Reducing energy consumption through more efficient buildings, power plants and vehicles is still the most cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but projects are often hampered by unclear policies from governments, said speakers at a business forum on the sidelines of the U.N. climate conference.

Head of government's environmental transport policy urges businesses to enrol employees on subsidised eco-driving courses The head of environmental transport policy at the Department for Transport (DfT) has criticised the apparent lack of corporate interest in a government-backed scheme encouraging people to drive in an environmentally friendly manner.

Industry experts have warned that the long term trend for energy prices looks set to rise by as much as 10 per cent over coming years. With increasing energy costs, all farm businesses continually need to assess energy use and identify energy saving opportunities, many often will require little or no need for capital spend.

Businesses can save upto 30 per cent in power cost and carbon emission by moving to the internet based-cloud technology, a Microsoft study today said. "Businesses that choose to run business applications in the cloud can help reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by a net 30 per cent or more versus running those same applications on their own infrastructure," Microsoft India Director (Server Business) Pallavi Kathuria told PTI.

Snohomish County is pledging to cut energy use at its facilities by 10 percent as part of a Snohomish County PUD’s “Energy Challenge” campaign. The county is joining more than 150 local businesses and nearly 3,000 residential utility customers who have vowed to make comparable energy cuts. The goal is to save money and cut greenhouse gases, while reducing overall demand on the PUD’s energy supply.

While some members of Congress seem to think that spending federal dollars on local projects is a bad thing, hundreds of farmers and rural business owners are eagerly taking the opportunity to improve their operations through federal clean energy loans and grants totalling more than $30 million. The funds, administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will pay for 516 projects that install renewable energy equipment and improve energy efficiency at agricultural operations.

EnerNoc EfficiencySmart Energy Management Software cuts energy costs by 15% without undertaking any efficiency projects. EnerNoc, a well-established efficiency software company, released a new line of energy management software yesterday that the company's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Gregg Dixon, claims can help companies cut their energy costs by 15% without undertaking any efficiency projects.

Prime Minister affirmed: “Vietnam highly appreciates potential and technologies of South Korean businesses and calls upon South Korean businesses to continue expanding investment in Vietnam, especially in the fields of economic - social infrastructure development, new energy and material production, high technology product manufacturing, support industry, human resource and health development, and agriculture, forestry and fishery development.”

As one of few four star hotels at international standards in Hanoi, Fortuna Hotel, which is located in a bustling street with many office buildings, has become ideal accommodations for many domestic and foreign customers. Apart from modern and luxurious architect and professional services, Fortuna Hotel attracts a variety of customers thanks to the motto of doing business combined with protecting the environment and conserving energy.

In June 2009, funded by the National program on energy efficiency and conservation, the Department of Industry and Trade of Lam Dong selected Da Lat Garment Joint Stock Company as one of the two enterprises to implement energy audit. Through surveys and measurement, the advisory group has identified some opportunities to save energy and made some suggestions to help this business implement each step in the process of reducing energy cost.

A new institute is being launched to help Idaho residents and businesses conserve power and save money. The Institute will evaluate energy-saving technologies to see which ones work best. The program will be run by the Idaho Falls' Center of Advanced Energy Studies, and Otter says it will play an important role in Idaho's energy future.

Results from EECA's energy audit programme show that on average, companies can shave 20% off their energy use and costs - 10% at little or no cost and a further 10% with a simple payback of less than five years. Typically, for every dollar invested in an energy audit, $7.50 of energy savings are identified.

Thien Thanh company is a private enterprise (Phung Xa, My Duc, Ha Noi) with the main products of textile, dye and exported towel; annual energy cost is over VND 4 billion. Engaging in energy audit program, this business has found out eight solutions to use energy and coal effectively.

In these difficult economic times for Island contractors and associated trades, builders have adapted. From grand, expensive, multi-year construction jobs, some have changed pace to accept small-scale renovations or additions. Some who have been the lead builders on big projects have taken work as subcontractors. Some have turned to specialization, including specialization in energy conservation and renewable energy techniques.

A British business offering turnkey solutions for micro wind power is aiming to become one of the top five producers in the world by 2016. Its innovative new design will provide a fully installed wind turbine for as little as $7000, according to the company’s CEO.

In the middle of November 2010, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will host the Business forum for sustainable development with the theme: "Promoting and strengthening the participation of related parties in the process of implementing sustainable development. "

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the release of a new proposed energy efficiency standard for residential refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. The standard, as proposed, could save consumers as much as $18.6 billion over thirty years. The Obama Administration has made efficiency standards a major priority as a way to save energy and money for American families and businesses.

Participating in the course, trainees will be equipped with systematic knowledge and management skills and techniques on energy efficiency. With that knowledge, businesses will not only save costs and gain markedly economic benefits but will also be more active when the Law on Energy Efficiency and Conservation is officially enforced from 01/01/2011.

If, in common sense, a buck saved is a buck earned, this proves all the more significant in energy savings, when a sum invested may result in higher profits and higher benefits. If, for an individual, energy saving merely means to avoid money burning big holes in his or her pocket, then for a company, it means better returns and better business efficiency, and for an economy, there are even greater dimensions of cost-effectiveness.

Siemens has launched its renewable energy business arm in India to get a sizable share in one of the fastest growing markets in the world. The German engineering giant has opened its business in India at just the right time given the abundant economic and policy incentives offered by the government to the project developers as well as manufactures in the renewable energy sector.