LITTLE ROCK, ARK.—Delta Solar has named Katie Laning Niebaum as its new president, overseeing operations of the fast-growing solar firm which serves agricultural and commercial clients. Katie brings more than 15 years of strategic communications, public affairs, and management expertise from her leadership roles on Capitol Hill and within state and national business trade associations. Since 2016, Katie has been an owner and partner of CDP Strategies, a consulting firm supporting non-profit and corporate clients through an array of specialty services, including organizational and event management; advocacy and policy development; and communications and media relations. From 2016 to 2020, she served...

NATIONAL REPORT—Solar Energy is riddled with many myths, so let’s tackle some of these myths and expose the truth behind them. Here are 11 solar energy myths that if conquered, will make you energy wiser. Myth #1 Giant Solar Corporations Are the Only Solar Authority When we think of solar, quite often, large companies probably come to mind. But while big conglomerates have high-quality products, it’s important to know that other local companies have competitive quality as well. Looking at more than one solar company will allow you the options to compare quality products and best pricing. Knowing what to look...

Every year seems to be another year of broken weather records and freak natural disasters. These events cause major and minor problems for individuals and businesses the world over. While nations are discussing what to do in global climate conferences, many of us in the lodging industry are turning our attention to strategies like climate-proofing. Climate-proofing is one way to both mitigate the environmental impact of the hotel and lodging industry, while adapting to the changes that are already underway. Here are four areas of consideration for doing just that. Research Like any decision-making process, climate-proofing always begins from a place of...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The International Code Council, the world’s largest developer of model building codes and standards, announced the publication of a new educational resource on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and building codes titled Electric Vehicles and Building Codes: A Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reductions. This is the first in a series of resources set to be published with the aim of supporting communities in achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals in a safe and efficient manner. The framework presents solutions already implemented by jurisdictions which have chosen to enact policies aimed at supporting increased EV deployment. The model language presented in...

NEW YORK—Highgate, a leader in global real estate investment with more than 65,000 hotel rooms under management, recently announced an upgrade to 100 percent renewable electricity, beginning with a majority of its select service properties as well as 17 full-service hotels. The initiative will be certified by Green-e Energy, the nation’s leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy. “We’re determined to be part of the solution to address climate change. According to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the hotel industry needs to reduce its carbon emissions per room by 90 percent by 2050 to keep the industry within UN...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Green Theme Technologies Inc., a global leader in innovative and sustainable textile finishing, announced that new third-party testing shows the brand’s EMPEL platform provides robust stain release and creates a protective PFC-free treatment that outperforms other currently available options. GTT launched the EMPEL platform in 2018 with the goal of eliminating toxic PFCs (perflurocarbons) from textile processing. In addition to being highly sustainable, EMPEL delivers the highest water repellency and longest lasting protection available. The EMPEL Stain Release product encapsulates each fiber inside a yarn with a molecular protective polymer, which creates a barrier preventing stains from sticking to fabrics. According...

LONDON—EO Charging, a leading U.K.-based provider of technology-enabled turnkey solutions for electric vehicle (“EV”) fleets, announced its expansion into the U.S. market and the initiation of the site selection process for its North American office, planned to open in early 2022. This new division will deliver EO’s complete fleet charging ecosystem for businesses and government fleet operators throughout the Americas, as well as additional offerings from EO’s charging products and services. EO’s experience in delivering EV fleet charging solutions at scale in the EU and U.K. for fleets like Amazon, DHL, Uber, and Tesco will prove invaluable for similar global...

NEW YORK—In keeping with its ongoing commitment to be an industry leader in the area of sustainable and responsible travel, Ensemble Travel Group has partnered with Trees4Travel. Through this “business for good” partnership, the travel agency consortia will work with the organization that creates “Planet & People Positive Travel” programs to rewild the world through the creation of new forests in support of impoverished communities. As the first U.S. travel agency consortia to partner with Trees4Travel, Ensemble’s member agencies will be able to offer their clients an opportunity to support its mission to help convert islands around the world from expensive and carbon generating fuel,...

BEVERLY, MASS.—Dalkia Energy Solutions, EDF Group, an international leader providing comprehensive building energy solutions for commercial, industrial, institutional and municipal customers, announced a new service offering: strategic energy management. Known for efficiently managing energy services in commercial facilities, the company’s services now extend further, to the strategic planning and implementation of programs for large corporations with multiple locations. The strategic energy management services are offered as part of Dalkia’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) program, and notably achieve turnkey results. “Other energy consulting firms are just that—consultants,” explained Erik Moser, Vice President of National Accounts. “Through our new ESG program, we...

PARIS—HRS, the leading global corporate lodging platform, announced the addition of Accor properties, a world leading hospitality group, in HRS’ new Green Stay Initiative. This decision provides analytical and time-saving benefits to corporate hotel procurement executives as they increasingly require sustainability data as they consider which properties to include on their list of preferred hotels for 2022 and beyond. “The world’s leading multi-national companies are promoting their aspirations to achieve net-zero operations by 2030 or sooner. These company-wide goals impact managed travel programs, who are tasked to travel more sustainably as they recover from the pandemic,” said HRS CEO Tobias Ragge. “Dozens of...