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Enviro Warrior - Wake up and smell the Homus ... then tread lightly upon the planet.

 

Google Is Green To Go


Hailed by the clean global “Green” IT industry, hats off this week to Google Inc. who has put its money where its mouth is (again), to become the foremost Web service and on line group, by agreeing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in a major bid to promote the push towards cheaper renewable electricity.

With the IT industry getting it's fair share of flack from environmentalists, there is a reason Google, so much the world’s top talent magnet, '...offers perks such as cash for hybrid cars, eco-friendly dry cleaning, and a free shuttle bus service to employees. Google workers are not only ridiculously rich but also ridiculously young and ‘green.’

They get it. They want their employers to be working on the whole carbon footprint thing. They want to labor for bosses that care about sustainability. They want to know how green their offices are.'

And now Google are mounting a brand new initiative, called the Renewable Energy Cheaper Than Coal’ project, which will target all its investments towards projects looking at advanced solar thermal power, wind power technologies, enhanced geothermal systems and other ‘new’ technologies. All slowly emerging from the dusty vaults of the diminishing oil magnates.

Woo hoo says the world. Woo hoo says Google employees, because in effect they are not only taking advantage of Google’s growing mountain of cash, but recycling it into more global brand recognition through its mushrooming market. This offers both the mainstay of promoting its own sustainability, as well as that of the world’s.

Kudos to Google for the symbiosis. Good on them for putting their money where their mouth is, like the many others, who this year collectively caused the Renewable Technologies investment market to soar at a record US$100 billion.

It seems the CO2 is no longer a sustainable source then, after all, despite greedy grabs to the contrary by some of the world’s remaining draconian governments.

Google's move came as the price of a barrel of oil rounded US$100 and coal - which currently still produces 40% of the world's electricity (54% in the US) - faces regulatory and environmental pressures. The latter, tipped to drive both prices sky high across the globe, despite claims to the opposite.

Eventually, the Mountain View, California-based company of Google says, '...it will spend hundreds of millions of dollars in breakthrough renewable energy projects, which will generate positive returns to combat this terrible situation.'

A typical (500 megawatt) coal plant, burns 1.4 million tons of coal each year. The are 600 coal plants in the US alone. The pollution is phenomenal and the pictures speak for themselves. To compare coal energy against wind power, flick the switch <<here>>

Meanwhile, Larry Page, Google’s Co-founder and president of products, said in a statement;

"Our goal is to produce one gigawatt of renewable energy capacity (which could run San Francisco) and be done at a cost, cheaper than coal.

And we are optimistic that this can be done in years, not decades.”

The Google ‘Renewable Energy Cheaper Than Coal’ project engineers and energy experts, are set to lead the way in research and development on solar thermal technology first, and will also investigate enhanced geothermal systems along the way.

Working with its philanthropic arm, Google.org, the company says it plans to spend tens of millions of dollars in 2008 on its research and development for a renewable energy for our future.

That sort of commitment makes me feel really good.

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Comments
24 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]
1. December 11th 2007 @ 06:18. Jessicca Says:
Hear hear on the good approach of Google!

Great article Lilla, as always. ^_^

I am trying to enforce switching off the switches when it is not used. It hasn't been pretty but I hope people around me will understand the importance of it one day.

Have a blessed day
Jessicca
2. December 11th 2007 @ 07:26. Lilla Says:
Hi Jessica,

thanks for the compliment.

HAHAHA, yes and you end up feeling like you are running around after everyone - all day - just switching things off at the switch and at the wall... some days sure feel like that around here too!

Luckily, my friends are used to me doing this stuff (as well as my family)...



Keep up the good work.

Lilla ...
3. December 11th 2007 @ 08:01. Aimzster Says:
Lilla, that's good news. I'm sick of companies, mine for example, thinking that our natural resources will always be there. One of my pet hates is when my boss draws a small diagram to illustrate some crappy system he wants to put into place, discards it, then draws a revised one on another clean sheet of paper. Our company literally wastes a truckload of paper a week, and we're not even a big company!!! But don't worry, I'm working on it.
4. December 11th 2007 @ 10:35. Lilla Says:
Oh Aimz,

Our undercover woman on the inside... how delicious!

I hear you loud and clear and thank my lucky stars that I don't have to be a part of it anymore , or I'd get no work done ... I am truly blessed in this respect.

Look forward to updates from the 'inside,' ...get 'em good. *lol*



Lilla ...
5. December 11th 2007 @ 15:16. Michaelie Says:
Wow, I don't hate Google so much now!



Michaelie
6. December 12th 2007 @ 00:03. Lilla Says:
Hi Michaelie,

I'm curious as to why anyone would dislike them to begin with, they got the formula right, right from the start...

Lilla ...
7. December 12th 2007 @ 05:11. Louie Says:
hats off to them, heres hoping a few people follow
8. December 12th 2007 @ 06:57. Lara M Says:
That's great news coming from a corporate giant like them -- leadership by example...hopefully.
9. December 12th 2007 @ 07:08. katyzzz Says:
Oh, well, down goes our adsense cents, they spelt that wrong.

Climate change? you mean the world's getting hotter or colder or something, that's just the weather, whether you freeze to death, or fry to death. There are too many people here, that's the problem, the change will fix all that, bring it on earlier, that's what I say.

And pick up a Nobel Prize, that's cool. A very nice temperature, why the fuss, cos it is sad about those animals, we'll have to start shearing those polars, perhaps eating them too before something outlandish comes along and starts eating us. Should be fun, really, a green google, guess the Irish profligate everywhere oh sorry I meant proliferate, it's too hot or cold or something. Pollution, hell, yes, stop us all breathing out that CO2. Stay tuned for the next instalment. Labour's gunna fix everything, but they are just going to keep quiet about it. Very wise. No need to worry about the Press if you don't tell them anything.

The wise wisdom of katyzzz, late in the afternoon.
10. December 12th 2007 @ 08:09. Lilla Says:
HI Louie,

I'm sure there will be those who remain resilient to this necessary change, but eventually there is only one way to go ... How cool for Google to be amongst those to take the bull by the horns... I know there are many others leading the charge too

It'll be interesting to watch the progress as '08 unfolds...

Lilla ...
11. December 12th 2007 @ 08:10. Lilla Says:
Absolutely Lara, absolutely... it kinda feels good too, doesn't it?

Thanks for stopping by,

Lilla ...
12. December 12th 2007 @ 08:13. Lilla Says:
Hi Katyzzz,

At least when we get our adsense it'll be clean cents, not blood money. That'll make me feel good, because believe it or not, I still believe that I will get paid one day soon, too...*lol* well least that's the plan...then we'll celebrate with cakes and some of that lovely tea, okay?

Thanks for stopping by,

Lilla ...

PS Old Dutch Proverb:

Good news goes about in stockinged feet,
Bad news in clogs
13. December 13th 2007 @ 00:45. Ash Says:
Hi Lilla

its good news on the virtual front?! yay! about time some big companies were stepping in the right direction.

My cousins boyfriend works for Google in the UK. He is VERY well looked after, not only in monetary terms but in all aspects. Vending machines are free on the premises, they are given 3 proper meals a day, should they want to eat there, massage therapists are on hand, gym facilities, relaxation and games rooms..... who would ever want to leave? Big business often loses sight of their employees... Google seems to be getting it right across the board.

You been painting? Love the new trippy colours around the place.

Have a glorious day - this breeze is heaven sent!

Ash
14. December 13th 2007 @ 04:43. Lilla Says:
Hi Ash,

Thanks for the compliment, it needed a new lick of green ...

Wow, I might even be able to lift my morbid dread of working in the corporate world, if Google offered, woo hoo... hopefully that will go across the board, as you say.

It's all about People, people, not just bloomin' computers. It still blows my fuses though to see the kids sitting in hot boxes, whilst the prisoners and computers get the air-conditioning in schools...

Some things take forever to change, don't they?

This day, is indeed one of the finest breezes of the season ... and the 'word' is that tomorrow is about to dump as much water on us, as Newcastle got earlier this week ... Ses is on standby again.

C'ya on Saturday? I have to go to 'that mall,' as I have to do the groceries during this two-hour window... no time to travel to other, flashier ones besides, you've seen one, you've seen them all, hey?

Lilla ...
15. December 14th 2007 @ 03:17. Ash Says:
no prob I have to go down there at about 10ish to pick up some photos - if you fancy a coffee send me a text (I think I gave you my mobile?)

rain.... please rain!
16. December 17th 2007 @ 04:56. Miswanderlust Says:
Lilla
Wonderful post! GO Google!
Mis
17. December 21st 2007 @ 03:27. Optomistic Opportunism Says:
Yay!

Now all we need is for Ninemsn to stop asking stupid questions like 'Do you think Dr Haneef deserves to be in Australia?'

And Yahoo7 should grow up while we're at it.

Much luv and warmth for the festive season,
Alecki-opto-boobie
18. December 21st 2007 @ 06:21. Lilla Says:
Hi Miss,

That has such a great ring to it, doesn't it?

I'm going to try and say it six time straight, really fast, okay, (because I am quite silly) ... see if I get my tongue in a twist...

Go Google, Go Google, Go Google, Go Google, Go Google, Go Google... no but it made my boobs jiggle *laughs* Opto will probably laugh at that too ...

Hoping you have a very special holiday lovely lassy,

Lilla ...
19. December 21st 2007 @ 06:29. Lilla Says:
Hello Opto-boobie, Alecki-ism...

HA HA HA HA AHA talking of boobies... I have to agree with you sweet cakes, what a load of doofus cakes they are at Yahoo 7 and MSN ... I saw it myself this mornin' and ended up wondering ... um ... just how Australia is coming across to the rest of the world (and do we care)?

"Gee, I don't know, it is a penal colony after all, isn't it? ..um... just send them all along and we'll sort 'em out, we're really good at it *rolling eyes* been doing it for years, no probls... just give 'em a passport and send 'em right on over here!?

*laughs* I guess the upside is that you don't bomb the place where all the bombers hang out, do you ... like Ali Baba's cave?

It is good to see you friend, and I hope the season's peace and happiness are all yours to enjoy.

Hugs

Lilla ...

20. December 21st 2007 @ 15:52. Optomistic Opportunism Says:
A hahahahaha I hope Ali Baba is in the spirit this season. He's like the Count of Monte Cristo for the far east.

Lilla,

Will I be a Count one day?

Orble doesn't really seem to help much... just good for some 3am entertainment once the crowd has migrated home for the night.

Here's to being drunk and sitting in my cave counting at the end of the night, weighing up priceless jewels etc.

Saude, Salut, Cheers,
Opto
21. December 24th 2007 @ 09:21. Arun On Technology Says:
Great post... Also would like to add that Google's founders have invested in a firm called Nanosolar that recently came out with solar panels made with technology that made the over all cost of generating electricity from Solar rays cheaper than from coal. Its a great beginning to the future of feasible renewable energy products
22. December 26th 2007 @ 00:33. Lilla Says:
Hi Arun,

Welcome.

Its a great beginning to the future of feasible renewable energy products

Oh we live in such interesting times ... and so much is happening there where you are in this respect too. I think that China and India will eventually lead the US into the future 'green' .. providing the impetus for much clean energy alternatives around the world, through innovation, commitment and dedication... it's only a matter of time.

Here's the link to Nanosolarif anyone is interested. Thanks Arun for the heads up.

How interesting.

Google is one of the few obscenely wealthy US companies that has all their fingers in the right pies, in my view... although I know there are many more coming to join the party ... woo hoo!

Thanks for stopping by..

Lilla ...
23. December 27th 2007 @ 06:27. Mountain Fog Says:
GO GO GOOGLE BABY!
About time someone saw the benefits of sharing the benefits of profit with the workers, even indirectly via conditions!

But, in the fututre, they should be given a share in the monetary profits, then they will have a totally committed workforce. This has been done in South America with great results.

cheers Lilla gurrl!!!

have a fab New Years!!

fog
24. December 27th 2007 @ 22:07. Lilla Says:
Hi Fog,

I have to agree wholeheartedly. I think Google does allow employees to buy shares in Google.. imagine the dedication if you knew they were maturing... and through the dollars being used in the right way - towards a sustainable future.

Wow!

As I said, I could even invisage being able to walk back into the corporate world for a place like that, if offered.

I hope yours is very special too, Fog ... with all the joy and abundance you can hope for, delivered in 2008. Although it is not a good year for the Chinese Horse, Dog or Tiger apparently ... will have to read more.

HAPPY

(Solar and Lunar)

NEW YEAR


Lilla ...

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