. Due to the fact that of this, the total efficiency of functional energy for coal (the least efficient energy source) is simply 29% of its initial energy worth.

While nonrenewable energy sources like nuclear power can have a higher performance ranking closer to the 90s, its important to keep in mind that solar panels do not produce any kind of waste
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While this has actually been the traditional approach to solar panels, a newer technology– thin-film solar cells– requires less energy to produce offered there are fundamental risks to this process. Beyond the toxicity risks of solar cell production, the energy usage in production is generally returned becoming carbon neutral in 2 years or less of use and solar energy keeps more than 200% of its initial input
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Wind power is the leading eco-friendly energy source, bringing in 8% of the energy of the United States. Since of this, the overall effectiveness of functional energy for coal (the least efficient energy source) is simply 29% of its original energy value.

Identifying the most efficient energy source is no small accomplishment. This is particularly real when youre taking a look at the most effective renewable resource source. There are already many factors that enter play when analyzing nonrenewable fuel sources, however renewable resource is frequently affected by a lot more elements– numerous of which are out of human control.
There are methods to determine the most efficient source of eco-friendly energy within the United States. So, lets take a look.

Breaking down eco-friendly energy sources
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There are many aspects that add to ball game of an energy source. You need to examine how much energy can in fact be equated into electricity after it is absorbed, how much environmental clearing was required to establish the units, and the kind of and expense of the products utilized to construct the energy system.
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Keep in mind that while there are many renewable resource sources, well be analyzing solar power and wind power, as these two are the most commonly-used and therefore, are worthy of one of the most scrutiny. Lets take a look at these popular eco-friendly energy sources and how they stack up.
Solar power performance.
Solar energy is a popular sustainable energy source thats been rapidly growing in the last few years. And for good factor: solar energy can be an efficient method to drive down the cost of electricity and power houses and organizations. However, how efficient is solar power precisely?
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Before diving into the manufacturing of photovoltaic panels, lets take an appearance at the performance of panels themselves. The performance of a photovoltaic panel can be figured out by considering just how much sunlight the panel takes in and just how much created electricity there is
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This in mind, the typical panel effectiveness sits ideal around 15%. Some panels can be more effective than this, making use of sunlight to deliver electrical energy at an efficiency rating above 20%. While nonrenewable energy sources like nuclear power can have a greater performance rating closer to the 90s, its essential to bear in mind that solar panels dont produce any kind of waste
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Solar panel manufacturing.
More than 90% of solar energy needs photovoltaic cells which are derived from quartz silicon dioxide. The refining of this quartz to metallurgical-grade silicon to polysilicon is energy extensive and can produce poisonous compounds, however lots of manufacturers are harnessing this product to recycle and increase yield of polysilicon.

Reducing business overhead costs can make each sale go farther for your bottom line, and ultimately offer your organization a stronger capital. Prior to you start attempting to cut overhead costs, its crucial to comprehend what overhead costs are. Then, well analyze how you can decrease service overhead.
What are overhead expenses?
When running a service, you have a variety of costs to think about: materials expense, salaries, licensing, and so on. Among the most significant umbrella costs is overhead.
Service overhead costs are any ongoing expenses that accrue while running a service. However, these costs arent straight tied to your items or services.
For example, your overhead likely consists of: utilities, lease, devices, insurance, and even earnings of administrative staff members not included in making your item or providing your service.
Ask yourself if it plays a direct function in the creation of your item or service if youre questioning whether something is an overhead expense. If not, its most likely overhead.
Youll see numerous overhead expenses are things you cant exactly live without. So, how can you tackle decreasing them?

As a business, revenue is always an issue. While sales are a main consider this formula, couple of things can eat away at your bottom line more than overhead costs.

10 ways to minimize service overhead costs
Overhead expenses are usually connected to necessary pieces of your company. However, this does not suggest you cant minimize the amount youre spending on overhead monthly. The following tips can help you minimize your overhead and enhance your capital.
1. Audit your software application
First things initially, its crucial you take a step back and assess what software application your business needs to operate. Its simple for software application licenses to restore without recognizing it. Its even simpler to forget you even have these pieces of software, as youve most likely changed them with something newer and more efficient.
Go through your statements and look at which softwares youre currently spending for. If youre not sure about whether or not you require a tool, ask your personnel if the tool is used. You can likewise send a quick internal survey through e-mail and have your personnel tell you which tools they use.
If a particular tool isnt utilized by anybody, cut it. See if you can get comparable functionality for totally free or from a less expensive option if a couple of people are utilizing a piece of software application
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2. Reevaluate existing supplier agreements.
Just like software, its simple to overlook supplier agreements. Go through your supplier agreements and evaluate the expenses and terms. Then, do some research and see if you can discover comparable supplier pricing somewhere else.
Reach out and try to negotiate a much better offer if you can find evidence that other vendors are offering comparable items or services for more affordable. Usually suppliers will decrease their rates to keep a consistent client around.
This likewise speaks to the significance of supplier management. If youre not practicing vendor management already, make sure to carry out a supplier relationship management method ASAP
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3. Buy supplies wholesale.
Theres a big opportunity your company uses some kind of materials, whether its in the manufacturing of an item or merely in day-to-day office activity. In either occasion, take a look at your previous inventory declarations and see what amount of materials you require for the next quarter. Store around and try discovering a good bulk deal on materials.
If youre in the process of reviewing vendor relationships, this is an ideal time to point out increasing the amount of product you purchase from a vendor in exchange for a much better system cost.
During your supply review, take note of any unneeded products. For example, if you have a bunch of unused printer paper or pens, you can likely stop any future purchases of that product up until a need develops
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4. Evaluation existing employees.
Nobody likes firing employees, but its important you review your existing staff. If you have any employees that arent always worth keeping on, go over performance numbers and ask yourself. Its likewise possible you have a position that only requires to be fulfilled part-time rather of full-time.
A bad worker can cost you 30% of their first-year earnings. While its uncomfortable to fire somebody, a bad hire is going to do more harm than great. If you have underperforming or troublesome staff members, eliminating them from your business is both an excellent way to cut overhead costs and mitigate the damage done to your company
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5. Cut out paper.
At Phoenix Energy, were everything about going green. Going as paperless as possible is a terrific method to cut your costs while doing helpful for the environment.
Go through your vendors and utilities and see who uses paperless billing. Youll still receive digital copies of expenses and receipts, avoiding any headaches throughout tax time. But, youll have less paper jumbling up your office and consuming valuable area.
You should likewise provide paperless for your clients, as this can minimize the quantity you spend on printer and receipt paper. You can even go paperless with your internal operations, sending out emails in place of printed handouts, etc

Lowering company overhead expenses can make each sale go further for your bottom line, and eventually provide your service a stronger cash flow. Prior to you start attempting to cut overhead expenses, its essential to understand what overhead costs are. Well examine how you can minimize organization overhead.
Overhead costs are generally connected to essential pieces of your service. In that case, you ought to look for a cheaper location, as this can greatly decrease your company overhead
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You can quickly reduce your overhead costs by following the above ideas. With less overhead, youll have more money, less tension, and a stronger capital. All of these components can tip the scales in your favor and set you up for greater success than ever before.
Its essential to remember that your overhead expenses will continue to move as time goes on. While auditing your overhead is a reasonable amount of work, it eventually releases you up to focus more on your business.

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Your insurance coverage needs have likely altered given that you started your organization. Go through your insurance coverage with an organization specialist and see which policies are dated, puffed up, or completely unnecessary.
Its a bad concept to cut all of your insurance, so make certain to check out up on how you can safely prune your insurance requires without leaving you, your staff members, or your organization at threat. For example, you can take yourself off workers comp insurance to minimize premiums without adding any risk
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7. Consider an expert accounting professional.
Youre trying to save cash, so working with an accounting professional might seem like the incorrect relocation. However, an accountant can help you find locations where you can reduce overhead, become more effective, and enhance your capital. This is all twice as real as an accountant grows to know your business, as theyll have more and more ideas on increasing performance.
A full-time accounting professional will likewise release you up to focus less on finances and instead concentrate on what matters most: driving your organization forward. An accounting professional can easily handle financial resources, but just you are capable of marketing and growing your company. While an accounting professional is an included cost, theyre also an investment that will pay off in the form of more free time for growing your business
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8. Evaluate your physical space.
Realty is often one of the biggest expenses organizations deal with, particularly if theyre in a desirable place. Ask yourself if you really require the area you have. Do you have a lot of unused area? Staff members that could easily be working from another location? Are you in an area thats costly and popular, when you could be somewhere more affordable?
If youre not operating a shop at your location, your organization place is less crucial to your success. In that case, you need to look for a more affordable location, as this can significantly reduce your company overhead
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9. Go remote.
Keeping with the style of lowering office area, its never ever a bad idea to ask yourself whether or not your personnel can be remote. Office area is a substantial cost, so it never injures to see if you can have your employees work from home.
You can likewise look into an alternating remote schedule if being fully-remote isnt possible. This permits you to have half the area, with half your employees working remotely half of the week, being available in on rotating days. This cuts your workplace in half and requires just half the desks, which likewise restricts how much you require to invest in computer systems and even electrical energy
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10. Go green.
A greener workplace is generally a more effective workplace. Audit your whole work space and go green wherever you can..

You can start small by changing your light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs or LED lights.
Think about using motion-activated lights in low-traffic areas. This will avoid lights from being left on in rooms with little foot traffic.
Usage Energy Star home appliances throughout your work area. These can decrease your energy usage and put a big damage in your energy bill. Best of all, Energy Star devices are generally the very same rate as non-compliant appliances.
Change to eco-friendly energy. Eco-friendly energy is often more affordable than conventional power, and can even be incentivized in specific states with numerous credits.

Going green is a terrific method to save cash, save the world, and develop a better brand image for your company. Sharing photos of your efforts on social networks can assist others see that your company truly appreciates safeguarding the world, and even drive more traffic to your company.
To see how sustainable energy can assist your business, make sure to arrange a totally free assessment with Phoenix Energy today
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The fear of uncertainty leads us to look for out security, causing us to make decisions that are risk averse. Worry is a primal, base instinct that is planned to secure us from things as unsure and heart pounding as the worry of failure. When Uber failed to use support in response to protests versus the 2017 ban and got further substantial negative attention from consumers for the CEOs function as an economic advisor to the previous President, Lyft stepped up in a big way, regardless of the threats and fear of backlash from customers.

The Cities Talk Back campaign highlighted these preliminary actions, boldly raising the stories of the immigrant community throughout the country with the core message: Many Lyft chauffeurs are immigrants, and a lot more are from immigrant households– all residing in a country founded by immigrants.In addition to revealing the power of taking a genuine stand & & interacting the core values of a brand, the campaign was likewise a success from an ROI perspective: In simply two weeks, the campaign produced 35 million impressions and more than 3 million content engagements.The uptick in sales, the higher variety of impressions and the increase in content engagements … all of this produces a strong service case for deciding and communicating your brand worths. In addition to those tangible ROI results, some of the satisfying elements of pushing previous fear consist of: the ability to humanize your brand name, develop brand trust, reinforce trustworthiness, and develop opportunities for deeper, more long lasting and sincere relationships with consumers and community partners.Stay tuned for Part Two of this conversation next week, when we will set out the tools you require to get to the “how” of messaging your mission!

Last week we introduced the subject of pressing previous fear to authentically and clearly interact your brand names values, talking about the power that fear holds over us and why, in truth, fear is a liar. This week, were continuing the discussion, taking a deep dive into the “how” of pushing previous worry to efficiently message your brands objective.
When it comes to taking a genuine stance on your brand names values, understanding who you are as a brand name and exceeding your what to ground yourself in your why can help provide the launching pad needed to take what feels to be the more risky, however more rewarding course.
For numerous mission-driven companies, the worths already exist but might not be clearly and totally interacted. No matter how protected we are in our own private beliefs and worths, the possibility of fully and authentically communicating what your brand represents can be overwhelming..
Where to begin?.
Over the course of working with brand names to help them more explicitly message their objective, weve developed a roadmap to help construct out the course to plainly and authentically communicate your values & & push previous fear in order to succeed.

1. Name your fear.

What is stopping you from articulating your worths, or a position on a potentially controversial cause? When you, or your brand name, can name that worry, it minimizes its power over your capability (or failure) to move forward.

2. Accept the possibility of polarization.

Pleasing everybody thrills no one, and approval of this internally, throughout your organization, makes it considerably easier to communicate your beliefs externally.
Normalize the capacity for reaction, create a strategy, and then when it takes place, youll understand how to browse it without backing down from the message youve put out in the world. Whatever tangible resources make up your plan, make sure they are communicated thoroughly within your organization.

3. Connect the worths you are communicating to your brands organization case.

The messaging you put out into the world must be authentic to your brand name..
Guarantee your leadership group becomes part of the conversation by prioritizing getting buy in from the top, which then makes it easier for others (board members, stakeholders, etc.) to buy into the articulation of your values as a core part of what makes up your brand name.
The secret to doing this if buy in from leadership does not already exist? Reiterate the role the worths you wish to communicate play in your brand names business case. By connecting your what of your brand name to the why of your brand name, you can use it as a grounding minute to return to once again and again to empower workers and motivate them to accept the values in all that they do, the work that they put out on behalf of the brand name and the story that they share as both workers and brand name ambassadors.
In order to link the what to your why, you have to be able to strongly and confidently response: why does our brand name exist? Are you able to speak clearly to talk to the foundation that your brand is developed upon? The problems that you solve and the communities that you serve? And after that even more, do the values that we are seeking to interact – that we might be afraid of communicating – aid in resolving those issues, speak to those communities and support the factor that your brand exists?.
Totally understanding that why can assist you accept your brand name with confidence. When thats done, you can collaborate internally, with fellow workers and management, to weave worths into your brand names culture and identity if they arent currently incorporated.

4. Bring your consumers and community members to the table.

In the absence of info, assumptions are made.
Begin having conversations. Ask open-ended questions & & be transparent about receiving feedback. You can conduct focus groups, or virtual city center, but it can be as basic as an e-mail, a social networks post or Instagram story. By having truthful, transparent discussions with your consumers, unexpected or reaffirming doors may be opened, perspective might be shared, and brand name trust can be built.

5. Completely understand the power and embrace of revealing, not telling.

All of us know its insufficient to “talk the talk.” A key part of authentically interacting your brand name worths is likewise communicating how those worths search in action. Integrate minutes of “revealing” – huge and small – into ongoing interaction efforts..

6. Understand that communicating your values is an ongoing operate in progress.

The final step in the roadmap is not ever genuinely last, however it is essential to both understand and communicate that interacting values is an ongoing work in development. Its important to interact your journey, despite the stage youre in. Customers have actually made it known that if brand names are not actively interacting their position on important social problems, you might as well not be taking a stand at all in the eyes of stakeholders.
Sincerity and transparency builds trust, even if formal statements or actions are still taking shape– we have actually seen this firsthand in the method that numerous brands are discovering, growing and progressing their antiracism efforts and commitments.
As weve discussed, worry of getting it all wrong can make us risk-averse and susceptible to inertia. However by interacting that your brand name is growing and finding out, that your commitment to antiracism, social justice, labor rights, or environment justice is a journey not a location, it supplies openness and helps kick that inertia to the curb.
Prepared to assist build out your brand names own roadmap to messaging your mission? We can help – get in touch today
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A crucial part of authentically communicating your brand worths is likewise communicating how those worths look in action. Consumers have actually made it recognized that if brand names are not actively interacting their position on critical social issues, you might as well not be taking a stand at all in the eyes of stakeholders.

Repeat the role the values you desire to interact play in your brands company case. By connecting your what of your brand to the why of your brand, you can utilize it as a grounding moment to return to again and again to empower staff members and motivate them to accept the worths in all that they do, the work that they put out on behalf of the brand and the story that they share as both workers and brand name ambassadors.
By having sincere, transparent discussions with your consumers, surprising or declaring doors may be opened, viewpoint may be shared, and brand trust can be built.

To state that a lot is occurring on the planet to influence change right now would be an understatement: a require social justice, an all-out last-ditch effort to get a sense of normalcy back from the hands of COVID-19, and more momentum than ever before to act versus the results of environment change and reverse the effect of centuries of environmental damage triggered by waste generation, overconsumption, and rampant pollution..
All around us, we are seeing change take place on an enormous scale. But if theres something we understand from years of working to activate specific habits modification, its that small choices include up to develop impact in time. Choosing to use reusable bags over plastic, changing out a nonrenewable fuel source heating unit for an electric heatpump, choosing to compost instead of trashing food waste, taking the very first action to find out about neighborhood solar, or even making the effort to buy tidy beauty products over those with potentially damaging and hazardous components … all of these choices build up in the long run, even if, at the most individual level, it does not appear like that big of a deal.
We likewise know that todays consumers are demanding change. The big bulk of them want to make a favorable impact and are ready for the brands to which theyve been loyal to do the very same.
What is the moment that sets off a specific from just believing about making a change to take action and implement a more sustainable habits? Is it a psychological catalyst? Is it a scary, doom-filled message from a brand name that, quite honestly, scares an individual out of complacency? Is it hope? Or is it just the self-confidence that originates from discovering more about the advantages of making one choice over the other?
On the individual, on the need, and of course, the surrounding scenarios. After spending time at home in lockdown following the preliminary surge of the coronavirus pandemic, our research study found 62 percent of homeowners ended up being aware of, or more sensitive to, at least one energy-related concern in their house, with comfort, energy bill expenses, and indoor air quality the top-cited concerns.
That exact same research likewise found that, in light of the pandemic, how a purchase would impact a consumer or familys “health and wellness” became a top priority consideration when making buying decisions. When health and wellness were tertiary or often secondary factors to consider for consumers, this is in plain contrast to buying choices made before the pandemic. The catalyst of the pandemic ultimately developed a chance for brand names to focus their product and services messaging around emotional and physical reasoning: how it would positively impact the health of the consumer and their households as a way to set off change..
Other research studies have revealed that doom and gloom trigger behavior change, however just if its accompanied by a method or an option out. A 2019 study from the Journal of Business Ethics discovered that when provided with the unfavorable impacts and repercussions of using less eco-friendly products over products that are more sustainable, the negativeness triggered a change. The caution, however, was that brand names using a negative approach that also mitigated the effects of anticipated customer pity were more most likely to be successful in activating habits change, rather than those who did not offer a service or next action to take.
And in some cases, modification does not require a huge psychological driver, modified life circumstances, or unfavorable messaging. Sometimes all it takes to set off a modification to a more sustainable behavior are changing social standards.
It is not sufficient to expect that since you believe the item or service you use is better (for an individual, for the environment, for society), that it is enough to get a consumer to make a change. Just you, as a brand name, can genuinely comprehend your clients motivations to act and how those inspirations may alter over time.

If theres one thing we understand from years of working to trigger private behavior modification, its that small choices include up to produce impact over time. What is the minute that activates a specific from just thinking about making a modification to take action and carry out a more sustainable habits? The caution, however, was that brand names utilizing a negative method that also reduced the results of expected consumer embarassment were more likely to be successful in setting off habits change, as opposed to those who did not provide an option or next action to take.
Often all it takes to activate a modification to a more sustainable habits are changing social standards. It is not adequate to anticipate that since you believe the item or service you use is much better (for a person, for the environment, for society), that it is enough to get a consumer to make a change.

All of the companies that I have actually recently worked with (Natures Way, Sunsoil, and Gaia Herbs), believe in the power of plant recovery and are brand names that are known for quality and efficacy within the natural products industry. Bobby: The recovery power of nature is at the core of Gaias objective, however, equally as important to Gaias brand values is our commitment to social sustainability and environmental standards. As a superior brand, weve constantly talked at Gaia that worth is more than rate and have actually put a focus on informing on our brand and products to connect in significant methods with our customers. I think the emphasis on customization, brand experience, and overall brand worths will continue to become larger with how brand names successfully serve their consumers in the future.
How do you anticipate Gaia continuing to utilize social media to communicate with consumers and how important is social media as part of your overall brand strategy?

Last fall we had the chance to sit down with Bobby McConnell, the Vice President and Head of Sales and Customer Experience at Gaia Herbs, a leading natural herbs and wellness brand and fellow B Corp. At the time of our discussion, Bobby had simply recently joined the Gaia team, where he currently leads both the sales function of the company and customer experience for both the brand names brick-and-mortar and e-commerce outlets.
Have a look at our discussion listed below:
KSV: Your career has covered throughout several different markets, so how is the function that youre currently in similar to what youve performed in the past?
All of the organizations that I have recently worked with (Natures Way, Sunsoil, and Gaia Herbs), think in the power of plant healing and are brand names that are understood for quality and efficacy within the natural products market. Gaias portfolio is a nice balance as it isnt as extensive of a portfolio as Natures Way, however is the leading natural brand in the US Natural Channel.
KSV: Can you talk a little bit about how the B Corp certification affects Gaias culture and everyday operations?
Bobby: The healing power of nature is at the core of Gaias objective, nevertheless, equally as essential to Gaias brand ethos is our commitment to social sustainability and ecological standards. The requirements that Gaia has developed in the market on agricultural practices, active ingredient sourcing, and environmental stewardship are 2nd to none in the industry.
KSV: Its such a rejuvenating experience when you begin dealing with a brand-new brand name or a brand-new item and you currently have that baseline knowing that they satisfy these expectations for not just for you, however also simply for themselves as a service.
Bobby: Absolutely. Gaia has such a rich credibility and loyal customer base and it has actually been fun to sign up with the team and verify that were really putting our cash where our mouth is as it connects to strength, purity and quality. While I wasnt shocked, it was terrific to see how lots of merchants proactively reached out to me when I signed up with Gaia to share their love for the brand name.
KSV: There are a great deal of different supplement brands out there, and theres a great deal of saturation in the supplement market nowadays. Other than the B Corp classification, how do you believe Gaia separates itself amongst competitors or other gamers in the field?
Bobby: Quality, effectiveness, and transparency are significant differentiators for Gaia. Over the years, Gaia has actually been a pioneer in the organic classification in numerous methods all three of these areas. With the launch of Meet Your Herbs over 10 years earlier, Gaia was the very first natural brand name to provide lot-by-lot, consumer-accessible traceability of the businesss natural active ingredients and products.
While Gaia is known for efficacious and high-quality items, we are also able to inform our sellers and customers distinct and differentiating stories about all elements of our items and company that authentically strengthen our brand objective and business worths. Whether it be organically collecting and farming 45 various herbs on our licensed organic, 350-acre farm in North Carolina, our unequaled screening and quality standards, or stories from the similar farmers we partner with for the herbs that we dont grow ourselves, the storytelling behind the products are ending up being significantly important to a brand names success (both with customers and merchants).
While product movement is obviously still important, sellers have ended up being extremely smart on active ingredient sourcing, quality and testing requirements, and even producing procedures. Merchants are doing this since consumers are demanding it and want to much better understand how their personal worths align with the worths of the brands they are buying. We just had a meeting with Whole Foods where we invested two hours laying out Gaias sustainability efforts and, the truth that we couldve taken several days to talk about our initiatives in this location is actually encouraging and separates the brand.
KSV: What do you believe that brands can do right now to best serve clients and their needs, today. Going forward, what do you believe the future holds for how brands truly serve customers?
Bobby: I believe consumer empathy is very important today – recognizing what consumers are going through, getting in touch with consumers, and having the customer in accord with every choice that is being made. As a superior brand name, weve always talked at Gaia that value is more than price and have actually put an emphasis on educating on our brand and items to link in meaningful ways with our consumers. I think the emphasis on personalization, brand name experience, and total brand name values will continue to end up being bigger with how brands successfully serve their consumers in the future.
KSV: Right, and as a consumer, youre a lot most likely to purchase or remain loyal to a brand name despite the rate point if you see those values or that personality line up with your own values and your own personality. Speaking of … the manner in which Gaia communicates with consumers through social media is actually superior. How do you predict Gaia continuing to utilize social media to communicate with customers and how important is social media as part of your overall brand name method?
Bobby: Yeah, its substantial. I suggest, our social platform is the fastest method and most effective way for us to connect with our consumers and really share our stories and values. The organic classification can be a confusing area and social media has been an excellent lever for item education. Aside from item education, we are able to showcase our brand character. We can bring individuals to our farm and upgrade them on the whole seed to rack process. We can introduce our fans to the farmers that are harvesting the herbs we are using in item formulation. We likewise utilize social media to talk about meaningful causes to our brand name including environment reform and racial and social injustice.
I think its a way to link the dots of that character that were speaking to with the customers, and well continue to amplify that much more as we increase our investment in sharing this Gaia story..
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Thank you a lot for taking a seat with us Bobby! You can learn more about Gaia Herbs here and get caught up on all of our Industry Expert Interviews here.

April 27, 2021
New Report Identifies 22 Shovel Ready Regional and Interregional Transmission Projects
Lines Would Unlock Renewable Energy Capacity, Create 1.2 Million Jobs, Spur Economic Development, and Increase Grid Resilience
WASHINGTON, D.C.– A brand-new report released today recognizes 22 shovel prepared, high-voltage transmission jobs throughout the nation that, if constructed, would produce around 1,240,000 American tasks and cause 60,000 megawatts (MW) of brand-new renewable resource capability, increasing Americas wind and solar generation by nearly 50 percent. The report, Transmission Projects Ready to Go: Plugging into Americas Untapped Renewable Resources, produced by Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) as part of the Macro Grid Initiative, outlines how these jobs might start building and construction soon if more workable transmission policies are enacted.
These regional and interregional transmission lines would not only bring quality wind and solar resources to locations with high demand but also increase economic advancement and grid durability along with supply cost-savings for consumers.
The foundation transmission network supports all types of electricity production, and electricity supports every element of modern-day life, including increasingly transport and all kinds of commerce,” says Rob Gramlich, Executive Director of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid. We do not have a functioning method to recuperate expenses of the large-scale interregional transmission that we require, and it is a proper topic for infrastructure legislation.
Currently, building on these large projects has stalled, avoiding much of the benefits of broadened transmission from being understood. In order for building and construction on these lines to commence, appropriate transmission policies associating with how long-range transmission is prepared, spent for, and allowed must be passed. The report recommends the following policy modifications:

Passage of a transmission investment tax credit;
Direct financial investment in brand-new transmission lines, with the federal government functioning as an “anchor renter” customer;
FERC using its authority to reform transmission preparation and cost allocation; and
Streamlining and accelerating the allowing process.

” Just like the federal interstate highway system helped drive the growth of the American economy in the last half of the 20th Century, an interstate electricity transmission system is needed to power the American economy into the 21st Century,” states Michael Goggin, lead author and Vice President of Grid Strategies, LLC. “Over 1.2 million jobs can be created by building transmission lines to gain access to untapped renewable resources, bringing sorely needed tasks and financial advancement to Americas rural areas. A stronger grid is also the finest service for avoiding power failures, like the tragic events that affected Texas and other parts of the Central U.S. in February.”
” Expanding and updating our outdated transmission system, a central tenet of President Bidens brand-new American Jobs Plan, is an extraordinary financial opportunity for our country,” states Gregory Wetstone, President and CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). “With clever transmission policies in location, we can put Americans back to work in good-paying tasks developing a more reputable, carbon-free and efficient grid.”
The 22 proposed jobs are explained in detail in the report and depicted in the map listed below.

The foundation transmission network supports all types of electricity production, and electrical energy supports every aspect of modern life, consisting of significantly transportation and all kinds of commerce,” says Rob Gramlich, Executive Director of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid. In order for building and construction on these lines to commence, proper transmission policies relating to how long-range transmission is planned, paid for, and allowed need to be passed.” Just like the federal interstate highway system helped drive the development of the American economy in the last half of the 20th Century, an interstate electrical energy transmission system is required to power the American economy into the 21st Century,” says Michael Goggin, lead author and Vice President of Grid Strategies, LLC. About Macro Grid Initiative: The Macro Grid Initiative is a joint effort of the American Council on Renewable Energy and Americans for a Clean Energy Grid to promote financial investment in a 21st century transmission facilities that enhances dependability, improves performance and delivers more inexpensive clean energy. ACEG brings together the diverse support for a broadened and modernized grid from business, labor, customer and environmental groups, and other transmission supporters to support policy which recognizes the benefits of a robust transmission grid.

To read the new report, Transmission Projects Ready to Go: Plugging into Americas Untapped Renewable Resources, click here.
This report was commissioned by Americans for a Clean Energy Grid with support from the Macro Grid Initiative, a task of the American Council on Renewable Energy.
Additional quotes relating to the report can be discovered on the ACEG site.
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About Macro Grid Initiative: The Macro Grid Initiative is a joint effort of the American Council on Renewable Energy and Americans for a Clean Energy Grid to promote investment in a 21st century transmission facilities that improves reliability, enhances performance and delivers more low-priced clean energy. The Initiative works closely with the American Wind Energy Association, the Solar Energy Industries Association, the Advanced Power Alliance and the Clean Grid Alliance to advance our shared goals.
About Americans for a Clean Energy Grid: Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) is the only non-profit broad-based public interest advocacy coalition concentrated on the requirement to expand, incorporate, and update the North American high-voltage grid. ACEG combines the varied assistance for an expanded and improved grid from organization, labor, consumer and environmental groups, and other transmission supporters to support policy which acknowledges the benefits of a robust transmission grid. For additional information, please visit cleanenergygrid.org
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Media Contacts:.
Alex HobsonVice President of CommunicationsAmerican Council on Renewable Energyhobson@acore.org|202.777.7584 (o)|202.594.0706 ( c).
Nicolette SantosCommunications AssociateAmericans for a Clean Energy GridNicolette@dgardiner.com|703.717.5501 (o)|626.862.8464 (c).

Lesson 1: Get on board with Zoom, however dont construct your service around it.

As we round the corner to nearly three months in quarantine, CPMG is fortunate to team up from another location with those on the cutting edge of the solar industry, including installers, manufacturers, recyclers and designers. Over the recently, we had some insightful discussions with a variety of them to see how theyre faring in the days of COVID-19.

From working digitally to reassessing the consumer landscape– one thing is specific: These business are poised to bounce back from COVID-19. While obstacles certainly stay, we believe the prospects for solar are strong in Q3 and Q4.

Love it or hate it, video conferencing is here to stay. A lot of solar installers and developers are having Zoom calls with potential customers at different stages of the solar choice cycle. Carl Ramsbey, Head of Business Development at CAM Solar, puts it this method:

Talking with customers via Zoom and Skype had its knowing curve, but everybody rolled with it. Our business as an entire took our setup hiatus throughout COVID to brush up on our Zoom etiquette and client service techniques. As we work with customers via Zoom, we found constantly having a professional look and demeanor on camera to be appreciated. Similarly effective is having our video on during all calls, even if the consumer prefers not to. This “putting a face to the voice,” has definitely helped us close deals from another location.

Not everybody we polled uses Zoom to create connections with customers and customers. AJ Orben, VP of Business Operations at WeRecycle Solar, has maintained a more BC (Before COVID) communication design. He states:

Call me crazy– I like cold calls and outbound marketing. As many states remain in lockdown, conversation is a welcome reprieve. Theres been an equal balance in making and taking require my group throughout the pandemic; it offers an opportunity to develop genuine, significant connections with our customers and partners.

That being said, Zoom tiredness is a real thing. And theres still absolutely nothing like an one-on-one conference to develop relationships, states Helen Brauner of Austin-based developer 7X Energy:

While dealing with consumers from another location is effective, its valuable if Ive fulfilled them face to face a minimum of as soon as, specifically when negotiating an agreement where trust is necessary to the relationship.

Lesson 2: Power use is up throughout COVID, however so is the interest in solar + storage.

Photo courtesy LG Chem/BusinessWire

Residential installers throughout areas and markets report that as energy expenses are increasing dramatically, clients are seriously thinking about solar (and storage) during the pandemic.

Our Quarantine Reading List.

CPMG thanks all its contributors to this piece. We will continue to write short articles such as these to keep you abreast of this really dynamic situation, and we encourage you to continue and share this short article to support solar energy, any place you are!

The market is no doubt taking a struck during COVID, however were poised to recuperate stronger than ever as consumers, partners, and advocates of solar realize its value. This is a great time to reassess your marketing efforts and get your home in order. If youre interested in setting up a marketing preparation call, contact us.

Last Thoughts.

Tim Sylvia at PV Magazine reports on a study performed by LG and The Harris Poll which found that there has been a 13% increase in individuals who are now thinking about solar because the beginning of Covid-19. Even more, site traffic to LGs battery storage site often tops 100% boost year over year. These numbers are excellent, and it will be to your advantage to effectively talk to these brand-new customer priorities.

His findings reveal that residential solar sales are down 22% when compared to BC sales in February. 58% of respondents say that currently they are at or above pre-pandemic sales levels. 42% of these business are hiring for sales and working capital positions, with credit provided to the federal Payment Protection Program (PPP) to bridge the space..

Richard Klein, President of Quixotic Systems, offers an individual take. Klein runs his commercial solar business in New York City, at the heart of the coronavirus break out. Richard reports that while New Yorks resuming standards have not yet allowed installations to reboot, commercial solar task leads continue to can be found in:.

Lesson 3: This is a marathon, not a race. Finish strong.

Staying at home results in more energy usage, with higher energy expenses, especially with summertime A/C use just beginning. Additionally, uncertainty being the only thing particular, property owners wish to have the ability to gain access to additional, continuous energy they can depend on.

And, at the end of the day, the financial resources for industrial solar are actually rather good right now. Paybacks in New York for larger systems (our main market), are typically in the 3- or 4-year variety. In comparison, specifically if you have capital to invest, solar is a much better alternative.

The total belief in the market is among careful optimism for Q3 and Q4, however just if we can weather the next couple of months of the pandemics lockdown orders.

Solar business acknowledge that they have actually taken a hit throughout the pandemic, especially in terms of installations, however most are aiming to reappear in the next quarter or two, more powerful than ever. Yann Brandt, of the popular newsletter and website SolarWakeup, surveyed a plethora of installers and developers about their business operations and outlook Air Conditioner (After COVID).

1. An informative New York Times piece on the extremely real idea of Zoom Fatigue and how to handle it.

2. A Forbes Article on 9 methods to stay favorable during this time, were particularly fans of number 6 and 8.

3. New York Times short article on the unavoidable rise of eco-friendly energy, regardless of SEIAs anticipated task losses due to COVID.

4. PV Magazines Tim Sylvia reports on why individuals in quarantine are actively checking out solar power.

5. David Byrne of the Talking Heads (!) When it comes to wind power, goes over why other states must be like Texas. This short article belongs to his brand-new website: Reasons to be Cheerful. We are on board!

A lot of solar installers and designers are having Zoom calls with potential customers at various phases of the solar choice cycle. His findings show that property solar sales are down 22% when compared to BC sales in February. Klein runs his industrial solar organization in New York City, at the heart of the coronavirus outbreak. Richard reports that while New Yorks reopening standards have not yet allowed setups to reboot, commercial solar project leads continue to come in:.

By Zubin Segal.

The industry is no doubt taking a hit throughout COVID, but were poised to bounce back more powerful than ever as consumers, partners, and advocates of solar realize its worth.