Featured Case Studies
Operational Carbon Footprint Analysis
Client: The Fruit Guys
Scope
Assess operational perfomance and build CO2 calculator for distribution
Methodology
Research and data collection was conducted in 2 areas: facilities and shipping for distribution. We calculated the energy consumption for all facilities and portfolio of energy providers. We also calculated the total shipping for distribution for an entire year by shipping method and developed a calculator based on US EPA data to measure the CO2 footprint. We compared this against their financial data..
Results
The Fruit Guys received a CO2 analysis and break-even point analysis for potential expansion. We also developed a carbon calculator to model CO2 emmissions of various options for distribution.
Environmental Marketing and Viral Video
Client: ChicoBag Company
Scope
Marketing Strategy for grassroots and viral campaign. Implementation of tactics: video production, online media, grassroots email campaign, & events.
Methodology
We developed a grassroots and viral web media campaign to raise awareness of the problems with single use bags and suggest behavior change. We implemented the online marketing strategy using the following tactics:
1. Comedic viral video content (examples
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0CoDsuFE_M & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia_fsmML9ao ).
2. Blogosphere participation – creating related blogs and reaching out to eco blogs to write about the bag ban and Chicobags (examples: http://bagmonster.blogspot.com/ & http://zippy.greenoptions.com/2007/12/05/chicobag-reusable-shopping-bags/).
3. Grassroots email outreach – working with local organizations to reach out to their constituents. We organized a large party with eco fashion show, so that we would have something tangible to rally grassroots participation (the San Francisco Bag Ban Bash http://flavorpill.com/sanfrancisco/events/2007/11/20/plastic-bag-ban-bash/print).
Results
3 viral videos on YouTube with over 40,000 views. Over 400 people attended the events. Chicobag sales grew 30% during the campaign.
Masterplanning & Market Analysis (in progress)
Client: Spencer Gulch Farm, Ashland, OR
Scope
Energy auditing and economic analysis of market potential for agricultural products. Site and structures masterplan for energy and water independence.
Methodology
We gathered climate and environmental data and are determining the optimal configuration for a combination of off-grid agricultural production and residential living. We have conducted an energy & water needs analysis and an economic market analysis on crops that do well in the area. With the resulting data, we have recommended crops that will do well on the site, and for which there is a steady market.
Results
The project is still in process: The analysis phase is scheduled for completion in December 2009. The design phase is scheduled to begin in January 2010.
Urban Forest Mapping Project
Clients: City of San Francisco
and Friends of the Urban Forest
Scope
Develop a web-based tree inventory, mapping, and cost-benefit analysis tool that allows for community participation.
Methodology
We designed and developed a pilot demonstration project to analyze the environmental benefits of trees and put them into dollar terms. After receiving a grant from the State of CA we began work on full application development. The entire project is designed for an open source environment and engages community input in the inventory process.
Results
The project is still in development and has been temporarily stalled due to CA state budget crises. However the project has generated significant support from organizations such as the City of San Francisco, Friends of the Urban Forest, Tree Link, and others. The project has also gained much media attention. link to Publicity page
Development Strategy
Client: greenmuseum.org
Scope
Create a business fundraising and development strategy for greenmuseum.org
Methodology
Developed a fundraising strategy that included the production of a promotional film about Environmental art and featured greenmuseum.org.
Results
Green Ideas completed promotional film to communicate greenmuseum.org's vision to potential donors. The resulting fundraising campaign helped move greenmuseum.org into a new direction.
Sustainability Implementation
Client: Autodesk
Scope
Increase internal employee engagement in Sustainability initiatives.
Methodology
We developed online newsletters, videos, events, and easy to implement tasks to engage Autodesk employees in helping to implement the company’s sustainability initiatives.
Results
Increased employee participation and awareness.
LEED Analysis
Client: Siegel and Strain Architects
Scope
Coordinating the collection and analysis of technical data pertaining to LEED certification for the Orinda City Hall, completed 2007.
Methodology
We tracked design changes and their effect on the building’s projected score. We also compiled a database of building materials organized by manufacturer. The Database compared relative merit of building products according to several criteria: recyclability, recycled content, toxics reduction, energy conservation and embodied energy.
Results
The design team was able to select materials that did more than simply satisfy the LEED checklist requirements, and could make choices that more closely reflected their broader commitment to sustainable design.
Green Building Design and Masterplanning (Architectural design competition)
Client: Urban Re:Vision
Scope
Design a city block in downtown Dallas as a model for environmental, social and economic sustainability as part of the Urban Revision Competition.
Methodology
We tabulated all the environmental inputs and through a break-even point analysis technique (applied to architecture) determined the optimal density for a mixed-use development. The primary design drivers were water and energy production capacity. We integrated multiple closed loop systems in the building's mechanical systems so that waste from one system became a resources for another.
Results
We completed the design and master plan. In the process, we developed a robust water, energy and profit optimization calculator – which can be used for future projects
