Tag: 3BL

Eric Alam, CEO of RPD Energy, and Chris Pennington, director of energy and sustainability for Iron Mountain, join co-host Mandi McReynolds on ESG Talk to discuss the journey to carbon-free data centers. Listen in as they explore the surging electricity demands of modern data centers and the decisions that led Iron Mountain to pursue 24×7 carbon-free energy.

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Cummins

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the final rule for Phase 3 of its Greenhouse Gas Emissions for heavy-duty vehicles. Since issuing Phase 1 of its GHG regulations in 2011, EPA emissions rules for all vehicle classes have become increasingly rigorous. The latest Phase 3 rule continues to address heavy-duty vehicles which the EPA separates into five categories: light heavy-duty vocational; medium heavy-duty vocational; heavy heavy-duty vocational; short-haul (day cab) tractors; and long-haul (sleeper cab) tractors.

In its introduction for GHG Phase 3, EPA pointed out that its latest phase sets new carbon dioxide (CO2) emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles through model year 2032 “with more stringent CO2 standards phasing in as early as MY 2027 for certain vehicle categories.” Prior to finalizing GHG standards, EPA considers comments from various stakeholders like manufacturers, fleets, owner-operators, trucking associations, environmental interest groups and private citizens. The standards are technology-neutral and performance-based, allowing each manufacturer to choose what set of emissions control technologies is best suited to meet the standards and the needs of their customers.

“We have assessed and demonstrated that these standards are appropriate and feasible considering cost, lead time, and other relevant factors,” EPA noted in its executive summary.

While there is plenty to read in all 392 pages of GHG Phase 3, let’s look at five major takeaways:

The initial rollout for Phase 3 GHG impacts only MY 2027 light heavy-duty and medium heavy-duty on-highway vocational vehicles such as commercial chassis cabs, panel vans and box trucks (complete pickups not included) ranging from Class 2b to 3, or 8,500 to 14,000 lb. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Though EPA does not endorse any particular technology and does not mandate the use of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), they do project a possible path of compliance for MY 2027 light heavy-duty vocational with 17% ZEVs and 83% powered by internal combustion engines (ICE). MY 2027 medium heavy-duty vocational could be a mix of 13% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) and 87% ICE.Lower Phase 3 standards come next for MY 2028 short-haul (day cab) tractors which the EPA anticipates will be a combination of 8% ZEV and 92% ICE. MY 2029 heavy heavy-duty vehicles follow with a projected mix of 13% ZEV and 87% ICE. MY 2030 long-haul (sleeper cab) bring up the rear with an anticipated adoption rate of 6% ZEV and 94% ICE. Check the EPA’s table below for other projected rates of adoption for subsequent model years through 2032.EPA set its GHG Phase 3 timeline based on current and projected advances to prevent and control GHG emissions. The EPA makes clear that it does not pick and choose when it comes to emissions reduction. The agency recognizes that fleets and owner-operators will continue to adopt emerging technologies. Options such as all-electric, fuel cell and internal combustion will continue to play a vital role. A range of technologies can meet the demanding heavy-duty power requirements while continuing to reduce emissions along the way. For example, the Biden administration recently acknowledged the importance of emissions reduction through support of research and development of hydrogen internal combustion engines, including Cummins’ X15H. EPA states in GHG Phase 3 that hydrogen engines have essentially a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions.The EPA also announced that it is adding warranty requirements for batteries and other components of zero-emission vehicles and requiring customer-facing battery state-of-health monitors for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.EPA notes it has improved its analysis of infrastructure readiness for heavy-duty all-electric, hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion trucks. Citing growing public and private funding sources, the agency states, “there are significant efforts already underway to develop and expand heavy-duty vehicle electric charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure.”

Through Cummins’ multi-solutions approach, the company can offer customers the industry’s broadest portfolio of low- and zero-emissions, allowing customers to meet emissions regulations in a way that also best meets their business needs.

New partnership between Schneider Electric and its foundation with INCOSkilling and empowering youth in energy Transition in Sub-Saharan AfricaSchneider Electric’s mission towards a sustainable and inclusive energy transitionInspiring and empowering youth to become impact-makers in their communities

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, May 9, 2024 /3BL/ – Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact vision, aimed at achieving a decarbonized world and powering the digital economy. The event, which took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on April 23rd, brought together private and public sector actors to showcase innovative solutions that integrate sustainability with technological advancements, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

The International Energy Agency reports a staggering figure: 760 million people worldwide lack access to electricity, posing a significant barrier to both economic and human development. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, approximately 568 million people live without electricity, accounting
for 80% of the global population that do not have access to energy1. This is particularly crucial as today, more than 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. By 2030, young Africans are expected to constitute 42% of global youth2.

Schneider Electric aims to contribute towards paving the way for a sustainable future in sub- Saharan Africa. We are dedicated to preparing the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to embrace new opportunities in the energy transition.

As an Impact company, we are committed to bridging progress and sustainability for all since we are equipped with the solutions and expertise of bringing everyone along and accelerating sustainability. One way we achieve this is by providing training to upgrade skills and empowering youth in energy transition through our Youth Impact Through Learning program which involves +400 partners across 45 countries.

Leveraging its expertise and its Foundation, the company supports global and local partners by providing funds and knowledge sharing. With a focus on digital transformation, the “New Skills for the Future & Innovation” program offers energy transition training and project-based learning for students aged 15 to 35 years old. The program is focused on students who actively strive to participate in building a sustainable future while fostering lasting change within their local communities and contributing to a just energy transition. As part of its own sustainability goals, Schneider Electric aims to train 1 million people in energy management by 2025. The company emphasizes that the future of energy transition relies on building a resilient workforce capable of driving sustainable and inclusive energy transition to unlock access to the future for all.

The kick-off ceremony, led by Manish Pant, Executive Vice President of International Operations at Schneider Electric, marked the beginning of a new partnership between Schneider Electric and its foundation with INCO, launching the New Skills for the Future and Innovation program in Sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration aims to launch the “Get into Energy Transition” program, which will develop 122 hours of digital modules on fundamental skills and project-based learning in the field of energy transition. The program targets 2000 students aged 15 to 27 in Senegal, with a commitment to gender equality by allocating 60% of slots to female candidates. Participants will gain insights into energy transition and sustainability practices through immersive experiences and professional development opportunities.

“This is a demonstration of our active commitment to create Impact Makers in our local communities and to tackle the energy skills gap for a fair and inclusive energy transition. Creating a sustainable future requires that we bring everyone along to unlock access to the future for all” Manish Pant, Executive VP for International Operations, Schneider Electric.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency. 

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, endpoint to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

www.se.com

1 World Bank Report – Energizing Africa
2 World Economic Forum – Sept. 2022

New partnership between Schneider Electric and its foundation with INCOSkilling and empowering youth in energy Transition in Sub-Saharan AfricaSchneider Electric’s mission towards a sustainable and inclusive energy transitionInspiring and empowering youth to become impact-makers in their communities

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, May 9, 2024 /3BL/ – Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact vision, aimed at achieving a decarbonized world and powering the digital economy. The event, which took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on April 23rd, brought together private and public sector actors to showcase innovative solutions that integrate sustainability with technological advancements, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

The International Energy Agency reports a staggering figure: 760 million people worldwide lack access to electricity, posing a significant barrier to both economic and human development. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, approximately 568 million people live without electricity, accounting
for 80% of the global population that do not have access to energy1. This is particularly crucial as today, more than 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. By 2030, young Africans are expected to constitute 42% of global youth2.

Schneider Electric aims to contribute towards paving the way for a sustainable future in sub- Saharan Africa. We are dedicated to preparing the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to embrace new opportunities in the energy transition.

As an Impact company, we are committed to bridging progress and sustainability for all since we are equipped with the solutions and expertise of bringing everyone along and accelerating sustainability. One way we achieve this is by providing training to upgrade skills and empowering youth in energy transition through our Youth Impact Through Learning program which involves +400 partners across 45 countries.

Leveraging its expertise and its Foundation, the company supports global and local partners by providing funds and knowledge sharing. With a focus on digital transformation, the “New Skills for the Future & Innovation” program offers energy transition training and project-based learning for students aged 15 to 35 years old. The program is focused on students who actively strive to participate in building a sustainable future while fostering lasting change within their local communities and contributing to a just energy transition. As part of its own sustainability goals, Schneider Electric aims to train 1 million people in energy management by 2025. The company emphasizes that the future of energy transition relies on building a resilient workforce capable of driving sustainable and inclusive energy transition to unlock access to the future for all.

The kick-off ceremony, led by Manish Pant, Executive Vice President of International Operations at Schneider Electric, marked the beginning of a new partnership between Schneider Electric and its foundation with INCO, launching the New Skills for the Future and Innovation program in Sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration aims to launch the “Get into Energy Transition” program, which will develop 122 hours of digital modules on fundamental skills and project-based learning in the field of energy transition. The program targets 2000 students aged 15 to 27 in Senegal, with a commitment to gender equality by allocating 60% of slots to female candidates. Participants will gain insights into energy transition and sustainability practices through immersive experiences and professional development opportunities.

“This is a demonstration of our active commitment to create Impact Makers in our local communities and to tackle the energy skills gap for a fair and inclusive energy transition. Creating a sustainable future requires that we bring everyone along to unlock access to the future for all” Manish Pant, Executive VP for International Operations, Schneider Electric.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency. 

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, endpoint to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

www.se.com

1 World Bank Report – Energizing Africa
2 World Economic Forum – Sept. 2022

Case IH, a brand of CNH, partnered with Pakdee College of Commerce of Technology to introduce a first-of-its-kind Dual Programme under its Diploma in Agricultural Machinery program.

In line with its long-standing commitment to equip Thailand’s agriculture talent with future-ready skills, Case IH has donated an Austoft 4000 sugarcane harvester for use in the hands-on workshop which is being jointly delivered by Pakdee instructors and Case IH product experts.

The course covers a wide range of skills, from basic maintenance to complex machinery assembly, offering students a comprehensive understanding of modern harvester technology. Under the Dual Programme, students earn credits upon successfully completing their apprenticeship.

One of the Agricultural Machinery students, 24-year-old Woraphot Phongsraphang, said the practical workshop has enhanced his understanding of technical concepts: “Working with a real harvester immerses us in the machinery world, providing a hands-on experience that complements the theories we learn in the classroom,” he said.

The 24-year-old aspiring mechanic said he had experience fixing cars but never imagined he would be learning with a real harvester. “At first, I thought it would be very challenging to assemble it and to adjust the components but our instructors at Pakdee and Case IH guided us step-by-step. It was a valuable experience,” Woraphot shared.

Natthaphong Onchana, another student in the program, noted how the training has improved his farm work and future career prospects. “Theory alone is not enough. Putting theory into practice, such as seeing, touching and assembling the actual machine parts, helps us understand how to use and maintain the harvester properly and more effectively.”

CNH is committed to equipping Thailand’s future farmers with the right resources for success in the field. Through the company’s initiatives with local communities worldwide, CNH is dedicated to supporting the future of farming in Thailand and across the globe.

Soybeans grown in fields surrounding communities across the U.S. will soon be used to fight fires while protecting the environment from harsh chemicals. SoyFoam TF 1122™, made with U.S. soy flour, is used by firefighters to extinguish ordinary combustible and flammable liquid fires.

Developed by Cross Plains Solutions (CPS), SoyFoam TF 1122™ is a breakthrough smothering agent designed to extinguish Class A and B fires. It is also free from intentionally added PFAs chemicals and contains no detectable fluorines (less than one part per million).

“U.S. soybean farmers are excited that the crop we grow now offers a sustainable solution to benefit the health of firefighters, all our communities and the environment in general,” said USB Director Neal Bredehoeft, a Missouri soybean farmer. “SoyFoam is made with U.S. soy flour and is an important new market opportunity, too.”

EPA reports that PFAs are found in water, air, fish, and soil across the nation and the globe. Since the 1950s, PFAs have been used in many products to put out fires, repel oil and water, reduce friction, and more. They can leak into the environment where they are made, used, disposed of or spilled.

Exposure to PFAs is linked to several adverse health effects, including certain cancers, thyroid dysfunction, changes in cholesterol and small reductions in birth weight. As a result, governments are prohibiting firefighting foams that contain intentionally added PFAs.

Cross Plains Solutions’ SoyFoam TF 1122™ is the first and only firefighting foam GreenScreen Certified® at the Gold level. U.S. soybean farmers have supported much of the extensive testing of SoyFoam’s environmental and performance benefits for use as a safer firefighting foam. GreenScreen Certified, owned by the non-profit Clean Production Action, is an independent, certification program that promotes the use of PFAs-free and preferred chemicals in materials, products, and manufacturing.

“We are proud to partner with the United Soybean Board to launch this breakthrough firefighting foam for use by fire departments across the nation,” said CPS’s Managing Partner, Alan Snipes. “Our manufacturing plant in Georgia is ready to produce SoyFoam now, so fire departments can ask their suppliers to offer it. We also see demand for numerous additional applications, ranging from canisters to sprinkler systems.”

The new firefighting foam is compatible with existing equipment, making it convenient to use and compatible with current systems.

Thomas Frisch, a soybean farmer from Dumont, Minnesota and a 23-year volunteer firefighter, is proud that the soybeans he grows in his fields could be used in the firefighting foam his local fire department uses to protect his community.

“I think there would be a lot of interest in using SoyFoam because many of the people on rural volunteer fire departments either work on a farm, in the ag industry or are farmers themselves,” Frisch says. “There are very few people on our fire department who are not involved in ag in some way. It never ceases to amaze me the things soybeans do each and every day.”

SoyFoam is a wetting / smothering agent certified as readily biodegradable by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development and certified as 84% biobased through the U.S. Department of Agriculture BioPreferred® program.

Robb Ewoldt, a farmer leader from Davenport and former volunteer firefighter in Iowa, is always amazed at the new uses of the soybeans he grows.

“The people coming up with these ideas are outside-the-box thinkers,” he says. “Who would’ve thought that a farmer from Iowa could grow something that would end up fueling jets to fly across the country and foam to fight fires? I wouldn’t have thought of it in my wildest dreams.”

Because biobased products have the potential to create new markets for soybeans, U.S. soybean farmers have invested millions of dollars in research, testing, and promotion of biobased products. Much of this work was done through the United Soybean Board, composed of 77 U.S. soybean farmers appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to invest in soybean checkoff funds.

From helping contain Ebola outbreaks in Africa to serving displaced persons in conflict zones, International Medical Corps responds to crises all over the world. One of the ways we provide support in these situations is through the deployment of a modularized field hospital.

Depending on the configuration, our field hospital enables International Medical Corps to deliver lifesaving care to up to 800 patients a day. These efforts would not be possible without the essential support of FedEx.

In 2016, FedEx generously offered to warehouse our field hospital, and a team of experts helped modularize it, enabling customization for different types of emergencies. FedEx also played an instrumental role when International Medical Corps became the first NGO worldwide to be classified by the World Health Organization as an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 1 in 2021. This classification means that we meet the highest standards when deploying and operating a fixed health facility or mobile medical unit in the aftermath of a disaster.

More recently, International Medical Corps decided to deploy a field hospital in response to a crisis and quickly alerted FedEx. Immediately, the FedEx warehouse team staged 124 pallets for transport. “This significant undertaking showcased their commitment to swift and effective action, laying the foundation for the seamless deployment of the field hospital,” explained Ronny Elfassy, Deputy Director of Emergency Response Operations and Preparedness. Going the extra mile, FedEx also completed all dangerous goods (DG) packaging and labeling for the shipment.

The FedEx team not only agreed to stage the pallets and to help prepare the DG packaging and labeling, but also to load trucks during pickup. “A process that normally should have taken three to five days was done over a weekend, demonstrating the willingness of FedEx to accommodate our urgent needs. Their commitment to expedite the timeline for this process is a testament to their exceptional dedication to our mission,” said Ronny.

With this assistance from FedEx, we were able to deploy a fully equipped and staffed field hospital covering more than 11,840 square feet and constructed with two 20-foot modular containers and 20 large tents. The field hospital also received the necessary equipment for an emergency room and inpatient care facilities, allowing our staff to provide comprehensive services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including: surgical care for trauma, physical rehabilitation, emergency obstetric and newborn care, advanced mental health services and more.

The proactive and dedicated support of FedEx significantly contributes to the overall success of our missions, exemplifying the power of collaboration in times of need.

Authored by Caitlin Bartkus, International Medical Corps

We are proud that the TOUR Championship has been recognized as a GEO Certified® Tournament. Delivering 100% renewable energy for the TOUR Championship and driving sustainability on course links up with our company goal off the course – achieving net zero emissions across our electric and gas businesses by 2050.

Originally published by TOUR Championship

“At Southern Company, we are immensely proud that the TOUR Championship has been recognized as a GEO Certified® Tournament,” said Chris Womack, Southern Company chairman, president, and CEO. “Delivering 100% renewable energy for the TOUR Championship and driving sustainability on course links up with our company goal off the course – achieving net zero emissions across our electric and gas businesses by 2050.”

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NEWARK, Del., May 9, 2024 /3BL/ – At Delmarva Power, the dedication to empowering communities extends far beyond delivering safe and reliable energy service. In 2023, Delmarva Power proudly contributed more than $2.3 million to local nonprofits and 631 employees devoted more than 17,200 hours – the equivalent of 2,150 workdays – to volunteer with hundreds of organizations across Delaware and Maryland.

As National Volunteer Month is commemorated this month, Delmarva Power and its employees remain committed to making a positive difference in the communities it serves. Throughout the month, a series of volunteer events have occurred and will continue to take place across its service territory, further demonstrating Delmarva Power’s unwavering support for local communities and organizations.

“We are thankful each and every day for our employees who dedicate their time supporting nonprofits and organizations throughout Delaware and Maryland,” said Rodney Oddoye, senior vice president of Governmental, Regulatory and External Affairs at Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. “From employee volunteering to our nonprofit and community partnerships, we are working to deliver more than energy to our customers and neighbors and our employees play a huge role in that.”

The interconnection of community outreach and engagement, corporate philanthropy and volunteerism, and economic development efforts is a key component of Delmarva Power’s broad support for local communities. In 2023, Delmarva Power:

Partnered on several workforce development programs across Delaware and Maryland providing 12 graduates a pathway to a career in energy.Reinforced its commitment to the future energy workforce by awarding $1.35 million to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, community colleges and other major anchor institutions and partners across Delaware and Maryland.Supported local nonprofits with $90,000 for open space preservation, parks and recreation resource improvements, environmental conservation and innovative community resiliency projects.Connected more than 22,000 customers facing challenges paying their energy bill with more than $35 million in electric and gas assistance.

Delmarva Power directs its community giving towards organizations that advocate for equal access to arts and culture, as well as those that educate customers about the energy industry and science. Additionally, Delmarva Power’s community impacts extends to supporting organizations that enhance community vibrancy, promote sustainability, drive environmental open space initiatives, and cultivate the energy workforce of the future.

To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power’s online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/DelmarvaPower and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/DelmarvaConnect. Delmarva Power’s mobile app is available at delmarva.com/MobileApp.

Delmarva Power is a unit of Exelon (Nasdaq: EXC), a Fortune 250 company and the nation’s largest utility company, serving more than 10 million customers. Delmarva Power provides safe and reliable energy service to approximately 561,500 electric customers in Delaware and Maryland and approximately 140,000 natural gas customers in northern Delaware.

May 9, 2024 /3BL/ – Ceres joins businesses with employees and operations across Maryland to applaud lawmakers and Gov. Wes Moore for strengthening the state’s EmPOWER program by aligning its energy efficiency targets with the state’s ambitious climate goals.

Maryland’s EmPOWER program has been in place for two decades to help residents and businesses access and install more efficient appliances in their homes and buildings, generating more than $4 billion in ratepayer savings, lowering utility bills for thousands of low-income residents, reducing strain on the power grid, and creating thousands of jobs.

Under the new law, EmPOWER must set explicit greenhouse gas emission pollution reduction goals that align with the state’s commitment to cut the state’s share of planet-warming pollution by 60% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2045.

“At A.O. Smith, we know that high efficiency products offer consumers access to a critical resource that saves them money, and we strive to ensure that our products are accessible and affordable for consumers. Programs like EmPOWER help to ensure that these benefits are widely felt by businesses, households, and ratepayers of all backgrounds,” said Joshua C. Greene, vice president for government, regulatory, and industry affairs at A. O. Smith. “We applaud the state legislature and Gov. Moore for expanding and bolstering the program by aligning it with the state’s ambitious climate goals.”

“We applaud the Maryland legislature for passing legislation to reform the EmPOWER Program. This is a great example of how public policy can support environmental justice while sharing the benefits of the low-carbon transition across all segments of society,” Julie Gorte, senior vice president, sustainable investing, Impax Asset Management.

“By connecting homeowners and contractors with efficiency programs, Sealed has seen firsthand how programs like EmPOWER benefit consumers, local economies, and the climate all at once,” said David Kolata, vice president of policy, Sealed. “We are excited that Gov. Moore and Maryland lawmakers are bolstering these wide-ranging benefits by ensuring EmPOWER is at the center of the state’s efforts to confront climate change.”

Several major businesses including A. O. Smith, dsm-firmenich, EILEEN FISHER, Sealed, and Uplight supported strengthening the EmPOWER Program during the 2024 legislative session. In a letter organized by Ceres, the businesses voiced their support for investing in energy efficiency and aligning the EmPOWER program with Maryland’s climate goals.

“We applaud the General Assembly and Gov. Wes Moore for expanding the EmPOWER program to help ensure Maryland meets its ambitious climate goals,” said Jeff Mauk, director of state policy, Ceres. “Energy efficiency has a crucial role to play in reducing climate pollution while also bringing significant economic benefits to businesses and residents. The continued investment in energy efficiency will allow Maryland to lower utility costs for ratepayers, cut pollution, and bring new local jobs to communities.”

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line — changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, booth-tobin@ceres.org