Great Wolf Lodge,Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-11-29
Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor waterpark chain, is expected to save more than $1.3 million in energy costs and realize a 10% reduction in carbon emissions during the first year of its new energy efficiency upgrades.

Great Wolf Lodge partnered with Dalkia, a building energy solutions provider to develop an end-to-end building energy plan, implementation and support for a range of energy improvements for the the company’s resort in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The plan included building energy software, LED lighting improvements, water conservation devices, HVAC upgrades, and on-site electricity generation with a combined heat and power (CHP) unit. Once these improvements were in place, Great Wolf Lodge New England immediately began to realize savings on electricity, natural gas, and water bills.

Similar efficiency projects were initiated at nine other Great Wolf Lodge resorts across the US. Thus far, Dalkia’s efficiency upgrades has saved 11,211,938 kWh of electricity. The energy cost-cutting impacts of Dalkia’s work is projected to provide $1.3 million in savings for Great Wolf Lodge, along with a 10% reduction in carbon intensity of their operations its first year of deployment. (Source: Great Wolf Lodge, Environment Energy Leader,, 25 Nov., 2019] Contact: Great Wolf Resorts, www.greatwolf.com

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EURIMA
Date: 2019-11-29
The European Commission is assessing whether to extend the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to cover the emissions associated with the heating and cooling of buildings. This paper points out several reasons why this would not be the best approach to deliver a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050.

Buildings are the EU’s biggest CO2 emitter. Our homes, offices and buildings are the EU’s biggest CO2emitters, as well as its single largest energy user. Decreasing and decarbonising the energy consumption to heat, cool and use buildings is crucial for the transition to a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 at the latest. Since most of the buildings that we will occupy in 2050 are already built, the main challenge is to renovate these 210 million existing buildings to make them less energy-hungry. At the current rate of renovation, it would take another century to achieve a decarbonised building stock, instead of the targeted30 years. Further inaction risks the EU missing its climate objectives by up to 400 million tonnes of CO21.Around 50 million people still live in energy poverty. Deep renovation of their homes would lower their energy bills and make their houses more comfortable and healthy. Well-insulated buildings moreover offer the flexibility to receive energy when it is available, thereby allowing the effective integration of renewables in the energy system during the entire year

.Integrating buildings in the EU ETS is complex and time-consuming. Urgent action on buildings is vital to overcome the climate and social crises facing Europe today. Integrating the building sector in the EU ETS is complex and likely to take at least several years. That is time we do not have, and which diverts attention from more effective short-term measures. The EU should instead prioritize a Green Deal for housing to unlock vast investments for building renovations, while creating local jobs and more energy-efficient and affordable housing.

What is the EU ETS? The EUETS sets a cap on the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by installations from the power, industry and aviation sectors. The cap is reduced over time so that emissions go down. Within the cap, companies receive or buy emission allowances which they can trade with each other, thereby creating a carbon price. The building sector is already covered by a cap on how much greenhouse gases can be emitted as part of the Effort Sharing Regulation; the EU’s other climate legislation targeting sectors not included in the EU ETS.

Carbon pricing does not deliver more affordable, energy-efficient homes. According to the International Energy Agency2, most of the energy efficiency potential is available at a negative cost. This means that these efficiency measures already pay for themselves, even in the absence of a carbon price. The reasons why these measures, such as energy renovation, are not taken are usually not economic in nature, but rather the result of market-barriers and -imperfections. In the case of the building sector, these barriers include split incentives between those making investments (i.e. home-owners) and those paying energy bills (i.e. tenants), the inability to come up with high upfront costs and a lack of information on renovation opportunities and financing options. Including the building sector in the EU ETS would do nothing to overcome these barriers to make buildings more energy-efficient. Even worse, the introduction of a carbon price for the heating and cooling of buildings could lead to higher energy bills for tenants or homeowners who are not able to, or cannot afford to, renovate their homes.

Governments should remain responsible for the built environment. Extending the EU ETS to buildings would mean that governments are no longer accountable for introducing measures to decarbonise the building stock under the Effort Sharing legislation. Under the Effort Sharing Regulation, each Member State has annual climate targets that it needs to meet. By integrating buildings in the EU ETS, the sector would be taken out of the Effort Sharing Regulation, putting the responsibility of climate action instead on heating fuel suppliers. The integration of the building sector in the EU ETS could lead to the dismantling or shying away from more effective EU and national energy efficiency legislation, under the pretext that this would undermine the functioning of the carbon market. This would be dangerous as the decarbonisation of the building stock requires dedicated policies beyond a carbon price. It is up to governments to put in place programmes to accelerate renovation, to introduce minimum energy performance standards for buildings and to prioritize measures to alleviate energy poverty. These actions will not happen through the EU ETS, but by policymakers taking ownership of the transition to a climate-neutral built environment.

Green Deal for housing should be a key priority for Europe. Without urgent and accelerated action to renovate up to 97% of the European building stock by 2050, it will be impossible to meet the EU’s climate objectives. Fortunately, buildings’ operational emissions can be cut by 100%, mostly by using already commercially available solutions such as insulation. Including the building sector in the EU ETS distracts from taking effective measures to overcome the main barriers hampering the renovation of the EU building stock and the alleviation of energy poverty. The EU instead needs to put in place an enabling framework to ensure that the worst energy performing buildings are phased out over time, to guarantee quality homes for people and clear a pathway to climate-neutrality. The European Green Deal presents a perfect opportunity to deliver on comfortable, affordable and energy-efficient housing. This Green Deal can help unlock 130 billion euro per year to fill the investment gap for energy-efficient buildings3. Over 2 million jobs in Europe could be created throughsuch investments in energy efficiency –in particular in the deep renovation of buildings4. (Source:EURIMA - European Insulation Manufacturers Association, Nov., 2019) Contact: EURIMA, Femke de Jong, femke.dejong@eurima.org

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Greek Culture Ministry
Date: 2019-11-27
In Athens, the Greek Parliament, through the Culture Ministry, is calling for bids in the neighborhood of €2.8 million improve the energy efficiency of the 1843 vintage parliament building. Upgrades are expected to include: new pipes and air conditioning systems, replacement of a total of 191 windows and doors and the addition of an exterior insulating layer on the roof of the building.

Upon completion, the upgraded Parliament building is expected to consume at least 30 pct less energy and emit 39 pct less CO2 on an annual basis. The Greek Culture Ministry will supervise the project. (Source: Greek Culture Ministry, TheMayor.eu, Nov., 2019) Contact: Greek Culture Ministry, www.culture.gr

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Efficiency Canada
Date: 2019-11-27
In its just released provincial energy efficiency scorecard, Efficiency Canada, a new Carleton University headquartered think tank in Ottawa, has ranked Newfoundland and Labrador in 10th place for its lack of policies on everything from promoting electric vehicle use to improving efficient construction codes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "There's just a general lack of attention in Newfoundland to implementing efficiency policies relative to other jurisdictions" including British Columbia which came in first.

According to the score card, B.C.'s provincial government is charting progress toward 2032, when all new builds will have to be net-zero energy ready and produce as much clean energy as they consume.

In an effort to address energy efficiency, and by extension climate change, Newfoundland recently expanded its home energy savings program, doubling in the last budget year to $2 million in grants to low income households for insulation, hat pumps and other energy efficiency upgrades. (Source: Efficiency Canada, CBC, 25 Nov., 2019) Contact: Efficiency Canada, Brendan Haley, Policy Director, info@efficiencycanada.org, www.efficiencycanada.org ; Newfoundland Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment, www.mae.gov.nl.ca

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U.S. Green Building Council
Date: 2019-11-27
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is touting LEED Positive -- a new vision statement and LEED development roadmap that will lay the foundation for a future of LEED and guide USGBC in transitioning LEED from strategies that reduce the harm done by buildings to strategies that cause no harm and begin the process of healing and repair.

LEED Positive will encourage development that allows buildings to become a vehicle for environmental restoration and repair. The vision is composed of several parts that will work together to guide the development of the LEED rating system, including:

Proposed LEED Positive targets for energy and carbon reduction that will require new construction to go further and push existing buildings with high energy usage to substantially increase their efficiency efforts;

Define LEED Positive targets for other LEED credit categories that make up the holistic LEED rating system;

Continue investment in LEED v4.1 to accelerate the implementation and adoption of LEED for both new and existing buildings; and

Support category level performance certificates through the Arc platform to provide existing buildings with a pathway to LEED certification. (Source: US Green Building Council, Floor Daily 26 Nov., 2019) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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C-PACE
Date: 2019-11-25
In Colorafdo, the La Plata County Commissioners recently signed a resolution to participate in the C-PACE (commercial property assessed clean energy) program to encourage energy efficiency projects and help commercial building owners source capital providers, install energy efficiency, renewable energy and water efficiency measures with affordable, long-term financing.

The program benefits building owners by generating an immediate positive cash flow with no up-front, out-of-pocket expense. C-PACE enables a complete upgrade of the building with eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. At no cost to contractors, C-PACE experts will help identify eligible properties, prepare proposals, and develop, optimize, and present projects incorporating C-PACE financing. (Source: Durango Herald, 24 Nov., 2019) Contact: C-PACE, (877) 325-1882, www.copace.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News C-PACE news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-11-25
In the Big Apple, under Local Law 33, which was passed in 2018 for implementation in 2020, all New York City buildings of 25,000 square-feet or more will be graded from A through D for energy efficiency and required to publicly display that grade along with the date of compliance.

To be graded by the city, buildings must submit their latest energy reports -- their Energy Star Portfolio Manager report -- by May 2020 to get their energy efficiency grade. The grade is based on Energy Star score, with buildings over 85 getting an A. An Energy Star score of 70-84 gets you a B, 55-69 is a C, and anything less than 55 is a D and subject to possible financial penalties. The program is in keeping with New York City's long-term energy efficiency and climate goals.(Source: FacilitiesNet, Nov., 2019)

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Illinois Energy Conservation Authority
Date: 2019-11-25
The Illinois Energy Conservation Authority NFP (IECA) reports the Kane County Energy Efficiency Program (KEEP) closed a commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) $351,136 financing on roof improvements and a solar PV system for a 48,000-square-foot, indoor-outdoor soccer campus facility in Elgin, Illinois. This transaction marks KEEP's first C-PACE financed project. Kane County the first C-PACE program in Illinois.

The solar PV system will be installed by Naperville-based Bright Life Renewable Energy, LLC. Bright Life initiated the C-PACE application with their client through the IECA, a not-for-profit organization committed to bringing C-PACE program administration to the Chicagoland area. (Source: Illinois Energy Conservation Authority, PR, RE Journals, Nov., 2019) Contact: Illinois Energy Conservation Authority, www.iecapace.org; C-PACE Alliance, Cliff Kellogg (202) 744-1984, ckellogg@c-pacealliance.com, www.c-pacealliance.com

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Adirondack North Country Association
Date: 2019-11-25
In the Empire State, the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) is touting completion of two New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) programs -- the Cleaner Greener Communities (CGC) One Stop Shop (OSS) Program and the Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Program, both of which are designed to help municipalities reduce costs and increase energy efficiency. Together, the CEC and OSS programs provided over $2M in energy efficiency project funding to the region, according to the ANCA release.

The OSS program included the creation of four Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) positions and the development of tools and resources. ANCA was awarded the OSS grant in 2015 as part of NYSERDA's Cleaner Greener Communities Program which has assisted 195 North Country communities in completing a variety of clean energy projects including: LED lighting upgrades; building envelope improvements; battery energy storage feasibility studies; net zero design; pellet boiler installations; LED streetlight conversions; electric vehicle charging station installation; solar siting and solar installations.

Starting in 2016, ANCA's ECRs led an outreach campaign through the CEC program, providing technical and financial support for 35 North Country communities and assisted each in the adoption of at least four of ten "high impact action items" determined by the State as important first steps in achieving its clean energy goals.

The first 18 communities to achieve CEC designation were awarded $50K-$250 to complete clean energy projects. To date, 19 North Country municipalities have been designated CEC Communities. (Source: ANCA, Adirondack Almanac, 24 Nov., 2019) Contact: ANCA, (518) 891-6200 , energy@adirondack.org, www.adirondack.org; NYSERDA Designated Clean Energy Communities, www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Clean-Energy-Communities/Designated-Clean-Energy-Communities

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Green Wall
Date: 2019-11-22
In the UK, plans have been submitted to the City of London to build Citicape House, including a 40,000 square feet exterior "green" wall incorporating more than 400,000 plants -- Europe's largest.

The "green" wall is projected to capture over 8 tpy ofcarbon, produce 6 tpy of oxygen, lower the local temperature by three to five degrees Celsius, and significantly improve local air quality by trapping approximately 500 kg per year of particulate matter.

Citicape House, designed by architecture firm Sheppard Robson, will feature a five-star hotel, 40,000 square-feet of workspace, a sky bar, meeting and events space, a spa, a restaurant, and various other spaces. (Source: Shepard Robson Architects, electrek, 20 Nov., 2019)

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Efficiency Canada
Date: 2019-11-22
Canadian energy efficiency advocacy group Efficiency Canada, based at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, reports it has awarded the province of British Columbia the top spot in its first-ever provincial scorecard.

According to Efficiency Canada policy director Brendan Haley, B.C.'s top ranking is largely due to the province's green building code, ambitious natural gas savings and significant progress in vehicle electrification. But it says there's still room for improvement when it comes to electricity savings, an area where B.C. is dropping compared with other provinces. (Source: Efficiency Canada, Canadian Press, 20 Nov., 2019) Contact: Efficiency Canada, www.scorecard.efficiencycanada.org

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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

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Hewlett Packard ,NREL
Date: 2019-11-20
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) reports they will collaborate with the US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on the development of water and energy efficiency software for data centers.

HPE expects the three-year collaboration to train machine learning models to detect anomalies so that energy efficiency issues can be predicted and prevented. (Source: HPE, Storage Review, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: HPE, www.hpe.com; NREL, www.nrel.gov

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Montana State University
Date: 2019-11-20
Montana State University in Bozeman reports will seek Montana Board of Regents permission to spend $2.5 million to expand on-campus geothermal energy to cut campus heating and energy costs and to reduce carbon Emissions. The university is also seeking approval for the hiring of a renewable energy and energy efficiency consulting firm.

MSU presently uses geothermal heating and cooling in five on-campus buildings in its North Campus energy district. The school is also working on a campus energy master plan with a goal of reducing campus energy consumption by 20 pct. (Source: Montana State University, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 17 Nov., 2019) Contact: Montana State Univ., www.montana.edu

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US Green Building Council
Date: 2019-11-20
The University of Illinois - Urbana is reporting receipt of its 21st US Green Building Council LEED Platinum certification for its recently completed $98 million Electrical and Computer Engineering Building. The UI campus claims 4 Platinum, 10 Gold and 7 Silver certified buildings.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Building was cited for: sustainable site development; construction and waste management; water savings; energy efficiency; materials selection; a $3 million rooftop solar array with 950 panels; stormwater storage system; passive heating and cooling features; and various other energy efficient features. (Source: University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana News-Gazette, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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Moscow Idaho
Date: 2019-11-20
In Idaho, the city of Moscow -- pop. 26,000 +- -- City Council reports the city's 2010 Sustainability Initiative is expected to reduce the city's greenhouse gas levels 20 pct by 2020, based on 2008 levels.

The city's Sustainability Initiatives include water-conservation methods, replacing inefficient bulbs with light emitting diodes (LEDs), fleet clean fuel and fuel reduction strategies and other energy efficiency measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: Moscow City Council, Tyler Palmer, Acting Public Works Director, 208-883-7097, tpalmer@ci.moscow.id.us, www.ci.moscow.id.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG Emissions,  Sustainabiility,  

EU4Energy
Date: 2019-11-20
Reporting from Tbilisi, the EU Energy Community secretariat has announced consultations with Georgian stakeholders aimed at developing the skills and competencies needed to use a tool that calculates the energy performance of buildings.

The tool, which was developed within EU4Energy Governance project, takes into account different climatic zones, automates the calculation of insulating efficiency values for windows and walls and considers the use of renewables when issuing certificates of energy performance. These certificates include the reason they were issued, the building category, primary energy (measured energy consumption for heating in recent years), the share of energy from renewables, the energy efficiency class (A to G) and proposed measures for improving energy performance.

Previously this year, the EU4Energy Governance project developed national regulations on certifying the energy performance of buildings and a template of the energy performance certificate for Georgia. The assistance is part of EU4Energy support for the country in fulfilling its commitments under the Energy Community Treaty, following the draft Law on the Energy Performance of Buildings of Georgia developed with EU4Energy support in early 2018, the adoption of which is pending. (Source: EU4Energy, euneighbours.eu, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: EU4Energy, www.eu4energy.iea.org

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Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-11-20
In the UK, a recent survey of over 1,600 office workers has identified eco-friendliness, energy-efficient devices and green technologies are the top priority for environmentally conscious office workers.

The survey found the most sought after green office features are: energy-efficient utilities and devices; sustainable office stationary, materials and equipment; office challenges and green policies; eco-friendly office design and architectural features; abundant plant-life; chemical-free washing/cleaning products; an in-office sustainability team; energy efficient and eco-friendly utilities and devices; and a workplaces and company that combats climate change. (Source: Savoy Stewart, Coportae News, 18 Nov., 2019) Contact: Savoy Stewart, +44 0 20 7495 3666, info@savoystewart.co.uk, www.savoystewart.co.uk

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International Maritime Organization
Date: 2019-11-18
In London, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is reporting its Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships has agreed on a draft strategy on the voluntary reduction of GHG emissions from ships. The resolution urges IMO member states to develop National Action Plans that could include:

improving domestic institutional and legislative arrangements for the effective implementation of existing IMO instruments;

developing activities to further enhance the energy efficiency of ships;

initiating research and advancing the uptake of alternative low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels;

accelerating port emission reduction activities; and fostering capacity-building, awareness-raising and regional cooperation;

facilitating the development of infrastructure for green shipping.

IMO noted that it has already adopted mandatory technical and operational measures to improve the energy efficiency of ships and reduce GHG emissions, including the energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships of 400 GT and above. (Source: IMO. Bunkerspot, Nov., 2019)Contact: International Maritime Organization, Stefan Micallef, Director of Marine Environment Division, +44 (0) 20 7735 7611, www.imo.org

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Alberta
Date: 2019-11-18
On the Canadian prairies, the King's University Kings Center for Visualization of Science in Edmonton, Alberta is touting "Design Our Climate" (DOC), an interactive free tool that let users see where global greenhouse gas emissions are headed if we continue our current trajectory of exponential increase, and where we need to go to hit net-zero emissions by 2050.

The tool, which free through the KCVS website www.climatesolutions.kcvs.ca, is peer-reviewed by 25 global experts on a variety of intersecting fields including climate change, mitigation strategies and impacts and education.

The tool allows users to customize climate change mitigation strategies through adjusting multiple variables from five different sectors -- electricity, transportation, land use, buildings and materials. Each sector breaks down into sub-categories to reveal more specific information about how some variables are more carbon-intensive than others. The tool is supported by Energy Efficiency Alberta, a provincial government agency. (Source: Kings Center for Visualization of Science , The Tyee, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: Kings Center for Visualization of Science (KCVS), Peter Mahaffy, Dir., www.climatesolutions.kcvs.ca; Energy Efficiency Alberta, 844-357-5604, www.efficiencyalberta.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions,  Energy Efficiency Alberta,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

USGBC
Date: 2019-11-18
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) reports its LEED ratings system for sustainable building has reached a new milestone with more than 100,000 registered and certified LEED commercial projects with 2.6 million square feet being certified every day. .

"Today millions of us are living, working and learning in LEED-certified buildings around the world. These spaces are using less energy and water, mitigating the environmental burden on their communities, saving money and offering the people who occupy them a better quality of life. This latest milestone demonstrates how the global green building community is delivering on the vision we set forth more than 20 years ago with better buildings and spaces that equal better lives," said USGBC Pres. Mahesh Ramanujam. (Source: USGBC, 17 Nov., 2019) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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Indiana Office of Energy Development
Date: 2019-11-18
In Indianapolis, the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED), in partnership with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, is reporting the availability of 2-year, matching grants -- up to $50,000 -- to farms and rural communities seeking to improve energy efficiency.

Eligible applicants include agricultural businesses, communities, farms, public entities, non-profits and small businesses located in rural areas. There are two types of grants available, planning initiatives and infrastructure implementation. Examples of planning initiatives could include any rural energy efficient planning, including audits, such as engineering or re-engineering of buildings, equipment, and/or feasibility studies that propose to utilize higher efficiency technologies.

Infrastructure implementation could include replacing outdated, inefficient equipment or machinery in an agribusiness. It could also include conducting energy efficient projects that will have a measurable impact on energy usage for HVAC, refrigeration, water quality, livestock, dairy or other types of crop-growing or commercial operations.

The OED administers grant programs funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. These grants promote the use of alternative power and fuels, energy efficiency and public education on energy issues in Indiana. (Source: Indiana Office of Energy Development, PR, 17 Nov., 2019) Contact: Indiana Office of Energy Dev., Tristan Vance, Dir., 317- 232-8939, tvance1@oed.in.gov, Grant Details, grants@oed.in.gov, www.in.gov/oed

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

German Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-11-18
The AP is reporting the German parliament has approved a bill to introduce a previously agreed upon carbon tax on transport and heating sectors. The parliamentarians also approved a price hike for airline tickets on domestic and European flights, as part of a broader package of measures designed to tackle climate change.

The legislation includes tax breaks for commuters and people who invest in improving their home energy efficiency and insulation. (Source: MyNorthwest, AP, 15 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

Israel
Date: 2019-11-18
In Jerusalem, the Ministries of Economy, Energy and Environmental Protection are reporting the launch of a roughly $18 million (U.S.) plan to streamline energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across 108 industrial plants and local authorities nation wide.

The plan promotes the replacement of old and inefficient technologies in energy consumption, with new and cost-effective systems including indoor and outdoor lighting systems, air conditioning, heat pumps, compressed air systems, streamlining various manufacturing processes, and more. These projects are expected to bring in annual savings of about 175 million kWh, estimated at $24 million per year. This plan is part of a national strategic program to implement greenhouse gas emission reduction and energy efficiency targets. (Source: Xinhua, 18 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  Energy Consumption news,  

United States Steel Corporation
Date: 2019-11-15
Along the banks of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, Pittsburgh-headquartered United States Steel Corp, (US Steel) is reporting plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity across its global footprint by 20 pct, as measured by the rate of CO2 equivalents emitted per ton of finished steel shipped, by 2030 based on 2018 baseline levels.

The planned reduction will be achieved through various initiatives including: the development of electric arc furnace steel-making at U. S. Steel's Fairfield Works and at Big River Steel, the first LEED-certified steel mill in the nation; the introduction of state-of-the-art endless rolling and casting technology; and construction of a cogeneration facility at its Mon Valley Works; and implementation of ongoing energy efficiency measures, continued use of renewable energy sources and other process improvements. (Source: US Steel, PR 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: US Steel, Kevin Lewis, Inv. Relations, (412) 433-6935, klewis@uss.com, www.uss.com

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Minnesota GreenStep Cities
Date: 2019-11-15
In Minnesota, the city of Plymouth city council reports the city will not enroll in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program. GreenStep Cities is a voluntary program designed to help cities meet their sustainability goals.

GreenStep Cities is a voluntary program from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that launched in 2010. The program was originally designed as a way to help cities meet their energy reduction goals but evolved to involve environmental best practices across the board, according to Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program Coordinator Philipp Muessig.

Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. This free continuous improvement program, managed by a public-private partnership, is based upon a menu of 29 optional best practices. Each best practice can be implemented, as decided by city elected officials, staff and community members, by completing one or more actions at a 1, 2 or 3-star level, from a list of four to eight actions. These voluntary actions are tailored to all Minnesota cities, focus on cost savings and energy use reduction, and encourage civic innovation

The program is a voluntary way for cities to receive help as they implement some best practices GreenStep has identified as useful and beneficial for Minnesota cities. Cities choose which practices they want to implement and whether or not they want to complete each step, according to the GreenStep program website. (Source: City of Plymouth, swnewsmedia, Nov., 2019) Contact: Minnesota GreenStep Cities, Philip Muessig, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 651/757-2594 or 800/657-3864, Philipp.muessig@state.mn.us, www.greenstep.pca.state.mn.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Ygrene Energy Fund
Date: 2019-11-15
Santa Rosa, California-headquartered Ygrene Energy Fund is reporting completion of 1,480 home upgrades in Charlotte, Collier, and Lee counties Florida. Ygrene helps homeowners secure financing for energy efficiency and storm hardening projects through the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program.

The projects saw 0.41 mw of solar added to the grid. Combined with other efficiency projects, that's expected to shave 47 million kWh off consumers' utility bills while avoiding 23,000 metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere over the lifetime of the upgrades.

PACE financing allows consumers to repay the cost of the upgrades through assessments on their property tax bill. (Source: Ygrene Energy Fund, Florida Politics, 14 Nov., 2019) Contact: Ygrene Energy Fund, Rocco Fabiano, Pres., CEO, (866) 634-1358, www.ygrene.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ygrene Energy Fund,  PACE,  Energy Efficiency,  

American Public Power Association
Date: 2019-11-15
Snohomish County PUD in Everett, Washington, reports it has been awarded the Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for demonstrating commitment and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support a goal of providing low-cost quality, safe and reliable electric service.

The two-year SEP designation is awarded to public power utilities that demonstrate leadership in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and customer experience. Utilities are rated on a scale of 100 points. The PUD earned 84 points, scoring high on offering distributed generation programs like community solar, working to support environmental sustainability programs like Carbon Solutions and providing customers with robust conservation programs. (Source: American Public Power Association, Edmonds News, 13 Nov., 2019) Contact: American Public Power Association, www.publicpower.org; Snohomish County PUD , www.snopud.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Public Power Association ,  

Syracuse University
Date: 2019-11-15
The Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) is reporting receipt of $1.4 million in US DOE funding to support a three-year project called Aerial Intelligence for Retrofit Building Energy Modeling (AirBEM). The funding will allow Syracuse researchers to extend their collaborations to develop an innovative system that improves energy modeling of existing buildings and building interiors using "aerial intelligence" acquired by drones equipped with infrared sensors and onboard processors to audit the exterior envelope. The drones will use computer vision algorithms to detect both materials and heat transfer anomalies, which suggest construction defects, such as air leaks.

The concept for AirBEM originated at Syracuse University with initial seed funding from SyracuseCoE. Subsequently, AirBEM collaborators developed the concept using additional support from the Office of Research, the Campus as a Laboratory for Sustainability program and others. (Source: Syracuse University, 14 Nov., 2019) Contact: Syracuse University, Assoc. Prof. Senem Velipasalar, Assoc. Prof., Edward Bogucz, (315) 443-1870, www.syracuse.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Syracuse University,  Energy Efficiency,  Build Energy,  

City of Springfield
Date: 2019-11-13
In the Bay State, the city of Springfield is reporting it cut its municipal energy use by 26 pct over the past 10 years through the installation of new boilers, windows, and lighting in city schools and municipal buildings. The upgrades have saved the city approximately $3.5 million per year in energy costs.

The city aims to reduce its energy use by 25 pct by 2022. To that end, the city has invested $30 million the energy efficiency projects and also drew on federal and state grants and rebate offers from the utility companies to fund the work. Using federal funds, Springfield also plans to install solar panels with a battery storage system at one of the city's newest elementary schools. (Source:City of Springfield, WANG Northeast Public Radio, 11 Nov., 2019) Contact: City of Springfield, Patrick Sullivan, Exec. Dir. Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management, 413-787-6031, www.springfield-ma.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Xcel Energy,Cargill
Date: 2019-11-13
Xcel Energy is reporting it has awarded Minnetonka, Wisconsin-based Cargill for its recently completed remodeling and energy efficiency upgrade of its 600,000 square foot corporate headquarters in Minnetonka.

The project upgrades included building automation system replacement, a new air handling unit and an upgrade to 90 pct of the electrical system, resulting in an over 3 million kWh over 650 kW totaling $568,000 in rebates, according to the Xcel release. (Source: Xcel Energy, PR, swnewsmedia, Nov., 2019) Contact: Xcel Energy, Karen Rhodes, Energy Director of Customer Solutions, (612) 215-5300, www.xcelenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Xcel Energy,  Cargill,  Energy Efficiency,  

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Date: 2019-11-13
In its 13th annual scorecard, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) ranks Massachusetts, Vermont and New York among the most energy efficient states in the country.

Massachusetts placed first for the ninth year in a row on the strength of its 2008 Green Communities Act and Global Warming Solutions Act calling for increased energy efficiency and an 80 pct reduction in GHG emissions statewide by 2050. The state also adopted the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.

The ACEEE report reviews states' efficiency initiatives and policies on utilities, transportation, building codes, appliances, and combined heat and power. (Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Nov., 2019) Contact: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Steven Nadel, Exec. Dir., (202) 507-4000, (202) 429-2248 - fax, www.aceee.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy,  Energy Efficiency,  

Ameren Illinois
Date: 2019-11-13
In Illinois, the village of Heyworth (pop. 2900 +-) is reporting being one of nine organizations named a winner of the Ameren Illinois Energy Innovator Award for outstanding achievement in energy efficiency.

Using information from an existing flow meter, the village installed sewer plant aeration controls to cost-effectively reduce energy use. The village received a $5,000 prize which it plans to use to install occupancy sensors, update lighting and pumps, energy savings projects and community benefit. (Source:City of Heyworth, Pantagraph, 12 Nov., 2019) Contact: City of Heyworth, www.heyworth-il.gov; Ameren Illinois, www.ameren.com/illinois

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameren Illinois,  Energy Efficiency,  

Monetary Authority of Singapore
Date: 2019-11-13
In Singapore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore reports it plans to create a $2 billion Green Investments finance programme intended to establish the country as a global green financing hub.

The Green Investment Programme will direct funds to asset managers who will in turn invest the funds in public market firms focused on introducing environmental and sustainability considerations into investments in renewable and bioenergy technology, grid infrastructure, battery storage, green buildings, energy efficiency and optimizing energy conservation and consumption. (Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore, International Finance, 12 Nov., 2019) Contact: Monetary Authority of Singapore, +65 6225 5577, +65 6229-9229 -- fax, (212) 809 1900 -- US Office, www.mas.gov.sg

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Finance,  Green Bond,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  Climate Change,  

San Juan Islands Conservation District
Date: 2019-11-13
San Juan Islands Conservation District in Washington State is reporting receipt of $181,882 in grant matching funding from the Washington Department of Commerce Forest Products Financial Assistance Program for wood energy projects. On Nov. 5, the agency funded four proposed projects that provide heat, power, engineered fuel products and/or significant energy efficiency improvements.

This proposal includes a technology assessment, site analysis and conceptual design of an advanced wood energy microgrid gasifier system to generate heat and power for community facilities on Orcas.

The Forest Products Financial Assistance Program emphasizes projects that use woody biomass from forestry management activities and wood products manufacturing. to develop appropriate energy and biochar technologies to process woody biomass. Under the program, energy produced by a funded biomass plant would be around 2.6 million kilowatt-hours per year. . (Source: San Juan Islands Conservation District, Islands Weekly, 12 Nov., 2019) Contact: San Juan Islands Conservation District, www.sanjuanislandscd.org; Washington Department of Commerce Forest Products Financial Assistance Program, www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/forest-products-financial-assistance

More Low-Carbon Energy News Woody Biomass,  

American Public Power Association,Tacoma Power
Date: 2019-11-11
In Washington State, Tacoma Power reports receipt of the Arlington, Virginia-based American Public Power Association's (APPA) Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation for its commitment to and proficiency in environmental initiatives and energy efficiency. The 2-year SEP designation recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and the customer experience.

This is the first year the APPA has offered the SEP designation. Tacoma Power joins more than 60 public power utilities nationwide that received the inaugural SEP designation. (Source: Taooma Public Utilities, Suburban Times, 9 Nov., 2019) Contact: Tacoma Power Utility, www.mytpu.org; American Public Power Association, 202-467-2900, www.publicpower.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Public Power Association,  Tacoma Power,  

Sheppard Robson
Date: 2019-11-11
In the UK, London-headquartered national architect and design firm Sheppard Robson is reporting the unveiling of Europe's largest living "green wall" at its recently completed commercial mixed-use Citicape House in London.

The building's green facade will be wrapped with 400,000 plants for low ultraviolet values and to capture over eight tonnes of carbon and produce six tonnes of oxygen annually. Other energy efficiency related features include a "green roof" garden, efficient window glazing to minimize heat gain, a rainwater collection system, external air heat pumps and a focus on incorporating renewable energy. (Source: Sheppard Robson, dezeen, 11 Mov., 2019) Contact: Sheppard Robson, Dan Burr, Partner, www.sheppardrobson.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Wall,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

LEED Gold,USGBC
Date: 2019-11-11
In Dubai, Empower, the district cooling service is reporting construction is underway on its $76.2 million headquarters in Al Jaddaf.

The 10-story mixed use office and residential building will be constructed to US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Gold Certification standard and is expected to be inaugurated in Q1 of 2021. (Source: Empower, MEP, 10 Nov., 2019) Contact: Empower, www.empower.ae; US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

Saudi Aramco
Date: 2019-11-08
Saudi Aramco reports it is joining Zero Routine Flaring by 2030, a World Bank climate collaboration initiative aimed at minimizing carbon emissions and addressing climate change.

According to the release, as a result of Saudi Aramco's reservoir management best practices, flaring minimization and energy efficiency programs, the Company's 2018 upstream carbon intensity figure is among the lowest globally at 10.2 kilograms of CO2 equivalent per barrel of oil equivalent.

Launched in April 2015, the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative brings together more than 80 governments, oil and gas companies, and development institutions from around the world to eliminate routine flaring by 2030. (Source: Saudi Aramco, PR, Asharq AliAwsat, 6 Nov., 2019) Contact: Saudi Aramco, Ahmad A. Al-Saadi, Senior VP, Technical Services, Amin H. Nasser, Acting Pres., CEO, +966 13 872 0115, webmaster2@aramco.com, www.saudiaramco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Saudi Aramco ,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  World Bank,  

US DOE EERE,
Date: 2019-11-08
The US DOE reports the availability of the High Performance Computing for Energy Innovation (HPC4EI) Initiative with up to $4 million funding for new projects to support manufacturers in improving energy efficiency, increasing productivity, and accelerating manufacturing innovation.

HPC4EI is seeking industry partners to work collaboratively with DOE's National Laboratories on projects that use high performance computing (HPC) to solve key technical challenges in the areas of manufacturing and mobility:

HPC for Manufacturing. High performance computing for manufacturing aims to advance innovative clean energy technologies, reduce energy and resource consumption, and infuse advanced computing expertise and technology into the manufacturing industry. The program seeks proposals that require HPC modeling and simulation to overcome impactful manufacturing process challenges resulting in reduced energy consumption and/or increased productivity.

HPC for Materials. High performance computing for materials aims to enhance the U.S. materials-development, fabrication, and manufacturing industries; and to investigate, improve, and scale methods that will accelerate the development and deployment of materials that perform well in severe and complex energy application environments. The program seeks proposals that will address key challenges in developing, modifying, and/or qualifying new or modified materials using HPC modeling, simulation, and data analysis. Eligibility for HPC4EI is limited to entities that manufacture products or operate systems in the United States. Selected projects will be awarded up to $300,000 to support computer cycles and work performed by the National Laboratory partners.

Qualifying industry partner must contribute at least 20 pct of the funding for the project. Partners that have been previously funded under HPC4EI must provide at least 33.3 pct of the funding for the project.

Since its inception in 2015, HPC4EI has funded 90 projects with more than 40 companies. (Source: US DOE EERE, PR, Green Car Congress, 5 Nov., 2019) Contact: US DOE EERE, www.energy.gov/eere

More Low-Carbon Energy News US DOE EERE,  Energy Efficiency,  

City of Evanston
Date: 2019-11-08
In Illinois, the city of Evanston, in coordination with several public interest organizations, is reporting the progress of the city's 2018 Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP), a comprehensive guide against climate change.

CARP objectives include building energy efficiency requirements, making the city of roughly 75,000 residents zero-waste by 2050 through recycling and composting programs and urging the federal government to impose a national carbon tax. (Source: Evanston City Council, The Daily Northwestern, 7 Nov., 2019) Contact: City of Evanston, Kumar Jensen, Sustainability and Resiliency Officer, www,cityofevanston.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation
Date: 2019-11-08
The Efficient World Scenario presented in the IEA's 2018 Energy Efficiency Market Report, demonstrates how increasing the global rate of energy efficiency from 1.6 pct per year to 2.2 pct per year can result in flat energy demand in the buildings sector, despite a projected 60 pct increase in floor area. Building codes and appliance standards are fundamental drivers of increased energy efficiency, and continued progress -- and expansion of coverage -- will be a priority. At the same time, these policies alone are unlikely to deliver the level of savings needed.

"In this context, it is important to consider the role that market-based instruments can play in improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Market-based instruments have gained attention in the past few years as effective tools in the policy portfolio to deliver energy efficiency. The most prevalent market-based instrument, energy company obligations, has become particularly widespread. In 2017, 47 obligation programmes were in operation in 21 countries in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America."

Download the IPEEC Energy Company Obligations: Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Future Trends report HERE. (Source: International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC) Building Energy Efficiency Task Group, Nov., 2019) Contact: IPEEC, www.ipeec.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  

DOE EERE
Date: 2019-11-08
The U.S. DOE is reporting the funding selections for $128 million in new projects to advance solar technologies. Through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE EERE) Solar Energy Technologies Office, DOE will fund 75 innovative research projects that will lower solar electricity costs while working to boost solar manufacturing, reduce red tape, and make solar systems more resilient to cyber attacks. Selections are in the following areas:

Photovoltaics Research and Development -- $23.6 million for 21 projects;

Concentrating Solar Power Research and Development -- $30 million for 13 research projects;

Balance of Systems Soft Cost Reduction -- $17.6 million for 19 research projects;

Innovations in Manufacturing: Hardware Incubator -- $6.8 million for 7 research projects;

Advanced Solar Systems Integration Technologies -- $50 million for 15 research projects.

Recipients list and other details are HERE.(Source: US DOE EERE, PR, reve, Nov., 2019) Contact: US DOE EERE, www.energy.gov/eere

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE EERE,  DOE EERE,  Solar,  Concentrated Solarr,  

CBRE
Date: 2019-11-08
According to the 2019 National Green Building Adoption Index published by CBRE Group Inc., Maastricht University and the University of Guelph, Chicago is the nation's leader in energy-efficient office buildings for the third year in a row. The city added a near 2 pct gain over 2018, outranking San Francisco, Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Los Angeles.

The index analyzed green-certified office space across America's 30 largest office markets and found the highest in the index's history at 42.2 pct -- up from 41.9 pct from 2018. According to the report, 71.1 pct of Chicago's office buildings are market-certified green and hold either an EPA ENERGY STAR® label, USGBC LEED certification, or both.

(Source: CBRE, Lawndale News, 7 Nov., 2019) Contact: CBRE, National Green Building Adoption Index www.cbre.com/about/corporate-responsibility/pillars/environmental-sustainability/green building adoption index; CBRE, Corpcomm@cbre.com, www.cbre.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  Energy Benchmarking,  CGRE,  

Nexant,Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-11-08
In Salt Lake City, EMI Health reports its office building in Dalt Lake City has been awarded its first ENERGY STAR® certification for superior energy performance.

The EPA awarded an ENERGY STAR Score of 88, meaning that this building performs better than 88 pct of its peers -- office buildings in the mountain west. Only 77 office buildings and 4 industrial plants in Utah have earned the ENERGY STAR for superior efficiency. ENERGY STAR is the foremost energy efficiency certification in the United States that is based on actual, verified energy performance. The following features contributed to the EMI building's performances:

a high efficiency Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating/cooling system;

entilation air is delivered by Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) that recover waste heat from the exhaust air flow and uses it to preheat the incoming fresh air;

100 pct LED light fixtures that are controlled by day lighting and occupancy sensors;

the building shell is comprised of high performance glazing, well insulated walls and roof, and is tightly sealed;

HVAC system is properly commissioned and is scheduled to operate only when the building is occupied.

Nexant, which carried out much of the buildings efficiency work, is a premier provider of technology enabled solutions to the Utility and Energy Industry focused on the next generation intelligent grid, distributed energy resources, and the digital customer experience. (Source: Nexant, PR, 7 Nov., 2019) Contact: Nexant, www.nexant.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ENERGY STAR,  Nexant,  Energy Efficiency,  

NRDC,Earthjustice
Date: 2019-11-06
The NYC-headquartered Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Earthjustice, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group and others have filed suit against the US DoE for its rollback of established light bulb efficiency standards in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. According to the NRDC, the "DOE's latest rollback follows a pattern of repeatedly delaying, stalling, and weakening energy efficiency requirements."

In 2007, Republican President George W. Bush signed bipartisan legislation to phase out inefficient incandescent and halogen light bulbs by 1 January 2020. The first tier of standards (phased in between 2012 and 2014) required light bulbs to use 25 to 30 pct less energy than old-style incandescent bulbs. The second tier was due to become effective in 2020, requiring everyday "general service" light bulbs to use about 65 pct less energy.

The lawsuits contend the Trump administration's DoE acted illegally in reversing its 2-year-old rules expanding the types of bulbs required to become more energy efficient as of 1 January 2020, under a law passed by Congress in 2007.

DOE announced this year that it was reversing that decision even though almost 64,000 comments were registered against the rollback, including 37 major electric utilities serving 55 million customers in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Five lighting companies, and their trade association support the DoE's rollback. (Source: NRDC, Smart Energy, Nov., 2019) Contact: NRDC, Kit Kennedy, Snr. Dir. Climate and Clean Energy Programme, 212.727.2700, nrdcinfo@nrdc.org, www.nrdc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News NRDC,  Earthjusice,  Light Bulb Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-11-06
According to Energy Efficiency 2019, a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the rate of progress in global energy efficiency for 2018 was the lowest in a decade. At the same time, global primary energy intensity improved by just 1.2 pct, the slowest rate since the start of this decade.

The rate of improvement has now declined for three years in a row, leaving it well below the 3 pct minimum that is central to achieving global climate and energy goals, according to an IEA statement.

The IEA report finds the recent deceleration in efficiency progress is a result of social and economic trends, combined with some specific factors such as extreme weather. At the same time, policy measures and investments are failing to keep pace with the rising energy demand. This means that new ways of policy thinking that move beyond traditional approaches are required, particularly to maximize the potential efficiency gains from the rapid spread of digital technologies throughout economies and energy systems.

The report includes a special focus on the ways in which digitalization is transforming energy efficiency and increasing its value. By multiplying the interconnections among buildings, appliances, equipment and transport systems, digitalization is providing energy efficiency gains beyond what was possible when these areas remained largely disconnected, according to the report. (Source: International Energy Agency, Economic Times, 5 Nov., 2019) Contact: International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Energy Agency,  Energy Efficiency,  

Allied Irish Bank
Date: 2019-11-06
In Dublin, Allied Irish Bank (AIB) reports it is offering a low-rate mortgage for energy efficient homes. The five year fixed rate green mortgage will be available to the bank's new and existing mortgage holders whose homes have a building energy rating of between A1 and B3. The rate charged on the loan will be 2.5% for 5 years -- 0.35 pct lower than a similar AIB mortgage on a property that doesn't meet the energy efficiency requirements. The "green" mortgage product is only available for private dwelling houses and not investment or commercial properties. (Source: AIB, RTE, 4 Nov., 2019) Contact: Allied Irish Bank, +353 1 6600311, www.aib.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building ,  Energy Efficiency,  

Urbantech
Date: 2019-11-06
In Denmark, ten startups ranging from energy-producing windows to geotechnical analysis systems development, have been selected by Danish companies to participate in the Urbantech Program supporting the development of new solutions for the cities of the future.

The goal is to help these startups scale-up their businesses and make construction, buildings and energy systems more efficient and flexible, and public spaces more multifunctional. The ten startups selected for the program include:

Next Energy Technologies, a US firm whose cutting edge solar technology transforms windows into energy producing assets with unsurpassed aesthetics, performance, and economics.

Luxembourg's AIRBOXLAB's Foobot, which monitors 24/7 indoor air pollution and creates Demand Control ventilation, filtration and purification through algorithms.

Spanish SAALG Geomechanics, a software solution based on inverse analysis, cloud computing and machine learning algorithms to minimize geotechnical uncertainties.

Anyware Solutions from Denmark, which offers a unique Customer Engagement and Analytics Platform for partners based on data collected by the award-winning Smart Adaptor.

German Moeco is a blockchain-powered platform designed to provide global IoT connectivity

Norwegian startup Bimsync by Catenda saves time, money and the environment. It is the next generation cloud based collaboration platform where construction information comes alive.

Danish PurCity has developed a self-cleaning and highly-efficient air purification system that can be easily integrated into any new or existing building and turn them into large scale air purification systems.

German startup RYSTA facilitates sustainable protection of real estate assets by providing a modular IoT monitoring solution to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

German startup Powerfox provides a solution that makes household energy data available for various parties on a scalable platform.

UK-based OrxaGrid provide smart solutions through retrofitting IoT sensor devices on critical grid nodes and predicting efficiency improvements.

The Urbantech Program is a collaboration between private companies and is supported by the philanthropic association Realdania and The Danish Industry Foundation. Urbantech is run by Rainmaking in collaboration with BLOXHUB, Danish Design Centre, Danish Architecture Center and Amazon Web Services. (Source: Urbantech Program, EU-Startups, Nov., 2019) Contact: Urbantech Program, urbantech@rainmaking.io, www.urbantechprogram.io

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sustainability,  Energy Efficiency,  

Consumer Energy Alliance
Date: 2019-11-06
According to a Consumer Energy Alliance the Keystone State reduced its emissions by 92 pct since 1990, despite growing energy demand, production increasing by 11 times over, and an increase in natural gas plant processing 8 times between 2010 and 2017. Key findings of the study include:

72 pct reduction in nitrogen oxides, a 92 pct decrease in sulfur dioxide, a 53 pct reduction in volatile organic compounds and a 17 pct drop in carbon dioxide emissions.

Pennsylvanians spent $3,108 for their energy needs in 2016 with at 25.6 pct of their income going to energy expenses. Residents saved more than $30 billion owing to clean energy and energy efficiency programmes, according to CEA's Energy Savings Report for Pennsylvania report.

Review study analysis HERE. (Source: Consumer Energy Alliance, Nov., 2019) Contact: Consumer Energy Alliance, www.consumerenergyalliance.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Consumer Energy Alliance,