As planned, the recent United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, focused on crucial environmental  topics of global importance. Unfortunately, sometimes good intentions just aren’t enough – the summit ended without reaching any kind of concerted agreement among the participating government representatives.

Clearly,  it is difficult  for countries to reach a consensus on  global issues such as reducing the impact of the global economy on the planet or finding realistic alternatives to fossil energies (to name but a few). However, in the private sector, agreements need not be so multilateral and some companies are already working on sustainable ways to develop and conduct responsible business.

For instance, the issue of fossil fuel rarefaction is a well-known but still concerning concept. Although companies are thinking about new ways to manufacture their products, organize their supply chains, and even to deliver their services, innovation will be the key to successful sustainable business in the long run.

Here are a few interesting initiatives from private companies involving solar energy as the primary (or sole) source of power:

• The solar powered floating resort:
• Designed as a multipurpose vacation site, this resort is composed of three different parts that, once combined, allow vacationers to enjoy a relaxing stay while moving like a yacht and discovering the beauty of the ocean bed using a glass-walled underwater room. The resort will operate  independently from the electric grid and is poised to be one of the future hits of the holiday seasons.
• Solar project at Macy’s distribution center
• Going a step further than the regular usage of solar panels on residential rooftops, Enfinity America Corporation has announced the installation of a 1.1 MW, fixed-tilt solar array on the rooftop of a Macy’s distribution center in Edison, New Jersey. This initiative provides an excellent option for companies interested in taking a stand for the environment.
• Thatched Mozambique home draped in solar panels
• Designers have recently managed to set up solar panels on a thatched home in Mozambique, Africa, mixing for the first time beach architecture with modern technology. The three-unit building is close to being self-sufficient in energy thanks to the solar panels that electrify and illuminate the home and that partially heat the water (though a small amount of gas is added to the mix). This solar technology demonstration is not only a good way to produce energy in developed countries but also a clever way to provide power in less-developed countries with abundant sun.

Companies are leading the charge in helping the environment and contributing to a better world for all of us. These innovative companies are doing their best to make a positive impact on the environment. The more options we have, the closer we come to a safer, more sustainable planet.