Dr. Dave Williams, MD, MPH, Board Certified in Preventive Medicine is completed his residency at Loma Linda University in 2001 and serves as the Medical Director of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine, Inc., a clinic that helps patients optimize health through assessment, education and therapeutic lifestyle measures that improve health and reduce risk for disease.

“Medical science has shown that the major chronic diseases affecting Western societies are due to underlying processes transpiring in our bodies,” said Dr. Williams. “Hydroponic vertical farming processes results in clean, natural food that is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Consuming fresh, unprocessed, locally-grown produce reduces disease-triggering processes. By making these healthy nutritional lifestyle choices, we can strengthen our body’s immune systems and combined with more exercise and rest, we can all dramatically improve how we feel and enjoy life.”

Dr. Steven Dreyer, DC, FACO also joined the EnviroIngenuity team. An expert in providing specialty care for complicated injuries to the neck, back, and joints, Dr. Dreyer has incorporated extensive nutritional counseling, exercise and preventive health care programs into his practice. He provides intensive personal one-hour nutritional consultations with functional laboratory analysis incorporated.

“EnviroIngenuity’s hydroponic vertical farming processes allow people a way to heal themselves by growing their own pesticide-free produce in very small spaces,” said Dr. Dreyer. “When we eat fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, we benefit from a greater concentration of enzymes and nutrients that can be lost during the food distribution process. What really intrigues me is the way kids take to the vertical home gardens. One day I hope to see my own kids comparing the quality of the produce they grow with each other and understand why it is so important to eat fresh greens.”

EnviroIngenuity’s Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic commercial and home garden systems dramatically increases affordable access to locally grown, natural produce while reducing water use by 85 percent, land use by 70 percent and fertilizer consumption by 50 percent and completely eliminating pesticide use. High-yield vertical home gardens eliminate the need to transport food from the field to the store and then to the home, cutting greenhouse gas emissions over 90 percent. Commercial Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic vertical farms enjoy the same resource efficiencies.

“For years I’ve wanted to find a fun way to engage youth with science and technology and assist them to become more conscious of how natural processes work and why. I’m particularly interested in teaching them how to grow natural, clean food and for them to connect with where their food comes from. When youth they learn early the simple processes of growing food, they develop many valuable skill-sets that can help them throughout their life. Hydroponic vertical home gardens do all that and more plus provide a fun, healthy activity for parents to interact with their kids.” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “Hydroponic vertical farming can correct many shortcomings in the modern American diet by helping families to grow nutritious, flavorful fruits and vegetables at home on a year-round basis.”

About EnviroIngenuity:

EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and hydroponic vertical food production technologies.

EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The Grand Opening celebration is open to the public on Saturday March 17, 2012, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms (in Rainbow Valley), located at 5452 5th Street, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Tel (951) 212-5805

Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms is the first commercial strawberry farm in Southern California to employ vertical hydroponic farming, which promises to change agricultural technology. The Fietz’s three-acre farm, located in Temecula’s Rainbow Valley, would not have been possible due to a lack of water. After drilling their well, they were able to pump just 20 gallons per minute, not nearly enough to grow strawberries commercially.

“An unforeseen water shortage rendered this property unfarmable without vertical hydroponic technology,” said Ken Fietz, Sr. “The Verti-Gro equipment is far more cost effective than the competition and uses 85 percent less water than row farming.”

Vertical farming methods save space, energy and water resources. Just as important, the berries are picked by the consumers on site, removing fuel and transportation costs.

“People no longer have to visit the Epcot Center to see the future of farming,” said Fietz, Sr. “I’ve been in the strawberry industry for 40 years and water and pesticides have always been huge issues. Add in lots of manual labor and it’s tough to make a dime at the end of the day. Since my son, Kenny, was willing to take the reins, I helped him implement this highly efficient system that does away with lots of extra expense and reduces the use of pesticides.”

Kenny Fietz, Jr., an agricultural graduate from California State University at Chico, operates the farm with his dad and together they now nurture 45,000 strawberry plants of varying varieties on one acre using the automatic drip system and limited pesticides.

“Because the Verti-Gro system doesn’t use soil, there are no issues with soil borne diseases or pests,” said Fietz, Jr. “The hydroponic process doesn’t require the use of pesticides for these common problems. Energy requirements are also dramatically reduced and harvesting is much easier to perform when you can stand upright instead of stooping over to pick the berries.”

Future plans include developing an urban agriculture learning center offering education on growing a wide range of fruits, microgreens and vegetables using advanced hydroponic processes.

“Our vision is for families to come and enjoy a warm day outside, pick strawberries and dip them in chocolate, picnic under the shade trees, enjoy a healthy experience together and even learn about the future of farming,” said Fietz, Sr.

Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms is open seasonally March through August, Thursday through Sunday. Check their website at www.TemeculaValleyStrawberryFarms.com for availability. There is no cost to visit. Visitors will receive a warm hello, a bucket and scissors, a quick education about strawberry harvesting and then be set free to select and harvest their own berries. The U-pick berries are priced at $3 per pound.

Last month, EnviroIngenuity announced a partnership with Verti-Gro(R) to represent and promote hydroponic vertical farming systems throughout Southern California.

Verti-Gro Inc. designs and manufactures cost-effective, high density hydroponic growing systems. It offers stacked towers to suit large-scale commercial production needs which can be downsized for residential use and Community Supported Agriculture.

About Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms:

The family-owned and operated farm produces strawberries using the highly efficient Verti-Gro hydroponic system. This innovative farming process provides many earth-kind benefits. Their U-pick model offers families the opportunity to pick the freshest, sweetest berries, as well as experience first-hand how they grow. The fun, interactive farm is a great place for the whole family. Whether you come to pick sweet fruit, learn more about farming, enjoy a picnic or grab a few strawberry goodies at their strawberry store, The Fietz family promises you won’t be disappointed. Plan your visit at http://www.TemeculaValleyStrawberryFarms.com .

About EnviroIngenuity:

EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. More information: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

It offers stacked towers to suit large-scale commercial production needs which can be downsized for residential use and Community Supported Agriculture.

“Southern Californians are more focused on the benefits of locally-grown food and the holistic health and well-being that come from eating un-processed raw food,” said Tim Carpenter, founder of Verti-Gro, Inc. “With ample sun and temperate conditions, these systems present an immediate and affordable opportunity for families and communities to eat healthy.”

Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic systems employ insulated stacked pots with an automated drip system that circulates nutrients through the plants. The company offers a simple economical and pesticide-free system, and supports it with a wealth of information and training for entry level home gardeners and large scale commercial farms.

“Verti-Gro’s system reduces energy and water use by more than 85 percent and saves space,” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “It also virtually eliminates greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need to transport produce across long distances, and it doesn’t use soil which is becoming a very limited resource.”

EnviroIngenuity recently launched is vertical farming division to bring hydroponic vertical farming processes to Southern California to enable individuals and communities to grow their own food within urban areas. Through this new partnership, the company will develop job training programs for youth.

“Our curriculum and products will allow youth to develop valuable life-skills, grow their own food and ultimately start their own business in urban agriculture,” said Cutter. “This is one very healthy job opportunity that cannot be outsourced.”

About Verti-Gro(R):

For 20 years, Verti-Gro, Inc., has developed tools and methods for vertical growing and vertical gardening to efficiently utilize space and energy. These methods use hydroponics which allows gardeners to grow produce without soil. Verti-Gro is based in Summerfield, FL on a 12-acre farm with a learning center. Verti-Gro(R) products are sold worldwide.

Tim Carpenter, the founder of Verti-Gro, Inc., has been involved in hydroponic research, development and production for more than 40 years. An internationally recognized consultant, he has traveled the world as an educator in the greenhouse industry using vertical plant production technologies. Carpenter specializes in hydroponic production of fruits, vegetables, greens, large-scale commercial and vertical home growing systems. Carpenter has partnered with EPCOT and NASA to develop hydroponic projects including the garden display, Living With the Land. More information: http://www.VertiGro.com .

About EnviroIngenuity:

EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As businesses invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. More information: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

CERT members collectively own and manage more than 30 percent of the coal west of the Mississippi; 40 percent of domestic uranium; and 10 percent of known national oil and gas reserves in the United States. CERT members also manage millions of acres of agricultural lands from which feedstock for biofuels may be grown. Learn more at: http://74.63.154.129 .

BioJet International is a leading supply chain integrator in renewable (bio) jet fuel and related co-products which include green diesel for the aviation and related commercial transportation sectors. BioJet has received last year a funding facility commitment of $1.2 billion to capitalize its supply chain projects program which include feedstock and refining projects as well as investments and related strategic acquisitions. The firm’s operations span the entire biofuel chain including the generation of feedstock; technology; refining; logistics; sustainability certification; distribution and eventual end use by the aviation sector world-wide. BioJet is also the first Alternative Fuels Strategic Partner of the International Air Transport Association. Learn more at: http://www.biojetcorp.com .

David Lester, CERT Executive Director, said “We believe our sovereign tribal members together with BioJet are well suited to lead one of the largest economic transitions in history: the transition from a fossil based to a biofuel based transportation sector, and on a larger scale, the transition to building a foundation for sustainable tribal communities and an infrastructure for United States energy independence. This effort will be led for CERT by Robert J. Martin, former National Ombudsman of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C., as leader of the RES Alliance with which BioJet is a strategic partner. We are poised for a long transition period wherein biofuels gain large market share not only from fossil fuels but also from ethanol.”

Mitch Hawkins, Chairman and CEO of BioJet, said “We envision the scope of our business relationship broadly with CERT to include at least $1 Billion worth of joint projects over a ten year period locating feedstock generation and refining operations to provide biofuels for commercial airlines and ground transportation at key locations throughout the western United States.”

CERT and BioJet expect to conclude a Memorandum of Agreement in the next 60 days to define the terms of their participation.

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

ZNShine Solar is a vertically integrated producer of solar photovoltaic modules. Controlling the value chain from raw silicon to solar photovoltaic systems, the company has a strong position in the global renewable energy market. This integrated business model gives ZNShine a unique opportunity to generate solar electrical power at a highly competitive price.

In 2011, ZNShine’s production reached annual capacity of 500 MW. They accomplished this using highly automated production lines equipped with machines supplied by leading European companies. This process ensures very narrow processing parameters, resulting in stable and solid product quality, which has consistently received a top rating from PHOTON Field Measurement. ZNShine pays constant attention to product quality and their modules have been certified by UL, TUV, Rheinland, TUV SUD and BABT.

ZNShine products are further supported by both Zurich Insurance and now by PowerGuard.

A specialty renewable energy program manager based in the U.S., PowerGuard provides an innovative 25-year, non-cancellable quality and performance guarantee solution to back-up a manufacturer’s own warranty terms.

The PowerGuard insurance solution, available globally, provides certainty and security to the solar manufacturer’s end customers. Its warranty terms are non-cancellable and will survive even insolvency and bankruptcy. Third-party rights to the policy in case the original solar manufacturer goes out of business are also offered, backed by the capital strength of the insurance market.

Mike McMullen, Managing Principal of PowerGuard, said: “PowerGuard is proud that our unique and innovative PowerClip risk-transfer product is increasingly being adopted by leading solar module manufacturers around the world. PowerGuard will continue to support the development and success of the global renewable energy industry with unique, industry-leading products and services.”

Poly and mono crystalline photovoltaic modules manufactured by ZNShine Solar have been successfully used in various medium and large-scale projects located in Germany, Spain and Italy. With these references, the company is now recognized and supported by both U.S. and European banks for both medium and large-scale investments in solar photovoltaic parks.

Guaranteeing warranty terms through the use of insurance provides the certainty manufacturers and their customers seek, as well as long-term stability for the industry.

Contact:
Mike McMullen
949.224.1325
mmcmullen@powerguardins.com .

About PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services:

PowerGuard is a specialty renewable energy program manager specializing in the design and underwriting of unique insurance and risk management solutions for wind, solar and other alternative energy companies.

PowerGuard’s PowerClip warranty product is the most comprehensive contractual liability coverage available to renewable energy manufactures, project developers, power generation operators and the financial institutions who invest in them.

PowerGuard’s PowerWrap Solar Project Guarantee Policy is a simple and straightforward insurance policy that guarantees the performance of the entire solar energy system – written on investment grade paper with an insurance company holding an AA- rating from Standard & Poor’s. For more information please visit www.powerguardins.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

DualCool uses a direct evaporative process to pre-cool outdoor air entering the condenser coil, and an indirect process (no moisture added) to pre-cool ventilation air entering the building. On retail facilities in hot dry climates, DualCool typically reduces annual cooling energy use and peak electrical demand by 25 to 40 percent.

This 2011 installation program resulted from a partnering effort of three affiliate members of the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC): Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Wal-Mart and ICI. UC Davis launched the WCEC in 2007 to accelerate the implementation of proven cooling technologies that take advantage of the unique characteristics of dry climates typical of the western U.S.

Walmart began testing DualCool on stores in California and Arizona in 2008. ICI introduced its “Generation 2″ DualCool version in 2010. Prototypes of this higher-performance, lower-priced DualCool line were monitored by the WCEC in 2010, leading to this year’s Walmart demonstration program supported by PG&E.

“We are focused on leading the industry with implementation of cost-effective technologies that improve efficiency and move us toward a more sustainable future,” says Jim McClendon, Wal-Mart Director of Engineering. “We have been evaluating various evaporative pre-cooling products, and our major criteria are performance, durability, and favorable economics.”

The 2011 installations were supported by PG&E as a potential element of its Emerging Technologies program. Beutler Heating and Air of Sacramento, another WCEC Affiliate Member, installed the 115 DualCool units under a subcontract with ICI. The 14 stores stretched from Oroville in the north to Fresno in the south.

“We are always interested in technology that allows our customers to save energy during peak hours of operation,” says Dave Alexander of PG&E. “Thanks in part to the work of the Western Cooling Efficiency Center and their affiliate partners such as Wal-Mart and Integrated Comfort, there is a renewed interest in evaporative pre-cooling for hot dry climates. Over the next year we will continue to monitor performance and track energy savings on these installations.”

Mark Modera, Director of the WCEC, comments that “Retrofit cooling efficiency technologies are particularly needed because there are millions of RTU’s in use that will not be replaced for years. The WCEC is encouraging both new and retrofit cooling technologies, but the overall savings potential is greater in the retrofit category.”

“DualCool is designed for durability and easy service,” notes Dick Bourne, ICI Vice-President. “Our stainless steel enclosures, top-of-the line evaporative media, and high-performance cooling coils ensure long life, large peak demand reduction, and significant energy cost savings. We look forward to more partnering with key participants to cost-effectively improve the efficiencies of commercial cooling equipment.”

Company Information: Integrated Comfort Inc. is a privately-held California corporation that develops and markets energy-efficient cooling products and systems.

For more information, visit: http://icidualcool.com .

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Bob Hausmann, Operations Manager:

Hausmann, with more than thirty years’ experience in design, development and construction, will manage the company’s energy conservation projects and lighting retrofits, primarily in K-12 schools and local government agencies throughout Ohio. He formerly owned Hausmann Homes, designing and building custom homes and renovating existing homes with a focus on sustainable green living, and was Partner/President of the Special Projects Group at Miller Valentine from 1983-2006.

“I feel that Energy Optimizers, USA provides me with a great opportunity to introduce energy cost savings measures at an important time for Ohio commercial, industrial and institutional facilities,” shared Hausmann. “With over $7 million dollars in energy savings projects underway, our clients are able to use these cost savings to more effectively manage their money.”

Bob is a registered architect and LEED AP, BD+C, with a B.S. from the University of Detroit. He is affiliated with the U.S. Green Building Council and the American Institute of Architects, and serves in leadership volunteer roles with Habitat for Humanity and Dayton Red Cross.

Belinda Kenley, Vice President of Business Development:

Belinda Kenley formerly served in the capacity of Vice President of Operations and has now been promoted to Vice President of Business Development. Kenley previously worked for the Ohio Attorney General and Auditor of State Betty D. Montgomery and is a member of Centerville City Council. She is in the current class of Leadership Dayton and is active in numerous professional organizations, including Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Association of Energy Engineers, the I-70/75 Development Association, and National League of Cities.

Greg Smith, President of Energy Optimizers, USA says this of Kenley, “Belinda’s role as VP of Business Development is critical for us. Schools and local government agencies across Ohio need to be better informed of their options in cost cutting measures that are available to them today.” Mr. Smith refers to the budgetary relief provided by Ohio House Bill 264, 300 and 420 that provide K-12 schools and government agencies with options on how energy savings measures are paid for over time.

New Location:

The company has recently purchased a building along with an adjacent lot at 7950 South County Road 25A in Tipp City to house its expanding team, bringing the total property to about four acres, including two warehouses.

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with Ohio school districts and government agencies to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA visit their website at http://energyoptimizersusa.com or call them at (937) 877-1919.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The awards program recognizes Dayton-area companies and business leaders who have outshined their competitors.

“The companies recognized at our annual Business of the Year Awards are impressive businesses from across the Dayton region, including Energy Optimizers, who is building on their success in the green industry, an emerging business category and a frontrunner for the future,” shared Carol Clark, publisher of the Dayton Business Journal.

The Business of the Year judging demanded a rigorous set of objective criteria, with Energy Optimizers, USA being chosen as a finalist amongst many deserving candidates from the Miami Valley.

The judges independently use a 100 point scale for each of the six judging criteria: financials, supporting documentation, innovations, strategy and vision; product or service’s place in the market; outshining others. Those individual scores are totaled and only the top three scorers in each award category are named finalists.

“To be selected from such an impressive collection of Dayton-area businesses is a great honor for us,” shared Greg Smith, Energy Optimizers, USA’s president. “This award recognizes the hard work and dedication of our growing team to achieve significant value and savings for Ohio’s K-12 schools and government clients.”

The Business of the Year awards, presented by Soin International, is the prestigious black-tie gala held at the Schuster Center downtown that honors companies and business leaders from throughout the area who have outshined their competitors.

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA audits, recommends and executes energy saving changes that make Ohio’s schools more efficient, greatly reducing their cost of operations. All across Ohio, Energy Optimizers, USA is implementing energy savings and conservation opportunities with school districts, including lighting and HVAC retrofits, building controls retrofits, wind and solar installations. Their programs include Energy Savings Projects, Wind & Solar Projects, Maintenance Plan Advisor Services and Energy Efficiency Education and Awareness Programs.

To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptimizersusa.com or call them at (937) 877-1919.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

During the Forum, ten innovators selected by LAUNCH will present their groundbreaking ideas for the provision of more sustainable energy sources and improved access to energy for both developed and developing world populations.

The following innovators have been chosen to participate in the forum:
1. Gram Power: A micro/mini-grid solution for underserved communities that utilizes modular battery storage technology, energy management intelligence, and a pre-payment model.
2. Hydrovolts: An affordable “Switchblade” turbine and “Flipwing” turbine rotor that enables reliable hydroelectricity generation from canals and other managed-flow water courses.
3. Turbococina: A revolutionary clean and efficient wood combustion cookstove.
4. Point Source Power: An economical fuel cell for emerging markets that allows battery charging in cooking pits or fires.
5. The Solanterns Initiative: An initiative dedicated to replacing 1 million of Kenya’s kerosene lanterns with solar powered lights and to creating micro-entrepreneur jobs.
6. Powerzoa: A smart system that allows enterprise-level energy managers to automate control of energy down to the appliance level, stopping power waste.
7. Promethean Power Systems: A rural refrigeration system for commercial cold-storage applications in off-grid and partially electrified areas of developing countries.
8. Thermofluidics: A pumping device that uses low-temperature heat to generate fluid motion with very few moving parts.
9. ITN Energy Systems: A revolutionary flexible electrochromic film for windows that allows active control of the sun’s transmitted light and heat.
10. NanoTune Technologies: A new generation ultracapacitor with five to seven times greater energy storage capacity than conventional capacitors.

The LAUNCH program identifies innovations poised to create transformational change in critical sustainability issues, connects innovators to thought leaders, investors and advisors, and then provides strategic guidance post Forum in order to accelerate the implementation of the technologies and projects into the global market. Previous LAUNCH modules in 2010 focused on Water and Health. For more information about LAUNCH, visit: www.launch.org.

Synergen’s project history includes locations such as North America, Mexico, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia and Australia. Synergen’s 750-project history has involved a wide variety of engineering, financial, and construction related professional engagements, including marine and offshore, manufacturing, gas processing, petrochemical, public works, pipeline, utilities, water treatment plants, educational facilities, entertainment and sports facilities, healthcare facilities, office and commercial developments, government and institutional projects, correctional facilities, industrial, warehouse, hospitality and condominium projects.

Synergen has proudly maintained a repeat and referral rate over its 750-project history that is in excess of eighty-five percent (85 percent), which is well above industry expectation. This repeat and referral rate is consistent among a variety of clients, which primarily include corporate owners, contractors, government agencies, engineering and design firms, insurance companies, and law firms.

Synergen services its international clients primarily from its Houston, Texas headquarters. Synergen also provides services domestically and internationally with offices in Austin, Dallas, New Orleans, San Diego, and Pittsburgh.

About Synergen Consulting International, LP:

Synergen is a Houston-based registered Professional Engineering company with offices strategically located throughout the United States. The company provides engineering, construction, and financial services to a wide range of public and private clients.

For More Information on Synergen Consulting and to view its Project and Company Profiles, visit http://www.SynergenConsulting.com .

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.