The conservation of biodiversity is now big business. Whether called conservation banking, species banking, habitat banking, biodiversity banking, biodiversity offsets, compensatory mitigation or ecological footprint offsetting, the idea of financially valuing biodiversity and using the market and businesses to promote conservation is growing rapidly. This handbook is an essential and comprehensive guide to conservation banking explaining what it is, and how it works. The book covers the origins of conservation banking, the pros and cons of this approach to conservation, how conservation banking works in reality, the legal, practical and financial aspects of setting up and running a conservation bank and how 'biodiversity off-sets' can be internationalized. Authored by leading experts in the field of ecosystem markets, the book provides practical guidance, tools, case studies, analysis and insights into conservation banking in the United States, its 'biodiversity banking' namesake in Australia and other similar approaches internationally.

Jessica Fox is living in Hollywood, a 26-year-old filmmaker with a high-stress job at NASA. Working late one night, craving another life, she is seized by a moment of inspiration and types "secondhand bookshop Scotland" into Google... Soon, Jessica finds herself halfway across the world, in Wigtown on the west coast Scotland, working for the handsome but somewhat aloof Euan - owner of "The Bookshop", the town's eccentric cultural hub. As she struggles with the local accent and the pace of life in this remote corner of the world, she realises that she has a lot to do to adapt to life five thousand miles from home. Jessica's rollercoaster journey takes in all manner of new experiences, from Scottish Hanukkah and yoga on Galloway's West Coast, to a waxing that she will never forget - and it will both break and mend her heart. It will also teach her that sometimes we must have the courage to travel the path less taken.

This resource is the first-ever compilation of industry-authored case studies on how power companies are making strides toward achieving sustainable electricity in North America. The book features recent game changing efforts, candid insider stories about challenges and process, and forecasts for the next decade of innovation. Each chapter shares topic-focused case studies regarding the reality of implementing operational changes and strategies that will lead to sustainable electricity. Key technical staff and managers from top companies candidly report on failures, insights, trade-offs, internal process, resulting improvements to operational efficiencies, and natural resource and stakeholder benefits. Electric power company managers seeking to identify specific opportunities and understand the process for advancing sustainability in their own organizations will discover solid paths forward through potentially treacherous terrain. Educated stakeholders, agencies, and regulators will benefit from the greater understanding of the reality of realizing change in the electric power industry engendered by this unique strategic resource.

The conservation of biodiversity is now big business. Whether called conservation banking, species banking, habitat banking, biodiversity banking, biodiversity offsets, compensatory mitigation or ecological footprint offsetting, the idea of financially valuing biodiversity and using the market and businesses to promote conservation is growing rapidly.This handbook is a comprehensive guide to conservation banking, explaining what it is and how it works. Written by leading ecosystem market experts, the book provides practical guidance, tools, case studies, analysis and insights into conservation banking and other market-based approaches to conservation. Coverage includes the origins of conservation banking, the pros and cons for conservation, how conservation banking works in reality, the legal, practical and financial aspects of setting up and running a conservation bank and how 'biodiversity off-sets' can be internationalized.Published with Ecosystem Marketplace

Realities of power company choices, regulatory boundaries, and stakeholder approvals. Expectations of the responsible investor, environmental advocate, and Silicon Valley companies including Google, Facebook, and Stanford University. Surprising stories show how creativity, innovation, and planning can resolve some of the toughest choices facing electric power companies today, although not in all cases. Building on the first volume, Sustainable Electricity: Case Studies from Electric Power Companies in North America (Fox, 2016. Springer), this book dives headfirst into the economic, environmental, and social tradeoffs power companies face as they strive to be sustainable. With more than 40 contributing experts, chapters include first-hand power company stories, case studies of leading Silicon Valley organizations; socially responsible investor contemplations; environmental advocacy arguments; and regulatory realities. The book provides a window into the choices companies make, the tradeoffs stakeholders accept, and the bottom line that comes with producing sustainable electricity. It will be an important resource that will accelerate collective thoughts on what 'sustainable electricity' means and what needs to be considered when the "everyone wins" outcome is elusive. "People have been able to fish, hike, camp and boat on a beautiful AEP property that supports recreational activities for many years. Now AEP has to generate income from this property. Do we build roads and drill to extract the natural gas? Do we sell the timber and keep the property? Do we sell the whole thing? What about the fish, deer and other wildlife? Tradeoffs will be made, and not everyone will like them." Tim W. Lohner, Ph.D., Environmental Specialist, American Electric Power. (Chapter 3) "Companies are demanding access to clean energy and investors are pressing companies to source 100% renewable. It is essential that utilities develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce climate impact, and clearly articulate the plan and their progress. Customers and investors want to see this progress, and utilities need to develop the right model for their particular business." John Streur, CEO, Calvert Research & Management (Chapter 4) "At Chevron, we are continually examining the tradeoffs as we work to improve our energy efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint. The complexity of our global, shared challenge to electrify the world without undue compromise to the integrity of our planet is one that will require global action. The experiences and perspectives detailed in this book are important to understand as we collectively work towards a sustainable energy future. The one billion plus are counting on us." Kirsten S. Thorne, Global Issues and Public Policy Manager, Chevron (Forward)