Beauty and nature are closely interlinked. But what will it take to make cosmetics production green? In this Q&A, Clean Energy Finance Forum explores how global beauty companies are embracing sustainability. This industry is making intensive use of solar power and energy efficiency – and directing corporate financing in that direction.
Is the sun rising on a new opportunity in Chicago that may fill the venture capital (VC) gap for clean energy startups? On Aug. 1, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Innovative Pathways Program announced funding for 11 organizations that are advancing emerging technologies and leveraging private capital. Benjamin Gaddy, director of technology development at Clean Energy Trust, spoke with Clean Energy Finance Forum about the award his accelerator has received. He also said his team's projects are bringing fresh energy to the regional and national market.
When California diverges from federal viewpoints and policy on climate change and supports the Paris Agreement's goals, Alan Gordon, its deputy state treasurer, leverages green bonds to yield results. California is one of the world's six largest economies. The Golden State manages massive amounts of pension assets.
Will a National Green Bank Act Win Support?
A number of senators and representatives led by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.) have cosponsored The Green Bank Act of 2017 (PDF) (S. 1406. H.R. 2995). The act is expected to support the establishment of a national green bank capitalized with $10 billion in treasury-issued green bonds. This is the third time legislators have proposed it.