Viability, LLC Achieves First Domestic Voluntary Carbon Standard Validation for Biomass Thermal Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jun 23, 2010
Contact: Dan Kuipers, Senior Carbon Specialist
616-396-6101, dan@viabilityonline.com
Viability, LLC Achieves First Domestic Voluntary Carbon Standard Validation for Biomass Thermal Project
Viability, an economic development firm centered around renewable energy and energy efficiency projects recently had its project design document for the fuel switch from natural gas to renewable biomass for thermal purposes validated under the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS).
This project is the first US based project to become validated under the VCS using UNFCCC approved methodology AMS-I.C. The AMS-I.C. methodology specifically addresses end users of thermal energy and/or electricity to adopt less intensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission measures through application of specific technological or management approaches.
Under AMS-I.C. renewable biomass is considered to have a net GHG emission factor of zero, as any GHG emissions resulting from the combustion of biomass material is less than or equal to the amount of GHGs absorbed through photosynthetic processes.
This project will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 100,000 metric tons over its lifetime and is a key source of revenue that supports the use of non-traditional fuels for energy purposes.
The Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) was created as a globally recognizable standard providing a transparent and credible process for creating carbon offsets for voluntary projects that reduce GHG emissions.
ABOUT VIABILITY
Since 2003, Viability, LLC has partnered with a wide range of businesses in over 20
states and secured millions in grants and incentives. Viability’s comprehensive services include domestic and international carbon credit development, grant and incentive research and preparation, and ViAlign, a free incentives eligibility tool.
For more information on Viability, LLC, please visit www.viabilityllc.com
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Viability to Present at United Nations Forum in Kenya, Share Environmental Insight
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 24, 2010
Contact: Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com
West Michigan Business to Present at United Nations Forum in Kenya, Share Environmental Insight
Members of Viability, LLC will travel East Africa to meet with clean energy project developers and explore carbon credit ventures
HOLLAND, MI – February 24, 2010 – Three members of Viability, LLC, a West Michigan-based financial incentives firm, will be participating in the United Nations sponsored Africa Carbon Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, March 3-5, 2010. Dr. David Armstrong, Dan Kuipers and Kyle Denning will be representing Viability at the international event, including a presentation by Denning entitled, “Using carbon finance to fight poverty and environmental degradation.”
Viability’s participation and presentation at the Africa Carbon Forum is part of a larger two-week clean energy project analysis throughout East Africa.
The Africa Carbon Forum engages multiple United Nations agencies, public and private sector experts and local and national government officials to address the development of clean energy projects in Africa.
During the forum’s three days of speakers, Viability will use its expertise to speak on the importance and effectiveness of small, community focused carbon reduction projects and building smart infrastructure.
“We [at Viability] want to develop an understanding of the technologies, impact, and financial incentives for renewable energy projects in East Africa,” shares Kyle Denning, who leads Viability’s international development efforts and will present on the final day of the event. “These projects go beyond being a green energy source and truly make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, communities and even nations.”
According to the Africa Carbon Forum, Africa accounts for less than two percent of the 2,000-plus registered Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects worldwide.
After the forum, Viability’s contingent will meet with other renewable energy developers in Kenya and Rwanda to discuss possible wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects.
PiSAT Solar of Grand Rapids, MI, will be among the organizations to meet with Viability while in Rwanda. Viability is currently helping PiSAT develop a program to fund and distribute thousands of durable K-Light solar powered lanterns to Rwandans. The project will remove harmful kerosene emissions from home environments, reduce greenhouse gases and provide a source of lighting with zero fuel cost.
Viability will post updates and photos both during and after the trip on its Twitter account (@viabilityllc) and blog (http://viabilityloop.wordpress.com/).
Armstrong, Kuipers and Denning will depart for Kenya on March 1 and return March 15.
ABOUT VIABILITY
Since 2003, Viability, LLC has partnered with a wide range of businesses in over 20 states and secured millions in grants and incentives. Viability’s comprehensive services include domestic and international carbon credit development, grant and incentive research and preparation, and ViAlign, a free incentives eligibility tool.
For more information on the Africa Carbon Forum, please visit http://www.africacarbonforum.com/2009/english/index.htm.
For more information on Viability, LLC, please visit www.viabilityllc.com
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Viability Adds Engineer Jonathan Cooper
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 13, 2010
Contact: Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com
Calvin Grad Brings International Lessons, Perspective to Viability
Local engineer is using rural development skills from year volunteering in Southeast Asia
HOLLAND, MI. – Jan. 13, 2010 – Viability LLC, a West Michigan-based energy and environmental consulting firm, announced the hiring of Calvin graduate Jonathan Cooper to its engineering staff.
Jonathan Cooper is a Kalamazoo native and Calvin engineering graduate.
Amid a competitive job market, it was Cooper’s yearlong rural engineering improvement and sustainable development volunteer work in Cambodia that distinguished him from other applicants.
“After studying in Cambodia during my senior year, experiencing that culture and seeing the healing that is taking place there, I was called back to serve there,” said Cooper. “After a few months in the country, there was an opportunity to work in a rural area doing water management in an agricultural setting which I got very excited about.”
While working in Cambodia, Cooper had applied as a US delegate to the International Youth Forum on Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Seoul, South Korea. When he returned stateside, Cooper was selected as one of 115 participants from 31 countries.
“At the forum, a group of students and young professionals from across the globe came together to share ideas concerning development,” said Cooper. “I sought out Viability because they create opportunities for industries to respond to these global challenges.”
Cooper’s ground experience provides him an advantage over other engineers in the field of sustainability, shares Viability Partner David Armstrong.
“We [at Viability] believe in developing our engineers internally, and acquiring someone like Jonathan who brings perspective and creativity benefits both the company and our industry,” said Armstrong.
Cooper will be working with Viability’s domestic and international business clients to evaluate, design and implement renewable and energy efficiency projects in addition to carbon credit development.
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ABOUT VIABILITY
Since 2003, Viability, LLC has partnered with a wide range of businesses in over 20 states and secured millions in grants and incentives. Viability’s comprehensive energy solutions include domestic and international carbon credit development, grant and incentive research, citywide carbon action plans and renewable energy project implementation.
For more information on Viability, please visit http://www.viabilityllc.com
Click here to read a PDF of this release
Viability Launches Energy Subscription Service, ViAlign™
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 2, 2009
Contact: Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com
Viability Launches Energy Subscription Service, ViAlign™
New service will provide companies with piece of mind when making sustainability decisions
HOLLAND, MI – December 2, 2009 – Viability, LLC announces the launch of ViAlign™, an information subscription service that delivers up-to-date communication on relevant grants, incentives, legislation and technologies for companies pursuing renewable energy or energy-efficiency projects.
The new ViAlign service monitors, tracks and then summarizes and communicates available energy incentive opportunities for subscribing clients. Viability, a West Michigan economic and environmental consulting firm, operates the ViAlign service.
The company has been assisting businesses in identifying grants and incentives for the past six years.
James Bruckbauer, Viability’s Research Coordinator and co-creator of ViAlign, says the need for such an information service is evident.
“Grants, incentives and other financial tools from all sources of government have never been more available, but at the same time, have never been more difficult to track,” says Bruckbauer.
“While companies are becoming increasingly pressured to become more environmentally sustainable, simply attempting to keep ahead of the trends requires time, energy, salaries and constant filtering of information. But with ViAlign, the client’s goals become Viability’s goals, and the client can focus on what they do best, and leave the research and monitoring to us.”
ViAlign subscribers will have access to grant and incentive requirements and availability at federal, state and local levels. Other considerations that impact energy incentives, such as legislation and policy interpretations, will also be monitored and incorporated into recommendations.
Clients can choose a subject—such as wind or geothermal—and a State for monitoring, and Viability will offer custom recommendations based on available grants, incentives, technologies and legislation. For instance, if a company were considering undertaking a solar project in Kansas, Viability would monitor all funding sources that become available to fund a solar project in Kansas and then advise subsequent action to maximize funding opportunities.
The program’s resources begin with research capabilities and extend to engineering and carbon management based on the specific needs, direction and action of the client.
“Businesses in energy intensive sectors, like agribusiness, food processing and manufacturing, stand to gain the most from ViAlign,” says Viability President Chris Byrnes. “Proactive companies will try to precede the trends in this area so they can capitalize on the ever-changing funding opportunities.”
Interested companies can visit http://www.viabilityllc.com/services/vialign to learn more or call 616.396.6101.
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ABOUT VIABILITY
Since 2003, Viability, LLC has partnered with a wide range of businesses in over 20 states and secured millions in grants and incentives. The ViAlign service is part of Viability’s comprehensive energy solutions that include domestic and international carbon credit development, grant and incentive research, citywide carbon action plans and renewable energy project implementation.
For more information on Viability, please visit www.viabilityllc.com
Click here to read a PDF of this release
Viability Secures $1.3 Million in Clean Energy Grants, Leverages $31.5 Million
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 20, 2009
Contact: Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com
Viability Secures $1.3 Million in Clean Energy Grants, Leverages $31.5 Million
West Michigan firm harnesses millions in new energy investments through USDA program to implement energy projects
HOLLAND, MI – October 20, 2009 – Viability, LLC “reaped” the reward of a national focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The West Michigan based economic development consulting firm secured $1.3 million in grant funding and leveraged $31.5 million in overall project investment for its clients as part of the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
The federal REAP grant funds up to $250,000 for efficiency projects and $500,000 for renewable energy projects in designated rural areas. Viability assists companies prepare and submit grant applications that promote sustainability through several programs.
“Businesses are seizing the opportunity to lower operational costs and reduce their environmental footprint through clean energy technologies,” said Viability President Chris Byrnes. “Even though these energy projects pay for themselves in time, the grant helps overcome the initial capital investment that accompanies new technologies.”
Altogether, Viability’s REAP clients will reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 33,519 metric tons annually. That amount (according to EPA estimates) is approximate to the annual electricity for all households in Ada Township, MI, or individually barbecuing with each person from Grand Rapids, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Flint and Lansing combined.
Viability’s lead grant writer believes that companies are recognizing the value in energy technologies.
“Nationwide, there is an increased interest and competition from businesses for grants,” said Greg Lam. “One state alone saw four-times the number of applicants this year compared to last.”
Even with the recession, Viability saw a 15% jump overall in awarded grants compared to 2008.
Viability’s REAP clients came from six states and featured dramatic reductions in energy use and costs. Projects included:
• A greenhouse biomass boiler system that replaces 100% of natural gas usage, trims $1.6 million a year in heating costs and supports local biomass production;
• Biomass-fueled dryer for a biomass fuel facility that decreases propane usage by 87% and increases biomass fuel output by 240%;
• Energy efficiency equipment that better insulates a greenhouse structure, lowers heating requirements by 43% and increases crop yield.
The 2010 REAP program began accepting applications October 1st.
ABOUT VIABILITY
Since 2003, Viability, LLC has partnered with a wide range of businesses in over 20 states and secured millions in grants and incentives. Viability’s comprehensive services include domestic and international carbon credit development, grant and incentive research, citywide carbon action plans and renewable energy project construction.
For more information on Viability, please visit www.viabilityllc.com
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Viability Grows Quickly, Acquires Valuable Personnel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 24, 2009
Contact: Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com
Green Enterprise Grows Fast
Viability, LLC expands its staff fivefold in spite of recession
Holland, MI – The Green energy sector has surged, and Viability, a Holland, MI based economic and environmental consulting firm, is growing to meet the demand. Viability’s staff has gone from three to 15 through the course of the last year.
In October of 2008, Viability moved to its new office overlooking downtown Holland, but now the company is stretching the confines of that space. “Our growth is in response to the demands of large energy users, like agribusiness, food processors, and greenhouses,” said Viability President Chris Byrnes. Viability partners with businesses to secure alternative and energy efficiency grants and manage carbon emissions.
“With energy prices rising and grants available for project development, businesses are looking for ways to cut energy costs and install innovative equipment,” said Byrnes, “And our expertise can make that happen.”
The new staff includes a combination of carbon specialists, grant writers, engineers, researchers and support staff.
Viability has also surpassed its mid year grant submissions record, with $3.1 million for 2009, which was $1 million more than in 2008.
Since 2003, Viability, LLC has partnered with a wide range of businesses in over 20 states and secured more than $10 million in grants and incentives. Viability’s services include grant and tax incentive research and preparation, carbon credit development, sustainability plans, and project development and implementation.
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Click here to download the PDF of this release
Viability Expands Into Ohio With New Representative Lotliker
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 18, 2009
Darshan Lotliker, a Masters of Engineering Management from Cleveland Heights, OH, will serve as Viability's face in the Buckeye state
Contact: Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com
Green Michigan Grant Firm Becomes a (Partial) Buckeye
Viability, LLC expands into Ohio with new Representative and offers free preliminary assessments for stimulus funds
Holland, MI - A Midwest green energy firm is placing its first physical presence in Ohio ahead of that state’s $96 million in State Energy Program stimulus funds. Viability LLC, a Holland, Michigan based economic development firm, is offering free preliminary grant and tax incentive research for energy projects through its new Ohio representative.
Although originally from Michigan, Viability has experienced dramatic growth as the demand for alternative energy and energy efficiency technologies has boomed. Darshan Lotliker, a Cleveland Heights resident and 2009 Case Western Masters of Engineering Management graduate, recently joined Viability and will serve as the company’s face in Ohio.
Lotliker has experience in engineering and tech fields, including work with Cleveland based NeuroWave Systems, Entrepreneurs EDGE, DuPont and Indian automotive manufacturer Tata Motors. “More and more industries in the region are moving towards attaining sustainable technologies, and Viability is at the forefront of providing services that may help these companies achieve their goals,” said Lotliker.
“I completely believe in the growth of the niche service that Viability offers to companies,” said Lotliker, “Viability has a very passionate team and I am proud to be part of it.”
Lotliker will operate out of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Viability’s expansion into Ohio is part of its move to partner with energy efficiency, alternative energy, and carbon offset projects in the Midwest region and beyond. Businesses interested in the free preliminary research and consultation must contact Viability directly either through its website www.viabilityllc.com or 616.396.6101.
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Viability to Host People Powered, Carbon Neutral Rothbury Recording Studio
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jun. 24, 2009
Contact: Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com
Viability to Host People Powered, Carbon Neutral Rothbury Recording Studio
Music festival attendees will be able to create power for studio and even record own music
HOLLAND, MI – June 23, 2009 – Calling all musicians and cyclists. Viability, LLC is offering all Rothbury Music Festival attendees the chance to produce the power for “carbon neutral music” and musicians to record it. At the Viability tent in Rothbury’s Epicenter, individuals can climb on the custom “V” Bike to generate electricity for an on site recording studio and also earn a free download of the compilation, “Power From the People.” The festival runs from July 2nd through the 5th.
Chris Byrnes, President of Holland, MI based Viability, expressed his excitement over the “V” Bike. “This is a great way to continue the spirit of the environmentally conscious fun at Rothbury!” shared Byrnes. “We believe that this is the first people powered recording studio of its kind.” The eight-person capacity “V” Bike allows participants to make their mark on the festival without leaving a carbon footprint. Additionally, tweeters, texters and talkers can recharge their cell phones off the “V” Bike in exchange for pedal power.
Professional and amateur artists are invited to record their song, poem, or spoken words expressing the Rothbury spirit. Acoustic instruments will be provided, but musicians must sign up. To be considered for the compilation, artists must provide Viability with contact information prior to the event. The sign up is located on Viability’s website, www.viabilityllc.com. If individuals would just like to jam for fun, they can stop by the Epicenter and Viability will upload their performance onto a video sharing website for their friends at home to view.
This year, Viability LLC has been contracted to conduct a carbon assessment of the Rothbury Festival. Anyone can stop by the Viability tent in the Epicenter to record some music, learn about the carbon assessment, career opportunities or to just ask questions about the other services that Viability offers to communities, businesses and events that share the Rothbury spirit.
For more information on the Rothbury festival, please visit http://www.rothburyfestival.com/
For video, pictures, and news from after the event, please visit our post-Rothbury wrap-up
VIABILITY of West Michigan wins Award for energy work
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 16, 2009
Contact: Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com
VIABILITY of West Michigan wins Green Award for energy work
HOLLAND– VIABILITY, LLC, was selected as one of Michigan’s 2008 Green Initiative Champions award winners by Corp Magazine, a statewide publication reporting on Michigan business issues.
The award was presented by Michigan Green–a group that promotes a renewable energy efficient nation–was given in recognition of the work done by Viability as a renewable energy grant and incentive consulting firm helping companies move to sustainable energy use.
Viability President Chris Byrnes accepted the award on behalf of the company during ceremonies at the Michigan State University Management Education Center. The award recognizes Viability for its significant achievements to “Green and Environmentally Friendly Practices.”
A West Michigan-based company, Viability helps businesses receive grants and tax savings for new buildings and renovations that produce energy savings. Viability has worked with more than 100 companies across the U.S. to develop operations that use renewable resources such as biomass heating systems.
Viability is one of only a few companies in the Midwest that can achieve carbon credits for companies reducing CO2 emissions.
For more information on Viability and its services, go to its website www.viabilityonline.com.
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VIABILITY of West Michigan helps companies acquire grants and carbon credits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 3, 2009
Contact:Chris Byrnes, President
616-396-6101, chris@viabilityonline.com
VIABILITY of West Michigan helps companies acquire grants and carbon credits and become energy sustainable
HOLLAND–Everything is coming up roses at VIABILITY, LLC, these days after the grants and incentive consulting firm helped achieve the largest Rural Energy for America Program grant in the history of New Hampshire.
The five-year-old West Michigan company last year helped wholesale floriculture company Pleasant View Gardens of Loudon, N.H. receive a $500,000 Renewable Energy Grant from the federal government to help build a new $2 million renewable energy, biomass heating system for its 413,000-square-feet of greenhouses.
“Pleasant View Gardens wanted to switch from natural gas heating to a more energy efficient, waste wood, biomass boiler system that would reduce energy cost for the company. They were able to cut back energy costs by $776,000 annually,” said VIABILITY President Chris Byrnes.
The New Hampshire success was just one of many that VIABILITY has achieved for more than 100 large and small companies in 20 states, including Michigan, since 2003.
“Our first project in 2003 was with Boar’s Head Provisions in Holland, Michigan, for its $17 million expansion. We produced a $900,0000 infrastructure grant for waste pretreatment equipment plus $2.5 million in tax abatements and training grants as our part of the project,” said Byrnes.
While originally focused on generating grants and tax savings for company expansions, VIABILITY over the years has evolved into an energy consulting company for clients to help become more energy efficient and create innovative business initiatives.
Recently, the firm helped get heavy-equipment manufacturer Wacker Neuson of Norton Shores $1.6 million in state and local incentives for its new $17 million, 300,0000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
VIABILITY was also involved in developing a methane heating system for greenhouses for Buckley Growers in Taylorville, Illinois, that saves $345,000 in energy costs annually and eliminates 41,000 tons of carbon from the air. VIABILITY is also one of a handful of companies in the Midwest that do the carbon credit process for companies.
“As we worked on funding projects for clients, they would say to us, ‘Our business is growing flowers or processing food, not energy. Help us plan and execute this energy innovation,” said Byrnes.
VIABILITY has broadened its services to include engineering, construction and operation through a partnership with GDK Construction Co. and GMB Architects-Engineers of Holland.
“The new partnership gives VIABILITY the ability to finance, engineer, build and operate new facilities under a separate company while VIABILITY continues to work on grants to help fund the project,” said Byrnes.
In the past year, VIABILITY has moved to new offices at 44 East Eighth Street in Holland. For more information on VIABILITY go to its website at www.VIABILITYonline.com.
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