Month: April 2025

On an international work trip to Taiwan last summer, I was gazing out my airplane window at the sun shining, wind blowing and waves crashing, amazed by how these natural forces generate enough renewable energy to power global electricity demands. Yet less than one-third of global annual electricity comes from renewable sources.ⁱ Turns out it’s complicated to harness and deliver electricity where and when it’s needed. This was a key mission of my AMD trip and our ongoing work with the SEMI Energy Collaborative: to accelerate renewable energy access and rapidly decarbonize the semiconductor industry.

At AMD, we believe leveraging the benefits of technology while mitigating climate impacts relies on a combination of increased renewable energy use and energy-efficient computing. AMD and the broader sector have made strong progress in the product use phase, particularly in the data center where most energy use and emissions tend to occur. While these efforts need to continue, particularly given the acceleration of AI, our industry has been working to address key challenges in the manufacturing stage. The combination of more energy-intensive manufacturing processes in regions with renewable energy shortages raises challenges that require increased collaboration and new approaches to meet supply-and-demand.

In honor of this year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” I am highlighting three ways companies in the semiconductor industry can help unlock the supply and impact of renewable energy.

1. Adoption: Target “hotspots” where renewable energy is needed most

Data-informed energy and emissions assessments help identify hotspots across the value chain where more renewables could have an outsized impact to drive down total product emissions. This can be done at a product level by estimating product carbon footprints; at a corporate level by analyzing value chain emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3; or even at a sector level by aggregating industry data.

At AMD, we have more than tripled the amount of renewable energy sourced for our operations between 2020 and 2024 (from 36 to over 110 GWh) through onsite generation, utility green tariff programs and renewable energy credits, while currently evaluating power purchase agreements. However, we recognize that energy use and corresponding emissions in the AMD supply chain are much higher. BCG and CDP estimate that corporate supply chain emissions are on average 26 times higher than operational emissions.ⁱⁱ

Most of AMD supply chain energy use and emissions come from wafer foundries. TSMC has been a key partner for years, and AMD worked closely with TSMC as it increased its 2030 target for renewables from 40% to 60% of the total energy supply and pulled in its 100% renewable energy target from 2050 to 2040 ⁱⁱⁱ.

However, the amount of renewable energy available in Taiwan is very limited, with around 12% of the country’s electricity coming from renewables.^iv Considering that nearly 90% of the world’s most advanced chips come from Taiwan,^v this is a key challenge that requires new approaches and a collective effort.

2. Access: Join industry collaborations driving supply-and-demand solutions

In 2023, AMD became a founding member of the Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC) to drive sustainability and accelerate the industry’s transition to a low-carbon future. The SCC conducted the first in-depth analysis of the semiconductor value chain’s carbon footprint and found 80% of the industry’s emissions stem from electricity use.^vi It also assessed where renewable energy demand far exceeded supply, revealing a handful of manufacturing regions that are central to the supply-and-demand conundrum. These insights led to the formation of the SEMI Energy Collaborative (EC), which AMD sponsored, to focus on understanding and removing obstacles to the installation of renewable energy in specific Asia-Pacific regions.

By collectively engaging on solutions to the policy, markets, technology and infrastructure challenges, the EC aims to broaden access to renewables within the next five to ten years. For example, the SCC has worked to lower geographic barriers for international companies to participate in building new renewable energy projects, which promotes increased competition and lower costs. On the demand side, the SCC is combining the renewable sourcing needs from various companies and using the larger scale to entice developers and investors to the business opportunity.

These strategies for addressing the regional nuances of renewable energy supply-and-demand markets are critical, but they will take time.

3. Accounting: Modernize the framework for renewable energy reporting to unleash markets

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP) is the global accounting standard that largely determines how emissions from energy use are accounted. The GHGP Scope 2 guidance, released in 2015, says renewable energy is to be sourced within the same grid where the emissions are accounted, with limited exceptions. Yet we know renewable energy is not adequately available in several regions, and emissions vary significantly depending on the electricity it displaces.

In 2025, AMD joined the Emissions First Partnership, which advocates for restructuring the accounting principles based on matching emissions instead of electricity consumption. A ton of carbon is a ton of carbon, and the climate doesn’t care where it comes from. By putting emissions first, we prioritize renewable energy investment to maximize impact (i.e., where grid emissions are higher) and scale (i.e., allowing sourcing from a broader market). For example, a company that aims to reach 100% renewable energy and that happens to operate in a region with limited supply could reach its goal years or even decades sooner, and likely at significantly lower costs.

In the end, these are complex challenges to solve. But that’s what we do at the cutting-edge of the semiconductor sector, and we do it best through collaborative, data-driven approaches. I am confident that by working with our suppliers and industry groups, we can rapidly accelerate renewable energy use and decarbonize the industry and planet. I invite business leaders to learn more about the SCC and EFP organizations.

For more information on AMD Environmental Sustainability initiatives, please visit https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/corporate-responsibility/environmental-sustainability.html.

ⁱhttps://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2024/global-overview

ⁱⁱ“Corporates’ Supply Chain Scope 3 Emissions Are 26 Times Higher Than Their Operational Emissions,” CDP and BCG, https://www.eticanews.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Scope-3-Upstream-Report.pdf

ⁱⁱⁱhttps://pr.tsmc.com/english/news/3067

^ivhttps://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2024/global-overview

^vhttps://www.stimson.org/2022/semiconductors-and-taiwans-silicon-shield/

^viSemiconductor Climate Consortium – Transparency, Ambition, and Collaboration: Advancing the Climate Agenda of the Semiconductor Value Chain (2023).

On April 16, 2025, 125 high school students in Indio, CA, were treated to a behind the scenes look of the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival as part of an AEG Presents’ career exposure day.

The day was designed to introduce students to career opportunities in the live events industry and was held in partnership with the Mobius Conference, a two-day event that engages high-school students in topics around art, culture, and politics.

The students began their day at the popular Coachella activation, Party In My Living Room™, a house party created by LA-based artist THURZ, that brings together good tunes and good vibes. Students had a chance to listen to a fireside chat with THURZ, who spoke candidly about his career, the origins of the activation, and its connection to the community.

In addition to fireside chat with THURZ, students participated in a panel discussion with Goldenvoice staff where they learned what it takes to produce the world-renowned festival. The panelists also shared their individual career paths and recommendations on how to break into live music and event production. Panelists included Goldenvoice’s Talent Buyer, Chavantae Flakes; Production Coordinator, Kierrah Matthews; Director of Crowd Management, Mason Shaw; and Manager of Ticketing, Nicholas Green. The panel was moderated by AEG Presents, DEI Business Partner, Twana Simmons

Following the panel session students had a chance to participate in a dance class led by professional choreographer Alecc Daddoul and met with members of AEG Presents’ and Goldenvoice’s Human Resources team to learn about how to secure an internship, job pathways in live music, and career opportunities. The students wrapped up the day and received final words from Cole Froelich, VP Festival Operations, Goldenvoice festivals.

“Without an understanding of how to enter the workforce, statistics have shown that youth unemployment numbers increase. That’s why events like this career connection day are so important,” says Twana Simmons, DE&I Business Partner, AEG Presents. “By participating in this event, we hope students will have a better understanding about the opportunities available in the live event industry, and that it helps them better prepare for life after graduation whether it be from high school or college.”

To learn more about the Mobius Conference, click here.

During a reroof, old asphalt shingles are removed, and new underlayment and shingles are installed. But what happens to the old shingles? Traditionally, they end up in a landfill, but shingle recycling — if available in your area — is a solution for roofing contractors.

Recycled shingles can be used in the manufacturing of hot mix asphalt for use in paving roads since they share some of the same base materials. This win-win scenario helps keep asphalt shingles out of landfills and provides raw materials to replace and repair roads. Recycled asphalt shingles can be used in roads, driveways, parking lots and hiking/biking trails.

What Is Shingle Recycling?

Asphalt shingle recycling is the process of gathering torn-off asphalt shingles from roofing projects and collecting them for recycling. This recycling process ensures the shingles are reused or repurposed and don’t end up in a landfill.

How Asphalt Shingle Recycling Works 

Steps in the asphalt shingle recycling process include:

1. Torn-off shingles are driven to a recycling drop-off point designated by the center.
2. Wood, and nails are removed from the shingle and separated from any gutters or jobsite waste.
3. Shingles are loaded into specialized grinding equipment, which mechanically reduces them to about 3/8-inch, or smaller, in size.
4. The ground-up shingles are used in hot mix asphalt.

Asphalt Shingle Recycling Benefits 

Recycling asphalt shingles instead oftaking them to a landfill is a responsible practice in areas where it’s available.

Recycling asphalt shingles:

1. Prevents resources from accumulating in landfills.
2. Provides raw materials for necessary products like asphalt pavement.
3. Can help conserve natural resources: The production of asphalt shingles requires oil, which is a finite resource. By recycling shingles, the demand for virgin oil used in asphalt paving is reduced.

Owens Corning’s Commitment to Asphalt Shingle Recycling 

When it comes to construction waste, shingles make up a sizable part. And each year in the United States alone, 13 million tons of shingles are torn off homes and roofs. And now, thanks to asphalt shingle recycling programs, this material doesn’t have to end up in a landfill. Instead, it can be recycled and used in asphalt pavements.

Owens Corning Roofing has developed a workable roofing shingle recycling program. This circular approach includes all phases of the product life cycle, including:

• Sourcing
• Manufacturing
• Performance
• End of life

Contractors in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network can pledge to recycle shingles, if a shingle recycling center is available in your region, after your project is complete as part of their commitment*. Look for a small, green recycling icon when browsing for contractors using our search tool.

Owens Corning aspires to diverting 2 million tons of shingles from landfills per year and has since launched a pilot shingle recycling facility in Indianapolis with our technology partner, Redivius. The pilot aims to be able to recycle torn-off shingles and reclaim the materials for use in new asphalt shingles.

How Can I Recycle My TORN-OFF Shingles? 

To help keep roofing shingles out of landfills, hire a roofing contractor that will recycle your torn-off shingles. Find independent roofing contractors in Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network near you who have taken the shingle recycling pledge — just look for the green recycling icon next to their company name. They will take great care in ensuring your old shingles are recycled, reducing the need for virgin materials, and creating a closed-loop system where materials can be reused and repurposed*.

* Not every county or state has a shingle recycling stream available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shingle Recycling

How can I find an asphalt shingle recycler near me? 

Look for the familiar green recycling symbol when you browse independent businesses in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network. Then, when you call a roofing contractor, let them know you are interested in having your torn-off shingles recycled.

What do asphalt shingles get recycled into? 

Ground-up asphalt shingles can be used in pavement for roads and highways and into road maintenance products.

How much does asphalt shingle recycling cost? 

In most cases, there is an additional cost for recycling your torn-off shingles. The cost of asphalt shingle recycling varies by region and contractor, but in some cases, it could be free. Check with your roofing contractor for specifics.

Do roofing nails have to be removed for recycling? 

No. During the recycling process, nails are pulled out of the shingles using a magnet, so your contractor doesn’t have to remove them before gathering up the shingles.

What are shingles made of? 

Asphalt shingles are typically made of a substrate, which is fiberglass, and then coated with a filled asphalt coating and covered with granules.

Are there any benefits to shingle recycling? 

Shingle recycling aligns with the principles of a circular economy, which emphasizes the reuse and repurposing of materials instead taking them to a landfill. In addition to supporting a circular economy, shingle recycling offers various benefits, including diverting shingle waste from landfills and conserving natural resources. When shingles are recycled, it helps reduce the need for virgin materials like asphalt, mineral filler, and sand that are typically used to manufacture new shingles and pavement.

Find a Contractor in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network

When you choose a roofing contractor from the Owens Corning Roofing Preferred or Platinum Contractor Network, you can take advantage of the many benefits they offer, including possible warranties and knowing your roofing project is being taken care of by an experienced team of experts. Search for a contractor today in your area with your zip code.

FIND A CONTRACTOR

The definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA) has long been a point of legal contention and regulatory complexity. The CWA establishes federal jurisdiction over “navigable waters,” which it defines as “…waters of the United States (WOTUS), including the territorial seas” (Section 502(7).

Recent court decisions—most notably Sackett v. U.S. EPA—and subsequent agency actions have significantly shifted how WOTUS is interpreted and enforced. These changes are poised to influence permitting requirements, compliance expectations, and environmental planning for a range of industries. Below is a summary of the key developments and what they could mean for businesses and environmental professionals moving forward.

WOTUS Before 2025  

Sackett v. U.S. EPA (2023) concluded that the U.S. EPA’s definitions and utilization of “adjacent” and “significant nexus” in the CWA was inconsistent with the structure of the Act. The court affirmed that the Rapanos v. United States (2006) plurality was correct – “use of ‘waters’ encompasses only those relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming geographical features that are described in ordinary parlance as streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes.”

The court agreed with narrowing non-navigable wetland coverage under the CWA to apply “when wetlands have ‘a continuous surface connection to bodies that are ’waters of the United States’ in their own right, so that there is no clear demarcation between “waters” and wetlands.’”

In summary, the CWA gives the U.S. EPA authority over the navigable waters of the U.S. To be considered WOTUS, they must be permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water and have a continuous surface connection; and wetlands must be indistinguishable from adjacent, traditional WOTUS. The U.S. EPA no longer has authority over WOTUS/wetlands under the CWA through previous definitions of “adjacent” or “significant nexus”.

What’s Changing: March 2025 EPA Announcement 

Building on the Sackett decision, the U.S. EPA and the Department of the Army announced on March 12, 2025, that they  will review the definition of WOTUS and written recommendations from the public. The CWA does not directly provide a definition for WOTUS; instead, it relies on the definition of “navigable waters.”. The U.S. EPA committed to defining WOTUS in accordance with the Sackett v U.S. EPA ruling that “waters” encompasses only those relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes.

U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated, “The previous Administration’s definition of ‘waters of the United States’ placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business. Our goal is to protect America’s water resources consistent with the law of the land while empowering American farmers, landowners, entrepreneurs, and families to help Power the Great American Comeback.”

Stakeholders who care about how WOTUS is defined—particularly those whose operations intersect with wetlands, waterways, or regulated water use—should pay close attention to the public comment period. This is a key opportunity to provide input that could shape the final definition and influence future permitting and compliance requirements.

What This Means for Clients 

While we can only speculate about client impacts until the U.S. EPA releases an initial draft of their WOTUS definition for comment, based on Zeldin’s statements and the Sackett v U.S. EPA ruling, this will likely be a win for clients and reduce their overall permitting, compliance costs, and risk.

However, as responsible environmental stewards, we should advise our clients to continue implementing all possible measures to protect sensitive receptors such as wetlands and waterways from environmental impacts, regardless of federal oversight Long-term environmental performance and public perception are still driven by broader sustainability goals and local regulatory frameworks.

What Businesses Should Expect 

Business impacts have most likely already been realized, given that these decisions stem from the Sackett v U.S. EPA (2023) ruling. The primary services affected would be limited and primarily centralized around ecological assessments, audits, and construction planning and permitting. Any additional regulatory impacts are expected to be minimal for most businesses or may be balanced by new opportunities created by this ruling, especially since many compliance obligations are still driven by state and other federal regulations.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The evolving definition of WOTUS continues to reshape the regulatory landscape for water and wetland protections in the United States. While recent developments point toward reduced federal oversight, this does not eliminate the need for careful planning, sound environmental practices, and awareness of local requirements. Staying ahead of these regulatory shifts ensures that clients can manage risk effectively while continuing to meet sustainability goals.

As more guidance is released, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and help our clients navigate the path forward with confidence. In the meantime, we encourage clients to stay informed and participate in the public comment process, especially if proposed changes could directly impact their operations or development plans.

Questions? Our team is happy to help. Reach out today to get answers!

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., April 21, 2025 /3BL/ – In the spirit of giving back and carrying forward the legacy of our founder, WK Kellogg Co is honoring National Volunteer Month by encouraging employees nationwide to give back to the communities they call home.

From cleaning up roadways and packing snacks for children, to serving meals and sprucing up outdoor spaces, WK Kellogg Co employees are stepping up to make a difference. Throughout April, teams are volunteering their time and energy in a variety of hands-on activities that reflect the company’s commitment to community service.

“Giving back is part of who we are,” said Stacy Flathau, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at WK Kellogg Co. “We’re proud to see so many of our employees coming together to support their local communities. It’s one of the many ways we carry forward the legacy of our founder, W.K. Kellogg, who believed in nourishing families and communities through meaningful action.”

Employees are participating in volunteer activities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, partnering with local organizations to serve those in need. In Battle Creek, where the company is headquartered, employees are supporting efforts at Sunlight Gardens, the Salvation Army, South Michigan Food Bank and Community Action Agency.

Last year, during the month of April, 446 WK Kellogg Co employees contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours to over 130 organizations—and this year, that impact continues to grow.

###

ABOUT WK KELLOGG CO

At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Froot Loops®, Kashi®, Special K®, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran®, and Bear Naked®. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger® and Toucan Sam®, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. Through our sustainable business strategy – Feeding Happiness™ – we aim to build healthier and happier futures for families, kids and communities. We are making a positive impact, while creating foods that bring joy and nourishment to consumers. For more information about WK Kellogg Co and Feeding Happiness, visit wkkelloggco.com.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., April 21, 2025 /3BL/ – LG has been named the 2025 Sustainable Brand Index Leader in both the HVAC and Appliance categories by Green Builder Magazine for the second consecutive year. Announced on the eve of Earth Day 2025, this is a powerful endorsement of LG Electronics USA’s continued leadership in delivering energy-efficient, innovative solutions for homebuilders and homeowners alike.

“LG continues to refine its practices and reinvent its processes and product innovations to reduce its environmental impact in a way worthy of distinction,” said Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media. “The company’s commitment to sustainability reflects a deep understanding of what today’s consumers value—reliability, efficiency and innovation.”

In addition to being singled out as the leading sustainable appliance and HVAC brand, LG earned two 2025 Sustainable Products of the Year distinctions for ENERGY STAR^® certified induction cooking innovations, showcasing LG’s ability to fuse sleek, modern design with advanced energy-efficient technology that transforms the kitchen experience.

• LG Smart Induction Slide-in Range: Blending sleek design with powerful performance, this range (model LSIL6332FE) combines fast, precise induction cooking with a 6.3-cubic-foot ProBake^® Convection oven for even baking and air-fry functionality, wrapped in a flush, built-in aesthetic. With LG ThinQ^® app connectivity and a cookware compatibility indicator, it offers a smarter, more efficient way to cook.
• SKS 36-inch Pro Induction Range: Designed for serious home chefs, this pro-style range delivers commercial-grade performance with a 7,000-watt induction element, Flex Cooking Zones, and a spacious oven powered by SKS ProHeat™ Convection. With Smart Knobs,™ 13 cooking modes including steam sous vide, and a 10-minute Speed Clean™ cycle, model SKSIR360IS delivers a luxury experience backed by smart technology. (SKS is LG’s fast-growing luxury appliance brand.)

Beyond its award-winning appliances, LG supports builders, developers and designers through the LG Pro Builder program, a one-stop resource for high-performance, builder-focused solutions designed to power today’s connected, energy-efficient homes. Offering solutions ranging from advanced HVAC systems to heat pump water heaters and smart home electronics, LG Pro Builder simplifies the building process by providing a single-source solution that empowers professionals to deliver homes that are both future-ready and seamlessly integrated.

Empowering builders to create efficient and homeowner-friendly homes, LG’s ThinQ® smart home platform enhances connectivity, convenience and efficiency using AI-powered technology. ThinQ offers personalized features that extend product life and simplify future upgrades, including the monitoring of energy consumption and usage.

To explore LG’s award-winning lineup of smart home appliances and builder solutions, visit www.LGprobuilder.com and www.LGhvac.com.

# # #

About LG Pro Builder

LG Pro Builder, is the division of LG Electronics USA that brings the company’s broad portfolio of home appliances to building and design professionals nationwide. From custom, high-end homes to single- and multi-family dwellings with different styles and budgets, LG Pro Builder takes projects to the next level with best-in-class innovations that enable homebuilders to incorporate the right appliances for every buyer imaginable. Made up of dedicated sales and service teams with extensive builder-specific experience, LG Pro Builder also offers access to the broad LG portfolio of builder-centric products. www.LGprobuilder.com

About LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA

LG Electronics USA’s Air Conditioning Technologies business is based in Alpharetta, Ga. LG is a leading player in the air conditioning market, manufacturing both commercial and residential air conditioners and building management solutions. From consumer and individual units to industrial and specialized air conditioning systems, LG provides a wide range of products for heating, ventilating, air conditioning, water heating, and building controls. For more information, please visit www.LGhvac.com.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a smart life solutions company with annual global revenues of more than $60 billion. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, consumer electronics products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. www.LG.com.

Media Contacts:

John I. Taylor  
john.taylor@lge.com  
+1 201 816 2166 

Katy Donnelly  
katy.donnelly@lg-one.com  
+1 917 664 1758