ENVIRONMENT

Energy

Brands Taking Stands

Solar Power Reaches New Heights in 2024: Some Big News You May Have Missed

The solar energy sector is seeing major global growth, with a host of large-scale projects coming online and new discoveries with the potential to revolutionize the industry even further.

Mary Mazzoni

June 12, 2024

Energy

Honda Pursues a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solution to the E-Waste Challenge

Electric vehicle batteries are adding more electronic waste to an already overwhelmed recycling stream. Honda is looking to ease that strain with new hydrogen fuel cell projects.

Tina Casey

May 3, 2024

Energy

'Solar For All' Grants Could Boost Community Solar by 25 Percent

Following $20 billion in grant disbursals last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to announce the winners of the $7 billion Solar For All competition any day. The program could boost community solar by more than 25 percent in the U.S., according to a recent analysis.

Gary E. Frank

April 11, 2024

Energy

Schools and Shopping Malls Can Help Marginalized Communities Go Solar

Installing solar panels on commercial and public buildings like schools, malls and factories could provide a fifth of the power that disadvantaged communities need, bringing renewable energy to people who can least afford it, according to a recent study by Stanford University.

Sachi Kitajima Mulkey

April 9, 2024

Energy

5 Unusual Ways to Decarbonize the Shipping Industry Right Now

The transition to cleaner fuel is just one way to decarbonize the shipping industry. New retrofit technologies are emerging that can significantly reduce shipping emissions with less wait time.

Tina Casey

February 12, 2024

Energy

Will Sustainable Aviation Fuel Help the Industry Reach its Net-Zero Goals?

The aviation industry is one of the hardest to decarbonize. Sustainable aviation fuel is a viable solution. Will production increase and price decrease fast enough for the industry to reach net zero by 2050?

Abha Malpani Naismith

February 1, 2024

Energy

5 New Sustainable Sources for Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is an important part of the global energy transition, and innovators are making it greener by developing systems that can use impure water instead of fresh water. Here are five emerging water-for-hydrogen developments that show promise.

Tina Casey

January 26, 2024

Energy

5 Wind Power Trends to Watch in 2024

Wind power accounts for about 10 percent of the electricity in the U.S., representing a remarkable growth spurt in recent years. Competition for land can pose hurdles, but wind industry innovators are coming up with solutions that open up new pathways for rapid growth.

Tina Casey

January 18, 2024

Energy

Should Refillable Packaging Be the New Norm?

Doesn't It Produce More Carbon Emissions? Busting Common Myths About Refillable Packaging

While billions of beverages are sold in refillable bottles around the world, there's still a lot of confusion about how these systems work and if they really reduce environmental impact compared to selling drinks in single-use bottles.

Mary Mazzoni

January 10, 2024

Energy

How Diversity Can Grow the Clean Energy Workforce

The American Council on Renewable Energy recently launched an outreach effort aimed at including more women- and minority-owned firms in its powerful network. The results are already successful and somewhat surprising.

Tina Casey

December 22, 2023

Energy

Waste Could Replace Trees for Key Products, But Will the Transition Happen Fast Enough?

“Deforestation is a relic of the 20th century and needs to be left back there,” said Nicole Rycroft, founder and executive director at Canopy, an environmental organization dedicated to ending deforestation by connecting companies with next-generation solutions.

Riya Anne Polcastro

December 11, 2023

Energy

COP28 is a Defining Moment for the Oil Industry 

The global COP28 climate talks are a key moment for the oil sector to reassess its trajectory and reckon with the unavoidable truth that, ultimately, it is the burning of fossil fuels that is driving the climate crisis.  

Andrew Logan

December 6, 2023

Energy

COP28: What to Expect at This Year's Global Climate Talks

We spoke with teams at Oxfam, World Resources Institute, World Wildlife Fund, 350.org and Rainforest Alliance to understand the pivotal topics set to be addressed at the global climate talks this year.

Abha Malpani Naismith

November 29, 2023

Energy

Business Can't Ignore These Unavoidable Truths at COP28

With our window of opportunity to address climate change dwindling, many business leaders want a better understanding of where we stand, why we fall short, and what we can do to close the gap. In response, the lead of private-sector engagement at WWF offers two fundamental truths.

Sheila Bonini

November 29, 2023

Energy

Millions of Old EV Batteries Could Find a New Home on Solar Farms

This California startup is looking to prove the feasibility of giving electric vehicle batteries a second life as stationary energy storage before they are recycled.

Gabriela Aoun Angueira

November 27, 2023

Energy

It Takes a Village: The Evolution of a Homegrown Solution to Ocean Plastic Pollution

Sungai Watch, an environmental organization started by three siblings, is taking a human-based approach to tackling the plastic pollution problem in rivers across Indonesia.

Carl Nettleton

November 17, 2023

Energy

The Push to Upgrade the World's Washing Machines and Keep Microplastics Out of the Ocean

The startup PlanetCare is among those innovating to address the microplastics that are released when doing laundry. PlanetCare's external filter can attach to any washing machine and capture plastic microfibers before they end up as pollution in our waterways.

Riya Anne Polcastro

November 7, 2023

Energy

We Can’t Rely on Technology to Solve Plastic Waste

No mainstream solution exists to recycle sachets — the flexible pouches that hold single-servings of liquid or gel products. As brands are challenged to ensure the waste created from their sales is handled properly, technology alone isn't solving the problem.

Nithin Coca

November 6, 2023

Energy

Students On Board Floating Classroom Are Cleaning Up the Mississippi River

For more than a decade, Living Lands and Waters, an environmental nonprofit devoted to cleaning up the Mississippi River, has combined its efforts with education through a classroom on a river barge. Over 24,000 students have participated in the nonprofit's workshops since 2012.

Gary E. Frank

November 3, 2023

Energy

Hydrogen from Biomass: Beyond Decarbonization

Creating hydrogen from biomass, like forest waste, is a rising alternative to using natural gas. It has the potential to open up new economic development opportunities while decarbonizing the supply chain.

Tina Casey

November 2, 2023

Energy

A Hurricane’s Wrath Sparks the Vision for a Net-Zero Convention Center

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy left up to a foot of contaminated water inside the Javits Center in New York City, one of the nation’s busiest convention centers. The building's transformation from a flood-damaged behemoth to a model of sustainability for the net-zero built environment a story worth watching.

Amy Brown

October 17, 2023

Energy

Scientists Coax Sustainable Fuel from Seawater, Now the Hard Part Begins 

Scientists cracked the code for extracting green hydrogen from ordinary seawater. Now some are looking to install seawater-to-hydrogen systems on offshore wind farms to double up on positive impact.

Tina Casey

October 16, 2023

Energy

Will the Sustainable Fish Farm of the Future Be On Land?

Founded in the small town of Hvide Sande, Denmark, in 2010, Atlantic Sapphire is among the companies looking toward a more sustainable future for fish farming on land.

Riya Anne Polcastro

October 11, 2023

Energy

Rethinking How We Think About Disasters

Recent scenes from New York City of stranded cars, closed subways and pedestrians in hip-deep water are shocking, but unfortunately they should no longer come as a surprise.

Darius Nassiry and Lauren Kovach Geraghty

October 6, 2023

Energy

Biochar is a ‘Shovel-Ready’ Climate Solution, But Is It Ready to Scale?

Biochar is rare on American farms, yet it has become a focal point in the movement to turn agriculture into a climate solution.

Max Graham

October 2, 2023

Energy

Patagonia's Search for a Better Wetsuit is What Sustainability Should Be

Made with natural rubber and a focus on repairability, Patagonia’s Yulex wetsuits depart from the single-season neoprene versions that dominate the market.

Riya Anne Polcastro

September 28, 2023

Sponsored

Building a Sustainable Future Through Material Innovation

Solving the Wind Industry's Waste Problem

With first-generation wind turbines reaching end-of-life, questions loom over how to properly handle the waste they create. While wind turbines are up to 90 percent recyclable, turbine blades in particular present the biggest challenge. 

Phil Covington

September 25, 2023

Sponsored

Building More Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains, Today and Into the Future

Regenerative Cotton Makes an Impact: Just Ask Brands Like the North Face

A collaboration among farmers, scientists, and businesses are applying scientific rigor and data quantification to measure the positive outcomes attained when farmers utilize regenerative practices to grow cotton.

3p Editors

September 22, 2023

Energy

The IRS Has the Power to Unlock the Future of Heat Pumps

A technicality with the IRS is preventing access to one of the most sustainable sources of heating and cooling available: geothermal heat pumps.

Mary Riddle

September 22, 2023

Energy

NYC Mayor on Climate Crisis: ‘Desperation is Inspiration’

“Desperation is inspiration,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said today as he convened multiple sustainability events running parallel to the United Nations General Assembly.  

Dave Armon

September 18, 2023

Sponsored

Building a Sustainable Future Through Material Innovation

Glass Innovation Relies On Recycling

Glass can be recycled over and over without losing quality, making it a great foundation material for the circular economy. But the supply of crushed post-consumer glass — also known as cullet — is at risk. 

Mark Leo

September 14, 2023

Energy

This Washing Machine Filter Gulps Up Microplastics

Gulp’s laundry filter is the first sustainable, microfiber filter of its kind. And it catches up to 90% of microplastic particles from each load of laundry. 

Gary E. Frank

September 8, 2023

Energy

A Spark from the Ashes: Ways to Prevent Wildfires

Wildfires are occurring more frequently and devouring more land. But education, mitigation, and early-detection tactics can benefit local environments while preventing future fires.

Ruscena Wiederholt

September 7, 2023

Sponsored

Pursuing Net-Positive

Corporate 100 Percent Renewable Energy Goals: From Ambition to Implementation

Companies around the world are looking to meet 100 percent of their energy needs with renewable sources in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change. But what are the next steps once the commitments are down on paper, and how do companies move from good intentions to action? 

Mary Riddle

September 5, 2023

Sponsored

A Clean Energy Revolution in Agriculture and Construction is Here

Clean Tractors and the Energy-Independent Farm of the Future

By turning methane emissions into biomethane fuel, livestock farmers can improve manure handling systems while decarbonizing tractors and other equipment.

3p Editors

September 5, 2023

Energy

Long-Duration Energy Storage Connects the Wind and Solar Dots in Texas

Long-duration systems can produce electricity from wind and solar resources on a steady basis, regardless of the weather or time of day. Texas' vast wind and solar resources make it an ideal place to establish new long-duration energy storage systems. It's already one of the top states in energy storage capacity.

Tina Casey

August 31, 2023

Energy

A Million Acres and Growing: Certifying a Holistic Approach to Regenerative Agriculture

Leading the charge in regenerative agriculture, this program has certified over a million acres across 140 farms in just three years.

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 29, 2023

Sponsored

Everything You Need to Know About Sustainability in the Tire Industry

The Journey from Recovery to Circularity for the Tire Industry

New, more valuable use opportunities for end-of-life tires could provide even more incentives for tire recycling and help further build circularity and sustainability into the tire lifecycle at the global level.

3p Editors

August 24, 2023

Sponsored

Decarbonizing the Maritime Industry

As New Opportunities Emerge, the U.S. Offshore Wind Industry is Ready for Takeoff

A look at the current landscape indicates offshore wind will exercise a strong and sustainable influence over business growth and job creation in the U.S. in the years to come, while also helping to shepherd the global economy into a more sustainable energy profile.

Tina Casey

August 17, 2023

Sponsored

What the World Can Learn From New Zealand About Sustainable Agriculture

New Zealand is Reducing Agricultural Emissions By Building Efficiency

New Zealand’s government has an ambitious plan for its agricultural sector to be “the world’s most sustainable provider of high-value food and fiber products.” The roadmap for the sector includes targets such as adding $44 billion to food and fiber exports by 2030 while slashing sector emissions by 10 percent. 

Mary Riddle

August 16, 2023

Energy

Seven Clean Seas Tackles the Massive World of Plastic Pollution

A growing pool of innovators are focused on cleaning up the rivers of plastic pollution flowing into the world’s oceans, including those behind the social enterprise Seven Clean Seas. Based in Southeast Asia, it’s built a business around environmental cleanup, social responsibility and the circular economy.

Ruscena Wiederholt

August 14, 2023

Energy

Our Addiction to Nitrogen Fertilizers Undermines the Planet’s Health: What Are the Alternatives?

Nitrogen fertilizers contributed to the rapid growth and high productivity of farming over the last century, while also raising alarm bells over their environmental impacts. It’s past time to implement alternative solutions that address food insecurity without harming the environment, this microbiologist argues.

Yoram Kapulnik

August 11, 2023

Energy

With Agrivoltaics, Farmers Can Harvest Food and Energy Together: So, How Does It Work?

With the effects of the climate crisis felt around the world, prevention cannot remain the sole focus. We have to adapt, too. Agrivoltaics marries mitigation and adaptation by using the same plot of land for agricultural production and solar energy generation.

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 10, 2023

Energy

Plastic Pollution is Plaguing Coral Reefs. What Can Be Done?

A team of researchers found that plastic makes up 88 percent of the debris in coral reefs — and 73 percent of that plastic is fishing gear. But Lucy Woodall, co-author of the study, says it's not all bad news: Now that we know more about the problem, we can make more informed decisions to solve it.

Mary Riddle

July 28, 2023

Sponsored

Building a Sustainable Future Through Material Innovation

From Ambition to Action: Owens Corning Moves to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Owens Corning met more than half of its electricity needs with renewable sources last year, on the way to 100 percent by 2030. We spoke with Julie Childers, the company's director of sustainability, to learn more about its progress so far and what other business leaders can learn from it.

Gary E. Frank

July 25, 2023

Energy

This Effort Targets Methane Reductions on Smallholder Farms

Smallholder farms produce a third of the world’s food. Naturally, they also produce about a third of agricultural greenhouse gases. But only a small fraction of climate finance is dedicated to these farms. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) aims to combat this dynamic with a new initiative.

Riya Anne Polcastro

July 24, 2023

Sponsored

What the World Can Learn From New Zealand About Sustainable Agriculture

Our Land, Our Farms, Our Future: Healthy Land Means Healthy People

New Zealand is proud of its M?ori heritage and its commitment to the concept of 'Te Taiao.' This belief calls for a deep responsibility for the natural world, including the health of the climate, land, water and all living systems. Michael Wan of the farmer-owned industry organization Beef + Lamb New Zealand explains more.

Michael Wan

July 20, 2023

Energy

Honey Bees May Soon Take Probiotics to Improve Their Health

In the largest field trial of its kind, Seed Health's probiotic blend for honey bees improved the insects' immune resilience against environmental stressors like infectious diseases and pesticides.

Gary E. Frank

July 18, 2023

Energy

Brands Taking Stands

This Model Makes Energy Storage Accessible for People of All Incomes

Rooftop solar and battery energy storage can help households deal with rising power prices and increasingly frequent outages tied to natural disasters, but solar+storage systems are economically out of reach for many people. Silicon Valley startup Electriq Power is looking to close the gap.

Mary Mazzoni

July 12, 2023

Sponsored

A Clean Energy Revolution in Agriculture and Construction is Here

Electrifying Agriculture and Construction, One Machine at a Time

With their reliance on massive combines and other large pieces of diesel-powered equipment, the agriculture and construction industries present a major challenge for electrification. As suppliers begin to offer electric options, the global firm CNH Industrial illustrates how careful strategizing can yield rapid results.

Tina Casey

July 11, 2023

Energy

Xylem Looks to Raise Awareness of America's Rural Water Crisis

Rural communities in the United States face a worsening water crisis due to limited access and poor quality. A new analysis from the global water technology company Xylem spotlights these challenges and offers recommendations to address them.  

Gary E. Frank

July 7, 2023

Sponsored

A Clean Energy Revolution in Agriculture and Construction is Here

Onsite Solar Isn’t as Easy as It Looks: How Manufacturers Can Get It Done

Onsite solar can help companies cut carbon emissions at their manufacturing plants and other facilities, but the process of getting installations online isn't always straightforward. CNH Industrial's journey offers a lesson for other businesses looking to navigate the nuances.

Gary E. Frank

June 30, 2023

Energy

A Flitter of Hope: How Companies Can Protect Monarch Butterflies

Along with many other insects, monarch butterflies are disappearing. But it's not too late to save this beloved bug from extinction, experts say. Here's how companies can get involved, from planting pollinator gardens to reducing pesticides in agriculture.

Ruscena Wiederholt

June 27, 2023

Energy

Limitless Supply of Seawater to Help Accelerate the Transition to Green Hydrogen

Much of the activity in the green hydrogen field is centered around electrolysis systems that jolt hydrogen gas from water with an electrical current, sourced from renewables like wind or solar. Most current electrolysis technologies require purified water, but innovations involving seawater open up new possibilities.

Tina Casey

June 26, 2023

Sponsored

What the World Can Learn From New Zealand About Sustainable Agriculture

Setting the Standard for More Sustainable Agriculture in New Zealand

Livestock farming is not typically at the top of the environmental balance sheet. But farmers and policymakers in New Zealand are doing their best to change that. We spoke with leaders in the country’s agricultural sector to find out more about its sustainable agriculture standards and what can the rest of the world learn from them.

Kate Robertson

June 20, 2023

Energy

How Wave Energy Can Help Transform America’s Ports

U.S. shipping ports are stubborn epicenters of greenhouse gas pollution, but that's about to change as new electrification technologies like wave energy converters come online. So, what is wave energy, and how can it cleanly power U.S. ports?

Tina Casey

June 13, 2023

Energy

Inside Australia's Plan to Save the Great Barrier Reef

Last week Australia agreed to establish new policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef, after over a decade of campaigning from UNESCO’s World Heritage Marine Program. So what's the plan, and will it be enough? We spoke with Dr. Fanny Douvere, who leads UNESCO's ocean conservation efforts around the world, to find out.

Mary Riddle

June 12, 2023

Energy

More Clean Energy on Less Land? This Report Reveals It's More Than Possible

For the United States to achieve 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 and a net-zero carbon economy by 2050, renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy need to take up way less space. A recent report from the Nature Conservancy offers strategies to maximize clean energy advantages while minimizing land use.

Gary E. Frank

June 6, 2023

Energy

Global Plastics Treaty Talks Wrap: What Happened and What's Ahead

Negotiators worked around the clock last week to align on a new Global Plastics Treaty. We spoke with Erin Simon of WWF, who worked to advise and coordinate various stakeholder groups in Paris, about her top takeaways as the talks wrap.

Mary Riddle

June 2, 2023

Energy

7 Standout Sustainability Innovations We Covered This Spring

From planetary warming to plastic waste, it's easy to get bogged down in all the bad news out there. To bring a little cheer to your week, today we're highlighting innovators from around the world who are working to scale solutions with the potential to address these challenges head on.

Mary Mazzoni

June 1, 2023

Energy

1.5 Percent of Corporate Profits Can Transform the Fight Against Climate Change

If every company in the Fortune Global 500 invested 1.5 percent of their annual profits in climate finance, we'd avoid a stunning 2.6 billion tons of carbon emissions, according to Climate Impact Partners. That's even more than what scientists say is necessary to cap global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. 

Abha Malpani Naismith

May 26, 2023

Energy

Composting Offers a Simple But Effective Solution to Our Methane Problem

Landfills are a big climate culprit. Garbage dumps generate a third of all methane emissions in the U.S., in part because the most common item in them is food. Composting food scraps rather than tossing them in landfills results in up to 84 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, researchers say.

Max Graham

May 23, 2023

Sponsored

Building a Sustainable Future Through Material Innovation

This Insulation Take-Back Program Cuts Down on Waste in the Building Industry

European insulation brand Paroc has been running an insulation take-back program known as Rewool for nearly 20 years. We spoke with leaders from the brand and its parent company, Owens Corning, to learn more about the program and how it reduces waste in the building sector.

L Blaine Fulmer

May 16, 2023

Sponsored

Lead on Purpose: How Values Drive Business in Uncertain Times

The World Has a Rice Problem, But Farmers Can Solve It

Conventional rice production has a hefty environmental impact, but sustainable rice is on the rise across U.S. farms. We spoke with fifth-generation Arkansas rice farmer Jim Whitaker about how he's converting his land to smarter practices and how other farmers can do the same.

Mary Riddle

May 15, 2023

Energy

Circular Design is Key to The North Face’s Strategy to Make Clothing More Sustainable

The North Face uses circular design to make its products long-lasting and easily recyclable in an effort to reduce environmental impact. We spoke with Carol Shu, senior manager of global sustainability at the North Face, to learn more about how it's designing with circularity in mind.

Phil Covington

May 11, 2023

Energy

The Climate Science Behind Managing Disaster Risks

A growing number of companies are signing up with groups like the Science-Based Targets initiative and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures to manage their exposure to disaster risks and other climate challenges. So, how does this work line up with climate science?

Joyce Coffee

May 2, 2023

Energy

Could This CO2-Eating Microbe Revolutionize Carbon Capture?

A microbial science company recently discovered carbon-dioxide-eating cyanobacteria that outperform the microbes previously thought to be best for the task.

Gary E. Frank

April 28, 2023

Energy

Pilot Projects Advance Regenerative Agriculture — and Growers Are Crucial

Regenerative agriculture can protect biodiversity and sustain natural habitats, but a lack of scientific understanding and no standard definition limit its potential. Pilot projects that include stronger relationships with growers can help address these challenges. 

Rasha Rehman

April 27, 2023

Sponsored

Pursuing Net-Positive

Henkel's Sustainability Story: From Inspiration to Action

Steven Essick, president of Henkel’s North America region, unpacks the company's sustainability journey and ambitions looking toward 2030.

Steven Essick

April 21, 2023

Sponsored

A Clean Energy Revolution in Agriculture and Construction is Here

Can Alternative Fuels Power Carbon-Neutral Farming?

New Holland Agriculture's T6.180 Methane Power tractor can run on biodiesel made from farm waste, opening the opportunity for a closed-loop, carbon-neutral farming system. We spoke with the company's lead for alternative fuels to learn more.

Phil Covington

April 20, 2023

Energy

Kind Snacks Tests Regenerative Agriculture and New Technologies for Almond Farming

A three-year partnership between Kind and one of its top almond suppliers, Ofi, is testing six practices on six different plots within a 500-acre space in Fresno, California. TriplePundit headed to the pilot fields for a closer look.

Rasha Rehman

April 17, 2023

Energy

Winemakers on the Front Lines of Climate Change Say Sustainability is an Industry Imperative

The wine industry is no stranger to climate change. Vineyards have been facing the brunt of it for decades, and many are embracing sustainability and innovation to keep the vino flowing. We spoke with Will Drayton of Treasury Wine Estates about the challenges facing the industry and what winemakers are doing to meet them.

Riya Anne Polcastro

April 13, 2023