BE Blogs: A Voice for Responsible Business

As part of our sustainability pledge to discuss best practices openly and honestly, we share insights that allow others to effect change in their community. While companies have responsibility to drive change internally, we believe they also can add to their insights and impact by sharing their experience with others.

Come by often to read the latest news, subscribe to our blog via email or RSS reader. Even better, join the conversation and share your ideas on how business can be a force for good in your community and environment.

This Memorial Day, Embrace Strategic Sustainability

May 28, 2012   //   by Bradley Short   //   Blog, Energy, Leadership, Technology, The Environment, Transportation  //  No Comments

As Americans think about military service this week, let’s consider one lesson that the military stands to teach our companies: sustainability is a strategic imperative.  The U.S. military has been embracing green technologies for years, and more private companies should follow suit.

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Electric Vehicles and You: Making Sense of EVs vs. PHEVs

Nov 3, 2010   //   by Colin Manuel   //   Transportation  //  No Comments

Over the next five years, manufacturers will unveil more than 20 models of electric vehicles that look and drive similar to your regular car. However, there is one key difference that will determine how well they fit your lifestyle: whether they are pure electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Pure Electric Vehicles (EVs): Meet the Nissan Leaf

Pure electric vehicles are powered solely by batteries. Their frames and bodies are often made from super light alloys specially designed to maximize performance. While EVs have been around since the early 1900s, the Nissan Leaf is the first mainstream EV to hit the U.S. market in this latest electric car renaissance.

Pros: Zero emissions from tail pipe, fewer moving partsPure electric vehicles debut in the U.S. than normal vehicles.
Cons: ‘Range anxiety’ from lack of high-capacity charging network. When the battery loses its charge, the car has no back-up power.
Est. Cost: $32,780/ $25,280 (before tax credits/after tax credits)
Electric Range: 100 miles
Total Range: 100 miles Read more >>

Electric Vehicles: If They Build Them, Will You Buy?

Jul 2, 2010   //   by Melinda Owens   //   Energy, Transportation  //  No Comments

Are electric cars the right answer to the right problem?
In case you missed the news, more than 15 models of electric vehicles (EVs) are predicted to hit the market through 2012. But are EVs the right solution? Will they solve everyday problems, or are carmakers just pandering to the tree hugging hippies out there?

What’s Driving Electric Vehicle Production?

There are a number of objective cases for electric vehicles:

Oil Dependence — According to the Department of Energy (DOE), more than half of America’s oil is imported. Of the imported oil, roughly 65% to 75% is located in the Read more >>