Top Stories

March 21, 2014

Responsible Investment

Sustainability rising up agenda for real estate investors

European real estate investors are increasingly considering sustainability when developing or investing in new buildings, and also recognise the benefits of real estate with a green certification scheme. The findings, published in a report called ‘Towards a Greener Future’, come from a survey conducted by DLA Piper. According to the report, real estate is responsible for the majority of Europe’s carbon emissions. As a result, the industry embracing sustainable practices and reducing pollution could have a significant impact on Europe’s overall emission targets. Survey responses found that market demand from occupiers – rather than issues such as government legislation – was the driving force behind delivering sustainable real estate. Sustainability has become a key issue for occupiers who are thinking about energy efficiency and their carbon footprint, and this is impacting on investors. (Blue and Green Tomorrow)

 

Energy

Scotland gives green light to world’s ‘third largest’ offshore wind farm

The Scottish government has approved the 326-turbine Outer Moray Firth wind farm, which could power more than 1 million homes and become the third largest offshore wind farm in the world. The project is set to create more than 4,500 jobs and generate up to £2.5 billion for the Scottish economy. The initiative will contribute to Scotland’s ambitions to achieve a 30% renewable energy target and generate 100% clean electricity by 2020. Scottish energy minister Fergus Ewing said, “Offshore renewables represent a huge opportunity for Scotland, an opportunity to build up new industries and to deliver on our ambitious renewable energy and carbon reduction targets.” Richard Dixon, director of Friends of the Earth Scotland, added that the decision was good news for renewable energy in Scotland. “Harnessing the huge energy in winds around Scotland’s coast is a major step forward in the fight against climate change. These two schemes alone could provide 40% of Scotland’s peak power needs on a windy day”, he said. (Blue and Green Tomorrow)

 

Ford to gather data on energy use, driving patterns at new employee EV charging stations

Ford Motor Company has announced a partnership with GE through which it will install electric vehicle charging stations at more than 60 of its offices, product development campuses and manufacturing facilities across the US and Canada. Ford’s Director of Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure, Mike Tinskey, said that “we know that a growing electrified vehicle infrastructure is key to making plug-in vehicles a viable option for more consumers. Ford is committed to doing its part to help develop that infrastructure.” The service will be free to employees for the first four hours of charging each day. Ford estimates it will cost about 50 cents to fully charge each vehicle. Tinskey said the Ford-GE initiative differs from other workplace charging options in that the stations will be networked to gather data on usage and plan for future installations. (Sustainable Brands)

 

African Renewable Energy Fund launches with $100 million

The African Renewable Energy Fund (AREF) has launched with $100 million for the development of renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa. The fund, set to be managed by Berkley Energy Africa, will be distributed to independent power producers (IPPS) for 5- to 50-MW solar, small hydro, wind, geothermal, biomass and waste gas projects. AREF hopes to raise an additional $100 million for the fund within the next 12 months. The African Development Bank is the fund’s lead sponsor, contributing $65 million. Other investors include the African Biofuel and Renewable Energy Company, the West African Development Bank, Dutch development bankFMO, and the US-based Calvert Foundation. “The launch of a first pan-African dedicated renewable energy fund, with a center of gravity in Africa, sourcing a majority of its capital from Africa at an exciting time in the evolution of macro-economic factors in Africa’s favor, presents a propitious environment for the investment of AREF,” said Berkeley Energy’s managing partner TC Kundi. (Renewable Energy World)

Community Investment

Halfords launches “bikes to Africa” recycling initiative

Unwanted bicycles will be donated to several countries in Africa under a new initiative launched by UK retailerHalfords. The Colchester-based charity Re-Cycle is running collections at the retailer’s branches across the UK until 24 March. Donated bikes will be repaired and overhauled before being shipped to Africa, and people who donate their bikes will also get a 10% discount off a new one.  Re-Cycle said that the bicycles will offer people a route out of poverty, giving them opportunities to travel to work, healthcare locations and school.  Halfords corporate social responsibility manager Emma Thomas said the retailer wanted to link up with a charity that had links to the UK and Ireland and one that dealt with bicycles – its core business.  Thomas explained that Re-Cycle offers its partners a “sustainable solution” and helps to train mechanics in Africa to improve their bike maintenance skills. (Edie)

 

COMMENTS