Energy Management Articles
Michigan city completes Phase 1 of 645 kW solar overhaul
The public works building in Muskegon Heights, Mich., completed a solar installation that will be part of a larger 645 kW system that is expected to offset nearly half of the city's public building energy needs.
Vertical Bridge achieves 100% carbon neutrality
Vertical Bridge, the largest private owner and operator of communications infrastructure in the U.S., announced June 10 that they are officially 100% carbon neutral.
Rocky Mountain Institute recommends path for green stimulus post-COVID
Rocky Mountain Institute released June 10 a report detailing four key opportunities for establishing a green stimulus and climate-related solutions as a way for short- and long-term economic recovery following the pandemic.
Xylem cuts emissions intensity 28.3%, surpassing goal
Xylem Inc. announced June 8 that they reduced greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 28.3% by 2019, surpassing their target of a 20% reduction established in 2014.
UC Berkeley finds U.S. could achieve 90% RE by 2035
The University of California, Berkeley released a report June 9 that concludes that the United States has the potential to deliver 90% clean, carbon-free electricity nationwide by 2035 at no extra costs to consumer bills, but only if robust policy reform is put in place.
Green Lease Leaders recognized for building sustainability
The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and the U.S. DOE’s Better Buildings Alliance announced June 8 the list of 2020 Green Lease Leaders representing more than 3 billion square feet of commercial and government space ranging from large and small offices to industrial buildings and data centers.
RE Sourcing Forum’s “Virtual Advantage” Detailed
Corporate renewable energy buyers and suppliers are demonstrating their commitment to Smart Energy Decisions’ Virtual Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum. Set for July 27-31, this innovative virtual event will debut using a proprietary platform the latest in communications and event management technology for facilitating virtual events including one-to-one meetings.
Florida school district approves HVAC improvements
Hillsborough County Schools in Tampa, Fla., approved June 2 a list of HVAC upgrades to be implemented at several of its elementary, middle and high schools to improve building climate efficiency.
Rite Aid cuts energy use by 33% with LED installations
Rite Aid announced June 8 that they have reduced electricity consumption by 33% and have increased the number of in-store LED lighting installations by 8% since last year.
Weekend reads: The future of city office space; Saving Obama's renewables stimulus
It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web.
Enhancing Sustainable Cities
The City of Temecula in California is a shining star in their commitment to govern based on a 10-year sustainability plan. In this case study from BioStar, see how the city navigated a cleaner carbon footprint and achieved ESG goals through cost-effective renewables.
Spanish winery hits 30% emissions reduction target one year early
Familia Torres, a Spanish wine producer, achieved its 2020 goal of reducing carbon emissions per bottle by 30% a year ahead of schedule through supply chain management and the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and has set a new emissions goal.
Rolls-Royce joins UN carbon campaign to become net zero by 2030
Rolls-Royce announced June 5 that they have joined the UN Race to Zero campaign and expect to become net-zero carbon in their operations by 2030.
New report finds solutions for cities to overcome energy transition hurdles
A new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR), the University of Michigan and Sierra Club found that cities and states bear most the burden of implementing clean energy policies and in order to reach their targets they must invest more money, build more expertise and garner more support from utilities.
Six Ohio schools to save 25% in energy costs through energy projects
Six Ohio school districts will be receiving solar and energy efficiency projects that are expected to provide an average of 25% annual utility savings for each school and collectively offset an average of 6,432 tons of carbon emissions annually.
Shell pursues methane emissions monitoring project
Shell awarded June 4 a framework agreement to Bureau Veritas, who will help the energy company monitor, quantify and control methane emissions in pursuit of their goal to maintain methane emissions intensity below 0.2% by 2025.
Danone's Voltic brand awarded carbon neutral certification
Volvic, a Danone bottled water brand, announced June 2 that they are officially carbon neutral and have been B Corp certified thanks to their switch to 100% renewable energy and commitment to use 100% recycled materials in their bottles by 2025.
2020 Corporate Energy and Sustainability Progress Report
For anyone involved in the energy and sustainability industry back in 2010, 2020 is hardly recognizable. A report from Schnieder Electric shows that changes over the past decade were seismic and the new decade—starting with the global response to the current pandemic—holds even more in store.
Madison, Wis., installs new solar-powered EV charging station
The City of Madison, Wisconsin approved June 2 the order of a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station, which will be deployed to power city fleet vehicles.
Vermont plans local 2.2 MW solar project
Morrisville Water and Light in Vermont will soon be receiving power from a 2.2 MW solar project that is currently under construction on land used for corn silage.
Crestwood cuts emissions intensity by 2%
Crestwood Equity Partners announced June 3 in their newly released sustainability report that they reduced their greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2% last year across operations.
Teva Pharmaceuticals cuts emissions 17.2%, decreases energy use 9.4%
Teva Pharmaceuticals met their greenhouse gas reduction target before their goal of 2020 and has charted a path forward to improving their sustainability.
Gerdau Steel plans 80 MW BTM solar facility
Gerdau Long Steel North America announced June 2 that they have entered into a 20-year PPA for one of the country’s largest behind-the-meter solar facilities.
UPS seeks carbon negative June by matching carbon offsets
UPS announced June 1 that they will be matching the carbon offsets of participating shipments throughout the month of June in honor of World Environment Day on June 5.
Today’s Leaders. Tomorrow’s Heroes: Jana Ganion, Blue Lake Rancheria
"Tapping into a sense of confidence, resiliency, and solutions-oriented approach is critical to getting this work done.” For Jana Ganion, Blue Lake Rancheria’s Sustainability and Government Affairs Director, helping the Native American tribal organization achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2030 is crucial to tackling the “issue of our time:” climate change. Jana’s video is part of a series from Duke Energy Renewables: “Today’s Leaders. Tomorrow’s Heroes.”
Newmont cuts emissions intensity by 13.7%, seeks RE
Newmont reported June 1 that they have seen a drop in emissions and energy use due to operational improvements despite an increase in overall production and in 2019 sourced 22.4% of their global electricity from renewable sources.
Maine town plans 277 streetlight LED retrofit
The Town of Camden, Maine, approved an LED retrofit of 277 streetlights that is expected to reduce energy consumption by 66% and reduce streetlight operational costs by 76% within the first year.
Empire State Building shines as leader in building efficiency
The Empire State Building, one of the most recognized buildings in the world, is standing out as an exemplar of energy efficiency after its leadership cut the carbon emissions associated with its operation by 40% through investing $30 million over the last decade into energy upgrades.
Weekend reads: Renewables granted extension on tax credits; The EU's greenest COVID recovery plan
It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web.
Anheuser-Busch collaborates on sustainable rice production
A partnership between Anheuser-Busch and Indigo Agriculture resulted in a 26.6% reduction of methane emissions due to changes in their rice production techniques.