The Clean Technology Challenge

In 2006, venture investors pumped $1.28 billion into clean technology companies in China, Europe, Israel and the U.S., the group said today. That’s about double the $664.1 million invested in 2005, according to the research, which was compiled the data with help from Ernst & Young.

Today, Dow Jones Venture One has released a more precise definition to what is meant by “clean technology.”

Companies that directly enable the efficient use of natural resources and reduce the ecological impact of production. Areas of focus include energy, water, agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing where the technology creates less waste or toxicity. The impact of cleantech can be either to provide superior performance at lower costs or to limit the amount of resources needed while maintaining comparable productivity levels.

Where is Sacramento on the Clean Tech map? If area leaders want this region to be branded the Clean Tech epicenter it's time for more action and less talk. Based on the discussions in local circles there is broad support for the concept. Maybe we need a real challenge to do something. Here's a start.

Venture Capital in Sacramento - Invest 20% of your Portfolio in Clean Tech.
Local Government & Business - Go Clean. 100% Clean energy by 2010.
Builders - Build 20% of your New Homes with Clean Energy sources.
SARTA - Incubate Clean Tech and Offer $$$ for companies in Clean Tech to move to Sacramento

Any more?