Sixty-eight of the largest and most iconic US corporations, from steelmakers to retailers to technology giants, have joined a White House-initiated pledge to reduce carbon emissions and support a strong United Nations climate deal on global warming. American Express, Alcoa, Facebook, Siemens, Best Buy, General Motors, the Walt Disney Co., Kellogg and Xerox are some of the companies that signed the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, joining an original group of 13 US multinationals that pledged in July to mitigate global warming and back a UN pact. “What struck me is the number, range of geographic diversity and the political spectrum that the companies come from,” said Mars Chief Sustainability Officer, Barry Parkin. “They’ve done the math and they see what’s been happening in their supply chains.” The candy maker committed to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from across its global operations by 2040 and by this year send no more waste to landfills. Companies that signed on to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge have a combined market capitalization of $5 trillion and collective annual revenues of $3 trillion, according to the White House. (Greenbiz)
EPA honours 2015 Green Power Leaders
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the winners of its annual Green Power Leadership Awards, recognizing 22 Green Power Partners and three renewable energy suppliers across the country – including Apple, Microsoft, TD Bank, Intel, Kohl’s, the National Hockey League and Northwestern University – for achievements in advancing the nation’s renewable energy market and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives range from using green power to meet more than 100 percent of electricity needs to installing solar arrays on-site or entering long-term power purchase agreements. “These organisations are leading the way in cutting US greenhouse gas emissions, acting on climate change, and protecting public health by using billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Green power is a smart and accessible business investment that reduces emissions while growing the renewable energy market and spurring innovation.” (Thomson Reuters)
EU on track for 24 percent emissions cut by 2020
The European Union is on track to overreach its 2020 greenhouse gas targets by 50 percent, a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report shows, with the bloc having already surpassed the 20 percent goal last year. The most recent projections by Member States show emissions were already 23 percent lower than 1990 levels in 2014. Overall the EU is now heading for a 24 percent reduction by 2020. However, if additional measures already planned by EU states are included, emissions are expected to fall by 25 percent. Miguel Arias Cañete, EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, said the results “spoke for themselves”. “Europe succeeded in cutting emissions by 23 percent between 1990 and 2014 while the European economy grew by 46 percent over the same period,” he said in a statement. “We have shown consistently that climate protection and economic growth go hand in hand.” However the report noted that low emissions in 2014 were partly due to an unusually warm year, which lowered energy demand. (Business Green)
Waste
Scotland’s plastic bag charge slashes use by 80 percent
The number of single use carrier bags taken home by shoppers in Scotland dropped by 650 million after a five charity pence levy was introduced last year. Supermarkets Morrisons, the Co-operative and Waitrose say they have seen an 80 percent drop, while Asda reported a 90 percent reduction. Sainsbury’s saw a 100 percent reduction of single use bags as they no longer offer them to shoppers. Scotland’s Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said the charge has been a “major success”. “I thank Scotland for embracing this policy and showing we’re serious about tackling litter, reducing waste and creating a cleaner, greener environment for everyone to enjoy,” he said. All retailers are being urged to sign up to Scotland’s carrier bag commitment, an open database launched by Zero Waste Scotland that allows anyone to see where donations are being made. At least £6.7 million has been donated to good causes already as a result of the charge. Earlier this month, England became the final UK country to start charging for plastic bags. However, the English scheme includes a number of exemptions, including for any business with fewer than 250 employees. (Business Green)
Responsible Investment
Google invests in Africa’s largest wind farm
Google has announced plans to take a 12.5 percent stake in Africa’s largest wind farm, Lake Turkana, once the project becomes operational in 2017. The firm will purchase its stake from Danish turbine manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems, becoming the project’s third largest investor. The investment marks Google’s second foray into renewable energy in Africa. In 2013 the internet giant invested $12 million into the continent’s largest solar PV plant, a 96 Megawatt installation in South Africa. In total, Google said it has invested $2 billion in 22 clean energy projects around the world, including investment in rooftop solar and data centres powered by renewable energy. In a blog post, Google said it was “as optimistic as ever” about the potential for clean energy. “We’ve continued to see a big opportunity in fast-growing markets with rich renewable energy resources, where both the need and the potential are great,” it said. Once completed, Lake Turkana will deliver 310MW of clean power to Kenya’s grid. Google said the project would also help reduce Kenya’s reliance on fossil fuels and diesel-powered generators. (Business Green)
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