Neste
Date: 2020-03-13
Espoo, Finland-headquartered biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) producer Neste Oyi reports it is committed to reaching carbon neutral production by 2035. The commitment complements Neste's other strategic climate commitment of reducing customers' greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tpy by 2030. To that end, the company:

Continues to focus on energy efficiency to optimize the use of fuel gas, electricity, hydrogen and steam in its production. The improvements in the turnaround at Porvoo refinery in 2020 will decrease production emissions by more than 100 kt CO2eq annually;

Increases the use of renewable electricity at its production sites. As an example of this, Neste has already agreed to start using wind power in Finland;

Increases the weight of greenhouse gas emissions in the investment calculations and business case evaluation;

Explores new, less emitting production methods, for example utilizing biogas or electrolysis for hydrogen production;

Has started a project for GHG emission reductions at the Porvoo production site, focusing on carbon capture and storage (CCS) and identifies reliable compensation models for the remaining part which cannot be achieved by emission reductions.

Neste is working on rolling out the detailed plan and timeline for implementing the initiatives aimed at carbon neutral production by 2035. (Source: Neste Oyi, PR, Mar., 2020) Contact: Neste Oyi, Salla Ahonen, VP Sustainability, +358 50 458 5076, media@neste.com, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Carbon Neutral,  Carbon Emissions,  

Canada Green Building Council
Date: 2020-03-11
In Ottawa, the The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) reports it is zeroing in on carbon reduction with updates to its Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standard. Launched today, Version 2 is designed to accelerate adoption of zero carbon building practices and help Canada meet its climate targets while spurring innovation and job growth.

Canada's buildings are a top contributor to carbon emissions, and updates to the ZCB Standard reflect the urgent need for change. Today, building operations represent 17 pct of Canada's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or closer to 30 pct when embodied carbon from construction and materials are factored in.

CaGBC's made-in-Canada ZCB Standard provides the industry with a zero-carbon approach that works for any type of new or existing building. Version 2 draws on learnings from over 20 real-world ZCB-projects. These projects demonstrate that the industry is ready to raise the bar on expanded requirements for embodied carbon and energy efficiency. At the same time, Version 2 aims to get more buildings to zero, faster, by providing more options for different design strategies and by recognizing high-quality carbon offsets when necessary.

These updates balance the rigour needed to meaningfully eliminate carbon, while also being flexible enough for zero-carbon buildings to reach the mainstream. Since the ZCB Standard launched in 2017, CaGBC has proven through real-world projects and research, that zero- carbon buildings are technically and financially viable today -- across a wide spectrum of building types including schools, offices, multi-residential, commercial, and even industrial buildings. The updates provide the guidance for more owners and developers to build to zero now and as part of their plans for the future.

ZCB Standard v2 provides two pathways for any type of building to get to zero-carbon. ZCB-Design guides the design of new buildings, as well as the retrofit of existing structures. ZCB-Performance provides a framework for verifying buildings have achieved zero- carbon and must be revisited annually.

ZCB Standard v2 updates focus on these key components:

Embodied Carbon -- Projects must now reduce and offset carbon emissions for the building's life-cycle including those associated with the manufacture and use of construction materials.

Refrigerants -- ZCB Standard v2 encourages best practices to minimize potential leaks of refrigerants that, when released, can have significant short-term impacts on climate.

Energy Efficiency -- ZCB Standard v2 promotes the efficient use of clean energy with more stringent energy efficiency and air-tightness requirements.

Innovation -- ZCB-Design encourages innovation by requiring projects demonstrate two innovative strategies to reduce carbon emissions.

(Source: Canada Green Building Council, PR, Mar., 2020) Contact: Canada Green Building Council, Peter Whitred, Senior Manager, Green Building Programs, Thomas Mueller, Pres. and CEO, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org; Zero Carbon Building Standard, www.CaGBC.org/zerocarbon

More Low-Carbon Energy News Zero-Carbon,  Canada Green Building Council ,  Energy Efficiency,  

Indonesia Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
Date: 2020-03-09
In Jakarta, the Indonesian Industry Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is reporting the implementation of its previously reported B30 biodiesel fuel blending program is expected to use 9.6 million kiloliters (KL) of domestic palm-oil biodiesel, reduce diesel fuel imports by e million kilolitersand, increase the added value of crude palm oil (CPO) to Rp13.81 trillion ($908 million) and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions by 14.25 million tons of CO2, or equivalent to gas emissions from 52,010 small buses, in 2020.

The mandatory B30 program came into force Jan. 1, this year. Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil producer and exporter, is recorded as the first country to implement the B30 mixed-fuel in the world. (Source: Indonesia Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, antaranews.com, 5 Mar., 2020) Contact: Indonesia Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Minister, +136 0 21 3804242, +136 0 21 3507210 - fax, klik@esdm.go.id, www.esdm.go.id/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Indoneasia Biodiesel,  B20,  B30,  Palm Oil,  Palm Biodiesel,  

Eni S.p.A.
Date: 2020-03-04
is reporting plans to planning to have 55GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2050. Under its Long-Term Strategic Plan to 2050, Italian oil and gas firm Eni S.p.A. is aiming to slash net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of its energy products by 80 pct by 2050 by using renewable energies, biomethane, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), methanol and products from the recycling of waste materials.

According to a release, the Rome-headquartered company has "quantified our carbon footprint reduction targets giving ourselves a comprehensive method of calculating emissions, which includes both direct and indirect emissions deriving from the end-use of our products, whether from our own production or purchased from third parties." (Source: Eni S.p.A., Bioenergy Insight, Mar., 2020) Contact: Eni S.p.A., Claudio Descalzi, CEO, +39 06 598 21, +39 06 598 22141 - fax, www.eni.com/en-IT/home.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eni,  Biodiesel,  Green Diesel,  Biomethane,  

Hungary
Date: 2020-03-04
In the capital city of Budapest, the Hungarian Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Climate Policy is reporting plans to meet European Union climate change targets with a two-phase planned €55 billion investment in solar energy 2030, and up to €152 billion by 2050.

Hungary's combined energy and climate change plan targets a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 40 pct compared to 1990 levels, and a minimum 21 pct share of renewable energy sources in gross energy consumption by 2030. The country plans to increase its photovoltaic capacity, almost six times the current installed solar capacity to 6,000 GW while maintaining its wind energy capacity at 330 MW. (Source: Hungary Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Climate Policy, Budapest Business Journal, 29 Feb., 2020) Contact: Hungary Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Climate Policy, Peter Kaderjak, www.bruegel.org/author/peter-kaderjak

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

IEA Bioenergy
Date: 2020-03-02
"Bioenergy already plays an important role in the global energy economy, and it's expanded use is a critical element in future low carbon scenarios, where it can especially play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector. Decarbonising transport will require a range of bio-based transport fuels, and especially advanced low carbon fuels which are suitable for long-haul transport applications including aviation. A number of appropriate technologies to produce such fuels are being developed and commercialised. However so far, their production has only reached a limited scale.

"The costs of these advanced Biofuels are currently higher than those of the fossil fuels which they can displace and of more conventional biofuels such as ethanol from sugar or corn, or biodiesel. It is therefore important to consider what scope there is to reduce the production costs of a range o advanced biofuels, and to identify under what conditions they could become affordable."

Download the full IEA Advanced Biofuels -- Potential for Cost Reduction report HERE. (Source: IEA Bioenergy, Feb., 2020) Contact: IEA Bioenergy, www.ieabioenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News IEA Bioenergy,  Biomass,  Biofuel,  Bioenergy,  

City of Manchester
Date: 2020-03-02
In the UK, the city of Manchester (pop. 2.8 million), in keeping with its pledge to reach net-zero carbon by 2038, has issued a call to "collective action" on the climate crisis with proposals to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.

To that end, the city council wants to retrofit as many of the 350 city-owned buildings with more efficient technology, install solar and wind energy generation capacity on city owned housing sites and complexes, and complete the ongoing replacements of the city's street lighting with low energy LED lighting. The city will also invest roughly £10 million to replace diesel power fleet vehicles with alternative fuel and electric vehicles. City staff will also be incentivized to use cleaner transportation and to conserve energy.

The council also intends to plant 2,000 trees, hedge trees and four community orchards per year beginning this year. The city's existing tree coverage stores 124,330 tonnes of carbon, absorbs 4,980 tonnes and removes 84 tonnes of pollution, according to the city release.

Under the plan, the city council will work with and continue to fund the Manchester Climate Change Agency to establish community-wide climate change related engagement activities and to encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and sign up to the zero-carbon ambition. (Source: City of Manchester, Manchester Evening News, Mar.,2020) Contact: Manchester Climate Change Agency, www.manchesterclimate.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Energy Efficiency,  

York University
Date: 2020-02-26
Estimates of the technologically and economically achievable potential for energy efficiency improvements in Canada are significant. Modelling by the International Energy Agency for example, suggests that under ambitious policy scenarios, Canada's GHG emissions could be reduced by approximately 200 million tpy of CO2e -- 28 pect of current emissions -- and with cumulative savings of $1.1 trillion between 2017 and 2050

In addition to offering the potential to make major contributions to a low-carbon sustainable energy transition, energy efficiency improvements can reduce energy costs to consumers, avoid the adverse environmental and social impacts of new energy supplies, improve productivity, strengthen energy security and enhance the resilience of energy systems to the impacts of climate change.

Despite their benefits, energy efficiency initiatives have struggled to achieve their full technological and economic potential to reduce to energy demand. These failures have been due to a range of market, institutional, financial, policy, regulatory, behavioural and informational barriers.

In recent years, new challenges have emerged beyond these traditional and well-understood obstacles. Changes in policy direction, often flowing from changes in governments, have resulted in significant retrenchments, and in some cases wholesale dismantlings, of energy efficiency strategies in North America. The Government of Ontario's decision to terminate its "Conservation First" strategy in March 2019 was among the most dramatic of these developments, but far from unique.

This study seeks to understand the dynamics behind these developments and to identify potential strategies and design principles to inform the development of more effective and resilient governance structures for energy efficiency in Canada. Specifically, the study examines a series of cases in which commitment and consensus around energy efficiency faltered, threatening the stability and, at times, the existence, of energy efficiency programming in a variety of Canadian (BC, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) and the U.S. (Maine, Connecticut and Indiana) jurisdictions.

Download the York University Unpacking the Climate Potential of Energy Efficiency study HERE. (Source: York University, Sustainable Energy Initiative, Feb., 2020) Contact: York University, sei.info.yorku.ca, www.yoku.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Climate Change,  

Climate Change, Global Warming
Date: 2020-02-24
In Montpelier, the Vermont House of Representative voted 105 to 37 in support of the Global Warming Solutions Act requiring Vermont to cut emissions 26 pct by 2025, compared to 2005 levels. The bill also allows private citizens to sue the state if it fails to deliver on the emissions cuts.

The bill now goes to the Senate for a approval then on to the office of Republican Gov. Phil Scott for signing into law. (Source: Vermont Public Radio, 21 Feb., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Global Warming,  GHGs,  

Finnish Environment Institute
Date: 2020-02-21
The Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) is reporting from Helsinki that only 16 of Finland's 310 municipalities failed to lower their GHG emissions by an average of 15 pct between 2005 and 2017.

On the high end of the reductions scale, Finnish Lapland is estimated to have lowered its emissions by 121 percent, while emissions grew in Ilomantsi in North Karelia, far eastern Finland.

The SKYE emissions figures are calculated according to standards set by the Carbon Neutral Municipalities Network which is backed by SYKE and the EU as part of a six-year climate project called Towards Carbon Neutral Municipalities and Regions.

Finnish emissions must still be slashed by 70-80 pct if to country is to reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2035. (Source: Finnish Environment Institute, YLE News, 19 Feb., 2020) Contact: Finnish Environment Institute, Johannes Lounasheimo, +358 29 5251000, www.syke.fi › en-US

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  

International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)
Date: 2020-02-21
A new report just released by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) concludes that using LNG for maritime bunkers (martine fuel) may have little positive impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The ICCT analysis compares LNG, marine gas oil, very low sulphur fuel oil and heavy fuel oil used in marine engines in the LNG tanker and cruise sectors. However, results varied widely depending on engine technology. High-pressure dual fuel (HPDF) machinery came out top but the ICCT estimates that only 90 of the 750-plus LNG-fuelled ships in service use these engines. Moreover, using a 20-year global warming potential model and taking into account upstream emissions, combustion emissions and methane slip, there is no climate benefit from using LNG, regardless of engine technology, the analysis concludes.

The ICCT's findings come as a serious blow to those who have advocated LNG as an interim fuel on the path to low- and zero-carbon propulsion technologies.

Download the ICCT Climate Implications of Using LNG as a Marine Fuel report HERE. (Source: ICCT, Stand Earth.com, Seatrade, 29 Jan., 2020) Contact: International Council of Clean Transportation, twitter@theicct.org, communications@theicct.org, www.theittc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News LNG,  Alternative Fuel,  GHG,  Carbon Emissions,  

Airport Council International
Date: 2020-02-19
In Germany, Munich Airport reports the Airport Council International (ACI Europe), the umbrella organization of European airports, has again recognized the airport for its continuous efforts to reduce its CO2 emissions.

The Munich Airport reduced its directly attributable CO2 emissions from approximately 3.4 kg per passenger in 2009 to around 2.2 kg per passenger in 2018 -- a drop of 35 pct.

The airport documents its emissions in accordance with the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG), the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.

The airport plans to achieve additional emissions reductions through innovative technologies, without purchasing carbon certificates, and to achieve ACA certified carbon "neutrality" by 2030. (Source: Munich Airports, PR, 18 Feb., 2020) Contact: Munich Airport, Jost Lammers, Pres., CEO, +49 811 5522128, www.munich-airport.com; Airport Council International (ACI Europe), the umbrella organization of European airports, Airport Council International, www.aci.aero; Greenhouse Gas Protocol, www.ghgprotocol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Greenhouse Gas Protocol ,  

UPS, Kinetrex Energy, TruStar Energy
Date: 2020-02-05
Atlanta-based logistics giant UPS reports it has entered into multi-year renewable natural gas (RNG) agreements with Indianapolis-headquartered LNG specialist Kinetrex Energy and White Plains, New York-based compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable natural gas fuel specialist TruStar Energy which together will supply as much as 80 million gallon equivalents (GEs) of RNG to UPS over the terms of the agreements.

Kinetrex will supply UPS with up to 52.5 million GEs of RNG over the life of the contract to be used in its tractor trailer vehicles throughout the Midwest. TruStar Energy will supply UPS with up to 27.5 million GEs of RNG over the life of the contract to be used in California. The RNG will be used to fuel UPS's CNG-powered trucks in both Visalia and Moreno Valley, Calif.

Over the past decade, UPS has invested more than $1 billion in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations in an initiative to cut its absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 12 pct across its global ground operations by 2025. (Source: UPS, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: UPS, Mike Whitlatch, VP, 404-828-6000, www.ups.com; Kinetrex, Aaron Johnson, CEO, 317-886-8179, www.kinetrexenergy.com; TruStar Energy, www.trustarenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LNG,  CNG,  UPS,  RNG,  Kinetrex,  TruStar,  

Global Fire Emissions Database, Global Carbon Project
Date: 2020-01-27
The Global Fire Emissions Database is reporting fires in Australia's New South Wales and Victoria states in have emitted around 400 million tons of COs so far, "pushing country-level estimates for all of 2019 to a new record in the satellite era" of about 900 million tons of carbon dioxide.

In 2018, Australia emitted 421 million tons of carbon dioxide, making it the 16th-largest emitter worldwide, ranking just above the UK, according to the Global Carbon Project, a group of 76 scientists in 15 countries.

2019 was the hottest and driest year on record in Australia, and December saw the country shatter its record for the hottest-ever day nationally. (Source: Global Fire Emissions Database, The Independent, 25 Jan., 2020) Contact: Global Fire Emissions Database, www.globalfiredata.org; Global Carbon Project, www.globalcarbonproject.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Global Carbon Project,  GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  Australia Carbon Emissions,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2020-01-24
In response to and compliance with the COP15 Agreement, the following governments have set a global goal and committed to reaching net-zero emissions in the second half of the century:

Bhutan, California, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, The European Union, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, the Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, The UK and Uruguay. (Source: Various Media, Climate News, Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon,  GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  

Massachusetts
Date: 2020-01-24
In this week's 2020 State of the Commonwealth address, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (R) committed the Bay State to transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In his address, the Governor reported "the state is leading the way in transitioning to clean, renewable energy" and noted a 50 pct drop in emissions from the power industry over the last decade under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Baker added the state's investments in renewable energy would meet 30 pct of the state's electric power needs and at the same time eliminate 5.7 million metric tpy of greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Office of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Smart Energy, 23 Jan., 2020) Contact: Office of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, (617) 725-4005, www.mass.gov/governor

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon,  Climate Change,  CO2,  Charlie Baker,  

Green Mountain Gas
Date: 2020-01-24
In the Green Mountain State, the state's sole natural gas provider, Green Mountain Gas, has announced plans to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2050.

To achieve its goal, the company plans to increase its focus on renewable natural gas (RNG), double energy efficiency savings, develop strategies to reduce home and business emissions and continue sustainable partnerships in communities around the state, according to the company. (Source: Green Mountain Gas, The Middlebury Campus, Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

National Biodiesel Foundation
Date: 2020-01-22
The impacts of U.S. biofuel policy on deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia are found to be insignificant, according to the latest research from leading economic modeling experts at Purdue University. The study looked at concerns from renewable fuel opponents claiming that biofuels are to blame for increased agricultural activity in southeast Asia.

Previous analysis published by U.S. EPA, California Air Resources Board and Argonne National Laboratory have quantified the benefits of using biodiesel in place of fossil fuel because of its significant reduction in GHG emissions. With a quantified reduction in CO2 emissions between 50 and 86 pct lower than petroleum, biodiesel and renewable diesel are experiencing increased use under federal and state policies.

Download the U.S. Biofuel Production and Policy Implications for Land Use Changes in Malaysia and Indonesia study HERE. (Source: Purdue University,National Biodiesel Foundation, Jan., 2020} Contact: National Biodiesel Foundation, 573-635-3893, 573-635-7913 - fax, www.biodieselfoundation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Biodiesel Foundation,  Biodiesel,  

Climate Change
Date: 2020-01-10
In the nation's capitol, U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.) has released the legislative framework of the draft Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for the (CLEAN) Future Act -- an ambitious new climate plan to ensure the U.S. achieves net-zero greenhouse gas pollution and 100 pct clean energy no later than 2050. The draft bill incorporates both proven and novel concepts, presenting a set of policy proposals that will put the U.S. on the path to a clean and prosperous economy. Specific to carbon emissions and climate change, the draft legislation:

Directs all federal agencies to use all existing authorities to put the country on a path toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It does not stipulate which energy sources or strategies qualify, instead taking a technology-inclusive approach to reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century. To ensure federal agencies' collective efforts remain on track, the draft legislation directs the EPA to evaluate each agency's plans, make recommendations and report on progress each year.

Empowers the states to complete the transition to a net-zero economy, based on the existing federalism model in the (Obama administration) Clean Air Act. The bill sets a national climate standard of net-zero greenhouse gas pollution in each state by 2050. States are then granted flexibility to develop plans to meet the 2050 and interim standards based on their policy preferences, priorities and circumstances. Each state must submit a climate plan to EPA, which then reviews and approves or disapproves each plan.

Establishes a National Climate Bank to mobilize public and private investments in low- and zero-emissions energy technologies, climate resiliency, building efficiency and electrification, industrial decarbonization, grid modernization, agriculture projects, and clean transportation.

The draft legislation reduces transportation emissions, the largest source of GHG emissions, by improving vehicle efficiency, accelerating the transition to low- to zero-carbon fuels and building the infrastructure needed for a clean transportation system. The bill directs EPA to set new, increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emission standards for light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including off-road modes of transportation. (Source: Office of Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., Jan., 2020) Contact: Congressman Frank Pallone Jr , Chairman, Energy and Commerce Committee, (202) 225-4671 (202) 225-9665 - fax, https://pallone.house.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Vermont Climate Change
Date: 2020-01-10
In Montpelier, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation is reporting the issuance of its Vermont Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast: Brief 1990–2016 report. According to the report, while greenhouse gas emissions for Vermont in 2016 were down 4 pct from 2015 levels, they’re still 13 pct above 1990 levels.

The report notes that most of the state's GHG emissions reductions came from the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, with small decreases in waste and agricultural sectors. Meanwhile, increases were seen from the industrial processes, fossil fuel industry and transportation sectors. To uphold the Paris Climate Agreement, the state needs to cut greenhouse gas emissions somewhere between 26 pct to 28 pct below 2005 levels by 2025, the report notes.

Download the report HERE. (Source: Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation, Rutland Herald, 8 Jan., 2020) Contact: Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation , Emily Boedecker, Commissioner, 802-828-1556, https://dec.vermont.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Paris Climate Vermont Climate Change,  Agreement,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Equinor
Date: 2020-01-10
Oslo-headquartered Norwegian oil and gas major Equinor -- fka Statoil -- reports it aims reduce the absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its operated offshore fields and onshore plants in Norway by 40 pct by 2030, increasing to 70 pct by 2040 and to near zero by 2050, using 2005 as a baseline.

The GHG reduction goal will cover all of the company's Norwegian offshore fields and onshore plants, including both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of CO2 and methane, levels of which are very low at the Norwegian continental shelf.

The reductions will be achieved through large scale industrial measures, including energy efficiency, digitalization and the launch of several electrification projects at key fields and plants, including the Troll and Oseberg offshore fields and the Hammerfest LNG plant, at an estimated cost NOK 50 billion ($5,630,500,000 US) or more. (Source: Equnior, Smart Energy Jan., 2020) Contact: Equinor, Eldar Saetre, CEO, Pal Eitrheim, VP New Energy Solutions, www.equinor.com

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

Netherlands,Climate Change
Date: 2019-12-23
At the Hague, the highest court in the Netherlands, the Supreme Court, is reported to have upheld a ruling requiring the government to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25 pct of 1990 levels by the end of 2020 -- a target that surpasses European Union emissions reduction targets. By the end of 2018, the country's emissions were down only 15 pct for a 10 pct shortfall on 1990 levels.

In June this year, the government announced plans to trim the country's GHG emissions by 49 pct by 2030 and phasing out coal-fired power generation starting in 2020. (Source: EU News, Various Media, BBC, 20 Dec., 2019)

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

Canada Climate Change,Environment Canada
Date: 2019-12-23
In Ottawa, the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Environment Minister Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson is reporting the country's carbon emissions are expected to be 227 million tonnes below projected levels by the end of the next decade.

Canada expects to its greenhouse gas emissions to 603 million tonnes by 2030 -- well above the 511 million tonne target Canada committed to under the COP15 Paris Climate Agreement. To that end, the government plans to plant two billion trees, cut energy waste and support zero-emissions clean tech companies, and various other initiatives and measures. Unfortunately, Canada is reportedly warming at twice the global average and and three times the global rate in its extreme northern regions. (Source: Environment Canada, Various Media, Canadian Press, Dec., 2019) Contact: Environment Canada, Environment Canada, www.canada.ca/en/government

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Carbon Emissions,  Canada Climate Change,  Environment Canada,  

Schlumberger, Science Based Targets
Date: 2019-12-23
In the City of Lights, Schlumberger the world's largest oilfield service company reports it plans redefine is climate change and carbon emissions targets as well as join Science Based Targets, an emission reduction program sponsored by the U.N. Global Compact program, the London-based Carbon Disclosure Project, Washington, D.C.-based World Resources Institute and Switzerland-based World Wildlife Fund by 2021.

According to a company statement, "The energy industry has a key role to play in reducing the effects of climate change. Schlumberger seeks to lead positive, measurable changes in greenhouse gas emissions within the industry to help reduce climate change. The application of our industry-leading environmentally responsible technologies will help drive process efficiency and environmental footprint reduction."

Science Based Targets claims participation from 754 companies around the world. Under the program, participating companies assess and make their emissions reduction goals that are in line with what climate scientists say is needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, a global treaty signed in April 2016 to fight climate change. (Source: Schlumberger, Oil & Gas, Houston Chronicle, 20 Dec., 2019) Contact: Schlumberger, www.slb.com; Science Based Targets initiative, info@sciencebasedtargets.org, www.sciencebasedtargets.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Schlumberger,  Science Based Targets,  GHG,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  

Broc Oil, REGI,B20
Date: 2019-12-20
In the Bay State, Haverhill-headquartered Broco Oil reports it has contracted to provide Renewable Energy Group (REGI) produced biodiesel-blended heating oil to Boston city-owned buildings and municipal facilities.

Under its contract, Broco will deliver an estimated 90,000 gpy of B-20 heating oil that will reduce the City's CO2 equivalent (CO2e) building emissions by 322,560 ppy -- equivalent GHG emissions of 357,728 passenger vehicle miles according to the U.S. EPA. (Source: Broco Oil, PR, 17 Dec., 2019) Contact: Broc Oil, www.brocoil.com: Renewable Energy Group, Marc MacLean, 603-812-1248, marc.maclean@regi.com, www.regi.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Biodiesel Blend,  B20,  Renewable Energy Group,  B20 ,  

Greenhouse Gas,Center for Biological Diversity
Date: 2019-12-18
Bill Would Pause New Fossil Fuel Leasing, Tie Future Fossil Fuel Permits to Carbon Sequestration WASHINGTON— In Washington, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.)has introduced legislation aiming to set an overall cap on greenhouse gas emissions from public lands and to achieve "net zero" emissions from public lands by 2040.

The legislation would temporarily pause all new fossil fuel leasing on public lands until the Department of the Interior develops a comprehensive strategy to achieve "net zero" emissions on these lands.

If interim benchmarks for greenhouse gas emissions reductions are not met by 2025, fossil fuel leasing, as well as drilling and other permits to develop fossil fuels on existing leases, would be curtailed until the bill's targets were achieved. Unfortunately the legislation fails to permanently end new fossil fuel leasing which would be allowed to continue even beyond 2040 if emissions resulting from federal lands fossil fuel use were sufficiently offset by carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), forest regrowth and other land-use changes, or by the deployment of large-scale renewable energy facilities on public lands.

The federal government owns roughly 640 million acres, about 28 pct of the 2.27 billion acres of land in the United States. Four major federal land management agencies administer 610.1 million acres of this land (Source: Center for Biological Diversity, 17 Dec., 2019) Contact: Center for Biological Diversity, www.biologicaldiversity.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  

California Green Innovation Index
Date: 2019-12-16
According to the California Green Innovation Index, the Golden State may miss its climate targets by more than 100 years -- despite the country's strictest vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions standards, broad climate change policies, and being the first state to adopt an economy-wide cap-and-trade program.

In 2018, California legislated 100 pct of the state's electricity come from carbon-free sources by the end of 2045. Additionally, the state's emission standards dictate that greenhouse gas emissions be cut 40 pct below 1990 levels by 2030 and to 80 pct below 1990 levels by 2050. But considering that the state's climate pollution only declined by 1.15 pct in 2017, California would only hit its 2030 targets by 2061 and its 2050 targets by 2157, the Index notes.

The California Green Innovation Index (CA GII) tracks the state's progress in reducing GHG emissions, generating technological and business innovation, and growing businesses and jobs that enable the transition to a more resource-efficient economy as California adopts innovative energy and emissions policies, according to its website. (Source: California Green Innovation Index, Epoch Times, 13 Dec., 2019) Contact: California Green Innovation Index, 650.235.8323, www.coecon.com/ca-gii.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Green Innovation Index,  Carbon Emissions,  California Emissions,  Climate Change ,  

Eversource
Date: 2019-12-13
New England's largest investor-owned utility, Eversource Energy reports it plans to reduce carbon emission and become carbon-neutral across all departments and operations by 2030.

To that end, Eversource will reduceenergy use by improving the efficiency of its 69 facilities and reducing fleet emissions of its 5,200 vehicles, continue to enhance the electric transmission and distribution system to reduce line losses, reduce sulfur hexafluoride (a potent ghg) in gas-insulated electric switchgear, and replace remaining bare steel and cast-iron natural-gas distribution main lines to improve safety and help prevent methane leaks.

Eversource previously reduced its carbon emissions through a 2018 divestiture of all its remaining fossil-generation facilities. (Source: Eversource: BusinessWest, 11 Dec., 2019) Contact: Eversource, Jim Judge, CEO, Lee Olivier, EVP of Strategy and Business, www.eversource.com

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

Hydro-Quebec
Date: 2019-12-09
Hydro-Quebec operates some 60 hydroelectric generating stations, making it one of the largest hydroelectricity producers in the world. Decarbonizing the economy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is one of the company's priorities.

Hydro-Quebec's Strategic Plan 2020-2024 identifies various applications for clean hydrogen, including renewable natural gas (RNG), carbon-neutral synthetic hydrocarbon fuels, and others Overall, GHG emissions from Quebec hydropower (run-of-river generating stations and generating stations with reservoirs) are similar to those from wind, five times lower than those from photovoltaic solar, 50 times lower than those from natural gas-fired plants and 70 times lower than those from coal-fired plants. (Source: HydroQuebec, Green Car Congress, Dec., 2019) Contact: Hydro-Quebec, Marc-Antoine Pouliot, (514) 289-5005, www.hydroquebec.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydro-Quebec,  Hydrogen,  Clean Hydrogen,  RNG,  Wthanol,  

Cargill
Date: 2019-12-04
Minneapolis-headquartered agriculture industry giant Cargill reports it has adopted a Scope 3 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its global supply chains by 30 pct per ton of product by 2030.

To that end, Cargill is focused on targeted supply chain interventions, programming and policy solutions benefiting farmers, customers and the broader food system including: accelerating sustainable progress in beef, advancing soil health, reducing carbon for sustainable shipping and Protecting forests in partnership with farmers . Cargill has also reinforced its intent to prioritize climate change concerns through pledging to the CEO Climate Statement, signing on to the We Are Still In coalition to continue supporting the Paris Climate Accord and convening at this week's UN Climate Change Conference COP25 in Madrid.

The commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from its global supply chain by 30 pct per ton of product by 2030, in combination with the previously announced operational goal to reduce absolute emissions by 10 pct , has been approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). (Source: Cargill, PR, 3 Dec., 2019) Contact: Cargill, David MacLennan, CEO, Frank van Lierde, Exec. VP, www.cargill.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP25,  Cargill,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

CCS
Date: 2019-12-04
A group of world leading maritime shipping companies and ship builders, including NYK, Sovcomflot, DSM and others, are reported to have joined forces with the København, Denmark-based Maritime Development Center to develop DecarbonICE, an on-board carbon capture and storage (CCS)solution.

The DecarbonICE concept captures ship exhaust CO2 and other GHGs in a cryogenic process and turns it into dry ice. Proven offshore technology is then applied during normal ship operations to transport the dry ice into the seafloor sediments for permanent sequestration as liquid CO2 and CO2 hydrate.

In combination with future carbon neutral fuels like biofuels and electro fuels, the DecarbonICE technology can create carbon negative shipping and thus contribute to atmospheric carbon reduction at a significantly lower cost than shore-based CCS. capture.

The shipping industry is looking for carbon free solutions to achieve the IMO 2050 target of a 50 pct CO2 emissions reduction compared to the 2008 level. (Source: Maritime Development Center, Port News, 1 Dec., 2019) Contact: Maritime Development Center, +45 33 33 74 88, www.mdc.center

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Carbon Capture & Storage,  CO2,  Maritime Emissions,  IMO,  

Canada Green Building Council
Date: 2019-12-04
The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has released the results of its Disclosure Challenge, an initiative designed to champion the importance of energy bench-marking and data transparency in the Canadian commercial real estate market. The results have CaGBC and initiative participants, including QuadReal, Triovest Realty Advisors Inc., Concert Properties Ltd., Colliers International, and the Minto Group calling on federal and provincial governments to implement consistent building data disclosure regulations and requirements.

For Canada to reach its emissions reduction targets and transition to a low-carbon economy over the next decade it is essential that existing buildings achieve significant energy efficiency improvements. One of the barriers to meeting these goals is the current lack of publicly available data on commercial building performance in Canada.

While energy bench-marking regulations are in effect in Ontario, the Challenge marked the first time Canadian real estate owners have voluntarily disclosed their Canada-wide portfolio data. These five participants publicly disclosed available data for over 11 million square meters of space in buildings spread across the country from Victoria to Halifax including offices, warehouses, residential apartment buildings and retail shops. Insights from the Disclosure Challenge show:

In comparison with Natural Research Canada (NRCan) average site energy use intensity values, overall participant office buildings performed approximately 10 pct better than the average office in Canada, whereas participant multi-residential buildings were about even with the average.

Average energy use intensity for office and multi-residential buildings in the challenge were 286 kWh/m2 and 256 kWh/m2 respectively. As compared to high-performance efficiency standards for new office and multi-residential buildings in Canada coming into force in different jurisdictions (with a standard of 100 kWh/m2). Disclosure Challenge office buildings were approximately 65 pct less efficient and multi-residential buildings were 61 pct less efficient.

GHG Emissions intensity varied across the country and was generally correlated with the electricity supply grid intensity, so office buildings in Alberta were as high as 170 kgCO2e/m2 and apartments in British Columbia were as low as 24 kgCO2e/m2 .

View the full Canada Green Building Council Disclosure Challenge HERE. (Source: Canada Green Building Council, PR, Dec., 2019) Contact: Canada Green Building Council, Thomas Mueller, Pres. and CEO, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council,  Energy Benchmark,  Energy Efficiency,  Building Eddiciency,  

Global Atmosphere Watch
Date: 2019-12-02
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Greenhouse Gas Bulletin is reporting globally averaged concentrations of CO2 reached 407.8 parts per million (PPM) in 2018, up from 405.5 ppm in 2017. Methane and nitrous oxide also surged by higher amounts than during the past decade.

The increase in CO2 from 2017 to 2018 was close to that observed from 2016 to 2017 and just above the average over the last decade. Global levels of CO2 crossed the symbolic and significant 400 ppm benchmark in 2015.

Additionally, since 1990, there has been a 43 pct increase in total radiative forcing -- the warming effect on the climate -- by long-lived greenhouse gases. CO2 accounts for about 80 pct of this, according to figures from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Annual Greenhouse Gas Index. (Source: WMO, Nov., 2019) Contact: WMO, Clare Nullis, Media,, +41 79 709 13 97, cnullis@wmo.int, www.wmo.int; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, www.noaa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ,  Global Atmosphere Watch,  

Methane,Environment and Climate Change Canada
Date: 2019-11-25
As previously reported, Environment and Climate Change Canada has announced proposed regulations to cut methane emissions from drilling and processing by 20 megatonnes a year.

Under the new regulations, affected companies would be required to regularly check and repair leaks from their equipment, use cleaner technologies to minimize emissions, monitor emissions at their property lines and report the results to the Canadian government.

The regulations are part of the Pan-Canada Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change to cut methane by 40 to 45 pct by 2025.

The Canadian oil and gas sector produces about 44 pct of the country's escaping methane which represents about 15 pct of Canada's greenhouse-gas emissions. The changes are expected to cost the industry an estimated $3.3 billion over the next 20 years. (Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, CBC, Various Media, Nov. 2019) Contact: Environment and Climate Change Canada,(800) 668-6767, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane Emissions,  GHG,  Climate Change,  Environment and Climate Change Canada,  

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,  

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Maritime Organization,  

Paris Climate Agreement
Date: 2019-11-18
A new analysis from Changing America claims the climate plans of more than three-quarters of the world's countries are "totally insufficient."

To meet the Paris Climate Agreement (COP15)goal of limiting global warming to 2.7 F (1.5 C), countries must cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.

Three-quarters of the 184 countries that signed the COP15 Paris Climate Agreement have climate plans that experts deem "totally insufficient" in a new report.

The small group of nations the report identifies as having sufficiently ambitious climate change plans includes the 28 EU member countries, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine.

The world is on pace to warm by a catastrophic 5.4-7.2 F (3-4 C) by the end of the century if current trends continue. If the nations fail to cut GHG emissions in half by 2030, damages from climate change-fueled hurricanes, droughts, fires and floods will total an estimated $2 billion a day, the report notes.

The report also notes Russia, China, the US and India are responsible for half of all carbon emissions. (Source: Changing America, 15 Nov. 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Paris Climate Agreement,  GHGs,  COP15,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Steel,  Carbon Emissions,  United States Steel Corporation,  

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,  

Ames Iowa
Date: 2019-11-13
In the Hawkeye State, the Ames City Council reports it will award a contract for its Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Forecasting, and Recommendations Report -- study of the city's greenhouse gas impact and to identify a solution to reduce it and to meet the city's sustainability goals. The study is expected to take six months to complete.

The schematic of the greenhouse gas inventory is a forecast projections related to impacts of status quo actions, creating an Ames-specific carbon emissions baseline and identifying opportunities for the city to reduce carbon emissions.

The study contract is being awarded to Maplewood, Minnesota-based greenhouse gas analyst group PaleBLUEdot. (Source: Ames City Council, Ames Tribune, 11 Nov., 2019) Contact: Ames City Council, 515-239-5105, www.cityofames.org/government/mayor-and-city-council; PaleBLUEdot, www.palebluedot.llc

More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenhouse Gas,  GHG,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

CNG Fuels
Date: 2019-11-08
In the UK, West Midlands-based bio-CNG fuel supplier CNG Fuels reports plans to become the UK's first supplier of carbon-neutral fuel sourced 100 pct from renewable biomethane for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Bio-CNG is the lowest-carbon and most cost-effective alternative to diesel for HGVs, cutting vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 85 pct and costs by 35-45 pct, according to the company.

CBG Fuels sources biomethane from food waste but is in the process of securing supplies of biomethane from manure to create a net-zero emissions fuel (on a well-to-wheel basis). The company aims to begin offering carbon-neutral biomethane from 2021 and is also developing a nationwide network of public access HGV refueling stations on major truck routes.

CNG Fuels began supplying RFTO-certified renewable biomethane three years ago. It is the UK's only dedicated provider of public access CNG refueling infrastructure. By spring 2020, it hopes to have six refueling stations in operation serving major trunk roads and cities, and capable of refueling up to 3,000 HGVs a day, according to the release. (Source: CNG Fuels, Bioenergy News, 6 Nov., 2019) Contact: CNG Fuels, . Philip Fjeld, CEO, (+44) 07971 541 000, {startlink]info@cngfuels.com], www.cngfuels.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CNG ,  Biomethane,  Methane,  Biofuel,  

Korea
Date: 2019-11-04
The Korean Times is reporting Korean companies consume over 50 pct of the electric power generated from coal-fired power plants and contribute 30 to 40 pct of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. The Times notes that Korean companies, the main consumers of electricity generated by the coal-fired plants, need to transition to renewables but to date have been largely noncommittal to dropping fossil fuels.

According to Kim Ji-seok, a climate and energy specialist at Greenpeace Seoul, "there are two ways for local companies to replace their energy sources with renewable energy. One is to build their own power plant and the other is to purchase the energy from a renewable resources power generator. However, the latter is not legal here. Besides, electric power generated by such plants accounts for only 3.5 pct of the total electricity used in Korea, which is way too small to meet market demand," Kim said.

The state-run Korean Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), which controls the majority of the country's electric power generation, is reportedly slow to adopt renewables. Another major factor attributing to high rate of greenhouse gases in Korea is the auto industry with Hyundai and Kia Motors emitting 401 million gross tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2018. (Source: Korea Times, Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHGs,  Korea Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Holland Michigan
Date: 2019-11-04
In Michigan, the city of Holland (pop. 35,000 +-) reports it is upgrading its Community Energy Plan -- the city's strategy to bring per capita GHG emissions down to 10 metric tons of carbon dioxide per capita over 40 years.

With the recent the decommissioning of the coal-powered James DeYoung power plant and the opening of the Holland Energy Park natural gas plant, the city has already cut emissions from 24 metric tons per capita in 2010 to an estimated 17 metric tons as of 2017. Moving forward the the city plans retrofitting all city buildings for better energy efficiency, replacing streetlights with LEDs to cut energy costs, further cutting the use of fossils fuels and increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, and refining its Energy Plan to include:

reaching a total of 1,000 homes retrofitted through the Home Energy Efficiency Retrofit program

growing capacity so that an additional 250 homes can be retrofitted annually

create local residential, commercial and industrial Energy Waste Reduction programs to replace expiring state programs

pilot and then study district heating at the Holland Civic Center to determine its effectiveness

achieve the highest rate of per-capita electric vehicle ownership in the state, twice the state average

draft a five-year plan for adapting the city's infrastructure for autonomous vehicles

secure a $3 million endowment for the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute.

If all interim goals for 2021 are met, the changes are predicted to bring CO2 emissions levels down to 15.75 metric tons per capita. With 82 percent of the city's electricity delivered to commercial or industrial facilities, Holland's business sector will be key to the continued progress toward its goals. (Source: City of Holland, Holland Sentinel, 3 Nov., 2019)

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

University of Queensland
Date: 2019-11-01
Research led by the University of Queensland in Australia has found the climate impact of selective logging, outright clearing and fire in tropical rainforests between 2000 and 2013 was conservatively underestimated by 6.53 billion tonnes of CO2. The study did not include emissions from other woodlands or the massive boreal forests in the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere.

According to study co-author professor James Watson of the University of Queensland and the Wildlife Conservation Society, "We have been treating forests as pretty one-dimensional, but we know degradation impacts carbon. The bottom line is that we knew the numbers would be big, but we were shocked at just how big. This is a carbon time bomb and policymakers have to get to grips with this."

The study notes that when countries declare greenhouse gas emissions from changes in forests, they do not account for the CO2 that forests would have continued to soak up for decades had they not been cleared or damaged. This is a measure known as 'forgone removal'. The study , which accounted for those emissions up to the year 2050, found 6.53 billion tonnes of CO2 for foregone emissions and the impacts of other damage that wasn't being counted. In total, the world's forests absorbed roughly 28 pct of human-caused emissions between 2007 and 2016, with tropical forests accounting for about half that absorption.

Study details HERE. (Source: University of Queensland, Science Advances, Guardian, 31 Oct., 2019) Contact: University of Queensland, Prf. James Watson, +61 7 334 61645, james.watson@uq.edu.au, www.uq.edu.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  CO2,  Rainforest,  

Association of Global Automakers
Date: 2019-10-30
In the Golden State, the Sacramento Bee is reporting General Motors, Toyota and other major automakers are supporting the Trump administration's lawsuit regarding California's higher than national standards for vehicle fuel economy and carbon emissions to address climate change.

The Association of Global Automakers and the Coalition for Sustainable Automotive Regulation -- a group including GM, Toyota, Mazda, Fiat Chrysler and Mitsubishi -- split with four other automakers that had agreed to follow tougher rules enacted by California. The coalition said it simply wants to avoid a two-track system in which carmakers have to follow one set of rules for California, and the states that are supporting California, and another set of rules imposed by the federal government. Such a scenario would create chaos in the industry, the group argued. (Source: Sacramento Bee, 29 Oct., 2019) Contact: Association of Global Automakers, www.globalautomakers.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vehicle Emissions,  CO2,  GHGs,  EPA,  California Vehicle Emissions,  Climate Change ,  

FortisBC
Date: 2019-10-25
In British Columbia, Surrey-based regulated utility FortisBC and the City of Vancouver have received regulatory approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission to produce Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) at the City's landfill in Delta. Construction of the biogas facility will get underway in 2020 and take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete.

The project aligns with the City of Vancouver's and FortisBC's shared commitment to develop more renewable energy and support the broader greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals outlined in the province's CleanBC strategy, according to the FortisBC release. "This new and substantial supply will bring us closer to our target of having 15 pct of our gas supply be renewable by 2030 -- a key deliverable within our 30BY30 Target to reduce our customers' greenhouse gas emissions by 30 pct by 2030."

FortisBC currently works with five RNG suppliers and owns and operates two RNG purification facilities on existing landfills. (Source: FortisBC, PR, CNW, 24 Oct., 2019) Contact: FortisBC, Douglas Stout, VP, Market Dev. www.fortisinc.com, www.fortisbc.com/RNG

More Low-Carbon Energy News FortisBC,  RNG,  

San Antonio
Date: 2019-10-18
In the Lone Star State, the San Antonio City Council reports the adoption of a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan aimed at slashing the city's GHG emissions to net-zero by 2050.

San Antonio is the second major Texas city to adopt the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Austin passed a similar climate plan in 2014 and Houston and Dallas are working on their own climate planning efforts. (Source: City of San Antonio, Rivard Report, 17 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Emissions,  Climate Change,  CO2,  San Antonio,  

Finger Lakes Climate Fund
Date: 2019-10-14
In the Empire State, the Ithaca-based Finger Lakes Climate Fund is touting an online carbon offsetting calculator program that allows donors to estimate their carbon pollution and pay a corresponding amount to support local clean energy, energy efficiency and climate related projects.

The Finger Lakes Climate Fund works to promote clean energy projects in the Finger Lakes area while strengthening the regional economy while offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings or travel.

Carbon offset donations are used for grants to fund energy efficiency projects and renewables that would not otherwise be possible in low-to-moderate income households in the Finger Lakes region. These grants help pay for insulation, air sealing, energy efficient heating equipment such as heat pumps and pellet stoves, solar panels, and other upgrades to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Finger Lakes Climate Fund is also investigating other cost-effective local carbon offset projects such as soil carbon farming. (Source: Finger Lakes Climate Fund, Yale Climate Connection, Oct., 2019) Contact: Finger Lakes Climate Fund, www.fingerlakesclimatefund.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon OffsetsEnergy Efficiency,  Renewables,  GHG,  Climate Change,  

International Energy Agency
Date: 2019-10-14
In its Energy Efficiency 2018 report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) examines the ways global energy efficiency could be improved over the next two decades. It bases its estimates on a world with 60 pct more building space, 20 pct more people and a GDP that is double what it is today. Those increases will significantly affect energy demand, use and production, so energy efficiency will be critical in controlling their contribution to GHG emissions, according to the report.

The IEA report notes: energy efficiency gains could "allow the world to extract twice as much economic value from the energy it uses today"; efficiency would cut consumer energy bills by more than US$500 billion annually and, by 2040, provide 40 pct of the GHG reductions the world needs to meet Paris Agreement commitments.

Report details and free download HERE. (Source: IES, BIV, 14 Oct., 2019) Contact: EIA, www.eia.org

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

City of Santa Rosa
Date: 2019-10-14
As previously reported, in February the Santa Rosa City Council in Sonoma County, California appointed a climate action subcommittee to facilitate the implementation of a climate action plans. To that end, the subcommittee is now advancing significant policy changes focused on transportation, energy-efficient buildings, solid waste reduction and carbon sequestration.

Sixty percent of Santa Rosa's GHG emissions come from motor vehicles. As Sonoma County prepares to extend Measure M -- a quarter-cent sales tax that has leveraged $5 of state and federal funding for every $1 of local transportation tax revenue -- the city needs to take a critical look at reliable and frequent public transit.

With 29 pct of the city's emissions coming from inefficient building energy use, the subcommittee is recommending all city buildings join Sonoma Clean Power's "Evergreen" program, which delivers 100 pct renewable and local energy, promising an immediate 41 pct reduction in building emissions.

The subcommittee has also advanced a comprehensive zero-waste plan that could reduce the city's GHG emissions by up to 9 pct. The city also maximized its recyclabling and composting efforts. The city is also exploring . (Source: City of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, 13 Oct., 2019) Contact: City of Santa Rosa, www.srcity.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,