Promoting Sustainable Business Practices: The BioVolt Initiative

Hello, I'm Daniel Monga, a passionate and dedicated student-athlete from Princeton High School. My journey has been marked by a diverse array of experiences that have shaped my outlook and aspirations. I recently completed an internship with Arcus Biosciences, where I delved into groundbreaking research, gaining invaluable insights into the biotech industry. Outside of academics, I tutor Algebra I and II, helping fellow students grasp complex mathematical concepts.

My adventurous spirit led me to Tanzania on a mission trip, where I contributed to community development projects. This trip also allowed me to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, an experience that tested my endurance and resilience. As a member of the National Economics Challenge, I've honed my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of economic principles.

Community service is close to my heart. I volunteer at the Cornerstone soup kitchen, providing meals to those in need. As a varsity wrestler and NJSIAA wrestling region qualifier, I understand the importance of discipline and perseverance. My academic achievements include being on the Princeton High School Honor Roll and earning the title of AP Scholar.

As a committed student-athlete who embraces challenges with unwavering determination, I consistently strive to excel in every pursuit, aiming to inspire others along the way. The expansion of businesses and the increasing consumer demand for convenience have led to the adoption of unsustainable practices. While these practices are cost-effective, they pose a significant threat to the environment, portraying a dismal future for teenagers and young adults as the health of our planet rapidly declines.

To understand the gravity of the problem, let's consider some key facts and figures:

Global Energy Consumption: By 2030, cost-effective efficiency improvements could save 430 billion total kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity, representing about 12% of total building electricity consumption in the U.S. 

Job Creation: Cumulatively, energy efficiency improvements will save 4,900 billion kWh of electricity and 3.1 exajoules (EJ) of natural gas through 2030, creating approximately 85,000 to 200,000 jobs due to investments in energy-efficient technologies. 

Small Business Energy Use: Many small businesses reside in commercial buildings smaller than 50,000 ft², which consume 44% of U.S. commercial building energy use (nearly 3 quadrillion Btu annually).

Cost Savings: An average commercial building can save up to 30% on energy bills with no-cost actions, strategic investment, and smart operations and maintenance. 

BioVolt aims to inspire a greater future for young adults by introducing environment-friendly practices to small businesses through a dedicated platform. We believe in making a positive impact on the environment while ensuring businesses remain efficient and competitive.

Our framework to achieve this mission is built on six core principles:

Our approach includes several strategic solutions to promote sustainable business practices:

• Develop a business plan highlighting sustainable methods

• Convey the issues that said practices encourage

• Help businesses maintain convenience while still reducing impact

• Do research on cost-effectiveness with these methods/other companies' methods

• Advertise simple solutions to various businesses through presentations, social media, etc.

We've made significant strides in promoting sustainable business practices. Our efforts have led to measurable impacts, such as local businesses adopting greener methods, reducing their carbon footprint, and increasing awareness within their communities. By aligning our initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13, which aims at climate action, we ensure that our actions contribute to a larger global framework for sustainability. These connections not only validate our work but also provide a clear direction for our future efforts, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in business practices for long-term positive change.

Looking ahead, BioVolt has outlined a detailed roadmap to guide our efforts:

Phase 1 (2023-2024): Foundation and Initial Adoption

Research cost-effectiveness of sustainable practices.

Develop business plans highlighting sustainable methods.

Promote solutions to local businesses through presentations and social media.

Purpose: Establish a foundation of knowledge and initial adoption of sustainable practices.

Phase 2 (2025-2026): Expansion and Awareness

Expand outreach to regional and larger-scale businesses.

Raise awareness of sustainable business practices.

Collect diverse data on the impact of these practices.

Purpose: Scale up the initiative to create a broader impact and gather comprehensive data.

Phase 3 (2027+): Precision and Policy Influence

Tailor advertisements and strategies based on specific locations and populations.

Adapt research and projects to different areas for maximum effectiveness.

Purpose: Enhance the precision and impact of sustainable practices across varied communities, influencing commercial policies.

BioVolt is committed to creating a sustainable future by encouraging businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Through teamwork, responsibility, and innovative solutions, we aim to make a lasting impact on our community and the world. Let's work together to build a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.