Energy Management Articles
Austin Central Library saves $100K by optimizing solar installation
Austin Central Library announced Oct. 14 that it saved more than $100,000 in annual energy costs, in part through the implementation of energy management technology that resulted in 30% higher utilization of a 157 MWh solar array in Downtown Austin.
CyrusOne shifts focus to design of energy-efficient data centers
CyrusOne sourced 18.2% renewable energy in 2019 and is in the process of designing data centers that are more energy-efficient from day 1.
The Home Depot inks PPA with solar + storage in Texas
The Home Depot announced Oct. 13 that it will be procuring 75 MW of clean energy from a 284 MW solar and storage project, which could be enough electricity to power more than 150 stores nationwide.
Preparing for the Energy Transition, Part 1: Immediate Steps For C&I Facilities
Many of today’s commercial and industrial facilities seek smart, scalable plans for the energy transition. This white paper from Shell Energy outlines four strategies that businesses can take now to start greening their operations on the path to long-term decarbonization.
New Jersey promotes efficiency incentives for businesses
New Jersey businesses could soon have 80% of costs covered for energy efficiency upgrades through a new program advertised by the state’s Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).
PepsiCo releases first updates on $1 billion green bond
PepsiCo released Oct. 13 an update on the allocation of its previously announced $1 billion green bond, including low-carbon fleet upgrades and a $98 million green R&D facility.
Williams-Sonoma saves 9.3M kWh through use of organic cotton
Williams-Sonoma released Oct. 13 its annual sustainability report, detailing its inclusion on Fortune’s ‘Change the World’ 2020 List and reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 12% since 2017.
Accenture targets net zero by 2025
Accenture announced Oct. 8 that it is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2025.
Go Beyond the Meter with Kroger, Ithaca College and California Polytechnic
Two new episodes of the Beyond the Meter podcast series have been released, featuring guests from Kroger discussing “Teaming on Sustainability” and Ithaca College and Cal Poly on “Evolving Energy Strategies in Higher Ed.”
Texas water utility renews agreement for solar power supply
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) announced Oct. 8 that they are extending an agreement to receive clean power from Direct Energy Business (DEB) and offset their non-renewable power with RECs.
HSBC announces net zero target across customer base by 2050
HSBC announced Oct. 9 that it is committed to net zero emissions across its operations and customer base by 2050 and will be providing up to $1 trillion in green financing.
Beyond the Meter Podcast - Episode 10: Teaming on Sustainability: Manufacturing & Retail with Liza Zwack and Denis George
While many people know Kroger as the nation’s largest traditional food retailer, few know that they are effectively the fifth largest consumer packaged goods manufacturer in the nation and have more than 2800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names. In this episode of Beyond the Meter, we learn that Kroger is committed to protecting people and the planet by realizing that they could have multiple environmental and social impacts through their own operations, through the supply chain, and in other areas.
Beyond the Meter Podcast - Episode 11: Evolving Energy Strategies In Higher Ed - What's Next?
Institutes of higher education are large consumers of energy. From the lights and heat that are needed to keep students and faculty comfortable enough to learn effectively, to the equipment, technology, and staff required to keep things running, the expense is enormous. In this episode of Beyond the Meter, three guests from the realm of higher education join John for a frank conversation about the overall challenges faced by institutions of higher learning when it comes to renewable energy.
Weekend reads: The U.K.'s pursuit of wind power; How to pass a climate bill
It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web.
Virtual Distributed Energy Forum Wrap-Up
Smart Energy Decisions' Virtual Distributed Energy Forum, presented on September 21-25, was designed to accelerate the adoption of distributed energy resources, meeting the needs of large electric power users with a mix of educational sessions, innovative case studies, and connecting corporate buyers and suppliers to advance meaningful conversations and mutual success.
Amazon reveals first custom electric delivery vehicle
Amazon announced Oct. 8 its first custom electric vehicle, designed in pursuit of its 2040 goal to have 10,000 custom electric delivery vehicles on the road worldwide by 2022 and 100,000 by 2030.
PVH Europe to cover Dutch operations with new rooftop solar
PVH Europe announced Oct. 6 that it installed what is believed to be the most powerful rooftop solar installation on a single structure at its Warehouse and Logistics Center in the Netherlands that will power its warehouses, offices and stores in the country.
Smart Energy Voices Podcast - Episode 10: When It Comes To Renewables, There Are Few City Limits In Austin
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Peter Kelly-Detwiler sits down with Teresa Kanter, from Duke Energy Renewables (DER), and Erika Bierschbach, from Austin Energy (AE), to discuss the City of Austin's leadership in renewable energy procurement and their partnership with Duke Energy. You’ll hear how Duke Energy Renewables and Austin Energy are moving forward and pushing limits in Austin. Listen to this episode of Smart Energy Voices to hear specific insights from both buyer and supplier perspectives.
Audi Australia commits to 100% RE starting next year
Audi Australia recently announced that it is committed to 100% renewable energy starting in 2021.
ING cuts emissions linked to power industry lending
ING announced Oct. 8 that it reduced its link to emissions from the power industry by reducing funding to coal-fired power plants by 22% in 2019 while increasing renewable energy financing.
Arkema places inaugural Green Bond for 300M euros
Arkema announced Oct. 7 that it placed its first-ever Green Bond that will finance its new world-scale plant in Singapore.
Smart Energy Decisions Announces 2021 Event Lineup
Smart Energy Decisions has released the dates for its 2021 event schedule, which will include the Innovation Summit, Distributed Energy Forum, and summer and winter editions of the Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum. “We are committed to bringing our community together, be it physically or virtually throughout 2021, to help ensure their success,” said John Failla, Founder and Editorial Director of Smart Energy Decisions.
Corporate solar installations increased 1,286 MW in 2019
Apple, Amazon and Walmart ranked in the top corporate solar users in 2019 and were major contributors to the 1,286 MW of new commercial solar capacity that was added in the U.S. last year.
JPMorgan Chase targets carbon neutrality by end of year
JPMorgan Chase announced Oct. 6 that they are committed to operational carbon neutrality starting in 2020 and will be pursuing ways to help clients reduce emissions by financing projects that have goals aligned with the Paris Agreement.
SBTi releases first framework for financial institutions
The Science Based Targets initiative released Oct. 1 the first framework established for financial institutions to set science-based targets and align their lending and investment activities with climate science.
Dr. Reddy's joins Science Based Targets initiative
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories announced Oct. 5 that they are targeting a 55% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 based on a FY17-18 baseline.
Iron Mountain increases resiliency of RE sources
Iron Mountain announced Oct. 6 a new project focused on continuously and cost-effectively powering their data centers in five states with renewable energy using risk management tools that increase reliability.
Anheuser-Busch explores beer cans made with hydropower
Anheuser-Busch InBev announced Oct. 6 a new partnership that will allow their beverages to be canned in a low-carbon aluminum made with renewable hydropower and recycled content.
Today’s Leaders. Tomorrow’s Heroes.: Meet The Home Depot’s Craig D’Arcy
Craig D’Arcy, The Home Depot’s Director of Energy Management, likes to find straightforward answers to complex problems. That’s exactly what he’s doing at the world’s largest home improvement retailer, where he finds creative ways to cut emissions and lower the net rate paid for energy. Watch Craig’s story to see how his passion for renewable investments creates “savings for a purpose.”
EVRAZ steel mill to source from 300 MW Colorado solar farm
EVRAZ North America will soon power their Pueblo, Colo., steel mill with solar power from a new 300 MW project that was recently financed in a $285 million deal.
