Difference between revisions of "Potential Green Business Ideas"

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<small>return to [[Main Page]]</small>
 
<small>return to [[Main Page]]</small>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
 +
[[Business Greenhouse Design Center]]
  
 
=== Incubator ===
 
=== Incubator ===
Line 13: Line 15:
 
* Not done because it's cool or right thing to do (which it is) it's done because it's better....for the planet, people, and profits.
 
* Not done because it's cool or right thing to do (which it is) it's done because it's better....for the planet, people, and profits.
  
−
==== Foundational Elements ====
+
==== Ecobator Foundational Elements ====
−
* '''Natural Step Framework'''...holds that in a sustainable society, nature will not be subject to:
+
=====Permaculture=====
−
** ''What We Take from the Earth''
+
* Key design principles
−
*** Avoid "systematically increasing the concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth's crust."  
+
* Start with what is closest to you to meet your needs
−
*** Be careful ... you're disrupting a billion year process.  
+
<br style="clear:both;"/>
−
** ''What We Make''
+
----
−
*** Nature must not be subjected to systematically increasing concentrations of substances produced by society.
+
=====Natural Step Framework=====
−
*** Substances we create must be biodegradable...don't spread toxins.
+
...holds that in a sustainable society, nature will not be subject to:
−
** ''What We Do to the Earth''
+
* ''What We Take from the Earth''
−
*** Protect and restore ecosystems and diversity
+
** Avoid "systematically increasing the concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth's crust."  
−
*** Protect and improve our soils, water and air...all creation (including us) need to eat, drink and breath.
+
** Be careful ... you're disrupting a billion year process.  
−
** ''Meeting Basic Human Needs (One Earth Patterns)''
+
* ''What We Make''
−
*** Use the least amount of stuff (means) to meet human needs
+
** Nature must not be subjected to systematically increasing concentrations of substances produced by society.
−
*** Ensure everyone has access to the means
+
** Substances we create must be biodegradable...don't spread toxins.
−
** Further Reading
+
* ''What We Do to the Earth''
−
*** [http://books.google.com/books?id=wOLB-DzDUQYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=mary+altomare&source=bl&ots=ZR1n5DiA2L&sig=AD6yH0OdS3VYESHr0DpbfEwzsm4&hl=en&ei=ICAWTZ-THYS6ngeX9vz9DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false The Natural Step for Business]  free book on how to apply Natural Step Framework to Businesses.
+
** Protect and restore ecosystems and diversity
−
*** [http://books.google.com/books?id=HeMRBn-N7lEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=factor+four&source=bl&ots=LkFm89Fk3m&sig=gXr-v-ecHwFs9poH0CMaX4wEXsY&hl=en&ei=jt8YTYGDFcbinQeRyunLDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false Factor Four]  4X productivity/effectiveness gains.  
+
** Protect and improve our soils, water and air...all creation (including us) need to eat, drink and breath.
−
*** [http://books.google.com/books?id=KiepOn7khp0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=natural+capitalism&hl=en&ei=qSsWTYCrHsr_nAfutITpDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false Natural Capitalism (Google Books version)] ... takes the Natural Step one step further.
+
* ''Meeting Basic Human Needs (One Earth Patterns)''
−
* '''Permaculture'''
+
** Use the least amount of stuff (means) to meet human needs
−
** Key design principles
+
** Ensure everyone has access to the means
−
** Start with what is closest to you to meet your needs
+
* Further Reading
−
* '''Nature of Economies''' by Jane Jacobs...the natural sciences behind economies...the biology of economies
+
** [http://books.google.com/books?id=wOLB-DzDUQYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=mary+altomare&source=bl&ots=ZR1n5DiA2L&sig=AD6yH0OdS3VYESHr0DpbfEwzsm4&hl=en&ei=ICAWTZ-THYS6ngeX9vz9DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false The Natural Step for Business]  free book on how to apply Natural Step Framework to Businesses.
−
** All development is based on a new differentiated product/service being developed a general product (branch on a tree)
+
** [http://books.google.com/books?id=HeMRBn-N7lEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=factor+four&source=bl&ots=LkFm89Fk3m&sig=gXr-v-ecHwFs9poH0CMaX4wEXsY&hl=en&ei=jt8YTYGDFcbinQeRyunLDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false Factor Four]  4X productivity/effectiveness gains.  
−
*** The value of this differentiated product/service needs to be tested quickly and cheaply
+
** [http://books.google.com/books?id=KiepOn7khp0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=natural+capitalism&hl=en&ei=qSsWTYCrHsr_nAfutITpDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false Natural Capitalism (Google Books version)] ... takes the Natural Step one step further.
−
*** Humans start will all the cells the same but then start to create specialized cells (e.g. brain and bones).   
+
<br style="clear:both;"/>
−
** The differentiated product/service then becomes a general product and the process repeats itself (new branches from the branch)  
+
----
−
*** The brain cells then start to specialize in memory and language.  
+
=====Nature of Economies=====
−
** Co-development is the main process for creating differentiated products/ services
+
... by Jane Jacobs...the natural sciences behind economies...the biology of economies
−
*** Takes two minds/ideas/talents to create the new.
+
* All development is based on a new differentiated product/service being developed from a general product/services (think..a branch of a tree)
−
*** Co-working / co-locating is a great way to create the opportunity for this to happen  
+
** Humans start will all the cells the same but then start to create specialized cells (e.g. brain and bones).   
 +
** The value of this differentiated product/service needs to be tested quickly and cheaply.
 +
* The new differentiated product/service then becomes a general product and the process repeats itself (new branches from the branch)  
 +
** The brain cells then start to specialize in memory and language.  
 +
* Co-development is the main process for creating new differentiated products/ services
 +
** Think of development not as a line, but a web of open ended lives...'''so build a co-development web''' to generate innovation.  The web has a diverse group of people '''sharing''' and trading.  These can lead to symbiosis relationships (add further material.)
 +
** Takes two minds/ideas/talents to create the new.
 +
** Co-working / co-locating is a great way to create the opportunity for this to happen
 +
* Expansion of Development
 +
** "Diverse ensembles (collection of organisms) expand in a rich environment, which is created by the diverse (and intense) use and reuse of received energy." 
 +
** All developments depend on an infusion of energy from the outside (ultimately from the sun.) They also have a discharge of energy / matter...it can't be created or destroyed.  So development can be thought of as a conduit through which energy is transformed.
 +
** In some ecosystem not much happens with the energy...such as a desert..the sunlight if gained during the day and released at light.  But in other ecosystems, such as the rain forest ... the sun is captured and used and reused in a web of organisms.  The sunlight is repeatedly "reconverted, combined and recombined, cycled and recycled as energy/matter is passed from one organism to another.  The more different means a system possesses to recapture and transform   
 +
* Self Refueling
 +
** Machines rely on outside agents.  Machines lack the capacity to refuel themselves. Weather systems constantly draw on the sun's energy to drive their formations and movements. 
 +
** Each organism has it's own specific "Self refueling equipment" often including critical symbiotic relationships.  A cow eats grass and has specific bacteria in it's stomach. One organisms waste is another organism's dinner. The key is knowing what this is.
 +
** The exports of the organism must create energy/matter (energy/matter margin x volume) that exceeds the imported energy. This energy margin is used to create new import or export options/diversity. Then this grows. 
 +
* Unpredictability
 +
** "A complex system is making itself up as it goes along. Weather is like that.  Evolution is like that.  And economies are like that." Beyond a point they are not predictable. Since this is true, we must be prepared for the unpredictability by having deep roots, diversity, preparation for seasons,...
 +
** Even if every single influence on a complex system can be modeled their futures would be unpredictable.  It is an illusion that the economy is hierarchically controlled and the future can be predicted.
 +
** The Lorenz study showed that even if we can model all of the factors that goes into creating weather, we can't predict weather more than 7 days out.  (see p.136-7)
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<br style="clear:both;"/>
 +
----
 
* '''Leadership in the New Science''' by M. Wheatley
 
* '''Leadership in the New Science''' by M. Wheatley
 
** In quantum physics it is the "relationships" that are primary...and in fact they are all that exists.
 
** In quantum physics it is the "relationships" that are primary...and in fact they are all that exists.
Line 50: Line 76:
 
* '''A Timeless Way to Build''' by Christopher Alexander
 
* '''A Timeless Way to Build''' by Christopher Alexander
 
** Nature grows by repeating patterns (i.e. a leaf)...this is the way all life is formed
 
** Nature grows by repeating patterns (i.e. a leaf)...this is the way all life is formed
 +
<br style="clear:both;"/>
 +
----
 
* '''Cradle to Cradle''' by William McDonough.  
 
* '''Cradle to Cradle''' by William McDonough.  
 
** Like the natural systems, all of what we create needs to return to the natural systems in a way that makes them healthier ... or as a minimum does no harm.
 
** Like the natural systems, all of what we create needs to return to the natural systems in a way that makes them healthier ... or as a minimum does no harm.
 
* [http://www.ixda.org/resources/ezio-manzini-design-social-innovation-and-sustainability Ezio Manzini]
 
* [http://www.ixda.org/resources/ezio-manzini-design-social-innovation-and-sustainability Ezio Manzini]
 
** "For a sustainable future all design is systems (services) design."
 
** "For a sustainable future all design is systems (services) design."
 +
<br style="clear:both;"/>
 +
----
 +
* '''Chaortic Organizational Design''' by Dee Hock
 +
** self organizing systems can efficiently handle the real complexity
 +
** Innovation happens at the edge of a system
 +
** Distribute (not = to decentralize) power and resources...create a reason to support the center (commons)
 +
** Manage self...empower others
 +
<br style="clear:both;"/>
 +
----
 +
* '''Ecoyarding'''by Celeste Watts
 +
** Right plant in the right place.
 +
** More life under the ground than above it.
 +
** Remove invasives.
 +
** Leaves are gold...use them to create great soil.
 +
** Lawns are a shallow root, single species design that takes a tremendous amount of energy to sustain bacause it denies the truths of the natural systems.  This fight has created a whole industry.
  
 
==== The Process ====
 
==== The Process ====
 
===== Seed Formation =====
 
===== Seed Formation =====
−
* Kernal  
+
* The Kernal
 
** Produces more energy than it takes to do it...it makes the planet, people and profits better
 
** Produces more energy than it takes to do it...it makes the planet, people and profits better
 
*** Direct Margins
 
*** Direct Margins
−
*** Commons..."one in"... "two out"
+
*** Commons..."one in"... "two out" like the rain forest.
 
* Ecosystems, Relationships and Energy Flow (sharing of energy)
 
* Ecosystems, Relationships and Energy Flow (sharing of energy)
 
** Existing - Relationships - Inertia  
 
** Existing - Relationships - Inertia  
−
** New  
+
** New - Relationships
 
*** Change takes energy and time to stabilize...increases variability
 
*** Change takes energy and time to stabilize...increases variability
 +
** [http://www.ebrc.fi/kuvat/267-281_04.pdf Business Ecosystem concept] Research study of this idea.
 +
** Questions
 +
*** Right plant in the right place...is this seed planted in the right ecosystem (desert vs. swamp)?
 
* Cycles and Waste Analysis
 
* Cycles and Waste Analysis
 
** Water, Carbon, Energy Cycle  
 
** Water, Carbon, Energy Cycle  
 
*** Water Cleaner
 
*** Water Cleaner
 
*** Carbon Neutral
 
*** Carbon Neutral
−
* Risks and Deep Roots Analysis
+
* Self Refueling
−
** Systemic risk
+
** Does it create energy/matter that exceeds the energy/matter that is put into it?
−
*** Where is there variability in the systems?
+
** What is it's mechanism for doing this? How fragile is this?
−
*** Where is there growth in the systems (trends)?
+
* Growing Pattern
 +
** How will this Seed grow?
 +
** What patterns (fractals) will it repeat?
 +
** Volumes
 +
* Deep Root Design
 +
** How do we develop a capacity to withstand the natural variability?
 +
** Think of how plants or babies do it?
 +
** Risks and Deep Roots Analysis - Questions
 +
*** Where is there natural variability in the systems?
 +
**** 20, 50, 100 year perfect storm/drought
 +
*** Where the natural changes in the ecosystems occurring (trends)?
 
*** Where is there competitors (need new term)?
 
*** Where is there competitors (need new term)?
 
*** What forces outside the system could affect the system most?
 
*** What forces outside the system could affect the system most?
−
**** 20, 50, 100 year perfect storm/drought
+
*** What changes are required in the ecosystems?
−
** Deep Root Design
+
−
*** How do we develop a capacity to withstand the natural variability?
+
−
*** Think of how plants or babies do it?
+
−
** Growing Pattern
+
−
*** How with this Seed grow?
+
−
*** What patterns will it repeat?
+
−
*** Volumes
+
  
 
===== Capable Entity =====
 
===== Capable Entity =====
Line 137: Line 186:
  
 
==== Background ====
 
==== Background ====
−
* [[Image:20-NW Bergen Utility Authority Grease abatement bkgrnd.pdf|North Bergen Info - Proposal]] Pilot program proposal.
+
* [http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=5600062583894592660&q=Northwest+Bergen+County+Utilities+Authority+waldwick&hl=en&gl=us Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority (NBCUA)]
 +
** Pilot program proposal.
 +
*** [[Image:20-NW Bergen Utility Authority Grease abatement bkgrnd.pdf]]
 +
** Location
 +
*** [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Waldwick,+New+Jersey&sll=40.882515,-74.052985&sspn=0.320827,0.883026&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Waldwick,+Bergen,+New+Jersey&ll=41.007237,-74.122717&spn=0.002502,0.006899&t=h&z=17  Waldwick, NJ]
 +
*** 25 miles from Time Square (35 - 90 min drive). 
 +
** Other Information
 +
*** They have solar panels on site producing some of their energy.
 
* [http://www.bwiequipment.net/Home.html BWI Equipment Inc. Home Page]
 
* [http://www.bwiequipment.net/Home.html BWI Equipment Inc. Home Page]
 
** [http://www.klinesservices.com/contactus.asp Klines]  is one of the installed sites of the BMI Equipment
 
** [http://www.klinesservices.com/contactus.asp Klines]  is one of the installed sites of the BMI Equipment
 
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v-NJ8qOYNM&feature=player_embedded Lancaster Grease-to-Biofuel Example] uses BWI Equipment Inc.  SV-2 processor.
 
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v-NJ8qOYNM&feature=player_embedded Lancaster Grease-to-Biofuel Example] uses BWI Equipment Inc.  SV-2 processor.
−
* [http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=5600062583894592660&q=Northwest+Bergen+County+Utilities+Authority+waldwick&hl=en&gl=us Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority (NBCUA)]
 
−
** in [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Waldwick,+New+Jersey&sll=40.882515,-74.052985&sspn=0.320827,0.883026&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Waldwick,+Bergen,+New+Jersey&ll=41.007237,-74.122717&spn=0.002502,0.006899&t=h&z=17  Waldwick, NJ]
 
−
** 25 miles from Time Square (35 - 90 min drive). 
 
−
** They have solar panels on site producing some of their energy.
 
−
* Competitors
 
−
** Service Providers
 
−
*** [http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/press-release/dar_gfni_darling-international-inc-announces-proposed-private-offering-of-250-million-of-senior-notes-due-2-1333944.html Darling International] Need more research
 
−
** Equipment Providers
 
−
*** Call Riverside on methane equipment
 
−
* #6 Fuel oil
 
−
** [http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/fuel-oil-combustion-values-d_509.html 153,000 BTUs/gal for #6 Fuel Oil]
 
−
** [http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_resid_dcu_nus_m.htm price for residual fuel oil].
 
  
 
==== Research ====
 
==== Research ====
Line 166: Line 210:
 
** [http://www.hatfieldsservices.com/images/grease-trap-images/MarylandRestaurantGreaseTra.jpg Restaurant Grease Trap]
 
** [http://www.hatfieldsservices.com/images/grease-trap-images/MarylandRestaurantGreaseTra.jpg Restaurant Grease Trap]
 
** [http://www.diamondprovides.com/grease_trap_pumping.jpg Interceptor Tank]
 
** [http://www.diamondprovides.com/grease_trap_pumping.jpg Interceptor Tank]
 +
* #6 Fuel oil
 +
** [http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/fuel-oil-combustion-values-d_509.html 153,000 BTUs/gal for #6 Fuel Oil]
 +
** [http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_resid_dcu_nus_m.htm price for residual fuel oil].
 +
* Competitors
 +
** Service Providers
 +
*** [http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/press-release/dar_gfni_darling-international-inc-announces-proposed-private-offering-of-250-million-of-senior-notes-due-2-1333944.html Darling International] Need more research
 +
** Equipment Providers
 +
*** Call Riverside on methane equipment
  
 
==== Analysis ====
 
==== Analysis ====
 +
===== Ecobator Analysis =====
 +
* Kernel Flows
 +
** See spreadsheet (google docs)
 +
** See Ecosystem analysis
 +
* Competencies / Learning (CI) System
 +
** Key Competencies
 +
*** Process Equipment Operations (run it)/Maintenance (repair it)
 +
**** Water treatment
 +
**** Biofuel production
 +
*** Process engineering
 +
**** Water treatment
 +
**** Biofuel production
 +
*** Logistics
 +
**** Receiving docks
 +
**** Pumping stations
 +
**** Dynamic Scheduling
 +
*** Management
 +
**** Process quality management
 +
***** Deming Quality
 +
*** Process Equipment Repair / Servicing
 +
**** Specifically SV-2
 +
**** Preventative Maintenance Planning
 +
**** Process Information management
 +
 +
===== Analysis Bin =====
 
* Questions
 
* Questions
 
** What is the solid waste that is produced from the process and where does/can it go?
 
** What is the solid waste that is produced from the process and where does/can it go?
Line 175: Line 252:
 
** How much energy is used in the processing?  Where does it go?
 
** How much energy is used in the processing?  Where does it go?
 
** How much clean water is used in the processing?
 
** How much clean water is used in the processing?
 +
** Who pays for the workers?
 
* Risks
 
* Risks
 
** Declining use of #6 Fuel Oil...see wikipedia article...[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_oil#Uses  Fuel Oil Uses]
 
** Declining use of #6 Fuel Oil...see wikipedia article...[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_oil#Uses  Fuel Oil Uses]
Line 188: Line 266:
 
** Leverage Insurance companies with restaurants...grease leads to fires.
 
** Leverage Insurance companies with restaurants...grease leads to fires.
 
** Toll Discounts for trucks drivers if all on one account ...see it [http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/toll-rates.html here].
 
** Toll Discounts for trucks drivers if all on one account ...see it [http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/toll-rates.html here].
 +
** Hire Kline to evaluate this...make them an investment partner.
 
** Why not produce methane like Riverside vs. #6 Fuel Oil (Residual)
 
** Why not produce methane like Riverside vs. #6 Fuel Oil (Residual)
 
** Improve truck scheduling
 
** Improve truck scheduling
 
** Information is energy (Wheatley)...what could be the information flow?
 
** Information is energy (Wheatley)...what could be the information flow?
 
** Can microbes be used? Woody's friend?
 
** Can microbes be used? Woody's friend?
 +
 +
=== The Green Fund ===
 +
* Investment Purpose
 +
** To invest in sustainability-based companies to help the form and grow
 +
** To help fund the on-going operations of The Green Garage
 +
* Investment Strategy
 +
** Tripe bottom line
 +
** Collaborative investing
 +
** Pull funding
 +
** Diversification
 +
* Portfolio
 +
** Energy
 +
** Water
 +
** Waste
 +
** Materials
 +
** Transportation
  
 
=== Construction Waste Recycling ===
 
=== Construction Waste Recycling ===
Line 201: Line 296:
 
* [http://shinglerecycling.org/ shinglerecycling.org]
 
* [http://shinglerecycling.org/ shinglerecycling.org]
 
* [http://shinglerecycling.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=174 Michigan and shingle recycling]
 
* [http://shinglerecycling.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=174 Michigan and shingle recycling]
−
 
−
 
−
 
  
 
=== Human Powered Vehicles ===
 
=== Human Powered Vehicles ===

Latest revision as of 15:19, 12 January 2011

return to Main Page

Business Greenhouse Design Center

Incubator

The Concept

  • Growing businesses naturally..not making them.
  • Uses natural process that have been proven over a billion years
  • A form of biomimicry...working in the way natural systems work In fact, it try's to match the way we're made...so there are not any built-in conflict points (energy losses)
  • No waste...like natural systems
  • As best we try, it will be imperfect at the start, but like natural systems it will evolve.
  • Not done because it's cool or right thing to do (which it is) it's done because it's better....for the planet, people, and profits.

Ecobator Foundational Elements

Permaculture
  • Key design principles
  • Start with what is closest to you to meet your needs


Natural Step Framework

...holds that in a sustainable society, nature will not be subject to:

  • What We Take from the Earth
    • Avoid "systematically increasing the concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth's crust."
    • Be careful ... you're disrupting a billion year process.
  • What We Make
    • Nature must not be subjected to systematically increasing concentrations of substances produced by society.
    • Substances we create must be biodegradable...don't spread toxins.
  • What We Do to the Earth
    • Protect and restore ecosystems and diversity
    • Protect and improve our soils, water and air...all creation (including us) need to eat, drink and breath.
  • Meeting Basic Human Needs (One Earth Patterns)
    • Use the least amount of stuff (means) to meet human needs
    • Ensure everyone has access to the means
  • Further Reading


Nature of Economies

... by Jane Jacobs...the natural sciences behind economies...the biology of economies

  • All development is based on a new differentiated product/service being developed from a general product/services (think..a branch of a tree)
    • Humans start will all the cells the same but then start to create specialized cells (e.g. brain and bones).
    • The value of this differentiated product/service needs to be tested quickly and cheaply.
  • The new differentiated product/service then becomes a general product and the process repeats itself (new branches from the branch)
    • The brain cells then start to specialize in memory and language.
  • Co-development is the main process for creating new differentiated products/ services
    • Think of development not as a line, but a web of open ended lives...so build a co-development web to generate innovation. The web has a diverse group of people sharing and trading. These can lead to symbiosis relationships (add further material.)
    • Takes two minds/ideas/talents to create the new.
    • Co-working / co-locating is a great way to create the opportunity for this to happen
  • Expansion of Development
    • "Diverse ensembles (collection of organisms) expand in a rich environment, which is created by the diverse (and intense) use and reuse of received energy."
    • All developments depend on an infusion of energy from the outside (ultimately from the sun.) They also have a discharge of energy / matter...it can't be created or destroyed. So development can be thought of as a conduit through which energy is transformed.
    • In some ecosystem not much happens with the energy...such as a desert..the sunlight if gained during the day and released at light. But in other ecosystems, such as the rain forest ... the sun is captured and used and reused in a web of organisms. The sunlight is repeatedly "reconverted, combined and recombined, cycled and recycled as energy/matter is passed from one organism to another. The more different means a system possesses to recapture and transform
  • Self Refueling
    • Machines rely on outside agents. Machines lack the capacity to refuel themselves. Weather systems constantly draw on the sun's energy to drive their formations and movements.
    • Each organism has it's own specific "Self refueling equipment" often including critical symbiotic relationships. A cow eats grass and has specific bacteria in it's stomach. One organisms waste is another organism's dinner. The key is knowing what this is.
    • The exports of the organism must create energy/matter (energy/matter margin x volume) that exceeds the imported energy. This energy margin is used to create new import or export options/diversity. Then this grows.
  • Unpredictability
    • "A complex system is making itself up as it goes along. Weather is like that. Evolution is like that. And economies are like that." Beyond a point they are not predictable. Since this is true, we must be prepared for the unpredictability by having deep roots, diversity, preparation for seasons,...
    • Even if every single influence on a complex system can be modeled their futures would be unpredictable. It is an illusion that the economy is hierarchically controlled and the future can be predicted.
    • The Lorenz study showed that even if we can model all of the factors that goes into creating weather, we can't predict weather more than 7 days out. (see p.136-7)



  • Leadership in the New Science by M. Wheatley
    • In quantum physics it is the "relationships" that are primary...and in fact they are all that exists.
    • We change at the molecular level based on our relationships. They change who we are.
    • All that exists is a large flow.
    • Information is energy.
  • A Timeless Way to Build by Christopher Alexander
    • Nature grows by repeating patterns (i.e. a leaf)...this is the way all life is formed


  • Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough.
    • Like the natural systems, all of what we create needs to return to the natural systems in a way that makes them healthier ... or as a minimum does no harm.
  • Ezio Manzini
    • "For a sustainable future all design is systems (services) design."


  • Chaortic Organizational Design by Dee Hock
    • self organizing systems can efficiently handle the real complexity
    • Innovation happens at the edge of a system
    • Distribute (not = to decentralize) power and resources...create a reason to support the center (commons)
    • Manage self...empower others


  • Ecoyardingby Celeste Watts
    • Right plant in the right place.
    • More life under the ground than above it.
    • Remove invasives.
    • Leaves are gold...use them to create great soil.
    • Lawns are a shallow root, single species design that takes a tremendous amount of energy to sustain bacause it denies the truths of the natural systems. This fight has created a whole industry.

The Process

Seed Formation
  • The Kernal
    • Produces more energy than it takes to do it...it makes the planet, people and profits better
      • Direct Margins
      • Commons..."one in"... "two out" like the rain forest.
  • Ecosystems, Relationships and Energy Flow (sharing of energy)
    • Existing - Relationships - Inertia
    • New - Relationships
      • Change takes energy and time to stabilize...increases variability
    • Business Ecosystem concept Research study of this idea.
    • Questions
      • Right plant in the right place...is this seed planted in the right ecosystem (desert vs. swamp)?
  • Cycles and Waste Analysis
    • Water, Carbon, Energy Cycle
      • Water Cleaner
      • Carbon Neutral
  • Self Refueling
    • Does it create energy/matter that exceeds the energy/matter that is put into it?
    • What is it's mechanism for doing this? How fragile is this?
  • Growing Pattern
    • How will this Seed grow?
    • What patterns (fractals) will it repeat?
    • Volumes
  • Deep Root Design
    • How do we develop a capacity to withstand the natural variability?
    • Think of how plants or babies do it?
    • Risks and Deep Roots Analysis - Questions
      • Where is there natural variability in the systems?
        • 20, 50, 100 year perfect storm/drought
      • Where the natural changes in the ecosystems occurring (trends)?
      • Where is there competitors (need new term)?
      • What forces outside the system could affect the system most?
      • What changes are required in the ecosystems?
Capable Entity
  • Leadership - Emotional Intelligence
  • Competency
  • Soil
    • Relationships
    • Learning Culture
    • Information Platform
  • Proven Natural Business Patterns
    • Accounting
    • Form of Legal Entity
Resourced Plan
  • Pull model for money...new VC model

Ecobator Ideas

  • Biology for Business 101 class

Green Garage Business Ideas

Just started putting them in 1/27/08... If you have an idea for a project that might be researched by the future Green Garage, feel free to put it here. Combination of coming to us and self generated.

Workshop / Studio

  • Pedal Taxi
  • Wooden Pen maker...from scrap wood
  • Rain Barrels... team with Coke, CCS students paint the barrels, develop art rain barrel stands
  • Bim Willow Design Studio for willow furniture
  • Insect larvae for chicken feed (Jon)
  • H2V design studio
  • Crafts group (Hilda)


Office

  • Green Soft...software that helps people reduce their ecological footprint.
  • net-Zero designs
  • Yoga + Food (Greg)
  • Carbon Credit (woman that visited)
  • Become a Reseller with Insulation Depot and help solve these issues RIGHT NOW while making a tidy profit for you and your family.
  • e-U connecting homes and businesses to a green future

Reseller


Sustainable Business Greenhouse

  • Mentoring Council
    • Avalon
    • Dan MCBW
    • Slo's

Viridia Energy

Company

Background

Research

Analysis

Ecobator Analysis
  • Kernel Flows
    • See spreadsheet (google docs)
    • See Ecosystem analysis
  • Competencies / Learning (CI) System
    • Key Competencies
      • Process Equipment Operations (run it)/Maintenance (repair it)
        • Water treatment
        • Biofuel production
      • Process engineering
        • Water treatment
        • Biofuel production
      • Logistics
        • Receiving docks
        • Pumping stations
        • Dynamic Scheduling
      • Management
        • Process quality management
          • Deming Quality
      • Process Equipment Repair / Servicing
        • Specifically SV-2
        • Preventative Maintenance Planning
        • Process Information management
Analysis Bin
  • Questions
    • What is the solid waste that is produced from the process and where does/can it go?
    • How are the trucks scheduled? What keeps there from being many or none there at one time?
    • What is the information flow?
    • Is this a Pilot program as indicated in the Water Authority document?
    • How much energy is used in the processing? Where does it go?
    • How much clean water is used in the processing?
    • Who pays for the workers?
  • Risks
    • Declining use of #6 Fuel Oil...see wikipedia article...Fuel Oil Uses
    • Temperatures (Bergen = 20F - 100F)
    • Where does the solids go? One plants had to take them to GA from NJ.
    • Liability for environmental impact...who's liable? Securing liability insurance. Cost?
    • Odor for the neighborhood?
    • BMI is very, very small...warranty, repairs, ability to support multiple sites with trouble.
    • Large construction projects on the Tollway..check it out here. Don't see anything yet...however, there is a $7 billion capital campaign for next 10 years.
    • How is the equipment utilization optimized by the ecosystem? How is the system incented to get this right?
    • What is the maintenance requirement for the equipment? What wears out first? What moves?
  • Ideas
    • Leverage Insurance companies with restaurants...grease leads to fires.
    • Toll Discounts for trucks drivers if all on one account ...see it here.
    • Hire Kline to evaluate this...make them an investment partner.
    • Why not produce methane like Riverside vs. #6 Fuel Oil (Residual)
    • Improve truck scheduling
    • Information is energy (Wheatley)...what could be the information flow?
    • Can microbes be used? Woody's friend?

The Green Fund

  • Investment Purpose
    • To invest in sustainability-based companies to help the form and grow
    • To help fund the on-going operations of The Green Garage
  • Investment Strategy
    • Tripe bottom line
    • Collaborative investing
    • Pull funding
    • Diversification
  • Portfolio
    • Energy
    • Water
    • Waste
    • Materials
    • Transportation

Construction Waste Recycling

Scott Dunbar would like to know how to recycle roof shingles for an upcoming job. We recently had a meeting with Scott Dunbar, a local contractor, and he asked about recycling roof shingles. Peggy researched the topic, and found that Michigan does not recycle roof shingles. Many states do, however. This has potential for a project for us.

Human Powered Vehicles

go-one vehicle

Community Building Ideas

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