Brightening Our Corner Newsletter - August 2018

This is the quarterly newsletter for the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, a private family foundation that seeks to promote a sustainable society by supporting and funding educational and project-based initiatives that advance knowledge and innovation in sustainability.

Wells Fargo Commits $5 Million to Establish GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund

Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) announced today a philanthropic commitment of $5 million over three years to support solar projects in tribal communities across the U.S.

Nation’s 1st Pollinator-Friendly Right-of-Way Solar Project Moves Forward in Georgia

The Georgia Public Service Commission (Georgia PSC) has authorized funding for Georgia Power to construct, own and operate a one-megawatt solar array on Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) property at Exit 14 off Interstate 85, which is known as “The Ray.” Georgia will be the third state in the nation to utilize the grassy shoulder of an interstate highway, called the “right-of-way” (ROW), to generate solar energy. This unique project will pilot the use of native flowering plants as ground cover in test plots within the solar array, making Georgia the first in the nation to pilot pollinator-friendly, right-of-way solar.

Integrating Renewables in the Grid: A Snapshot of Progress

Just a few years ago, there were predictions that 30 percent of power from renewables was all the grid could easily handle and that anything more would have significant consequences. However, recent events have shown that it is possible to integrate much higher levels of renewable energy without large negative effects. Part of the reason is that the growth has been incremental, typically a few percentage points a year, allowing grid planners to adjust as needed. It’s also because of the emergence of technologies and techniques that help incorporate fluctuating power from renewables into the grid.

The Future of Energy

The concept of “new energy” has ushered in a global movement dedicated to cost-effective sustainability, clean energy technology and grid innovation. Today more than ever, we’re seeing stakeholders and industry giants from all sectors — finance, manufacturing, retail, utilities, technology, even academia — come together in combined efforts.

Verdani Partners Becomes a Fitwel Champion, Pursues Groundbreaking Fitwel Certifications in Collaboration With Clarion Partners, LLC for Largest Impact From One Company

Six Properties in New York Metro Area, Managed by Clarion Partners and Submitted by Verdani Partners, To Be Recognized by Fitwel as the Largest-Scale Contribution By One Company to Resident Health and Well-being to Date. Verdani Partners is a third-party consultancy wholly owned by Clarion Partners, LLC, a Legg Mason company.

The New Energy Economy

The energy ecosystem is changing, driven by the advent of distributed clean energy, increased competition from new technologies and service providers, the evolving expectations of customers, and new opportunities for serving those customers. As the traditional business model changes, utilities are seeking new opportunities for revenue as they establish themselves as the “Preferred Energy Partner.” But getting there is another story, requiring a comprehensive category of innovative products and services that will define the future of revenue generation in the energy space.

The Unanticipated Benefits of California’s Water Policies

Just as California's climate policies have driven innovation in energy efficiency, renewable energy and battery storage – creating 500,000 new jobs – many of the state’s recently enacted bills are beginning to drive innovation in water technology. State policymakers should take note.

Thailand Kicks Off WELL Journey with Strong Market Traction for Healthy Buildings

The International WELL Building Institute celebrated the most recent stop of its WELL Journey in Bangkok, Thailand, with much fanfare by bringing together a diverse group of local stakeholders committed to promoting healthy buildings and healthy communities in the country.

Sustainability in Sync at the UFI Educational Forum

Pranav Jampani, director of Sustainability for The Venetian and The Palazzo in Las Vegas, shared a presentation on “Sustainability in Sync: How IMEX, Sands Expo/The Venetian/The Palazzo, and GES collaborate to deliver innovative green solutions” at the 8th Union of International Fairs Educational Forum on Sustainable Development.

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