Industry groups, councils, associations and organizations.
Purchasing Resources for Alternative Energy Organizations
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Alternative Energy Organizations Key Terms
Know your power options by understanding key terms used by alternative energy organizationsBy John Williams, Business Writing and Research A number of organizations, from private enterprises to public-private partnerships and government entities, are engaged in discussion over the future of our nation's energy system, from producing alternative energy, to transmitting power through a smarter grid. As you peruse these sites, be aware of these key terms to better understand the general topic and the particular positions these agencies take.
Global warming
While this term alone merits its own article, it can be summarized as the slow but steady intensification of the Earth's average surface temperature. The argument has been over the extent to which man-made greenhouse gases have instigated this effect, but the effect itself has been measured and proven to the science community's satisfaction.
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The Pew Center on Global Climate Change offers an introduction to the topic of global warming.
Renewable or sustainable energy
While you can define both renewable and sustainable energy as energy arising from sources such as solar, wind or geothermal, there are certain connotations that give the two terms slight differences. Sustainable energy is energy developed and used with little or no impact on its future availability, unlike fossil or nuclear fuels, which have finite availability and can be detrimental to the environment. Renewable fuel is fuel that renews itself, like solar or wind power.
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The Sustainable Energy Coalition, comprised of over 60 public and private entities, advances the cause of sustainable/renewable energy.
Green
Green has become a key word in the current discussion, referring to alternative energy, general lifestyle and environmentalism.
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CleanPower.org discusses concepts on how to "green the grid" to make power transmission and consumption more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is an often overlooked component of alternative energy production. Most major organizations devote at least a portion of their sites to promoting products and services that enable businesses and consumers to lower their current use of energy, using fossil fuels or alternative energy, to save money and the planet.
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The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy promotes efficiency.
Solar energy
Sites discussing solar energy focus on two areas: photovoltaic, which involves converting sunlight directly into electricity; and solar thermal, which focuses the sun's heat onto pipes carrying a transfer liquid similar to your car's coolant to drive generators.
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Energy Quest gives a brief history lesson on solar energy, explaining solar thermal and photovoltaic alternative energy generators.
Wind energy
Wind energy is similar to solar thermal energy. Wind power is derived from the sun heating the air.
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The Interstate Renewable Energy Council talks about the installation and use of small wind-energy systems.
More Reliable Than The Grid. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint. Learn More!
See how BP's advanced technologies are expanding energy production.
Celebrate The Progress & Learn More At Walmart's Sustainability Blog.
Let Top Solar Companies Compete. Compare Price Quotes & Save!
Solar Systems Starting at $7000 No Money Down! 10 Yr Solar Lease
Alternative Technology Association
An Australian non-profit community group that aims to use and promote environmentally friendly technology, including renewable energy sources such as the sun, wind and water; building with natural materials and conserving energy.
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.
Dedicated to protecting and enhancing federal and state government budgets devoted to clean energy technologies.
Initiative aimed at establishing information base supporting energy research and technological development strategies.
http://www.europa.eu.int/en/comm/dg17/atlas/home.html
Established to promote the international exchange of information on energy efficient and renewable technologies. Site contains a database of information on ongoing renewable energy projects, case studies and related publications and reviews.
Canadian Association for Renewable Energies
Association provides daily and weekly reports on latest developments and trends in renewable energies.
Center for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Technologies
A coalition of the nation's leading environmental and public interest groups and innovative technology companies working to develop America's clean and renewable energy resources.
Center for Resource Solutions (CRS)
Dedicated to promoting renewable energy and economic and environmental sustainability; administers national and international programs (such as Green-e) that preserve and protect the environment through the design of sustainable energy strategies and te
http://www.resource-solutions.org/
Cleaner and Greener Environment
Program dedicated to reducing pollution through awareness and information, publications, projects and resources.
http://www.cleanerandgreener.org/
Common Purpose For Clean Energy
Provider of information on resources on power generation, sustainability, and fossil fuels environmental issues.
http://www.serve.com/commonpurpose/mission.html
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN)
U.S. Department of Energy's comprehensive resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy information.
International Institute for Energy Conservation
Provides developing countries and economies in transition the affordable energy they need to fuel economic growth and social development while reducing the environmental damage caused by traditional energy production and use.
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
Nonprofit organization promoting accelerating utilization of renewable energy resources and technologies in state, local government, and community activities.
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
Network for sharing ideas, resources, and information to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Nonprofit agency implemented by the Finnish government to promote and increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions in households, transport, services and industry.
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)
A non-profit organization to foster the use of renewable and sustainable energy, the responsible use of non-renewable forms of energy, and to convey the value of these practices for the preservation of the environment.
A non-profit organization that provides workshops and education assistance to state public utility regulators on electric utility regulation.
Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP)
Organization supports the advancement of renewable energy through policy research.
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)
A nonprofit research and educational foundation dedicated to fostering the efficient and sustainable use of resources as a path to global security.
State coalition promotes energy efficiency and sound use of renewable energy.
Works to ensure that all people have clean air and energy, and to improve the environment in ways that preserve our health, protect our safety, and enhance the quality of life in our communities.
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Alternative Energy Organizations
Alternative energy organizations provide education, resources, networking opportunities, and support for businesses that focus on alternative energy. Whether your company works to develop the value of solar energy, wind power, or alternative fuels, you will learn about current trends and new developments in the industry by joining an alternative energy organization.
Alternative energy organizations give you the knowledge and education that you can then pass along to your customers. Events and conferences put together by these organizations can help you meet other professionals in the industry and gain new clients. Training and continuing education can keep you focused on the newest ... more
Alternative energy organizations provide education, resources, networking opportunities, and support for businesses that focus on alternative energy. Whether your company works to develop the value of solar energy, wind power, or alternative fuels, you will learn about current trends and new developments in the industry by joining an alternative energy organization.
Alternative energy organizations give you the knowledge and education that you can then pass along to your customers. Events and conferences put together by these organizations can help you meet other professionals in the industry and gain new clients. Training and continuing education can keep you focused on the newest technologies and give your company a competitive edge. Organizations that focus on alternative energy often offer classes for you and your employees; some of these classes are even offered online.
Members of alternative energy organizations can also get ideas for promoting their business to potential clients. Although alternative energy is becoming more popular, many people are not aware of how it works or how they can harness it. By using the resources and educational opportunities available from an alternative energy organization, you can help show customers how alternative energy can benefit them. Find out more about alternative energy organizations at Business.com.