Energy Efficiency

On May 16-17, the U.S. Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation an PYXERA Global, will host the 2016 Sustainability Forum, Better Business, Better World: Mainstreaming the Circular Economy in Washington, DC.

This is the fourth in a continuing blog series based on insights and findings from the Sodexo 2016 Workplace Trends Report. The Report examines nine key trends affecting business outcomes and the quality of life of employees and consumers. To learn more, access the full article: Smart Energy Management: A Win for the Environment, People and Business

On client detected a drop in pressure on their pipeline in Wisconsin. Approximately 1,302 barrels (54,684 gallons) of gasoline were released as a result of a pipeline seam failure. The spill was discovered in an area of farms, large homes and sub-divisions with over 200 potable wells within a one mile radius of the spill. Our client required immediate and large scale emergency response services and environmental support.

A flagship production facility faces significant water limitations poised to impact production and growth targets. The facility is currently the largest water user in the community and has plans to expand capacity. The total cost of water is increasing rapidly. In addition, water availability and allocation is also a contentious social issue. The company faces various water allocation scenarios, including the implications of compounding events such as severe droughts.

Thanks to Big Data, also known as the Internet of things, facilities management professionals can go beyond just monitoring temperature and air quality in a building. They can go as deep as monitoring keystrokes to report on productivity or analyzing vocal patterns in customer telephone interactions. The ability to collect data is nearly endless.

The 2016 Workplace Trends Report, which examines key trends impacting business, points out that while companies have the ability to closely monitor and track employees, they also need to be very transparent about what data is being collected and how it will be used to improve the company and its results, or it risks just creeping out their employees. Big Data must be coupled with Big Judgment to bring desired results.

The Land Institute is offering a $1000 prize for the best submission that addresses their specific design brief in the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge

As the countdown to World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour begins, individuals, businesses, cities and landmarks from around the globe prepare to switch off their lights for one hour to draw attention to the urgent need to address climate change.

Caterpillar Inc. and SunSelect Produce, Inc. today announced a strategic collaboration that will take the waste products of Caterpillar’s combined heat and power cogeneration facility in Mossville, Illinois, and put them to productive use in SunSelect hydroponic greenhouses. The greenhouse is expected to utilize excess thermal energy and carbon dioxide from ATPS’s natural gas fired turbines. The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals, satisfactory due diligence, permitting and closing conditions.

On May 16-17, the U.S. Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and PXYERA Global, will host the 2016 Sustainability Forum, Better Business, Better World: Mainstreaming the Circular Economy in Washington, DC.