Some of the best, energy saving technologies and inventions are not implemented because of a gap between interventors, entreprenaurs and the money that sets things in motion. As Jigar Shah has told us before, “We have, in our country, all the technologies necessary to solve climate change. We just have to export them around the world.”So what's stopping us? Many things. All explained in Jigar's new book - set to release early this summer. As Jigar's media partner, ICOSA is proud to be a part of the launch of Creating Climate Wealth - Unlocking the Impact Economy.
In this week's radio program, Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA - Jan Mazotti and Kelly de la Torre talk with Jigar about his new book as well as the challenges surrounding clean technology solutions. As Jigar explains, there are great technologies that really solve energy problems, but have no customers due to the costs of implementation.
"Capitalism 101 is that people have to be in pain. People don't take vitamin pills, they take pain medication. So you have to figure out how to sell pain medication. " ~ Jigar Shah
Many times it comes down to explaining the benefits surrounding the cost. One example is a company with a solution for getting fresh, local produce to major grocers around the country. Corporations and city governments often can't see past the start up costs of hydroponic greenhouse technology. If it costs 15 percent more to grow the produce locally, it seems cost-prohibitive. But those fruits and vegetables can be sold to the grocery store for 15 percent more, while dramatically reducing the use of fuel and pollution from diesel trucks. All this, while delivering produce that is only a day old compared to four days old. The hangup, besides cost, is that the most suitable investors are cautious because they're not accustomed to supporting agriculture. Which is why Shah advocates for experts that can identify the patterns that will appeal to the right investors.
Be sure to listen to the full program to hear more examples and learn more about the soon-to-be-released book.
Listen to the entire Connect & Collaborate program this Saturday at 10:00 AM on KNUS 710 – or download our podcast – you’ll find it at the top of this article.