Here is today’s sustainability news, research and analysis for technology partners; renewable energy and green IT service providers; management consultants; CIOs; chief sustainability officers (CSOs) and c-suite members.
A. Sustainable Technology, Talent, Partnerships and Green IT Alliances
1. Partnership - Financial Services and Cloud Software: HSBC has partnered with Google to finance fast-growing climate technology firms behind some of the world's most promising solutions to global climate change, Rueters reported. Under terms of the partnership, HSBC will look to provide financing to companies cherry-picked by the U.S. technology giant to join its Google Cloud Ready-Sustainability program, Reuters said.
2. Partnership: SolaBlock will leverage Cove.tool software to "enable architects to make data-driven design decisions on a range of performance strategies early in the process including clean energy options and facade treatments," the companies said.
3. Retail - Reverse Logistics Startup: John Paul DeJoria and Gary Stephens have launched Vendidit, a software platform designed for the secondary market for retail returns. The platform connects retail sellers to secondary market buyers.
4. Partnership - Solar Energy: Aveyo has agreed to deploy Electriq Power Holdings solar and battery storage systems.
5. AI and Green Energy: Opera, the Web browser software company, plans to deploy a new AI cluster in Keflavik, Iceland. Powered entirely by green energy, the system will support the growth of Opera's browsers and form the base of its future AI services, the company said. Opera's AI data cluster features an NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD, and will begin operation in February 2024.
6. IT Spending Delayed?: Economic pressures may delay anticipated sustainability-driven IT spending, according to 451 Research and S&P Global Market Intelligence.
7. IT Asset Disposition (ITAD): Quantum Lifecycle Partners has opened its sixth IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) facility in Canada, and second in Alberta. The facility supports businesses in and around the Edmonton area and Northern Alberta.
B. Sustainability M&A, Investments, Funding and Green IT Business Launches
1. Investment: Telefónica has invested in Mitiga Solutions, a company that "combines cutting-edge climate science, AI and high-performance computing to help customers understand their exposure to climate risk," the company said.
2. Venture Capital - Investment Fund: Voyager Ventures has raised $100 million for the Voyager Partners Select I fund. The company has now raised $200 million in total to "fund the future of a decarbonized global economy."
3. Funding - AI Software: Synthetaic has raised $15 million in Series B funding. The round was co-led by Lupa Systems and TitletownTech, with participation from IBM Ventures and Booz Allen Hamilton. Synthetaic's software makes visual data analysis possible. The company's platform, RAIC, facilitates "instant search for any object in any kind of image data, including full-motion video and satellite imagery." Synthetaic is another example of how "AI can drive sustainability for our clients,” said Christina Shim, VP and Global Head of Product and Strategy, IBM Sustainability Software.
4. M&A - Renewable Energy: Swire Renewable Energy A/S, a subsidiary of the Swire Group specializing in renewable energy maintenance and services, has acquired Obelisk Energy Services Ltd. and its affiliated companies in South Africa and Ireland. Obelisk has supported more than 200 renewable energy development sites and 20+ windfarms in South Africa since 2010. The company provides wind measurement services, HS&E advisory services, statutory inspections, operational maintenance services and blade and tower services, as part of its product portfolio.
C. Regional and Global Sustainability Policies and News
1. United States - Puerto Rico Renewable Energy: Puerto Rico can achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050, according to a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) study. But the energy transition costs were barely mentioned in a summary report.
2. Jamaica - Electric Grid: IDB Invest and Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) have signed a US$100 million financing package, according to BN Americas. JPS, an energy services provider, will use the funding to help modernize the country’s electricity grid and expand access to electricity, the report said.
3. Australia - Data Centers: Equinix has executed a new power purchase agreement (PPA) in Australia. The data center and IT company will purchase renewable energy from TagEnergy Golden Plains Wind Farm – East project.
D. Sustainability and Green Technology Conference Calendar
- GreenBiz 24 (February 12-14, Phoenix, Arizona)
- IoT Evolution 2024 (February 13-15, Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
- Verdantix Climate Summit North America 2024 (February 20-21, Washington, D.C.)
- World ESG Summit 2024 (February 20-22, Saudi Arabia)
- Step Conference 2024: Earth Track ( February 21-22, Dubai, UAE)
- Complete Calendar of Sustainability Conferences
E. Previous Updates & Future News
- Did You Miss Yesterday's Daily Update?: Here is our previous sustainability, green IT and renewable energy news for technology partners.
- Future Updates: If you have news to share then please email me the details.
