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April 22, 2009
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Cutting-edge Environmental Innovations Recognized by Environmental Defense Fund
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Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) today highlighted environmental innovations that are helping companies cut costs, create business opportunities and carve out a competitive advantage in a challenging economy. EDF unveiled “Innovations Review 2009: Green Advances for a New Economy” at the Fortune Brainstorm Green Conference, where executives from highlighted companies gathered to discuss how environmental innovations are benefiting their business.
Midwest Energy’s How$mart® Program was cited by EDF as one of the environmental innovations in the Review. This effort targets landlords, homeowners and small businesses and provides a means for these customers to upgrade heating and air conditioning equipment, insulation and other energy efficiency measures. Midwest Energy provides the up-front capital for cost-effective improvements. Funds are paid back with part of the energy savings through the utility bill. In 2008, Midwest Energy invested over $478,000 in 93 How$mart® projects.
“We appreciate this recognition from the Environmental Defense Fund. Our customers know that by participating in How$mart® they don’t just reduce their energy bill. They also contribute to a cleaner environment by using less energy,” Said Earnie Lehman, President & General Manager for Midwest Energy.
“Environmental innovation is a powerful way to create business value,” said Gwen Ruta, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at EDF. “These innovations tackle today’s environmental and economic challenges head on -- improving the planet and the bottom line at the same time. We hope that they serve as useful models, inspire further innovation and continue to redefine business as usual. ”
The featured innovations were vetted by EDF and a distinguished panel of experts from the fields of environmental science, law and finance. The final selection includes 15 innovations from around the country. Each innovation was evaluated for environmental benefits, business benefits, replicability and innovativeness.
The Innovations Review also highlights two innovations by EDF and its corporate partners: a Green Portfolio project developed by EDF and private equity firm KKR, and Climate Corps, a program that uses interns to develop energy efficiency investment plans for major corporations. The Review is part of EDF’s broader effort to foster collaboration on corporate environmental innovation through its recently launched Innovation Exchange. Details on all the innovations, as well as multimedia clips, are at available at www.edf.org/innovationsreview.
Environmental Defense Fund, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. Environmental Defense Fund has a 20 year track record of success in partnering with business. To maintain its independence and credibility, EDF accepts no money from corporate partners; generous individuals and foundations fund its work. For more information, visit www.edf.org.
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