Tag: 3BL

Watch video: Support Local Charities When You Get a New Subaru During the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event

Subaru and our retailers are committed to sharing the love with our communities during the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event. For every new vehicle purchased or leased, Subaru and our retailers donate to local charities across the country. Through the Subaru Share the Love Event, Subaru and our retailers are proud to have supported nearly 2,300 hometown charities, and by the end of this year, we will have donated nearly $320 million to charity. Learn more about the charities Subaru and our retailers support during the Subaru Share the Love Event at subaru.com/share.

The circularity of products is playing an increasingly important role in the economy. The chemical company Chemours has also taken this into account in EVOLVE 2030 2.0: In the further developed methodology for the sustainability assessment of products, the circularity of materials and packaging is now a defined and central factor.

Chemours’ chemistry is essential for our everyday lives, be it in the refrigeration needed to preserve food and medicine, or in the critical components in our electronics and vehicles. This chemistry is also key to the emerging green technologies for artificial intelligence, clean hydrogen, and electric vehicles, which makes it all the more important to develop these chemistries responsibly and sustainably. The company has therefore set itself the target that, by 2030, 50 percent or more of its revenue will come from offerings that make a specific contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To achieve this goal, Chemours developed the EVOLVE 2030 methodology in 2019. The strategic approach evaluates the sustainability of Chemours products in relation to their specific use (Product Application Combination – PAC for short). The methodology used is based on the Portfolio Sustainability Assessment (PSA) of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

How does EVOLVE 2030 work?

In the first step, Chemours analyzes and evaluates the impact of the PAC on the environment and society (“imprint” of the PAC). To do this, the company analyzes various attributes such as the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Intensity, and Human Health Risk. For each of these attributes, the PAC receives a score from minus two to plus two according to well-defined scoring rubrics. In the next step, the company evaluates the contribution of a PAC to the 169 SDG Targets (SDG contribution scoring). As making contributions to the UN SDGs is an important part of Chemours’ sustainability strategy, this dimension represents an essential signal category in EVOLVE 2030.

After assessing a PAC’s imprint and SDG contributions, it is assigned to one of four quadrants in a 2×2 matrix according to the outcome of the evaluation. This gives the company an overview of the sustainability performance of its product portfolio and identifies opportunities to further evaluate and improve. “Chemours is driven by our strong commitment to sustainability. Our EVOLVE 2030 methodology enhances our ability to align our business processes with this commitment, allowing us to better quantify the societal and environmental impacts of our products and guide our decisions accordingly,” says Dr. Amber Wellman, Chief Sustainability Officer at Chemours.

Evolving EVOLVE 2030

With the initial assessment of its portfolio nearly completed, 2024 was the perfect time for Chemours to improve the methodology and exemplify its culture of continuous improvement. Version 2 of EVOLVE 2030 incorporated experiences gained, including lessons from a study designed to find ways to increase reproducibility. “Reproducibility is critical to ensure the quality and integrity of our methodology. It gives us confidence that our results are accurate and trustworthy,” explains Kathy O’Keefe, Senior Director Product Sustainability.

In addition, Chemours had EVOLVE 2030 audited by an external global assurance provider. To provide full transparency, the auditor was given unrestricted access to the data systems where data, analyses, uncertainty scores, logic, conclusions, and evidence are stored, as well as the people involved. “We chose this approach to maximize the benefits of the effort and to learn from the auditor’s observations and comments,” says Kathy O’Keefe. The audit showed the strengths of the methodology and highlighted areas for improvement. Based on these experiences, Chemours further enhanced the methodology.

“Our EVOLVE 2030 methodology enhances our ability to align our business processes with sustainability.”

Dr. Amber Wellman, Chief Sustainability Officer

Circularity as new attributes for evaluation

Two new and important evaluation criteria included in the methodology are the material circularity of products and product packaging. The first version of EVOLVE 2030 already considered circularity as part of the SDG contribution scoring, for example reducing resource consumption and waste generation are captured in SDG Targets 12.2 and 12.5 scores. In the further developed metho- dology, material circularity is much more specifically evaluated in new attributes for calculating the imprint of PACs, to increase its importance in the method. Chemours used various approaches to develop its working definition of circularity. These include the Ellen McArthur Foundation’s three principles of circular economy and butterfly diagram, the “reduce – reuse – recycle” approach of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the nine “Rs” of the circular economy of the European Commission. Common to all three is the concept of a waste hierarchy that considers the environmental costs of those options. Using the US EPA’s phrase, solutions to “reduce” are usually better than those that enable “reuse” which are better than “recycle”. Based on these concepts, Chemours’ working definition is: “Circularity aims to minimize resources consumption and waste generation by keeping products and materials in use at their highest value for as long as possible.”

Calculation of product material circularity

Determining how circularity could be calculated and evaluated as an attribute of a PAC in the context of EVOLVE 2030 2.0 was not a simple or straightforward exercise. Chemours evaluated many ideas and approaches and found their answer in the WBCSD’s Circular Transition Indicators. This approach combines several parameters to create a single central indicator for calculating product material circularity. Both the inflow and outflow of a material are considered. The aim is to check how much circular inflow (e.g., renewable or recycled material) and how much circular outflow (potential and actual recovery) there is for a product. The outflow is calculated by multiplying the recovery potential by the actual recovery rate. To calculate the product material circularity of a PAC, the inflow and the previously calculated outflow are added together, and this value is then divided by two. All values are given as percentages.

Using this result as an indicator, the circularity of products – specifically the imprint of the PAC – can be evaluated in the next step. To do this, Chemours compares the calculated value with the Circularity Metric of the Circularity Gap Report – an independent and, above all, dynamic figure that is also cited by others, like WBCSD. Depending on whether the value of product material circularity is above or below that of the global economy (in 2023, this was 7.2 percent), the PAC receives a score between minus two and two for this attribute, depending on other considerations, such as the PAC’s impact on the entire system. “Looking too narrowly will likely lead to less than optimal and sometimes unintended outcomes,” says Andrew Liu, explaining the approach. Ultimately, the best option is to keep the value of a material in the cycle for as long as possible: “Recycling is not always the better option, as it often generates emission and waste and consumes resources, including energy; this is reflected in the waste hierarchies of many organizations.”

From theory to practice

A test phase followed in order to find out whether the equation and criteria produce realistic results and the method can be implemented. For example, the effects of upcycling and downcycling on the evaluation of a PAC were investigated. Chemours also used a sensitivity analysis to check how the methodology reacts to changes: do the output results respond appropriately and proportionally to different input data in a way that rewards investments to advance circularity while leaving enough room to entice further improvements?

Chemours made these initial test calculations by applying the methodology using hypothetical scenarios based on a range of relevant products and applications. Although these were not real figures, they were realistic and possible business cases. The company then moved on to a pilot project and tested the methodology with five real PACs from three different business units.

“We are proud to see the continued positive impact of EVOLVE 2030 on our existing portfolio and development pipeline.”

Kathy O’Keefe, Senior Director Product Sustainability

Reassessment according to EVOLVE 2030 2.0

EVOLVE 2030 2.0 was rolled out in summer 2024, ahead of portfolio reevaluation using updated methodology and data. Because the quality of analyses depends on the quality of input data, a point of focus will be increasing data accuracy and reducing uncertainty. Data quality is therefore evaluated, tracked, and improvements prioritized. “In this way, we make progress with the best data available while understanding the reliability of our conclusions,” explains Ashley Pelura, PAC evaluations manager.

Gathering data for evaluating material circularity of PACs will present added challenges, especially those not directly controlled or accessible by Chemours. Help from colleagues in Procurement, Sales, Marketing, and Technical Service will be needed. If no direct evidence is available, data from market reports, reports from governments or Intergovernmental organizations, peer-reviewed journal articles, and other qualified sources will be used.

“We are proud to see the continued positive impact of EVOLVE 2030 on our existing portfolio and development pipeline. We are confident that embedding EVOLVE 2030 2.0 into our business and technology processes will not only help us achieve our 2030 Sustainability Goal but will inform decisions and transform our business to deliver a more resilient and sustainable portfolio for years to come,” says Kathy O’Keefe.

This article originally appeared in the 2024 Global Goals Yearbook.

VS&Co has been a long-time partner of the Pacific Links Foundation (PAL), an organization that seeks to prevent trafficking by empowering Vietnam’s most vulnerable populations with economic opportunities by investing in and educating at-risk youth and helping survivors to build new lives.

We know the supply chain work we do also affects the communities where we operate. As a result, we are committed to advancing human rights by:

• Mitigating the risk of gender-based violence and harassment through training and monitoring in our supply chain.

• Identifying and engaging with local community partners working to address the prevalence of gender-based violence and harassment.

• Continuing to support organizations battling human trafficking, like Pacific Links.

VS&Co has worked with PAL for 17 years funding 3,100+ scholarships, 1,500+ career orientation summer camps and 600 bicycles for girls to commute to school in Vietnam, where paying for education in rural areas is a challenge for most families and often leads to a life of poverty.

We are sharing an inspirational story about Kim Nho Nguyen, a student and grateful recipient of a PAL/VS&Co scholarship. Her story is one of perseverance and courage as her life was completely transformed by an education. Go to page 9 of our Women’s Impact Report to read a letter from Kim about her challenges, journey and landing somewhere she never imagined. Go here to learn more about how the Pacific Links Foundation is changing lives.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) administers the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), which represent a cooperative relationship to encourage excellence in worksite-based safety and health. VPP sets performance-based criteria for the safety and health system at worksites operated by private industry and federal agencies and, after a worksite applies for admission to the program, OSHA assesses the worksite against these criteria. This is above and beyond normal safety standards and results in a thorough on-site evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health professionals.

In Michigan, the program operates as the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) through the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). Our Gwinn, Michigan facility is a Star Worksite in the MVPP (one of 24 Star Worksites in the state of Michigan). Our Gwinn facility first received MVPP Rising Star status in 2010 and achieved MVPP Star status by early 2013. The last re-evaluation was in 2022, with the recommendation from MIOSHA for continued participation as a Star Worksite. During the latest re-evaluation cycle, the Gwinn site was recognized by the MIOSHA team for its safety vision statement: “Through actively caring about the safety and health of our co-workers, the goal of the Gwinn mill is to ensure that all Team Members return home to their families, uninjured every day.” Also recognized as an area of excellence was the implementation of a 90-day Safety Passport onboarding process. This onboarding process gives new Team Members the opportunity to meet members of site leadership to reiterate the site’s safety vision and the resources available for Team Members as they develop in their roles at the mill.

The Minnesota program is called MNSTAR. Our Bemidji, Minnesota facility achieved MNSTAR status in 2001 and has maintained its status since then. The last re-evaluation audit was in 2020 with several best practices highlighted including the facility’s Safety Roadmap program and goals, Making Safety Visible program, safety tailgate process, fireside chats with mill management, Safety Superstar program, Job Safety program and Environmental Analysis program. One best practice noted was our on-site physical therapy and athletic training program, a proactive approach to prevent soft tissue injuries. Bemidji’s safety efforts earned the Minnesota Safety Council’s Governor’s Safety Award in Occupational Safety in 2022, with the facility achieving the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Our St. Maries, Idaho lumber and plywood facilities have set an exceptional standard for safety, and both have been a VPP Star site since 2000 – there are only 11 in the state of Idaho. The last re-evaluation was in 2019 during which the auditors highlighted as an exemplary practice our redesigned lockout / tagout procedures. The next on-site evaluation will take place in 2024. The St. Maries complex has focused on an employee-engaged workforce giving Team Members several opportunities to be involved in safety processes throughout the year. Every month, Team Members are given opportunities to be involved in the safety process including recognizing hazards, using SLAM (i.e., Stop, Look, Assess, and Manage) risk assessments, safety training, reporting near misses, safety committees, new hire training, and reviewing Job Hazard Analysis.

Although it is not certain that we will maintain the state and federal VPP recognitions described above, we believe that participation in these programs is an important part of the health and safety culture at these worksites, and we intend to continue to participate in the VPPs as long as we qualify to do so.

How can a more engaged, participatory approach to philanthropy help make a real impact on climate solutions and equity in Georgia? By embracing its position in the “messy middle” between funders and the many organizations striving to solve for climate, the Hive Fund for Climate and Gender Justice believes that philanthropy is significantly more impactful when funders adopt a collaborative approach with grantees. 

What makes this approach so effective, and how can other funders get involved? Find out in this Georgia Climate Digest video conversation between Eriqah Vincent of Drawdown Georgia and Melanie Allen, co-director of the Hive Fund. With the Georgia Climate Digest Video Series, Drawdown Georgia will shine a light on some of the many Georgians who are working to bring climate solutions home.

Watch the video here.

Anaerobic digestion, the process in which bacteria breaks down organic matter such as food wastes, wastewater biosolids and animal manures, is being increasingly recognized as a solution to addressing the climate-related crisis around excess food waste. In a growing number of locations around the world, and in particular, here in Canada, anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities are diverting food waste from landfills, thus lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to create green energy and valuable soil amendments for agricultural use.

However, the handling, logistics, operation and maintenance of AD facilities for waste materials are distinct and complex compared to other waste management approaches.

In this blog, we cover what AD is, how it works, challenges to avoid, and how Canadian municipalities are helping solve the climate crisis little by little.

Anaerobic Digestion in Canada

Governments across Canada, both provincial and municipal, have rolled out disposal bans to divert municipal and/or commercial food organic waste from landfills. Nova Scotia was the first province to ban organics from landfill in 1998, followed by Metro Vancouver in 2015.

In Ontario, residents generate about 3.7 million tons of food and organic waste every year, with 60% of total food waste going to landfills. In Toronto, the city is tackling the climate crisis by addressing the residential food waste issue with tremendous success. In 2014, Toronto expanded its Green Bin Program and built its second anaerobic digestion facility, called the Disco Road Organics Processing Facility.

Why is this so important as a measure to fight the climate emergency?

Organic food waste represents approximately 30% of the municipal waste stream. When sent to a landfill, it breaks down and becomes a significant source of methane. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is considered to be about 80 times more harmful to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Thus, diverting organic materials from landfills lowers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and also preserves limited landfill capacity. Also, when sent to an AD facility, biomethane, a renewable gas, and valuable soil products are created. In essence, AD allows us to turn waste into resources, thus promoting the circular economy.

Types of Anaerobic Digestion 

Anaerobic digestion uses bacteria to transform organic waste into energy in the absence of oxygen. This mirrors a process that already occurs in nature, such as in marshes. These microorganisms decompose muds at the bottom of marshes through AD, producing methane, carbon dioxide and other reduced compounds as byproducts. In order to be implemented on a larger scale, the process is optimized in closed tanks called digesters. The microorganisms in AD facilities digest the organic fraction of the waste and convert it into biogas (biomethane), a source of renewable energy. The residual organic matter forms what is called the digestate. The digestate is dewatered, composted and turned into fertilizer for agricultural purposes.

There are two predominant AD technologies currently being used in Canada for the processing of municipal and commercial organics: wet and dry technologies. These technologies are primarily selected depending on the feedstocks that will be received from municipal and/or commercial sources, as well as the desired outputs from the process.

Pre-Treatment Challenges

A critical component of the anaerobic digestion process is the pre-treatment of feedstocks. Municipal organic waste feedstocks often have high plastic content if the collection of food wastes is in plastic bags. The pre-treatment system removes the inert contaminants and other non-digestible elements. The remaining contaminant-free organic slurry is processed through an AD system where, over a specific time period, the organics are converted into biogas and digester solids.

There are different types of pre-treatment and choosing the right one can be a complex endeavour. The right type of pre-treatment will depend on the particular features of the feedstock, specific site conditions and requirements (e.g. future expansion, energy and/or water recovery), as well as desired outputs.

Aside from the initial capital investment, it’s critical to consider both the long-term operating costs and possible income that can be generated from the plant. Selecting an inappropriate technology may result in long-term operational problems, poor or unstable chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and high operating costs.

Treating Organic Food Wastes at Wastewater Treatment Facilities

In addition to standalone anaerobic digestion facilities, organic food wastes can also be processed at wastewater treatment facilities. As many wastewater treatment facilities already have anaerobic digesters, more organics can be added when there is underutilized capacity. This option is particularly attractive to communities seeking to leverage existing municipal infrastructure. It’s also an option when neighbouring communities have organic wastes they want to divert from landfills.

Another option for processing municipal and commercial organic wastes is the use of on-farm digesters, at much lower volumes, however, given regulatory constraints. An additional possibility is the processing of an engineered bio slurry (EBS). This pre-treatment technology depackages organic wastes at transfer stations or other locales, then transports the organic slurry to a wastewater treatment facility , where it is injected into the anaerobic digesters. This process augments and/or bypasses the facility’s onsite pre-treatment process. While the EBS processing approach can be beneficial in that it can reduce the operational footprint and operational issues associated with the pre-treatment of organic waste streams, it is critical that the bio slurry be properly pre-processed to avoid contamination issues that could impact the biogas production and digestate.

As the demand for sustainability and resource efficiency grows in response to the climate crisis, Canadian municipalities are investing in comprehensive organic waste processing programs. These programs aim to extract maximum value from organic waste by offsetting operational costs, generating renewable energy from biogas and producing agriculturally beneficial byproducts, all part of a burgeoning circular economy.

However, these processing programs require complex planning and extensive knowledge across many areas, including processing of municipal and commercial food and yard wastes, wastewater treatment, sludge concentration, thermal processes, product marketing and distribution, land application and energy recovery.

Baker Tilly’s podcast series specifically for professionals in the multifamily housing industry

On this special post-election episode of BuzzHouse, Don Bernards sits down with David Gasson, executive director of the Housing Advisory Group, a national advocacy organization that works on behalf of the LIHTC, as well as broader housing issues. David provides insight on the implications of the 2024 election on the world of affordable housing – including leadership in housing policy-related Congressional committees, predictions on changes to the corporate tax rate, GSE reform, the status of CRA and much more. Press play and discover this informative and enlightening episode!

Multifamily housing resources

For articles, webinars and additional resources for developers, housing authorities, property managers, state housing credit agencies and lenders, visit Baker Tilly’s multifamily housing page.

SALT LAKE CITY, December 13, 2024 /3BL/ – KeyBank has awarded a $225,000 grant to NeighborWorks Salt Lake (NWSL), a Utah-based nonprofit organization that strengthens community neighborhoods through housing, resident leadership, youth, and economic development opportunities. KeyBank’s grant will bolster NWSL’s CareerWorks program, which creates medical career readiness employment opportunities for diverse populations in the Salt Lake community.

CareerWorks offers specialized healthcare career training to lower-income diverse community members so they can secure employment and opportunities for career advancement.

“Programs like CareerWorks equip our community citizens with the confidence and skills needed to kickstart successful medical careers, offering sustainable employment and quality medical care for our Utah citizens,” said Drew Yergensen, KeyBank Utah market president. “KeyBank is honored to support this valuable and much-needed community initiative.”

NWSL began CareerWorks during the Covid pandemic to support a local hospital in employing a diverse workforce. The program offers various training programs, including phlebotomy, certified nursing assistant, medical translation and more, and has a 95% completion rate.

“NeighborWorks Salt Lake is grateful for KeyBank’s support of our CareerWorks program. This partnership is vital to our mission of building stronger, more inclusive communities by empowering individuals through career readiness in the healthcare sector,” said Maria Garciaz, CEO of NeighborWorks Salt Lake. “CareerWorks not only opens doors to stable, meaningful employment for our diverse community members but also enriches our local healthcare system with skilled, compassionate professionals who represent the communities they serve. Together with KeyBank, we are creating pathways to opportunity and helping our neighbors thrive.”

About NWSL 
NeighborWorks Salt Lake is a 47-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities throughout Salt Lake County by providing affordable housing, supporting resident leadership, and fostering youth and economic development. With a focus on creating sustainable, inclusive neighborhoods, NeighborWorks offers programs that empower individuals and families, enhance economic stability, and promote long-term community resilience. Through partnerships, innovation, and a commitment to social equity, NeighborWorks Salt Lake continues to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of thousands of residents each year. For more information, visit https://www.nwsaltlake.org

About KeyCorp 
KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $190 billion at September 30, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

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In this episode, ESG Talk revisits key segments from the Climate Week series, spotlighting actionable solutions and industry insights. First, join hosts Steve Soter, Andie Wood, and Alyssa Zucker as they demystify greenhouse gas emissions and explore practical approaches to carbon accounting. Then, hear from Amelia DeLuca, Delta Air Lines’ chief sustainability officer, as she discusses Delta’s innovative strategies for reducing direct carbon emissions and advancing sustainable aviation fuel production in the airline industry.

Listen Now

Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. 

ESG Talk is brought to you by Workiva, the world’s only unified platform for financial reporting, ESG, audit, and risk. Learn more at workiva.com.

Written by Scott Brady, PE, National Manager – Technical Application Support, Eaton

To encourage safer electrical systems, the 2023 update to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B shifted from a “Recommended Practice” to a “Standard” that contains mandatory requirements for the development, implementation and operation of an electrical maintenance program (EMP).

In addition to covering all common electrical system components, the 2023 update to NFPA 70B includes specific guidance for the maintenance of:

Chapter 30 – Photovoltaic (PV) systemsChapter 31 – Wind power systems and associated equipmentChapter 32 – Battery energy storage systemsChapter 33 – Electric vehicle (EV) power transfer systems and associated equipment

I believe this new standard can help electrical system owners ensure they are getting the most out of their investments in energy transition technologies while protecting people and personnel. But what does the new standard entail? And how can you ensure your preventive maintenance plan is compliant? The first important thing to understand is how to properly assess the condition of your equipment.

Equipment condition assessment drives efficient preventive maintenance 

Chapter 10 of the NFPA 70B standard prescribes maintenance intervals for specific pieces of electrical componentry based on equipment condition assessment. This is an evolution of the table that previously existed in Annex L but goes a step further to consider the condition of the equipment being maintained, with factors including:

Equipment physical conditionCriticalityOperating environment

The equipment condition assessment (ECA) is driven by the HIGHEST value of these three conditions. For example, if equipment is designated “Condition 1” for electrical equipment and criticality but a “Condition 3” for operating environment it would use “Condition 3” durations for the ECA maintenance intervals.

NFPA 70B also requires a condition of maintenance indication to communicate the serviceability of the electrical equipment to electrical workers.

Maintenance intervals guide routine preventive maintenance

Once the equipment condition assessment is performed, Chapter 10 of NFPA 70B provides mandatory scopes of work and maintenance intervals broken out by product type. These requirements can be referenced in Table 10.1.2.1, which is in alphabetical order and provides the corresponding reference chapter for scope of work specifics.

It is important to note these maintenance intervals do not supersede manufacturer’s guidelines; they provide guidance only in the absence of information from the manufacturer.

For example, if a PV system received an Equipment Condition Assessment rating of condition 3 because it could be supporting a microgrid or emergency power system, the PV system requires visual inspection and regular electrical testing at an interval of every 12 months unless manufacturer guidelines advise otherwise.

What is electrical testing?

NFPA 70B requires detailed, prescriptive testing processes for preventive maintenance program compliance. These guidelines are described in Chapter 8: Field Testing and Test Methods.

Compared to previous versions of 70B, the update clearly defines testing category types in Section 8.3:

1 – Online standard test: Performed while the electrical equipment or device is connected to the source of supply.1A – Online enhanced test: Not typically performed in normal electrical maintenance activities and provides additional diagnostic information.2 – Offline standard test: Performed while the electrical equipment or device is disconnected from the source of supply or is connected to an external test voltage source of supply.”2A – Offline enhanced test: Typically not required but may be useful based on the application of the equipment or if there is a problem with the equipment. For example, a “rated hold-in” test in accordance with NEMA AB-4 might be performed on a molded case circuit breaker if the circuit breaker has been tripping under normal load conditions.

It is important to note that NFPA 70B provides the minimum requirements for preventive maintenance, which are superseded by manufacturer guidelines.

For instance, NFPA 70B states that testing trip functions is optional for circuit breakers 250A or less. And circuit breakers with electronic trip units that are rated or can be adjusted to 250A or over only require verification of the calibration of all the functions of the trip unit by means of the manufacturer’s specified test set.

At Eaton, we recognize the labor-intensive and accuracy challenges of testing circuit breakers using primary injection current that facilitated the development of electronic trip units. Modern electronic trip units feature built-in communications via USB connection for verification of the calibration of the trip functions being used, saving time and the cost of expensive test kits.

Intelligence and digitalization can help simplify electrical testing

In the 2023 NFPA 70B standard, language was added to allow continuous monitoring and predictive techniques to drive maintenance intervals compared to the tables provided.

For example, when taking trip function testing into consideration, modern advancements in intelligent trip units are revolutionizing the ability to monitor overall circuit breaker health. These trip units dramatically streamline traditional breaker inspection procedures, with an at-a-glance health indicator and powerful data analytics that detail the health condition of the breaker. The health analytics provide predictive maintenance diagnostics along with detailed reports on operations, short-circuits, overloads, temperature and more to help enhance system reliability.

These technologies can be applied in EV charging applications to provide remote load testing, time-stamped event summaries and high-speed event waveform captures with detailed event logging to simplify preventive maintenance.

Additionally, there are add-on devices you can implement to provide continuous, non-invasive online monitoring for switchgear, transformers, bus duct and cable connections commonly found in alternative energy applications. These devices provide predictive monitoring to help users make more informed safety and maintenance decisions.

Preventive maintenance supports a safer, more sustainable future

It’s been half a century since the first version of NFPA 70B was issued as a recommended practice. Today, the transition to a standard provides more enforceability for what shall be done when it comes to electrical equipment maintenance. That is a win-win for the reliability of electrical equipment and the overall safety of the electrical system for those individuals tasked with working on them.

For decades, Eaton has customers develop and implement preventive maintenance strategies to improve safety, uptime and compliance with local, state and national requirements. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need assistance understanding these new requirements or creating your own customized preventive maintenance program.

Contact:

Kristin Somers
+1.919.345.3714 
Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik
Cobblestone Communications
+1.412.559.1614
Regina@cobblecreative.com