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,  

dynaCERT
Date: 2019-04-12
Toronto-headquartered dynaCERT Inc is reporting receipt of a purchase order from Ontario-based Newport Environmental Technologies for ten (10) HG145 units of its HydraGEN™ which enhances vehicle engine combustion and tracks greenhouse gas emissions.

All vehicles that are to be outfitted with dynaCERT's HydraGEN Technology are highway tractors that on avergae consume 198,000 gpy of diesel fuel and produce over 2,000 tpy of GHGs.

According to Newport's Trevor McCagherty, "This purchase is part of our overall strategy that is looking to transform single-use plastics into synthetic fuel to be used to power our fleet and lower our carbon footprint. Our team is familiar with the benefits provided by hydrogen enhanced combustion. HydraGEN™ Technology is particularly important to us as a proven catalyst which increases the burn rate while reducing emissions and improving torque and power. As the company continues to look at developing alternative fuel mixtures, HydraGEN Technology can enhance all our endeavors including in synthetic diesel as well as in biofuels. What becomes even more interesting is the ability of the patent-pending HydraGEN Technology to measure and track GHG reduction," McCagherty added.

dynaCERT Inc. manufactures, distributes, and installs Carbon Emission Reduction Technology for use with internal combustion engines. The technology creates hydrogen and oxygen on-demand through electrolysis and supplies these through the air intake to enhance combustion, resulting in lower carbon emissions and greater fuel efficiency. (Source: dynaCERT Inc., PR 11 April, 2019) Contact: dynaCERT Inc. Jim Payne, CEO, (416) 766-9691 x 2, jpayne@dynaCERT.com, www.dynaCERT.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News dynaCERT,  HydraGEN ,  CO2 Emissions,  

Amazon
Date: 2019-04-12
"To Jeff Bezos and Board of Directors:

"We, the undersigned 4,520 Amazon employees, ask that you adopt the climate plan shareholder resolution and release a company-wide climate plan that incorporates the principles outlined in this letter.

"Amazon has the resources and scale to spark the world's imagination and redefine what is possible and necessary to address the climate crisis. We believe this is a historic opportunity for Amazon to stand with employees and signal to the world that we're ready to be a climate leader.

"Climate change is an existential threat. The 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report predicts that a warming of 2 degree C, which we're currently on track to surpass, will threaten the lives of hundreds of millions of people and put thousands of species at risk of extinction. We're already seeing devastating climate impacts: unprecedented flooding in India and Mozambique, dry water wells in Africa, coastal displacement in Asia, wildfires and floods in North America, and crop failure in Latin America. Vulnerable communities least responsible for the climate crisis are already paying the highest price.

"Amazon's leadership is urgently needed. We're a company that understands the importance of thinking big, taking ownership of hard problems, and earning trust. These traits have made Amazon a top global innovator but have been missing from the company's approach to climate change. For example: We (Amazon) haven't disclosed a company-wide plan to reach zero carbon emissions within the timeline required; Shipment Zero only commits to net carbon reductions; We have an AWS for oil & gas initiative devoted to helping fossil fuel companies accelerate and expand oil and gas extraction; We donate to climate-delaying legislators (Amazon has joined a variety of sustainability organizations like the Corporate Eco Forum and the American Council on Renewable Energy, we donated to 68 members of congress in 2018 who voted against climate legislation 100 pct of the time) ; and our sustainability goals lack context. "For example, we've set a goal of at least 50 solar installations in warehouse facilities by 2020. This represents only 6 pct of buildings in our global fulfillment network and a fraction of our overall carbon footprint .

"Our customer obsession requires climate obsession. This necessitates an immediate company-wide plan addressing climate change that demonstrates the following principles: Public goals and timelines consistent with science and the IPCC report ; A complete transition away from fossil fuels rather than relying on carbon offsets; Prioritization of climate impact when making business decision; Reduction of harm to the most vulnerable communities first; Advocacy for local, federal, and international policies; Fair treatment of all employees during climate disruptions and extreme weather events.

"In our mission to become 'Earth's most customer-centric company,' we believe our climate impact must be a top consideration in everything we do. We have the power to shift entire industries, inspire global action on climate, and lead on the issue of our lifetimes. We ask that you, as leaders responsible for our strategic direction, adopt the climate plan resolution and release a company-wide plan that incorporates the six principles above." (Source: Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, April, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Amazon,  Climate Change,  Renewable Energy,  

Royal Dutch Shell
Date: 2019-04-10
Oil major Royal Dutch Shell reports it plans to invest $300 million in forests, wetlands and other natural ecosystems around the world over the next three years as part of its strategy to "act on global climate change." The investment programme will contribute to the Shell Group's three-year target, beginning in 2019, to reduce its net carbon footprint by between 2 pct and 3 pct, according to Shell.

Projects in Shell's pipeline include a 5 million tree planting initiative in the Netherlands, a 300-hectare reforestation project in Spain and an 800-hectare endangered native forest regeneration project in the state of Queensland. (Source: Shell, Various Media, Bunkerspot, April, 2019) Contact: Royal Dutch Shell, Ben van Beurden, CEO, www.corporate-office-headquarters.com/shell-oil-company

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Royal Dutch Shell,  Reforestation,  Carbon Sequestration,  

USGBC
Date: 2019-04-03
In Sacramento, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) reports the new 28,100 square-foot Central Health Services building at California State Prison has earned US Green Building Council LEED Gold certification Gold certification for its energy-saving and environmental conservation features that will reduce energy costs by 46 pct. The medical clinic's sustainability features include: clerestory windows for maximum natural light and lower lighting costs; efficient water fixtures that cut indoor water use by 27 pct; recycling or reusing 94 pct of construction waste; low emission adhesives and paints; increased ventilation and high-efficiency filters and fans; and upgrading all systems beyond building code standard for maximum efficiency.

The health facility is the 61st CDCR-owned facility to be LEED-certified and the 10th to be certified at the Gold level. In 2008, CDCR adopted an environmental sustainability program to reduce emissions and its carbon footprint, to conserve water and to generate energy from renewable sources. (Source: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, PR, corrections.com, 2 April, 2019) Contact: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, www.cdcr.ca.gov; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

Shell
Date: 2019-04-03
In a bid to halve its net carbon footprint by 2035, Shell, one of the world's biggest and most profitable oil and gas giants, plans to slash its net carbon footprint by half 2050 by diversifying its clean energy portfolio and investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. In the short term, the company is aiming for a 20 pct carbon footprint reduction by 2035 compared with its 2016 level as it seeks to adhere to the spirit and ambitions of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Download the Shell Sustainability Report-- Net Carbon Footprint HERE. (Source: Shell, www.shell.com

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

SVP Global
Date: 2019-04-02
Greenwich, Ct.-based investment firm Strategic Value Partners (SVPGlobal) is reporting the acquisition of Plan Taxas-based of White Energy's food ingredient and ethanol business in Russell, KS., Transaction details and price have not been disclosed.

Russell ethanol facility facility produces over 50 million gpy of ethanol per at some of the lowest unit costs in the industry and with the best carbon footprint of any facility of its kind in the United States, according to White Energy.

White Energy also operates ethanol production facilities in Hereford and Plainview, TX, totaling 260 million gpy. (Source: SVP Global, White Energy, 1 April, 2019) Contact: SVP Global, Victor Khosla, Chief Investment Officer, www.svpglobal.com; White Energy, Greg Thompson, www.white-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News White Energy,  Ethanol,  

BNP Paribas
Date: 2019-04-01
Paris-based BNP Paribas Asset Management is reporting the launch of a new Quant Europe Climate Carbon Offset Plan which aims to capture the performance of European liquid equities with high ESG standards. The strategy selects these according to their carbon footprint and the robustness of their energy transition strategy.

The fund also aims to offset the carbon footprint of the investment strategy, which is achieved through the use of Verified Emission Reductions certificates from the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project, which is based in south east Kenya. The project protects more than 200,000 hectares of endangered dryland forest.

The launch of this latest Ucits funds is in line with BNP Paribas AM's Global Sustainability strategy, which includes the plan to reduce the environmental impacts of its operations.

Paris, France-headquartered BNP Paribas S.A. is the world's 8th largest bank by total assets and currently operates in 77 countries. (Source: BNP Paribas, CityWire Selector, 29 Mar., 2019) Contact: Bank BNP Paribas, Neven Graillat, Chief Sustainability Product Officer at BNP Paribas Global Markets said: ‘The management of risks relating to www.group.bnpparibas/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News BNP Paribas,  Carbon Footprint,  Carbon Markets,  

Indiana Wabash Valley Resources,Department of Natural Resources.
Date: 2019-03-27
In Indianapolis, the Indiana House reports passage of a bill that would create an underground carbon storage (CCS) pilot program to store carbon dioxide underground is going back to the state Senate for approval.

The original proposal would have allowed companies to store CO2 underground as long as they got consent from owners of about half the land. This current bill creates a pilot program that allows one company to take ownership of the land through eminent domain, subject to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources approval.

Subject to the bills passage and final approval, Wabash Valley Resources LLC plans to construct an ammonia production facility in Terre Haute and store its CO2 emissions underground to reduce its carbon footprint. (Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, wfiu. NPR, 26 Mar., 2019) Contact: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, (317) 232-4200 www.in.gov/dnr; Wabash Valley Resources, Todd Culwell, VP Corp. Affairs, www.wvresc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wabash Valley Resources,  CCS,  CO2,  Carbon Storage,  

Wood plc
Date: 2019-03-27
Aberdeen, Scotland-based global engineering giant Wood plc is reporting receipt of a multi-million-dollar contract from the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative Climate Investments (OGCI CI) for conceptual engineering for its gas power and industrial carbon capture (CCS) project. The project was first announced in 2016.

Wood will lead this first-of-a-kind project which aims to reduce CO2 emissions. The industrial carbon capture design will initially cover five of the principal industrial emitters of CO2: the production of hydrogen, fertilizer, petrochemicals, cement and steel.

Climate Investments is a $1 billion plus fund investing in technologies and business models to lower the carbon footprint of the energy and industrial sectors and their value chains. The fund was created by the CEOs of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative to take practical action on climate change. They invest in innovative companies that are ready to be commercialized and collaborate with global co-investors and industrials to achieve speed and scale. (Source: Wood Plc, Chemical Engineering, 26 Mar., 2019) Contact: Wood Plc, Bob MacDonald, CEO, Technical Solutions, www.woodplc.com; OGCI CI, https://oilandgasclimateinitiative.com/climate-investments

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Capture,  CO2,  CCS,  

Eni
Date: 2019-03-18
The Financial Times is reporting Rome-headquartered Italian oil and gas major Eni New Energy SpA will plant 81,000 square kilometers of forests -- twice the size of the Netherlands -- in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Ghana to compensate for its CO2 emissions.

ENI also want to reduce flaring and reduce methane leaks. Flaring is a practice where gases produced during the refining of oil are burned, should be banned by 2025. Methane gas emissions must then be reduced by 80 percent. Oil and gas companies are increasingly feeling the need to take measures to reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, the companies continue to produce more fossil fuels. They say they do this to meet the growing demand in developing countries. (Source: ENI, Financial Times, Zurich Weekly News Review, 17 Mar., 2019) Contact: Eni New Energy SpA, +39 06 598 21, +39 06 598 22141 - fax, www.eni.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eni,  Carbon Footprint,  Reforestation,  

Nature Conservancy
Date: 2019-03-15
In the Empire State, the Nature Conservancy, working with partners in the Green Roof Researchers Alliance, has released a comprehensive estimate of green roofs in New York City. The project merges publicly available data with remote sensing technologies to create data and maps that help better understand this asset and can be used to guide policymaking and city planning.

Green roofs absorb heavy rains, give buildings an extra layer of insulation, increase building energy efficiency, lower carbon footprints, combat urban heat island effect and improve air quality . About 730 buildings covering roughly 40 acres in the Big Apple presently have green roofs.

Download Green Roofs in NYC data HERE. (Source: Nature Conservancy, Mar., 2019) Contact: Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org; Green Roof Researchers Alliance, www.greenroofalliance.com, www.greenfoofs.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nature Conservancy ,  Green Roof,  Energy Efficiency,  Green Building,  

Climate Change Mitigation
Date: 2019-03-13
In Albany, the Empire State dovernor Andrew Cuomo (D) has announced the availability of $2.3 million in funding to help New York farmers deal with climate change impacts to their businesses.

Eligible projects may focus on reducing carbon footprints, saving energy, improving soil health, increasing irrigation capacity and emphasizing water management to mitigate the effects of drought, as well as heavy rainfall and flooding, on crops and livestock, according to a news release from Cuomo's office.

The funding is available through the New York Climate Resilient Farming grant program, via the state's Environmental Protection Fund. Cuomo's office is calling for an additional $5 million for Climate Resilient Farming program projects. (Source: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Times Herald, 12 Mar., 2019)Contact: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, www.governor.ny.gov, https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change Mitigation,   Climate Change Mitigation,  Andrew Cuomo,  Climate Change,  

UC-Davis,Million Light Bulb Challenge
Date: 2019-03-11
The University of California - Davis is reporting the launch of the Million Light Bulb Challenge to replace one million incandescent light bulbs for high-quality, energy-efficient LED light bulbs in campus buildings and residences to encourage the reduction of carbon footprints and energy usage.

Under the program, all UC students, staff, faculty, alumni and retirees can purchase high-quality LED light bulbs through the Community Buy program.

Lighting can account for 30 pct of the energy usage in a typical home so switching to high performance LED technology can deliver significant cuts in energy consumption, reduced energy bills and lower carbon emissions. (Source: UC Davis, California Aggie, Mar., 2019) Contact: Million Light Bulb Challenge, www.millionledchallenge.com; UC Davis, www.ucdavis.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News LED Light,  Energy Efficient Lighting,  UC Davis,  

BioHiTech Global
Date: 2019-03-06
Chestnut Ridge, NY-based waste management specialist BioHiTech Global, Inc., reports operations are underway at the nation's first HEBioT™ renewable resource recovery facility in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

The Company has completed the first phase of plant commissioning including the facility's reception area, overhead bridge cranes, and its primary mechanical sorting equipment. The Company has begun the next phase of plant commissioning and progressing operations, which includes receiving limited amounts of waste and beginning runs of its patented high efficiency mechanical and biological treatment process (HEBioT Process) for producing an EPA recognized solid recovered fuel (SRF). The facility is expected to reach full operations early in Q2 2019.

The Martinsburg Facility is expected to generate $7 million of high margin revenue annually while diverting as much as 80 pct of the waste that enters the facility from landfills. HEBioT solid waste processing technology has been successfully deployed at seven facilities located throughout Europe which currently process in excess of 1 million tpy of solid waste.

BioHiTech Global, Inc. cost-effective technology solutions include the patented processing of municipal solid waste into a valuable renewable fuel, biological disposal of food waste on-site, and proprietary real-time data analytics tools to reduce food waste generation, lower the carbon footprint associated with waste transportation and reduce or virtually eliminate landfill usage. (Source: BioHiTech Global, Inc., PR, 5 Mar., 2019) Contact: BioHiTech Global, Inc, . Frank E. Celli, CEO, Rich Galterio, Exec. VP, (845) 367.0603, rgalterio@biohitech.com, www.biohitech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BioHiTech Global,  Renewable Fuel,  

US Green Building Council
Date: 2019-02-22
In Sacramento, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) reports the new 28,100 square-foot Central Health Services building at California State Prison has earned US Green Building Council LEED Gold certification Gold certification for its energy-saving and environmental conservation features that will reduce energy costs by 46 pct. The medical clinic's sustainability features include:

clerestory windows that allow more natural light into the building to reduce electrical lighting needs and energy costs;

efficient water fixtures that cut indoor water use by 27 pct;

recycling or reusing 94 pct of construction waste, nearly eliminating use of landfills;

use of adhesives, coatings and paint with low levels of smog-forming organic compounds;

increased ventilation and high-efficiency filters to increase the flow of fresh air;

upgrading all systems beyond standards required by building codes to maximize efficiency of the systems.

The health facility is the 61st CDCR-owned facility to be LEED-certified and the 10th to be certified at the Gold level. In 2008, CDCR adopted an environmental sustainability program to reduce emissions and its carbon footprint, to conserve water and to generate energy from renewable sources. (Source: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, PR, corrections.com, 21 Feb, 2019) Contact: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, www.cdcr.ca.gov; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News USGBC,  LEED Gold,  Energy Efficiency,  

Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Date: 2019-02-20
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim has compiled a list of the carbon footprints of 13,000 cities worldwide, determining that the emissions are highly concentrated in a small number of crowded, high-income cities and affluent suburbs. The Global Gridded Model of Carbon Footprints study, released in 2018, can help identify where actions to combat climate change are more desperately needed, says Dan Moran, lead author and principal investigator on the

In first place, the city with the world's largest estimated carbon footprints is: Seoul, South Korea -- pop. 21,254,000; followed by in descending order Guangzhou, China -- pop. 44,309,000; New York City, U.S. -- pop. 13,648,000, Hong Kong, China -- pop. 6,029,000; Los Angeles, California, U.S. -- pop. 13,482,000; Shanghai, China -- pop. 23,804,000; Singapore, Country of Singapore -- pop. 5,235,000; Chicago, U.S. -- pop. 7,260,000; Tokyo/Yokohama, Japan -- pop. 32,999,000; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- pop. 5,747,000, in 10th place.

Download report details HERE. (Source: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, US News, Feb., 2019) Contact: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, https://www.ntnu.edu

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

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-02-18
In the Bay State, the Hampton County town of Agawam -- pop. 28,400 -- and the 12-member Agawam Energy Commission is touting the Agawam Cooler Community Challenge, a broad effort to improve community-wide energy efficiency, cut energy consumption and reduce the community's carbon footprint.

The Cooler Community Challenge is modeled after a similar successful effort in the town of Concord.

The Agawam initiative, which is supported by ener-G-save, a program supported by the Howard Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, hopes is to reach people who have not been active in "green" efforts previously, and to engage young people in energy and climate change issues. Agawam is a Massachusetts Green Community program member.(Source: Town of Agawam, MassLive, 14 Feb., 2019) Contact: Massachusetts Green Community, www.mass.gov/orgs/green-communities-division

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Massachusetts Green Community,  

Volkswagen
Date: 2019-02-18
German auto juggernaut Volkswagen reports it plans to introduce an emplyee incentives plan and an internal CO2 levy as part of its effort to reduce the company's carbon footprint and carbon emissions. The internal levy would be set on the use of electricity, heat and fuel, and the carbon pollution from flights will have to be compensated.

The company also notes that its first electric car, the ID, will be "CO2 neutral throughout the entire life cycle," including all manufacturing. The electric car is expected to go into production at the end of this year. At the end of last year, Volkswagen announced that it will convert several production sites into pure e-car factories and will invest over €40 billion in future technologies in the next years.

"The Volkswagen Group will be a climate-neutral company by 2050 at the latest," according to Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess. (Source: VW, Der Spiegel, Electrek, Bloomberg, Feb., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Volkswagen ,  Carbon Emissions,  

Amazon
Date: 2019-02-18
Internet giant Amazon is touting the launch of its Shipment Zero initiative that aims for net zero carbon emissions for deliveries. While it doesn't have a timetable for achieving perfectly carbon-neutral shipping, it expects half of shipments to be net zero by 2030. It believes the rise of aircraft biofuels, electric vehicles, renewable energy and reusable packaging will make that possible. To help mark its progress, Amazon plans to publish its overall carbon footprint later in 2019. (Source: Amazon, engadget, Feb., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Amazon news,  Carbon Neutral news,  

Sierra Club
Date: 2019-02-13
On the Canadian West Coast, the Sierra Club B.C. is urging the province to measure and reduce "uncounted forest emissions" which, in BC, represent a major hole in the province's climate plan and show the need for a provincial forest emissions-reduction strategy.

According to the attached Sierra Club BC report, climate-warming carbon emissions released from B.C. forests in both 2017 and 2018 were more than three times higher than emissions from all other sources combined in 2016 when the province pegged its carbon footprint from non-forestry sources at 61.3 million tpy.

The report notes that forests can act as either a "carbon sink" that absorbs excess greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, or a source of carbon emissions if it releases more carbon than it absorbs, as occasioned by the recent major forest fires.

The Sierra Club is calling on the province to produce an annual report measuring emissions from forests and to take steps to reduce forest carbon emissions, including banning slash burning, protecting old-growth forests and ramping up B.C.'s FireSmart program, which outlines best practices for reducing wildfire risk to properties in vulnerable communities.

In January, the B.C. government introduced the Clean B.C. plan to cut GHG emissions by 40 pct by 2030, 60 pct by 2040 and 80 pct by 2050. The plan redirects revenue from the provincial carbon tax into incentives like rebates for the province's biggest industries to move to cleaner operations.

Download the Sierra Club Hidden, Ignored and Growing:B.C.'s Forest Carbon Emissions report HERE. (Source: Sierra Club BC, CBC, Feb., 2019) Contact: Sierra Club BC, (250) 386-5255, info@sierraclub.bc.ca, www.sierraclub.bc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sierra Club ,  Forest Carbon,  Carbon Sink,  

Carbon Capture
Date: 2019-02-13
In Washington, Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn) and Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) have introduced the Carbon Capture Modernization Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel producers by creating additional incentives for utilities to install carbon capture and storage technology.

The bi-partisan Act, which is cosponsored by Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), John Barrasso (R-Wy), Jon Tester (D-Mont), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Steve Daines (R-Mont), updates the tax credit system for coal producers and incentivizes underground carbon sequestration rather than releasing carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

"Climate change will continue to threaten our economy and our future if we don't find ways to decrease our nation's carbon footprint, While we continue to transition to clean and affordable forms of energy, this legislation helps ensure that carbon dioxide released by fossil fuel power plants is captured and stored before it can be emitted into the atmosphere. This bill supports the good work that Minnesota Power, Minnesota's rural electric co-ops, and other utilities in our state are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Sen. Smith stated in a release. (Source: Various Media, Brainerd Dispatch, 12 Feb., 2019) Contact: Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn), www.smith.senate.gov/content/about-tina; Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND), www.hoeven.senate.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Sequestration,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

SAS Airlaine
Date: 2019-02-01
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) the flag carrier of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark,reports it will offset the flight carbon footprint of all tickets booked using a EuroBonus number, effective today, 1 Feb., 2019. In its efforts to reduce climate-changing emissions, the air carrier will also add more energy efficient aircraft to its fleet and use more biofuels.

By including carbon offset for its EuroBonus frequent flyer loyalty program members, 40 pct of SAS' passenger-related carbon dioxide emissions will be offset.

SAS aims to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 25 pct by the year 2030, when it intends to use biofuel corresponding to total fuel consumption for all SAS domestic flights within Scandinavia. (Source: SAS, FlightGlobal, RusTourismNews, 31 Jan., 2019) Contact: SAS, Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO, +372 606 84 60, www.flysas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Footprint,  Aviation Biofuel,  SAS Airline,  Carbon Emissions,  

CarbonCure,NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE
Date: 2019-01-30
For the fourth consecutive year, Halifax, Nova Scotia-headquartered CarbonCure Technologies, a company leading a mission to reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete industry, has been named in the 2019 Global Cleantech 100, an annual guide to the leading companies and themes in sustainable innovation.

The CLeantech 100 features the private, independent, for-profit companies best positioned to solve tomorrow's clean technology challenges. This year marks the 10th edition of the list.

Concrete is the second most abundant man-made material in the world, and cement, its key ingredient, is responsible for an estimated 7 pct of global CO2 emissions. CarbonCure's proprietary technology uses recycled CO2 to improve the manufacturing process of concrete, while reducing the carbon footprint of the resulting concrete products.

CarbonCure is a recognized leader in the global CO2 Capture and Utilization (CCU) industry, estimated to be valued at $1 trillion by 2030. The CarbonCure Technology is being used by more than 100 concrete producers across North America to reduce concrete's carbon footprint, create new production cost savings and gain a competitive sales advantage. The company is a recognized leader in the growing industry of CO2-utilization, which is expected to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030. CarbonCure is also one of 10 finalists in the $20 million NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE challenge, and is a portfolio company of Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which is backed by Bill Gates, Vinod Khosla, Sir Richard Branson, Jeff Bazos, Michael Bloomberg and other business leaders. (Source: CarbonCure Technologies, PR, 29 Jan., 2019) Contact: CarbonCure Technologies, Robert Niven, CEO, (902) 442-4020, info@carboncure.com, www.carboncure.com; NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, www.carbon.xprize.org; Breakthrough Energy Ventures, www.b-t.energy/ventures

More Low-Carbon Energy News Breakthrough Energy Ventures,  CarbonCure,  NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE,  

ESF SUNY
Date: 2019-01-16
In the Empire State, the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) in Syracuse reports it is saving over $520,000 a year on heat and electricity with a high-performance combined-heat-and-power system (CHP) fueled by natural gas and wood pellets, and designed to capture waste energy for heating buildings.

The CHP system generates 60 pct of the campus' heat, 20 pct of its electric power, and is a key component that allowed us to achieve LEED Platinum for the Gateway Center which houses the CHP facility which is credited with cutting the campus carbon footprint by 24 pct.(Source: SUNY ESF, PR, 14 Jan., 2019) Contact: SUNY ESF, David C. Amberg, Intrim Pres., Joshua Arnold, Dir, Energy Management, Utilities, (315)470-6500, www.esf.edu

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