Greater Cincinnati businesses can lead despite Paris climate retreat

President Donald Trump recently withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord. The backlash was immediate, significant and deserved.

The agreement was signed by almost 200 countries. This was a landmark achievement in a fractured world. More countries agree on the why and how of fighting climate change than how to battle terrorism.

Furthermore, the agreement was supported by many of the largest and most successful companies in the U.S., including Apple, Google, Microsoft, P&G and General Electric. Most major U.S. universities and many religious groups also urged the president not to withdraw from the agreement.

President Trump justified his decision by saying jobs would be lost. But the opposite is true. The greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century is a global shift to clean energy. The solar and wind power industries are growing by double digits and far outpacing new jobs in coal and natural gas. New batteries and electric vehicles are leveraging these industries. Tesla, for example, is now worth more than GM and Ford.

China, however, is leading the world in clean energy research, manufacturing and deployment. In fact, China’s leadership and investment are resulting in the U.S. becoming increasingly dependent on it. This means our national economy and security are at risk in the name of sovereignty, coal and politics.

More importantly, our global health and environment are at risk. Climate change is universal and irreversible. And it is largely caused by human activity, based on the research of 97 percent of climate scientists around the world. (Despite what they say, politicians, fossil fuel companies and the media do not know more about this than the scientific community.)

The logical extension of our planet warming 4-8 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of this century is that it will continue even faster next century. This will result in many plant and animal species becoming extinct and higher sea levels slowly flooding coastal cities.

What is our opportunity and risk mitigation strategy? Where government fails us, businesses can lead and win. Pivoting to clean energy will get us on the right side of history. This will make our corporate brands stronger so we can attract and retain the best talent. Renewables will also secure for us the lowest long-term cost of energy, because the fuel sources are free.

Therefore, Tri-State businesses should consider five simple strategies to successfully compete in the 21st century:

– Divest of fossil fuel and utility stocks and mutual funds that impede a clean energy future. Invest instead in clean energy stocks and mutual funds.

– Reduce your enterprise carbon footprint 50 percent by 2025 and 100 percent by 2035. This can be accomplished by investing in energy efficiency, as well as renewable energy, onsite and offsite.

– Purchase clean power rather than brown power from utilities.

Invest in workplace charging stations to promote electric vehicle use by your employees.

– Push similarly high standards and expectations on your supply chain.

Move over, politics. Businesses will step up and save the world. Future generations will thank us for this ultimate legacy.

 

As seen in the Cincinnati Business Courier.

 

 

Steve Melink’s 30th Anniversary Keynote – The Clean Energy Revolution

Steve Melink celebrates his company’s 30th anniversary by inviting partners and friends to join the clean energy revolution. The U.S. led the flight, computer, Internet, and every other age of the 20th century, but risks losing the biggest opportunity of the 21st century to China.  The world’s population growth from 7 to 12 billion will not be sustained by fossil fuels.  For economic, security, health, and environmental reasons, the U.S. needs to pivot to clean energy.  Fortunately, the business sector is starting to lead the way to attract Millennials and build brand power.  Solar and wind energy, along with battery storage and electric cars, are the way of the future.  Kick the
fossil fuel habit and become a leader in your industry and community by doing the right thing for the planet and future generations.  Not to mention your children.

 


Melink Corporation certified as a Great Place to Work

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CINCINNATI – Aug. 12, 2016 – Melink Corporation is now certified as a Great Place to Work.

The designation recently was awarded to the global provider of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions by the Great Place to Work Institute.

 According to the research and consulting institute, 91 percent of Melink employees reported that their workplace is considered “great.”

“Becoming a Great Place to Work organization is one of our top strategic goals as a company,” said Steve Melink, founder and CEO. “It is very gratifying to know that 98 percent of our employees feel that management is honest and ethical in its business practices, and 97 percent have great pride in who we are and what we do. This allows us to attract and retain great talent and thereby provide great offerings to our customers. Excellence begets excellence.”

When asked by the Great Place to Work Institute to share examples of programs they feel capture Melink’s uniqueness, employees cited: 

  • Energy Efficiency Benefit: After completing one year of service with Melink, employees are eligible for up to a $5,000 contribution toward the purchase of a qualified hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle or solar photovoltaic system for their personal residence. 
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Melink supports employees who wish to continue their education to secure increased responsibility and growth within their professional careers. In keeping with this philosophy, the company has established a tuition reimbursement program for expenses incurred through approved institutions of learning. 
  • Company Provided Vehicle: Executive and director level employees are provided a company sponsored hybrid or electric vehicle. Melink pays for the lease, maintenance, gas and insurance.

To learn more about Melink Corporation, visit Melinkcorp.com or call 513.965.7300.

About Melink

Melink Corporation is a global provider of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions for the commercial building industry, with four business offerings: HVAC Testing & Balancing, Intelli-Hood® Kitchen Ventilation Controls, Solar PV Development and Geothermal HVAC. For 30 years, the Cincinnati-based company has been helping organizations save energy, increase profits and make the world a more sustainable place. Melink’s corporate headquarters is LEED Platinum and Net-Zero Energy, and its vehicle fleet consists of all hybrid and electric cars.

Contact

Luci Feie

Marketing Manager, Melink Corporation

513-965-7300