Alyssa Danigelis
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sustainability, science, water management, energy, technology, design, renewables, supply chains, waste, recycling, transportation, food, beverages, building systems
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Vermont native, night owl, pro freelance journalist covering tech, science, design, business, and sustainability
Articles by Alyssa Danigelis
Healthy scratches
ew Jersey native Chris Bernard, ’04, didn’t realize how much he would miss playing ice hockey when he first arrived at the University of Richmond. He chose the liberal arts college for its size, location, and academic strengths. Bernard — “Bernie” to his teammates — tried playing club lacrosse, but that didn’t fill the hockey void. Spiders from cold climates know that the intense winter sport promises three periods of nonstop action, thrilling maneuvers, and hard-fought scoring.
World Water Day Spotlights Safe Water Access Challenges
A staggering 2.2 billion people on Earth lack access to safe water, and, as climate change exacerbates water problems, prolonging droughts and intensifying floods, the risks for water safety and access also increase. World Water Day shines a light on the global water crisis and the steps urgently needed for meaningful change. Launched in 1993 by the United Nations, the annual observance on March 22 centers on freshwater's importance to us all.
We weren't invisible anymore
Fifty years ago, the first generation of Black undergraduate students at Richmond formed a student organization called SOBA and organized UR’s first Black History Week. Their goal was to build community and create a greater sense of belonging for themselves and the students who came after. The university will celebrate this milestone at the Black Excellence Gala in February.
Water Testing Drones Take Off
Drone-based water testing has gained traction over recent years. While the technology varies, it generally involves deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle or aircraft system with a sampling device to remotely collect water from a specific location for testing.
City's Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Transformed by Tech
Twenty years ago, poor water quality made swimming an uninviting prospect at Lake Ontario's northeastern edge in Kingston, Ontario. Official signs at the beach warned visitors not to go in. Wastewater overflows in the small industrial city's combined sewer system regularly prompted complaints from residents. Today, the contrast is remarkable. The area has an urban waterfront park with a pier for swimming and fishing.
Safe Drinking Water Act Undergoes 6-Year Review: What Water Lab Managers Need to Know
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulations are currently up for review, and this could potentially impact you and your lab. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to conduct a review of all primary drinking water regulations every six years and then make revisions, as needed. This review process considers new data, information, and treatment technology in an effort to strengthen the protections for public health.
Water Stagnation in Buildings: Assumptions Challenged by New Research
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, public health experts have warned that water stagnation due to changes in building use can lead to increased Legionella growth. Now, research scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology are urging building owners and managers to use a nuanced approach to water management to safely reopen for business. Writing in the journal Environmental Science Water Research & Technology, William J.
Timberland Anticipates Products Becoming 'Net Positive' by 2030
Timberland set new 2030 environmental goals today. The global outdoor lifestyle brand wants all of their products to have a “net positive” effect on nature, giving back more than they take. Within 10 years, the VF Corporation brand’s specific, measurable goals are: 100% of products across footwear, apparel, and accessories designed for circularity, and 100% of natural materials sourced from regenerative agriculture. Read more
Why the New National Wastewater Surveillance System Matters
Testing sewage for RNA from SARS-CoV-2 has become part of a comprehensive surveillance strategy for communities responding to COVID-19 across the U.S. Having recognized that this wastewater testing offers significant advantages, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began developing a new National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS).
California Defines Microplastics for Drinking Water Testing
The California State Water Resources Control Board recently adopted an official definition of microplastics in drinking water, becoming the first government agency in the country to do so. Defining this type of plastic represents a step toward standardizing methods for monitoring and studying it, according to the State Water Board.
Spotlight on Award Winner: Fetzer Vineyards Leverages IoT & Big Data to Stay Ahead of Water Waste
[Editor’s note: the call for submissions for the 2021 Environment + Energy Leader Awards will be announced this month. Stay tuned for more information. Fetzer Vineyards was a recipient of a 2020 Top Project of the Year Award.] Citing data from the World Economic Forum, California winery Fetzer Vineyards recognizes water as a top risk. The winery has focused on reducing its water intensity for decades.
California Executive Order Requires Zero-Emissions Vehicles by 2035
(Photo Credit: Wei Gao, Unsplash) California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that all sales of new passenger vehicles in the state must be zero-emission by 2035. The order sends a signal to automakers and intensifies California’s legal battle with the Trump administration over emissions standards.
Ocean Spray Launches Plastic Packaging Recycling Program
(Photo Credit: Ocean Spray on Facebook) Ocean Spray Cranberries launched a free recycling program this week that allows consumers to recycle the company’s flexible plastic packaging for dried cranberries. The new program, created in partnership with waste management company TerraCycle, invites participants to send flexible plastic packaging from Ocean Spray Craisins dried cranberry products to TerraCycle.
Anthem Signs PPA for Solar Field in Virginia
(Photo: SunEnergy1’s Williamston Speight ground-mounted solar project in North Carolina. Credit: SunEnergy1) Health benefits company Anthem signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the output from a new 20-megawatt solar field that’s nearing completion in Hanover County, Virginia. Anthem’s latest deal with utility-scale solar developer SunEnergy1 for power from the 182-acre project supports their goal to source 100% renewable energy by 2025.
Airbus Releases Concepts for Future Zero-Emission Commercial Aircraft
(Image: The Airbus ZEROe concept aircraft calls for two hybrid hydrogen turbofan engines. Credit: Airbus) Airbus released three concepts for zero-emission aircraft that the aerospace company said could enter service by 2035. All of the concepts call for hydrogen as a primary power source. By publishing the new concepts, Airbus said it seeks to lead on decarbonizing the aviation industry.
Spotlight on Award Winner: Enel X Solar Plus Energy Storage Plus EV Charging Project
(Credit: Enel X) Note: Enel X Solar Plus Energy Storage Plus EV Charging Project at the University of Massachusetts Boston is a winner of an E+E Leader Top Project of the Year Award. Download the ebook containing a complete list of the 2020 winners here.
What SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Testing Means for Your Lab
Around the world, scientists working to protect the public from contracting COVID-19 are utilizing a novel approach: wastewater testing. Evaluating community wastewater systems for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, offers several advantages for surveillance, including lower costs and faster data.
Kraft Heinz Reports Progress on Sustainable Packaging Goals
(Photo Credit: Kraft Heinz) The Kraft Heinz Company is making progress against goals related to improving packaging sustainability, according to their second-ever Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Report, which was published this week. Kraft Heinz’s first ESG report came out in 2017, and included commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water usage, and waste to landfill. The company also vowed to improve sourcing throughout the value chain.
AT&T Targets Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 Emissions by 2035
(Photo Credit: AT&T on YouTube) AT&T introduced plans today to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035. The telecom is focusing on six initiatives that support their new goal of becoming carbon neutral across global operations. Climate-related severe weather events including flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires have a direct effect on the company. Since 2016, AT&T has spent nearly $1 billion recovering from these kinds of events, according to the company.
CDP: Fashion Companies Slow to Recognize Water Pollution Risks
(Photo Credit: Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash) CDP published a new report today analyzing water data from 62 companies involved in the fashion, apparel, footwear, and home textiles industry. Only seven companies demonstrated awareness of water pollution across their entire value chains. “Interwoven Risks, Untapped Opportunities” pulled data from brands, manufacturers, and retailers in the industry that disclosed through CDP’s 2019 water security questionnaire.
GM and Nikola Form Partnership to Accelerate Electric Truck Production
(Photo: The Nikola Badger. Credit: Nikola Corporation) General Motors and Nikola Corporation formed a strategic partnership to produce battery electric and fuel cell electric trucks, starting with the Nikola Badger pickup. The companies anticipate that working together on scaling up EV production will lower battery and fuel cell costs while increasing profitability.
H&M’s Cos Brand Launches Clothing Resale Platform
(Photo Credit: Cos) The H&M brand Cos is launching a digital clothing resale platform in the United Kingdom and Germany. Called Resell, the site lets consumers buy and sell “preloved” Cos clothing online. London-based fashion brand Cos, which sells apparel for women, men, and children, said that Resell reinforces their goal of becoming fully circular and renewable by reimagining each piece of clothing’s lifecycle.
Absolut Rolls Out 2,000 Paper Bottle Prototypes
(Photo Credit: The Absolut Company) The Absolut Company (TAC) says they are rolling out 2,000 paper bottle prototypes as part of the Paper Bottle Company initiative. The first production run goes into controlled testing this November, according to Absolut. This latest prototype is constructed from 57% paper and 43% plastic, which is recyclable and itself made of 100% recycled content, a spokesperson for the Absolut Company said. The rollout is set to start in Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Apple Invests in Constructing World’s Largest Onshore Wind Turbines
(Photo: Apple is investing in two of the world’s largest onshore wind turbines, which are located near Esbjerg in Denmark. Credit: Apple) Apple is investing in the construction of two onshore wind turbines in Denmark that will be among the world’s largest once completed, the company said. The tech giant anticipates power from the turbines supporting their data center in Viborg. The wind turbines are slated to be built near the town of Esbjerg, each one 200 meters tall.
Unilever Seeks to Eliminate Fossil Fuel from Cleaning Products
(Photo Credit: Daniele Levis Pelusi, Unsplash) Unilever announced plans to eliminate fossil fuels from its cleaning products by 2030. The company anticipates moving to sourcing renewable or recycled carbon for cleaning and laundry product formulations. Chemicals used in the manufacturer’s cleaning and laundry products make up 46% of their carbon footprint — the greatest percentage — across their life-cycle, according to Unilever.
Google Signs PPA for 140 MW from Solar Farm in Texas
(Photo Credit: American Public Power Association, Unsplash) Google signed a power purchase agreement with Candela Renewables for 140 megawatts of solar power in Texas. The independent utility-scale solar power project developer plans to build a new solar facility in the state. This corporate move continues a renewable energy procurement effort that ramped up in September 2019, when Google announced a planned 1.6-gigawatt (GW) package of agreements that included 18 new energy deals.
BFI and BAFTA Publish Roadmap for Sustainable Film Production
(Photo Credit: Vanilla Bear Films, Unsplash) The British Film Institute (BFI) and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)-led consortium Albert published a report collaboration with engineering and design firm Arup that details how the film production industry could become sustainable.
Yankee Stadium Achieves WELL Health-Safety Rating
(Photo Credit: Shinya Suzuki, Flickr Creative Commons) In a first for any sports or entertainment venue worldwide, Yankee Stadium achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management. The recently-launched rating evaluates features across categories that include air and water quality management as well as cleaning procedures.
Stora Enso Plans Bio-Based Foam Pilot Production Facility
(Photo: Stora Enso’s Cellufoam. Credit: Stora Enso on Facebook) Finnish pulp and paper manufacturer Stora Enso plans to build a pilot plant to produce their fiber-based foam material for protective packaging and cushioning. Located at their Fors Mill in Sweden, the new facility will make Stora Enso’s Cellufoam product, which the company says is intended to replace the oil-based polymer foams that continue to be widely used for packaging.
Bayer Signs PPA for Wind Power in Mexico
(Photo: Wind turbines in Mexico. Credit: Iberdrola) Bayer de Mexico, part of the global pharmaceutical and life sciences company, signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) this week for electricity from a wind farm under development in Santiago.
Intel Delves into African Mineral Supply Chain for Responsible Sourcing
(Photo: A worker inside a tin mine run by the Comikagi cooperative near Nyamugali, Rwanda. Credit: Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation) Intel says that a fact-finding trip to Rwanda is helping the semiconductor company understand their complex mineral supply chain, and go beyond addressing conflict minerals to achieving responsible sourcing. Consumers and, increasingly, investors want reassurance that companies are responsible corporate citizens.
How Rihanna’s Vegan Fenty Skin Line Aims to Reduce Waste
(Photo: Fenty Skin products. Credit: Fenty Skin on Instagram) Musician Rihanna released her new vegan skincare line Fenty Skin with a sustainability focus. The unisex products are designed to reduce waste, protect animals, and preserve coral reefs.
Prana Launches Responsible Packaging Program for the Apparel Industry
(Photo: Prana is testing a tissue paper bag made from 100% FSC-certified paper. Credit: Prana) Prana started a new program today called the Responsible Packaging Movement that shares guides, advice, and resources with other clothing brands. The lifestyle clothing company aims to inspire changes in packaging practices across the apparel industry.
Phillips 66 Plans to Convert Crude Oil Refinery into Renewable Fuels Plant
(Photo Credit: Phillips 66 on Facebook) Phillips 66 plans to transform its San Francisco Refinery in Rodeo, California, into a plant that produces renewable fuels. The energy company says that, if approved, the plant could become the world’s largest for renewable fuels. Currently San Francisco Refinery consists of two facilities in the Bay area connected by a 200-mile pipeline: Rodeo, built in 1896 and Santa Maria, built in 1955, the company said.
How Flex Avoided 22,000 Metric Tons of Scope 1 and 2 Emissions
(Photo Credit: Flex) Flex just reported avoiding more than 22,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions last year through energy management programs. The company also added renewable energy, diverted waste, and screened new global suppliers using social and environmental criteria. The Scope 1 and 2 reductions achieved last year stem from hundreds of individual projects implemented over more than a decade, according to the global company.
Investors Managing $16 Trillion Establish Net Zero Framework
(Photo Credit: Felix Tchverkin, Unsplash) Global investors representing more than $16 trillion in assets released a blueprint to help the investment community worldwide contribute to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Over 70 investors worked on the new Net Zero Investment Framework through the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC).
Kilroy Realty Earns Gold WELL Certification for San Francisco Project
(Image: Kilroy Realty’s four-building office project the Exchange on Sixteenth. Credit: Kilroy Realty) Kilroy Realty Corporation reported earning WELL Core and Shell Certification at the Gold level for its office project in San Francisco, the Exchange on Sixteenth. The company said that this is the first project in the city to achieve such certification, and only the second in California.
The Venetian Resort Pilots Surgical Face Mask Recycling Project
(Photo Credit: Venetian Resort Las Vegas) The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas launched a pilot project for recycling surgical face masks to keep them out of landfills. This is one of the first recycling programs for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the hospitality industry, according to the resort. Covid-19 forced the resort to close temporarily.
RBC Becomes First Canadian Bank to Sign Renewable Energy Deal
(Photo Credit: Bullfrog Power) Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) said that the financial institution became the first Canadian bank to sign a long-term power purchase agreement for renewable energy. The deal is expected to provide 39 megawatts from two solar farms under construction in Alberta. The two utility-scale solar farms are being developed in the County of Forty Mile, Alberta, across 300 acres, according to RBC.
The BMW Group Looks to Reduce CO2 for Full Vehicle Lifecycle
(Photo: The BMW Group is increasing electric vehicle production to lower CO2 emissions, and reported working on a sustainable material cycle for battery cells. Credit: The BMW Group) The BMW Group released strategies this week for how the company plans to reach key sustainability goals by 2030. New measures include setting targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions for a vehicle’s entire lifecycle.
Chemical Company BASF Releases Emissions Data for 45,000 Products
(Photo Credit: BASF) BASF plans to share carbon dioxide emissions data for their entire portfolio of around 45,000 products with customers. The global chemical company said that this transparent emissions information should help customers reduce the carbon footprints of their own activities and end products. Since 2007, BASF has been calculating the product carbon footprint (PCF) for individual products, according to the company.
Whirlpool’s Scope 1 and 2 Science-Based Targets Receive Approval
(Photo Credit: Alessandro Imbriaco / Whirlpool Corporation) Whirlpool Corporation announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved the company’s Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. They are the first appliance manufacturer in North America to join the initiative.
How Consulting Firm Capgemini Plans to Become Net Zero by 2030
(Photo: Capgemini’s offices in Munich. Credit: Marco Verch, Flickr Creative Commons) Capgemini committed to achieving carbon neutrality for operations by 2025, and becoming a net zero business by 2030. The consulting, digital transformation, technology, and engineering services company also detailed a strategy to reach these goals.
Ball Corporation Inks Renewable Deals to Power European Plants
(Photo Credit: Ball Corporation on Facebook) Ball Corporation signed two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for renewable energy projects in Europe totaling 93.4 megawatts (MW) of wind energy. These deals are expected to help the aluminum packaging company lower emissions and reach its renewable energy goal in Europe. One of the VPPAs is for the Corralnuevo project in Spain with developer Wpd, and the other is for the Brattmyrliden project in Sweden with Falck Renewables.
Microsoft Signs Company’s Single Largest Renewable Energy Agreement
(Photo Credit: Sol Systems) Microsoft signed the company’s single largest renewable energy portfolio energy purchase agreement this week. The deal for more than 500 megawatts (MW) of solar projects in the United States should help Microsoft close in on its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2025. Under the agreement, national solar energy finance and development firm Sol Systems plans to finance, develop, and operate a portfolio of solar projects in the US.
EIA Report: Large-Scale Battery Storage in US Hits 10-Year High
(Image: Plans for a solar plus storage system that EDF Renewables is designing for Cox Communications in San Diego. Credit: J.Dixx Photography) The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released a new report that examines national large-scale battery storage trends over the past decade. Capacity went from seven systems with 59 megawatts in 2010 to 125 systems totaling 869 MW at the end of 2018.
RMI and Banking Giants Introduce Center for Climate-Aligned Finance
(Photo Credit: Corey Collins, Unsplash) Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) established a new Center for Climate-Aligned Finance with support from financial institutions Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase. The goal for the center is to help the financial sector form partnerships that facilitate the transition to net-zero emissions by 2050.
States Sign Joint Commitment to Ramp Up Bus and Truck Electrification
(Photo: An MTA electric bus. Credit: State of New York) A group of 15 states and DC agreed to collaborate on advancing the market for bus and truck electrification. Their joint memorandum of understanding seeks to ensure that all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold by 2050 are zero-emission. This MOU commits to advancing electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, which include large pickup trucks and vans, delivery trucks, box trucks, school and transit buses, as well as big-rigs.
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