A groundbreaking two-year project, “AI: Justice, Energy, Demand flexibility and AI for Sustainability” (JED-AI), is set to investigate how households can make informed energy-related decisions to contribute to the drive towards Net Zero. The project will explore the factors that influence household participation in energy demand flexibility services (DFS), such as shifting energy-intensive activities to times when renewable generation is high and tariffs are low. DFS helps balance demand and supply in the electricity network, promoting green energy use and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs), including solar panels, electric vehicles, heat pumps, smart energy-efficient appliances, and AI-driven energy management solutions, are crucial for achieving Net Zero. However, their adoption has been hindered by challenges in integrating them into daily household routines and ensuring effective use. JED-AI will integrate AI and social science analyses to develop just and sustainable interventions for energy demand flexibility. Researchers will monitor and evaluate both interdisciplinary processes and energy, justice, and sustainability outcomes, aiming to generate new insights into AI for the transition to Net Zero. Co-led by Professors Vladimir Stankovic and Lina Stankovic from the University of Strathclyde’s Electronic & Electrical Engineering department, the project is one of 36 breakthrough…
Maxter Constructora SRL has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art solid waste recovery plant in the community of Sánchez, Samaná province. The project, known as Sustainable Northeast, aims to transform waste management in the region and address longstanding environmental challenges. The plant will have the capacity to process 450 tons of waste per day, converting it into valuable resources through recycling, treatment, and the production of Waste Derived Fuel (CDR). The CDR will then be used to generate electricity for the national grid through a thermochemical reactor. Sustainable Northeast will be held in two key stages: First Stage: Construction and operation of the waste recovery plant, which will include recycling, treatment, recovery and storage of Waste Derivative Fuel (CDR). This phase will focus on the comprehensive waste management process. Second Phase: Construction and operation of a thermochemical reactor (GAS) that will be used by the CDR to produce electricity for the national electricity grid. The project has received environmental approval from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources following a rigorous one-year environmental impact assessment. The plant will operate under strict environmental standards, ensuring sustainable and efficient waste management. Former Major League Baseball star and environmental advocate, Mariano Rivera, is…
EcoMatcher Limited, a leader in digital tree-planting technology, and VNV Advisory Services, a renowned expert in sustainable development, have announced a strategic partnership to launch TREES+, a new initiative offering certified, transparent tree planting projects. The TREES+ program will provide customers with the ability to track and manage individual trees through EcoMatcher’s innovative platform while ensuring the highest environmental standards through Verra or Gold Standard certification. By combining EcoMatcher’s advanced technology with VNV’s expertise in sustainable development, the partnership aims to empower businesses to engage in impactful reforestation efforts. TREES+ projects will offer detailed information on each tree, including species, planting date, and location, enabling customers to offset their carbon footprint with verified and validated emission reductions. Initial TREES+ projects will be launched in Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Madagascar, with a focus on creating measurable and long-term environmental benefits. The Verra or Gold Standard certifications will guarantee the highest level of credibility and transparency for each project. “Our partnership with VNV, a global leader in carbon credit projects, marks a significant milestone in our mission to make tree planting transparent and impactful,” said Bas Fransen, CEO of EcoMatcher. “By ensuring that the projects are certified by Verra or Gold Standard,…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and FutureWater have embarked on a collaborative project to address climate change challenges in Turkmenistan. An initial delegation visit to Ashgabat in early July involved consultations with key government ministries to outline the project’s scope and objectives. The project aims to enhance Turkmenistan’s capacity to adapt to climate change through sustainable agricultural practices and improved environmental management. Key components include strengthening institutional frameworks, implementing climate adaptation measures, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, leveraging digital technologies in water management, and promoting space technology applications. FutureWater will conduct a comprehensive assessment of climate-related hazards and vulnerabilities to inform the project’s focus areas. The project’s structure will encompass monitoring and modeling, implementation of targeted interventions, and capacity building in modern practices. ADB and Turkmen officials emphasized the importance of a practical and collaborative approach to maximize the project’s impact. Turkmenistan highlighted its previous successful partnerships with the ADB in nature conservation, food production, and agriculture, expressing confidence in the potential of this new collaboration. This initiative marks a significant step towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for Turkmenistan.
Tech giant IBM (NYSE: IBM) and real estate services leader JLL (NYSE: JLL) announced a collaborative effort today, unveiling a global sustainability solution designed specifically for the commercial real estate (CRE) sector. This new offering combines JLL’s established sustainability services, including decarbonization strategies, with IBM’s cutting-edge Envizi technology. This powerful duo provides CRE organizations with a comprehensive solution for managing and reporting ESG data across their real estate portfolios. Addressing the Sustainability Data Gap The solution comes at a critical time. JLL’s research report, “The Green Tipping Point,” predicts significant growth in demand for sustainable office space within the next 24 months. However, another report by the IBM Institute for Business Value, “The ESG Data Conundrum,” identifies a concerning gap in integrating ESG metrics into core business functions across organizations. With IBM Envizi, CRE companies can bridge this gap. The solution empowers them to capture and manage crucial ESG data, enabling informed decision-making and transparent public reporting on their sustainability efforts. Enhanced Sustainability Performance for JLL Clients JLL recognizes the vital role robust data management plays in helping clients achieve their sustainability goals. This collaboration makes IBM Envizi a key component of their existing Sustainability Program Management solution. With the…
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has announced a new mangrove planting project in Indonesia, partnering with YL Forest Co., Ltd. (YLF) to implement its proprietary silvofishery method. This three-year initiative aims to plant 215 hectares (approximately 370,000 trees) of mangroves, contributing to biodiversity, carbon neutrality, and marine pollution prevention. YLF’s unique silvofishery approach combines mangrove reforestation with aquaculture, creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both the environment and local communities. By planting mangroves in abandoned aquaculture ponds, the project supports biodiversity, improves livelihoods through sustainable fishing, and sequesters significant amounts of carbon dioxide. One of the four items in the Company’s Marine Long-Term Vision is “Towards a future with a greater ocean than the current one of today.” As a marine industry leader, Yamaha Motor will continue working to preserve the world’s beautiful waters in order to achieve this goal. *Carbon absorbed into coastal and marine ecosystems that accumulates in the biomass and soil below it. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local community in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, by providing sustainable income opportunities and enhancing the overall well-being of residents. Yamaha Motor will continue to invest in environmental initiatives and contribute to the preservation of marine…
Air Liquide and Dunkerque LNG have received a significant boost for their carbon capture and storage project, D’Artagnan. The European Commission has pledged over €160 million in funding as part of the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E) program. D’Artagnan is a key element of the wider “Cap Décarbonation” initiative, aiming to slash CO2 emissions by 1.5 million tonnes annually in the Dunkirk industrial basin. The project involves: This new terminal, jointly operated by Air Liquide and Dunkerque LNG, will liquefy CO2 for shipment to permanent North Sea storage sites. The design allows other regional industries to join the project, with a potential future capacity of up to 4 million tonnes per year – equivalent to over 5% of French industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Emilie Mouren-Renouard, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee and Chief Executive Officer of the Europe Industries Hub, said: “Today is the first time that a CO2 infrastructure project in France receives support from the European Union. Together with our partner Dunkerque LNG we are delighted with this major milestone! Decarbonizing industry will be pivotal to achieving the European Union objective of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030. This is why we are involved in the D’Artagnan…
Terraformation, a forest restoration company, has partnered with Grosvenor, a UK property business, to sell the first carbon credits from its Seed to Carbon Forest Accelerator program. The project, known as Regenerative Development of Anlo Wetlands (ReDAW), will restore 1,536 hectares of mangroves in Ghana’s Keta Lagoon. Funded by Grosvenor, the project is expected to sequester over 1 million tonnes of CO2 by 2064, with an initial credit sale generating 15,000 tonnes at an average price of nearly $50 per tonne. Payments are structured to support the first two years of forest restoration. Beyond carbon capture, ReDAW will deliver significant benefits for local communities. The project will create full-time jobs, with over half filled by women, and train 350 people in planting and caring for the mangroves. Additionally, the project will promote regenerative aquaculture, agriculture, and beekeeping, leading to increased food security and environmental resilience. Joella Korczak, Chief Programme Officer, ReDAW, said: “The land in this area is prone to floods in the wet seasons and extended drought periods in the dry season. Restoring mangrove forests offers flood resilience through natural water management. The improved ecological function and enhanced fisheries resulting from more mangroves contribute to increased food production, ensuring…
Global real estate leader CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE) has announced a strategic partnership with Climate X, a risk analysis platform. This collaboration will provide CBRE’s clients with enhanced climate risk assessments, leading to more informed sustainability strategies. This agreement allows CBRE’s sustainability specialists to leverage Climate X’s data and translate complex climate risk scenarios into actionable insights. Clients will benefit from a clearer understanding of potential climate threats at specific locations, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their property investments and operations. “Companies are operating in a world of increasing climate risks while also trying to advance their efforts to reduce emissions across their portfolios. This challenge will become more daunting as global temperatures continue to rise. We are simplifying complexity for our clients through a transparent, end-to-end approach to climate risk assessments and decarbonization strategies at a global and asset level,” said Rob Bernard, CBRE’s chief sustainability officer. Climate X’s platform provides valuable data on various local climate hazards such as coastal flooding, drought, extreme heat, landslides, storms, and wildfires. This data will enhance CBRE’s ability to assist clients in calculating capital expenditure needs and potential returns on investment for building retrofits or acquisitions that improve resilience and…
In a collaborative effort to celebrate Earth Day and champion environmental stewardship, Project Management Institute (PMI), a leading authority on project management, and Evertreen, the online tree planting platform, have joined forces for a groundbreaking initiative. This significant environmental project will see the planting of 28,500 trees in Kenya. This initiative not only marks the anniversaries of 57 PMI chapters worldwide, but also embodies a powerful commitment to sustainable practices by both organizations. The selection of Kenya for this project was strategic. Facing the challenges of deforestation and climate change, the area has a critical need for ecological restoration. The tree planting initiative aims to achieve a multitude of positive outcomes: By working together, Evertreen and PMI are demonstrating the immense potential of collaborative action, leveraging technology and community to drive impactful environmental change. Evertreen brings its innovative technology to the table, enabling individuals and companies to plant trees remotely while tracking their growth via satellite imagery. PMI, with its extensive network of project professionals around the world, utilizes its global reach and resources to amplify the project’s impact. “We are thrilled to work with PMI, an organization that exemplifies leadership and commitment in their field, on this transformative project,”…
