The Papakowhai mum-of-two’s business, Greenkeeper Systems, is dedicated to reducing power consumption and many city and regional councils, DHBs, banks, businesses and individuals are being wowed by her idea.

The concept is simple – Greenkeeper’s software ensures that when a computer is not in use, it turns itself off. Each one can have custom applications, so the user has more control over when their computer is not in use, “rather than just an on/off switch”.

“If you want your laptop to come on every day at 8am, it’ll be ready for you. You can set it up to turn off every day at 5.30pm, so you’re not leaving it on all night and creating that carbon footprint. The environmental benefits are spectacular.”

Ms Joronen has been based at the Clean Technology Centre in Otaki since 2010, somewhere she describes as her “network of peers”, who all have the same green goals.

Kapiti Coast District Council, which uses Greenkeeper, will save $51,000 this year from its 300 computers, Ms Joronen estimates. More than $14 million could be saved nationwide by running a system akin to hers, which also has the option for an audit system to ensure productivity isn’t being lost.

For business customers the cost is about $10 per computer and homeowners can buy a package for $30; not bad considering the average PC uses $100 of power every year when you are not sitting at it. The system is user- friendly and works to whatever suits your own schedule – a Smartphone app is being developed so you can “tell” your computer when to start up again.

Greenkeeper Systems took out Grow Wellington’s Bright Ideas Challenge late last year – the $25,000 prize has been crucial, Ms Joronen says – and it was a finalist in two other business awards.

One District Health Board is close to signing on, as is one of the country’s main banks, and Genesis Energy is offering the system to customers for $15. A health board in the UK and councils in Canada are also interested.

Ms Joronen says it has been a real juggle with family commitments, but working until 1am many nights has been worth it.

Article from stuff.co.nz

Alternative Petroleum Technology (APT) is an environmental technology company dedicated to comprehensive cost effective solutions to environmental problems. Through their New Zealand branch – APTNZ, they are introducing a range of emulsified fuel technologies which can help to reduce fuel consumption, increase engine efficiency and significantly reduce noxious tailpipe emissions and greenhouse gases.

The Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) is so impressed with APTNZ’s emulsified fuel technology; it is trialing the technology on a tractor/mower with a view to expand to much of the council’s older fleet if successful.

“Put simply, emulsion fuels reduce noxious gases and other carbon emissions,” says Leigh Ramsey, a partner in APTNZ. “This is in line with KCDC’s approach to clean technology so the trial is a great fit. KCDC’s willingness to be involved in the trial shows a real commitment to the technology and a huge vote of confidence in APTNZ,” says Mr Ramsey.

The month long trial is the first of its kind in New Zealand “If this trial is successful we can look at the possibility of taking old commercial fleets and improving their emissions profile. The carbon footprint of a bus is huge if it needs replacing due to its diesel emissions, however the emulsified fuel technologies can greatly reduce this with no engine modification or replacement of the vehicle required.” Alternative Petroleum President, Patrick Grimes, said the improved combustion from the blend could create fuel savings of up to 3 per cent.

APTNZ is one of 12 businesses who are members of the Clean Technology Centre; an initiative managed by Grow Wellington. Mr Ramsey says the Clean Technology Centre is the ideal place for APTNZ to be running its operations from. “The support and dedication we receive from Grow Wellington through the Clean Technology Centre is invaluable,” he says. “There is a vast range of expertise at the centre and a real culture of collaboration and reciprocation.”

“The sharing of ideas and opportunities that will arise from APTNZ being at the Clean Technology Centre will vastly enhance the positive clustering effect which is beginning to take shape there,” says Steven Finlay, Grow Wellington’s Centre of Excellence Manager for Clean Technology. “The trial with KCDC is a real step forward for the advancement of emulsion fuel technologies in New Zealand.”

You can view other articles on Blended Fuel Solutions / Alternative Petroleum Technology below:
Stuff – Watered down-diesel a winner
Grow Wellington News Item – The right mix for a green future 
Unlimited Magazine – Partnership aims to put the green in machines
Idealog – Council trials new fuel emulsion technology

After looking around for a business to buy, franchise or a product to distribute and having found nothing appealing, Helen went back to work after the Christmas holidays in 2008, and realised that all PCs, Laptops and Servers had been running since they’d gone to the pub on December 22nd.  “And that was my ‘lightbulb’ moment. A little bit of research and I’d worked out we’d chewed through 157kg of carbon over the holidays, then I started to realise the global scale of the problem, and off we went” says Helen.
 
After spending five months working on an initial concept Helen then brought in the first architect who worked on the application, and wanted to focus very heavily on user acceptance of the product. “There’s research out there to say that 39% of people who have used a power management application have asked for it to be removed because it’s interfering with their work flow. So we took a completely different approach to all our competitors and instead of giving one big ‘On/Off’ switch we give the user complete control of the application” Helen says. And it’s not just businesses Greenkeeper Systems can help “the average home PC is using at least $100 of power when you are not sitting at it, so why not put that extra $100 back in your pocket.”
 
Helens first contact with Grow Wellington was 18 months ago when she met the Clean Technology Centre of Excellence Manager, Steven Finlay, “From that point on I’ve had the full support of Grow Wellington on every aspect of developing the business, from market research and growth, development, to networking and business development opportunities. It’s like having a corporate services department and generally it’s my first port of call when I have a question” says Helen.
 
Greenkeeper Systems then joined the Clean Technology Centre in Otaki which was established by Grow Wellington in 2010. “The Centre gives us a network of peers who ‘get it’ – and whilst that doesn’t put dollars in the bank, there is something reassuring about a group of trusted allies, with complementary businesses all of whom have the same goal” Helen says, “Within the Clean Tech Centre we’re all battling to change behaviours, all introducing new and in some cases disruptive technologies, and it’s not an easy thing to do. This is a business transformation group where we are all actively looking at ways to safeguard the planet. Some of New Zealand’s major success stories will come from this team of crazy Ggeen entrepreneurs!” says Helen.
 
Helen entered the 2011 Bright Ideas Challenge and in November walked away with $25,000 seed capital having been recognised as the overall brightest idea from the challenge.
 
“Winning Bright Ideas – well that’s like a dream come true. The seed capital will have a dramatic impact on the bottom line, and we’re looking forward to returning next year to challenge the entrants to do better than we have!”
 
Greenkeeper Systems have also been a finalist in the Global Entrepreneurship Week Clean Tech Open, the Westpac/Chamber Business Awards for both Sustainability and Innovation, and have partnered with Genesis Energy in the Smart Savers advertising campaign.
 
Helen is now starting to expand Greenkeeper Systems overseas with distributors in 14 countries but says “Starting any new venture is difficult but growing in the green space is undoubtedly more difficult. People are still not ‘getting it’ – the global financial crisis moved people’s focus from the environment to the bottom line. And in many cases people are waiting for changes in legislation or consumer behaviour. But you can’t just do that, you’ve got to get out there and shake people up with your message”.
 
What’s next for Helen and Greenkeeper Systems? “At this point in our life cycle, speed to market is our number one priority. Investment in smart social media campaigns, PR and marketing to our current prospects – these are all activities which will turn into revenue and accelerate growth. Our technology is ready after four years of hard work – now the focus is to sell, sell, sell!” says Helen.

“The entrants in this year’s Bright Ideas Challenge are an impressive reflection of the aptitude and depth of Wellington’s entrepreneurial community,” said Nigel Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive of Grow Wellington. “As a region, Wellington really is an entrepreneurial hub; the ideas that have been generated by the 2011 Challenge are a huge testament to that.”

100 ideas have received business support and connections as a result of the Challenge with Kapiti Greenkeeper Systems Ltd receiving $25,000 growth capital for their idea – The Greenkeeper. Greenkeeper Systems Ltd are a resident business at the Clean Technology Centre in Otaki.

The Greenkeeper was a standout idea which achieves objectives of organisations around the globe to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs. The Greenkeeper is a system which ensures that desktop and laptop computers are switched off when not in use, alleviating the fact that the IT sector currently creates a greater carbon footprint than the aviation industry.

Alongside The Greenkeeper, 14 other ideas were recognised for their excellence, ranging from Tattoo Aftercare to artificially intelligent digital and robotic characters.

“The Bright Ideas Challenge is a very successful platform which enables Wellington entrepreneurs to take their ideas to the next level,” says Nigel.
Taking it to the next level is exactly what the 2010 Bright Ideas Challenge entrants are doing, with over 100 businesses receiving on-going support from the innovation community and with last year’s brightest idea, ‘Im-Able’ securing backing from U.S investors in June 2011.

The Bright Ideas Challenge is a great showcase of the entrepreneurial talent that lies in the Wellington Region. With its innovative outlook and collaborative environment, the region really is the place for turning Bright Ideas into commercial reality.

“As a region we are committed to innovation,” says Nigel Kirkpatrick, Grow Wellington Chief Executive. “With such a huge international demand for clean technologies, showcasing the regions products and concepts on an international stage has the potential to significantly transform the local, regional and national economies.”

Globally, investment in renewable energy surpassed conventional energy projects for the first time in 2008. Roland Berger Strategy Consultants estimate that the global market for environmental products and services will be US$2,740 billion by 2020.

View articles on the Clean Technology Centre New Zealand:
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