The Office Diggs

The following five U.S. cities offer an array of attractive destinations for cleantech companies looking to relocate:

• Austin: Austin is providing the new headquarters for the Clean Technology & Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI). CTSI chose Austin because it has a thriving cleantech community, consisting of researchers (including those at the university level), sustainable development and investment. The Innovate Texas Foundation is also located in Austin, and expects to work with CTSI.
• Boston: In 2008, the Boston area saw an investment of $387.17 million in greentech projects. The Boston area also includes a variety of cleantech pioneers, including Aeronautica Windpower, Conservation Services Group, Boston-Power, Inc., Evergreen Solar, GreatPoint Energy and others.
• Denver: Denver continues to be one of the strongest hubs for cleantech companies. The Colorado Clean Tech Initiative ensures that start-up businesses in the state receive some assistance with funding. Meanwhile, Denver also has a blueprint for cleantech use and transportation that focuses on sustainability. The city was one of the first to get an alternative fuel vehicles for public transportation, and boasts the first major airport to reach ISO 14001 standards.
• Seattle: Seattle is on the short list of cities that are likely to receive millions in funding for the purpose of jump-starting alternative energy technology. An annual budget from the federal government, if Seattle is approved as a R&D center, could be as high as $200 million.
• San Francisco: San Francisco regularly hosts the prominent Cleantech Forum, bringing in cleantech leaders from throughout the county to share best practices, while the city also continues to maintain its status as a recognized destination for emerging companies. San Francisco also has a sustainability plan that tackles air quality, biodiversity, energy issues and green economic development.