Climate Action

In 2016, we developed our first global emissions reduction goal, which is an absolute goal to reduce Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2025 and 50% by 2035, using a baseline year of 2015. Scope 2 emissions result from the electricity we purchase and consume in our offices.

Following commitments to 100% renewable electricity and ZERO carbon emissions at its breweries, Carlsberg asked itself whether it was possible to develop the most climate-friendly bar in the world. The answer? Probably!

As part of 170 hours of celebration to mark the brewer’s 170 years anniversary, Carlsberg has built a ZERO Carbon Windmill Bar at the historical Carlsberg District in Copenhagen.

The bar is powered completely by an integrated windmill and in true Danish-style, an attached bicycle which consumers can use to generate enough power to pour their beer in case of no wind. Following the recent Carlsberg advert starring Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen biking through Copenhagen, the sustainability innovation sends a clear signal to Carlsberg’s Danish provenance.

Cox Communications and The Trust for Public Land are recognizing volunteers who are creating, preserving or enhancing shared outdoor spaces. Finalists for Louisiana’s Cox Conserves Heroes program were announced today, and the public is being asked to vote for the winner now through Sept. 14. To vote, visit CoxConservesHeroes.com and select the Louisiana area. A total of $20,000 will be donated to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the three finalists.

For water utilities, information is power. View expert insights on on data analytics, water infrastructure and customer engagement and more from 2017 Strategic Directions: Water Industry Report.

Despite contemporary obstacles on the road to climate action, companies, non-profits and cities recognize addressing climate change is important and are continuing their work to achieve climate success. Holly Emerson, Ingersoll Rand senior sustainability analyst, shares 3 strategies to help businesses achieve a low-carbon future. She recommends establishing a long-term climate commitment, empowering customers to reduce their carbon footprints and encouraging authentic employee engagement.

NRG Energy operates the Cedar Bayou EcoCenter on Galveston Bay in Texas to increase public awareness of the needs of the ecosystem, offer wetland education and develop solutions for coastal issues and restoration.

Objectives for developing alternative water supplies to increase availability and improve water system resilience continue as top priorities for resource stakeholders. This year more than 50 percent of Strategic Directions: Water Industry Report respondents cited resiliency as an increasingly important driver for ensuring reliable water system delivery.

Last week, the Trump administration formally notified the UN of its intention to withdraw from the Paris agreement. It was an empty gesture, because no party can actually withdraw until November 2020 (right after the next US presidential election). What matters is this: the US is on pace to reach the commitment we made under the agreement – and there is nothing Washington can do to stop us.

In a compelling analysis of the factors that affect how much the ocean will rise along California’s coast in coming decades, a seven-member team of experts led by UC Santa Cruz geologist Gary Griggs has issued a report on the best-available sea-level rise science.