Contact:  Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com

West Michigan Business to Present at United Nations Forum in Kenya, Share Environmental Insight
Members of Viability, LLC will travel East Africa to meet with clean energy project developers and explore carbon credit ventures

HOLLAND, MI – February 24, 2010 – Three members of Viability, LLC, a West Michigan-based financial incentives firm, will be participating in the United Nations sponsored Africa Carbon Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, March 3-5, 2010. Dr. David Armstrong, Dan Kuipers and Kyle Denning will be representing Viability at the international event, including a presentation by Denning entitled, “Using carbon finance to fight poverty and environmental degradation.”

Viability’s participation and presentation at the Africa Carbon is part of a larger two-week clean energy project analysis throughout East Africa.

The Africa Carbon Forum engages multiple United Nations agencies, public and private sector experts and local and national government officials to address the development of clean energy projects in Africa.

During the forum’s three days of speakers, Viability will use its expertise to speak on the importance and effectiveness of small, community focused carbon reduction projects and building smart infrastructure.

“We [at Viability] want to develop an understanding of the technologies, impact, and financial incentives for renewable energy projects in East Africa,” shares Kyle Denning, who leads Viability’s international development efforts and will present on the final day of the event.  “These projects go beyond being a green energy source and truly make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, communities and even nations.”

According to the Africa Carbon Forum, Africa accounts for less than two percent of the 2,000-plus registered Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects worldwide.

After the forum, Viability’s contingent will meet with other renewable energy developers in Kenya and Rwanda to discuss possible wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects.

PiSAT Solar of Grand Rapids, MI, will be among the organizations to meet with Viability while in Rwanda.  Viability is currently helping PiSAT develop a program to fund and distribute thousands of durable K-Light solar powered lanterns to Rwandans. The project will remove harmful kerosene emissions from home environments, reduce greenhouse gases and provide a source of lighting with zero fuel cost.

Viability will post updates and photos both during and after the trip on its Twitter account (@viabilityllc) and blog (http://viabilityloop.wordpress.com/).

Armstrong, Kuipers and Denning will depart for Kenya on March 1 and return March 15.

ABOUT VIABILITY
Since 2003, Viability, LLC has partnered with a wide range of businesses in over 20 states and secured millions in grants and incentives.  Viability’s comprehensive services include domestic and international carbon credit development, grant and incentive research and preparation, and ViAlign, a free incentives eligibility tool.

For more information on the Africa Carbon Forum, please visit http://www.africacarbonforum.com/2009/english/index.htm.

For more information on Viability, LLC, please visit www.viabilityllc.com

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Click here to download a PDF of this release

As part of their upcoming international business trip through Kenya and Rwanda, Viability’s Dr. David Armstrong, Kyle Denning Dan Kuipers will be participating and presenting on the role of small, community based carbon reduction and renewable energy projects at the three-day long Africa Carbon Forum.  Specifically, Denning will give a presentation entitled, “Using carbon finance to fight poverty and environmental degradation.”  The Africa Carbon Forum brings together project developers, environmental experts, local and international government leaders, and others to address issues surrounding the implementation of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects throughout Africa.  Kenya is hosting 2010’s forum; Senegal hosted the first forum in 2008.

Click here to read the Press Release

Date: March 3-5, 2010
Time: Viability-hosted social event on the 3rd, and Denning’s presentation on the 5th
Location: United Nations Gigiri Compounds in Nairobi, Kenya
Sponsor: The government of Kenya and several United Nation’s related organizations, including UNFCC, UNEP, UNDP, UNITAR, and UNCTAD
Important Information: To learn more about the event, visit Africa Carbon Forum’s website.  You can also follow Viability’s updates on its Twitter (@viabilityllc) and blog

[Viability is able to work with greenhouses to secure financial incentives for biomass heating systems]

Fueling a Movement
By Kevin Yanik, Associate Editor
Greenhouse Grower magazine, February 2010

Fuel oil prices were becoming too expensive and natural gas wasn’t an option because it was not being piped into the area. So Grower Direct Farms, a wholesale greenhouse operation in Somers, Conn., began looking seriously at alternative energy sources for its facilities more than a year ago.

Wind. Solar. Geothermal. The list of energy source options available stretched beyond the fossil fuels growers historically had used. Renewable resources were becoming more viable, Grower Direct Farms found, and the more growers were gravitating toward them the closer newer options were to becoming mainstream.

For Grower Direct Farms, biomass was the renewable resource of choice and wood chips became its fuel. Now, the operation primarily uses wood chips to heat its greenhouses, and fuel oil is its secondary source. And like most growers who’ve moved to alternative energy systems, Grower Direct Farms largely made the transition because of rising fuel costs.

“Energy is one of the most important areas of our business in terms of the cost of our product,” says Sam Smith, sales manager at Grower Direct Farms. “Not just in the way we heat our greenhouses, but the fuel we put in our trucks to move our product, the electricity we consume to light the product we grow and just to do basic things like run our offices and computers.”

Heating greenhouses is one of a grower’s most costly expenses, though. And the more burdensome fossil fuel costs get, the more growers are turning to alternative energy solutions.

“Energy usage has been and will continue to be an area of concern for growers,” says Randy Monhemius, an Ohio-based business program specialist for USDA’s Rural Development program. “I believe growers are looking to save money, or at least manage costs better through the installation of energy-efficient improvements or renewable energy.”

From Propane To Wood [thumbshot url=http://greenhousegrower.com/magazine/?storyid=2969]
Rick Webb, owner of Webb Perennials in Logan, Ohio, was one grower looking for cost savings when propane approached $2.50 a gallon last year. Propane simply isn’t affordable for his small operation when it’s over $2 a gallon, Webb says, so he sought relief in the form of biomass.

Nearby Hocking College hosted a biomass workshop that introduced different systems to him. Webb got a few ideas, did some research on his own and tried to determine which wood form would produce the best, most-efficient heat for Webb Perennials.

“I’ve done a fair amount of research looking at different options,” Webb says. “The (wood) chip system would have been nice if my operation was a little bigger. I was looking at a system but then we got up to like $120,000 potentially and I still didn’t have a front-end loader to handle them.”

Eventually, Webb settled on logs and he installed a wood gasification boiler to accommodate them. His system is not automated – he loads logs into the boiler by hand – but automation did not make financial sense for Webb because he only needed to heat a facility that’s less than a half-acre.

“I live in an area where there’s a lot of firewood,” he says. “It’s Southeast Ohio – 90 percent forested area. There is a lot of firewood available. By the time I finished and built a barn to store wood, I only put $32,000 into it.”
Midway through the process, Webb Perennials was awarded an $8,000 USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant. It ultimately paid for one-fourth of Webb’s system.

Now that Webb’s system is up and running, he’s using wood as his primary fuel with propane as the backup.

“If I don’t get out in time to stoke the wood boiler, the propane kicks in,” Webb says. “I’ve used 300 gallons of propane (as of January 5) and I probably would have used 3,000 gallons so far. I have my wood delivered and split. We stack it here. And I’ve figured the equivalent to 3,000 gallons in propane costs $1,000 in wood.”

Click here to Read Full Article

Resetting the Clock: RPS and Realizing Energy Independence
The most pressing questions surrounding energy policy now are: 1) How do we reach these goals? And 2) Are they even attainable? Advocates from both sides of the aisle and in many industries, such as wind, solar, biomass, nuclear, and even domestically sourced natural gas and clean coal, have all thrown their hats in the ring professing that their technological approach is the way to go if there is any hope of truly changing the energy landscape.

In 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act was legislated by the US House and Senate as a means to promote petroleum based independence and alternative forms of energy in the United States. While originally intended to directly affect the federal and institutional subsidization of the oil industry, effectively “leveling” the playing field for new technologies and innovative ways of thinking, political negotiations necessary for the act’s passage significantly limited and altered the final version of the bill that we know today. Instead, this roadmap now focuses mainly on automobile fuel economy, development of bio-fuels and efficiency measures in public buildings.

The policy has steps in the right direction, and coupled with aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandates in at least 25 states, the future of those working in the renewable energy sector appears rather sunny (pun intended). Goals have now been set within the energy generation sector of our economy as they relate to increasing the use of renewable fuels, and a de facto line in the sand has been drawn. Meanwhile, the clock continues to tick and impending target dates, most notably the year 2020, are getting closer and closer.

Reassessing Priorities
The most pressing questions surrounding energy policy now are: 1) How do we reach these goals? And 2) Are they even attainable? Advocates from both sides of the aisle and in many industries, such as wind, solar, biomass, nuclear, and even domestically sourced natural gas and clean coal, have all thrown their hats in the ring professing that their technological approach is the way to go if there is any hope of truly changing the energy landscape. However, as this argument continues to be broadcast live on nightly news programs, CSPAN floor votes, and The Daily Show, no single front-runner has emerged. And the clock keeps ticking.

Author and NY Times columnist Thomas Friedman speaks of this quest for cheap, abundant, clean, reliable electrons as the next truly world changing industry. As global populations continue to grow exponentially and energy demand sets new records with each passing year, it is evident that there currently is no silver bullet when it comes to solving our looming energy and environmental crisis. In many ways it is very similar to the IT bubble of the 1990’s and the oil bubble at the turn of the century: AOL Search or Google, Betamax or VHS. Each had its own internally perceived competitive advantage and unique business model, but it’s clear who won out in these instances.

This illustrates that what is needed is a combination of public/private partnerships, interaction of market forces and new innovative companies offering superior solutions to carve out niches in ways that have defined the American Dream and the capitalistic ideals that this country was founded on. These are great words, but still there is no demonstrable proof that these goals will be met on time, despite state and federal progress reports indicating movement towards RPS attainment in some states.

Click here to Read Full Article

$113K grant to light up downtown
By Andrea Goodell, City Hall Reporter
The Holland Sentinel, Jan. 26, 2010

Holland, MI —LED light will soon illuminate the paths of downtown pedestrians.

A $113,000 grant announced by the state Monday will pay for the majority of the demonstration project along Eighth Street’s main business corridor.

The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth awarded $17.4 million in grants to 125 municipalities for energy efficiency projects. The state Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants are funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“This funding will support a pipeline of projects, offer the option of bulk purchasing and encourage increased manufacturing,” state agency Director Stanley Pruss said in a written statement released Monday.

The city worked with Viability LLC, an economic development and energy consulting firm, on the grant proposal. “The grant really helps to offset the investment amount, so the payoff is a lot sooner,” Viability grant writer Amanda Burmeister said.

Dennis R.J. Geppert/The Holland Sentinel

The LED, or light emitting diode, technology directs more light downward, reducing light pollution of the night sky and increasing efficiency, she said.

The projects are intended to create and retain jobs, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while they demonstrate market demand and attract LED and solid state lighting manufacturing to the state.

“These Recovery Act funds will assist our ongoing efforts in moving to a clean energy economy,” Gov. Jennifer Granholm said in a prepared statement.

The city of Holland’s proposal included as many LED pedestrian street lamps as the grant would buy depending on the market.

If 100 lamps are installed (assuming 74-watt fixtures), the project will save 136-watts per unit or 38,080 kilowatt hours and 59,519 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. The lights will save the city about $5,071 each year in electricity and maintenance costs.

An educational campaign will demonstrate the viability of LED technology. Work on the project will start as funding announcements have officially been made and will be wrapped up before the end of 2010.

Click here to access originally posted story

Contact:  Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com

Calvin Grad Brings International Lessons, Perspective to Viability
Local engineer is using rural development skills from year volunteering in Southeast Asia

HOLLAND, MI. – Jan. 13, 2010 – Viability LLC, a West Michigan-based energy and environmental consulting firm, announced the hiring of Calvin graduate Jonathan Cooper to its engineering staff.

Jonathan Cooper is a Kalamazoo native and Calvin engineering graduate.

Amid a competitive job market, it was Cooper’s yearlong rural engineering improvement and sustainable development volunteer work in Cambodia that distinguished him from other applicants.

“After studying in Cambodia during my senior year, experiencing that culture and seeing the healing that is taking place there, I was called back to serve there,” said Cooper.  “After a few months in the country, there was an opportunity to work in a rural area doing water management in an agricultural setting which I got very excited about.”

While working in Cambodia, Cooper had applied as a US delegate to the International Youth Forum on Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Seoul, South Korea.  When he returned stateside, Cooper was selected as one of 115 participants from 31 countries.

“At the forum, a group of students and young professionals from across the globe came together to share ideas concerning development,” said Cooper.  “I sought out Viability because they create opportunities for industries to respond to these global challenges.”

Cooper’s ground experience provides him an advantage over other engineers in the field of sustainability, shares Viability Partner David Armstrong.

“We [at Viability] believe in developing our engineers internally, and acquiring someone like Jonathan who brings perspective and creativity benefits both the company and our industry,” said Armstrong.

Cooper will be working with Viability’s domestic and international business clients to evaluate, design and implement renewable and energy efficiency projects in addition to carbon credit development.

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ABOUT VIABILITY
Since 2003, Viability, LLC has partnered with a wide range of businesses in over 20 states and secured millions in grants and incentives.  Viability’s comprehensive energy solutions include domestic and international carbon credit development, grant and incentive research, citywide carbon action plans and renewable energy project implementation.

For more information on Viability, please visit http://www.viabilityllc.com

Click here to read a PDF of this release

During the 2010 OSU Short Course and CENTS show, Viability’s Chris Byrnes will give a “Grants for Grower” presentation to greenhouse owners and plant enthusiasts.  Byrnes’ presentation will address federal and state grants and incentives for renewable and energy efficiency projects, as well as possible carbon credit development for significantly sized operations.

Date: January 24-27
Time: Byrnes’ presentation is at 10:45am on Jan. 25
Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH
Sponsor: The Ohio State University, OSU Extension, and the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association
Important Information: If you would like to attend the show, visit OSU’s event website for details and rates.

ANLA: The Pursuit of Green
Bob Dolibois, Grower Talks
December 2009

There’s a lot about this year that’s worth forgetting … and the sooner, the better! However, there is one aspect of this year that deserves closer examination: 2009 was the year our industry discovered sustainability.

Some early-adopters in our industry can already speak from experience about embracing sustainability in their businesses. But let’s be honest: For most of us, this sustainability thing has just started earning our attention.

The signs of that attention are all around us. The trade press has delivered yard of type on the subject, with blogs arriving weekly. Associations like ANLA now feature education sessions on the topic. “The Pursuit of Green” has all the makings of a double entendre in every corner of horticulture.

So, how we doin’? Is sustainability shaping up to be the life preserver for an industry struggling with a shrinking market? Or is sustainability a Trojan horse delivered by the greenies bent on eliminating every blade of turf and hyper-thirsty bedding plant in our galaxy? Answer: it’s too early to tell. But let’s score the match so far.

Renewable Energy Conversions. Informed people are aware of multiple businesses that have converted from 20th century energy sources to newer 21st century approaches like wind, solar and biofuel. Neat stuff! The savings are sometimes startling, and certainly a reason to take a look.

At the same time, can something this good last forever? In most cases, the single-most significant positive factor is the size of the grant or tax credit that’s awarded for making the conversion. Given the economy and stressed budgets of governments providing these grants and credits, it’s practical to assume that these incentives aren’t going to be around forever. So move quickly.

Click here to Read Full Article

State RPS, Incentives Spur Development
Biomass project development could be expedited in 2010 and coming years, as developers contribute to state renewable portfolio standards and scramble to meet deadlines for funding opportunities.

By Lisa Gibson, Associate Editor
Biomass Magazine, Dec. 2009

The most influential factors for U.S. biomass development in 2010 most likely will be state renewable portfolio standards (RPS), along with financial incentives, perhaps none as effective as the Grants for Specified Energy Property in Lieu of Tax Credits program.

The incentive was established under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is designed to fill the gap where the Production Tax Credit isn’t useful. It requires the U.S. Department of the Treasury to make a one-time payment to eligible renewable electricity developers in the amount of 30 percent of a project’s qualified capital cost, instead of the production tax credit, which is paid over a 10-year period. Statutory provisions specify that the property must be placed in service during 2009 or 2010. It can, however, be on line after 2010 by a statutory deadline, but only if construction began in 2009 or 2010. Thus, developers who want to reap its benefits are running out of time.

“We’re seeing a lot of biomass projects moving into the preconstruction phase because of the opportunity to get these grants,” says James Bertrand, a Leonard, Street and Deinard shareholder and head of the law firm’s energy group. “It significantly improves the overall financial picture.” The program is less complicated than the tax credits because there is no need for a tax credit investor, he adds…

[Viability is featured at the end of the More Federal Funding section and the beginning of Other Options]

Click here to Read Full Article

Contact:  Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com

Viability Launches Energy Subscription Service, ViAlign™
New service will provide companies with piece of mind when making sustainability decisions

HOLLAND, MI – December 2, 2009 – Viability, LLC announces the launch of ViAlign™, an information subscription service that delivers up-to-date communication on relevant grants, incentives, legislation and technologies for companies pursuing renewable energy or energy-efficiency projects.

The new ViAlign service monitors, tracks and then summarizes and communicates available energy incentive opportunities for subscribing clients.  Viability, a West Michigan economic and environmental consulting firm, operates the ViAlign service.

The company has been assisting businesses in identifying grants and incentives for the past six years.

James Bruckbauer, Viability’s Research Coordinator and co-creator of ViAlign, says the need for such an information service is evident.

“Grants, incentives and other financial tools from all sources of government have never been more available, but at the same time, have never been more difficult to track,” says Bruckbauer.

“While companies are becoming increasingly pressured to become more environmentally sustainable, simply attempting to keep ahead of the trends requires time, energy, salaries and constant filtering of information.  But with ViAlign, the client’s goals become Viability’s goals, and the client can focus on what they do best, and leave the research and monitoring to us.”

ViAlign subscribers will have access to grant and incentive requirements and availability at federal, state and local levels.  Other considerations that impact energy incentives, such as legislation and policy interpretations, will also be monitored and incorporated into recommendations.

Clients can choose a subject—such as wind or geothermal—and a State for monitoring, and Viability will offer custom recommendations based on available grants, incentives, technologies and legislation.  For instance, if a company were considering undertaking a solar project in Kansas, Viability would monitor all funding sources that become available to fund a solar project in Kansas and then advise subsequent action to maximize funding opportunities.

The program’s resources begin with research capabilities and extend to engineering and carbon management based on the specific needs, direction and action of the client.

“Businesses in energy intensive sectors, like agribusiness, food processing and manufacturing, stand to gain the most from ViAlign,” says Viability President Chris Byrnes.  “Proactive companies will try to precede the trends in this area so they can capitalize on the ever-changing funding opportunities.”

Interested companies can visit http://www.viabilityllc.com/services/vialign to learn more or call 616.396.6101.

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ABOUT VIABILITY
Since 2003, Viability, LLC has partnered with a wide range of businesses in over 20 states and secured millions in grants and incentives.  The ViAlign service is part of Viability’s comprehensive energy solutions that include domestic and international carbon credit development, grant and incentive research, citywide carbon action plans and renewable energy project implementation.

For more information on Viability, please visit www.viabilityllc.com

Click here to read a PDF of this release