Discovery Triangle News
Apollo Group Rises 100 Spots in Green Rankings
The recently released 2011 Newsweek magazine Green Rankings, ranked the Discovery Triangle’s Apollo Group at 83rd among the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies for environmental performance.
The Newsweek Green Rankings began in 2009, and assess the environmental performance of the 500 largest publicly traded US companies. That year, Apollo ranked 183rd on the list.
“Dedication and hard work across Apollo and the University of Phoenix in advancing green business practices are lowering our environmental footprint,” says Seth Mones (pictured above), Apollo’s vice president, sustainability policy and programs, who joined the company two years ago after having served as a cabinet member to former Governor Napolitano, and before that as a counsel to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
Apollo’s green approaches include energy efficiency practices, procurement initiatives, environmental policy development, and making publicly available comprehensive information on Apollo’s green business practices.
From 2009 to 2010, Apollo’s environmental footprint in the U.S. has decreased, with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions down nine percent and electricity usage down 10 percent. In 2011, Apollo completed various energy efficiency projects in Phoenix, which are expected to reduce Apollo’s footprint by 750 metric tons of GHG emissions and 1.3 million kilowatt hours of energy usage (which is enough energy to power 100 homes for a year).
Energize Phoenix Announces New Commercial Financing, Expanded Program Boundaries
A new public-private partnership between the city of Phoenix and National Bank of Arizona (NB|AZ) will assist businesses with financing the costs of commercial energy efficiency improvements of properties located within the Energize Phoenix Corridor, much of which falls within the Discovery Triangle.
“The city is once again creating public-private partnerships to help local businesses grow,” said Mayor Phil Gordon. “This partnership will help businesses save money by saving energy, and help us achieve our goal of becoming the ‘greenest’ city in the nation.”
Energize Phoenix has partnered with APS and NB|AZ to provide rebates and financing for commercial property owners who choose to do energy efficiency upgrades and improvements to their buildings. Participating property owners will receive APS rebates (as allowed under the APS Solutions for Business program) and Energize Phoenix will match many of these rebates up to 100 percent of the incremental cost, thereby potentially resulting in double rebates to the property owner.
“National Bank of Arizona is proud to continue its commitment to our community by partnering with the city of Phoenix to provide a reasonable and affordable financing solution for commercial energy efficiency projects,” said Craig Robb, Executive Vice President of NB|AZ. “National Bank of Arizona recognizes the need for dependable business banking for projects ranging from energy improvements to new business loans, and endeavors to be a recognized as a true partner in the Phoenix business sector.”
Financing is only available for approved energy efficiency improvements that meet eligibility requirements for the Energize Phoenix commercial rebate program.
Visit energizephx.com for more program and financing details. For additional information about the Commercial Finance Program, please call Mitchell Hayden at 602.534.2002 or by email at mitchell.hayden@phoenix.gov.
Energize Phoenix has expanded program boundaries effective immediately. New program boundaries run along a 10-mile stretch of the light rail from Central and Missouri avenues to Washington Street and State Route 143.
ABOUT ENERGIZE PHOENIX
The city of Phoenix was awarded a $25 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Neighborhood Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to launch the Energize Phoenix program in partnership with Arizona State University and with support from Arizona Public Service. The Energize Phoenix program saves energy, creates jobs and will transform a diverse array of neighborhoods along the Metro light rail.
Area Leaders Get an Education on DT Area Schools
In October, 23 business leaders from across the Discovery Triangle and Phoenix area had an insider’s look into our region’s educational institutions. These leaders took part in a Principal for a Day program, designed to increase the understanding and awareness of the private sector regarding public education. “The workforce of tomorrow is sitting in the [...]
Read the full article »Shop the DT for Unique Gifts
Whether you are looking for that unique gift – or looking for ideas – plenty of options abound in the Discovery Triangle. From clothing boutiques, restaurants, entertainment or charitable donation options, your gifts can put a smile on more faces than just your recipients. For every dollar you spend at a locally owned, independent business, [...]
Read the full article »