Megan Beauregard’s Post

Right on time for #Cleanpower24 - and seeing you all in #Minneapolis next week - this piece ran in Environment+Energy Leader, speaking to how #Minnesota is charging ahead in its #CleanEnergy transition. 🙌 Per a new report from Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) & Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, 54% of the state's electricity was from zero-carbon sources in 2023, significantly surpassing the national average. https://lnkd.in/gXjtsSGZ

DOE Announces $18.5 Billion in Energy Savings and Celebrates First Year Results of Better Climate Challenge https://lnkd.in/gvXu3CP4 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today published the “2023 Better Buildings Initiative Progress Report,” which summarizes the achievements of DOE’s Better Buildings public and private sector partners since the initiative’s inception in 2011. The report shows that partnering entities, including more than 900 businesses, state and local governments, utilities, housing authorities, and other public and private organizations, to date have collectively saved $18.5 billion through efficiency improvements and cut harmful carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 190 million metric tons— an amount roughly equivalent to combined annual emissions of 24 million homes. This report also includes the results of the Better Climate Challenge, an initiative that challenges major building portfolio owners and industrial partners to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% within 10 years. In year one of the Challenge, partners have reported on nearly 1 billion square feet of buildings and 1,500 industrial plants. Through the Better Buildings Initiative, DOE aims to improve energy efficiency in the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors and accelerate cost-effective decarbonization solutions across the economy—supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to lower energy costs for American families and businesses while addressing the climate crisis. #doe #betterbuildings #climatechange #energyefficiency #netzeroemissions #jointhecrusade

Exciting news from U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) this week. Since its inception in 2011, the Better Buildings initiative have resulted in $18.5 billion in energy savings for its partnering entities. The efficiency improvement supported by the initiative have also kept 190 million metric tons of carbon emissions out of the air, "an amount roughly equivalent to combined annual emissions of 24 million homes." You can read the press release and access links to the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dt3As7-T #climate #climatechange #energyefficiency #carbonemissions #decarbonization #climateaction

The article emphasizes leading status of Minnesota in clean energy, showcasing a remarkable 54% reduction in carbon emissions since 2005, outpacing the national reduction rate of 42%. This achievement stems from the state's strategic investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, fostering a decreased dependence on fossil fuels and a drive towards sustainability. Furthermore, the collaboration between public and private sectors underscores a concerted effort towards decarbonization goals. Minnesota's success offers a blueprint for other regions seeking to combat climate change through similar clean energy initiatives. #energy #decarbonization #cleaneergy #minnesota

Today is #Earth Day, an opportunity to reflect on how our collective actions to conserve resources can have a big impact in meeting climate action goals. I have the privilege of witnessing this firsthand.   Our customers' collective actions to conserve energy last year will potentially add up to about 10 million gigajoules of energy saved, over the life of those measures. That's the equivalent energy use needed to heat around 100,000 homes for a year.    Our customers also saved around 31.4 gigawatt hours of electricity in 2023, which is roughly the equivalent energy use needed to power more than 1,110 homes for a year.     Now with a record $700 million to invest in energy conservation over the next four years, our customers will have access to an ever-growing range of programs to help lower energy use.   I'd like to thank our customers for their continued efforts. By working together, they're making progress towards a lower-carbon energy future. #earthday

Electric utilities are pivotal in the clean energy transition, essential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. To achieve their climate goals, utilities must intensify their commitment to renewable energy, backed by policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. This shift is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic health, supporting jobs and technological advancements. #CleanEnergy #ElectricUtilities #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #Sustainability #InflationReductionAct #NRDC #EnergyTransition #UtilityInnovation #GreenEnergy https://lnkd.in/eZhRx6vh

Electric utilities are pivotal in the clean energy transition, essential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. To achieve their climate goals, utilities must intensify their commitment to renewable energy, backed by policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. This shift is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic health, supporting jobs and technological advancements. #CleanEnergy #ElectricUtilities #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #Sustainability #InflationReductionAct #NRDC #EnergyTransition #UtilityInnovation #GreenEnergy https://lnkd.in/egUe6K_3

** Wacky Wednesday Contemplation ** If you have facilities in MA, have you considered how your organization aligns with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts goals for Net-Zero emissions by 2050? Massachusetts is taking a comprehensive approach to transition to clean energy and reduce its carbon footprint, with strategies focused on electrification of transportation and buildings, and decarbonization of the electricity grid through offshore wind, solar, and energy storage. The state aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Key elements include: - Transitioning to electric vehicles, with rebates and charging infrastructure buildout[1][5] - Converting building heating systems to electric heat pumps[1][5] - Adding offshore wind, solar, and battery storage to decarbonize electricity[1][3][5] - Reducing energy burdens and ensuring equity for low-income households[2] - Workforce development and job creation in clean energy industries[1][2] - Phasing out fossil fuel power plants and avoiding overreliance on natural gas[2][5] The comprehensive roadmap aims to guide Massachusetts towards its ambitious climate goals through an equitable and affordable clean energy transition across all major sectors.[1][2][3][4][5] Sources [1] Massachusetts releases clean energy plan, roadmap to cut GHG ... https://lnkd.in/dKZQUuPG [2] [PDF] On the Road to 100 Percent Renewables for Massachusetts https://lnkd.in/dJNBnMdA [3] Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050 | Mass.gov https://lnkd.in/d5fdaQtc [4] Net Zero Massachusetts: Getting to Net Zero https://netzeroma.org [5] Baker administration releases new clean energy and climate plan ... https://lnkd.in/duE7zgng

As clean energy technologies grow rapidly in the United States, businesses, even beyond the energy sector, stand to benefit by aligning their energy strategy with the industry's evolution and challenges. With increasing climate risks and extreme weather events affecting businesses, a resilience strategy incorporating clean energy technologies can safeguard operational continuity, mitigate commodity price volatility, and support sustainability efforts. More trends to note here: https://lnkd.in/edYxkm5c #businesstrends #energytrends

Why the clean energy transition is just getting started... and what to look out for in 2024. By Eric Dresselhuys of ESS, Inc. #energytransition #circulareconomy #energystorage #energysecurity https://lnkd.in/et_uBXtv