Tag: 3BL

Buses are invaluable. They get workers across town, kids to school, travelers from the parking lot to the terminal and much more.

Buses can also be stressful. Will you catch it? Will it reach the destination on time? Will it have enough space? Will the driver be helpful?

Most buses use diesel engines for safety, reliability, efficiency, durability and cost efficiency.1 And though the fuel for those engines can’t prevent buses from getting stuck in traffic, some alternative options can help everyone breathe easier — thanks to U.S. Soy.

Biodiesel and renewable diesel are produced from renewable feedstocks like soybean oil and used cooking oils with different processes. They both can be used in place of petroleum-based diesel without any changes to vehicle engines.2 Research has shown that biodiesel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gases by 86% and particulate matter by 47% compared to petroleum-based diesel.3

Those advantages caught the attention of John Benish Jr., president and chief operating officer of Cook-Illinois Corporation, the sixth largest school bus contractor in the United States. A second-generation executive of the family-owned-and-operated company, he started powering his bus fleet with biodiesel blends in 2005, and he hasn’t looked back.

Clearing the Air

Benish Jr.’s father began ferrying school children in the rapidly expanding Chicago area in 1958. From then through the 1990s, Benish Jr. remembers the plume of black smoke that would rise above the iconic yellow school buses when the driver started the engine.

Today, his company operates 2,050 school buses in the Chicago, Illinois, area, in the heart of the U.S. Midwest, as well as 25 shuttle buses at Chicago Midway Airport. They all run on blends of biodiesel. The fleet includes five school buses powered by 100% biodiesel, and he plans to add more of these buses.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that biodiesel is the fastest, easiest way to decarbonize a school bus and clear the air, because it can be used immediately in existing diesel technology, rather than investing in a new fleet or waiting for future technologies,” Benish Jr. says. “I hear a lot of talk about electric, and that may happen in the future, but it’s a long way off for buses, practically speaking. We can accomplish the same goals with fuels like biodiesel, and that’s my message to other fleet managers.”

His message resonates. In the United States, New York City requires all city fleet vehicles and equipment to use biodiesel. Other cities, like Chicago, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., also use biodiesel fuel in city buses and vehicles, and the state of California has a plan to switch entirely to biodiesel by 2030. Soybean oil, crushed and extracted from soybeans, accounts for nearly 45% of the feedstocks being used to produce biodiesel in United States.4

In using biodiesel, Benish Jr. is part of a global effort to improve air quality. The European Union leads the world in biodiesel production and use, with France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Italy accounting for about two-thirds of the market.5 Indonesia has the world’s highest transport fuel blending mandate, requiring a minimum 35% biodiesel or renewable diesel blend, while China is beginning to unlock the potential of used cooking oil as a fuel feedstock.6 Soybean oil accounts for a notable portion of cooking oil in China and many other countries.

Accessing Health Benefits

“The fuel is extremely reliable, but at the heart of our commitment to biodiesel is that it is better for the children,” Benish Jr. says. “We transport up to 150,000 students every morning and afternoon, including many special needs kids, and breathing issues and asthma are common. Biodiesel reduces harmful exposure.”

He adds that this was even more noticeable and impactful in the early 2000s, before diesel technology became dramatically cleaner.

According to a recent study on the health benefits of biodiesel, using pure biodiesel, or B100, could reduce pollution significantly. The research projected the benefits of using 100% biodiesel in legacy heavy-duty transportation, meaning vehicles without updated diesel technology, residential heating — two of the most difficult fuel uses to decarbonize — in 28 communities considered among the most polluted in the United States.7

The health benefits identified by the study include:

Reduced cancer risk.Reduced asthma cases.Fewer premature deaths.Fewer sick days.

Building on U.S. Soy Success

Under Benish Jr.’s leadership, Cook-Illinois Corporation was the first company in the state of Illinois to switch an entire bus fleet to blends up to 20% biodiesel, or B20. He found biodiesel noticeably better for the engines, which show reduced wear and tear due to the fuel’s enhanced lubricity.

Success with biodiesel across his bus fleets laid the foundation for Benish Jr. to evaluate other products made with U.S. Soy, such as tires made by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He even wears a pair of Skechers shoes with a tread made from the same high-performing soy-biobased technology that Goodyear uses in tires.

“I like products made from soy because they are renewable and also healthier than their petroleum counterparts,” he says.

His home state of Illinois is one of the largest in soybean production, so he his use of biodiesel and other products derived from U.S. Soy supports other family-owned businesses in his area — another reason to breathe easier.

References

1 Public Transportation, Engine Technology Forum, accessed January 2024.

2 Clean Fuels: Better. Cleaner. Now! Clean Fuels Alliance America, accessed January 2024.

3 Building the Biodiesel Industry, American Soybean Association, accessed January 2024.

4 Renewable Diesel and Biodiesel Feedstock Trends over 2011–2022, Maria Gerveni, Todd Hubbs and Scott Irwin, farmdoc daily (13):80, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 1, 2023.

5 About biodiesel, European Biodiesel Board, accessed January 2024.

6 Biofuels Pivot to Asia, OpenMarkets, CME Group, May 5, 2023.

7 Clean Fuels Health Benefits Study, Clean Fuels Alliance America, accessed January 2024. 
 

Buses are invaluable. They get workers across town, kids to school, travelers from the parking lot to the terminal and much more.

Buses can also be stressful. Will you catch it? Will it reach the destination on time? Will it have enough space? Will the driver be helpful?

Most buses use diesel engines for safety, reliability, efficiency, durability and cost efficiency.1 And though the fuel for those engines can’t prevent buses from getting stuck in traffic, some alternative options can help everyone breathe easier — thanks to U.S. Soy.

Biodiesel and renewable diesel are produced from renewable feedstocks like soybean oil and used cooking oils with different processes. They both can be used in place of petroleum-based diesel without any changes to vehicle engines.2 Research has shown that biodiesel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gases by 86% and particulate matter by 47% compared to petroleum-based diesel.3

Those advantages caught the attention of John Benish Jr., president and chief operating officer of Cook-Illinois Corporation, the sixth largest school bus contractor in the United States. A second-generation executive of the family-owned-and-operated company, he started powering his bus fleet with biodiesel blends in 2005, and he hasn’t looked back.

Clearing the Air

Benish Jr.’s father began ferrying school children in the rapidly expanding Chicago area in 1958. From then through the 1990s, Benish Jr. remembers the plume of black smoke that would rise above the iconic yellow school buses when the driver started the engine.

Today, his company operates 2,050 school buses in the Chicago, Illinois, area, in the heart of the U.S. Midwest, as well as 25 shuttle buses at Chicago Midway Airport. They all run on blends of biodiesel. The fleet includes five school buses powered by 100% biodiesel, and he plans to add more of these buses.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that biodiesel is the fastest, easiest way to decarbonize a school bus and clear the air, because it can be used immediately in existing diesel technology, rather than investing in a new fleet or waiting for future technologies,” Benish Jr. says. “I hear a lot of talk about electric, and that may happen in the future, but it’s a long way off for buses, practically speaking. We can accomplish the same goals with fuels like biodiesel, and that’s my message to other fleet managers.”

His message resonates. In the United States, New York City requires all city fleet vehicles and equipment to use biodiesel. Other cities, like Chicago, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., also use biodiesel fuel in city buses and vehicles, and the state of California has a plan to switch entirely to biodiesel by 2030. Soybean oil, crushed and extracted from soybeans, accounts for nearly 45% of the feedstocks being used to produce biodiesel in United States.4

In using biodiesel, Benish Jr. is part of a global effort to improve air quality. The European Union leads the world in biodiesel production and use, with France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Italy accounting for about two-thirds of the market.5 Indonesia has the world’s highest transport fuel blending mandate, requiring a minimum 35% biodiesel or renewable diesel blend, while China is beginning to unlock the potential of used cooking oil as a fuel feedstock.6 Soybean oil accounts for a notable portion of cooking oil in China and many other countries.

Accessing Health Benefits

“The fuel is extremely reliable, but at the heart of our commitment to biodiesel is that it is better for the children,” Benish Jr. says. “We transport up to 150,000 students every morning and afternoon, including many special needs kids, and breathing issues and asthma are common. Biodiesel reduces harmful exposure.”

He adds that this was even more noticeable and impactful in the early 2000s, before diesel technology became dramatically cleaner.

According to a recent study on the health benefits of biodiesel, using pure biodiesel, or B100, could reduce pollution significantly. The research projected the benefits of using 100% biodiesel in legacy heavy-duty transportation, meaning vehicles without updated diesel technology, residential heating — two of the most difficult fuel uses to decarbonize — in 28 communities considered among the most polluted in the United States.7

The health benefits identified by the study include:

Reduced cancer risk.Reduced asthma cases.Fewer premature deaths.Fewer sick days.

Building on U.S. Soy Success

Under Benish Jr.’s leadership, Cook-Illinois Corporation was the first company in the state of Illinois to switch an entire bus fleet to blends up to 20% biodiesel, or B20. He found biodiesel noticeably better for the engines, which show reduced wear and tear due to the fuel’s enhanced lubricity.

Success with biodiesel across his bus fleets laid the foundation for Benish Jr. to evaluate other products made with U.S. Soy, such as tires made by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He even wears a pair of Skechers shoes with a tread made from the same high-performing soy-biobased technology that Goodyear uses in tires.

“I like products made from soy because they are renewable and also healthier than their petroleum counterparts,” he says.

His home state of Illinois is one of the largest in soybean production, so he his use of biodiesel and other products derived from U.S. Soy supports other family-owned businesses in his area — another reason to breathe easier.

References

1 Public Transportation, Engine Technology Forum, accessed January 2024.

2 Clean Fuels: Better. Cleaner. Now! Clean Fuels Alliance America, accessed January 2024.

3 Building the Biodiesel Industry, American Soybean Association, accessed January 2024.

4 Renewable Diesel and Biodiesel Feedstock Trends over 2011–2022, Maria Gerveni, Todd Hubbs and Scott Irwin, farmdoc daily (13):80, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 1, 2023.

5 About biodiesel, European Biodiesel Board, accessed January 2024.

6 Biofuels Pivot to Asia, OpenMarkets, CME Group, May 5, 2023.

7 Clean Fuels Health Benefits Study, Clean Fuels Alliance America, accessed January 2024. 
 

KOHLER, Wis., March 7, 2024 /3BL/ – Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath products, luxury decorative brands, wellness, and hospitality, returns to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to present industry-leading product innovations in form and functionality. The Kohler booth (#N2205) is a beacon of inspiration showcasing new products from the company’s portfolio of brands: Kohler, Ann Sacks, Kallista, Kast, Klafs, Robern, Sprig, and Sterling.

Kohler’s experiential booth at KBIS provides visitors with an unexpected array of multi-sensory moments from hands-on interactive product displays and celebrity panel discussions to book signings and the hand-crafted flavors and bold colors of KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates.

The main stage within Kohler’s booth delivers a compelling calendar of events featuring acclaimed designers, artists, and industry thought-leaders including Shea McGee, Brigette Romanek, Sheila Bridges, Nada Debs, Laura Kohler, Bonnie Choruby, Michelle Grabner, Dabito, Ronald Alvarez, Monica Santayana, Sophie Donelson, Danny Seo, Kelli Lamb, and Chip Wade.

Guests are encouraged to explore all the latest products throughout the impressive space with a focus on color and design leadership, sustainable living, and wellness.

Color & Design Leadership

For more than 150 years, Kohler has built a legacy of design leadership through innovation and craftmanship. This year, Kohler expanded its Heritage Colors collection with a new curated selection of three archival green hues making a grand reintroduction into stylish kitchen and bath spaces. Following the success of last year’s Heritage Colors release, Kohler is reviving three nature-inspired greens including Fresh Green (1971), Aspen Green (1978), and Teal (1987) that are now available exclusively on some of Kohler’s most iconic designs.

The Kohler x Studio McGee collection combines details from the brand’s storied heritage with a fresh lens for a timeless approach. The suite of products includes full faucet collections, lighting, hardware, and vanities, as well as tile collections developed in partnership with Ann Sacks.

Kohler’s evolution in design technology has also led the brand to develop the capability to 3D-print with vitreous china, creating the new Rista 3D bathroom sink. Kohler’s innovative approach to manufacturing marries its industry-leading ceramic 3D-printing capabilities with traditional craftmanship. The new Components kitchen faucet collection introduces modern minimalist design with high-performing functionality, including a slim Sweep Spray that provides a forceful blade of water for rinsing without compromising the faucet’s slim profile. Components kitchen faucets are available in nine finish options including a new two-tone Matte Black with Moderne Brushed Brass.

Dynamic use of colors and finishes continues in the Luxury Brands space. Three vignettes, ‘His and Her’s Powder Rooms’ and a ‘Bathroom Suite,’ are designed in visually captivating, tone-on-tone statements. Walls in Ann Sacks’ new Rosa Lagoa, Veccia, and Verde Serpa slabs are paired with its new Curated Bath Collection including the Evelyn console, Ander console, and Ophelia freestanding bathtub, each hand-carved from the same Portuguese marble of the surrounding walls. Also on display is Kallista’s stunning new 002 faucet collection offered in Rose Quartz, White Carrara, and Zebra Jasper natural stone options.

Robern’s new Arch Framed and Pill Metal Mirrors from the brand’s Craft Series, and Sculpt hanging mirror add an element of functional design to the luxury space, while Robern’s Tenor sconce lighting and Statuesque lighted mirror create a fine-tuned ambiance and performance task lighting ideal for styling and self-care.

Kast, a boutique designer and manufacturer of contemporary concrete basins, is presenting for the first time with Kohler’s Luxury Brands portfolio. The U.K.-based Kast is showcasing its new vibrant and refined Wave collection of concrete wash basins and Holm collection with terrazzo inserts.

Sustainable Living 

Kohler designs products and solutions that are beautifully engineered and crafted to deliver sustainable functionality and a superior experience at every price point. The forward-thinking organization offers a variety of faucets, toilets, and showerheads that meet EPA WaterSense criteria. Additionally, the Kohler WasteLAB transforms manufacturing waste materials into beautifully designed products. The new Kohler WasteLAB x Nada Debs tile is made of nearly 100% recycled material, and the WasteLAB Vox sink, the first sink in the portfolio, is constructed of more than 70% recycled material contributing to a circular economy and Kohler’s goal of zero waste to landfill.

Self-care & Wellness 

Through the introduction of thoughtful technology, Kohler aims to make moments in the bathroom better, creating a sanctuary of self-care and wellness. The recent acquisition of Germany-based Klafs introduces luxury home saunas to the wellness portfolio.

Within the showering space, the SpaViva handshower and cleansing device introduces a new Microbubble technology for a deep clean and four attachments, making the handshower a multifunction beauty tool. The new Cinq filtered showerhead provides five layers of filtration, and Anthem+ is Kohler’s most advanced smart shower system that integrates water, steam, light, and sound in one digital control. Wellness brand Sprig by Kohler amplifies the bathing experience, offering clean aromatherapy that infuses the space with soothing botanicals.

To learn more about Kohler Co. brands and products, please visit the Kohler KBIS Press Kit.

About Kohler Co. 
For 150 years, Kohler Co. has been a global leader in design and innovation, dedicated to providing gracious living through kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile, and lighting; distributed energy solutions – home energy, industrial power systems, and powertrain technologies – and luxury hospitality experiences and major championship golf. Privately held Kohler Co. was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. The company also develops solutions to address pressing issues, such as clean water and sanitation, for underserved communities around the world to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. 
KOHLER Kitchen & Bath, Energy, Golf + Resort Destinations

KOHLER, Wis., March 7, 2024 /3BL/ – Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath products, luxury decorative brands, wellness, and hospitality, returns to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to present industry-leading product innovations in form and functionality. The Kohler booth (#N2205) is a beacon of inspiration showcasing new products from the company’s portfolio of brands: Kohler, Ann Sacks, Kallista, Kast, Klafs, Robern, Sprig, and Sterling.

Kohler’s experiential booth at KBIS provides visitors with an unexpected array of multi-sensory moments from hands-on interactive product displays and celebrity panel discussions to book signings and the hand-crafted flavors and bold colors of KOHLER Original Recipe Chocolates.

The main stage within Kohler’s booth delivers a compelling calendar of events featuring acclaimed designers, artists, and industry thought-leaders including Shea McGee, Brigette Romanek, Sheila Bridges, Nada Debs, Laura Kohler, Bonnie Choruby, Michelle Grabner, Dabito, Ronald Alvarez, Monica Santayana, Sophie Donelson, Danny Seo, Kelli Lamb, and Chip Wade.

Guests are encouraged to explore all the latest products throughout the impressive space with a focus on color and design leadership, sustainable living, and wellness.

Color & Design Leadership

For more than 150 years, Kohler has built a legacy of design leadership through innovation and craftmanship. This year, Kohler expanded its Heritage Colors collection with a new curated selection of three archival green hues making a grand reintroduction into stylish kitchen and bath spaces. Following the success of last year’s Heritage Colors release, Kohler is reviving three nature-inspired greens including Fresh Green (1971), Aspen Green (1978), and Teal (1987) that are now available exclusively on some of Kohler’s most iconic designs.

The Kohler x Studio McGee collection combines details from the brand’s storied heritage with a fresh lens for a timeless approach. The suite of products includes full faucet collections, lighting, hardware, and vanities, as well as tile collections developed in partnership with Ann Sacks.

Kohler’s evolution in design technology has also led the brand to develop the capability to 3D-print with vitreous china, creating the new Rista 3D bathroom sink. Kohler’s innovative approach to manufacturing marries its industry-leading ceramic 3D-printing capabilities with traditional craftmanship. The new Components kitchen faucet collection introduces modern minimalist design with high-performing functionality, including a slim Sweep Spray that provides a forceful blade of water for rinsing without compromising the faucet’s slim profile. Components kitchen faucets are available in nine finish options including a new two-tone Matte Black with Moderne Brushed Brass.

Dynamic use of colors and finishes continues in the Luxury Brands space. Three vignettes, ‘His and Her’s Powder Rooms’ and a ‘Bathroom Suite,’ are designed in visually captivating, tone-on-tone statements. Walls in Ann Sacks’ new Rosa Lagoa, Veccia, and Verde Serpa slabs are paired with its new Curated Bath Collection including the Evelyn console, Ander console, and Ophelia freestanding bathtub, each hand-carved from the same Portuguese marble of the surrounding walls. Also on display is Kallista’s stunning new 002 faucet collection offered in Rose Quartz, White Carrara, and Zebra Jasper natural stone options.

Robern’s new Arch Framed and Pill Metal Mirrors from the brand’s Craft Series, and Sculpt hanging mirror add an element of functional design to the luxury space, while Robern’s Tenor sconce lighting and Statuesque lighted mirror create a fine-tuned ambiance and performance task lighting ideal for styling and self-care.

Kast, a boutique designer and manufacturer of contemporary concrete basins, is presenting for the first time with Kohler’s Luxury Brands portfolio. The U.K.-based Kast is showcasing its new vibrant and refined Wave collection of concrete wash basins and Holm collection with terrazzo inserts.

Sustainable Living 

Kohler designs products and solutions that are beautifully engineered and crafted to deliver sustainable functionality and a superior experience at every price point. The forward-thinking organization offers a variety of faucets, toilets, and showerheads that meet EPA WaterSense criteria. Additionally, the Kohler WasteLAB transforms manufacturing waste materials into beautifully designed products. The new Kohler WasteLAB x Nada Debs tile is made of nearly 100% recycled material, and the WasteLAB Vox sink, the first sink in the portfolio, is constructed of more than 70% recycled material contributing to a circular economy and Kohler’s goal of zero waste to landfill.

Self-care & Wellness 

Through the introduction of thoughtful technology, Kohler aims to make moments in the bathroom better, creating a sanctuary of self-care and wellness. The recent acquisition of Germany-based Klafs introduces luxury home saunas to the wellness portfolio.

Within the showering space, the SpaViva handshower and cleansing device introduces a new Microbubble technology for a deep clean and four attachments, making the handshower a multifunction beauty tool. The new Cinq filtered showerhead provides five layers of filtration, and Anthem+ is Kohler’s most advanced smart shower system that integrates water, steam, light, and sound in one digital control. Wellness brand Sprig by Kohler amplifies the bathing experience, offering clean aromatherapy that infuses the space with soothing botanicals.

To learn more about Kohler Co. brands and products, please visit the Kohler KBIS Press Kit.

About Kohler Co. 
For 150 years, Kohler Co. has been a global leader in design and innovation, dedicated to providing gracious living through kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile, and lighting; distributed energy solutions – home energy, industrial power systems, and powertrain technologies – and luxury hospitality experiences and major championship golf. Privately held Kohler Co. was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. The company also develops solutions to address pressing issues, such as clean water and sanitation, for underserved communities around the world to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. 
KOHLER Kitchen & Bath, Energy, Golf + Resort Destinations

This article was originally published by Higher Education Digest.

The higher education industry is at a turning point with myriad colleges and universities struggling to remain sustainable and relevant in today’s tumultuous and evolving environment. It’s critical for leaders and boards to take a holistic and strategic view of all risk areas across the institution and collaborate on ways to address significant headwinds and manage and mitigate risk.

Within this context, Baker Tilly higher education risk advisors, Adrienne Larmett and Dave Capitano, outline four key higher education risk areas that all institutions need to be profoundly attuned to: business model, reputation, operations and compliance.

Read the full article here, which dives deeper into these higher education risks.

This article was originally published by Higher Education Digest.

The higher education industry is at a turning point with myriad colleges and universities struggling to remain sustainable and relevant in today’s tumultuous and evolving environment. It’s critical for leaders and boards to take a holistic and strategic view of all risk areas across the institution and collaborate on ways to address significant headwinds and manage and mitigate risk.

Within this context, Baker Tilly higher education risk advisors, Adrienne Larmett and Dave Capitano, outline four key higher education risk areas that all institutions need to be profoundly attuned to: business model, reputation, operations and compliance.

Read the full article here, which dives deeper into these higher education risks.

Partnership with Venture Metals + collects, processes, and manages full down-stream recycling of scrap materialsGrowing initiative looks to expand to 5 key Baker Hughes global locations in 2024

HOUSTON, March 18, 2024 /3BL/ – As one of the first companies in its industry to announce a net-zero commitment by 2050, Baker Hughes continues to broaden ways in which it reduces its environmental footprint. In just three years, the energy technology company diverted over 125 million pounds of scrap metals from over 50 Baker Hughes locations.

Baker Hughes is committed to environmental stewardship and promoting the principles of a circular economy to reduce waste by minimizing resource use through reuse, repair and refurbishment. The growing initiative to capture scrap metal is a partnership with Venture Metals +, a full-scale scrap processor and a leader in the environmental services industry that collects, recycles and manages full down-stream recycling of scrap materials to divert away from landfills. With direct access to foundries, mills and end consumers, Venture Metals + provides recycling, reclamation, and investment recovery services to industrial, manufacturing, and service facilities around the world.

While the initial impetus 20 years ago for Baker Hughes’ scrap metal recycling was financial in nature, the introduction of Venture Metals provided a level of transparency that met industry standards and provided a greater return for the scrap. Venture Metals’ dedication to environmental principles aligns with Baker Hughes’ goals to minimize the impact of our operations.

“The relationship that has been formed between Baker Hughes and Venture Metals is the definition of a true partnership. Over the many years we have collaborated on significant projects and there has been a foundation of trust, transparency and investment on both sides,” said Venture Metals’ Vice-Chairman of the Board Mark Chazanow. “Together, we have been able to do our part to improve the environment by circular and sustainable recycling while also capturing substantial revenue gain. We look forward to growing the partnership and seeing a bright future ahead together.”

Baker Hughes and Venture Metals are committed to identifying opportunities to continue sustainable scrap recycling programs, with hopes to this year implement similar programs at five key locations across the globe. One Malaysia facility hosted a textile recycling drive, which resulted in over 700 pounds of textile kept out of the trash. Additionally, Venture Metals+ provides Baker Hughes with customized containers to promote the segregation of titanium, stainless steel, Inconel and other recyclable metals safely and efficiently. The materials are then prepared and weighed for supply chain reintroduction.

“Reducing our environmental footprint is a critical focus area for our sustainability strategy as we continue to reduce waste, minimize the resources we use and promote circularity,” said Allyson Anderson Book, chief sustainability officer at Baker Hughes. “Through partners like Venture Metals +, we are minimizing waste and reusing scrap materials as much as possible for more sustainable operations.”

As the global demand for a wide range of raw materials and goods continues to grow, logistics become increasingly complex, as do the associated adverse social, economic and environmental effects of these materials. Waste management, reduction and circularity are some of the simplest ways global organizations can improve product sustainability along the value chain and reduce environmental impact.

About Baker Hughes:
Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

For more information, please contact:

Baker Hughes Media Relations

Adrienne M. Lynch
+1 713-906-8407
adrienne.lynch@bakerhughes.com

Venture Metals +

Vice President of Business Development & Marketing
Kelly Fairchild
469-240-2235
kfairchild@venturemet.com

MELBOURNE, Australia, March 18, 2024 /3BL/ – Black & Veatch, a global leader in critical infrastructure solutions, will study the exploration and extraction of natural hydrogen and helium in Australia.

The development study is an engineering services agreement between Australian-owned natural hydrogen company H2EX Limited, a world leader in exploring naturally occurring hydrogen, and Black & Veatch. The study is part of an Australian Federal Government-funded project led by H2EX.

Natural hydrogen, also known as gold or white hydrogen, refers to hydrogen found in its natural form as a free gas.

“Decarbonisation efforts in the Asia Pacific are a priority for Black & Veatch. This includes extracting natural hydrogen, a potential clean energy source for the region,” said Yatin Premchand, managing director, Strategic Growth, Global Advisory, Black & Veatch.

“Black & Veatch has an 80-year history working with hydrogen and ammonia production in multiple industries. The company developed the first hydrogen power generation conversion project and the first major hydrogen fueling station deployment in the United States. Since then, our experts have continued to deliver reliable innovation and first-of-a-kind solutions across the hydrogen value chain,” added Premchand.

Hydrogen has the potential to reduce and replace reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation as well as long-duration energy storage, heating, transport, and production of green chemicals and fertilizer. Hydrogen can also be turned into green ammonia, which is produced using 100 percent carbon-free renewable energy.

Helium is used in defence, medicine, manufacturing and energy applications including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners and fibre optic cable manufacturing.

Black & Veatch will provide two concept designs on H2EX’s exploration license PEL 691 on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia as part of the development study. One concept design will be for the drilling and completion of an exploration well. The other concept design will be for surface facilities to purify, process and deliver natural hydrogen and helium, including co-production of the resources, if they are found together.

“We are pleased to partner with a technically progressive and experienced global engineering services firm like Black & Veatch. This important development study will help H2EX fast-track our first exploration wells and development scheme. If successful, hydrogen will be a great source of energy for power generation and transport on the Eyre Peninsula,” said Mark Hanna, H2EX CEO & managing director.

“Natural hydrogen will help decarbonise the region, which predominantly uses liquid fuels for energy and transport. Helium is also a high-value and scarce commodity. Recent drilling in South Australia has found high concentrations of helium, too,” added Hanna.

Black & Veatch will analyse gas industry practices related to conventional well drilling and extraction infrastructure and identify key considerations to adapt these practices for natural hydrogen and helium.

The research into extraction solutions will provide a pathway to drill and extract the lowest-cost hydrogen, which could be up to 75 percent more cost-effective than manufacturing hydrogen.

The objective of the study is to unlock first-mover benefits for Australia within an emerging sector globally, as well as create substantial local and export opportunities while retaining the country’s competitive advantage and technical and engineering expertise.

The study is partly funded by Australia’s Federal Department of Science and Innovation through its Cooperative Research Council Projects (CRC-P) Grants Round 14 initiative. The CRC-P grant supports short-term, industry-led research collaborations. The study is estimated to be completed by mid-2024.

The Australian Government is investing more than $500 million (USD 332 million) to support the development of hydrogen hubs in regional Australia. The Regional Hydrogen Hubs programme is part of the government’s $40 billion (USD 26 billion) investment to transform the country into a powerhouse of green energy generation and innovation.

Contact Black & Veatch for more information.

***

About Black & Veatch 
Black & Veatch is a 100-percent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

Black & Veatch: Media Contact Information:

EMILY CHIA | +65 6335 6623 P | +65 9875 8907 M | Chialp@bv.com

24-HOUR MEDIA EMAIL | Media@bv.com

About H2EX 
H2EX Limited is a natural hydrogen and helium company. H2EX is searching to find and harvest natural hydrogen and helium on its exploration license PEL 691 (~6,000 sqm kilometers) in South Australia. H2EX continues to develop and undertake first-of-kind research and in-field exploration activities. H2EX has 52,000 square kilometers of additional exploration applications, also in South Australia. Follow us on www.h2ex.com.au and H2EX Ltd: Overview | LinkedIn.

H2EX Limited: Contact Information:

Greschen Brecker | CFO & Director | +61 433 133 417 M | greschen.brecker@h2ex.com.au

CBRE

/3BL/ – Asia Pacific electric vehicle (EV) sales have seen exponential growth in the past two years, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global auto sales. The soaring demand for charging facilities across the region provides the opportunity for commercial real estate owners to enhance their assets with EV charging installations, according to the latest CBRE research.

CBRE estimates that the number of public charging points across Asia Pacific region will rise to around 10 million by 2030, with nearly 70% of the new charging points in mainland China, the biggest market for EV sales. India and Singapore are the fastest growing EV sales markets in Asia Pacific.

Commercial real estate offers a wide range of options for EV public charging infrastructure, varying across retail, industrial, office, and on-the-road demand. EV chargers are becoming more common in shopping malls, as customers charge their vehicles while shopping. For industrial and logistics facilities, there is strong demand for direct current fast chargers as occupiers want more charging points for electrified fleets.

To read the full report, click here.

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About CBRE Group, Inc. 
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2023 revenue). The company has more than 130,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition) hosted its first Manufacturer Forum of 2024 — and first under the new name — on March 6 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The sold-out event for 240 attendees reflected the theme “Catalyst for Change,” and underscored the pivotal role of manufacturers to set and achieve goals that are transforming the consumer goods industry. Manufacturers – who are on the front lines of critical action – connected with business leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of sustainability, supply chain compliance, verification, policy alignment, and more.

“Through Cascale, we create community spaces for constructive dialogue, co-created solutions, and shared learning opportunities, driving collective action across the value chain,” said Andrew Martin, executive vice president at Cascale, in the opening address. “Bangladesh is at the heart of the work we do in the apparel industry. It is a place where we have seen great progress, yet a country we know understands there is so much to do. You are well aware of the challenges we all still face, yet you have an ability to embrace innovation, you have demonstrated true engagement and collaboration, and we believe you share our commitment to driving change through collective action at scale.”

After Martin’s welcome, attendees enjoyed an opening keynote from Nishat Hamid, executive director, Shasha Denim, director, Shasha Garments and EOS Textile Mills, and SDG Standing Committee Member at the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about Cascale’s newly launched Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) and the Climate Leadership Program (CLP) from the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), at a panel co-hosted by Dr. Joyce Tsoi, senior director of the Decarbonization Program at Cascale, and Dr. Laxmikant Jawale, regional lead, South Asia and Southeast Asia, Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). The two discussed how the MCAP and CLP complement each other to drive emissions reductions, as part of a collective effort to achieve a 45 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Kickstarting the next session, Elisabeth von Reitzenstein, senior director of Public Affairs at Cascale, introduced the public affairs team and provided insights into key legislative developments on the European level and globally. She outlined what manufacturers must anticipate upon their release. Following this, Reitzenstein was joined by Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe, executive vice president, Epic Group and a Cascale board director, for a fireside chat designed to discuss these evolving regulations and how Cascale can assist manufacturers to navigate the associated obligations for them.

Next up was a deep dive into the evolution from Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) 3.0 to 4.0. Cascale’s Angela Ng, director of Higg Facility Tools hosted the session alongside; Deepak Kashyap, senior manager of Higg Facility Tools; Demith Gooneratne, senior manager of Higg Facility Tools, Mustafain Munir, director, CYCLO Recycled Fibers, and Spandon Kumer Roy, environmental sustainability manager, Primark. Then Ng hosted an in-depth exploration of the evolving landscape of sustainability verification within the industry, and Kashyap and Gooneratne co-hosted a Higg FEM 4.0 Workshop, designed to equip participants with practical skills and insights crucial for successful Higg FEM self-assessment and verification.

In the afternoon, Tsoi returned to deliver a science-based target training to over 110 participants. The training was designed to empower participants with essential knowledge and skills for developing greenhouse gas inventory, calculating emissions, and setting impactful science-based targets (SBTs). Attendees also learned about the main decarbonization strategies and actions to achieve decarbonization goals. Representatives from the Project Development Programme (PDP), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Sadia Raisa Khan, advisor & country Representative, and Zia Uddin Jewel, advisor and country representative were invited to share their learnings and solutions that would support manufacturers to achieve decarbonizations. They shared that the electricity generation mix is largely dominated by fossil fuels such as gas, and heavy fuel oil, only 4 percent of the electricity mix is from renewable energy sources which mainly come from solar and hydropower. Khan and Jewel laid out the possible decarbonization solutions including energy efficiency interventions, more efficient technology upgrades for heat pumps, compressors, motors, and waste heat.olar PV is the most feasible and proven technology for implementation in Bangladesh, per the experts. They also shared their scope of activities in terms of project development for the mentioned solutions and their ongoing collaboration with Cascale for rooftop solar project development in Bangladesh’s textile sector.

Finally, attendees participated in a workshop on empowering workers and ensuring equity in Bangladeshi manufacturing. The workshop included deep dives into region-specific data insights, health and safety standards, and strategies local manufacturers, trade unions and service providers are leveraging to elevate workers’ voices in Bangladesh. Speakers included Cascale’s Ng and Orine Dsouza, senior manager of Higg Facility Tools; Arindama Banerjee, associate director, client services/responsible sourcing at ELEVATE – An LRQA Company, the industry leader in sustainability and supply chain services globally; Ashwini Via, CEO of Floreal Bangladesh; Fartheeba Rahat Khan, consultant – worker engagement specialist at Ulula; Amb. Hans Docter, special representative for due diligence innovation at Fair Wear; Jayanth Kashyap B., investment lead at Good Fashion Fund; Khalid Hossain, partnership lead at Denim Experts Ltd., Raisul Islam Khan, project coordinator at IndustriAll Global Union, Samira Saidi, investment advisor at Good Fashion Fund; and Urtty Majumder, support lead, Bangladesh, at the Social & Labor Convergence Program.

In 2023, Cascale announced the return of its Manufacturer Forums after a hiatus of in-person events amid the pandemic. Since then, Cascale held its July forum in Shenzhen, China followed by Bangalore, India in December. Manufacturer Forum: Dhaka was sponsored by Worldly, the leader in environmental and social impact data capture and analytics for the apparel and footwear industry, and the exclusive platform for Cascale’s Higg Index suite of tools. Events like the Manufacturer Forum: Dhaka are critical to driving equitable and restorative business practices related to Cascale’s three core pillars: Combat Climate Change, Decent Work for All, and Nature Positive Future.