18 July 2008

THE chairman of pioneering solar venture, Cardiff-based G24 Innovations (G24i), has been named as an inaugural “force for good pioneer”.

American Bob Hertzberg is listed as a pioneer to mark the launch of new website, forceforgood.com

Unveiled by think tank Tomorrow’s Company, the site aims to demonstrate how commercial enterprise can be a powerful force for good, by providing case studies of global business people who have been commercially successful through the pursuit of ethically and environmentally responsible practices.

Other nominees include the chairman of mining business Anglo American, Mark Moody-Stuart, Robert Roth, the founder and president of Swiss social-enterprise Job Factory and Vicki Buck, the co-founder of New Zealand bio-fuel company, Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation.

Mr Hertzberg, a former speaker of the California State Assembly, was recognised for his position as one of the first of a new breed of “eco-financer” and in particular for founding next-generation solar business G24i.

The company has been recognised with a number of important awards in recent months, including a $200,000 Lighting Africa grant from the World Bank.

Mr Hertzberg is also involved in the G-Wiz electric car and environmental investment fund Renewable Capital.

Mr Hertzberg said: “The mantra at all the companies I have been involved with, from Renewable Capital to G24i, is ‘doing well by doing good.’ This award is further proof that sustainable business is good business.”

G24i is the world’s first commercial manufacturer of next-generation dye-sensitised thin film solar cells, an alternative to traditional silicon solar cells.

The solar cells are unique in that they are extremely lightweight, durable, and produce electricity in low-light and indoor conditions. As a result, G24i’s advanced solar cells are perfect for powering mobile electronic devices such as mobile telephones, cameras, and portable LED lighting systems.