Oberon Fuels,SHV Energy
Date: 2020-02-12
San Diego-based ultra-low-carbon, renewable dimethyl ether (rDME) transportation fuel producer Oberon Fuels reports it is partnering with the Netherlands-headquartered global propane fuel distributor SHV Energy to accelerate the use of renewable DME to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation fuel. The two firms will collaborate on: further developing DME fueling infrastructure and vehicle development; using SHV Energy's technical resources to test the use of rDME blended with propane, and; using SHV's global distribution network to facilitate greater use of rDME in numerous energy applications worldwide.

Oberon Fuels, which raised over $30 million in private funding since 2010, received $2.9 million in California grant funding to upgrade its existing DME pilot facility to demonstration scale and facilitate -- the first production of rDME in the U.S., with a target production capacity of approximately 1.6 million gpy of DME.

DME is approved as a renewable fuel under the U.S. EPA Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), and is eligible for RIN credits when made from biogas by the Oberon process. California Air Resources Board (CARB) has estimated that dairy manure converted to DME by the Oberon process has a CI of -278 gCO2e/MJ compared to ultra-low-sulfur diesel which has a CI of 100 gCO2e/MJ, according to the company. (Source: Oberon Fuels, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: Oberon Fuels, Ruben Martin, CEO, 619.255.9361, 619.756.6470 - fax, info@oberonfuels.com www.obersonfuels.com; SHV Energy, Bram Graber, CEO, +31 (0) 23 5555 700, +31 (0) 23 5555 701 - fax., www.shvenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oberon Fuels,  SHV Energy,  

Ernst & Young
Date: 2020-01-31
Reporting from London, Ernst & Young Global Limited (EY) has announced plans to be carbon neutral by the year end.

To that end, EY will focus on reducing travel emissions, sustainable procurement practices and purchasing more renewable energy to power EY offices. It will also purchase carbon credits to offset the EY carbon footprint and invest in projects that reduce carbon emissions or remove carbon from the atmosphere, for example reforestation projects. The company is also expanding its global sustainability strategy which will focus on helping clients innovate and use technology to reduce their own carbon emissions, while driving sustainable economic growth. To date the company has:

Designed its environmental strategy in alignment with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) environmental principles, including measurement and reporting of the EY carbon footprint over the past 10 years.

Issued a global environmental statement in financial year (FY) 18, setting the expectation that the global EY network bears a collective responsibility to minimize its environmental impact.

Between FY17--FY19, EY decreased office energy emissions by over 11 pct while continuing to grow its business, resulting in a 25 pct reduction in energy emissions per full-time employee (FTE)

Over the past 15 years, its market-leading EY Climate Change and Sustainability Practice has supported EY clients' decarbonization and sustainability journeys by helping them implement a range of solutions crossing sustainability, supply chains and reporting.

Played a leading role in the World Economic Forum's International Business Council and developed a core set of common metrics and disclosures on non-financial factors to their investors and other stakeholders.

Introduced a global supplier code of conduct and procurement environmental criteria to improve the sustainability of products and services.

Collaborated with hotel suppliers to reduce waste, emissions and water use from EY people. EY people have dedicated time and skills to accelerate environmental sustainability through the EY Ripples program and helped scale nearly 100 impact enterprises focused on critical socio-environmental issues. (Source: EYGM, PR, 30 Jan., 2020) Contact: EY, Carmine Di Sibio, CEO, Steve Varley, EY Global Vice Chair – Sustainability , Alasdair Gee, Media, +44 (0) 20 7980 0612, Alasdair.Gee@uk.ey.com, www.ey.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ernst & Young,  Carbon Neutral,  Carbon Emissionms,  

Mexican Association of Wind Energy
Date: 2020-01-31
The Mexican Association of Wind Energy (MEWE) is reporting that country's wind energy installed and operating capacity has tripled to 6,200 MW over the last 5 years.

According to the MEWE release, "the evolution of technology and the abundance of resources in Mexico, has led to the world record here (low prices), which is around $ 17 per MWh. The areas of the southeast, north, northeast with great potential for wind resources have helped companies in the world have come to invest in the development of these sustainable projects that help reduce the carbon footprint of both the electricity sector and private companies." (Source: Mexican Association of Wind Energy, reve, 29 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mexican Association of Wind Energy,  

Air Liquide,Solidia
Date: 2020-01-29
Air Liquide reports the renewal of its 2016 partnership with Piscataway, New Jersey-based cement and concrete technology specialist Solidia Technologies. Under their 2016 agreement, a team of Air Liquide and Solidia Technologies experts "industrialized" Solidia Concrete, which uses carbon dioxide (CO2) to cure concrete.

The combination of the consumption of CO2 during curing, and lowered carbon emissions achieved in the production of low-energy Solidia Cement that is used to bind the concrete, results in an up to 70 pct reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete, according to the release.

Air Liquide is Solidia's preferred supplier of CO2 and the equipment used for its injection in the cement-concrete production process.(Source: Air Liquide, Chemical Engineering 28 Jan., 2020) Contact: Air Liquide, Corporate Communications, +33 (0)1 40 62 58 49, media@airliquide.com, www.airliquide.com; Solidia, 908-315-5901, www.solidiatech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Air Liquide,  CO2,  Cement,  Concrete,  

Church of England
Date: 2020-01-29
In the UK, the Church of England reports it is aiming to reduce the church's carbon footprint from all of its 40,000 buildings to carbon zero by 2045.

To that end, York Minster -- the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York -- has already seen all halogen bulbs replaced with low-energy LED lighting with motion control systems, the installation of new energy efficient heating systems and other low-carbon, energy efficient and climate friendly upgrades. York Minster also buys 90 pct of goods locally to reduce CO2 emissions from transportation and looks at energy usage when ordering new components. (Source: York Minster, PR, 28 Jan., 2020)Contact: York Minster, www.yorkminster.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon,  Carbon Neutral,  Energy Efficiency,  

Sainsbury
Date: 2020-01-29
In the UK, retail grocery giant Sainsbury's reports it has committed to investing £1 billion ($1,301,400,000 - US) over the next twenty years as part of an effort to become net-zero carbon by 2040.

To reach its goal Sainsbury's will focus on cutting carbon emissions, food waste, plastic packaging, water usage and increasing recycling, biodiversity and healthy and sustainable eating. The retailer's current carbon footprint of 1 million tpy is a 35 pct absolute reduction over the last 15 years despite its space increasing by 46 pct over the same time frame. (Source: Sainsbury's, Share Cast, 28 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sainsbury,  Carbon Emissions,  

Stockholm Exergi,Fortum
Date: 2020-01-29
In Sweden, Stockholm Exergi, a joint venture between Helsinki, Finnish utility Fortum Oyi and the city of Stockholm, reports it is looking to make Swedish capital's district heating the world's first to become carbon negative.

To that end, the company this spring will close its last coal-fired boiler and has replaced most of its coal-based production with biofuels. The company is also investigating the implementation of carbon capture systems to achieve a positive carbon footprint by 2040.

Fortum Oyi is also testing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in Oslo at its joint venture Fortum Oslo Varme. Both the Stockholm and Oslo projects are partnering with the Northern Lights initiative, which is studying carbon storage in the bedrock of the North Sea. (Source: Stockholm Exergi, Recharge, 28 Jan., 2020) Contact: Stockholm Exergi, www.stockholmexergi.se; Fortum Oyi, www3.fortum.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Fortum,  Carbon Negative,  Carbon Emissions,  Stockholm,  

Microsoft
Date: 2020-01-20
Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft is reporting plans to cut its carbon emissions by half by 2030,

To that end, the high tech giant will: start expanding its internal carbon fee to cover scope three emissions, indirect emissions of activities like goods production and waste; invest in new and improved carbon removal and reduction technologies ; launch a $1 billion climate innovation fund; advocate for greater transparency when it comes to pollution and carbon footprints; help suppliers and customers worldwide reduce their carbon foot print; and ultimately remove all of the carbon it emitted since its founding in 1975. (Source: Microsoft, PR, ITPro, Various Others, 17 Jan., 2020)Contact: Microsoft Corporate Offices, www.headquartersinfo.com/microsoft-headquarters-information

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mocrosoft,  Carbon Footprint,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Green Mountain Power
Date: 2020-01-15
Green Mountain Power (GMP) reports it is building on the success of its customer programs to cut carbon emissions and energy costs by renewing its 2019 rebates program for 2020. GMP's rebates were intended to reduce energy costs and customer carbon footprints, and customers responded by making thousands of purchases -- offsetting 156 million lifetime pounds of carbon, equal to taking 15,000 fossil-fueled vehicles off the road for a year.

The rebates helped GMP, working with customers, exceed aggressive 2019 carbon reduction goals by 40 pct. The utility's power supply is 90 pct carbon free and 60 pct renewable, with a commitment to be 100 pct carbon free in five years and 100 pct renewable by 2030. (Source: Green Mountain Power, Vermont Bus. Mag, 8 Jan., 2020) Contact: Green Mountain Power , Mary Powell, CEO, Jeff Monder, (802) 770-3392, jeff.monder@greenmountainpower.com, www.greenmountainpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Mountain Power,  Carbon Emissions,  

World Energy
Date: 2020-01-08
Shell Aviation reports it has teamed up with World Energy to develop a scalable supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), approximately one million gallons of which will be reportedly provided to the German air carrier Lufthansa, at San Francisco Airport in the US.

As previously reported, San Francisco Airport announced plans to expand the use of SAF in its operations in 2019.

According to its website, World Energy is one of the largest and longest-serving low-carbon fuel suppliers in North America. We manage the complete low-carbon fuel supply chain for large-scale businesses, governments, and institutions to make it simple for our partners to transition to cleaner energy and immediately start reducing their carbon footprint.(Source: World Energy, Shell Aviation, Biofuel, Jan., 2019) Contact: World Energy, Gene Gobolys, Pres., 617-889-7300, Fax - 617-887-2411, info@worldenergy.net, www.worldenergy.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Energy ,  Aviation Biofuel,  SAF,  

Packard Foundation
Date: 2019-12-09
According to the newly released Global Change Biology study from the Los Altos, California-based David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the burgeoning bioenergy sector must peak and decline in the next 30 years to alleviate extreme pressure on land. The study researchers assert that projections envisioning the use of biomass from crops, trees or grasses for fuel through 2100 overlook the technology's high carbon footprint and excessive land use.

An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report released last year found that many scenarios capable of reducing the threat of climate change relied heavily on bioenergy, predicting that energy from biomass could make up 26 pct of primary energy in 2050 -- up from 10 pct in 2020 -- and predicting that solar and wind combined would likely only account for 22 pct. Those scenarios often relied on significant use of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), which involves growing trees across a large area of land to produce wood pellets burned for energy, then capturing and sequestering the carbon emissions. In its analysis, though, the IPCC found significant challenges associated with a high reliance on bioenergy, noting in particular that the vast areas of land required to produce biomass for energy would compete with food production and other human needs.

The Global Change Biology assessment examine a flurry of recent reports that suggest even more problems with large-scale bioenergy projects reliant on large tracts of land, and also show that more cost-effective alternatives will be available in the coming decades. Pulling from these recent studies, the authors establish three reasons why large-scale bioenergy must and can peak and decline in the next 30 years:

Large-scale bioenergy emits carbon. Carbon emissions from bioenergy can be greater in the near-term than emissions from the fossil fuels it is replacing, undermining the assumption that bioenergy is always a relatively low-emission and low-cost form of energy. Burning wood pellets, for example, creates a "double climate problem." Manufacturing and shipping wood pellets entails substantial emissions of fossil CO2, and it can take decades or centuries for harvested areas to return to pre-harvest carbon stocks.

Large-scale bioenergy puts a squeeze on land. Land is already a scarce resource, and it will become even scarcer with time due to an increase in the human population and a rise in the appreciation of the conservation value of natural and mostly-natural ecosystems--even if agricultural yields continue to increase. Because land is so limited, we should use it as efficiently as possible for energy production. In contrast to land-intensive bioenergy, the amount of electricity that can be produced from a hectare of land using photovoltaics is at least 50-100 times that from biomass.

Large-scale bioenergy is inferior to other solutions. And, by mid-century, land-intensive bioenergy will face fierce competition from superior technologies such as wind and solar energy, the development of efficient storage and other flexibility solutions, and the advent of more effective carbon removal technologies such as direct air capture with carbon storage.

The assessment comes at a time when the bioenergy industry is ramping up worldwide, with the EU in the lead. Bioenergy currently accounts for 10 pct of the world's energy, and 50 pct of our renewable energy. In the EU, bioenergy accounts for two-thirds of all renewable energy (nearly half from wood). Two-thirds of the EU's "20 pct Renewable Energy by 2020" target depends on bioenergy. And the bloc is also about to greenlight the conversion of five large coal plants to bioenergy plants that burn imported wood pellets from overseas forests.

Land-intensive electrical power projects in particular are picking up steam as governments and industry leaders seek to transform disused coal factories into new profit centers. Between 2006 and 2015, the production of wood pellets for biomass energy use quadrupled to 26 million tons. Worldwide, demand for globally traded wood pellets destined for use in phased-out coal plants or new dedicated bioenergy plants is expected to rise 250 pct by 2027.

The study lays out a bioenergy trajectory that policymakers can use to encourage sustainable bioenergy while also opening the door for new technologies to replace land-intensive bioenergy in the very near future. These recommendations include improved accounting of the actual carbon emissions associated with the use of biomass, favoring biomass from waste, residues or land management practices that enhance carbon storage, and providing incentives for energy storage, direct air capture technologies, and low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels. Above all, the authors argue that bioenergy projects should be avoided if they involve natural forests, such as converting natural forests to bioenergy plantations, or use land best suited for food crops. And the authors caution that claims that bioenergy projects are a zero-carbon form of energy should be met with skepticism.

The Packard Foundation through 2020, will have awarded nearly $1 billion in grants to reduce carbon emissions, one of the its greatest program commitments in its 55-year history. (Source: David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Dec., 2019) Contact: David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Walt Reid, Director Conservation and Science Program, Report Author, 650-948-7658, www.packard.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bioenergy,  CO2,  CCS,  Biofuels,  Carbon Emissions,  

Norwegian Airline
Date: 2019-12-09
Norwegian, the low-cost airline reports it will join the UNFCCC's Climate Neutral Now Pledge to measure and report its greenhouse gas emissions, reduce its greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and offset remaining emissions with UN Certified Emission Reductions (CERs).

To that end, Norwegian has partnered with the Oslo-based climate company CHOOOSE to make it easy for customers to offset their carbon footprint as part of the ticketing process.

When first selecting a flight, Norwegian informs customers how its flights' emissions compares to industry average. The CO2 emissions calculation is based on the official methodology of the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Council of Clean Transportation (ICCT) and Norwegian's own flight emissions data. Next, customers are offered a simple option to offset their calculated carbon footprint directly in the checkout process. For customers that opt in, offsetting is then performed through carefully selected CO2-reducing clean energy projects in regions Norwegian flies to. The projects are certified by the UN and the Gold Standard. The Gold Standard also includes contributions to other UN Sustainable Development Goals. (Source: Norwegian, PR, 5 Dec., 2019) Contact: Norwegian, Geir Karlsen, Acting CEO, www.norwegian.com; CHOOSE, Andreas Slettvoll, CEO, hey@chooose.today, wwwchooose.today; International Council of Clean Transportation, www.theicct.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offsetting,  Airline Emissiuons,  Aviation Emissions,  

City of Ypsilanti
Date: 2019-11-22
In Washtenaw County, Michigan, the city of Ypsilanti (pop. 22,000 +-) City Council reports it has resolved to develop a draft plan to achieve carbon neutrality in the community by 2035. The initiative is in line with the city's commitment to locally combat climate change and join the city of Ann Arbor in its sustainability efforts.

The city of Ann Arbor has declared a climate emergency and set a goal to make the community carbon-neutral by 2030. Ypsilanti plans to work with Ann Arbor officials to develop a regional plan. Washtenaw County allocated $30,000 to hire a consultant to do a greenhouse gas inventory for the county to begin the action plan that could include moving away from fossil fuels, using clean energy, and balancing remaining carbon emissions with offsetting efforts like planting trees to achieve a zero-carbon footprint. (Source: City of Ypsilanti, MLive, 21 Nov., 2019) Contact: City of Ypsilanti, 734-482-1025, www.cityofypsilanti.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon-Neutral,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Cornell University
Date: 2019-11-22
In the Empire State, Cornell University is reporting completion of a comprehensive indoor and outdoor lighting upgrade to LEDs at its Ithaca campus. The upgrades, which began in 2014, have saved the campus more than 18,000 tons of carbon and $2.9 million to date for an expected $16 million savings over the lifetime of their use. The new lighting also reduces the campus carbon footprint by nearly 3 pct per year and will remove more than 45,500 metric tons of CO2 equivalent from the campus carbon footprint in the next five years. (Source: Cornell Univ., American School & University, 21 Nov., 2019) Contact: Cornell University, www.cornell.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  LED Light,  Energy Efficiency,  

Coal,Climate Change,Nova Scotia Ministry of Environment
Date: 2019-11-04
Reporting from Halifax, the province of Nova Scotia nvironment Ministry reports the introduction of legislation aimed at cutting the province's greenhouse gas emissions by 53 pct below 2005 levels by 2030 as well as moving the province to a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050.

The new legislation updates the 12-year-old Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act which lays out new goals to fight climate change and grow the green economy. The legislation also requires the government to develop a province-wide plan with specific targets to reduce emissions by the end of next year. The legislation also calls for a government fund to support community projects aimed at climate change mitigation. (Source: Nova Scotia Ministry of Environment, Halifax Herald, Nov., 2019) Contact: Nova Scotia Ministry of Environment, Hon. Gordon Wilson, (902) 424-3600, www.novascotia.ca › nse

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Vehicle Emissions
Date: 2019-11-01
Electrive.com is reporting the Belgian city of Brussels will ban all diesel-fueled vehicles by 2030 and all gasoline powered vehicles by 2035.

The plan is in keeping with the city's goal of significantly reducing its carbon footprint and meeting the EU's goal of being totally decarbonized by 2050. The plan is expected result in an almost immediate 40-pct drop in the city's total transportation emissions. (Source: City of Brussels, NewsWheel, 30 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fossil Fuel,  Carbon Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  Climate Change,  Carbon Footprint,  

Carbon Footprint
Date: 2019-10-30
According to a new YouGov poll commissioned by low-carbon aluminium maker En+ Group, 68 pct of UK consumers want businesses to share data regarding the carbon footprint created in the making of their products so they can make more ethical purchasing decisions. Sixty-three pct of those polled said they would be likely or very likely to choose a car -- or other product -- with a lower carbon footprint over alternatives with up to 28 pct willing to pay a premium. The poll also found UK consumers care more about a product's carbon footprint than consumers in the US and Germany.

Seventy per cent of UK residents said the government should deny requests for buildings constructed with higher carbon footprints while 41 pct of US residents thought the same. (Source: YouGov, City A.M., 29 Oct., 2019) Contact: YouGov, www.yougov.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Footprint,  

Cranfield University
Date: 2019-10-28
In the UK, a study from Cranfield University -- a postgraduate and research-based public university specializing in science, engineering and technology -- finds that organic farming, which is often touted as the better alternative to conventional agriculture, causes a roughly 20 pct rise in carbon emissions due to the use of more land to produce same amount of food as conventional agriculture. Accordingly, although organic farming will reduce direct emissions, especially from livestock, it could cause more damage to the environment than conventional methods.

The study defines organic farming as avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms, and uses animal compost and natural practices like crop rotation to improve soil health.

The study set out to measure the size of the carbon footprint a country would have if it switched to organic farming, and discovered that contemporary ideas don't often take into account the increased land requirement for it.

Download the Cranfield University study HERE. (Source: Cranfield University,The Print, 24 Oct., 2019) Contact: Cranfield University, +44 1234 750111, www.cranfield.ac.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

Saudi Arabia
Date: 2019-10-25
In Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian government reports a new comparative study -- How Does Saudi Arabia's Recent Energy Performance Compare with Other G20 Countries? -- found that Saudi Arabia leads the G20 countries in reducing carbon emissions, an indicator for the success of government programs and policies on raising energy efficiency amid the challenges posed by the country's GDP and population growths.

"For the first time in recent history since 2010, Saudi Arabia's carbon footprint has slowed down significantly," the study said, citing a host of successful energy efficiency policies that involve transport, industry, buildings, and energy price reforms for the fall in emissions.

The Kingdom's carbon emissions decreased by 1.1 pct in 2017 and 3.4 pct in 2018, while global carbon emissions increased by 1 and 2 pct, respectively. From 2015 to 2018, Saudi Arabia's carbon emissions decreased by 2.7 pct, the study claimed. (Source: Asharq Al Awsat, 24 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbom Emissions,  

SP Group
Date: 2019-10-25
In Singapore, electric utility company SP Group is touting the introduction of its SP Utilities App that allows consumers to monitor their emissions and track their carbon footprint based on their daily activities such as mode of transport, consumption habits and energy use.

The tool is "designed to create awareness, provide tools to take action, and effect changes that will reduce carbon emissions," according to the release. (Source: SP Group, PR, CAN, 24 Oct., 2019) Contact: SP Group, Wong Kim Yin, CEO, +65 6916 8888, srmsupport@spgroup.com.sg,www.spgroup.com.sg

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Footprint,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2019-10-18
In the Old Dominion State, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors reports the adoption of a 45 pct reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030, rising to a "net-zero" emissions target by 2050.

The emissions reduction target is part of the county's Climate Action Plan aimed at reducing the county's carbon footprint. The full plan is expected to be completed sometime this winter. (Source: Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, CBS19 News, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: Albemarle County Board of Supervisors , 434-296-5843, www.annmallekforsupervisor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Footprint,  

Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials
Date: 2019-09-25
In the EU, more than 50 banks and other financial institutions representing nearly $3 trillion in assets are reporting they will assess and disclose the impact their loans and investments will have on climate change through the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), an industry-wide effort to standardize how companies measure the carbon footprints of their investments.

PCAF is a global partnership of financial institutions that work together to develop and implement a harmonized approach to assess and disclose the GHG emissions associated with their loans and investments. PCAF enables transparency and accountability and will develop an open-source global carbon accounting standard for financial institutions, according to a Reuters report. (Source: PCAF, euronews, Reuters, 23 Sept., 2019) Contact: Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, Giel Linthorst, Executive Director, +31 6 1136 6935, info@carbonaccountingfinancials.com, www.carbonaccountingfinancials.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Carbon Footprint,  

Air Seychelles
Date: 2019-09-23
Air Seychelles reports it is advancing its corporate social responsibility programme to reduce carbon emissions and reinforcing its commitment towards sustainability.

To that end, the Republic of Seychelles national air carrier is flying new lightweight Airbus A320neo aircraft that reportedly delivers an average 20 pct fuel savings per flight and approximately 50 pct reduced noise footprint and nitrogen oxides (N0x) compared to the fleet of Airbus A320ceo. (Source: Air Seychelles, Aviation Tribune, Sept., 2019) Contact: Air Seychelles Remco Althuis, CEO, +248 439,1000, www.airseychelles.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Footprint,  

LafargeHolcim
Date: 2019-09-20
Swiss-based worldwide cement giant LafargeHolcim reports it has earmarked €145.4 million ($160.3 million) specifically to reduce its carbon footprint by improving the carbon-efficiency of its products. The company aims to reduce annual CO2 emissions in Europe by a further 15 pct -- 3 million tonnes, by 2022.

The full amount will be invested in advanced equipment and technologies to increase the use of low-carbon fuels and recycled materials in the company's processes and products. Additional funds are to be earmarked in the future for the introduction of new carbon-efficient materials and services, according to the release. LafargeHolcim's project scope will cover more than 80 projects across 19 European countries over the next three years. (Source: LafargeHolcim, PR, 19 Dept., 2019)Contact: LafargeHolcim, Rene Thibault, www.lafargeholcim.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Footprint,  LafargeHolcim,  Carbon Emissions,  Cement,  Climate Change,  

Charlottesville Department of Utilities
Date: 2019-09-06
In the Tar Heel State, the Charlottesville Department of Utilities reports it is partnering with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) to create the Charlottesville Gas Energy Efficiency Program -- a pilot program free to income-qualified residents of Charlottesville and Albemarle County who are Charlottesville Gas customers.

According to a release, the program will help residents reduce their utility costs, decrease the carbon footprint of the city and Albemarle County, and reduce household water consumption.

Qualified residents will work with a LEAP Home Energy Coach, who will perform an energy audit of their home and select the most appropriate energy-efficiency measures. The no-cost program is open to both home owners and tenants. (Source: Charlottesville Department of Utilities, CBS19, 5 Sept., 2019) Contact: Charlottesville Department of Utilities, Irene Peterson , (434) 970-3812, peterson@charlottesville.org, www.charlottesville.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency Upgrade,  

Airport Carbon Accreditation
Date: 2019-08-28
In Ecuador, Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport reports it is Latin America's first international airport to achieve carbon-neutral status in ACI's Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.

The Quito airport Operator, Corporacion Quiport, joined the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme in 2015 and has achieved carbon-neutral status through concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce fuel consumption, increase energy efficiency, improve water management, maintain conservation areas for flora and fauna and more. The Quito Airport's 2018 carbon footprint was calculated at 3,273 tons of CO2 emissions, a 41 pct drop compared to 2014 as the base year (5,534 tons of CO2).

The airport offsets its direct emissions by buying certified carbon credits in sustainable projects including the MANOA REDD+ Project which works to preserve 74,000 hectares of forest in Rondônia State, Brazil. (Source: TASS, World Airport, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: Airport Carbon Accreditation, +44 845 868 2708, www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral,  Airport Carbon Accreditation,  

Porsche
Date: 2019-08-26
German automaker Porsch AG is touting the launch of Porsche Impact aimed at helping its North American customers lower their carbon footprint.

Porsche Impact is a web-based emissions calculator that allows Porsche owners to assess and compensate for CO2 emissions, based on mileage and average fuel consumption. Customers can then follow a quick link to make financial contributions to environmental projects designed to offset their individual carbon footprint.

Porsche Impact users can choose from four different internationally certified projects to support. The available programs are focused on forest protection in the U.S., hydropower in Vietnam, solar energy in Mexico, and habitat preservation in Zimbabwe.

The Porsche Impact offset programs are managed by South Pole, a Swiss-based provider of carbon offsetting projects and sustainability financing that has been active internationally for more than a decade. Impact has been available to customers in Germany, the UK, and Poland since late 2018. (Source: Porsche AG, PRN, 25 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Philadelphia Energy Office
Date: 2019-08-23
In the City of Brotherly Love, the Philadelphia Energy Office reports it will issue a call for vendors to convert all 100,000 city streetlights to energy efficient LEDs over a two to three year time frame. The aim is to reduce the city's carbon footprint and to lower the city's $15 million annual street lighting expense by 40 pct. The LED conversion is expected to cost between $50 million to $80 million, which would likely be covered by a bond issue. (Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, 22 Aug., 2019) Contact: Philadelphia Energy Office, Adam Agalloco, Dir., www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-sustainability/about/energy-office

More Low-Carbon Energy News LED Light,  LED Streetlight,  ,  

Lufthansa
Date: 2019-08-21
In Berlin, German airline Lufthansa's Innovation Hub is reporting the launch of its "Compensaid" sustainability platform focused on carbon-neutral sustainable renewable fuels (SAF). The new platform will allow airline passengers to offset their individual carbon footprint by using SAF, reducing up to 80 pct of their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

"Compensaid" combines a global airline flight tracking tool with a sustainability platform that makes it possible to directly offset individual CO2 emissions. The platform offers two options for carbon offsetting -- the option to replace fossil fuel with SAF, which is calculated through a market-based surcharge on flights, or the alternative is to use Compensaid to support a reforestation project in Nicaragua, reducing CO2 emissions in the long-term. (Source: Lufthansa, Biofuels Int'l., 20 Aug., 2019) Contact: Lufthansa Innovation Hub, Gleb Tritus, Dir., https://de.linkedin.com/in/glebtritus, welcome@lh-innovationhub.com; www.lh-innovationhub.com, www.lufthansagroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Sustainable Fuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Lufthansa,  Carbon Offsetting,  Carbon Offset,  

CarbonCure Technology
Date: 2019-08-09
Nova Scotia-based Canadian clean technology innovator CarbonCure Technologies (CarbonCure) and industrial gases specialist Linde, the world's largest industrial gas supplier, have partnered to introduce CarbonCure Technology to Europe, Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The CarbonCure Technology enhances the competitiveness of the concrete industry through improved production efficiency and sustainability. The technology injects a precise dosage of captured waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into concrete during production. Once introduced, the CO2 chemically converts to a nano-mineral, creating manufacturing efficiencies while reducing the concrete's carbon footprint.

The CarbonCure Technology is presently installed in nearly 150 concrete plants in North America and Southeast Asia, with more than 2.3 million cubic meters of concrete supplying a wide range of construction projects from airports, roads to high-rise towers.

CarbonCure, the world leader in carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology used in the production of concrete, is on a pathway to reduce 500 megatons of CO2 emissions annually. CarbonCure technology is estimated to be a $400 billion market opportunity with the potential to reduce up to 1.4 gigatons of annual CO2 emissions by 2030, according to the Global CO2 Initiative. (Source: CarbonCure, PR, 8 Aug., 2019) Contact: CarbonCure Technologies, Robert Niven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com; Linde, www.linde.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCU,  Carbon Capture & Utilization,  CarbonCure Technology,  Concrete,  Linde,  Cement,  

Royal Dutch Shell
Date: 2019-08-07
Reuters is reporting oil giant Royal Dutch Shell is considering the installation of solar panels to power its 500,000 bpd B Pulau Bukom refining subsidiary site in Singapore, a company spokeswoman told Reuters on Tuesday.

The possible switch to solar at this and other sites is in keeping with the company's plans to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. To that end, Shell has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Energy Market Authority of Singapore to jointly work on energy storage systems.

Globally, Shell is installing solar photovoltaic panels on the roofs of seven lubricant plants in China, India, Italy, Singapore and Switzerland. (Source: Royal Dutch Shell, Reuters, Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Royal Dutch Shell,  Solar,  

ArcelorMittal
Date: 2019-08-02
Belgium-based iron ore, metallurgical coal and steel maker ArcelorMittal reports Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has ranked ArcelorMittal first in low-carbon innovations, transition opportunities, data transparency, renewable energy use, and board and executive climate management. The steel and mining company, which ranked fifth in the CDP's 2016 report, was rated second overall in the latest report.

The new CDP report is based on detailed analysis across a range of carbon and transitional indicators that could have a significant impact on company performance.

ArcelorMittal recently announced its ambition to cut CO2 emissions globally and be carbon-neutral in Europe by 2050. The company is currently aiming for an 8 pct carbon footprint reduction by 2020. (Source: ArcelorMittal, Noria News, Reliable Plant, July, 2019) Contact: ArcelorMittal, Alan Knight, Corporate Responsibility GM, +32 9 347 31 11, www.corporate.arcelormittal.com; CDP, Lance Pierce, Pres. North America, (212) 378 2086, info.northamerica@cdp.net, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News ArcelorMittal,  Carbon Footprint,  CDP,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Alliance BioEnergy
Date: 2019-07-31
In the Sunshine State, West Palm Beach-based Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc. reports U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida has approved its Chapter 11 Disclosure Statement to confirm the company's Chapter 11 Plan. Additionally, the company has deposited in escrow all the necessary funds to pay its creditors all payments required to confirm the Plan.

Alliance has developed a new and improved technology system that converts any cellulosic material -- grasses, wood, paper, farm waste, yard waste, forestry products, nut shells, and the cellulosic portion of municipal solid waste -- into biofuels quicker, more consistently, and more energy efficient than the first generation process. Alliance’s CTS (cellulose-to-sugar) 2.0 process converts sugar into ethanol via a standard process that recycles water and catalysts used in the process, uses no toxic chemicals and has a near zero carbon footprint. When fully commercialized, Alliance's technology it will be the lowest cost producer in the ethanol and biofuel space, according to the Alliance release. (Source: Alliance Bioenergy Plus, Inc., PR, 30 July, 2019) Contact: Alliance Bioenergy, Ben Slager, CEO, (888) 607-3555, ben.slager@alliancebioe.com, www.alliancebioe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alliance BioEnergy ,  Biofuel,  Cellulosic,  

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Date: 2019-07-12
In Ontario, Canada, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority which manages the city of Toronto's watershed and ravine system in an effort to ensure that the ongoing effects flooding and water pollution and climate change are mitigated, is reporting the ground breaking for a new, energy efficient "state of the art" headquarters building.

The building will be an eco-friendly structure with the highest "green" certifications and low-carbon footprint. The building is aiming for Canada Green Building Council )CaGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certification as well as WELL Building certification. (Source: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Downsview Advocate, 11 July, 2019) Contact: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 416-661-6600, info@trca.on.ca, www.trca.ca; Canada Green Building Council, Thomas Mueller, President and CEO, Mark Hutchinson, Director of Green Building Programs, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org; International WELL Building Institute, 646.883.5001, 646.607.1058, info@wellcertified.com, www.wellcertified.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council,  LEED,  Well Building,  

Royal Institute for British Architects
Date: 2019-07-01
In the UK, the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) reports it is developing a five-year action plan to support the creation of a zero carbon built environment and to develop "measurable actions" to improve green standards and practices within the architecture profession in support of the UK's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050..

According to RIBA, the built environment is responsible for around 40 pct of the UK's total carbon footprint, and shifting to lower or zero carbon buildings is seen as critical for reducing the country's net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by mid-century. The Ethics and Sustainable Development Action Plan will aim to drive rapid improvements in industry standards and practice, government and intergovernmental policy and regulation, and in RIBA's own carbon footprint, the industry body said. Proposed green metrics include developing the whole-life net zero carbon standard for a building, as well as standard reporting metrics for energy and performance evaluation "where guidance is available.” (Source: RIBA, Business Green, 1 July, 2019)Contact: RIBA, Bew Derbyshire, Pres., +44 118 987 4900, www.architecture.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building news,  

CDP
Date: 2019-06-26
A Sea Change, a new report from the London-headquartered environmental non-profit and investment research provider CDP notes the world's maritime shipping majors are not investing in key technologies to reduce their carbon footprint, and that the sector is at risk of missing the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) targets to reduce GHG emissions by 50 pct by 2050.

The report ranks 18 of the largest publicly listed shipping companies, representing $62 billion of market capitalization, on business readiness for a low-carbon transition. CDP's analysis finds maritime innovation trends currently focus on technologies and fuels that only deliver marginal improvements; the shipping sector has poor rates of disclosure with only 5 companies completing CDP's 2018 Climate Change questionnaire; and board level oversight of climate issues is very low with only 3 companies having board level climate committees.

According to the report, shipping accounts for up to 3 pct of global emissions and 10 pct of transport emissions while transporting around 80 pct of the world's trade in physical goods. (Source: IMO, CDP, 25 June, 2019) Contact: CDP, Carole Ferguson, Head of Investor Research, www.cdp.net; IMO, Stefan Micallef, Director of Marine Environment Division, +44 (0) 20 7735 7611, www.imo.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Maritime Organization,  IMO,  Maritime Emissions,  CDP,  

Biomass
Date: 2019-06-26
"In a bit of an Orwellian logic, the (Trump) EPA's recently finalized ACE (Affordable Clean Energy) rules ... ignore the basis for why using biomass for power and heat is the principal pathway for decarbonization in most other developed countries. By only counting the CO2 emission at the source and ignoring the continuous adsorption of CO2 by sustainably managed forests, the EPA has excluded a proper consideration of the dynamics that keep the net CO2 added into the atmosphere neutral or even negative.

"In Europe, wood pellets and wood chips are recognized as low carbon fuels because a full life-cycle analysis shows that under well-crafted (and necessary) sustainability criteria, the combustion of those fuels is carbon neutral. The supply chain carbon footprint accounting, given that fossil fuel are used in transportation and in the electricity used to upgrade the biomass into pellets, typically yields an 85 percent or more reduction in net CO2 added to the atmosphere. Because of the carbon benefits, biomass derived fuel makes up about 60 percent of the total renewable energy in the EU28." -- William Strauss, Pres, FutureMetrics, June 24, 2019

Bethel, Maine-based FutureMetrics released the above statement criticizing the Trump Administration EPA's Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Program for its treatment of biomass and calling the program's discussion of how to measure CO2 emissions "misguided."

The ACE program, which replaces Obama's Clean Power Plan, specifies that biomass co-firing is not compliant with the ACE program. Contact: FutureMetrics LLC, William Strauss, 207-824-6702, 207-357-8708 Cell, WilliamStrauss@FutureMetrics.com, www.futuremetrics.info

More Low-Carbon Energy News EPA,  Woody Biomass,  Wood Pellet,  CO2 Emissions,  

Date: 2019-06-17
In the Empire State, the Town of Woodstock Environmental Commission Chairman David Gross is urging the Town Board to issue yet another RFP for a solar array that can produce at least enough electricity to cover municipal operations.

Unlike the previous 5 solar RFP -- all of which came to naught -- the sixth RFP would allow a developer to include 4 existing small solar arrays directly tied to the meters of the town's four biggest users of electricity in calculations of energy savings by the town.

Woodstock Town Supervisor Bill McKenna, who apparently opposed another solar RFP, noted the town's recent decision to buy electricity from Natural Power Group has provided a way to increase its renewable energy resources, reduce costs and move toward a reduction in the town's carbon footprint. (Source: Town of Woodstock, Daily Freeman, 16 June, 2019) Contact: Town of Woodstock, Town Supervisor, Bill McKenna, 845-679-2113 ext. 17, supervisor@woodstockny.org, www.woodstock.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
Date: 2019-06-14
In Glasgow, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations is lauding the Scottish Government's announced £3.5 million funding package for social (low income) landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.

The funding is being provided for measures such as insulation and internal improvements to social rented accommodation. To qualify for funding, projects must also include initiatives to reduce a building's carbon footprint, such as ground source heat pumps, biomass energy fand/or solar panels. By the end of 2021, the Scottish Government will have allocated more than £1 billion since 2009 to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency, making homes warmer and cheaper to heat, according to government data. (Source: Scottish Housing News, 13 June, 2019) Contact: Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Sally Thomas, CEO, +44 141 332 8113, www.sfha.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Attis Industries
Date: 2019-06-07
Following up on our previous coverage, Georgia-based Attis Industries Inc. reports its recently acquired Sunoco LP's nameplate 100-million gpy corn ethanol plant and grain malting operation in Fulton, New York, will become the centerpiece of its proposed Green Tech Campus. The company will focus on byproduct optimization of the corn ethanol plant and the new production of advanced biofuels and biobased products while also looking to generate "green" power, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint of the Fulton campus and taking advantage of valuable carbon credits to increase the site's profitability.

Attis plans to immediately begin the process of deploying its patented biorefinery technology to further diversify the biofuel and biobased product manufacturing at the campus. Attis will convert extracted locally sourced woody biomass pulp into cellulosic fuels and lignin into bioplastics, carbon fiber and advanced biofuels like renewable diesel and jet fuel.

Attis also aims to improve the quality and volume of co-products currently being produced at the Fulton ethanol plant by implementing its patented and licensed corn oil extraction technology that will almost double the current corn oil production yields at the plant and provide an augmented revenue stream. (Source: Attis Industries, DTN, June, 2019) Contact: Attis Ind., Jeff Cosman, CEO, 678-580-5661, www.attisind.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Attis Industries,  Ethanol,  Sunoco LP,  

UNFCCC
Date: 2019-06-03
Swedish financial company Doconnomy is touting a new credit card that allows consumers to track and offset the emissions related their purchases.

The card uses the Aland Index to quantify consumers' carbon footprint and compute offset costs using the World Bank's carbon price. Consumers can use the data supplied to either reduce their carbon footprint through behavior change, or to buy offset credits from UN-certified projects that reduce, avoid or remove GHG emissions.

Users can also directly compensate for their GHG emissions, through projects meeting the criteria of UN-certified green projects. To identify the carbon dioxide (CO2) impact of each transaction, the Do card uses the Aland Index, developed in 2017 by Bank of Aland in Finland.

Partnering with the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the initiative encourages users to compensate their carbon footprints in UN-certified projects that reduce, avoid or remove GHG emissions. The projects are implemented in developing countries and are rewarded with Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) as well as Gold Standard. Ranging from cleaner-burning cook stoves to wind-generated electricity and clean waste disposal, all projects contribute to global emissions reductionsA savings product by the company offers an interest rate that includes investment in climate-friendly projects. (Source: UNFCCC Press Release, 30 April, 2019) Contact: UNFCCC, www.unfccc.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  UFCCC,  

International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2019-05-29
According to Travel Pulse, virtually every U.S.-based airline has voluntarily agreed to the a UN's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) plan that caps emissions at 2020 levels and is administered by the U.N.-affiliated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),

The participating airline majors include Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United as well as smaller airlines like Piedmont and Republic and others.

CORSIA is designed to become mandatory after 2027. ICAO will use 2020 figures to determine the emissions cap. The airline industry as a whole has a problematic record when it comes to carbon footprints, and it was only set to get worse with the expected almost tripling of air travel by 2050. (Source: Travel Pulse, 27 May, 2019) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int; CORSIA, www.icao.int/environmental-protection/CORSIA/Pages/default.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News CORSIA,  Aviation Emissions,  International Civil Aviation Organization,  

International Chamber of Shipping
Date: 2019-05-22
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the world's major maritime shipping organization, representing around 80 pct of the world's merchant tonnage, reports it "remains confident that shipping will improve its carbon efficiency by at least 40 pct by 2030 compared to 2008, in line with the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions."

ICS also noted it welcomes the additional guidance agreed by the IMO MEPC to assist the smooth implementation of the global sulphur cap on 1 January 2020 -- requiring ships outside sulphur emission control areas to use fuel with a sulphur content of 0.5 pct or less. (Source: International Chamber of Shipping, Marine Link, 17 May, 2019) Contact: IMO, Stefan Micallef, Director of Marine Environment Division, +44 (0) 20 7735 7611, www.imo.org; International Chamber of Shipping, Guy Platten, Sec. Gen., www.ics-shipping.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Chamber of Shipping,  IMO,  Maritime Emissions,  Shipping Emissions,  

Green Mountain Power
Date: 2019-05-20
In Colchester, Vermont utility Green Mountain Power (GMP) is launching new rebate programs including a $400 rebate for cold climate heat pumps. Customers can also get a $200 rebate when they buy an electric bicycle at participating Vermont bike shops.

According to the release, "GMP's energy supply is 90 pct clean carbon free and 60 pct renewable energy, so heating and cooling with a hyper-efficient heat pump is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, and these new rebates offer great savings to help customers make the switch."

GMP has committed to being 100 pct clean carbon free energy by 2025 and 100 pct renewable by 2030. (Source: Green Mountain Power, PR, Vermont Digger, 17 May, 2019) Contact: Green Mountain Power, Josh Castonguay, VP, (802) 770-3392, josh.castonguay@greenmountainpower.com, www.greenmountainpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Mountain Power,  Energy Efficiency,  

Wabash Valley Resources
Date: 2019-05-20
In Terra Haute, Wabash Valley Resources (WVR), an affiliate of Phibro LLC, reports the closing of an investment from OGCI Climate Investments to develop a 1.5-1.75 million tpy carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project near West Terre Haute, Indiana.

The project will capture and sequester virtually all of the plant' facilitate the production of fertilizer, from the co-located WVR plant, with a very low carbon footprint. Wabash Valley Resources LLC acquired the plant in 2016, with plans to convert it to an ammonia production plant and CCS project. (Source: Wabash Vallet Resources, May, 2019) Contact: Wabash Valley Resources LLC, www.wvresc.com; Philbro LLC, Simon Greenshields, Pres., CEO, www.phibro.com; OGCI Climate Investments, Pratima Rangarajan, CEO, http://oilandgasclimateinitiative.com/climate-investments.

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wabash Valley Resources,  CCS,  Carbon Capture,  

US Green Building Counci, LEED Certification
Date: 2019-05-17
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.-headquartered consumer goods giant Unilever North America reports it headquarters building has been awarded US Green Building Council LEED Platinum certification sustainable buildings. he project was also recognized by the New Jersey Business & Industry Associate New Good Neighbor Award in support of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 pct while doubling its business.

The HQ building design incorporates smart technologies by EDGE that record data and automate the building's features and functions, including Internet of Things (IoT) systems enabling the building to learn from occupants' behaviors and remember their preferences. (Source: Unilever, PR May, 2019) Contact: Unilever, Catherine Reynolds MediaRelations.USA@unilever.com, (201) 894-7760, www.unileverusa.com; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News USGBC,  LEED Certification,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

Bates College
Date: 2019-05-17
In Lewiston, Maine, Bates College reports it has achieved carbon neutrality one year ahead of its own commitment. The college reduced its campus carbon emissions by 95 pct and will account for its remaining footprint through the purchase of carbon offsets.

Out of some 700 U.S. colleges and universities to sign a carbon neutrality pledge in 2007, Bates is one of only seven to date that have reached that goal. Bates cut its carbon footprint by: reducing energy consumption through efficiency measures; strengthening the culture of sustainability on campus and changing behaviors in concrete ways; and switching to renewable energy sources -- specifically, Renewable Fuel Oil (RFO), a wood-derived liquid that serves as the primary fuel for the college's central heating plant. (Source: Bates College, PR 16 May, 2019) Contact: Bates College, Marjorie Hall, (207) 786-8248, mhall@bates.edu, www.bates.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Neutral,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

USGBC
Date: 2019-05-13
In Boston, MGM Resorts International reports its MGM Springfield is the world's first gaming resort to win US Green Building Council LEED platinum-level energy efficiency certification for new construction.

MGM Resorts noted the installation of a new 1.13-MW solar array was "a significant enabler" of the LEED platinum rating. The solar canopy is expected to generate more than 1,600 mWh of electricity and reduce the casino's annual carbon footprint by the equivalent of 410 metric tons of CO2. Other LEED qualifying features include: a rainwater collections system that provides all the water used for landscaping on the property; 50 electric vehicle charging stations and more. (Source: MGM, USGBC, MetroWest Daily News, 12 May, 2019) Contact: USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Green Building Council,  LEED Certification,  Energy Efficiency,  

Rio Tinto
Date: 2019-05-03
London, UK-headquartered Anglo-Australian multinational metals and mining giant Rio Tinto reports it will reduce the annual carbon footprint associated with its Kennecott Utah Copper operation by as much as 65 pct by purchasing renewable energy certificates and permanently shutting its coal power plant.

Kennecott's electric power needs will now be paired with 1.5 million MWh of renewable energy certificates (RECs) supplied by Rocky Mountain Power, primarily sourced from its Utah allocated portfolio including wind power from Wyoming. The RECs are Green-e Energy certified and meet the environmental and consumer-protection standards set forth by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions.

The move to using renewable energy certificates at Kennecott is subject to regulatory approval by the Utah Public Service Commission. (Source: Rio Tinto, 2 May, 2019)Contact: Rio Tinto, www.riotinto.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Footprint,  Rocky Mountain Power,  Rio Tinto,  Renewable Energy,  

Microsoft
Date: 2019-04-17
Tech giant Microsoft reports it will nearly double its internal carbon fee to $15 per metric ton on all carbon emissions. This internal Microsoft "tax" was established in 2012 to hold the company's business divisions financially responsible for reducing their carbon emissions.

The funds from this higher fee will both maintain Microsoft's carbon neutrality and help the company take a tech-first approach that will put sustainability at the core of every part of the company's business and technology to work for sustainable outcomes and to cut the company's operational carbon footprint. (Source: Microsoft Blog, Brad Smith, Pres., 15 April, 2019)Contact: Microsoft Corporate Offices, www.headquartersinfo.com/microsoft-headquarters-information

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Fee,  Carbon Tax,  Microsoft,