Commercial | Page 129

The 2019 Progress Report from Better Building highlights the accomplishments of the 900+ partners working with the Better Buildings Initiative to share and replicate positive gains in energy efficiency while also creating jobs and increasing market competitiveness in the commercial, industrial, government, and residential sectors.

Walmart and Electrify America announced that more than 120 plus ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are now operational and open to the public at Walmart stores in 34 states across the U.S.

To enjoy an energy efficient building, your overall strategy must address two different areas of energy efficiency: the regular routine (automation) and the irregular (anomalies). In this column, Sal Alhelo of JCPenney warns that addressing only one of these two areas - or worse, applying the same strategy to both - means you are likely wasting energy.

Union Pacific’s utility conservation projects reduced energy consumption by 3.1 million kWh in 2018, which is enough to annually power more than 280 U.S. homes. The company reported that many conservation projects were employee-driven solutions such as retrofitting lights with LED bulbs and upgrading air compressor systems.

Virginia regulators on May 30 denied Costco’s request to buy electricity generated by someone besides Dominion Energy, the state's largest electric monopoly.

Starbucks has issued a $1 billion, 30-year Sustainability Bond that will fund its ethical coffee sourcing and Greener Retail Initiative, the company announced. The sustainability bond is the largest of its kind that the coffee giant has issued to date. 

General Mills has exceeded its 10-year goal to improve energy efficiency at its 26 largest U.S.-based plants by 20% four years ahead of plan.

Chubb announced a new companywide goal to reduce its global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 20% on an absolute basis by 2025. The company also established a long-term goal to reduce absolute GHG emissions 40% by 2035.

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, part of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, and NV Energy announced today that they have reached a long-term energy supply agreement and have recommitted to a partnership that advances renewable energy and powers The Venetian’s world-class properties in an increasingly sustainable way.