UK Contractors Declare
Date: 2020-07-01
In the UK, a group of major contractors -- Multiplex, BAM Construct UK, BAM Nuttall, Canary Wharf Contractors, Morgan Sindall, Sir Robert McAlpine, Skanska UK and Willmott Dixon -- have launched the UK Contractors Declare initiative to address climate change and drive the construction industry to net-zero carbon not later than 2050.

Working as part of the wider global Construction Declares movement, Contractors Declare is already engaging with Architects Declare and Engineers Declare to promote a unified strategic approach to lobbying government and driving meaningful and effective change. To that end, Contractors Declare has committed to:

Raise awareness of the climate and biodiversity emergencies and the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation action among our employees, clients, peers, collaborators and supply chains.

Advocate for faster change in the building industry towards regenerative practices and higher Governmental investment to support a just transition, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Establish climate mitigation and adaptation principles, as well as maximise biodiversity and air quality enhancement. This will be demonstrated through commitments, actions and achievements. Seek for us and our key supply chains to set targets for our own emissions and for the assets we design and build using recognised standards aligned to the 1.5-degree scenario.

Evaluate all new projects against the aim to contribute positively to mitigating climate and biodiversity breakdown, to adapt to climate change using nature-based solutions and encourage our clients to adopt this approach. Share knowledge and research on an open-source basis, to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

Support the upgrade of existing assets for extended use as a more carbon-efficient alternative to demolition and new build whenever there is a viable choice, as well as support and promote the use of life cycle costing, whole-life carbon modelling and post-occupancy evaluation/performance measurement.

Adopt and support more regenerative principles, with the aim of achieving net-zero in line with recognised standards. For buildings, this should be in line with the UKGBC's industry created definition of net-zero carbon.

Work together with engineers, designers, clients, collaborators and supply chain to further reduce construction waste and transition to a circular economy and accelerate the shift to low embodied carbon materials to reduce embodied carbon by at least 40 pct by 2030, based on the World Green Building Council call to action.

According to Contractors Declare , buildings and construction account for nearly 40 pct of energy-related CO2 emissions while also having a significant impact on natural habitats. (Source: UK Contractors Declare , PR, June, 2020) Contact: UK Contractors Declare, www.contractorsdeclare.co.uk

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

European Union,European Commission
Date: 2020-07-01
In Brussels, Members of the European Union Parliament (MEPs) Industry, Research and Energy Committee the Committee) have outlined their strategy for renewable energy, 'green' hydrogen, and energy storage, all of which play a crucial role in reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate change.

The Committee calls on the EC and member states to remove regulatory barriers that hamper the development of energy storage projects, such as double taxation or shortcomings in EU network codes. The Trans-European energy networks also need to be revised in order to improve eligibility criteria for those wishing to develop energy storage facilities.

MEPs also highlight the potential of hydrogen produced from renewable sources ("green hydrogen" ) and call on the EC to continue supporting research into and development of a hydrogen economy. The EC should also assess if retrofitting gas infrastructure to transport hydrogen is possible, as the use of natural gas is only of a transitional nature.

The committee also supports the EC's efforts to create European standards for batteries and to reduce dependence on their production outside of Europe. The EU's heavy dependence on importing raw materials from sources where extraction degrades the environment should be reduced through enhanced recycling schemes and by sourcing raw materials sustainably, possibly in the EU.

Finally, MEPs propose ways to boost other storage options, such as mechanical and thermal storage, as well as the development of decentralized storage through home batteries, domestic heat storage, vehicle-to-grid technology and smart home energy systems. The EC estimates that the EU will need to be able to store six times more energy than today to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

According to lead MEP Claudia Gamon, "Energy storage will be essential for the transition to a decarbonized economy based on renewable energy sources. As electricity generated by wind or solar energy will not always be available in the quantities needed, we will need to store energy. Apart from storage technologies that we already know work well like pumped hydro storage, a number of technologies will play a crucial role in the future, such as new battery technologies, thermal storage or "green" hydrogen. These must be given market access to ensure a constant energy supply for European citizens." (Source: European Union News, European Commission PR, 30 June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Paris Climate Agreement news,  Renewable Energy news,  Energy Storage news,  Hydrogen news,  

European Union,European Commission
Date: 2020-07-01
In Brussels, Members of the European Union Parliament (MEPs) Industry, Research and Energy Committee have outlined their strategy for renewable energy and energy storage and their role in reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate change.

The Committee calls on the EC and EU's 27 member states to remove regulatory barriers that hamper the development of energy storage projects, such as double taxation or shortcomings in EU network codes. The Trans-European energy networks also need to be revised in order to improve eligibility criteria for those wishing to develop energy storage facilities. The MEPs also propose boosting mechanical thermal, and other other energy storage options as well as the development of decentralized storage through home batteries, domestic heat storage, vehicle-to-grid technology and smart home energy systems.

The committee also supports efforts to create European battery standards and battery recycling initiates and reduce dependence on their production outside of Europe.

Finally, the EC estimates the EU will need to be able to store six times more energy than today to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

According to lead MEP Claudia Gamon, "Energy storage will be essential for the transition to a decarbonised economy based on renewable energy sources. As electricity generated by wind or solar energy will not always be available in the quantities needed, we will need to store energy. Apart from storage technologies that we already know work well like pumped hydro storage, a number of technologies will play a crucial role in the future, such as new battery technologies, thermal storage or green hydrogen. These must be given market access to ensure a constant energy supply for European citizens." (Source: European Union News, European Commission PR, 30 June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  European Union,  European Commission,  Battery,  

European Union,European Commission
Date: 2020-07-01
In Brussels, Members of the European Union Parliament (MEPs) Industry, Research and Energy Committee have outlined their strategy for renewable energy and energy storage and their role in reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate change.

The Committee calls on the EC and the EU 27 member states to remove regulatory barriers that hamper the development of energy storage projects, such as double taxation or shortcomings in EU network codes. The Trans-European energy networks also need to be revised in order to improve eligibility criteria for those wishing to develop energy storage facilities. The MEPs also propose ways to boost other storage options, such as mechanical and thermal storage, as well as the development of decentralised storage through home batteries, domestic heat storage, vehicle-to-grid technology and smart home energy systems. The committee also recommends European battery standards recycling initiates and reducing the EU's dependence on batteries produced outside of Europe. Finally, The EC estimates the EU will need to be able to store six times more energy than today to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

According to lead MEP Claudia Gamon, "Energy storage will be essential for the transition to a decarbonised economy based on renewable energy sources. As electricity generated by wind or solar energy will not always be available in the quantities needed, we will need to store energy. Apart from storage technologies that we already know work well like pumped hydro storage, a number of technologies will play a crucial role in the future, such as new battery technologies, thermal storage or green hydrogen. These must be given market access to ensure a constant energy supply." (Source: European Union News, European Commission PR, 30 June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  European Union,  European Commission,  

Climate Change
Date: 2020-06-22
"People are starting to realise that we cannot keep looking away from these things. We cannot keep sweeping these injustices under the carpet".

"All that is left are empty words. The level of knowledge and understanding even among people in power is very, very low, much lower than you would think."

. "Words like green, sustainable, 'net-zero', 'environmentally friendly', 'organic', 'climate-neutral' and 'fossil-free' are today so misused and watered down that they have pretty much lost all their meaning. They can imply everything from deforestation to aviation, meat and car industries."

"The climate and ecological crisis cannot be solved within today's political and economic systems. That isn't an opinion. That's a fact."

"Nature does not bargain and you cannot compromise with the laws of physics. Doing our best is no longer good enough. We must now do the seemingly impossible. And that is up to you and me. Because no one else will do it for us." -- Greta Thunberg, June, 2020

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Crown Estate Scotland
Date: 2020-06-12
Crown Estate Scotland, which manages the country's seabed, is reporting the launch of ScotWind Leasing , a new round of offshore wind leasing in Scottish waters.

The offshore wind program could help Scotland meet a net-zero by 2045 future, deliver more than enough green electricity to power every Scottish household , save six million tpy of CO2 and be worth more than £8 billion, according to the release. ScotWind Leasing details are available from Crown Estates Scotland. (Source: Crown Estates Scotland, The National, June, 2020) Contact: Crown Estate Scotland, www.crownestatescotland.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Scotland Offshore Wind,  

Ofgem, Energy Networks Association
Date: 2020-05-29
In the UK, Britain's five gas networks -- Cadent, National Grid, NGN, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities have outlined a "Zero Carbon Commitment" and plan to spend £904 million on zero-carbon energy infrastructure and hydrogen deployment across the UK, subject to Ofgem funding approval which is expected in July.

If approved, the spending would focus on projects across Britain between 2021 and 2026, under the RIIO-2 price control. The gas networks claim that spending could help the UK use "blue hydrogen" developed from carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, and "green hydrogen" from renewable electricity -- with the latter becoming cost-competitive by 2030.

Under the plan, £446 million would be spent on a new network infrastructure for the industrial use of hydrogen, including £391 million for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) projects in the north-west of England, Aberdeenshire and the Isle of Grain. A further £264 million would be spent on projects to expand the capacity of local gas networks by connecting hydrogen and bio-methane generation projects and transport refueling stations. £150 million would be used to run large-scale trials for domestic use of hydrogen heating, cooking and transportation and how these are connected to the gas grid. £43 million would be spent to research blending more zero-carbon hydrogen with the natural gas currently used in the UK's gas networks.

According to the Energy Networks Association (ENA), £182 billion could be invested to make hydrogen cost-competitive with the current natural gas-based system and would reduce energy system costs to the UK public by £189 billion by 2050. (Source: ENA, edie, 28 May. 2020) Contact: Energy Networks Association, www.energynetworks.org; OFGEM, Chris Lock, +44 0207 901 7225, www.ofgem.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Blue Carbon,  Ofgem,  Net-Zero Emissions,  

Prairie Island Indian Community
Date: 2020-05-27
In St. Paul, the Gopher State legislature last week passed legislation awarding the Prairie Island Indian Community $46 million over three years for a "net-zero" renewable energy project -- Minnesota's first such clean-energy project.

The project would include a 5 MW solar array along with a microgrid -- a self-contained distribution system that would include a battery for electricity storage. The new solar installations would also power geothermal heating and cooling projects. (Source: Prairie Island Indian Community, Star Tribune, 23 May, 2020)Contact: Prairie Island Indian Community, 651-385-4124, www.prairiesisland.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Energy,  Renewable Energy,  

Pitkin County Colorado
Date: 2020-05-27
In Colorado, the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners last month adopted the Home Energy (efficiency) Rating System (HERS) and set strict energy requirements that apply to new construction and remodels and additions over 1,000 square feet.

Pitkin County will require that homes receive a score of 60 or lower HERS score before on-site renewable energy lowers that score to 30 or lower. Pitkin County calls this effort Net-30, a play on net-zero, which is expected to be the county's requirement by 2030. Pitkin County has long required that energy-intensive construction, including driveways with snow-melt systems, be offset with onsite renewable energy or payments to the Renewable Energy Mitigation Program. Now, the county also will require that homeowners with large solar systems that produce 10 or more kWh, install home batteries to store as much as 25 pct of that energy that can be fed back into the grid.

The new building requirements, which go into effect in late July, this year, lay the groundwork for the county to require net-zero buildings by 2030.. (Source: Pitkin County, Aspen Journalism, 27 May, 2020) Contact: Pitkin County, Cindy Houben, Community Dev. Dir., 970-920-5097, Cindy.Houben@pitkincounty.com, www.pitkincounty.com

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

Prairie Island Indian Community
Date: 2020-05-27
In St. Paul, the Gopher State legislature last week passed legislation awarding the Prairie Island Indian Community $46 million over three years for a "net-zero" renewable energy project -- Minnesota's first such clean-energy project.

The project would include a 5 MW solar array along with a microgrid and backup battery for electricity storage. (Source: Prairie Island Indian Community, Star Tribune, 23 May, 2020) Contact: Prairie Island Indian Community, 651-385-4124, www.prairiesisland.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar news,  Renewable Energy news,  

UCLA
Date: 2020-05-11
In the Golden State, a team of University of California- Los Angeles (USCLA) is reporting the state can achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and thus prevent thousands of deaths annually.

The researchers note that since millions of Californians began staying at home and off the roads in March, air quality in the Golden State has visibly improved but that once life returns to normal, air pollution levels will likely, but need not return to pre-pandemic levels.

In a peer-reviewed study published May 4 the researchers describe a pathway for California to dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution that taken together would prevent about 14,000 premature deaths from air pollution–related illnesses each year and help reduce climate change by 2050. In addition to the finding that approximately 14,000 premature deaths per year could be avoided in California by 2050, achieving net-zero emissions could also: reduce acute respiratory symptoms in 8.4 million adults; cut asthma exacerbation in 1 million children; decrease the number of lost work days by 1.4 million; and cut cardiovascular hospital admissions by 4,500 per.

The reports notes that while all communities would benefit, the state's top 25 pct most-polluted census tracts would receive approximately 35 pct of the health benefits resulting from the projected improvements in air quality.

The study also notes that unlike with the current COVID-19 crisis, achieving net-zero emissions post-pandemic would benefit the economy. By 2050, the monetary savings of greenhouse gas reductions will exceed the annual health care cost by $109 billion a year.. The study's authors intend their research to help state and local policymakers take bold action on climate change. This study was partially funded by the UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, a university-wide initiative aimed at applying UCLA expertise and research to transform Los Angeles into the most sustainable megacity by 2050. (Source: UCLA FSPH, Lauren Miura, 4 May, 2020) Contact: UCLA Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering , www.jifresse.ucla.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News UCLA,  Carbon Emissions,  Clean Air,  

Drax,DRAX
Date: 2020-05-08
In North Yorkshire, UK power generation company DRAX Group has launched a Biomass Carbon Calculator to help to decarbonize the production and transportation of biomass pellets, used for low carbon energy generation.

The Biomass Carbon Calculator is in line with the company's drive to become carbon-negative by 2030 and the UK's effort to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050.

The calculator, which will use real-time supply chain data to improve emission reporting and identify points where carbon reductions can be made, in compliance with the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive II. (Source: DRAX, Trade Media,6 May, 2020) Contact: DRAX, Will Gardiner, CEO, +44 0 1757 618381, www.draxpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Drax,  DRAX,  Woody Biomass,  Biomass Pellet,  Carbon Emissions,  

UK Oil and Gas Authority
Date: 2020-05-08
The UK's oil regulator UK Oil and Gas Authority has unveiled plans to force North Sea operators to meet the government's 2050 net-zero carbon by 2050 goals.

To that end, the Authority proposes to amend its principle objective of maximizing economic recovery to bring in a number of low carbon obligations on operators, who would be open to penalties if they are not met. Changes include reducing flaring and emissions as much as possible, fully assessing low carbon development options like platform electrification, and requiring "good faith" negotiations on carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Greenpeace noted "the Oil and Gas Authority's plan to achieve net-zero is unworkable, because it demands a continued reliance on fossil fuels, which is destroying our climate -- what we really need is a zero-carbon economy." (Source: UK Oil and Gas Authority, Energy Voice, Evening Standard, 6 May, 2020) Contact: UK Oil and Gas Authority, Mike Tholen, Sustainability Director, Andy Samuel, CEO, +44 0300 020 1010, oga.correspondence@ogauthority.co.uk, www.ogauthority.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Oil and Gas Authority,  CCS,  Net-Zero Emissions,  CO2 ,  

TOTAL
Date: 2020-05-06
The Paris headquartered energy giant TOTAL reports it has set a target of net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner for its worldwide operations. In addition, the company will pursue a reduction of 60 pct or more by that date in the average carbon intensity of energy products used globally by its customers, rising to 100 pct for energy products used by customers in Europe.

This will be achieved in intermediate steps of 15 pct by 2030, and 35 pct by 2040. The company aims is to become a broad-energy company, with oil and gas, low-carbon electricity and carbon-neutrality solutions as integral parts of its business.

The company is presently targeting gross renewable power generation capacity of 25GW in 2025 and will continue to expand into renewable energies. The company allocates more than 10 pct of its capex to low-carbon electricity, which it claims is the highest of any majors, and plans to raise this percentage to 20 pct by 2030 or sooner. (Source: TOTAL, Offshore, 5 May, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News TOTAL news,  Net-Zero Emissions news,  Carbon Emissions news,  CO2 news,  

Surry County
Date: 2020-05-01
In the UK, the Surrey County Council (SCC) has approved Surrey's Climate Change Strategy, a collective approach for how the County can be net-zero carbon by 2050. to that end, the county's current rate of carbon consumption would have to decrease significantly.

The County's strategy is broken down into eight key sectors; Organisation Emissions, Transport and Air Quality, Energy Generation, Housing and Planning, Buildings and Infrastructure, Waste, Resources and Circular Economy, Land Use and Food Systems, Industry and Economy -- each of which includes county-wide CO2e emissions reduction targets, strategic priorities and action identified to achieve them. The strategy aims for 66 pct overall emissions reduction by 2035.

A summary of the Climate Change Strategy and action plan is HERE (Source: Surrey County Council , Surrey News, 29 April, 2020) Contact: Surrey County Council, www.surreycc.gov.uk

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

Duke Energy
Date: 2020-04-29
According to Duke Energy's 2020 Climate Report the company reduced carbon emissions from electricity generation by an additional 8 pct in 2019 from 2005 levels, bringing total reductions to date to 39 pct -- on track to achieve its 2030 goal of reducing carbon emissions from electricity generation by at least 50 pct from 2005 levels and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Download the 2020 Climate Change Report HERE. (Source: Duke Energy, April, 2020) Contact: Duke Energy, 2020 Climate Report, Phil Sgro, 800.559.3853, www.duke-energy.com

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

Harvard College
Date: 2020-04-24
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is reporting a new pledge to reduce carbon and other GHG emissions by monitoring its $40,9 billion endowment investment portfolio with a view to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The net-zero pledge is a first among U.S. endowments. Harvard's is the world's largest educational endowment fund.

The university's governing body, the Harvard Management Company (HMC), which administers the endowment, plans to reach net-zero by 2050 through a collaboration with faculty and other experts and careful work with asset managers to examine their portfolio's transparency and emission levels. HMC expects to formulate detailed plans to achieve net-zero emissions before the year end.

Harvard's new pledge aligns with HMC's sustainable-investing framework, which was adopted in 2014 when Harvard signed on to the U.N.-sponsored Principles for Responsible Investment, a six-point outline for a global standard. (Source: Harvard Gazette, 21 April, 2020) Contact: Harvard Management Company, www.hmc.harvard.edu

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

HyNet
Date: 2020-04-24
In the UK, the HyNet hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCS) project reports receipt of Government funding to map out the northwestern region's journey to becoming the country's first net-zero carbon industrial sector by 2040.

The £120,000 project, which is jointly funded by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) under the Industrial Decarbonization Challenge Fund (IDCF), will help determine how the North West region will decarbonise and meet its goal. The region -- Cheshire, parts of North East Wales, Warrington, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester -- which collectively generates roughly 6 million tpy of industrial CO2 emissions. (Source: HyNet, GasWorld, 22 April, 2020) Contact: UK Research & Innovation Industrial Decarbonization Challenge Fund, www.ukri.org/innovation/industrial-strategy-challenge-fund/industrial-decarbonisation

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Carbon Storage,  CCS,  Hydrogen,  Carbon Captur,  

City of Frederick
Date: 2020-04-20
The city of Frederick, Maryland, (pop. 72,500 +-) reports it has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 50 pct of 2010 levels by 2030 and 100 pct by 2050, and to take all efforts to safely draw down carbon from the air.

To that end, the city will establish a Climate Emergency Mobilization work group of scientists and academic experts, relevant city departments, and others to formulate recommendations and steps to meet the city's goals. (Source: City of Frederick, Frederick News-Post, 17 April, 2020) Contact: City of Frederick, www.cityoffrederickmd.gov

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

International Living Future Institute
Date: 2020-04-13
Portland-headquartered architecture firm ZGF is touting a commercial, 58,700-square-foot, mixed-use PAE Living Building that broke ground last month in Portland. With an expected opening date of summer 2021, the PAE Living Building is slated to be the largest commercial-use Living Building not only in Oregon but also, as it stands now, in the entire world.

The 5-story building, which meets the highest level of seismic criteria, is on track track to achieve full seven-petal Living Building Challenge certification performance standard established by the Seattle-based International Living Future Institute (ILFI).

The building will include: a five-story vacuum-flush composting waste system, the first urinal-to-fertilizer system, and a photovoltaic-powered battery storage system with a two-way power connection with the city's grid; a 71,000-gallon rainwater collection system that will allow the building to meet 100 pct of its water needs through on-site collection and treatment; a 133 kW on-site rooftop solar array and an 195 kW off-site array that combined will enable the building to produce more than 5 pct of its energy needs over the course of a year.

The PAE Living Building is expected to consume 18.6 kilo-BTUs per square foot per year -- by comparison, 40.8 kilo-BTUs per square foot per year is consumed by new built-to-code Portland office buildings. The building is aiming for net-zero energy upon completion. (Source: ZGF Architects, Architects Newspaper, 10 April,2020) Contact: International Living Future Institute, 206 223 2028, www.living-future.org; PAE Engineers, www.pae-engineers.com; ZGF Architects, www.zgf.com

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

Applied Energy,Resources for the Future
Date: 2020-04-06
A recent study from a team of researchers at Energy Innovation and Resources for the Future has found that it is possible -- and critical -- to bring industrial greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2070.

The study assesses the range of technologies and policies interventions available to enable global industry decarbonization. The paper noted that the industrial sector was responsible for 33 pct of global GHG emissions in 2014 -- including process emissions and indirect emissions from purchased electricity -- and that cutting emissions from this sector is critical to meeting international climate goals, such as those set by the Paris Agreement.

The paper finds that governments can accelerate research and development in sustainable manufacturing and incentivize new technology deployment and market scale-up through policy mechanisms such as R&D support, emissions standards, carbon pricing, and government procurement of low-carbon materials and industrial products. The paper also finds that, when used together, the right technologies and policies enable net-zero industrial GHG emissions by 2070. It particularly examines the role of the following technologies, innovation areas, and policy interventions that can be part of the emissions reduction strategy:

Electrification, use of hydrogen, energy efficiency, and carbon capture;

Material efficiency, longevity, re-use, material substitution, and recycling;

Specific technologies for iron and steel, cement, and chemicals and plastics:

Carbon pricing, research support, standards, government purchases, data disclosure. (Source: Resources for the Future, Applied Energy, Technology Network, 2 April, 2020) Contact: Resources for the Future, Dallas Burtraw, 202.328.5000, 202.939.3460 - fax., info@rff.org, www.rff.org; Energy Innovation, Jeffrey Rissman, 415-799-2176, www.energyinnovation.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Innovation ,  Net-Zero Carbon,  Carbon Emissions,  Resources for the Future,  

Barclays Bank
Date: 2020-04-01
In the UK, the world's 20th largest bank by assets -- £1.140 trillion ($1,415,190,300,000 US) -- Barclays Bank reports it plans to meet its 2015 Paris Climate Accord agreement and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To that end, the bank expects to reduce its lending to fossil fuel energy producers by 30 pct, and cut lending to utilities by 15 pct over the next five years. The bank also plans to focus its lending services on companies that are committed to the Paris agreement, increase green financing by £100 billion by 2030, and invest £175 million in environmental innovation initiatives over the next five years. (Source: Barclays Bank, Financial News, 30 Mar., 2020) Contact: Barclays Bank, www.british-business-bank.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Barclays Bank,  Net-Zero Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Footprint,  

NSW Ministry for Energy and Environment
Date: 2020-03-27
In the Land Down Under, the state government of New South Wales (NSW) reports it will deploy 17.7GW of solar, wind and storage over the next decade, to replace fossil fuel fired power generators and hit net-zero emissions by 2050.

According to the NSW's Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030 comprehensive roadmap, three previously identified rural renewables zones could spur AU$23 billion ($14.1 billion) of private sector investment.

The NSW state government and Australian federal governments have committed to invest almost AU$2 billion ($1.21 billion) in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects over the next ten years, according to the Ministry release. (Source: NSW Ministry for Energy and Environment, PV Tech, 16 Mar., 2020) Contact: Minister for Energy and Environment, Matt Keen, Minister, www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/ministers/minister-for-energy-and-environment

More Low-Carbon Energy News Australia,  NSW,  Solar,  Renewable Energy,  

South Korea Carbon Emissions
Date: 2020-03-20
In Seoul, the South Korean government has announced plans to be the first East Asion nation to adopt a Green New Deal and deliver net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, if reelected in the upcoming legislative elections. To that end, the government would institute a carbon tax, phase out domestic and overseas coal project financing, and make large-scale investments in renewable energy.

South Korea, the world's seventh-largest carbon emitter as well as the third-largest public coal financier, is home to energy-intensive industries such as automotive and steel and likely to remain heavily dependent on climate-wrecking coal in the immediate future. (Source: Various Media, EcoBusiness, Mar., 2020)

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

Airport Carbon Accreditation
Date: 2020-03-20
In the UK, Southampton Airport reports its efforts to minimize its carbon footprint has been recognized at Level 2 Reduction of ACI's Airport Carbon Accreditation. The Airport cut its CO2 emissions per passenger by over 50 pct -- equivalent of 1,250 metric tpy -- from 2015 to 2018.

Southampton Airport is committed to be Net-Zero from operations by 2050 or sooner and has projects in the pipeline to meet its goal.(Source: Southampton Airport, Airport Carbon Accreditation, 17 Mar., 2020) Contact: ACI EUROPE, Airport Carbon Accreditation, www.aci.aer

More Low-Carbon Energy News Airport Carbon Accreditation,  

ArcelorMittal
Date: 2020-03-16
"The EU's commitment to reduce its carbon emissions to net-zero should be applauded and we hope that decision makers across Europe will back the proposals as they really could hold the key to unlocking solutions that could put a stop to carbon emissions. The climate challenge is unprecedented, and bold action is needed." -- Geert Van Poelvoorde, CEO, ArcelorMittal Europe

As previously reported, ArcelorMittal plans to slash emissions by 30 pct from 2018 levels on flat steel products at its European operations by 2030. The steel giant also plans to publish a target for all of its operations by the middle of this year. (Source: ArcelorMittal, Mar., 2020) Contact: ArcelorMittal, Alan Knight, Corporate Responsibility GM, +32 9 347 31 11, www.corporate.arcelormittal.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ArcelorMittal,  Carbon Emissions,  

Vancouver International Airport
Date: 2020-03-11
In British Columbia, the Vancouver Airport Authority reports the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is aiming to become carbon neutral in 2020 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Under its previous 2020--2024 EMP sustainability plan, YVR reduced emissions, water use and waste to landfill, and invested in one of Canada's largest GeoExchange plants to bolster its ability to continue to reduce carbon emissions. (Source: Vancouver Airport Authority , PR, 10 Mar., 2020) Contact: Vancouver Airport Authority, Marion Town, director, Environment, www.linkedin.com/company/vancouver-airport-authority

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

Consumers Energy
Date: 2020-03-04
In its 2019 Clean Energy Plan, Jackson, Michigan-headquartered Consumers Energy announced it aimed to reduce 90 pct of the carbon emissions it generates by eliminating the use of coal and working with customers to use energy more efficiently in an effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Consumers previously committed to being coal-free by 2040 in its Integrated Resource Plan which included building 6,000 MW of new solar by 2030. The utility also launched a public outreach campaign focused on energy efficiency. The new commitment will supplement Consumers' existing plan to eliminate coal, expand renewable energy resources and help customers reduce their energy use. Consumers also may offset further emissions through strategies such as carbon sequestration, landfill methane capture or large-scale tree planting. (Source: Consumers Energy, PR, Grand Rapids Business Journal, Mar., 2020) Contact: Consumers Energy, Patti Poppe, CEO, (517) 788-0550, info@cmsenergy.com, www.ConsumersEnergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Consumers Energy,  Net-Zero Carbon,  

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, primarily through increased energy efficiency.

To that end, the city council wants to retrofit and upgrade the energy efficiency of as many of the 350 city-owned buildings, install solar and wind energy generation capacity on city owned sites and housing complexes, complete the ongoing replacements of the city's street lighting with energy efficient LED lighting, promote energy conservation, incentivize cleaner and more efficient transportation and other energy efficiency initiatives.

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 improve their energy efficiency reduce their carbon footprint. (Source: City of Manchester, Manchester Evening News, Mar.,2020) Contact: Manchester Climate Change Agency, www.manchesterclimate.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

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,  

BP
Date: 2020-02-28
Petroleum industry giant BP reports it is dropping its affiliation with three industry trade association on the grounds that the associations' climate change related policies and positions do not align with BP's.

BP is dropping the Western Energy Alliance because its interests did not aligned on federal regulation of methane in the US, and the Western States Petroleum Association and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers over carbon pricing positions.

As previously reported on 14 Feb., BP plans to:

Achieve a 50 pct cut in the carbon intensity of its products by 2050 or sooner

Install methane measurement at all BP major oil and gas processing sites by 2023 and reduce methane intensity of operations by 50 pct.

Increase its investment in non-oil and gas businesses over time.

More actively advocate for policies that support net-zero, including carbon pricing -- carbon tax.

Further incentivise the company's workforce to deliver aims and mobilize them to advocate for net- zero and set new expectations for relationships with trade associations.

Aim for recognition as a leader for transparency of reporting, including supporting the recommendations of the TCFD, and launch a new team to help countries, cities and large companies decarbonize.

BP's current worldwide greenhouse gas emissions from its operations stand at 55 million tpy of CO2 equivalent (MteCO2e), and the carbon in the oil and gas that it produces is equivalent currently to around 360 MteCO2e emissions a year -- both on an absolute basis. Taken together, delivery of these aims would equate to a reduction in emissions to net zero from what is currently around 415 MteCO2e a year, according to the BP release. (Source: BP Website, 26 Feb., 2020) Contact: BP Press Office, +44 (0) 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com, www.bp.com

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

Heathrow Airport
Date: 2020-02-24
In the UK, carbon neutral Heathrow Airport reports it has cut emissions 93 pct since 1990 after investing £100 million in energy efficiency measures and onsite power generation facilities. Heathrow noted it uses strictly "Clean" energy as needed, purchased carbon credits for 2019-21, and aims to achieve zero emissions from its operations within the next fifteen years.

As we previously reported, Heathrow's four-part action plan to reduce and offset the growth in emissions builds on the momentum of technological change within the aviation industry to make travel more sustainable. The plan outlines action on four key areas including: cleaner aircraft performance and technology; improvements to airspace and ground operations; increased use of sustainable aviation fuels; and developing and promoting new carbon offsetting technologies and options. Additionally, Heathrow is calling on the ICAO -- the UN body for international aviation -- to develop global goals for the uptake of sustainable alternative fuels, and calling for the UK Government to engage ICAO and fellow member states to agree on a 2050 carbon emissions reduction goal for international aviation

Other UK airports and airlines have committed to bring UK aviation to net-zero status by 2050 -- Gatwick Airport claimed carbon neutrality through renewable energy and offsets in 2018 and Birmingham Airport has committed to net-zero by 2033. (Source: Heathrow Airport, PR Feb 21, 2020) Contact: Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye, CEO, +44 0 8443 351801, www.heathrow.com

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

UMass Lowell
Date: 2020-02-21
In the Bay State, the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell and the city of Lowell have announced the Green Community Partnership -- an alliance committed to driving down the city's carbon footprint. The effort, which is being funded by Lowell philanthropist Nancy Donahue and numerous community partners, already has $50,000 available for joint university-community clean energy projects.

A member of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment, UMass Lowell has committed itself to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The city of Lowell has made substantial investments in the energy efficiency of its buildings resulting in a 31 pct reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.The city has also committed to using 100 pct renewable energy to the use of 100 pct clean and renewable energy.

For more information about the Green Community Partnership HERE. (Source: UMass Lowell, PR, Contact: UMass Lowell, www.uml.edu, uml.edu/greencommunity

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  Carbon Emissions,  

BP
Date: 2020-02-14
In the UK, petroleum industry giant BP is reporting plans to become a net-zero carbon company by 2050 or sooner. To that end, the oil giant aims to:

Reach net-zero carbon in its oil and gas production on an absolute basis by 2050 or sooner.

Achieve a 50 pct cut in the carbon intensity of its products by 2050 or sooner

Install methane measurement at all BP major oil and gas processing sites by 2023 and reduce methane intensity of operations by 50 pct.

Increase the proportion of investment into non-oil and gas businesses over time.

More actively advocate for policies that support net-zero, including carbon pricing -- carbon tax.

Further incentivise the company's workforce to deliver aims and mobilise them to advocate for net- zero.

Set new expectations for relationships with trade associations.

Aim for recognition as a leader for transparency of reporting, including supporting the recommendations of the TCFD, and

Launch a new team to help countries, cities and large companies decarbonise.

BP's current worldwide greenhouse gas emissions from its operations stand at 55 million tpy of CO2 equivalent (MteCO2e), and the carbon in the oil and gas that it produces is equivalent currently to around 360 MteCO2e emissions a year -- both on an absolute basis. Taken together, delivery of these aims would equate to a reduction in emissions to net zero from what is currently around 415 MteCO2e a year, according to the BP release. (Source: BP, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: BP press office, +44 (0) 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com, www.bp.com

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

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-02-14
In a recently released UK survey of over 100 built environment experts including leading architects, property developers and public and private sector building administrators, 51 pct considered "energy efficiency and decarbonisation as the most important outcomes for the retrofit of buildings." Of those surveyed, 85 pct said there is not currently enough legislation around retrofit project investment in their region, which in turn is slowing progress towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

To be successful in retrofit projects, 51 pct of respondents said more innovation in renewable power generation and energy storage is needed, with 48 pct agreeing that solar power will provide the biggest performance gain on retrofit projects over the next two years. As well, digitalised energy systems, which could feed into smart meters or energy use apps, look set to allow customers greater control over their energy use to the point where efficiencies can result in a surplus of energy, was also widely agreed upon. 50 pct of respondents believe that net-zero carbon buildings will soon be able to generate income by selling excess energy. The survey also found an ambitious national retrofit campaign is needed. (Source: WSP Consultancy, pbctoday, Feb., 2020) Contact: WSP, Nick Offer, UK Building Services Head, www.wsp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Nationwide Building Society
Date: 2020-02-12
In the UK, Swindon-headquartered Nationwide Building Society reports it will make £1 billion available in a range of new "green" mortgages to "kickstart" green home improvements and energy efficiency retrofitting efforts. The "green" mortgages will have preferential rates for those buying a new-build EPC A-rated home, and preferential rates starting from 1 pct for the first two years when borrowing up to £25,000 to make home improvements.

Nationwide is also calling on the government, home builders and lenders to create meaningful incentives for home energy efficiency and greener homes in general.

Nationwide Building Society is a British mutual financial institution, the seventh largest cooperative financial institution and the largest building society in the world with over 15 million members. Nationwide is one of over 40 members of the Green Finance Institute's Coalition for Energy Efficiency of Buildings, of which developing the market for financing net-zero carbon and climate-resilient homes is a "key objective. (Source: Nationwide Building Society, PR, 10 Feb., 2020) Contact: Nationwide Building Society, www.nationwide.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nationwide Building Society ,  

Dominion Energy
Date: 2020-02-12
In the Old Dominion State, Richmond-based Dominion Energy reports it is expanding its greenhouse gas emissions-reduction goals with a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its electric power generation and and gas infrastructure operations by 2050.

Dominion previously committed to cut methane emissions from its natural gas operations by 50 pct between 2010 and 2030 and carbon emissions from its power generating facilities by 80 pct between 2005 and 2050. To date, Dominion has cut carbon emissions approximately 50 pct since 2005 and reduced methane emissions by nearly 25 pct since 2010.

The utility has committed to invest in carbon-beneficial renewable natural gas (RNG) projects that will capture an amount of methane from U.S. farms at least equivalent to any remaining methane and carbon dioxide emissions from the company's natural gas operations, making Dominion's gas infrastructure area net zero 10 years before the overall company. (Source: Dominion Energy, PR, NewsWire, 11 Feb., 2020) Contact: Dominion Energy, Thomas F. Farrell, CEO, Pres., www.dominionenergy.com

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

Nationwide Building Society
Date: 2020-02-10
In the UK, Swindon-headquartered Nationwide Building Society reports it will make £1billion available in a range of new "green" mortgages for "green" home purchases and home energy efficiency retrofitting. The "green" mortgages will have preferential rates for those buying a new-build EPC A-rated home, and preferential rates starting from 1 pct for the first two years when borrowing up to &poud;25,000 to make home improvements.

Nationwide is also calling on the government, home builders and lenders to create meaningful incentives for home energy efficiency and greener homes in general. Nationwide is calling for Government to commission an independent review of council taxes, explore how it could incentivize green home improvements, as well as transition the Help to Buy program to a Help to Green program. Nationwide also notes the government's Future Homes Standard is set to be introduced in 2025, introducing higher energy efficiency standards for new build homes.

Nationwide Building Society is a British mutual financial institution, the seventh largest cooperative financial institution and the largest building society in the world with over 15 million members. Nationwide is one of over 40 members of the Green Finance Institute's Coalition for Energy Efficiency of Buildings, of which developing the market for financing net-zero carbon and climate-resilient homes is a "key objective. (Source: Nationwide Building Society, PR, 10 Feb., 2020) Contact: Nationwide Building Society, www.nationwide.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nationwide Building Society,  "Green" Home,  "Green" Mortgage,  Energy Efficiency ,  

Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association
Date: 2020-02-10
Following the indefinite suspension of fracking for shale gas in England, the London-based Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) is urging the UK Government to look at anaerobic digestion -- biogas as an alternative to meeting its Net-Zero by 2050 emissions reduction goals.

ADBA notes that AD biogas 'ready-to-use' technology helps cut emissions in the hardest-to-decarbonize sectors of heat, transport and agriculture. Upgraded to biomethane, biogas can be injected into the grid with no changes needed to the existing gas infrastructure and used as a green transportation fuel, ADBA notes.

In the last decade, the UK AD sector grew 350 pct and is now employing over 3500 people. But it still needs policy incentives and investment to reach its full potential. In 2019, 650 AD plants across the UK produced 10.7TWh of energy. Over the next 10 years, ADBA anticipates that in addition to reducing emissions by 22.5m tonnes of CO2-equivalent every year -- about 5 pct of total UK greenhouse gases emissions -- it has the potential to meet nearly 20 pct of current domestic gas demand while providing 30,000 new green jobs in rural areas. The sector has also developed world-leading expertise which gives the UK a real opportunity to be at the heart of a growing global biogas industry, according to the release. (Source: UK Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association Contact: Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association, Charlotte Morton, CEO, +44 (0) 20 3176 0503, +44 (0) 84 4292 0875 – fax., enquiries@adbioresources.org, www.adbioresources.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomethane,  Biogas,  Anaerobic Digestion,  

Chatham House
Date: 2020-02-03
Further to our 23rd Feb., 2017 Chatham House, biomass and climate change report coverage, according to Net-Zero and Beyond -- What Role for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage?, new report from the London-headquartered NGO Chatham House, the UK Government is over-prioritizing carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) and biomass in its net-zero plans and failing to account for the impact these technologies could have on land use.

The potential unintended consequences of scaling up biomass energy carbon capture and storage (BECCS} in the UK and assesses the extent to which the technologies could deliver true and sustainable decarbonisation to the energy sector.

BECCS has received a swathe of Government support and media coverage in recent times, both in the build-up to the ratification of the UK's 2050 net-zero goal, and after its implementation. Supporters of the technologies point out that biomass, unlike gas or other fossil fuels, is renewable, and that it is produces less emissions when burned. If these emissions can be captured for storage and reuse, the process can become carbon neutral or even carbon negative, firms including Drax have claimed.

The report, however, warns that BECCS is "no silver bullet" for a net-zero energy sector. It claims that there has not been enough research into the likely energy output of BECCS or the environmental impacts of scaling up biomass supply chains, making it difficult to determine whether BECCS systems can be carbon-neutral across the life cycle.

According to the report, deployment of BECCS at the scales assumed by the UK's modelling, on a global scale, would consume land equivalent to that currently accounted for by cropland. This could pose problems for food security, result in biodiversity loss and hamper plans to re-assess land-use in line with net-zero, Chatham House concludes. Chatham House claims that failures to account for biomass supply chain emissions undermine the assumption that BECCS systems are inherently carbon-neutral and is accordingly calling for stricter sustainability requirements for biomass feedstock and urging the Government to prioritise decarbonisation across carbon-intensive sectors, reshape its land-use strategies to ensure BECCS decisions are made after full considerations of all alternatives, both technology-based and nature-based.

Download the report HERE. (Source: Chatham House, edie news, February 2020) Contact: Chatham House, Royal Institute of International Affairs, +44 (0) 20 7957 5710, contact@chathamhouse.org, www.chathamhouse.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News BECCS,  Chatham House,  Carbon Emissions,  Biomass,  Bioenergy,  

Green Alliance
Date: 2020-01-31
"In June 2019, the UK became the world's first major economy to legislate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. This amended the previous target of 80 pct reduction on 1990 levels, which was set out in the Climate Change Act of 2008. Both were passed by large cross party majorities.

"But government policy is failing to match these world leading ambitions. In fact, the House of Lords appended a 'regret motion' to the net-zero legislation, expressing concern that the government had provided 'little detail on how the emissions target will be met'.

"Even before the new target was adopted, the UK was not on course to hit its lower target. That is in spite of proposals in The clean growth strategy, which was meant to show how the UK government would meet its legally binding fourth and fifth carbon budgets. In the light of the net zero commitment, this strategy is due to be reviewed and bold new policies have been promised.

"Most approaches to reduce emissions have relied on decarbonising energy supply, phasing out coal and drastically reducing the price of renewable energy. However, this ignores the potential contribution and benefits of the other side of the energy equation -- demand reduction, improved energy efficiency and flex energy demand.

"Even without much government intervention, demand reduction has a proven and profitable track record. Energy efficiency has been directly responsible for 25 pct of the UK's economic growth since 1971, And, globally, 90 pct of the decoupling of emissions and economic growth has come from reducing the energy intensity of the economy, rather than reducing the carbon intensity of energy generation."

Download the Balancing the Energy Equation -- Three Steps to Cutting UK Demand Report HERE ], (Source: Green Alliance, Jan., 2020) Contact: Green Alliance, +44 020 7233 7433, ga@green-alliance.org.uk, www.green-alliance.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Green Alliance,  Net-Zero Carbon,  

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

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

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

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sainsbury,  Carbon Emissions,  

Tokyuo,Climate Change
Date: 2020-01-27
In Japan, the recently released Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy details a multifaceted effort to heighten climate change disaster - mitigation preparedness, reduce single-use plastics, transition to renewable energy and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The strategy also calls for zero-emission cars, buses, boats and planes; buildings made of recycled wood and equipped with solar panels; power plants on the city's perimeter tapping biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, hydroelectric, solar and wind energy; grocery stores with zero food waste and no single-use plastics; and "smart" homes with artificial intelligence to minimize energy consumption.

To that end, the Tokyo City Metropolitan Government 2020 budget plans to spend more than ¥74.6 billion ($684.5 million). The money will be distributed to individual progams in 14 energy sector including buildings, transportation, resources, climate change adaptation and engagement. These include Tokyo Climate Change Adaptation Policy, Plastic Strategy, Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Promotion Strategy, all of which outline additional steps the city will take to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions, marine plastic waste, food waste and fluorocarbon emissions.

To achieve decarbonization, the capital city of 13.9 residents plans to expand the use of hydrogen energy as it moves away from fossil fuels in its effort to address global warming and the climate change crisis, and urged the central government to formulate a national strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. (Source: City of Tokyo, PR, Japan Times, 26 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tokyo,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  Global Warming,  

AstraZeneca
Date: 2020-01-24
Cambridge, UK-based British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca reports it will invest $1 billion to reach zero carbon emissions across its global operations by 2025, and ensure its entire value chain is carbon negative by 2030 -- as outlined in the company's just released Ambition Zero Carbonstrategy.

To that end, AstraZeneca plans to cut carbon emissions to net-zero emissions within its own operations without relying on offset schemes, use 100 pct renewable energy, and reduce total energy consumption by 10 pct from a 2015 base, all by 2025. The pharmaceuticals maker is also planning a 50,000,000 tree reforestation initiative named AZ Forest which will launch in Australis this February. (Source: AstraZeneka, PR, BusinessGreen, 20 Jan., 2020) Contact: AstraZeneca, Pascal Soirot, CEO, +44 (0)20 3749 5000, www.astrazeneka.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon Emissions,  Reforestation,  Carbon Offsets,  

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,  

Date: 2020-01-24
Speaking at the World Economic Forum this week in Davos, Switzerland, the UK's Prince of Wales launched a new Sustainable Markets Initiative to help financial markets become more sustainable and address the challenges of Climate Change. To that end, the Prince suggested the following:

Invest in science, technology, engineering and maths(STEMS) to help make sure new technologies are able to make it to market.

Invest in sectors such as agriculture and forestry and rethink how we can put nature at the heart of how the economy operates.

Look at existing industries and determine how they could be transformed to become more sustainable and ensure investments support sustainability.

Educate and encourage consumers to use low-carbon and environmentally friendly products and service.

Remove subsidies for environmentally challenging products and services and create pathways and incentives to achieving net-zero emissions. (Source: HRH Prince Charles, Daily Mail, 23 Jan., 2020)

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,  

Carbon Neutral
Date: 2020-01-22
In Madrid, the AP is reporting Spain's recently elected left-of-center Socialist government has joined several other European countries in declaring a "national climate emergency".

The government also plans to enact net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 legislation and other initiatives that would see 95 pct of the country's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2040. The plan also foresees eliminating pollution by buses and trucks and making farming carbon neutral. (Source: AP, 212 Jan., 2020)

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

UK Green Building Council
Date: 2020-01-17
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has published new energy performance targets for commercial offices that are aiming to achieve net-zero carbon in operation. The targets were developed as an addition to UKGBC's landmark 2019 report Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition developed in collaboration with Verco, Better Buildings Partnership and BPF, with support from Arup, Carbon Intelligence, JLL UK and TfL.

Details of the new energy performance targets include a trajectory of targets starting from current best practice with tightening targets every five years up to 2035, at which time offices aiming to be net-zero should be operating at the energy performance standards that will be needed by 2050.

Download the Net Zero Carbon: Energy Performance Targets for Offices report HERE.

Download Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition HERE. Source: UKGBC, Facilities Management Journal, Jan., 2020) Contact: UKGBC, Richard Twinn, Senior Policy Advisor, www.ukgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK Green Building Council,