Social Innovation at the International CES 2012

As all the social innovation dust settles after the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES, the world's largest consumer technology show) in Las Vegas this January, I was interested to learn that the Show is very committed to clean energy and minimising waste. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) ®, owner and producer of the CES, announced a $75,000 donation to Green Chips and Repurpose AMERICA, both local Las Vegas not-for profit organisations. Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA, says "CES is committed to sustainability, and we are extremely proud that these donations will help the environment and the Las Vegas community through the efforts of Green Chips and Repurpose AMERICA. CES is a tremendously successful event thanks to the great people and facilities of Las Vegas, and we're pleased to make this investment in sustainability to demonstrate our commitment to this great city."

Green Chips supports sustainable social innovation initiatives such as solar panel installations and plans to use its $50,000 donation to help retrofit the Las Vegas Rescue Mission for solar panels. As there are more than 300 days of sunshine per year in Las Vegas, the Rescue Mission's solar panels will significantly reduce its energy bills while using clean energy. Cindy Ortega, Chair of Green Chips says, "CEA's generosity in making this award to Green Chips will make a lasting impact on the Las Vegas community for years to come".

Repurpose America services allow for businesses and organisations to be responsible both socially and environmentally.  It aims to increase income; reduce expenses; and lead the way to "zero waste" business platform.  Last year, in an effort to minimise waste from the 2011 International CES, the CEA, along with Global Experience Specialists and Repurpose America, created a social innovation collaboration to capture and reuse approximately 18,000 pounds of magnetic signs, nearly 15,000 square feet of banner signs and more than 150 foam boards (three feet by eight feet).

This year at CES, organisers issued second-life badge holders made from repurposed signs from last year's Show. The badge holders used nearly 24,000 square feet of repurposed vinyl signs. CEA has granted Repurpose AMERICA $25,000 to take signs and other materials from CES to build shade structures at two local community centres. Zach Delbex, CEO, Repurpose AMERICA says, "Repurposing signs from the biggest tradeshow in the Americas to help create much-needed shade structures at community institutions is an innovative sustainability solution that CEA and Repurpose AMERICA have pioneered".

The CEA is the trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry and its International CES, has become the global stage for innovation and now also social innovation. Many of the exhibitors displayed products that are committed to renewable energy from solar energy that included panels, phone chargers, to sustainable accessories and devices that will help to reduce our energy consumption. The world of technology realises that consumers around the world care about the planet and looking for eco friendly products.

Photo Credit: CEA Environmental web page