Week of 01 13 2017
Somewhat independent of what is taking place in Washington, this week’s news highlights the fact that the trend toward sustainability is building momentum. Large corporations are delivering on sustainability targets and a large number of businesses and investors are advocating for the Paris Climate Accords. At the same time, Western States have established a common vehicle charge network and renewables have reached cost and investment parity with fossil fuels. (JHN)
Large Corporations Are Driving America’s Renewable Energy Boom (Greentech Media)
“A December report by Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) found that 71 of the Fortune 100 companies currently have renewable energy or sustainability targets, up from 60 companies just two years ago. Commitments among Fortune 500 companies have held steady over the past two years at 43 percent…
Of the Fortune 500 companies, AEE reports that 22 have committed to powering all of their operations with renewable energy, including Wal-Mart and General Motors. A total of 83 companies from around the world have now committed to going 100 percent renewable through the RE100 initiative…
In a changing political landscape—with a new Republican administration and Congress that’s hostile to climate action—corporations stand to play a leading role in advocating for low-carbon energy resources at the national level.”
Business Backs Low-Carbon USA (CERES)
Over 630 members of the business and investment community, many with more than $100 million in annual revenues or more than $5 billion in assets under management, signed on to a letter to President-Elect Trump reaffirming support for the Paris Climate Agreement.
“…We want the US economy to be energy efficient and powered by low-carbon energy. Cost-effective and innovative solutions can help us achieve these objectives. Failure to build a low-carbon economy puts American prosperity at risk. But the right action now will create jobs and boost US competitiveness. We pledge to do our part, in our own operations and beyond, to realize the Paris Agreement’s commitment of a global economy that limits global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius.”
Colorado Partners with Utah, Nevada to Develop Electric Vehicle Charge Network (SustainableCitiesCollective)
“Governors from Colorado, Utah, and Nevada this week unveiled plans to link their states via an electric vehicle charging network that will span 2,000 miles across eight highways…The hope is that a combined effort will minimize costs, ensure technological consistency, alleviate range anxiety and grow the emissions-free transportation market in those states. The three states already have electric vehicle outreach programs and combine for more than 10,000 cars on the road.”
…Renewables Reach Grid Parity… (Sustainable Brands)
“…Renewable energy has reached a tipping point — it now constitutes the best chance to reverse global warming,” said Michael Drexler, Head of Long Term Investing, Infrastructure and Development at the World Economic Forum…It is not only a commercially viable option, but an outright compelling investment opportunity with long-term, stable, inflation-protected returns…
…Solar and wind costs have dropped significantly in the last three years, and are now on par with coal and natural gas, according to analysis by the World Economic Forum…
In 2015 alone, $285.9 billion flowed through the renewables industry, a 5 percent increase over 2014 and more than what was invested in fossil fuels says the United Nations Environmental Program.”