GHG Emissions | Page 351

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. announced its commitment to setting science-based emissions reduction targets to be approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). AvalonBay joins the growing group of leading companies that are setting emissions reduction targets in line with what climate science says is necessary.

Ten years of the world’s biggest purchasers – including Bank of America, Dell, Kellogg Company, Unilever and Walmart – requesting transparency from their suppliers has triggered a step-change in environmental action, leading to 633 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions reductions and collective cost savings of  $19.3 billion reported by over 5,500 suppliers in 2018.

Illinois achieved the lead position on the U.S. Green Building Council’s 2018 list of Top 10 States for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The ranking of states based on the number of LEED-certified square feet per person placed Massachusetts in second place

Penn State announced the development of 70 megawatts of large-scale offsite solar to support the University's Strategic Plan, which cites stewardship of the planet's resources as a key priority. The project to install large-scale solar arrays will provide 25% of Penn State's state-wide electricity requirements over a 25-year term.

DHL is preparing to roll out a new fleet of 63 electric delivery vans to serve U.S. markets as part of its mission to reduce emissions. The company has set a target of operating 70% of first- and last-mile delivery services with clean transport modes by 2025 as part of its longer-term corporate commitment to reduce its logistics-related emissions to zero by 2050.

For the first time, carbon emissions from Super Bowl fans’ air travel to the game will be offset. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Rocky Mountain Institute and The Good Traveler are partnering to offset the equivalent of 1,624 air miles for each of the 71,000 fan seats

The board of BP LLC agreed to back a shareholder resolution at its annual meeting later this year that will require the company will be required to fully adapt its business strategy to the Paris Agreement goals, including setting GHG reduction targets and linking results with executive compensation.

Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. announced that they have applied blockchain technology to develop a system for trading related to energy shortages and surpluses among electricity consumers, including factories and retail stores.

Amherst College announced the adoption of a Climate Action Plan that sets a goal for the College to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The plan was unanimously approved by the College’s Board of Trustees.

With the addition of New Mexico and Illinois, the U.S. Climate Alliance, a national coalition of states committed to reducing GHG emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement, now has a total of 19 members.