Northrop Grumman Receives Highest Assurance for Accuracy of Its Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

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News Releases

Northrop Grumman Receives Highest Assurance for Accuracy of Its Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug. 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) received the rating of Reasonable Assurance from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, a third-party verification body, of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory for calendar years 2010 and 2011. Reasonable Assurance is the highest assurance level currently issued by third-party verifiers for GHG data management and reporting accuracy. Third-party verification is an important element of assuring accuracy of a GHG emissions inventory. According to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an independent not-for-profit organization working to drive greenhouse gas emissions reduction by businesses and cities, "The climate change debate has moved past the stage of simply stating claims. Third party assurance of publicly reported declarations can boost credibility with external stakeholders." "Northrop Grumman is committed to providing solutions that advance environmental security and reduce the impact of our own business operations on the environment. We are on track to achieve our goal of a 25 percent reduction of GHG emissions, relative to sales, by year-end 2014," said Gloria Flach, corporate vice president and president, Enterprise Shared Services. "The third-party verification of our GHG inventory is a reflection of our commitment to transparency and accountability." Northrop Grumman publicly discloses its annual GHG emissions reductions and related environmental performance through CDP and the company's Corporate Responsibility Report. Northrop Grumman's GHG inventory was prepared according to the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14064-3:2006 standard. Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

GE’s New Line of French Door Refrigerators Offers Most Sophisticated Ice and Water Technology Available Today

20 March 2012

GE’s New Line of French Door Refrigerators Offers Most Sophisticated Ice and Water Technology Available Today

 

• From dispensing hot water to Hands-free Autofill, GE refrigerators make life more convenient at home
• Advanced technology keeps foods and beverages fresher longer
• The refrigerators will roll off the line in Louisville, Kentucky, creating hundreds of new jobs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – March 20, 2012 – (NYSE:GE) – As technological competition in refrigeration heats up, GE has risen above the rest. Featuring the most advanced ice and water technology on the market today, the newGE French door refrigerators offer intelligent home technology that makes your world work better. Breaking new ground, the GE Profile™ model’sHands-free Autofill system eliminates the need to stand and wait, automatically filling any container with filtered water. In addition, the GE Café™ model is the first refrigerator to feature a hot water dispenser, capable of serving up tea and oatmeal in minutes. And in yet another industry breakthrough, the model’s easy-to-access advanced filtration system is the first to remove harmful pharmaceuticals from water and ice.

“Our commitment first and foremost is to simplify and streamline the consumer’s world, applying innovations in a way that makes home life easier,” said John Boyd, refrigeration marketing manager for GE Appliances. “There’s more to a refrigerator than just storing food and beverages and keeping them cold. The industry-first features in our new French door models provide convenience, efficiency and bring ease to the hectic lives of busy consumers.”

Industry’s most advanced ice and water system

• In an industry-first, the 29 cubic foot GE Profile model features a Hands-free Autofill system that fully fills a glass, water bottle, coffee pot or pitcher. The dispenser’s pull-out tray holds a container so you can press the button and walk away while it fills up automatically. The technology behind the feature uses sound waves from ultrasonic sensors and proximity detectors similar to those used to fill up fuel tanks in locomotives. The model also includes a PreciseFill™ feature that dispenses filtered water in accurate measurements for easy food and drink preparation.
• The 29 cubic foot GE Café model is the first refrigerator in the industry to feature a hot water dispenser, which can heat up to 12 ounces of water in two minutes – ideal for oatmeal, a cup of tea, or a bottle of baby formula. The hot water dispenser lets you accurately choose the perfect temperature or select one of the four pre-programmed settings to simplify hot food and drink preparation.
• As concern for water quality grows, all of the new GE French door refrigerators feature the most advanced water filtration system in the industry. The system has been tested and verified by an independent third party to remove 98 percent of five trace pharmaceuticals from drinking water and ice.¹ The GE Profile model filter is conveniently and newly located on the inside of the refrigerator door, allowing for quick and easy filter replacement.

Foods and beverages stay fresher, longerThe 29-cubic-foot Profile and Café models include a full-width, adjustabletemperature-controlled drawer with five settings for meat, beverage, produce, cheese and citrus and temperatures ranging from 32 to 40 degrees, The drawer is designed to keep specific foods and drinks at the proper storage temperature, but can also be set as the same temperature as the overall refrigerator. Colored LED lights in the drawer – red, green, blue, aqua and purple – can be set to remind you of the temperature setting you have chosen.

The French door refrigerators also feature TwinChill™ evaporators, which separate airflow and climates in the fresh food and freezer sections to help maintain temperature and humidity levels to keep foods fresh. The separation of the air limits the amount of humidity in the freezer, reducing freezer burn while keeping freezer odors from mixing with refrigerator odors.

Designed to make our world work betterConsistent with GE’s fundamental focus of making the consumer’s world work better, the new GE French door refrigerator models exceed ENERGY STAR ® standards. These new models are the first bottom-freezers in the U.S. to use cyclopentane foam, which reduces the greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing and at the end of the product’s life cycle, ultimately making this line better for the environment.

Some GE French door refrigerator models will also feature GE’s Brillion™connected home technology. On this product, Brillion technology, when coupled with a GE Nucleus, enables a consumer to receive maintenance and service alerts, monitor energy consumption, and adjust some appliance settings remotely.

Additionally, showcase LED lighting produces lighter, crisper illumination throughout the refrigerator’s interior. And the line includes many extra storage features, such as a drop-down tray, three freezer baskets, a second icemaker in the freezer and a space-saving icemaker in the door.

GE’s new French door refrigerators will be available in 27 and 29 cubic feet models in GE and GE Profile brands, and a 29 cubic foot model will be available in the GE Café brand.

The GE Profile refrigerators will be available in June, and the GE Café models will be available in the fourth quarter of this year. The range of estimated retail prices is from $1,699 to $2,999.²

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or check out our website for more information Friend GE Appliances on Facebook to view how-to videos; learn about new GE appliances, and join in the discussion with other GE appliance owners. Join today and follow @GE_Appliances on Twitter or just locate detailed information about our products at www.geappliances.com.

About GE AppliancesGE Appliances is at the forefront of building innovative, energy-efficient appliances that improve people’s lives. GE Appliances’ products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water filtration systems and water heaters. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information on GE Appliances, visit www.ge.com/appliances.

¹Removes ibuprofen, atenolol, fluoxetine, progesterone, and trimethoprim.Not all pharmaceuticals may be present in your water

²Retailers set their own prices.

Post from Dept. of Energy Blog

Veolia and Johnson Controls Get the Job Done with Clean, Fuel Efficient Fleets

March 9, 2012 

With their presence in almost every neighborhood and community, refuse trucks, like the one shown above, can benefit from alternative fuels and advanced technology. | Photo courtesy of Veolia Environmental Services.

What are the key facts?

• Veolia operates four compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations and more than 100 CNG vehicles.
• Johnson Controls operates more than 500 hybrids, together saving $500,000 in fuel costs.

With a total of 18 members that run more than a million vehicles across the country, the National Clean Fleets Partnership addresses a wide variety of transportation needs.  The program, part of the Vehicle Technologies Program’s Clean Cities initiative, works to help partners reduce their vehicle fleet’s petroleum use, whether they use telecommunications repair vans or soda delivery trucks.  With Secretary Chu’s announcement on Monday of the Partnership’s expansion, this is the second of two posts highlighting our four new members.

Veolia Environmental Services

With their presence in almost every neighborhood and community, refuse trucks can benefit from alternative fuels and advanced technology, which this National Partner knows well.  The Solid Waste division of Veolia Environmental Services maintains a fleet of more than 3,000 trucks, heavy equipment, and support vehicles that service both households and businesses. The company is dedicated to reducing petroleum use and emissions through route optimization, alternative fuels, and hybrid vehicles. As of 2012, the company operates four compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations and more than 100 CNG refuse-collection and support vehicles. Veolia joined the partnership in December 2011.

Johnson Controls, Inc. 

As a leading supplier of battery systems for hybrid electric vehicles, Johnson Controls is committed to designing and delivering increasingly sustainable products, services and solutions that will help its customers improve their energy efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint, and achieve their environmental goals. Leading by example, Johnson Controls has implemented several greenhouse gas reduction strategies in its global fleet of 19,000 vehicles. It first introduced hybrid electric vehicles into its fleet in 2009. Today, it operates more than 500 hybrids, each reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30%, and together saving $500,000 in fuel costs during the first two-and-a-half years of operation. In 2011, it deployed 20 all-electric vans, which are estimated to achieve a 61% GHG reduction per vehicle. Other strategies include the use of CNG vans, and higher MPG vans and trucks. In 2012, Johnson Controls will pilot the use of telematics —allowing them to better collect and share geographic and other data with drivers—and continue with the deployment of additional alternative fuel vehicles, including propane-fueled units. Johnson Controls joined the partnership in February 2012.

News Release from GE - Landfill Gas

23 February 2012

GE Gas Engine Technology to Power China’s Largest Landfill Gas Project

 

• GE’s Jenbacher Gas Engines to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions by More than 340,000 Tons per Year and Greenhouse Gas by Nearly 19 Million Cubic Meters Each Year
• Project Supports Chinese Government’s 12^th Five-Year Plan to Invest More than RMB260 Billion in the Waste Treatment Industry by 2015
• GE Cements Leadership Position in China with Latest Alternative Power-to-Energy Project

SHANGHAI, CHINA—February 23, 2012

GE (NYSE: GE) today announced that its ecomagination-qualified Jenbacher gas engines will power China’s largest landfill gas (LFG) power generation project. The Laogang LFG project is owned by Laogang Renewable Energy Co., a joint venture formed by Veolia and Shanghai Environment Group, and supports the Chinese government’s 12th Five-Year Plan, during which China plans to invest more than RMB$260 billion in the waste treatment industry including waste-to-energy initiatives by 2015[1].

“Traditionally, landfill methane as a potent greenhouse gas has been released directly into the air,” said Chen Hongzhang, general manager, Laogang Renewable Energy Co. “By using GE’s gas engines fueled by LFG, we expect to save emissions by over 340,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, significantly improving the local environment in Shanghai.”

Seven of GE’s ecomagination-qualified Jenbacher J420 gas engines, which will provide about 10 megawatts of electricity, will power the new Laogang LFG facility located in Shanghai. Each J420 engine combusts 2.7 million cubic meters (m³) of methane each year, providing an overall yearly reduction of greenhouse gas of around 18.9 million m³ for the seven gas engines. The Renewable Energy Company will sell any excess electricity generated to the grid. This project is an example of how GE’s portfolio of innovative distributed power solutions, ranging from 100 kilowatts (kW) to 100 megawatts (MW), gives businesses and communities around the world the ability to generate reliable and efficient power anywhere, whether on or off the grid.

GE’s Jenbacher landfill gas engines use the gas—consisting of methane, carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen—created during the decomposition of organic substances in a landfill. Methane has a global warming factor 21 times greater than carbon dioxide, the most widely recognized greenhouse gas affecting climate change. With a calorific value of approximately 5 kWh/Nm³, landfill gas constitutes a high-value fuel for gas engines that can be effectively used for energy generation. One of GE’s Jenbacher J420 gas engines running on landfill gas can generate 1.4 MW electricity while saving the emissions of more than 49,000 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent per year through methane destruction and displaced grid electricity production; this is equivalent to the annual CO₂ emissions of more than 9,500 passenger cars on U.S. roads.

“This important project underscores our commitment to providing alternative energy solutions to help China meet its energy goals and cements our position as a leader in this segment,” said Rafael Santana, president and CEO—Gas Engines for GE Energy. “Our Jenbacher gas engines combine high efficiency and reliability with fuel flexibility to meet our customers’ needs with positive environmental impact. The seven Jenbacher J420 gas engines running on landfill gas are designed to generate almost 80 megawatt hours of electricity per year, which could power more than 46,000 Chinese households per year[2].”

The gas engines are scheduled to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2012 with commercial operation expected in December 2012.

This project is the latest in GE’s landfill gas solutions using Jenbacher gas engines. On October 31, 2011, GE announced that it had supplied a fourth J420 Jenbacher gas engine to Asja Brasil’s new 4.3-megawatt Belo Horizonte landfill-gas-to-energy (LFGTE) project in Brazil, helping to meet the country’s goals to increase the production of renewable and alternative energy.

On October 11, 2011, GE announced that it joined government officials and utility representatives at the Golden Triangle Regional Landfill in northeastern Mississippi in the United States to mark the commercial start up of the state’s first LFGTE project that will support the regional grid. Owned by the Golden Triangle Regional Solid Waste Management Authority (GTRSWMA), the LFGTE facility uses an ecomagination-qualified, GE J320 Jenbacher landfill gas engine to generate nearly 1 MW of renewable power sold through Tennessee Valley Authority’s renewable power initiative—enough to support about 700 average U.S. homes.

GE’s alternative gas-to-power portfolio includes its Jenbacher andWaukesha gas engines, which are specifically designed to provide the fuel flexibility needed to accommodate the use of alternative fuels such as landfill gas while offering high levels of electrical efficiency. GE’s Jenbacher landfill gas engines are part of the ecomagination portfolio for successfully demonstrating that converting landfill gas to electricity demonstrates both improved value and environmental performance. Ecomagination is GE’s commitment to invest in a future that creates innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.

News Release from EPA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 22, 2012 

Energy Star Leaders Achieve President Obama’s Energy Efficiency Goal for Buildings 

EPA’s Energy Star provides model for superior building energy performance and savings 

WASHINGTON –The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that nearly half of the organizations recognized as Energy Star Leaders have improved the energy efficiency of their building portfolios by 20 percent or more. Last year, President Obama announced a nationwide call to action to improve the energy performance in buildings across the nation by 20 percent by 2020. EPA’s Energy Star program has helped these 90 leading organizations achieve the President’s goal by providing them with a proven energy management strategy, which includes a focus on ongoing performance measurement and whole-building improvement. Energy Star Leaders have cumulatively saved more than $150 million on utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity use of nearly 95,000 homes.

“Making our buildings more energy efficient is one of the most effective ways for American businesses, government and other organizations to save money and reduce the pollution going into the air we breathe,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “With help from EPA’s Energy Star program, these leaders are benefitting their bottom lines while protecting our health and the environment.”

Energy Star Leaders must meet one of two energy efficiency improvement milestones. The first milestone requires a 10 percent improvement in energy performance across their entire building portfolio, and subsequent recognition is given for each 10 percent improvement thereafter. The second milestone, known as “top performer,” requires the buildings in an organization’s portfolio, to perform on average in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide. To be eligible for Energy Star Leaders recognition, organizations are required to track and submit energy performance data for all buildings and fuel sources through EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool.

In the past year, EPA also recognized Decatur County Community Schools in Indiana as the first Energy Star Leader to improve energy efficiency across their building portfolio by 60 percent. The complete list of Energy Star Leaders has grown to more than 200 organizations, including school districts, national retailers, commercial real estate companies, healthcare systems, supermarket operators and hotel managers that have achieved energy efficiency improvements across more than 11,400 buildings covering nearly 730 million square feet in the United States.

With help from EPA’s Energy Star program, thousands of businesses and organizations are improving the energy efficiency of the places where we work, play and learn and are saving billions of dollars while preventing millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere each year. 

Countries Consider Retaliation for Europe's Airline Emissions Fee

Excerpt from an article in The New York Times
Saturday, February 18, 2012

Countries Consider Retaliation for Europe’s Airline Emissions Fee 

By JAMES KANTER and NICOLA CLARK

BRUSSELS — China, the United States and two dozen other countries are looking at coordinated retaliation — including putting pressure on European airlines and other industries — if Europe tries to enforce a law requiring airlines to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions.

The system, the European Union’s boldest initiative on climate protection to date, has provoked a worldwide outcry and raised the unwelcome prospect of a full-scale trade war. European officials have stood firm while challenging opponents to suggest an equally effective alternative.

The European system requires an airline landing or taking off in Europe to acquire permits corresponding to the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during the entire flight — regardless of where it originated or ended or the nationality of the airline. The system went into effect this year, although the first payments will not be due until 2013.

Other governments have objected to Europe’s attempt to regulate emissions outside its airspace, while carriers like American Airlines and China Southern are furious because they could face big bills as the number of permits that they need to purchase rises.

In the latest of a series of meetings on the issue, officials from 26 governments will gather in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss a “basket of countermeasures” to block the European system, according to the draft agenda.

Those countermeasures include following China’s lead in banning its airlines from paying the charges unless and until the Chinese government grants permission; imposing punitive levies on European airlines when they fly over other countries’ airspace; reviewing bilateral and “open skies” agreements on landing rights, market access and other matters and freezing consideration of any new routes or capacity, according to a draft discussion paper.

In addition, the paper calls on governments to consider reopening trade agreements in sectors other than aviation and to freeze trade negotiations as a way of “putting pressure on E.U. industries.”

Quebec's First Waste-to-Biofuels Facility

News release from Enerkem:


Enerkem and GreenField Ethanol Announce Quebec's First Waste-to-Biofuels Production Facility

VARENNES, Québec, February 6, 2012 – At a news conference in Varennes today, the
Government of Québec announced its plan to inject $27 million in Québec’s first
full-scale commercial cellulosic ethanol plant through the Ministry of Natural Resources
and Wildlife and Investissement Québec.  This facility will be built and operated by a
joint venture partnership formed by Enerkem (www.enerkem.com), a waste-to-biofuels
and chemicals company, and GreenField Ethanol (www.greenfieldethanol.com), the
Canadian leader in alcohol production.

The future plant will be located in Varennes, Québec and will use Enerkem’s proprietary
technology to convert non-recyclable municipal solid waste into biofuels.  With a
full-scale waste-to-biofuels facility under construction in Edmonton, Alberta, and another
one under development in Mississippi, the Varennes facility represents Enerkem’s third
full-scale commercial project.

"By producing liquid transportation fuel from non-recyclable waste, this facility opens the
door to the emergence of a new energy sector and will allow for local sustainable
management of our waste materials", declared Vincent Chornet, Enerkem President
and CEO. "Located on the site of Ethanol GreenField's current plant, this project will
represent one of the first integrations between an existing, first generation ethanol plant
and a new cellulosic ethanol plant."

"The construction of this innovative plant on our current site marks the beginning of our
transition to an integrated biorefinery in Varennes", said Jean Roberge, General
Manager, GreenField Ethanol Québec.  "We are pleased to partner with Enerkem and
integrate their technology to build Québec’s first full-scale commercial cellulosic ethanol
plant.  The use of waste materials, that is made possible with Enerkem's technology,
complements GreenField Ethanol R&D efforts with other types of biomass. "This waste-to-biofuels production facility will help reduce greenhouse emissions, fossil
fuel imports and landfilled volumes.  The non-recyclable waste will come from
institutional, commercial and industrial sectors, and from construction and demolition
debris. The anticipated annual production capacity of this plant is approximately
38 million litres.

"In addition to presenting a solution to landfilling, today's announcement will enable
greenhouse gas emission reductions by about 110,000 metric tons of CO2 per year.
Cellulosic ethanol is a renewable fuel that will contribute to reducing our dependence on
petroleum products. By supporting this project, our government is concretely reinforcing
energy security for Québec. Today's announcement puts Québec in an advantageous
position in the search for alternatives to fossil fuel consumption", outlined Minister
Clément Gignac.

"Québec has resolved to reduce, by 2020, its greenhouse gas emissions to 20% below
1990 levels, as part of its 2006-2012 Climate Change Action Plan. We believe we can
be productive and create wealth and jobs, all while protecting our environment. The
construction of the cellulosic ethanol facility belonging to the joint venture formed by
Enerkem and GreenField Ethanol, is one step closer towards reducing our greenhouse
gas emissions. It is with solid and structured projects, such as the one presented today,
that Québec will reassert its leadership in a green and sustainable economy",
commented Minister Sam Hamad.

The $27 million contribution from the Government of Québec includes $18 million in
financial assistance from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife and a $9 million
loan from Investissement Québec.

The Rise of Landfill Gas to Energy

The following is an excerpt of an article with the above title in the January 2012 issue of Waste Age magazine:

Landfill gas (LFG) provides power for one million homes and heat for 737,000 homes across the country.  It provides 14 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and 102 billion cu. ft of LFG for direct use by industry.  It contributes to the nation’s supply of natural gas and clean-burning fuel for vehicles.

The environmental benefits of these LFG uses are huge.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the use of LFG reduced the consumption of oil in the United States by about 229 million barrels of oil last year.

Using LFG also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.  EPA says that landfills rank as the third-largest human-generated source of methane emissions in the United States.  Among greenhouse gases, methane, the fuel component of LFG, is one of the most potent.  For instance, it is 21 times stronger than carbon dioxide.

The EPA also estimates that a typical LFG energy project collects and uses 60 to 90 percent of the methane emitted by a landfill.

Thanks to the environmental benefits of putting LFG to use, landfill-gas-to-energy has begun to emerge as a renewable energy industry.

Consider the landfill-gas-to-energy (LFGTE) project at the Newton County Landfill in Brook, Ind., for example.  There, LFG is helping to manufacture egg cartons.

One of the largest landfills in the country, Newton County, owned by Phoenix-based Republic Services, Inc., receives nearly 2.7 million tons of trash per year.  Recently, the landfill began sending LFG to the neighboring Newton County Renewable Energy Park through a 2,500-foot pipeline.

At the industrial park, Canadian firm Urban Forestf Recyclers Inc. (UFR) of Swift Current, Sask., manufactures packaging, such as egg cartons, from recycled fiber.  The process blends mixed newsprint and cardboard into a slurry that is poured into molds.  The LFG fuels the system of blowers used to dry the molds.

Airlines Emissions System May Be Adjusted in Europe

Excerpt from an article in The New York Times
Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Airline Emissions System May Be Adjusted in Europe 

By JAMES KANTER

BRUSSELS — The European Union could suspend parts of a new law requiring airlines to account for their greenhouse gas emissions if countries were to make clear progress this year toward establishing a global emissions control system, a senior official said Tuesday.

The comments, by Jos Delbeke, the director general for climate action at the European Commission, came the day after China announced that its carriers would be forbidden to pay any charges under the European emissions system without Beijing’s permission.

The comments were the clearest sign yet that Europeans were considering how to defuse a mounting conflict over the new emissions law with its most important trading partners.

The law, which went into effect Jan. 1, requires airlines to account for all emissions on flights using European airports. Its goal is to speed up the adoption of greener technologies at a time when air traffic, which represents about 3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, is growing much faster than gains in efficiency.

But Europe’s bold climate initiative also could push nations heavily reliant on air travel into a trade war because of the effect of the new law on flights outside of European airspace.

Mr. Delbeke said at a conference in Brussels that he could recommend “a conditional suspension” of parts of the system, in which polluters can buy and sell a limited quantity of permits, each representing a ton of carbon dioxide, by the end of the year if nations sped up adoption of an effective global system.

For that to happen, any global system would have (to) be better for climate protection than simply applying the European system that is already in force, Mr. Delbeke said. A global system also would have to treat all airlines similarly and to set emissions reduction targets for a near-term date like 2020 rather than midcentury.

==========

China Balking at EU Airline Emissions Charges

Excerpt from an article in The New York Times

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

E.U. Rebuffs China's Challenge to Airline Emission System

By JAMES KANTER

BRUSSELS — The European Commission said Monday that it would continue charging airlines for their greenhouse gas emissions, despite an announcement from China that its carriers would be forbidden to pay without its permission.

The E.U. program, which began Jan. 1, requires airlines to account for all emissions on flights using European airports and represents the Union’s boldest move to protect the environment.

“We’re not backing down in our legislation,” said Isaac Valero-Ladrón, a spokesman for the commission, the executive body of the European Union. “We’ll apply this to companies operating in Europe.”

Europe says its system is less costly than portrayed and would speed up the adoption of greener technologies at a time when air traffic, which represents about 3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, is growing much faster than gains in efficiency.

Earlier Monday, the Chinese air regulator effectively prohibited the country’s carriers from paying those charges or other fees, or increasing ticket prices in response to the E.U. system, without permission from the government.

The Chinese government said it was also considering unspecified measures to protect Chinese companies, something Europe can ill afford as it looks to China to help ease its debt crisis. European countries also want access to China’s fast-growing economy, including free-spending Chinese tourists who might not show up.

The intensifying dispute is another sign that European environmental regulations could lead to a trade war if governments start retaliating against carriers or products.

==========

JPMorgan Chase Achieves LEED Platinum Certification

New release from JPMorgan Chase:

January 18, 2012

JPMorgan Chase Achieves LEED^® Platinum Green Building Certification for Newly Renovated Global Headquarters in New York City

World's largest LEED Platinum renovation to date Will cut electric consumption by 50% and save more than 1 million gallons of water a year

NEW YORK – Jan. 18, 2012 – JPMorgan Chase announced today that it has achieved the highest possible rating, LEED® Platinum, from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the renovation of its global headquarters at 270 Park Avenue in Manhattan, making it the world's largest renovation project to achieve Platinum status.

In the United States, existing buildings contribute 50 to 80 percent of urban greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Building Owners and Managers Association. The renovation will allow the 50-story building to cut its electricity consumption in half compared to pre-renovation levels. In addition, the building will save more than 1 million gallons of water a year by installing new, highly efficient systems and an innovative draining and filtering system.

"This was the largest 'green' renovation of a headquarters building in the world, and we completed it while operating in the building," said Frank Bisignano, JPMorgan Chase's Chief Administrative Officer and CEO of Mortgage Banking. "We are extremely proud of the improvements made at 270 Park, which will substantially cut consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving LEED Platinum status is not just a source of pride, it is very sound business."

Earning the Platinum rating meant upgrading and modernizing every system and feature in the 50-year-old building – from heating, air conditioning and lighting, to insulation, plumbing fixtures, flooring and outside views – all while the building remained occupied. To minimize disruptions, an average of 400 construction workers a day completed the renovation in phases, working on up to 10 floors at a time. "With each new LEED-certified building, we get one step closer to USGBC's vision of a sustainable built environment for everyone within a generation," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "The work of innovative, forward-thinking building projects such the Park Avenue headquarters of JPMorgan Chase is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement." LEED Platinum certification of JPMorgan Chase's global headquarters was based on a number of green design and construction features, including:

• New systems to improve energy efficiency, including: heating and air conditioning equipment; lighting with occupancy sensors and daylight dimming controls; Energy Star kitchen appliances, computers and monitors; new building insulation and window tint to reduce glare, heat gain and air conditioning load.
   
• A 54,000 gallon tank in the cellar that collects rain water from drains on the roof and plaza, which is stored and filtered, and then used in landscaping and to flush toilets in the lower part of the building – saving more than 1 million gallons of water a year. Combined with other plumbing upgrades the building will use half as much water as pre-renovation.

• Nearly 16,500 square feet of new landscaping, including green roofs, that feature low-maintenance plants to help lower building temperatures in the summer while reducing stress on the city's sewer system on rainy days. Soil in the planters acts as a filter to remove pollutants from rainwater. In addition, an herb garden was planted on the 11th floor roof to provide fresh herbs and vegetables for client dining.

• Reusing over 99 percent of the original building and recycling more than 85 percent of construction waste including 990,000 square feet of carpeting. Over 12,000 tons of construction waste was diverted from landfills.

• New floor designs and layout to give 85 percent of employees natural daylight at their desks, with more than 92 percent having exterior views.

• 266 bicycle racks to encourage employee well being and greener commutes.

About JPMorgan Chase & Co.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.2 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. The firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers, small business and commercial banking, financial transaction processing, asset management and private equity. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 79 local affiliates, nearly 16,000 member organizations, and more than 174,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. GDP from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students. Visit usgbc.org to learn more.

LEED

The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 44,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED rating systems, comprising over 8 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 120 countries.In addition, nearly 15,000 homes have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with more than 65,000 more homes registered. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
For more information, visit www.usgbc.org

2010 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data Available

News Release form U.S. EPA:

2010 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data from Large Facilities Now Available / First release of data through the national GHG reporting program

Release Date: 01/11/2012
Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn (News Media Only), Milbourn.cathy@epa.gov, 202-564-7849, 202-564-4355



WASHINGTON – For the first time, comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) data reported directly from large facilities and suppliers across the country are now easily accessible to the public through EPA’s GHG Reporting Program. The 2010 GHG data released today includes public information from facilities in nine industry groups that directly emit large quantities of GHGs, as well as suppliers of certain fossil fuels.

“Thanks to strong collaboration and feedback from industry, states and other organizations, today we have a transparent, powerful data resource available to the public,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “The GHG Reporting Program data provides a critical tool for businesses and other innovators to find cost- and fuel-saving efficiencies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster technologies to protect public health and the environment.”

EPA’s online data publication tool allows users to view and sort GHG data for calendar year 2010 from over 6,700 facilities in a variety of ways—including by facility, location, industrial sector, and the type of GHG emitted. This information can be used by communities to identify nearby sources of GHGs, help businesses compare and track emissions, and provide information to state and local governments.

GHG data for direct emitters show that in 2010:

•Power plants were the largest stationary sources of direct emissions with 2,324 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mmtCO2e), followed by petroleum refineries with emissions of 183 mmtCO2e.

•CO₂ accounted for the largest share of direct GHG emissions with 95 percent, followed by methane with 4 percent, and nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases accounting for the remaining 1 percent.

•100 facilities each reported emissions over 7 mmtCO2e, including 96 power plants, two iron and steel mills and two refineries.

Mandated by the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, EPA launched the GHG Reporting Program in October 2009, requiring the reporting of GHG data from large emission sources across a range of industry sectors, as well as suppliers of products that would emit GHGs if released or combusted. Most reporting entities submitted data for calendar year 2010. However, an additional 12 source categories will begin reporting their 2011 GHG data this year.

Access EPA’s GHG Reporting Program Data and Data Publication Tool: http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgdata/

Information on the GHG Reporting Program: http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html

Information on the U.S. Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sources and Sinks: http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html

New Tool to Access 2010 GHG Data

News Release from the EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:January 10, 2012
Media Alert: EPA to Hold Webinar to Showcase a New Tool to Access 2010 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data from Large Facilities

WASHINGTON – For the first time, comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) data reported directly from large facilities and suppliers across the country are now easily accessible to the public through EPA’s GHG Reporting Program. The 2010 GHG data to be released includes public information from facilities in nine industry groups that directly emit large quantities of GHGs, as well as suppliers of certain fossil fuels and high global warming gases. 

WHAT: Media teleconference to explain the agency’s new tool for accessing greenhouse gas emissions data

WHO: Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, noon, Eastern Time

HOW: To participate, please use the following dial-in numbers.
Call-in: (866) 900-8984 Toll Free for U.S. and Canada; and (706) 679-8357 for international callers

Conference ID: 41836951
To access the Webinar use GoToWebinar link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/288135930

Companies Face Fines for Not Using Unavailable Biofuel

The following was gleaned from a January 10 New York Times article with the above title.

Companies Face Fines for Not Using Unavailable Biofuel

WASHINGTON — When the companies that supply motor fuel close the books on 2011, they will pay about $6.8 million in penalties to the Treasury because they failed to mix a special type of biofuel into their gasoline and diesel as required by law.

But there was none to be had. Outside a handful of laboratories and workshops, the ingredient, cellulosic biofuel, does not exist.

In 2012, the oil companies expect to pay even higher penalties for failing to blend in the fuel, which is made from wood chips or the inedible parts of plants like corncobs. Refiners were required to blend 6.6 million gallons into gasoline and diesel in 2011 and face a quota of 8.65 million gallons this year.

The 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, aimed at reducing the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, its reliance on oil imported from hostile places and the export of dollars to pay for it, includes provisions to increase the efficiency of vehicles as well as incorporate renewable energy sources into gasoline and diesel.

It requires the use of three alternative fuels: car and truck fuel made from cellulose, diesel fuel made from biomass and fuel made from biological materials but with a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gases. Only the cellulosic fuel is commercially unavailable. As for meeting the quotas in the other categories, the refiners will not close their books until February and are not sure what will happen.

The goal set by the law for vehicle fuel from cellulose was 250 million gallons for 2011 and 500 million gallons for 2012.  Even advocates of renewable fuel acknowledge that the refiners are at least partly correct in complaining about the penalties.

The standards for cellulosic fuel are part of an overall goal of having 36 billion gallons of biofuels incorporated annually by 2022. But substantial technical progress would be needed to meet that — and lately it has been hard to come by.

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Biodiesel Tax Incentive Lapses, Industry Remains Hopeful

From The Biodiesel Bulletin, January 2012:

The National Biodiesel Board expressed disappointment with Congress’ failure to extend the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax incentive before it expired on Dec. 31 but saw some reason for hope that lawmakers could act early this year.

Leaders in both parties have said they want to take up a package of tax extensions early in 2012, and many have said the biodiesel incentive should be part of such a package. NBB is urging everyone involved in the biodiesel industry to continue calling on their elected officials to support an extension.

"We're disappointed," said Anne Steckel, NBB’s vice president of federal affairs. "Jobs and the economy are supposed to be the top priority in Washington, yet Congress has left thousands of workers in limbo by failing to extend this tax incentive. It's a missed opportunity, and we are urging Congress to pass an extension immediately to limit the economic damage."

The biodiesel industry saw a remarkable turnaround in 2011 after Congress reinstated its $1-per-gallon tax incentive following a one-year lapse in 2010. The increased production in 2011 supports some 39,000 jobs - up from fewer than 13,000 in 2010 - while generating at least $3 billion in GDP and $628 million in federal, state and local tax revenues, according to a recent economic study. In addition to creating jobs and economic activity, biodiesel is reducing U.S. reliance on foreign oil, bolstering economic and national security by diversifying our fuel supply, and reducing tailpipe pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

EPA Finalizes 2012 Renewable Fuel Standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sent this out today:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 27, 2011

EPA Finalizes 2012 Renewable Fuel Standards

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today finalized the 2012 percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS2). EPA continues to support greater use of renewable fuels within the transportation sector every year through the RFS2   program, which encourages innovation, strengthens American energy security, and decreases greenhouse gas pollution.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) established the RFS2 program and the annual renewable fuel volume targets, which steadily increase to an overall level of 36 billion gallons in 2022. To achieve these volumes, EPA calculates a percentage-based standard for the following year. Based on the standard, each refiner and importer determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in its transportation fuel.

The final 2012 overall volumes and standards are:

Biomass-based diesel (1.0 billion gallons; 0.91 percent)
Advanced biofuels (2.0 billion gallons; 1.21 percent)
Cellulosic biofuels (8.65 million gallons; 0.006 percent)
Total renewable fuels (15.2 billion gallons; 9.23 percent)

Last spring EPA had proposed a volume requirement of 1.28 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel for 2013. EISA specifies a one billion gallon minimum volume requirement for that category for 2013 and beyond, but enables EPA to increase the volume requirement after consideration of a variety of environmental, market, and energy-related factors. EPA is continuing to evaluate the many comments from stakeholders on the proposed biomass based diesel volume for 2013 and will take final action next year.

Overall, EPA’s RFS2 program encourages greater use of renewable fuels, including advanced biofuels. For 2012, the program is implementing EISA’s requirement to blend more than 1.25 billion gallons of renewable fuels over the amount mandated for 2011.

More information on the standards and regulations: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/regulations.htm

More information on renewable fuels: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/index.htm

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