We all want to believe in something (Santa Claus, the money tree, the fountain of youth). The following is something 2nd Green would like to believe in, but we maintain a skeptical stance.

I recently heard about this company, SOLCOA, on a sustainability listserve. Based in San Jose, California, SOLCOA provides companies with energy audits and upgrades. Their mission “is to be a vital resource to non-profits by providing energy efficiency upgrades and improvements to their buildings which may have not been previously possible.”

In the ultimately example of low hanging fruit, SOLCOA seeks to reduce energy consumption and increase a company’s financial standing. “SOLCOA is an ‘energy efficiencies’ company that provides no-cost solutions that will increase your building’s energy efficiency in order to lower your utility bill. Our goal is to make you cash positive from day one of project completion.”

According to their website, SOLCOA is:

• an energy efficiency provider
• guarantee[s] no cost to you now or in the future
• guarantee[s] a lower utility bill from day one

As part of their “Vision”, they state that “We believe there is no point to environmental innovation if it does not offer financial benefits above and beyond systems currently in place.” This statement reflects a core belief here at 2nd Green Revolution. While perhaps more strongly worded, SOLCOA’s vision demonstrates the economic and environmental aspects of sustainability. To further the sustainability connection, SOLCOA provides their services at no cost to non-profits, allowing them to pursue social aims, the third leg on the sustainability stool. Environmental measures for their own sake may be a nice gesture, but if they do not provide economic benefits, businesses will not pursue.

For those on the West Coast, here is their contact page. If you have worked with them, drop us a comment.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: SOLCOA]