Tag Archive for: sustainability

, , , , , , ,

John Swett Unified School District Collaborates with ENGIE to Achieve Energy Sustainability and Support STEM Education

Rodeo, Calif. and HOUSTON, May 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The John Swett Unified School District (JSUSD) today announced the successful completion of their solar and lighting retrofit project in collaboration with ENGIE North America (ENGIE), a leader in the Net Zero energy transition. The project encompasses two of the district’s locations, marking a significant step towards reducing energy costs, environmental impact, and advancing STEM education within the district.

The cornerstone of this project is the installation of solar panels that will empower the district to hedge against rising energy costs while significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The solar installation will enable the district to self-generate approximately 90 percent of its electricity consumption from on-site renewables.

“JSUSD has made substantial progress towards its sustainable energy and environmental goals, thanks to the support of ENGIE,” said JSUSD Superintendent Charles Miller. “This collaborative initiative has been made possible through the utilization of Inflation Recovery Act (IRA) funding, enabling the installation of solar and lighting solutions at three district locations.”

“In addition to these environmental benefits, ENGIE is dedicated to supporting student achievement in STEM,” said Jean-François Chartrain, Managing Director, Energy Solutions Americas at ENGIE.  “As part of the collaboration, ENGIE is providing valuable educational opportunities to JSUSD students through two student internships. This commitment to STEM enrichment demonstrates ENGIE’s dedication to not only advancing clean energy solutions but also fostering the educational growth of the next generation.”

 

About ENGIE North America

Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 97,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose, we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.

 

Contact Data

Michael Clingan
ENGIE North America
michael.clingan@external.engie.com

Charles Miller, Superintendent
John Swett Unified School District
cmiller@jsusd.org

/by
, , , , ,

ICA Miami Expands Sustainability Initiatives Through Innovative Wind Energy Agreement with ENGIE

MIAMI & HOUSTON – The Institute of Contemporary Art Miami (ICA) and a subsidiary of ENGIE North America (ENGIE) announced today an innovative new collaboration that advances an emerging renewable energy solution and expands the museum’s sustainability efforts. Under the terms of a five-year agreement with ENGIE Resources LLC, ICA Miami will procure Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from ENGIE’s Priddy Wind Project (Mills County, Texas) to match 100% of the museum’s forecast electricity consumption. As the first renewable energy agreement in Florida for ENGIE Resources, the collaboration represents increasing interest for similar solutions in markets that are not yet open to retail power competition.

A leading contemporary art museum in the U.S. and globally, ICA Miami is recognized for promoting continuous experimentation and embracing innovative practices, through its exhibitions and programs and in its operations and practices. In 2020, the museum was among the original grantees for the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s sustainability funding and has since implemented carbon offsets and sustainable shipping practices for major exhibitions. With this energy agreement, ICA Miami is matching 100% of its electricity consumption for the building and museum operations with project-specific Green-e® certified RECs that avoid the greenhouse gas emissions of 1,352 metric tons of CO2 equivalent.*

Commercial and industrial customers from any market can support sustainability efforts by sourcing project-specific RECs, but interest is in its early stages. “Customer understanding and adoption of RECs takes time,” said Brad McIntyre, business development manager at ENGIE Resources. “ICA Miami is a great jumping-off point for us in the South Florida market,” said McIntyre. “RECs provide sustainable solutions for developers to invest in new assets and we expect this agreement to accelerate the impact of renewables in this and other similar markets.”

“ICA Miami has long been committed to adopting best practices for sustainability and reducing the museum’s carbon footprint. Our alliance with ENGIE not only supports the museum’s ongoing sustainability efforts, but also contributes to an emerging renewable energy solution that is not yet prevalent in South Florida. We are excited to be a part of bringing these kinds of solutions to our community and to continue expanding on this work,” said Alex Gartenfeld, ICA Miami Irma and Norman Braman artistic director.
Acting as an advisor on the agreement is Industrial Energy (Fort Lauderdale, FL). “It is exciting to be at the forefront of a solution that promotes planet-friendly power in a market that is not yet open to retail choice,” said Christian Amabile, executive vice president. It’s a privilege to work with an organization that plays such an important role in the social landscape.”

Green-e® RECs are certified by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions. Certification ensures that RECs are properly accounted for and that no double counting takes place.

*EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator


###


About the Institute of Contemporary Art

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) is dedicated to promoting continuous experimentation in contemporary art, advancing new scholarship, and fostering the exchange of art and ideas throughout the Miami region and internationally. Through an energetic calendar of exhibitions and programs, and its collection, ICA Miami provides an important international platform for the work of local, emerging, and under-recognized artists, and advances the public appreciation and understanding of the most innovative art of our time. Launched in 2014, ICA Miami opened its new permanent home in Miami’s Design District on December 1, 2017. The museum’s central location positions it as a cultural anchor within the community and enhances its role in developing cultural
literacy throughout the Miami region. The museum offers free admission, providing audiences with open, public access to artistic excellence year-round.
icamiami.org


About ENGIE North America

Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 97,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, www.linkedin.com/company/engie-north-america-inc and twitter.com/ENGIENorthAm.


About Industrial Energy

Industrial Energy is a leading energy advisor to commercial, industrial, and institutional clients. The company leadership has over 35 years of experience in providing supply, strategy, and full coverage, and function in the form of on-staff energy advisors to best assist customers. Industrial Energy is at the forefront of developing renewable energy supply solutions for end-use customers of all sizes, including site-specific Power Purchasing Agreements, and Virtual Power Purchasing Agreements. industrialenergy.info


Media Contacts

ICA Miami: icamiami@resnicow.com

ENGIE North America: michael.clingan@external.engie.com

/by
, , , , , ,

Dublin Unified School District Unveils $26 Million Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Project with ENGIE

District-wide Project including Solar Energy, HVAC and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to Deliver Savings Over 25 Years

Dublin, Calif. and HOUSTON – Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) today announced the unveiling of their $26 million sustainability and energy efficiency project. Working with ENGIE North America (ENGIE), a leader in the net zero energy transition, this project includes the installation of 4.5 megawatts (MW) of solar panels, HVAC upgrades, and the deployment of 66 electric vehicle ports across 12 schools and the district office, marking a significant milestone in the district’s commitment to green initiatives and fiscal responsibility. The district-wide project also includes a student engagement program that features internships, a STEM education program, and a living laboratory.


The project showcases DUSD’s dedication to providing a greener and healthier environment for students, staff, and the community. The comprehensive scope of this initiative encompasses several components including:

• 4.5 MW of solar panels: The installation of solar panels in 13 district-wide locations will harness the power of the sun to generate clean, renewable energy.

• HVAC system upgrades: The HVAC system upgrades will ensure optimal indoor air quality and temperature control, creating a comfortable and conducive learning environment for students and staff. These enhancements will also contribute to energy efficiency, reducing both costs and environmental impact.

• Electric vehicle charging stations: The introduction of 33 level-two electric vehicle charging stations across schools promotes the adoption of sustainable transportation options among staff, students, and the community. It aligns with DUSD’s commitment to supporting electric vehicle infrastructure and reducing emissions.

“Today marks a significant milestone for our District. We are thrilled to unveil a project that embodies our dedication to sustainability and responsible energy management. With the installation of solar panels, HVAC system upgrades, and the introduction of electric vehicle charging stations, we are taking substantial steps towards creating a greener, healthier environment for our students, staff, and our community. This initiative showcases our commitment to a more sustainable future, and we’re excited to witness the positive impact it will have on our schools,” said Chris Hobbs, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.

“This groundbreaking project is a testament to DUSD’s vision for a sustainable future, reflecting its dedication to promoting environmental responsibility,” said Jean-Francois Chartrain, Managing Director, Energy Solutions Americas at ENGIE. “The anticipated benefits of this project extend far beyond environmental sustainability. Over a 25-year period, it is estimated that the project will yield a net savings of $30 million. These savings will be reinvested into educational programs, improving facilities, and enhancing the overall educational experience for students.”

###

About the Dublin Unified School District
The Dublin Unified School District serves over 12,900 students, from preschool through adult education, in a diverse suburban environment. The district comprises seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one K-8 school, one alternative high school, and one comprehensive high school, with a second under construction. The Dublin Unified School District’s mission is to educate every student to become a lifelong learner by providing a safe and supportive environment that fosters collective responsibility for each student’s success.

The Dublin Unified School District is ranked as one of the “Best School Districts in California” and its schools have been recognized with numerous accolades, including Advanced Placement Honor Roll, National Blue Ribbon School, Gold Ribbon Award, Project Lead The Way Distinguished School, California School of Character, National School of Character, Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll, California Distinguished School, and Title 1 Academic Achievement Award School.

About ENGIE North America
Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 96,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.


Contacts:

Dublin Unified School District
Sarah Lopez, Director of Communications and Community Engagement
lopezsarah@dublinusd.org
925-828-2551

ENGIE North America
Michael Clingan, External Relations
Michael.clingan@external.engie.com
832-745-6057

/by
, , , , , ,

Ventura Unified to Become 1st District on Central Coast to Utilize IRA Funding, Launching Clean Energy Program with ENGIE

Comprehensive energy program will leverage Federal funding to implement integrated solutions at all 27 school sites and capture an expected $106 million in net energy savings.

 

VENTURA, Calif. and HOUSTON – Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) recently approved a contract with ENGIE North America (ENGIE) for comprehensive solar, LED building lighting, customized sports facility LED lighting, and an integrated STEM internship and student engagement program. As the first K-12 school district along the Central Coast to leverage Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding, VUSD will also utilize bond funding to help pay for the project and expand its technical scope which will positively improve sustainability outcomes across the District.

Serving approximately 15,000 students across 27 school and campus facility sites, VUSD leadership and the supporting community have long prioritized the design of a financially-viable energy program to capture energy savings and align with local and state climate action goals. ENGIE worked with the District to lock in favorable Net Energy Metering 2.0 rates for the next 20 years. VUSD is also committed to delivering sustainable solutions across all school sites – many of which are located in economically underserved parts of the city.

This project is financially attractive for the District and will reduce its overall electricity costs by 70 percent over 30 years. This work will be done across schools with a Southern California-based team of ENGIE project engineers. The combined project scope will include:

• 4,708 kW solar PV scope across 25 sites and parking canopy solar structures;

• Interior/exterior LED lighting and occupancy sensor controls at nine sites;

• Sports Field LED lighting at Buena High School and Ventura High School, reusing existing lighting infrastructure poles to minimize extended construction impact on the fields; and

• Integrated STEM offerings aligned with real-time project data production, including professional development for teachers, hands-on engineering design learning for students, and six dedicated summer intern opportunities for local students.


The VUSD program is expected to save $133 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the project. The District should be eligible for $14 million in IRA federal funding dollars that will go directly to it after the project is completely constructed.

“As thoughtful stewards of our community’s resources, Ventura Unified has been interested in solar energy and high-efficiency LED lighting systems for many years. Unfortunately, making those changes was cost-prohibitive until recently,” stated Board President, Sabrena Rodriguez. “Thanks to the generosity of our community by passing Measure E, a general obligation bond to update our schools, we can now make these changes a reality. These changes are not only a positive step towards sustainability and resilience for the District, but they will also provide opportunities for our students and staff to learn about how green technologies can be good for the financial bottom line — creating a win-win for the community and our schools.”
“The IRA is a true gamechanger for our ENGIE customers – now that we are seeing local leaders like VUSD start to directly build out projects that leverage potential IRA funding, it is clear what a win-win this is for energy communities across the U.S.,” said Jean-Francois Chartrain, Managing Director, Energy Solutions Americas at ENGIE. “We are excited to help VUSD expedite their plan for long-term sustainability that will enhance and elevate the District’s financial and environmental impact through our range of comprehensive solutions.”


###

About VUSD
The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) is located in Southern California, in the coastal city of Ventura, approximately 70 miles north of Los Angeles. The District is made up of an early childhood education program, 26 elementary, middle, and high schools, with approximately 15,000 school-age students, an adult education center, 2,000 staff, and a wealth of parents and community members who all strive to help our children find their passion—academically and personally. For more information, visit www.venturausd.org.

About ENGIE North America
Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 96,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.


Contacts:

VUSD
Marieanne Quiroz, Director of Communications / PIO
marieanne.quiroz@venturausd.org
805-641-5000

ENGIE North America
Michael Clingan, Press and External Relations
Michael.clingan@external.engie.com
832-745-6057

/by
, , , , ,

GetBlok Farms© Enters Renewable Energy Agreement with ENGIE

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. and HOUSTON, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — GetBlok Farms© has entered into a two-year renewable energy agreement with ENGIE Resources LLC, a subsidiary of ENGIE North America (ENGIE). This renewable energy purchase includes Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from the Priddy Wind Project (Mills County, Texas). GetBlok Farms© will receive RECs to match the forecasted consumption for its hydroponics farm in West Aliquippa (PA).


The Green-e® certified RECs in this agreement are determined by the Center for Resource Solutions to be independently verified to represent the environmental benefits of one MWh of renewable energy. Over the term of this agreement, the RECs will equal 100% of GetBlok Farms© demand and avoid the equivalent CO2 emissions from 343,730 pounds of coal burned, or the greenhouse gas emissions avoided by 106 tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled.*

“Sustainability drives the core of our operations,” said Vinnie Lima, Managing Member at GetBlok Farms. “Our approach for hyper-local and highly sustainable farming methods must address the energy consumption in hydroponic farms. As a core piece of our sustainability commitment, we are delighted to leverage wind-generated Green-e® power from the Priddy Wind Project designed, developed and operated by ENGIE.”

The Priddy Wind Project is a 300 MW asset with 63 turbines that can produce electricity with wind speeds as low as 6.7 mph. The project is located 150 miles southwest of Dallas and commenced commercial operations in February 2022.

“Not only is this one of the first customer announcements for renewable energy from the Priddy Wind Project, it is one of the first hydroponic farms in our portfolio of customers,” said Taymur Bunkheila, director of sustainability solutions and energy+ initiatives at ENGIE Resources. “We are proud to bring the benefits of planet-friendly power to an operation with such a noble cause.” 

*According to EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.

About GetBlok Farms
GetBlok Farms utilizes Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), growing over 2.5 acres of fresh produce in only 320 square feet. Through a state-of-the-art CEA system, we are able to consume 97% less water than traditional farming, while utilizing no pesticides or herbicides. By “moving farms, not food”, we are able to achieve an astounding reduction of over 1500 miles in transportation, leading to a substantial decrease in CO2 emissions and waste. Located in Aliquippa, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, GetBlok Farms is deeply rooted in community involvement and economic development in disadvantaged food deserts. 

About the ENGIE Group
The ENGIE Group (made up of ENGIE S.A. and its subsidiaries and affiliates) is a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. With its 96,000 employees, its customers, partners and stakeholders, the Group is committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally-friendly solutions. Inspired by its purpose (“raison d’être”), ENGIE reconciles economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on its key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to its customers. ENGIE S.A. (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. In North America, ENGIE companies have delivered integrated, innovative energy solutions to public and private organizations for nearly half a century. We employ approximately 3,000 people focused on enabling our customers to become more sustainable and achieve their decarbonization targets through expert project delivery and competitive solutions. For more information on ENGIE in North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.

SOURCE ENGIE Resources

/by
, , , ,

ENGIE to supply Microsoft Data Centers in Texas with 24×7 Renewable Energy Matching Program

ENGIE Energy Marketing (ENGIE) today announced an innovative agreement to provide renewable energy to cover the consumption of select Microsoft data centers in Texas. By utilizing existing renewable energy contracts between the two companies, this collaboration will accelerate Microsoft’s mission to transition to 100% carbon-free energy on an hourly basis by 2030.

This customized agreement will allow Microsoft, one of the world’s largest purchasers of renewable energy, to match ERCOT data center load with clean power. ENGIE, a leading developer and owner of renewable power capacity, will source the energy from their portfolio of wind, solar and battery projects in Texas.

Microsoft is recognized as a leader in the industry with the 100/100/0 goal which aims to have 100% of electricity consumption, 100% of the time, matched by carbon-free energy purchases by 2030. With this deal in Texas, ENGIE is providing direct support of Microsoft’s ambition to drive grid decarbonization.

ENGIE is well positioned to deliver on Microsoft’s ambition through its integrated approach – from building and operating renewable energy generation and storage assets to sourcing power through its global energy management activities.

“Microsoft continues to be a leader in the market for corporate renewable energy procurement and a key alliance for ENGIE in the Net Zero energy transition,” said Ken Robinson, ENGIE Energy Marketing N.A. President and CEO. ” We are proud to help them achieve their ambitions, where many other companies continue to struggle. Our goal is to grow our 24×7 hourly carbon-free matching program in key markets with electricity generated from zero carbon energy sources including wind and solar.”

“We are excited that this project has kicked off and will provide us meaningful insight into future hourly carbon free program design,” said Adrian Anderson, Microsoft General Manager, Renewables and Carbon Free Energy. “We look forward to working with ENGIE to meet our 100/100/0 goals.”

/by