Last week, we ran a package of stories on alternative energy, including a guide to green companies—a list of major players, midsize firms, and up-and-comers involved in clean energy. Today, I heard about SustainableBusiness.com's list (published in its Progressive Investor newsletter) of the 20 most innovative companies making progress in greening their operations or developing a clean-technology business. Note that some of these companies don't trade on U.S. exchanges, but a handful do (I've provided ticker symbols):
Accsys Technologies: A U.K.-based company that converts softwoods into a new type of wood with attributes similar to hardwoods
Apogee Enterprises (APOG): Specializes in green building and energy-efficient construction
Asahi Pretec: Japan-based recycler of precious metals
Canadian Hydro Developers: Owns and operates small hydropower and wind plants
Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG): Serves food from organic farms, including 100 percentfree-range chicken and pork
Climate Exchange: Owns major carbon exchanges in the United States and Europe
First Solar (FSLR): Thin-film solar maker
Google (GOOG): Active in green initiatives
Hewlett-Packard (HPQ): Heavy on green business practices, including recycling equipment and improving printer efficiency
Interface (IFSIA): Modular carpet-maker that recycles tiles and uses biodegradable materials
International Business Machines (IBM): Designing technologies to drastically reduce energy use at customer data centers
Lindsay Corp. (LNN): Maker of efficient irrigation equipment
Natura Cosmeticos: Brazilian-owned cosmetics company that uses only natural ingredients
Ormat Technologies (ORA): Develops, builds, and runs geothermal power plants
Philips Electronics (PHG): The world's largest lighting manufacturer is focusing on energy-efficient lighting.
Solar Millennium AG: Germany-based solar utility that specializes in large-scale solar thermal power plants
Staples (SPLS): Incorporates green business practices, such as recycling used electronics
Suzlon Energy: India-based maker of wind turbines
TNT: Netherlands-based postal system operator that aims to become a zero-emissions transport company
WaterFurnace Renewable Energy: Maker of geothermal and water-source heat pumps
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