CleanTech OC Daily - 3/26/12

Accordion-shaped solar tower captures more light
Since the price of solar panels has dropped, researchers at MIT report that three-dimensional solar structures that are made to take in more light and boost power output are ideal for smaller spaces. The group of researchers also found these accordion-shaped panels allowed power to increase between two to 20 times compared to a set of flat panels.

Can This Upstart Car Company Upend The Electric Vehicle Market?

Coda has an all-California sales and marketing strategy which includes dealers in Silicon Valley, in Los Angeles and Irvine, and in San Diego. They also have an Experience Center at the Century City Mall in Los Angeles — an informational showroom that is designed to educate consumers and set them up for test rides.

KPMG Named Sustainable Firm of the Year

International Accounting Bulletin (IAB) named KPMG Sustainable Firm of the Year at its inaugural industry awards ceremony.

According to IAB Editor Avind Hickman, KPMG demonstrated with hard data the impact of corporate responsibility initiatives across its network. “The firm also demonstrated thought leadership by hosting the high-profile global business sustainability summit, Business Perspectives on Sustainable Growth, which underscored KPMG’s already very strong reputation in sustainability services.”

Lord Michael Hastings, Global Head of Citizenship and Diversity accepted the award on the firm’s behalf. “I’m absolutely delighted that we were awarded this globally recognized award. KPMG and its member firms around the world take the challenge and responsibility of being fully engaged global citizens very seriously,” said Lord Hastings. “We recognize a special obligation to be engaged in the problems of the world’s poorest people, and we’re passionate about reaching across borders and being at the forefront of bold, fresh ideas to build strong and sustainable communities. I am so proud of the passion and commitment by our people around the world.”

In addition to the firm’s 29 percent reduction in global carbon emissions since 2007, IAB judges recognized KPMG as the only professional services organization at a global level to participate in the supply chain program of the Carbon Disclosure Project. The panel also commended the Sustainability Summit held recently in New York in collaboration with the UN Global Compact, United Nations Environmental Programme, and the World Business Council on Sustainable Development.

“This award acknowledges KPMG’s goal to ‘walk the talk’ and help clients to turn the risks of climate change and resource constraints into opportunities. Opportunities that benefit not just businesses, but contribute to our communities and society,” said Yvo de Boer, KPMG’s Special Global Adviser on climate change.

Competitors were assessed on a broad range of sustainability criteria, allowing KPMG to present comprehensive data on key initiatives such as its Carbon Disclosure Project reporting, work with the Global Green initiative, and collaboration with the Sustainable Benchmarking Alliance.