Researching and Defining CleanTech

Quality research must encompass the complex picture of how consumer behavior, business strategy and policy must work together to create a sustainable future. The right outcome will include choices for consumer, new markets and forward thinking leadership.

The Business of Climate Change

Summary
Many (of Lehman Brothers) clients have asked for (the company’s) view on the argument that, even assuming that scientists’ projections of the likely effects of climate change are broadly correct, the effects will be felt only slowly, with little effect on asset prices over most investors’ time horizons.
(Lehman Brothers) judge this argument as flawed, for three, linked, reasons. First, markets anticipate even slow-moving variables, such as climate change. Second, policy made in the name of climate change could have an almost immediate, up-front effect on
asset prices. And third, markets anticipate policy itself. In this way, expected future effects of climate change become
brought right forward to the present.
Fundamentally, the economic case for considering climate change ultimately depends on the science. (Lehman Brothers) judgment is that the science will increasingly be seen as broadly correct; that this view will be progressively accepted by the weight of market opinion; and that, while the adjustment of asset prices has begun, full adjustment will take years, rather than months.

Curbing Global Energy Demand Growth: The Energy Productivity Opportunity In-depth sector case studies covering buildings, transportation, and industries highlight how the right policies and investments in existing technologies that yield an internal rate of return of 10 percent or higher could contribute to a reduction in global energy demand growth by at least half to 2020.



CLEANTECH Venture Capital:
How Public Policy Has Stimulated Private Investment

The clean technology, or “cleantech,” industry has the potential to be a major economic driver for the United States – one that can also provide competitive solutions to environmental challenges. We focus on the connection between cleantech and public policies at both the national and state levels. America’s current advantage in cleantech is a huge asset, and one that must be protected and cultivated carefully. New research by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)and the Cleantech Venture Network shows continued strong growth in the U.S. cleantech industry. Smart public policy can help secure this advantage, while also addressing environmental and climate issues though solutions that will create jobs and provide significant economic benefits.
This is the third report on cleantech venture capital by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) and the Cleantech Venture Network®, a Cleantech Group™ company. A full copy of the report can be found online at www.e2.org. Previous reports from 2004 and 2006 can be found at www.e2.org and www.cleantech.com