Energy Management Articles
Postal Service Adds EVs, Charging Stations
The United States Postal Service (USPS) unveiled its first set of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its South Atlanta Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC). Additional charging stations will be installed at hundreds of new S&DCs across the U.S. in 2024.
Weekend Reads: How Costly is the Energy Transition, Really?; Taylor Swift Divides Climate Advocates
It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web:
Amazon Continues to Add Solar, Wind Power
Amazon increased its renewable portfolio by investing in more than 100 new solar and wind energy projects in 2023 and now has over 500 solar and wind projects globally.
Net Zero for Water? It’s More Complicated Than That
As net zero emissions becomes the standard for sustainability-minded corporations worldwide, this carbon mindset is being misapplied to water as we hear more and more about “net zero water.” In this column from The Water Council, learn why organizations need to apply a true water stewardship approach.
Google Builds Data Center With Off-Site Heat Recovery
Google announced it has begun construction on a new data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire that will handle off-site heat recovery.
Trafigura to Purchase CDR Credits
Trafigura, a global commodities group, announced that it has agreed to purchase carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits.
Pentagon, Federal Buildings to Install Solar Panels
The Pentagon plans to install solar panels as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s program that will allocate $104 million for energy conservation and clean energy projects at 31 federal facilities.
Wolfson Hospital Switches to Low-Carbon Electric Heat
The Wolfson Hospital in Holon, Israel will deploy low-carbon electric heat as part of a new project.
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. Upgrades Fleet, Tests Alternative Fuels
Genesee & Wyoming Inc., which owns or leases more than 100 freight railroads, continued to upgrade its North American locomotive fleet to reduce fuel consumption and minimize emissions.
Votorantim Cimentos Purchases 100 MW of Solar
Votorantim Cimentos, a construction materials and sustainable solutions company, signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to purchase 100 MW of solar energy over the course of the next 15 years.
Prince William County Public Schools Sign PPA
Prince William County Public Schools in Virginia, which has nearly 90,000 students, signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
2024 Report: The State of Corporate Sustainability
The 2024 State of Corporate Sustainability Report serves as a reflection of the biggest trends, drivers, and challenges facing energy, facility, and sustainability teams. This year's data regarding the current state of sustainability reporting and energy management reflects the experience and insight of 240+ industry professionals working at respected organizations in multiple sectors. Explore the results of this research, the fifth collaboration between Atrius®, part of Acuity Brands, and Smart Energy Decisions.
World Economic Forum: Retrofitting Buildings Could Lower Energy Intensity by 40%
Retrofitting existing buildings could lower their energy intensity by nearly 40%, according to the World Economic Forum’s Transforming Energy Demand report.
DePue, Illinois Adds Solar Farm
A 26.3 megawatt (MW DC) 20 MW AC solar farm in DePue, Illinois was completed.
Oregon, Washington School Districts Receive EPA Grants for Buses
The Environmental Protection Agency announced that Washington and Oregon will switch from diesel-powered buses and receive $51,148,500 for the purchase of 144 clean school buses.
AstraZeneca, Lonza, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Roche Sign RE Agreement
AstraZeneca, Lonza, Novartis, Novo Nordisk and Roche signed a three-year renewable energy supply agreement for 200 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of green power annually, starting in 2024.
Whirlpool Corporation Installs RE at Ohio Plants
Whirlpool Corporation announced that the company entered into agreements to add solar and wind power at its Findlay and Clyde, Ohio operations.
New York State Receives Federal Funding for EV Charging
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York state received $15 million in federal funding to build out electric vehicle charging.
LA School District Adds Electric Buses to Fleet
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) ordered 180 electric zero-emission school buses to assist the school district in transitioning to 100% electric student transportation.
KIRCHHOFF Automotive to Deploy Green Steel
KIRCHHOFF Automotive, a global automotive supplier, signed a seven-year agreement for the delivery of near zero emissions steel from Boden.
Weekend Reads: West Virginia Makes the Solar Switch; US Emissions Reductions Fall Short of Goals
It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web:
BMW's Munich Plant Converts to EV Only for 2027
Starting in 2026, BMW Group’s Munich plant will manufacture the Neue Klasse sedan, followed by the production of all-electric models only the following year.
DOE Sees Progress in Launching Hydrogen Projects
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that 2023 was a big year for clean hydrogen, as the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs prepare to begin hydrogen demonstration projects, while other partnerships were created and investments were made in the sector.
Barclays Creates Energy Transition Group to Support Clients
Barclays, a global bank, announced it is establishing a new energy transition group within its corporate and investment bank and will provide strategic advice to clients as they explore potential energy transition opportunities.
Smart Energy Voices Podcast Episode 94: Balancing Profitability and Sustainability at IKEA
At Smart Energy Decisions’ 2023 Net Zero Forum/Fall, Adrian Avino, Engineering Construction Manager for IKEA Property, North America Real Estate/US, gave an overview of how IKEA plans to meet its sustainability goals. Adrian shares IKEA’s holistic approach including the company’s strategy to use renewable heating and cooling for projects across its North American portfolio.
Rayonier Sets Decarbonization Strategy
Rayonier Inc. announced its commitment to The Climate Pledge and plans to implement various decarbonization strategies.
City of Long Beach Adds RNG Trucks
The City of Long Beach, California signed a new two-year multimillion-dollar contract to deliver new Super Duty Ford Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) trucks.
Electrolux Group Sets Second Emissions Goal
Electrolux Group, a global appliance company, announced that it set a new science-based climate target to lower GHG emissions in products and operations in support of the Paris climate agreement.
White House Allocates $623 Million in EV Charging Grants
The Biden-Harris Administration announced $623 million in grants to build out an electric vehicle (EV) charging network across the U.S.
Toyota Extends Free EV Charging
Toyota Motor North America, Inc. will extend its one year of complimentary fast charging to drivers who purchase or lease a new 2024 bZ4x.