# New Report on Innovative Green Business Solutions

*Published:* 2008-05-20
*Author:* Sheryl Canter

![Sheryl Canter](https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2008/02/sheryl_canter.jpg)*This post is by Sheryl Canter, an online writer and editorial manager at Environmental Defense Fund.*

Ideas for businesses, and hope for everyone concerned about global warming – that’s what you get with our just-published, first annual [Innovations Review](http://edf.org/page.cfm?tagid=1571). This new report highlights innovative processes, products, and technologies in a range of different industries.

Green business practices can drive cost savings and create new markets, giving companies a competitive advantage. But what’s next after the basics, like switching to energy-saving light bulbs and printing double-sided?

Here’s one example that caught my eye – a southern California Web hosting company powered entirely by the Sun.

![AISO Solar Panels](https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2008/05/aiso_solar_panels.jpg)

All server farms must be kept cool. In fact, the average data center is 40 times more energy intensive than an office building. For Affordable Internet Services Online ([AISO](http://www.aiso.net/)) , which is in the desert, cooling is a particular challenge. But AISO is able to meet 100 percent of its power needs – for both its office and server farm – from 120 solar panels.

How is this possible? The answer lies in a combination of efficient design and innovative technology. For example, the AISO facility features:

- A unique air cooling system blows in cool air from outside when the temperature drops below 50°F (as often happens at night).
- Twelve-inch walls with high-grade insulation.
- Servers running at 75 percent capacity – compared to the usual 10 percent – thanks to virtualization software that lets one server host multiple applications.

The data center cost 60 percent more to build than a standard site. But AISO saves $3,000 a month in utility bills, and its environmentally responsible business practices have attracted a fast-growing client base.

In short, the company’s investment is rapidly paying off.

Check out the [full report](http://edf.org/page.cfm?tagid=1571) for examples of other innovative business practices in real estate, manufacturing, fleet management, finance, and more.