The Consumer Electronics Show is January 8-11, 2009 in the capitol of energy decadence: Las Vegas. Will we see products aimed at helping consumers reduce their energy bills and carbon footprints?

Dr. Brian Nattrass is the author of "Dancing with the Tiger" and other books on sustainable business practices. He's best known for his consulting work on sustainability with high-profile clients like Nike, Starbucks and the US Army. Nattrass spoke to a business audience in Seattle recently, at a green business summit organized by the Puget Sound Business Journal. (podcast)

Green marketing plays an important role in companies' decisions to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Most companies are making green claims, and most know they must at least try to live up to them -- and clean up their energy act before consumers label them as greenwashers. But does that apply in the business-to-business world?

Cap and trade, or a carbon tax -- which is better? Economist Gilbert Metcalf argues his case for a tax.

Off-grid and grid-tied solar now have a new cousin: "Hybrid solar." Florida Power & Light executives marked the groundbreaking of a new solar power project that will be connected directly to a dinosaur power plant.

Smart meters haven't taken off in France yet, while electricity distributors wait for European standards. A consortium of distributors decided to take the lead with open-interface meters that will let them expand capabilities later.

This month's Briefing explores sustainable building and urban design strategies in Canada at Dockside Green, the University of British Columbia, and the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver BC. (photos)