The issue of energy efficiency has become increasingly important and we can expect more services and applications directed at that.
Yesterday General Electric announced that it was buying Lineage Power Holdings, a company specialized in high efficiency power conversion technology and services to data centers.
The $520 million deal targets the increasing demand for energy generated by mobile technology. GE said by 2013 there will be over one billion smartphones across the world and each devices requires a power infrastructure that needs to be reliable.
But it’s not just mammoth corporations that are targeting energy efficiency. Individuals are also opting for energy-efficient home appliances to cut emissions and save money.
One company that specializes in energy efficiency solutions is Green Analytics. Its business is to install built environment solutions that can reduce energy use by 30-50% with a payback of less than three years.
“The truth is that if everyone was truly maximizing profit, we would not have a global warming problem,” says Brandon Fletcher, co-founder of Green Analytics. “You would not believe the number of buildings where basic HVAC, lighting, and the building envelope improvements will pay back in a matter of months.”
Green Analytics also finances the projects so that the customer does not have to have any cash out-of-pocket to pay for more energy efficient measures. The company says it only works on projects with a return of 33% per year to equal the promised three-year payback.
The energy-efficiency services that Green Analytics provide are various. It could be related to solar and wind power; roof coating or window tinting; heating and air conditioning; lighting; electronic and office equipment efficiency; or simply addressing energy waste “at every load”.
There’s a very persuasive business logic at work here. According to Greeen Analytics, 39% of total carbon emissions in the U.S. come from residential and commercial buildings. The company reckons that by reducing energy usage by 30%, the U.S. could save 11.7% of all emissions and be able to comply with the Kyoto Protocol.
Article by Antonio Pasolini, a Brazilian writer and video art curator based in London, UK. He holds a BA in journalism and an MA in film and television.
