According to the Women’s Survey on Energy & the Environment—the first in-depth survey to be conducted on women’s attitudes and awareness about energy—American women are, in fact, the nation’s primary energy “decision makers.” As the study confirmed, in 77% of cases, American women pay the household utility bills and thereby make the critical decisions on energy use in their homes. Women overwhelmingly want the country to move toward clean energy sources, and more than half (57%) are even willing to pay $30 more per month for it. This signifies an underlying commitment to renewable energy regardless of a price premium.

So why have women become so deeply invested in the green movement? Generally acknowledged as being the custodians of their family’s health, women want to create healthy, green homes for their loved ones. The healthiest household purchases are often the most environmentally friendly, and as women are the dominant decision makers when it comes to such purchases, they are creating an ever-growing demand for green appliances and alternatives to traditional toxic products. The traditional role of nurturing the family prompts women to put the greater good over economic self-interest in their activism, says Karen Steuer, of the House’s Committee on Resources. “Men are out in front on property rights and self-interest issues … Women think about their families and the environment. They worry, ‘If I take my kids to the beach, can they swim or will they be wading around in oil spills?’”

Women—with and without children—are very concerned about leaving a better planet for the next generation. According to the survey, when it comes to choosing electricity sources, sustainability is a more important goal for women than reliability or cost. This is reflected by their recent efforts to curb electricity use: 97% of women are conserving electricity, and they are doing so through a broad range of steps such as lowering thermostats, turning off lights and appliances when not in use, purchasing energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs, keeping their homes cooler in winter, installing energy efficient appliances, doors, windows, or insulation. Women’s clear support for conserving electricity and switching to more environmentally friendly sources is good news for those advocating alternative energy options such as wind, solar, and nuclear that do not pollute the air we breathe or contribute to global warming.

It is important to note that women are not merely contributing to the environmental movement by making sustainable choices at home. They are also doing so at work. Women business owners are at the forefront of leading America toward energy conservation and clean energy: according to the survey, 79% have recently taken steps to make their businesses more environmentally friendly, and 87% favor federal tax incentives to encourage companies to become more energy-efficient and use more clean energy. Furthermore, given the tendency of women towards finding solutions to challenges, collaborating, and communication, it comes as no surprise that women fill a majority of the sustainable officer roles emerging throughout corporate America.

“The number of women in leadership roles reflects the fact that women care about these issues and are attracted to this kind of work in the first place,” says Patricia Forkan, executive vice president of the Humane Society of the US. “Cause-related positions demand teamwork, which is how women tend to manage.”

The Women In Green Forum—scheduled for September 1st and 2nd at the Pasadena Convention Center—will celebrate the pivotal role of women in driving us towards a healthier green future. And who better to organize the Forum than Three Squares Inc., a woman-led firm that is dedicated to developing innovative solutions to cope with the environmental crises facing our planet.

For more information on the Women In Green Forum, visit http://www.womeningreenforum.com.

Check out an article detailing the Women’s Survey on Energy & the Environment at http://www.ethicalmarkets.com/2009/07/06/women-are-the-energy-decision-makers-and-want-the-us-to-move-toward-clean-energy-a-new-national-survey-shows/.

I read the above quote in a magazine recently and it hit me – this is exactly why we do what we do. It is a gift to be able to “work” in a field which allows you to make an impact on the world around you, but it is a choice which leads you on the path to study, work hard and continue to learn new things each day in order to pursue a career in the environmental arena.

Three Squares Inc. was a choice.  It was a choice to use the talents of a group of people to create solutions for some of today’s most challenging issues.

Most of the blog entries on this page focus on environmental topics and I wanted to start off 2010 with a different touch.  I am humbled by the talent around me and thankful for those who have supported the mission of Three Squares Inc.

Onward and upward,

Jaime Nack

We recently conducted an eco audit of the Gili Eco Villas located 2 hours (by boat) from Bali, Indonesia.  The owners have really taken major steps to have a minimal impact on the island and also give back to the community. They support the Gili Eco Trust which focuses on Biorock installations – metal structures which channel a low voltage current to create limestone and stimulate corral growth.  The corral has been damaged due to fishing boats dropping anchor and the practice of cyanide or bomb fishing.

For more information, contact http://www.giliecovillas.com

The Women In Green Forum will highlight women’s impact and influence on the environmental arena, promote the innovative and emerging sustainable products offered by green companies and gather a renowned group of female champions in the green movement to discuss opportunities and lessons for women ready to make the shift into a career in sustainability. In this first ever forum, women leaders in the energy, technology, transportation, consumer product, professional service and nonprofit sectors will gather for a two-day conference that will include general sessions, breakout sessions, a tradeshow, a ride and drive with alternative fueled vehicles, an “Eco Chic Runway” fashion show, film screenings and more.

Three Squares and its affiliates are looking forward to bringing an extensive network of sustainability partners together in creating a unique opportunity for women to celebrate their pivotal role in shaping the green movement. Visit our website for more information about the Women In Green Forum at www.womeningreenforum.com.

TOPIC: Navigating LEED Career Options

Three Squares Inc. presents this interactive introductory webinar to help guide you through the most popular questions relating to the new LEED version 3. Topics include:

LEED Green Associate (GA) vs. LEED AP
The career path for LEED consultants
Recent legislation’s impact on green job creation

Presenter:
Paras Nanavati, Associate AIA, LEED AP
Paras Nanavati brings six years experience in the construction industry as an architectural designer and a green building expert. He has an extensive background in all aspects of environmental planning, sustainability, and its implementation in the creative process. Mr. Nanavati earned his Bachelor’s of Architecture degree from SCI-Arc and also holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Physics from the University of Mumbai.

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/623980840

[This introductory webinar is the first in a series of Green Building Design Webinars offered by Three Squares Inc.]

Quantya combines Swiss ingenuity and attention to quality to deliver electric transportation based on lithium polymer battery technology and a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS).  Quantya’s current production line features 3 types of electric motorcycles designed for recreation and street usage.  Quantya’s research and development lab in Switzerland is also testing proprietary technologies on other types of vehicles (electric cars, trucks and ATVs) in order to market Quantya’s components to  electric automobile manufacturers who rely on lithium polymer batteries, like Tesla Motors.   Quantya has received numerous national and international awards for its engineering and design prowess and continues to receive support from the Swiss Office of Energy.

all electric motorcycle

http://www.quantyausa.com

Quantya Rider Video Link

Can’t wait to get on this lease list. BMW, reserve one for Three Squares Inc. please!

http://repoweramerica.org/us/rallyforcleanenergyjobs

We are looking for volunteers for the Green Team at this important rally/concert for Clean Energy Jobs during the G20 in Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up today!  Email us today to sign up via our Contact Us page.

The Alliance for Climate Protection’s Repower America campaign, the United Steelworkers and the Blue Green Alliance will conclude their Clean Energy Jobs Tour with a rally in Pittsburgh on September 23rd. The Jobs Tour, a month-long campaign with more than 50 events in 22 states, is highlighting how a transition to a clean energy economy will create jobs while reducing harmful carbon pollution and breaking our dependence on foreign oil.

The event will include performances by rock legend, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Grammy-award winning country singer, Kathy Mattea; Big Head Todd and the Monsters, local rock favorites, Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, and the Pittsburgh Gospel Choir.

http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14302001&fsrc=rss

Check it!