Bleutech Park Properties,
Date: 2019-08-12
In Nevada, Bleutech Park Properties, Inc. is reporting a planned December 2019 ground breaking date for its $7.5 billion Bleutech Park Las Vegas prject, the world's first city to boast a digital revolution in motion, redefining the infrastructure industry sector.

The six year project will be constructed of net-zero buildings within an own insular mini-city, featuring automated multi-functional designs, renewable energies from solar/wind/water/kinetic, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and self-healing concrete structures.

The project's mixed-use environment will feature workforce housing, offices, retail space, ultra-luxury residential, hotel and entertainment. The project also expects to create as many as 25,000 jobs and attracting manufacturing to the Las Vegas Valley area. (Source: Bleutech Park Website Aug., 2019) Contact: Bluetech Park. www.bleutechpark.com

UK National Grid
Date: 2019-08-09
According to the UK National Grid's latest Future Energy Scenarios (FES) report, Great Britain could reach net-zero carbon in its electricity grid by 2050 -- if "immediate action" is taken across all key energy technology and policy areas, such as increased energy efficiency and carbon capture and storage (CCS), and "at a significantly greater scale than assumed."

The report outlines five "credible pathways and scenarios for the future of energy" over the next 30 years. Two of the scenarios meet the country's old 2050 target of an 80 pct reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, and a new "standalone sensitivity analysis on how net-zero carbon emissions could potentially be achieved by 2050."

The report notes that achieve net-zero, British homes would need to use at least one-third less energy for heating by 2050 than today, while the electricity system would need to operate using only zero-carbon generation, and the power sector would need to deliver negative emissions, using technologies like biomass and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS).

Report details HERE. (Source: UK National Grid, July, 2019) Contact: UK National Grid, Kayte O'Neill, Head of Strategy and Regulation, www2.nationalgrid.com/uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK National Grid,  Net-Zero Carbon,  CCUS,  CCS,  CO2,  

Aldersgate Group
Date: 2019-08-02
In London, only two weeks after moving into No.10 Downing Street, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being lobbied by a green policy manifesto from the Aldersgate Group. The manifesto -- Building a Competitive, Net-Zero Emissions and Climate-Ready Economy -- outlines various measures Aldergate Group members believe will accelerate the UK's decarbonisation progress while boosting environmental protections and growing the economy.

The Aldersgate Group's recommendations include: binding energy efficiency targets; fiscal incentives for energy efficient buildings; tightening of emission standards for road transport; and an outline of the powers and limitations of the nation's new post-Brexit watchdog for green standards, and others.

Earlier this week, Johnson pledged to place climate change at the "absolute core" of his Government's actions during his first appearance in the House of Commons as Prime Minister.

The Aldersgate Group currently represents more than 50 organisations from across the private, public and non-profit spaces, including Orsted, Siemens, Willmott Dixon and Cemex.

Download the Aldersgate Building a Competitive, Net-Zero Emissions and Climate-Ready Economy manifest HERE. (Source: Aldersgate Group, edie newsroom, 1 August 2019) Contact: Aldersgate Group, Nick Molho, Exec. Dir., info@aldersgategroup.org.uk, +44 (0) 20 7841 8966, www.aldersgategroup.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aldersgate Group,  Net-Zero Emissions,  Climate Change,  Boris Johnson,  

Low-Carbon Energy, UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS)
Date: 2019-07-29
In London, the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is touting renewable and nuclear energy fund proposals it says are critically important in reaching net-zero emissions. The proposals explore the use of the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) finance approach to attract significant private investment in major infrastructure projects like the Thames Tideway Tunnel which used the RAB model to reduce the cost of financing and risk for developers while limiting the long term impact on consumer energy costs.

The RAB funding model could also be used to reduce the costs of carbon dioxide storage. A funding model similar to the Contracts for Difference scheme, which provides developers with a set price for low-carbon electricity will be explored alongside other options to deliver investment in Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) power projects while cutting emissions. The government aims to roll out the technology at scale by the 2030s, subject to costs coming down, as part of its commitment to become a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

To that end, the government has committed £170 million towards deploying technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen networks in industrial clusters to support establishment of the world's first net-zero industrial cluster by 2040. Additionally, industry will consider investing up to £261 million in new technologies to reduce emissions. Plans have also been announced to make it easier to recycle oil and gas infrastructure for use in CCUS projects, including using some of the 20,000 km of pipelines and depleted oil and gas reservoirs to transport and store CO2. Great Britain is aiming to completely phase out coal by 2025. (Source: UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) , PR, 23 July, 2019) Contact: BEIS, +44 0 20 7215 5000, enquiries@beis.gov.uk, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCUS,  CCS,  CO2,  Carbon Dioxide,  Net-Zero Emissions,  BEIS,  

PSEG
Date: 2019-07-26
In the Garden State, Newark-based Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG), which claims one of the lowest carbon emissions rates among the largest U.S. power producers, reports it expects to cut its power fleet's carbon emissions by 80 pct by 2046, from 2005 levels, and attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, assuming advances in technology and public policy. PSEG also notes it has no plans to build or acquire new fossil-fueled power plants and is committed to reporting annually on sustainability and climate using the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, starting in 2020.

PSEG claims a long history of addressing climate change as an embedded part of its business and culture including:

PSEG's emission rate in 2017 was 461 lb/MWh, below the International Energy Agency's (IEA) "Beyond 2C Scenario" 2030 projected CO2 emission rate for the U.S. electric sector of 510 lb/MWh. PSEG's projected emission rate upon the completion of our coal exit strategy will be 334 lb/MWh.

PSEG's Salem and Hope Creek nuclear generating plants supply more than 90 pct of the Garden State's emissions-free power.

By 2021, PSEG will have retired or exited through sales more than 2,400 MW of coal-fired generation, thus nearing completion of its coal exit strategy. In June 2019, PSEG announced an agreement to sell its interest in the Keystone and Conemaugh coal plants in western Pennsylvania.

PSE&G energy efficiency programs are currently saving participants $242 million a year in energy costs and avoided emissions equal to removing 37,000 cars from the road for one year.

Looking forward, PSE&G's $2.5 billion Clean Energy Future investment proposal for 22 energy efficiency programs would allow participating customers to save $5.9 billion on their bills by helping them use less energy and reduce carbon emissions.

PSEG is also a leading developer of solar energy resources having invested approximately $1.8 billion in 674 MW of solar, including 262 MW in New Jersey and 412 MW in 13 other states. PSEG also supports New Jersey's efforts to develop offshore wind facilities.

PSEG is a publicly traded diversified energy company with approximately 13,000 employees. Headquartered in with operating subsidiaries -- Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island. (Source: PSEG, PR, 25 July, 2019) Contact: PSEG, Ralph Izzo, Pres., CEO, www.corporate.pseg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News PSEG,  Carbon Emissions ,  

Canadian Natural Resources
Date: 2019-07-26
Calgary, Alberta-based Canadian Natural Resources, Canada's largest oil and gas producer reports it is aiming to achieve zero emissions in its oil sand operation by procuring innovating technologies, but has not indicated when or how it intended to achieve its goal.

The company also noted it was one of the biggest carbon capture players in the market ranking fifth when it comes to carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) capacity. The also noted it cut its GHG emissions by 20 pct in the year 2014 and has stopped venting at primary heavy oil operations in Alberta by 72 pctt since 2014. (Source: Canadian Natural Resources, OilPrice, Industry Journal Pro, CBC News, 25 July, 2019) Contact: Canadian Natural Resources, Steve Laut, https://twitter.com, www.cnrl.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG Emissions,  Net-Zero Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  CCS,  

Heathrow
Date: 2019-07-24
Britain's busiest airport, Heathrow has urged the government to invest some of the nearly £4 billion raised from Air Passenger Duty (APD) every year to scale up the production of cleaner, more sustainable fuels -- specifically biofuels and other sustainable energy sources.

Heathrow reports it has invested over £100 million on sustainability initiatives over the past six years aiming to operate "carbon neutral airport infrastructure” from 2020. "We support the government's goal to make the UK economy net-zero carbon by 2050, but we believe there is further scope for the government to help the aviation industry move faster by working with other governments to prioritize sustainable fuels for aviation, which is the hardest sector to decarbonize, and set common and progressive targets for the percentage of aviation fuel that must be from sustainable sources," according to a Heathrow update. (Source: Heathrow Airport, ttg media, 23 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Sustainable Fuel,  

UN Global Compact,Science Based Targets initiative
Date: 2019-07-24
In a joint press release from the United Nations Global Compact, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the We Mean Business have committed themselves to more ambitious climate targets aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degree C above pre-industrial levels and reaching net-zero emissions by no later than 2050. The joint commitment from the coalition 28 companies with a total market capitalization of $1.3 trillion heeds the most recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which warned of catastrophic consequences should global warming exceed 1.5 degree C.

Participating companies include: Acciona, AstraZeneca, Banka BioLoo, BT, Dalmia Cement Ltd., Eco-Steel Africa Ltd., Enel, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Iberdrola, KLP, Levi Strauss & Co., Mahindra Group, Natura &Co, Novozymes, Royal DSM, SAP, Signify, Singtel, Telefonica, Telia, Unilever, Vodafone Group PLC and Zurich Insurance, amongst others, collectively representing over one million employees from 17 sectors and more than 16 countries. (Source: UN Global Compact, PR, COMTEX, 23 July, 2019) Contact: UN Global Compact, (212) 907-1301, www.unglobalcompact.org; Science Based Targets Initiative, +44 (0) 20 3818 3916, Sarah.Savage@cdp.net, www.sciencebasedtargets.org; We Mean Business Coalition, Kristen King, (904) 608- 1745 kristen@wemeanbusinesscoalition.org www.wemeanbusinesscoaltion.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Science Based Targets initiative,  UN Global Compact,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

UK National Grid
Date: 2019-07-17
According to the UK National Grid's latest Future Energy Scenarios (FES) report, Great Britain could reach net-zero carbon in its electricity grid by 2050 -- if "immediate action" is taken across all key energy technology and policy areas, such as increased energy efficiency and carbon capture and storage (CCS), and "at a significantly greater scale than assumed."

The report outlines five "credible pathways and scenarios for the future of energy" over the next 30 years Two of the scenarios meet the country's old 2050 target of an 80 pct reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, and a new "standalone sensitivity analysis on how net-zero carbon emissions could potentially be achieved by 2050."

The report notes that achieve net-zero, British homes would need to use at least one-third less energy for heating by 2050 than today, while the electricity system would need to operate using only zero-carbon generation, and the power sector would need to deliver negative emissions, using technologies like biomass and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS).

Report details HERE. (Source: UK National Grid, ReNew Economy, July, 2019) Contact: UK National Grid, Kayte O'Neill, Head of Strategy and Regulation, www2.nationalgrid.com/uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News UK National Grid,  Net-Zero Carbon,  

Entegrity
Date: 2019-07-15
In Little Rock, Entegrity -- f.k.a. Viridian -- is reporting its recent $500,000 office building renovation saves or creates enough power to balance out all of its energy use.

With the energy efficient upgrades, the building has electrochromatic windows that tint at the command of a Wi-Fi signal; composting and recycling; high-control HVAC systems; a rooftop solar array; and all-LED lighting.

The building is "one of the only net-zero buildings in the state. and the second building in the world to get LEED Zero certification, and the first in the United States," according to Entigrity. (Source: Entegrity, USGBC, Arkansas Business, July, 2019)Contact: Entegrity Partners, Rob Guthrie, Bus. Dev., (800) 700-1414, info@entegritypartners.com, www.entegritypartners.com

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

Schneider Electric
Date: 2019-07-15
In the UK, Telford-based Schneider Electric UK his reporting the launch of its 'Rethink Energy" initiative aimed at changing business, consumer and government attitudes to energy waste and help combat climate change.

A Schneider Electric commissioned study of 2,000 UK adults and over 600 UK businesses revealed that just 10 pct of consumers want to do more to curb their current energy use, while 74 pct believe they already do enough. 68 pct of business leaders reported their organizations wasted energy, particularly in the form of inefficient building and office space, while 43 pct of corporate CEOs said their organization had not implemented any measures aimed at tackling these inefficiencies in 2018.

The 'Rethink Energy' initiative is focused on: the role for energy in achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2050; £1 trillion price tag -- cost or opportunity; and what will drive change in the UK's demand for energy.

"HM Treasury recently suggested it could cost the UK around £1 trillion to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, but it's not about cost, it's about huge savings. Sustainability is a cost that pays for itself and technology and innovation will be key to meeting the energy efficiency challenge," according Mike Hughes, Zone President, Schneider Electric UK & Ireland (Source: Schneider Electric UK, PR, voltimum, 13 July, 2019) Contact: Schneider Electric Ltd UK, +44 0870 608 8608, gb-customerservices@gb.schneider-electric.com , www.schneider-electric.co.uk/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Schneider Electric,  Energy Efficiency,  Net-Zero Carbon,  Climate Change ,  

University of Oxford,
Date: 2019-07-12
In the UK, according to Myles Allen, a professor of Climate Dynamics at the University of Oxford, farming can become completely "climate neutral" if agricultural methane emissions are reduced by just 20 pct over the next 30 years.

Prof. Allen claims UK farmers have been cutting methane emissions by 10 pct every 30 years, through measures such as better slurry storage and application, and didn't need to reach the Government's net-zero by 2050 target to stop, or actually reverse, warming caused by agriculture. This is because when methane is released into the atmosphere, it has a much stronger warming impact than the same amount of CO2, but unlike CO2 or nitrous oxide, which have a constant warming effect even when emissions fall to zero, cutting the amount of methane -- which is far more potent the CO2 -- emitted will actually cause global cooling, Prof. Allen suggests.

Prof Allen contends that cutting agricultural methane emissions to zero over the next 35 years would cause global cooling, taking the industry's contribution to global warming back to the level it was in the 1960s. (Source: University of Oxford, Farmers Guardian, 11 July, 2019) Contact: University of Oxford, Prof. Myles Allen, +44 (0)1865 275895. myles.allen@ouce.ox.ac.uk, www.eci.ox.ac.uk/people/mallen.html

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

Clean New Deal,Cuomo
Date: 2019-07-10
In Albany, the New York State legislature is reporting the passage of SB 6599/AB 8429, the Climate Leadership And Community Protection Act (CCPA) requiring the Empire State to source 100 pct carbon-free electricity by the year 2040 and reach net-zero carbon emissions across the state's entire economy by 2050.

Under the CCPA, electric utilities will be forced to purchase around 9,000-megawatts of clean energy by 2035. The capital development and construction work related to converting the existing capacity to wind, solar and other clean and renewable sources will fall under the regulatory purview of the act which will make it illegal for hydroelectric power to receive subsidies because wind and energy will not be able to compete if long-term savings and reliability are taken into account..

"The [bill] will virtually eliminate New York's greenhouse gasses, foster renewable energy production, create green jobs, invest in lower-income communities, and protect our planet," according to the bill's sponsor and chair of the NY Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D). Both chambers of the state Legislature passed CCPA and it now awaits the expected signature of Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. (Source: Various Media, Post Journal, 7 July, 2019) Contact: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, www.governor.ny.gov, https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Clean New Deal,  Renewable Energy,  Cuomo,  

Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth
Date: 2019-07-08
In London, the UK Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, Hon. Chris Skidmore, is reporting the release of the government's Green Finance Strategy, outlining how the finance sector and better climate disclosure from publicly-listed corporations can drive progress towards wider action on climate change and the push towards net-zero emissions by the year 2050.

The strategy features investment and funding increases into green projects, infrastructures and homes and is built on findings from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The strategy calls corporations and asset owners to disclose climate risk and impact data by 2022 and to work with regulators as to whether this becomes a mandatory requirement.

In addition, a £5 million Green Home Finance Fund has been established for green finance education, home energy efficiency grants, green mortgages and other green finance mechanisms. An additional £5.8 billion has been set aside for international climate finance to encourage other nations to act on climate collaboratively.

More than 780 organizations reportedly support of the TCFD, including the world's largest banks, asset managers and pension funds, responsible for assets of $118trn, highlighting the appetite for green finance. (Source: UK Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, edie News, 2 July, 2019) Contact: Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, UK Energy and Clean Growth Minister, Chris Skidmore, www.gov.uk/government/people/chris-skidmore

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

Airports Council International Europe
Date: 2019-07-01
Airports Council International Europe (ACIE), which represents over 500 European airports, is reporting passage of a resolution committing the industry to becoming net-zero for carbon emissions under its control by 2050 at the latest , without resorting to carbon offsets. In addition, 194 non-ACIE member airports have individually committed to the same goal, according to ACI Europe.

In 2018, Europe's airports handled a total of 2.34 billion passengers. The new net-zero commitment is expected to eliminate a total of 3.46 million tpy of CO2 emissions as of 2050, the organization says. In 2016 the industry committed to reaching 100 carbon-neutral airports by 2030 (Source: ACIE, Energy Manager, June 28, 2019 ) Contact: ACIE, www.aci-europe.org

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

Tata Chemical
Date: 2019-06-28
Tata Chemicals Europe (TCE) plans to construct Britain's first industrial-scale carbon capture and utilization (CCU) demonstration plant to trap emissions for use in sodium carbonate manufacturing. The £16.7 million ($21.2 million) project will be located at Tata's Northwich industrial site in Cheshire, England and should start operations in 2021, according to a Reuters report.

Tata's CCU plant will capture, purify and liquefy as much as 40,000 tpy of CO2 from the flue gases of its 96-mw gas-fired combined heat and power plant. The gas will be used in sodium bicarbonate manufacturing. The operation is expected to cut Tata's carbon emissions by 11 pct.

The UK aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. (Source: Tata Chemicals Europe, Reuters, 26 June., 2019) Contact: Tata Chemicals Europe, +44 0 1606 724000, www.tatachemicalseurope.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tata Chemical,  Carbon Capture,  CCS,  

Armstrong Fluid Technology
Date: 2019-06-28
Toronto, Ontario-based international HVAC specialist Armstrong Fluid Technology reports it has signed on to the World Green Building Council Net-Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment positioning energy efficiency as a central component to achieving decarbonization across global portfolios. Signatories to the Net-Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment pledge to reach net-zero carbon operating emissions within their portfolios by 2030.

To meet this commitment, Armstrong will: implement energy efficiency measures to lower electricity and fossil fuel consumption; generate renewable energy on-site; and procure renewable generated electricity and carbon offsets.

The WGBC pledge calls for cities, states and regions to require all new buildings to operate at net-zero carbon from 2030, and all buildings, including existing buildings, operate at net-zero carbon by 2050. In addition to generating and obtaining renewable energy to meet reduced energy demand, the Commitment positions energy efficiency as a central component to achieving decarbonization. (Source: Armstrong Fluid Technology, PR, The News, 27 June, 2019) Contact: Armstrong Fluid Technology, Charles Armstrong, CEO, (416) 755-2291, info@armstrongfluidtechnology.com, www.armstrongfluidtechnology.com; World Green Building Council, Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council www.worldgbc.org/advancing-net-zero-status-report-2019

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

Building Controls Industry Association
Date: 2019-06-26
In the UK, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is reporting the launch of its One Small Change Campaign to drive a shift towards lower energy demand in buildings at an individual, as well as organizational level.

BCIA is seeking to encourage initiatives that increase energy efficiency; bring building performance in line the UK government's recent commitments to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050; and cut building energy waste. To that end, BCIA is calling on the buildings control industry to share knowledge on different means of saving energy in buildings. (Source: Building Controls Industry Association, PR, 24 June, 2019) Contact: Building Controls Industry Association, Jon Belfield, CEO, +44 0 118 940 3416 www.bcia.co.uk

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

Net-Zero Energy
Date: 2019-06-24
The Eastern Mediterranean island country of Cyprus reports the incorporation of EU Directive -- 2010/31 / EU -- which aims to improve the energy performance of buildings while taking into account the external climatic conditions and indoor climate requirements.

Under the new legislation, photovoltaic (PV) systems will be mandatory in homes, business and government buildings to hlp Cyprus meet energy consumption and near zero-energy goals.

Buildings constructed after 31 December 2018 are required to hold an Energy Performance Certificate classifying them as Energy efficiency class B. This means that buildings will have to be built with materials insulating the interior and generate part of their energy needs from renewable energy sources. Housing units built after the end of 2018 should be producing up to 25 pct, blocks of flats 3 pct and other building types 7 pct -- rising in 2020 when all buildings must be classified as class A. This entails high-performance thermal insulation (walls, ceilings, windows, exposed floors), very low heating requirements, and have a primary annual energy consumption of under 100 kWh per m2. (Source: Cyprus Energy Ministry, Financial Mirror, June, 2019) Contact: Cyprus Energy Ministry, +357 22 867100, www.mcit.gov.cy

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

Committee on Climate Change
Date: 2019-06-21
In London, the UK's top climate change advisory body, The Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) May report calls for "clear" climate change leadership across all government departments and agencies with delivery in partnership with businesses and communities.

According to the report, emissions reductions "must be vital to the whole of government and to every level of government in the UK. Policies must be fully funded and implemented across all sectors of the economy to drive the necessary innovation, market development and consumer take-up of low-carbon technologies, and to positively influence societal change."

Download the CCC Net Zero-- The UK's Contribution to Stopping Global Warming report HERE. (Source: The Committee on Climate Change, May, 2019) Contact: Committee on Climate Change, www.theccc.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News TheCCC,  Committee on Climate Change,  Climate Change,  

European Union
Date: 2019-06-19
Reuters is reporting U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the European Union to aim for a 55 pct cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 -- in excess of the 28 member trading bloc's present 40 pct reduction target. The Secretary General also asked EU leaders to phase out burning coal and approval of new coal-fired power plants beyond 2020.

The European Parliament and the EU's climate chief Miguel Arias Canete have called for the bloc to aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, saying legislation passed since the Paris Climate Agreement puts the EU on track to surpass its current emissions reduction target.

Poland and other EU member states that rely on coal for power production , along with Germany and its its powerful automotive sector, balk at deeper emission cuts. (Source: Various Media, Reuters, CNBC, June, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal,  GHGs,  Carbon Emissions,  EU,  

Built Green Canada
Date: 2019-06-07
Concurrent with National Environment Week, Built Green Canada announces its sixth annual challenge to municipalities across the country to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable building practices, to challenge municipalities to encourage green building, and to highlight those builders leading the way.

The challenge is marked by a growing number of municipalities who have proclaimed June 5 as BUILT GREEN Day. This reflects the growing concern faced by public and private industry on climate change and the heightened expectations of the municipality's role in addressing this social problem. In response to meeting environmental targets, all orders of government are developing climate mitigation strategies, while for those working in the residential building industry, increased energy performance and other regulations continue to change.

The increased stringency of codes and standards is driving costs up for the industry -- the unintended consequence is the further deterioration of housing affordability. With the intersection of these two social problems, there is possibility for further collaborative actions between government and industry collaboration that considers the environment, costs, and the pace of change given realizing sustainability targets requires the support of private industry.

Built Green Canada works with its builders to support the successful certification of their builds, assist them in meeting compliance requirements, while its programs' four levels of certification offer industry a means to voluntarily stay ahead of code and incrementally improve in preparation to be net-zero energy ready for 2030 regulations.

Though some municipalities are exclusively focused on energy performance, Built Green's programs are complementary as they take a more holistic approach that may reduce the load on civic infrastructure including water, power, and waste. Built Green recognizes municipalities may not be able to favour one program over another and therefore encourages municipalities to include its programs, alongside others, as an option to endorse.

Meanwhile, Built Green Canada has partnered with the Green Builder® Coalition to bring the first performance-based water rating to Canada through the water conservation section of their builder programs. Though parts of Canada, and the world, are increasingly experiencing droughts, and freshwater ecosystems are shown to be under stress, water conservation in the residential building industry has not received the attention energy efficiency has, though they are both connected and significant. The Water Efficiency Rating Score (WERS) is based on measurable parameters, along with a scoring scale that considers indoor and outdoor water use, reuse via rainwater, greywater and blackwater catchment calculations.

Built Green Canada is an industry-driven, national, non-profit organization offering programs for residential building. Since its inception, builders have worked with Built Green to complete over 32,750 certified homes represented in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario -- including the units in multi-storey projects, the total is over 36,090. At the end of 2018, the cumulative impact of these single family certified homes translated into more than half a million (588,505.29) tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions saved (up to December 31, 2018). (Source: Built Green Canada, PR, June, 2019) Contact: Built Green Canada, Jenifer Christenson, CEO, (855) 485- .0920, jchristenson@builtgreencanada.ca, www.builtgreencanada.ca

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

Carbon Brief,Committee on Climate Change
Date: 2019-06-07
Following up on our 6th May report, the UK, Chancellor of the Exchequer (Treasury) Philip Hammond has reportedly warned outgoing prime minister Theresa May that reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050 could cost the UK over £1 trillion, according to the Financil Times newspaper. The Chancellor also noted the target would render some industries "economically uncompetitive without huge government subsidies." adds the FT.

The 2050 net-zero target was recently recommended by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), the UK's independent climate advisory body which estimated that reaching net zero would come in at £50 billion a year. The UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy puts the figure at £70 billion, according to the FT.

The Chancellor and Under-Treasurer of Her Majesty's Exchequer, commonly known as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, or simply the Chancellor, is a senior official within the Government of the United Kingdom and head of Her Majesty's Treasury. The office is a British Cabinet-level position. (£1 = $1.27 US) (Source: Financial Times, Carbon Brief, Various Media, June, 2019) Contact: The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP - GOV.UK www.gov.uk/government/people/philip-hammond; Committee on Climate Change, www.theccc.org.uk

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

Climate Change, Carbon Emissions
Date: 2019-06-05
Democratic former Vice President and 2020 Presidential hopeful this week launched his Climate Plan to attack climate change. The Biden climate plan calls for $1.7 trillion in federal money along with a mix of executive orders and legislation that would transition the U.S. to net-zero emissions "no later than 2050" while also protecting workers' rights to organize and a just transition for fossil fuel workers and communities of color. In short, Biden's plan is in line with freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez' (D-N.Y.) Green New Deal and various climate plans released by other presidential wannabes and contenders.

"The Biden plan will be paid for by reversing the excesses of the Trump tax cuts for corporations, reducing incentives for tax havens, evasion, and outsourcing, ensuring corporations pay their fair share," according to a Biden campaign press release.

Download Biden's Climate plan outline HERE. (Source: Joe Biden Presidential Campaign, Various Media, Earther, 4 June, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Net-Zero Emissions,  Green New Deal ,  

World Green Building Council
Date: 2019-05-31
The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) reports 50 organizations have now signed up to the Net-Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment and pledged to ensure their individual portfolios of buildings operate at net-zero carbon by 2030.

The pledge also calls for cities, states and regions to require all new buildings operate at net-zero carbon from 2030, and all buildings, including existing buildings, operate at net-zero carbon by 2050.

In addition to generating and obtaining renewable energy to meet reduced energy demand, the Commitment positions energy efficiency as a central component to achieving decarbonization.

The WorldGBC's Advancing Net Zero Status Report 2019 details efforts to take on the challenge of decarbonizing the global building stock, and highlights leadership action from global businesses, governments and NGOs tthe goal of: certifying nearly 390 buildings globally as net zero carbon; raising awareness through advocacy activities of the urgency and achievability of net zero carbon buildings; and developing industry capacity through educational programmes and industry events.

Download Net-Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment details HERE. (Source: World Green Building Council, Canadian Architect, 30 May, 2019) Contact: World Green Building Council, Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council www.worldgbc.org/advancing-net-zero-status-report-2019

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Green Building Council,  

Madison Wisconsin
Date: 2019-05-29
In the Badger State, the city of Madison is touting the launch of its Backyard Solar grants program to help low-income residents install solar panels.

Grants will be available to community organizations and housing developers through a competitive process and will fund up to 20-pct of a project's total cost. The city has reserved $10,000 for grants in 2019, but there is a resolution circulating among council members to add another $30,000.

The Backyard Solar program is an addition to the MadiSUN residential program, which helps homeowners put solar panels on their rooftops. The City also offers a program that includes $30,000 in rebates for businesses that install solar.

In 2017, Madison became the first city in Wisconsin to set a goal of 100 percent renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions for both city operations and residents. (Source: City of Madison, 28 May, 2019) Contact: MadiSUN Program, https://madisunsolar.com; Renew Wisconsin, Heather Allen, program director for Renew Wisconsin, which administers the MadiSUN programs for the city, Tyler Huebner, Executive Director, (608) 255-4044, www.renewwisconsin.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Community Solar,  MadiSUN,  Renew Wisconsin,  

LG
Date: 2019-05-22
Korean appliance manufacturer LG reports it will reduce carbon emissions from its global operations by 50 percent compared to a 2017 baseline by implementing various carbon reduction and increasing renewable energy, primarily solar energy initiatives. This effort will help bring LG closer to reaching its ultimate goal of carbon neutrality, achieving a net-zero carbon emissions footprint by balancing carbon emissions with carbon removal, according to a company release.

Through a variety of strategic initiatives, the company will cut carbon emissions across its global production sites from nearly 2 million tons recorded in 2017 to 960,000 tons by the end of 2030. To that end, the company is looking to expand its high-efficiency facilities and technologies targeting greenhouse gas reduction and alleviating the creation of carbon emissions during the production process.

Additionally, through the expansion of its Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects, LG plans to secure UNFCCC Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits. (Source: LG, PR, May, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News LG,  CDM,  Carbon Emissions,  

Johnson Controls
Date: 2019-05-20
In its 2018 Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey, Johnson Controls noted more than half of global organizations planned to increase spending on energy efficiency over next 12 months -- 2019. The survey of nearly 2,000 facility and energy management executives from 20 countries found that 57 pct of organizations in the U.S. and 59 pct of global organizations planned to increase investment in energy efficiency, smart building measures including building controls and building systems integration at a greater rate than more traditional energy efficiency measures in 2019.

Survey organizations identify greenhouse gas footprint reduction, energy cost savings, energy security and enhanced reputation as key drivers of investment fueling growth in green, net zero energy and resilient buildings. Building controls improvements were cited as the most popular investment energy efficiency related investments.

In Johnson Control's 2008 survey, under 10 pct of respondents had a certified "green" building and only 34 pct planned to certify new construction projects to a recognized green standard. In 2018, 19 pct of U.S. organizations have already achieved voluntary green building certification for at least one of their facilities, and 53 pct plan to in the future. Globally, 14 pct of organizations have achieved voluntary green building certification for at least one of their facilities and 44 pct plan to in the future.

The survey also notes a year-over-year increase in net-zero energy goals, with 61 pct of U.S. organizations extremely or very likely to have one or more facilities that are nearly zero, net zero or positive energy/carbon in the next ten years.(Source: Johnson Controls, Building Design & Construction, Nov., 2018)Contact: Johnson Controls, Clay Nesler, VP Global Sustainability, www.linkedin.com/in/clay-nesler-171a133, www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/reporting-and-policies/business-and-sustainability-report/environmental-leadership/sustainable-solutions, www.johnsoncontrols.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Johnson Controls,  Energy Efficiency,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2019-05-20
Like most city-dwellers, Scots travel in polluting vehicles, use fossil fuels to heat their homes and work in an economy that produces greenhouse gases. But Scotland's two largest cities -- Glasgow (pop. 596,000) and Edinburgh (POP. 482,000) -- are racing to become the UK's first city with net-zero emissions.

To that end, both cities have set targets exceeding the Scottish government's 2045 net-zero target and that set by the UK government's Committee on Climate Change of 2050.

Achieving net-zero status involves more than reducing emissions, it also involves offsetting greenhouse gases released with initiatives such as planting trees.

Glasgow City Council is working with Scottish Power, the energy provider in charge of the UK's largest onshore wind farm near Glasgow. Glasgow's energy sector is dominated by wind power and continued investment in the electricity grid has allowed the city to focus on other parts of the economy such as transport and heating.

Edinburgh's carbon emissions have fallen by about a third since 2005, and the city council aims to continue that momentum by boosting renewable energy, making the city centre a low-emissions zone and encouraging low-carbon design for construction projects. The city also has schemes in place to reduce waste and increase recycling. Additionally, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport will have better access to the city centre, which will be off-limits to most cars to help cut emissions. (Source: World Economic Forum May, 2019)

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

European Union
Date: 2019-05-08
The Financial Times is reporting eight EU member countries -- Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden -- have asked heads of the 28-member trading bloc states to cut greenhouse gas emissions to a net-zero level by 2050 and dedicate at least 25 pct of bloc's next seven-year budget to projects that fight climate change. The eight nations stressed that as a general principle, the EU budget should not finance policy detrimental to the fight against climate change.

In seeming solidarity with the eight EU nations, the mayors of 210 EU cities including Athens, Bonn, Bratislava, Milan and Paris are also urging national leaders and the European Council to commit to the net-zero emissions 2050 target. {Source: EUROPA, Financial Times, 7 May, 2019)

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

independent Committee on Climate Change
Date: 2019-05-06
In London, the independent Committee on Climate Change (CCC), the UK's top climate change advisory body reports it is set to recommend the government reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050 -- a target that is said to be viable, cost-effective and would put the UK on track to fully meet its Paris Climate Agreement commitment.

According to the CCC, net-zero by 2050 could be achieved within a budget of 1-2 pct of GDP. It would require new policies across various government departments: low-carbon electricity would need to quadruple and low-carbon heating will be required throughout Britain building stock. All new cars and vans should be electric by 2035 or earlier, while novel technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) will become a necessity. Such reforms are especially urgent considering that the UK is currently set to miss its present legally-mandated target of an 80 percent cut in emissions by 2050. (Source: Independent Committee on Climate Change, yahoo News, 30 April, 2019) Contact: Independent Committee on Climate Change, www.theccc.org.uk

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

Jay INslee
Date: 2019-05-06
Further to our 4th March report, Washington State governor and U.S. 2020 presidential wannabe Jay Inslee (D) is touting his "100% Clean Energy for America Plan" to get the U.S. to net-zero emissions no later than 2045.

To that end, Inslee's plan calls for nothing short of the death of Old King Coal and the complete retirement of the country's 852 coal-ired power plants, which currently accounts for about 27 pct of America's electricity mix, within a decade. The plan also calls for utilities to go 100 pct carbon neutral by 2030 and transition to running on zero emissions energy sources, like renewable or nuclear power, by 2035, and the elimination of all fossil fuel use in federal buildings by 2023. (Source: Jay Inslee, Earther, 3 May, 2019)Contact: Office of Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee, Communications Office, Tara Lee, (360) 902-4136, www.governor.wa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Jay Inslee,  Coal,  Climate Change,  

Committee on Climate Change
Date: 2019-05-03
In the UK, according to the Committee on Climate Change(CCC), a stark increase in woodland expansion -- 50,000,000 new trees per year -- is needed in the UK if the country is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The CCC analysis outlines that 32,000 hectares annually of net woodland increase is required for the next 30 years. This moves the UK from 13 pct to 17 pct woodland cover. This equates to a million new hectares of woodland cover, and around 1.5 billion trees. (Source: The Committee on Climate Change, May, 2019) Contact: Committee of Climate Change, +44 (0) 207 591 6252, www.theccc.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Committee on Climate Change,  Reforestation,  Climate Change,  

Committee on Climate Change
Date: 2019-05-03
In the UK, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and other environmental groups are calling for an end to the government's multi-billion pound subsidy programme for wood-fired electric power generation on the grounds that woody biomass does not fit the government's net-zero GHG by 2050 plan.

Environmental groups, including to Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Biofuelwatch, the Dogwood Alliance, and the Southern Environmental Law Center, have noted that relying on woody biomass with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) to achieve climate targets is "misguided" and will prove overly expensive. Biomass power generation reached a record 35.6 TWh in 2018, up by 12 pct year-on-year, according to government statistics.

The environmental organizations say the UK should rely on genuinely zero-emission renewables like wind, wave, and solar power, energy efficiency and conservation, and smart resources like energy storage, rather than woody biomass power generation. (Source: Committee on Climate Change, Renewables,May, 2019) Contact: Committee on Climate Change, www.theccc.org.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Woody Biomass,  Biomass,  Committee on Climate Change ,  

Beto O'Rourke
Date: 2019-05-01
2020 Dem. presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke has released what he's calling "the most ambitious climate plan in the history of the United States and the most comprehensive climate policy proposal put out by any 2020 contender to date."

O'Rourke's proposal calls for halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 through a program of: executive action; a $5 trillion over 10 years investment in a clean energy transition; and preparing vulnerable communities for the impacts of climate change.

Although the plan is focused on climate and energy -- cutting emissions and creating alternatives -- approximately $3.5 trillion is allocated through tax incentives, loans, and other financing mechanisms for infrastructure, research, resilience, and clean energy deployment. The outlay would be funded by "structural changes to the tax code" that end tax breaks to fossil fuel companies and raise rates on corporations and top earners. Of the remaing $1.5 trillion, $1.2 trillion would go to grants for sustainable housing, transportation, public health, farming, and start-ups.

As opposed to a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system, O'Rourke is advocating a legally-binding net-zero emissions standard by 2050. The plan doesn't rule out pricing carbon but instead focuses on setting definitive goal posts. If elected, O'Rourke noted will re-enter the Paris climate agreement, implement rules to cut methane and other "super-potent" GHG emissions, tighten clean air rules, ramp up appliance efficiency standards, demand clean energy procurement from federal contractors, and end new fossil fuel leases on public lands. (Source: Vox, Various Media, 30 April, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Tax,  Methane,  Clean Air,  

Green Building Council of Australia
Date: 2019-05-01
In the Land Down Under, with more than 2250 projects under its belt the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) reports it is evolving its Green Star rating system and encouraging the built environment to achieve greater energy savings and net-zero carbon emissions.

To that end, GBCA is honing in on carbon emissions to encourage a net-zero carbon future for the built environment, harnessing renewable energy and low-emissions technologies, offset and/or reduce the use of fossil fuels in buildings, and encouraging building developers and owners a to consider a building's total energy and environmental impact. For example, new credits will encourage a holistic approach to address and minimize a building's impact on neighboring buildings. (Source: Green Building Council Australia, InfraStructure, 30 April, 2019) Contact: Green Building Council of Australia, Romilly Madew, CEO, +61 2 8239 6200, new.gbca.org.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News GBCA,  Green Star,  Energy Efficiency,  Green Building Council of Australia ,  Green Building,  Energy Efficiency,  

NYSERDA,New Buildings Institute
Date: 2019-04-22
In the Empire State, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is reporting completion of the first phase of the 248-unit Solara Apartments complex in Schenectady County. The multifamily project is built to net-zero construction standards and will benefit tenants with energy-efficient technologies and affordable, predictable living costs and services that include:

networked smart building controls;

solar carports to cover residents’ vehicles and charge them too (free of charge):

solar thermal panels that use the sun's energy to heat water for the domestic hot water system;

solar shades on the windows and larger windows on the southern facing sides of the buildings to capture more solar energy;

smart home technologies such as keyless entry, control of locks, lights and other compatible devices;

premium GE EnergyStar appliances, all LED lighting, EPA Indoor Air Plus certification which requires use of low/no VOC materials and finishes, continuous fresh-air ventilation with smart controls that regulate humidity and monitor carbon dioxide and VOC levels.

According to a New Buildings Institute report, New York State leads the Northeast in net-zero buildings, with 27 documented ongoing and completed net-zero building projects and a total of 132 net-zero, high-performance and passive house building projects.

To facilitate the construction of similar projects, NYSERDA will provide $15 million through the next round of the New York State Consolidated Funding Application process to expand the state's Net-Zero Energy for Economic Development program. (Source: NYSERDA, Multi Housing News, 19 April, 2019)Contact: New Buildings Institute, www.newbuildings.org; NYSERDA, Alicia Barton, Pres., CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News et Zero,  NYSERDA,  Net-Zero Energy Building,  

Community Office for Resource Efficiency
Date: 2019-04-08
In Aspen, Colorado, the not-for-profit Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) reports it issued rebates and grant funding totaling $1.29 million ifor energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the Roaring Fork Valley in 2018. the form of grants and rebates, according to its annual impact report, which was released in March. The agency is partially funded by carbon mitigation fees paid by developers.

CORE's 2018 investments include a robust grant program that has awarded $750,000 for energy efficiency and clean energy, leveraging an investment of $13 million in projects across the Roaring Fork Valley. Grants awarded include projects like Basalt Vista Affordable Housing, the first-ever net-zero neighborhood, and solar photovoltaic (PV) on Snowmass Village Town Hall. An additional $540,000 was provided to residential and commercial property owners through a rebate program.

In 2018, approximately 289 energy projects were completed and over 370 homes received a home energy assessment -- one of CORE's flagship programs -- valued at over $600 and available to residents year-round for a $100 cost. Last year's projects avoided a total of 3,140 metric tons of carbon emissions, the equivalent of planting 51,921 trees, according to a press release. (Source: CORE, Aspen Daily News, 6 April, 2019{ Contact: CORE, 9970) 925-.9775, Energy@AspenCore.org, www.aspencore.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Community Office for Resource Efficiency ,  

US DOE
Date: 2019-03-27
Kent, Washington-headquartered outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI Co-op reports it has been recognized by the Alliance for making strides in its energy productivity goals at its Goodyear, Arizona distribution center for achieving an 18 pct energy reduction and an annual cost savings of $170,000 in its first two years of operation. The distribution center is aiming for net-zero energy consumption, the company said.

To reach its goal, REI installed a 2.2-MW solar array that is expected to power the entire facility and installed a robotic fulfillment system that streamlines and speeds operations.

REI has been part of the DOE's Better Buildings Alliance in 2015. The program brings together commercial building owners to share energy efficiency best practices with peers in the retail sector. (Source: REI Co-op, DOE Better Building Alliance, DC Velocity, 26 Mar., 2019) Contact: DOE https://betterbuildingsinitiative.energy.gov/alliance; REI Co-op, (253) 395-3780,

More Low-Carbon Energy News US DOE,  DOE Better Buildings Alliance,  Energy Efficiency,  

Net-Zero Energy
Date: 2019-03-20
London, Ontario-based Sifton Properties is reporting construction is underway on two new net-zero energy projects -- 1305 Riverbend, a 40,000 square-foot office retail building, and Helio, a 10-storey, 115-unit mixed-use apartment tower. When complete in April of 2020, Helio is slated to be the most energy-efficient residential high-rise in Ontario.

Helio will be part of Sifton's fully connected, energy-efficient neighbourhood comprised of urban condos, rental townhomes, apartments and retirement suites overlooking retail spaces and a vibrant central park. Helio's energy efficient features include:

building exterior wrapped in solar panels to generate power from the sun;

individual hydro metering;

in-suite thermostat controlled heating and air conditioning;

electric car charging stations;

garbage chutes to facilitate recycling;

ENERGY STAR appliances;

fully occupancy sensor lighting, and others.

(Source: Sifton Properties, PR, Canadian Apartment, 19 Mar., 2019) Contact: Sifton. www.sifton.com

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

Fiji Carbon Emissions
Date: 2019-03-01
In the South Pacific, The Government of Fiji reports it is the 11th country to submit its long-term Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) 2018 -- 2050 strategy to the UNFCCC Secretariat.

Fiji's LEDS sets out long-term emission reductions and defines sustainable and resilient economy-wide mitigations pathways until 2050. It also addresses: sector-specific targets and measures; social, economic and environmental dimensions; education, capacity building and awareness raising; and a framework for monitoring and evaluating the LEDS. It is also among of the world's first LEDS to address the Blue Carbon Sector and the island country's mangrove ecosystems.

The LEDS also details Fiji's objective of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 across all economic sectors, and details the following potential low emission scenarios:

a Business-as-Usual (BAU) Unconditional Scenario that would be implemented and financed without reliance on external or international financing;

A BAU Conditional Scenario conditional on external or international financing to implement mitigation actions;

a High-Ambition Scenario that projects ambitions beyond those already specified, and achieves significant emission reductions by 2050 compared with the BAU scenarios; and

a Very High Ambition Scenario that projects ambitions well beyond those already specified, and in which most sectors achieve net-zero or negative emissions by 2050.

Fiji aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 across all economic sectors without threatening the country's long-term development objectives. (Source: UNFCCC. Feb., 2019) Contact: UNFCCC, [Fiji LEDS 2018-2050, UN Climate Change, +49 228 815 1000, secretariat@unfccc.int, www.unfccc.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News UNFCCC,  Fifi,  Carbon Emissions,  Blue Carbon,  

Brown University
Date: 2019-02-11
In Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University is reporting the inking of agreements with two developers for the development and implementation of sufficient wind and solar power to offset all of the Ivy League school's electric power requirements by the year 2020.

The bulk of Brown's planned renewable energy will be supplied by a 50-MW solar array planned for a former gravel pit in North Kingstown. The project, proposed by Providence-based Energy Development Partners, in partnership with national energy provider Constellation, will be the largest solar project in the state.

The solar project is expected to offset about 70 pct of the university's energy usage. The remainder will be offset under the terms of a 25-year PPA for an 8-MW portion of a large onshore wind farm presently being developed in Texas.

Brown has also pledged to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2040 and, to that end, has taken steps to cut emissions by 75 pct below 2017-18 levels by 2025. (Source: Brown University, Providence Journal, 3 Feb., 2019) Contact: Brown University, www.brown.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHGs,  Carbon Neutral,  Renewable Energy,  Renewable Energy,  

Binghamton University
Date: 2019-01-23
In the Empire State, Binghamton University, part of the NY State University System (SUNY), reports it is retrofitting buildings with energy-efficient technology and building new structures to net-zero energy standards. New net-zero building projects include an environmental research center on the campus' Nut Hollow property.

The new Nuthatch Hollow building will have a Living Building certification, which means it will produce more energy than it uses. Currently, only 22 buildings worldwide hold a Living Building certification.

The University is also focused on advancing its academic efforts into clean energy fields and has created a smart energy trans-disciplinary area of excellence. Additionally, the school's smart energy research is centered on lithium-ion batteries and efficient energy storage. (Source: Binghampton Univ., Pipe Dream, 21 Jan., 2019) Contact: BU, Harvey Stenger, Pres., 607-777-2000, www.binghamton.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News SMart Energy,  Lithium-Ion Battery,  Energy Storage,  SMart Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

Carbon Emissions,Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Date: 2019-01-09
In the UK, in its Greater Manchester Plan for Homes, Jobs and the Environment, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has pledged that all new buildings erected in the city region will be 'net-zero' carbon by 2028. The pledge is part of the GMCA's 20-year plan to decouple emissions from economic growth.

More recently, the Government published its £420 million construction sector deal, outlining a course for halving building energy use and emissions by 2030. Even so, several industry bodies and corporations have argued that wider progress towards low-carbon infrastructure has been too slow -- particularly in light of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) global warming report's conclusion that the world must achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 to avoid catastrophic climate change. (Source: Greater Manchester Combined Authority, edie News, 7 January 2019) Contact: Greater Manchester Combined Authority, +44 161 778 7000, www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk

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

Date: 2018-12-05
Oxford Properties Group is touting its 36-storey, 161.5-metre Stack office tower as the tallest and first net-zero carbon emissions commercial building in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The 540,000 sq-ft building is scheduled for completion by 2022.

The Canada Green Building Council estimated that in the past 14 years it has certified over 3,600 LEED buildings nationwide and registered over 7,600 buildings. (Source: Oxford Properties Group, 3 Dec., 2018) Contact: Oxford Properties Group, www.oxfordproperties.com; Canada Green Building Council, www.cagbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council GBC,  

UKGBC
Date: 2018-11-30
UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) is reporting the launch of a new industry task group of more than 30 experts from across the building value chain to develop an industry-led definition for net-zero carbon buildings. The task group is being supported by 12 leading industry bodies.

The UKGBC initiative is a global campaign led by the World Green Building Council (WGBC), calling for all new buildings to be net-zero carbon in operation by 2030 and all existing buildings to achieve this standard by 2050. The initiate is expected to released in spring 2019. (Source: UKGBC, pbctoday, 29 Nov., 2018) Contact: UKGBC, Richard Twinn, Senior Policy Advisor, Julie Hirigoyen, CEO, +44 (0) 7580 0623, www.ukgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News UKGBC,  Green Building,  Net-Zero Buiulding,  Energy Efficiency,  

USGBC
Date: 2018-11-28
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) is touting the launch of LEED Zero, a new program to address net-zero operations and resources in green building projects. LEED Zero recognizes specific achievements in building operations and rewards projects that have used LEED as a framework to address important aspects of green buildings and taken their buildings to the next level by designing and operating toward net-zero goals.

LEED Zero encourages a holistic approach for buildings and places that will contribute to a regenerative future. This is part of a vision to ensure the next phase of USGBC's efforts will be LEED Positive, where buildings generate more energy than they use, and remove more carbon than they produce. (Source: USGBC, The Construction Specifier, 19 Nov., 2018) Contact: USGBC LEED Zero, new.usgbc.org/leed-zero

More Low-Carbon Energy News USGBC news,  US Green Buildin Council news,  LEED Certification news,  Green Building news,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2018-11-23
Reporting from New Delhi, the recently launched Indian Energy Transitions Commission (India ETC) reports it initially plans to will focus on policy, research and outreach on decarbonizing the power sector.

The organization's Mission Possible report notes that reaching net-zero carbon emissions from heavy industry and heavy-duty transport sectors is technically and financially possible by mid-century and even earlier at a cost of less than 0.5 pct GDP in developing global economies.

The report outlines the possible routes to fully decarbonize cement, steel, plastics, trucking, shipping and aviation -- which together represent 30 pct of energy emissions today -- and could increase to 60 pct by mid-century as other sectors lower their emissions.

The India ETC Mission Possible report is calling for the decarbonization of heavy industry and heavy-duty transport, a focus on carbon capture and storage (CCS) possibilities, increased reliance on renewable energy and increased energy efficiency are all crucial to reducing atmospheric CO2 and improving air quality. (Source: Indian Energy Transitions Commission, Economic Times, 21 Nov., 2018) Contact: Indian Energy Transitions Commission, www.teriin.org

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

USGReen Building Council
Date: 2018-11-21
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is touting the launch of LEED Zero, a new program to address net-zero operations and resources in green building projects. LEED projects can achieve LEED Zero certification when they demonstrate net-zero carbon emissions, net-zero energy use, net-zero water use, or net-zero waste.

LEED Zero recognizes specific achievements in building operations and rewards projects that have used LEED as a framework to address important aspects of green buildings and taken their buildings to the next level by designing and operating toward net-zero goals.

LEED Zero encourages a holistic approach for buildings and places that will contribute to a regenerative future. This is part of a vision to ensure the next phase of USGBC's efforts will be LEED Positive, where buildings generate more energy than they use, and remove more carbon than they produce. (Source: USGBC, The Construction Specifier, 19 Nov., 2018) Contact: USGBC LEED Zero, new.usgbc.org/leed-zero

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

Johnson Controls
Date: 2018-11-19
According to John Controls' just released 2018 Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey. more than half of global organizations plan to increase spending on energy efficiency over next 12 months.

The survey of nearly 2,000 facility and energy management executives from 20 countries found that 57 pct of organizations in the U.S. and 59 pct of global organizations plan to increase investment in energy efficiency, smart building measures including building controls and building systems integration at a greater rate than more traditional energy efficiency measures over the next 12 months.

Today, organizations identify greenhouse gas footprint reduction, energy cost savings, energy security and enhanced reputation as key drivers of investment fueling growth in green, net zero energy and resilient buildings. Building controls improvements were cited as the most popular investment energy efficiency related investments.

In Johnson Controls'2008 survey, under 10 pct od respondents had a certified "green" building and only 34 pct planned to certify new construction projects to a recognized green standard. In 2018, 19 pct of U.S. organizations have already achieved voluntary green building certification for at least one of their facilities, and 53 pct plan to in the future.

Globally, 14 pct of organizations have achieved voluntary green building certification for at least one of their facilities and 44 pct plan to in the future.

The survey also notes a significant year-over-year increase in net-zero energy goals, with 61 pct of U.S. organizations extremely or very likely to have one or more facilities that are nearly zero, net zero or positive energy/carbon in the next ten years.(Source: Johnson Controls, Building Design & Construction, Nov., 2018)Contact: Johnson Controls, Clay Nesler, VP Global Sustainability, www.linkedin.com/in/clay-nesler-171a133, www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/reporting-and-policies/business-and-sustainability-report/environmental-leadership/sustainable-solutions, www.johnsoncontrols.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Johnson Controls,  Energy Efficiency,