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Find daily news updates about environment companies to stay current

Get electric company headline news, RSS feeds and industry newsletters that will send you news as it happens to keep up with the extensive environmental news that fills the industry publications.

I recommend: Subscribe to one or all of the publications of E&E to get the latest news and follow the trends affecting the industry today or try The Energy Daily or Environment Reporter.

Read about the latest trends at companies in the energy industry

Look for detailed reports and energy and environment sites that cover the industry further than the headlines. Look for books and trend pieces by experienced scientists and energy consultants who can use the current news to forecast emerging trends.

I recommend: Keep up with news around the country that drives the industry movements and activities through the Environmental News Network. ScienceDaily provides readers with feature stories and coverage of various industries involved in energy and the environment.

Join industry groups that publish news and reports for members

Join an energy or environment trade association to take advantage of the networking opportunities and news sources they provide.

I recommend: The Association of Energy Services Professionals provides members with in-depth reports, a number of white papers, the Strategies newsletter and other industry reports. Get involved with other professionals in the industry while reading up on industry trend pieces and articles that cover recent innovations at utility companies through the American Wind Energy Association.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Encourage your staff to read publications and websites that can bring even more news about power companies to make sure that you don't miss any important developments.

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Evaluate services offered by energy and environment companies

While some of the services may overlap, energy and environment companies provide distinct products. Companies in the energy industry address commercial power and utility needs, while environment companies help businesses conserve energy and power as well as operate in compliance with various U.S. environmental laws.

I recommend: Green Ideas is an environmental consulting firm that provides advice on sustainability practices for architects, engineers and construction professionals. Reliant Energy is an energy business offering various energy programs to fit your unique energy budget.

Explore costs and conservation practices of energy industry companies

Today, many energy companies are encouraging business owners to implement more energy-efficient practices. If energy conservation is important to you, be sure to seek services from energy companies that not only encourage their customers to reduce waste, but also employ internal sustainable practices.

I recommend: FirstChoice Power provides businesses with low-cost business energy solutions as well as tips on how to save energy. NYSEG is one of several environmental energy companies specializing in natural gas and more efficient energy products.

Conserve energy with renewable energy industry companies

Solar energy can be converted to thermal energy and is primarily used to heat buildings and water. Businesses have recently started using thermal energy storage systems, which stores cold water or ice during the night and uses it to cool office spaces and buildings throughout the day. While somewhat more expensive upfront with equipment costs, using solar and thermal energy can greatly decrease your energy costs.

I recommend: The Solar Energy Company installs commercial solar systems. Check out Thermal Energy International for a range of commercial energy and emission reduction products.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to look into any tax deductions, credits or various cash rebates for which you may qualify because of using services from renewable energy industry companies.

Guide to Energy and Environment Education and Training

Train your employees in ways to protect the energy and environment

By Denise Brown

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Find general information about the energy and environment for staff training

You can take this data and customize it for your employees. While some programs target school-age students, many of the activities are also suitable for adult training. General information is also a good place to build on the need for your employees to do their part to protect the environment.

I recommend: The Center for Energy & Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa offers a number of courses and workshops for energy and environment education and training. The United Nations Environment Programme offers a number of workshops and downloadable documents to help environmental energy companies, as well as the general public, understand the importance of energy and environment on the global economy.

Use energy and environment information from governmental agencies

The federal government and states are taking an active role in promoting energy and environment education. Check your state's website to find specific training available locally.

I recommend: The United States Bureau of Land Management offers a number of training presentations concerning best management practices for environment companies and energy industry companies to use. The Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinet offers a number of educational options aimed at the general public.

Enroll in energy and environment college classes

A number of colleges offer coursework toward a degree in Environmental Science. Even if you don't want a degree in energy and environmental studies, you can sign up for classes at a nearby college or university. It's also possible to find courses in this field at a community college.

I recommend: The University of Oregon offers a number of classes designed to help educate individuals and companies in the energy industry on the importance of using energy resources wisely. The Brown University Center for Environment Studies can give you the training you need for a career with an energy and environment company, an electric company or other utility services as the environmental specialist.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Create a file to store all your training information on energy and environment. This makes it easier to bring new hires up to speed on the same training the rest of your employees have already received.

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Wind energy

When the sun heats the air, wind is created. Scientists harness this kinetic energy and convert it to other forms of power, such as mechanical energy or electricity. Individuals or communities can access this renewable and non-exhaustible source of energy by installing a wind turbine.

I recommend: The American Wind Energy Association answers frequently asked questions about installing wind turbines.

Geothermal energy

Tapping into the energy inside the earth's core can generate hot water and steam that can heat buildings, produce electricity and power generators. To access this energy, experts usually drill deep into the ground. However, it sometimes can be found closer to the surface.

I recommend: The Geothermal Education Office covers the basics of using geothermal energy.

Solar energy

Every day the sun produces enough radiant energy to supply the earth's power needs. Some of that energy is reflected back and some evaporates water, but a large percentage of the sun's energy could be used for power. Devices such as solar panels capture and store that energy, which can heat homes or run appliances. Best of all solar power is free, clean and renewable.

I recommend: Green Building Elements lists ways to use solar power at home.

Hydropower

Hydropower is generated by swiftly moving water. When that water is channeled, it can drive waterwheels that produce energy to run machines. Used to power generators or turbines, hydropower generates electricity.

I recommend: GreenUsesForWaste suggests ways to use hydropower in your home.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen, the lightest gas in the universe, contains almost three times as much energy as natural gas. When hydrogen burns, its only waste product is water. Earth contains an abundance of hydrogen, but hydrogen has to be separated from other elements before it can be used. Still hydrogen may provide another solution to the energy crisis.

I recommend: The California Energy Commission discusses using hydrogen as an alternative energy source.

Biomass energy

Biomass energy comes from plant material and animal waste. It has the potential to supply even more energy than solar or wind power. Advocates of biomass power suggest two possibilities: growing plants to use for energy or using readily available plant or industrial waste. Wood is the most common source of energy, but other plants as well as waste products or methane gas from landfills serve as biomass energy.

I recommend: Alternate Energy Sources explains uses of biomass energy.