OAKLAND, Calif. -- Despite being a centerpiece of celebrations the world over, fireworks displays often release toxic chemicals into the environment; researchers are developing a new generation of fireworks that shine as bright but leave less of an impact.

Putting advanced computing together with highly advanced -- and more widespread -- traffic sensors, researchers at Leibniz University in Hanover, Germany, have proposed an "organic" method of traffic control that responds to actual conditions. But is there an easier way?

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The EPA announced plans to create tougher rules to reduce air pollution from U.S.-flagged ships Wednesday, the same day new fuel regulations for ocean-going vessels went into effect in California. A day earlier, the state finally received a long sought-after waiver that allows it to regulate vehicle tailpipe emissions in its efforts to address climate change.

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Retailers that put green practices to work at their facilities can save tens of millions of dollars a year by managing resources and waste more aggressively, according to SSA & Company.

IBM's recent survey of worldwide business leaders found that the majority of firms are integrating CSR issues into daily operations -- but many are still missing the information they need to become sustainable enterprises.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With Energy Secretary Steven Chu by his side, U.S. President Barack Obama detailed stricter new lighting standards and promised the swift release of $346 million in Recovery Act funds to boost energy efficiency in new and existing commercial buildings and homes.

TRENTON, N.J. -- The partnership signals a new direction for TerraCycle, which will be sourcing used vinyl billboard materials that Yak Bag is turning into durable, waterproof backpacks, messenger bags, totes and more.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Berkeley firm Scientific Conservation Inc. broadly goes to market today with its SCIwatch software-as-a-service solution -- a first in Automated Continuous Commissioning that its creators say enables building owners and operators to cut as much as 25 percent of annual energy spending by tackling a condition called energy drift.

CHONGQING, CHINA -- The company expects the plant, located in western China in the city of Chongqing, will use 22 percent less water and 23 percent less energy than other PepsiCo plants in the country.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A new regulation adopted today will force more than a dozen California landfills to design and install equipment that captures methane gas created by decomposing solid waste.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Grant competitions opened today for $500 million in Recovery Act funds for training programs that will help retool the U.S. workforce for a clean energy economy.

There probably are lots of senior execs who've been comforted when their chief scientist has told them that since "the dose makes the poison," they shouldn't sweat some new study about a chemical found in small amounts in their products. This maxim is somewhat misleading; taking it at face value may be toxic to your company's reputation.

Big Blue is teaming up with San Francisco's Public Utilities Commission to monitor and reduce pollution in the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.