Let's Follow Richard Branson's Green Example

Richard Branson announced, Tuesday, that he would be investing in Mosquito Island, the neighbour to Necker Island, his pad in the British Virgin Islands.

I myself have been to the BVIs a number of times and so, equipped with some local knowledge, was therefore more than a bit concerned with what he had proposed! Mosquito is small-ish, completely decrepid and empty of life, and is practically a jungle. Yet his plans are for a huge 20-villa estate with a restaurant and all the luxuries of which visitors to Necker Island have become accustomed.

But what he intends is not just a huge luxury resort. It is a huge GREEN luxury resort. The whole island will be powered by wind and hydro power, and aims to be completely and utterly carbon-neutral.

And that is a great thing, and something that should be happening more. Branson has been a key-player in progressing global business towards being green, and has pioneered new ways to overcome the problems that we face.

Those of us more inclined to cynicism might note that through his hugely successful inter-continental airplane company Virgin Atlantic, he himself has played a minor role in creating our current mess. But I, for one, am willing to forgive if he is so willing to try and help rectify his mistakes.

So, how he's doing it. In September 2006 he launched an investment and development organisation, called the Virgin Green Fund, which (as the name suggests) was created to aid and encourage those who are developing new ways to capture CO2 and enhance renewable energy extraction capabilities and efficiency. He himself pledged $3 billion by 2016, and last month announced that he had raised almost $200 million as well, over two years.

As well as logical and crucial investment, he also established a prize-fund, the Virgin Earth Challenge -- paying $25 million to any person who can successfully develop a device that captures and reutelises carbon in the atmosphere.

Virgin Atlantic was the first intercontinental ever to fly a plane, at least partly, on biofuels, and Branson is planning an expansion of this in the very near future, including (perhaps) running the planes on an algae-based fuel!

The entire Virgin empire runs to very environmentally sound standards. (The reason why - I'm sure they all read my previous blog....) The offices recycle, use recycled paper and materials, and employees are actively encouraged to replicate the CO2-free practices at home.

So, even if you think it is all a PR ploy, still, take heed of Richard Branson's example. Through his work for the environment, it is easy to see how simple meausures, effectively and intelligently thought-through and implemented, can be used to create a much greener and more environmentally-friendly business.

As to Mozzy Island in the BVIs, I'm still not sure if he can do it -- I'll pop over soon, and see how things are getting on! (Joking...)

Comments

[MyTake]

Either this writer or Branson or both should take a course in Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology.

Let me mock this resort. If Verizon Communications on Long Island can install 7 hydrogen fuel cell generators which saves them $500,000 per annum on electrical grid power consumption, then dear old Richard Branson can spread a few around his green resort. You can read about it here: http://news.cnet.com/Verizon-heeds-call-of-fuel-cells/2100-1033_3-6102552.html .

Biofuel and wind energy are a colossal joke. One uses food to process into fuel so the lousy North American consumer can feel green while others in the population starve. Wind energy kills wild birds and corrupts the landscape.

Hydrogen fuel cells flow hydrogen atoms against one side of its membrane with ambient oxygen molecules on the other side. When they reform the water molecule, sub-atomic electricity is produced. Do this in volume in the fuel cell and you can capture an electrical current with which to run any electrical motor. The only byproduct is water. Try getting water as the byproduct from polluting biofuel.

Since 90 % of the world's population live within 100 miles of a ocean coastline, using ocean wave energy combined with solar energy can drive electrolysis units to provide hydrogen gas forever with zero pollution.

So tell Branson to stay at the Sheraton New York hotel sometime and have a look at there hydrogen fuel generator. Then he can start a company called Virgin Hydrogen.

[axt113]

When was the last time you ate Algae?

Also Offshore Wind Platforms don't do any damage to the landscape

[swift goat pet for truth]

"Wind energy kills wild birds and corrupts the landscape."

A couple skyscrapers in ONE large city kills more wild birds than ALL the windmills put together.

And in other countries windmills are considered BEAUTIFUL, especially after the users get their energy bills. One can put them along motorways, or distributed among working farms, or near the top of mountains, where they are barely visible.

And at this time, neither hydrogen fuel cells nor wave technology are commercially viable. Perhaps this is only an engineering problem, or one of scale, but the fact is that they are not competitive with the phony costs the energy lobbies use.

The point is, there is no one magic bullet. We need multiple sources. And I believe the new sources should be decentralized.

[swift goat pet for truth]

Let's follow Richard Branson's green example.

First, get a Billion dollars....

[HippyGourmet]

Richard Branson is one of the greatest, socially responsible entrepreneurs this planet has ever known!

When you look at all the multi-billionaires and triple-digit millionaires who prefer to show off their wealth using all forms of ostentatious wasteful things, like 'Hummer-limos,' or non-sustainable mansion building, we have to give a standing ovation to Mr. Branson for setting the bar on setting these proper kinds of green trends.

Our TV series (Organic Living TV with the Hippy Gourmet) travels the world seeking out sustainable, eco-friendly locations and resorts that invite a new breed of planet-friendly tourism. We feature organic, bio-dynamic kitchens and alternatively powered places that have low/no impact on the environment.

So we celebrate the development of this new earth-thoughtful resort, especially as it will most certainly impart a sense of deeper wisdom to their visitors, hopefully inspiring them to go home and take action.

[swift goat pet for truth]

Geez, it was a joke...