Here is today’s sustainability news, research and analysis for technology partners, renewable energy consultants and green IT service providers. Today's sustainability news also involves management consultants, CIOs, chief sustainability officers (CSOs), c-suite members and climate accounting professionals.
A. Sustainable Technology, Talent, Partnerships and Green IT Alliances
1. AI and Sustainability - Lenovo, PwC and EY: Amid concerns about AI applications consuming substantial energy, multiple research firms and technology companies also say AI could help to fight climate change. Among the examples:
2. Smart Buildings and Carbon Reduction: Loyola University's Schreiber Center in Chicago is leveraging BrainBox AI technology to further cut the building's carbon emissions. The deployment delivered 10% savings in HVAC-related energy and a 10% reduction in HVAC-related CO2e emissions, the university said. Those figures are impressive, considering the Schreiber Center achieved LEED Gold certification ahead of the BrainBox AI deployment. Related Podcast: BrainBox AI CEO Sam Ramadori describes autonomous technology for building energine efficiency.
3. Joint Venture - EV Charging: Wanbang Digital Energy Co., also known as StarCharge, and Schneider Electric are forming a joined venture "aimed at accelerating the adoption of EVs and revolutionizing smart energy infrastructure across Europe." The joint venture will develop AC/DC EV chargers, inverters, and energy storage systems "designed to meet the diverse needs of the European market." Financial terms and potential product timelines were not disclosed.
4. Software - Data Management: Stibo Systems, a master data management (MDM) solutions provider, has introduced Sustainability Data Cards. The cards, which leverage the Stibo Systems Enterprise Platform (STEP), help businesses to "meet complex and quickly changing sustainability regulations and consumer demands," Stibo said.
5. Partnership - ESG Education: Uniqus Consultech and Zell Education are partnering to  jointly offer working professionals and students a "holistic and transformational learning experience in the ever-evolving sphere of ESG," the two companies said. The partnership will focus on ESG education across India and the Middle East.
6. Partnership - ESG Ratings: Under terms of a partnership, Enhesa customers will also be able to access CSRHub’s ESG ratings information.
7. Partnership - Carbon Offsets: Magnit has partnered with CarbonClick. The relationship will allow full-time workers to measure their individual carbon footprint.
8. Partnership: Verne, a sustainable data center operator, has joined VAXA's Impact Nutrition Program. The holistic, partner-driven program "delivers nutrition by fortifying the traditional foods of malnourished people."
9. Financial Results - Renewable Energy: Multiple updates...
10. Financial Results - Carbon Recycling: LanzaTech Global revenue was $10.2 million in Q1 of 2024, up 6% compared to $9.6 million in Q1 of 2023. Net loss was $25.5 million, which was substantially smaller than a $63.3 million net loss in Q1 of 2023. The results were slightly short of Wall Street's expectations, according to SeekingAlpha.
11. Direct Air Capture (DAC) Plant: Climeworks has opened the world’s largest operational direct air capture (DAC) plant to suck carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, Reuters reported, but critics say the Iceland plant faces cost and effectiveness question marks.
12. Carbon Credit Question Marks: Carbon offset credits are largely ineffective, according to a preliminary SBTi staff document seen by Reuters. The document, subject to further review and analysis, surfaces after the SBTi board leaned toward embracing carbon credits -- though the SBTi since softened that statement a bit...
B. Sustainability M&A, Investments, Funding and Green IT Business Launches
1. Funding: HASI and KKR plan to invest a combined $2 billion in climate positive projects across the United States. The strategy involves a new fund called CarbonCount Holdings.
2. M&A - Carbon Reporting Software: Green Environmental Group (GEG) has acquired QINT.APP, a machine-learning technology platform that merges traditional reporting with AI-driven predictive intelligence. The business combination will assist customers with UK climate regulations -- such as the UK Sustainability Disclosure Standards (UK SDS), the buyer said. Still, we couldn't find GEG's website -- which suggests the buyer is an extremely early stage startup. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
3. Complete M&A List: Here's our database of all M&A deals involving green IT and renewable energy buyers, sellers and investors.
C. Regional and Global Sustainability Policies and News
Nothing to share here today. But check back tomorrow for more updates.
D. Sustainability and Green Technology Conference Calendar
- Intel Vision EMEA 2024 (May 14-15, London, United Kingdom)
- Open EV Charging Summit (May 15-16, Dallas, Texas)
- Sustainable Skies World Summit (May 15-16, Farnborough, United Kingdom)
- MI Healthy Climate Conference 2024 (May 16-17, Lansing, Michigan)
- Building a Sustainable Future: The Global Energy Transition (May 16-17, New York)
- 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.
