By Clay Nesler, V-P, Global Energy and Sustainability, Johnson Controls, Inc.

I just got back from a trip to Singapore where the week started with President Obama and other world leaders participating in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leadership Meeting.  The meeting focused on expanded trade and investment across the region in the post-crisis era.  After President Obama’s delegation left for China, the Shangri-La Hotel quickly shed its security overlays and prepared for Singapore International Energy Week.  I participated in a number of events during the week which focused on sustainable cities, smart grids, clean energy development and environmental management. » More: Protecting Our Planet’s Principal: Singapore

By Derek Supple, Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Johnson Controls

The excitement on the Delta King riverboat in Sacramento was palpable this week as local government leaders and the finance community gathered to discuss the nuts, bolts, and best practices of setting up property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing programs. » More: PACE Financing Goes Viral, No Thanks to ARRA

by Steve Thomas, Johnson Controls, Inc.

Excellent educational sessions, inspirational speakers, and more exhibitors than ever marked last week’s Greenbuild conference in Phoenix. The Phoenix Convention Center is an outstanding facility, and rooms for the conference sessions were easy to find and accommodating – although there were still plenty of sessions that were standing room only. The number of exhibitors grows every year, which made it necessary to have two levels of exhibitors in Phoenix – the only possible negative to this year’s event. Still, there was good traffic in the exhibits, and the quality of the attendees was outstanding. » More: Impressions and a Challenge from Greenbuild 2009

This week in Phoenix, an estimated 25,000 will walk through the doors at Greenbuild 2009, the annual conference sponsored by United States Green Building Council (USGBC). It’s one more sign that commitment to greener buildings remains strong as companies, government organizations and others continue to see efficiency as the first and fastest way to cut their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. » More: Main Street Green: Connecting to the Conversation at Greenbuild 2009