Like the plants and vegetable gardens that have been carefully cultivated all spring and summer, Ecos is growing and branching out with new program offerings and new client relationships from coast to coast.
To further solidify Ecos’ role as a leader in energy efficiency programs, we’re pleased to announce we were recently awarded two new lighting programs in Pennsylvania and the Carolinas. These programs are currently in the planning and development stages, with launches to take place later this summer. Combined, the two new additions to our portfolio aim to deliver over ten million CFLs to the marketplace over the next three years. Ecos is also entering the Detroit market, with exciting opportunities to implement an energy efficiency program and plan for future renewable generation programs.
When it comes to running efficient, cost-effective and successful lighting programs, Ecos uses our 11 years of experience to hit the ground running for new clients. However, success does not mean complacency. As the first deadline approaches for manufacturers and consumers to begin phasing out inefficient light bulbs (January 2012), there is growing attention in the media regarding incandescent light bulbs and other lighting technologies.
“There’s a massive misperception that incandescents are going away quickly,” said Senior Research Fellow Chris Calwell, in a recent interview with The New York Times (“Incandescent Light Bulbs Return to the Cutting Edge,” July 5, 2009). “There have been more incandescent innovations in the last three years than in the last two decades. A company could truly differentiate itself with a better incandescent.”
Ecos’ Research and Policy team is uncovering new opportunities for cost-effective, energy-efficient lighting – that will deliver savings from residential and commercial lighting – well beyond when federal and local standards change. We’ve already begun to identify emerging lighting technologies and program designs that utilities can promote once mandated changes take effect, and we are in the process of sharing these concepts with our clients.
Ecos is also preparing for the next big event for the China-U.S. Energy Efficiency Alliance, which will take place on September 23 in Portland. Ecos is pleased to take the lead in coordinating a roundtable discussion, “Why the Northwest Should Care About Improving Energy Efficiency in China.” The roundtable will feature Portland Mayor Sam Adams; Mark D. Levine, Ph.D., Group Leader of China Energy Group, Former Director of Environment Energy Technology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; and Steven S. Cliff, Ph.D., California Air Resources Board and Research Professor, University of California at Davis.
Finally, we continue our efforts on the leadership front through work on the upcoming ISO 50001 Standard for Energy Management. Much has been accomplished at the national and international levels since the last meeting in Brazil, and this summer and fall will see continued progress as the group works through the next stage. “Each amount of progress brings the standard closer to fruition, where practices from the standard can start making an impact”, said Chad Gilless, Ecos lead for the effort. “In addition, the closer the standard gets to completion, the more stakeholders become involved with it, creating a critical mass.” In support of the effort, Ecos will host one of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group meetings at our Portland office this October. More information will come in the future as that meeting draws near.
As we reach the mid-point in this challenging – yet still hopeful – year, Ecos will continue to deliver the innovative and cost-effective efficiency products and leadership that help our clients succeed. We’ll also keep our eye on better products, services, standards and global relationships in an ever-changing world.
