Cleaner Greener China

September 26, 2009

If You Wanted to Double Side Print. Could You?

Filed under: Uncategorized — Rich @ 7:08 am

A couple months ago, a sustainability director from one of the largest computer / computer accessory companies contacted me about their sustainability program, a conversation that focused on a few of their recent intiatives in the area of sustainability.

As part of a conversation with him, I brought up the fact that I owned one of their laser printers, and the fact that I believed they needed to improve the user interface software of their printers to make double side printing easier.That, while my printer was one that can technically only print on one side, but inserting a small piece of code on the front page of the print page, the process could be made much easier and I would be more likely to double side print.

It was a conversation that initially was focused on their products, but on a grander level it has lead me to ask the larger question of whether or not the problem I found was one only found with this brand of printer or was something that was characteristic of all printers on the market… and that, were this a wider issue,  then what I was looking at was an opportunity to work with a few firms (HP, Canon, Brother, etc) and highlight how a simple software issue was causing a HUGE amount of paper waste.

So, I need your help.

I need you to take a screenshot of your print screen (like the one you see above), and send it to me (rbrubaker [at] allroadsleadtochina.com).  It not matter to me if your printer can double side or not, what is important is for me to get a wide sample of experiences that readers are having with their printers.

Maybe I am over thinking this, or maybe I think that through this email I can bring about a simple change with a larger positive impact, but either way thank you for your time… and thank you in advance for any help.

On Holiday. Back in a Couple Weeks.

Filed under: Uncategorized — Rich @ 6:37 am

Hey everyone.

Jsut to let you all know that I will be on R&R for the next couple of weeks, and will not be posting until after I get back on the 10th.

I am going to be leaving you with a homework assignment while I am gone though..

So, for those of you in China, have a good OCtober holiday, and for those of you to the East of China, enjoy the fresh air as China’s factories shut down to celebrate China’s 60th birthday

September 25, 2009

Should Al Gore (or Anyone Else) be Praising Green China?

Filed under: Greener People, Policies and Issues — Rich @ 8:16 pm

If there is one thing that continually bothers me, it is when people (leaders in particular) selectively cherry pick a few data points and come up with a broad stroke ASSessment of what is occurring on the ground. It is of course a global phenomenon, but in the realm of green, carbon, and rhetoric, there is a huge amount of this occuring whenever someone involves China.

… and in a recent speach at teh U.N. Al Gore praised China and Japan on their climate leadership, saying:

“I think that China has provided impressive leadership,” Gore told reporters.

Predicting that China would take further action if global negotiations on a new treaty succeed, Gore said: “I think the glass is very much half full with China.

“It’s not widely known in the rest of the world but China in each of the last two years has planted two and half times more trees than the entire rest of the world put together,” he said.

A quote that is borderline ridiculous, and shows how far we have to go in developing a real understanding of what this is all about.

Yes, China has planted mor trees than anyone (don’t forget why they had to), and yes, they have invested more money in wind farms and solar fields than anyone this year, but does that give them “leadership” status? Is that what it takes? Or, perhaps should we take a more holistic look at this?

Before I go on though, I would like to say that I have witnessed an amazing amount of change in China in my time here, and the people behind that rightly deserve credit for the wrk they have done. Investments and planning are being made in a way that I see long term positive returns, and my gut feeling is that there are going to be many more positive steps to be made.

However, while the leadership may be “leading” in certain sectors investment,they are certainly lagging in many other areas: Wildlife protection, water management, food security and contamination, air pollution, energy efficiency (not intensity.. efficiency), environmental awareness, citizen participation, enforcement of environmental laws, and so on.

Areas far more important than the investments made in clean technologies, especially of those technologies are not connected to the grid, or are burning out within months of being installed.. and were I Spain or Germany, I would also hav ea bone to pick about China’s “leadership” on energy supply. After all, they have been installing renewable energies into their grid on a percentage that China cannot match (regardless of gross amount), so does that make them the “leaders”?

It is a situation that bothers me not because someone is a leader, but because it is clear that no one is really “leading” if you look at the entire picture…

At the end of the day, and where I am going to end my post, is that for us to make real progress and give a credible amount of credit, the picture needs to be looked at holistically. There has been a lot of progress in many areas of the world, and in many areas of sustainability, but we need to stop patting each other on the back like this because at the end of the day even China admits that it is not doing enough to stop the world’s temperatures from rising another 2 degrees.

… and if that happens, the only winners in that scenario are the cockroaches.

September 24, 2009

Will Old School Economic Policies Get be a Hurdle to Green Technologies

Filed under: Greener Tech, Policies and Issues — Tags: , — Rich @ 11:02 am

One of the subjects that I have grown more interested in, and worried by, is the fact that while developing sustainable economic and environmental models are in everyone’s best interests there are those who wish to look at things in a different light.

That, rather that developing technologies with a priority of solving environmental failures on a global level, there are those who are still focused on the fact that there may be others better positioned to manufacture those goods…. others, are concerned with IP ownership over access to the benefits of the technologies

It is what I feel a trend that points towards a head on collision between old school economic policies and policy makers who look to bring economic benefit their way, and that distribution of technologies and products that offer benefits to all. A trend highlighted in the istockanalyst report China takes a firm stand against solar anti-dumping investigations:

It has been reported that SunPower from the US and Conergy and SolarWorld from Germany are lobbying local governments to open anti-dumping investigations, claiming subsidies and direct investment from Chinese government.

[...]

Yu Ruozhen, of solar module exporter Phono Solar Technology, said, “Chinese solar cell and module makers have taken advantage of the low costs brought by the financial crisis and never practice dumping in overseas markets.”

Yu said the company would certainly take defensive measures when something threatens its business. As China’s sixth largest exporter of solar products, Phono Solar exports about 30 percent of its output or 200 million euros in value of solar modules to Germany each year.

It is a report that follows a number of others, and my primary concern in all of this is that (like the recent tire case) any decision that increased the cost of Chinese panels would ultimately increase in the cost of solar panels.

A situation where no one wins.

So, what is the goal?  Is it jobs, IP ownership, and IPOs, or is it bringing to market products that can be widely distributed into the market?  Should the US market based model be the one that determines the pricing of technologies, or should China’s?  Both countries have subsidies that support the market, both have a need for more panels to be installed, but is that enough?

September 23, 2009

Production Coordinator Opening at Bambu

Filed under: Uncategorized — Rich @ 12:23 am

My good friends at Bambu are looking for a new member to their team, a production manager, to help them as they grow (yes, they are one of those companies that continues to grow during the recession!).

Full description below, and if interested please email Jeff Delkin with cover letter and resume (jeffd (at) bambuhome.com)

Production Coordinator
This is a development opportunity for a dynamic individual with exceptional communication skills and multi-tasking abilities. The Production Coordinator reports directly to the company Managing Director and the President and will work closely with the bambu Production Managers and factories dealing with the day-to-day production of our line of kitchen products and housewares made from renewable materials.
The position is located in Shanghai, China. The right individual is joining a small company with the potential to grow.

Responsibilities:
Job responsibilities include order management, export documentation, freight logistics, basic accounting / bookkeeping, general administrative tasks. Ideal candidate will have good communication skills (English fluency), computer knowledge and strong organizational skills. You will be expected to maintain personal productivity and quality standards.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
• Vocational school or College degree
• 1-2 years of work experience with foreign enterprises is an advantage
• Experience in an export business is preferred
• Good command of the English language in both written and oral forms
• Working knowledge of software tools i.e. Word, Excel, etc
• Basic accounting and bookkeeping are required
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong attention to details, good problem-solver
• Familiarity with production is a plus
• Willingness to work hard

About bambu:
bambu is an American company creating a unique brand in the housewares industry in the US and Europe. bambu is a ‘green’ company known for its sustainable practices and values-driven approach towards building a successful social enterprise.

As a member of the team, you will be a part of a work environment that supports each other and supports the communities in which we work. We take pride in the work that we do, and the affect we can have on people and the planet.

Specific Production Coordinator tasks would include:
• Compile and maintain all required paperwork, records, documents, etc.
• Liaise with other offices in foreign countries
• Liaise with bamboo factory partners and suppliers
• Review orders and invoices for accuracy
• Schedule and coordinate shipments with forwarder and US bambu Team
• Track shipments and report findings to bambu Team
• Create and review export documentation
• Regularly inform management and colleagues issues regarding production planning, orders, invoicing and shipping and delivery.
• Utilize databases that are in place for archiving documents
• Manage telephone calls professionally and efficiently with good communication skills
• Occasional local travel and field visits in support of bamboo production staff
• Learn Quality Assurance processes
• Assist with 3rd party certification programs, ie organic certification

September 22, 2009

Torana House Presentation: Moving from Chemical Dyes to Natural Dyes

Filed under: Greener People, Greener Products — Rich @ 9:03 pm

Last year, I watched Chris Buckley from Torana speak about the process of moving his production of rugs from chemical based dyes to natural dyes (see interview here).

It was a process for Chris that is shown through the slideshare below, and in combination with his interview I think offers an excellent example of why one should go through a similar process where applicable.  Some of the decisions were difficult, but made none the less.

Our Problems Exist at a Glacial Level

Filed under: Greener People, Policies and Issues, Uncategorized — Tags: , , — Rich @ 10:15 am

For many, the terms Global Warming and Carbon are terms that stir up emotion and calls to “do something”. That, in the words of one friend, it has become a near religious belief in intangible proofs that we are now asking governments to invest billions, consumers to start thinking, and corporations to start sharing … the burden.

.. and for James Balog this was also the case. For him, the temperature charts, the carbon reports, and the calls to “do something” were intangible for him… even though he was a photographer for perhaps the most well known magazine on the environment. That is of course, until he set up 25 cameras to capture glacial melts around the world.

It is the subject of his 18 minute TED presentation. A presentation I hope Global Warming believers and non-believers will take the time to watch. Because regardless of your position on the issue of global warming, it is clear that something is occurring at a glacial level, and that if we do not work to reverse / slow the process, we could soon find ourselves on an orb without glaciers.

A problem China is already well aware of.

September 21, 2009

Big Blue Monitors Shenyang Water Supply. Lesson for Others

Filed under: Greener Companies, Greener Products, Greener Tech, Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — Rich @ 12:11 am

For those of you who have grown weary of all the “talk”, and are looking for a tangible program that has the potential for big things, then I encourage you to read this article, read this speech, and learn more about IBM’s recent partnership with Shenyang to monitor its water use.

Not the first water management program in China, Veolia, Suez, and others are currently active in China, there are several things that set this program apart from others who have forayed into similar projects and offer hope that this program will succeed:

1) It is a partnership with one city, Shenyang, to manage an existing problem that they have, managing and monitoring its water resources.

In Shenyang, one of IBM’s first tasks will be to analyze data from the city’s sewage and plumbing systems to determine where water is being wasted, and how access to clean drinking water can be improved.

2) IT is a program that both parties, IBM and City of Shenyang, are investing MONEY into.

Shenyang will invest 300 million yuan ($44 million) in the project over five years. IBM wouldn’t comment on its own financial contribution, but Thomas Li, director of IBM’s China research laboratory, said it would be “not less than what they put in.”

3) It is a program where both parties will build internal knowledge bases (very useful for scaling up later):

IBM will devote 20-25 researchers to the project at first, with that number likely to grow over time. IBM will also establish a joint laboratory with the city and Shenyang’s Northeastern University

Additionally, where I believe this program is superior to others, is that this is a program that is not built on a large idea in a small area (i.e. like an ecotown) where the lessons will be tough to apply directly into other areas. That, given Shenyang’s size, status, and history of heavy industry, if the program is successful it is a program that be implemented in cities of all sizes around China and address real issues that will ultimately aid China deal with one of its largest issues.

It is also a program that does not require new technology,the movement of millions of people, or rely on partners who are all in it for the equity and are not willing to put skin in the game.  Both partners clearly have come together, understood the benefits of a partnership, and moved forward.

September 20, 2009

Clownfish Sees 15 Sustainability Trends for China

In China, there is no lack of analysis that will predict where it is headed, and the bumps that it will find in the road forward.  Traditionally, these trends were tied to exports (containers shipped) and energy intensity, but as China “greens” there are some who are looking to find trends… and predict the future for China’s green trajectory.

The most recent, and well thought through, is CLownfish’s 15 trends for businesses in China 2009/2010 that they feel are:

are changing the business landscape. We’re keeping our eyes on these…

They are all in many ways trends that have long roots, but some of the more interesting ones are those that are new, and I have listed them all below (my comments in italics)

1. From economic collapse to a green economic recovery

Interest in all things ‘green’ continues to grow as the economy sinks. 34% of Americans are now more likely to buy environmentally responsible products and 44% of Americans indicate their environmental shopping habits have not changed as a result of the economy (Cone Consumer Survey 2009).

Sustainability is coming into its own as a force to drive competitiveness; this development is substantiated by increased investment and the creation of green jobs. Siemens financial report (1st quarter 2009) showed drastic declines, yet it has still announced a plan to invest 11.3 billion RMB in green technologies in China by 2010. It has an ambition to generate 40% of its business activities through sustainable development.

Businesses are increasingly realising the opportunities available in sustainability and are actively capitalizing on its rewards.

I would agree that the research is showing a marked progress in awareness, but many here on the factory floor have yet to see this translate.  Firms are still in early days, looking at a single product (of a larger portfolio) or are looking for was to become leaner through manageable adjustments. No doubt, the trend is toward the poisitve, but what I would liek to see is more active thought into the full life cycle of a product, not just a reduction in one area

2. From carbon offset doubt to market development

More companies will continue to offset carbon emissions. Point Carbon’s Market Outlook expects the global carbon offset market to grow 20% in terms of volume in 2009. They forecast that 5.9 gigatons (Gt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) will trade this year, compared to 4.9 Gt in 2008. China is recognised as the biggest potential seller, with an ability to sell more than half of the greenhouse gases in the global market, reaching a turnover of US$10 billion (gmw.cn 2009).

Despite this prediction, Clownfish hope that there will be a stronger trend for direct reductions rather than offsetting, as the old saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure.’

I am not a fan of offsets or trading either.. and I am not sure that prevention is better than a cure as it allows firms to use these credits to difuse/ dispell the market

3. From high-energy use to energy efficient light bulbs

Many members of the Chinese public are now familiar with energy saving light bulbs; from T2 and T12 to LEDs. It is expected that the demand for energy saving lighting systems will grow by 15% in 2009 (gtob.ningbo.gov.cn 2009). Despite the higher cost of energy-efficient lights (100 RMB for an LED), their long life and the long-term financial reward will spur people’s interest.

Businesses are increasingly realising the ability to minimise costs through these environmentally conscious products. Clownfish expects more companies to be adopting energy saving techniques this year, particularly as companies tighten their purse strings in the recession.

Big market in these is at the city level. Suzhou and Tianjin both have installed LEDs at the public works level, and Shanghai has done a lot on subsidizing the costs for consumers.

4. From landfill waste to lack of space

Landfill sites in China, such as those in Beijing, are likely to be full in 4-5 years time (Nanfangdaily.com 2009). As a result, there has been an increase in waste incineration, leading to many serious issues. As many as 135 environmental and heath incidents were dealt with by the Ministry of Environmental Protection last year, with 46 cases threatening people’s access to clean water (China News 2009).

Landfill and incineration sites are also getting closer and closer to people’s living spaces – drastic action needs to be taken to reduce the waste being produced. Hopefully, companies will play their part and implement waste reduction strategies. Or even better, consider the end-use of products at the design stage.

Big problem – see my post last week

5. From energy excess to energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is set to become even bigger business this year; The July 2008 edition of The McKinsey Quarterly estimated that US$170 billion a year will be invested in energy efficiency between now and 2020, which could halve forecasted growth in global energy demand. That effort could also deliver up to half of the carbon dioxide emissions abatement needed to cap atmospheric greenhouse gases at 450ppm.

More and more Chinese companies are realising the importance of addressing energy efficiency – just look at Lenovo or China Mobile.

Again, keeping this in context.  YEs, firms are learning to turn off lights and install energy saving equipment within their commerical spaces, but how about through their products?  Has Lenovo developed a laptop that requires 20% less energy?  Have they created closed loop manufacturing process that reduce their systemic/ latent energy?

6. From energy efficiency standards to legal requirements

New energy laws are likely to be just around the corner. Since 2007, the Chinese government has suspended businesses with poor energy efficiency records. At the moment, these companies are restricted to the electrical and raw materials industry, but many districts have been given carbon emission reduction goals for 2010 through this strategy. To those districts not meeting the target, punishments such as cuts on investment and budget re-allocation will be carried out, and funding rewards will be given to those with good performance. So get your business up to speed, meet those emissions targets and reap the rewards.

New energy laws are likely to be just around the corner. Since 2007, the Chinese government has suspended businesses with poor energy efficiency records. At the moment, these companies are restricted to the electrical and raw materials industry, but many districts have been given carbon emission reduction goals for 2010 through this strategy. To those districts not meeting the target, punishments such as cuts on investment and budget re-allocation will be carried out, and funding rewards will be given to those with good performance. So get your business up to speed, meet those emissions targets and reap the rewards.

laws are only as good as their enforcement.  OF the 15, this is the one that needs the most work

7. From fossil fuels to renewables

Currently only 5% of China’s energy is generated from renewables but this figure is expected to grow to 25% in 20 years (gxi.gov.cn 2009). According to Morgan Stanley’s Green Market Penetration forecast (2007), the renewables trend is going to continue developing; revenue from alternative energies could top US$500 billion in 2020 and world-wide sales from alternative energy sources could reach US$1 trillion by 2030. So start thinking about making the switch to renewable energy in your company.

Going forward this is an area I am hopeful we will see changes through the introduction of feed tariffs, and the installation of equipment.  Right now, putting solar panels on a factory, or buying power from a “green” source is almost impossible…

8. From printed papers to digital development

Digital marketing has provided new tools for brands to reach their audiences; the development of online videos, social networks, podcasts and games, highlights that the digital marketing space will continue to expand. A consumer’s online experience can significantly affect future behaviour; 81% of consumers are more likely to return to the website if they had a good experience (Cosmetic Design 2008).

Brands will increasingly use online spaces to communicate with consumers in 2009. Digital means that today the brands that will win, will be those whose consumers and other stakeholders tell the best stories. It’s no longer a one-way narrative, it’s about a two-way conversation.

9. From greenwashing to green identification

Chinese consumers may soon become aware of the concept of greenwash – the deceptive use of green marketing. In Taiwan, 23% of the public already believe that claims about sustainability are just a new marketing technique (cyberone.tw 2008).

Some Chinese furniture companies have made ‘green’ claims and plastered unverified green labels all over their packaging. Yet officials have revealed that many items are actually a health hazard – far from the environmentally and socially responsible image that their advertisements would have you believe.

One way or another, companies that turn themselves ‘green’ overnight or simply use ‘green’ iconography will soon have to face the consequences. Consumers expect companies’ sustainability to be real and transparent, not a manipulative tool. At Clownfish, we believe that it is about creating compelling communications, underpinned by fact, with a clear call to action for consumers.

This is an area that I agree is becoming harder and harder to fudge. but the problem now is that many are tuning out of green because everyone is “green”… and while I am concerned about “Green” becoming the new “CSR”, I think it is important to recognize that firms who are able to move past the PR terms and press conferences into programming and products will find they don’t need the terms, awards, or definitions.

10. From offline to online

Brands can no longer hide behind their TV ads or billboard posters because of the power of online search. Consumers can find information about anything, anytime, and they are actively seeking information about the brands with which they interact. In 2009, it is going to be increasingly important for brand image to match company behaviour. Blogs such as Tianya and Sohu, where people have open discussions about anything, anytime, often have more influence on consumers buying habits than a company’s advertising.

The recent claims made about harmful substances in Jonhson’s baby products have escalated, with some people even claiming adverse effects after using the products. Although the Chinese government has cleared Johnson’s name after careful investigations in March, the active bloggers of the world have spread the incident across the internet, damaging the brand’s reputation considerably.

So brands must use clear, genuine, and authentic messages that promote transparency. As this research hows there is a positive correlation between transparency and trust – It’s about being tangible.

I agree.. .see my post from last week

11. From external claims to internal change

The health and safety standards of products have always been a concern for the Chinese public and this concern is not going away anytime soon. In reaction to this, many companies have adopted marketing strategies to emphasise that their products are ‘natural’.

Clownfish predicts that this emphasis on nature will soon become intertwined with greater environmental and social impacts, that go beyond health and safety, such as carbon emissions, waste production or water usage. As the awareness around these issues grows, business models will start to change – not only for the good of the world, but also because they offer real business opportunities. Clownfish suggests that those companies that get ahead of the game and address their environmental and social impacts now will be the successful companies of the future.

The most successful firms I know grow scale and word of mouth internally, yet it is an area that most firms fail to address properly

12. From company claims to external verification

Consumers no longer passively accept news and product information thrown at them by marketers, ads, or their peers. 64% of consumers want third-party verification of green claims according to the GfK-Roper’s 2007 report. Some partnerships are already developing between NGO’s and large organisations, for example Lenovo and five Chinese NGOs, McDonald’s and Greenpeace, and Coca-Cola and WWF. As this trend continues in 2009, there needs to be a balance between credibility and values for both the company and the NGO. This will help to retain the trust of consumers

Will be a hit and miss poposition going forward as certain issues resonant, and others do not. Looking at the recent lead contamination, or milk adulteration, yes the media was active…. but no substantive program or 3rd party organization came about to systematically address the issues

13. From one renewable success to another

China has unleashed potential in terms of renewable energy; hydropower continues to grow in power according to the Clean Tech Group LLC (2009), and The China Three Gorges Project Corp (CTGPC) has signed agreements with three local governments in East China’s Zhejiang Province to develop wind farms, and other provinces (GuangDong and Hainan) are also preparing proposals to be the first sustainable province in China.

China plans to be the leading nation for wind power in 5 years time, develop biofuels from microalgae and build government support around electric and hybrid cars. In 2009, it will be interesting to see which of these many developments get off to a flying start.

A bit of context… that yes, the investments are being made, but the connections to the grid are still spotty.  Reports of poor efficiencies, broken equipment, and inability to store on the grid are reducing the green sheen on the projects.. and this will need to change before we can say that China has successfully pulled itself to 20% of renewable energy by the designated timeline.

14. From bins to bucks

More and more consumers are consciously avoiding simply throwing things in bins – Instead, people are now opting to reuse, resell or donate old goods

With tightening waste restrictions and legislations, we hope we will begin to see end-use considered at the design stage of products. In 2011, new legislation will demand manufacturers, retailers and other service-based companies to recycle electronic products. Many manufacturers will soon be reusing parts of returned products, essentially accomplishing two things: repurposing the materials and holistically extending the life of the product. This is an environmentalists’ dream that will hopefully spread across the business world in near future.

Are they calling Chinese people cheap ?  Seriously, this is an area where China largely does well, and culturally has long roots, but more importantly there are economic roots as well (recycling of metals and cardboard).

15. From NGO criticisms to active involvement

GOs are now driving China’s environmental agenda forwards; WWF is developing a Low Carbon Manufacturing Programme to encourage the reduction of corporate greenhouse gas emissions. While The Carbon Trust has recently signed an alliance with the China Energy Conservation Investment Corporation (CECIC) to introduce embedded carbon footprint labels to products manufactured in China. These initiatives are already going beyond the actions of many Western countries, and may allow China to leapfrog other nations in the environmental agenda. So get involved with credible NGOs and engage the world in the positive contribution your company is making.

Still touch and go.  Improvements for sure, but I would not pop the cork just yet.  We are still missing NGO regulations and tax codes, and at the local level, there are plenty of cases to show where progress still needs to be made.

September 18, 2009

Simple Green Pleasures in Shanghai: Fuxing Park

Filed under: Uncategorized — Rich @ 3:31 am

Fuxing Park

For those of you in Shanghai, here is a quick suggestion for enjoying some greenery.  Go to Fuxing park.

It is perhaps one of the biggest green spaces within Puxi’s inner ring road, and it makes for a nice afternoon of hanging out among elderly playing cards, opera singers practicing, kids playing, and just walking around.

Fuxing ParkFuxing ParkFuxing ParkFuxing ParkFuxing ParkFuxing ParkFuxing ParkFuxing Park

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