Smart Energy Decisions News

Regulation - December 16, 2017

Weekend reads: The rise of the microgrid; Bitcoin's energy dilemma; wind, solar tax update & more

Kick back with these must-read energy stories from around the web.

Sourcing Renewables - December 15, 2017

Corporates push EU toward 35% renewable target

Big companies, including Amazon, DuPont and Unilever, along with utilities and renewable energy suppliers, are urging members of the European Union's energy council to set a renewable energy target of at least 35% and lift barriers to corporate PPAs.

Energy Efficiency - December 15, 2017

Steelcase passes major energy use reduction milestone

Global furniture maker and design company Steelcase Inc. has passed a major milestone toward its energy and environmental goals this year: Its global energy use is 20% lower than it was just seven years ago.

Sourcing Renewables - December 14, 2017

Bay Area Transit System signs 100 MW of PPAs

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system, known as BART, recently executed two power purchase agreements for electricity that will propel the fifth-largest rapid transit system in the U.S. far beyond its goal of getting 50% of its energy from renewable sources.

Energy Efficiency - December 14, 2017

Plaza Hotel and Casino begins exterior lighting retrofit

Exterior lighting upgrades are underway at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas — the first downtown property to make the switch to energy-efficient LED sign lamps from cold cathode lamps — according to a Dec. 13 news release.

GHG Emissions - December 13, 2017

PepsiCo books largest known order of Tesla Semis

An executive with PepsiCo told Reuters that the company has reserved 100 Tesla Semis as part of its efforts to reduce fuel costs and fleet emissions.

Solar - December 13, 2017

Mars using solar to manufacture Pedigree dog food

Mars Petcare has started using electricity generated from its newest solar garden, linked to its San Bernardino, Calif., manufacturing facility, to produce Pedigree brand dry dog food.

GHG Emissions - December 12, 2017

Kraft Heinz sets GHG goal in 1st sustainability report

Among a wide range of corporate social responsibility goals outlined in Kraft Heinz's inaugural corporate social responsibility report, the company outlined plans to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 5.1% and implement a series of onsite renewable energy projects.

December 12, 2017

Seattle organizations sail toward 20% energy reduction

Two Seattle-based organizations — King County and Shari's Café & Pies — have been recognized by the U.S. DOE for their efforts in reducing energy intensity at the King County International Airport and the local Shari's.

Energy Efficiency - December 11, 2017