Venture Capital Will Center on Startups that Make Net-zero Operations Possible

SustainableBusiness.com recently highlighted a study from Lux Research discussing that the next wave of venture capital will center on startups that make net-zero operations possible. We at Ekotrope agree. We believe that technologies that have the ability to reduce energy use in buildings to net zero hold the key to the future energy use on this planet. Beyond the high cost of escalating energy prices and the environmental and health hazards from fossil fuels is the reality that net zero is possible and affordable. This is why customers of ours like Oyster Works in Rhode Island (see case study on commercial applications) have created a growing and prosperous business in the struggling construction market that focuses on developing net zero construction.The first of the four areas that Lux highlights as the most promising future investment areas that are likely to draw more attention in the months ahead is Integrated Design. The European Union's net zero energy building mandate that takes effect in 2018 and beyond coupled with similar US directives is driving investments in architects and construction companies that offer an integrated approach to energy efficiency. This is great news for Ekotrope as a key element of our mission is to help architects and construction companies do the upfront energy modeling that enables cost effective energy investments towards achieving goals such as Net Zero. To learn more check out our case study on Net Zero applications for Ekotrope.