energyOrbit and Ekotrope Partner to Help Utilities Streamline Energy Efficiency Programs

SAN FRANCISCO, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As the world increasingly focuses on enacting efforts to protect the environment, two energy efficiency companies are partnering to encourage businesses and residents to embrace energy efficiency programs delivered through utilities and third-party implementers. energyOrbit,…

SAN FRANCISCO, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As the world increasingly focuses on enacting efforts to protect the environment, two energy efficiency companies are partnering to encourage businesses and residents to embrace energy efficiency programs delivered through utilities and third-party implementers. energyOrbit, which offers a software solution for cloud energy efficiency and demand-side management (DSM), and Ekotrope, which facilitates energy ratings and data sharing for residential buildings, have formed a technical integration, initially focused on new ENERGY STAR® homes.

The new integration recognizes the growth in energy efficiency programs, including distributed energy and electrification. It enables home energy raters to automatically and seamlessly push Ekotrope’s assessment data to energyOrbit for real-time utility program validation and payment via a shared Salesforce API. Previously, organizations would need to go to another solution provider first to validate home energy scores, identify home locations, and more, adding time and the potential for error.

The integration will make it easier for utility or third-party program administrators to factor ratings data into their energy efficiency programs, beginning with pre-qualification of data. Ekotrope and energyOrbit estimates a potential 60 to 80 percent time savings through their integrated solution.

«Partnering with Ekotrope is a logical step to streamline energy efficiency assessment for our customers,» said Udi Merhav, CEO and founder, energyOrbit. «We see the coming growth in more distributed energy and electrification implementations. This broadens our footprint in the DSM landscape to best serve our commitment to protecting the environment and addressing climate change.»

«We want to provide a data highway for our customers. This new integration with energyOrbit’s solution removes the human element from data transfer and validation, providing a more streamlined process,» said Ziv Rozenblum, founder and CEO, Ekotrope. «This is quicker and more accurate, helping eliminate quality control headaches, allowing builders to make smarter decisions, and delivering a best-in-class solution to our shared customers.»

ENERGY STAR is a federal program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy that promotes energy efficiency. It uses different standardized methods to provide information on the energy consumption of products and devices.

About energyOrbit
Founded in 2009 and based in San Francisco, California, energyOrbit is the market-leading solution for cloud energy efficiency and Demand-Side Management operations. energyOrbit is deployed with leading utilities, program administrators, and third-party implementers across North America, enabling customers to realize an average of up to 75 percent improved efficiency and savings in their DSM operations. energyOrbit empowers utilities to deploy DSM programs in hours, scale programs and portfolios efficiently, and to streamline utility customer relationships, partners, and internal communications seamlessly.

As of 2019, energyOrbit has helped utilities and third-party implementers manage more than 24 TWh of electricity savings. Additionally, 11 GW of peak demand has been reduced by efficiency measures tracked by energyOrbit. More than $3.7 billion in incentives have been managed and prepared for payment. For details, visit www.energy-orbit.com and follow on Twitter (@energyOrbit) and on LinkedIn.

About Ekotrope
Founded in 2011, Ekotrope offers the most widely used Home Energy Rating Software which is used on about 1 in 5 of new homes built in the U.S. each year. Powered by its proprietary hourly energy algorithm, Ekotrope RATER streamlines and automates every step of energy modeling from hourly savings calculations to utility program requirements verification.

Ekotrope makes energy efficiency easy. Combining technological innovation with tools for real-time collaboration, smart decision making and support, Ekotrope RATER takes the guesswork out of home energy ratings. In 2020, Ekotrope’s clients completed over 200,000 HERS ratings in all 50 states as well as Washington, D.C. Ekotrope has also become the software partner of choice for residential new construction energy efficient programs in the U.S. For details, visit www.ekotrope.com and follow on LinkedIn  or the Ekotrope blog for updates.

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energyorbit-and-ekotrope-partner-to-help-utilities-streamline-energy-efficiency-programs-301242184.html

SOURCE energyOrbit

Kia Sorento And K5 Achieve Top 10 For The 2021 World Car Of The Year Awards

IRVINE, Calif., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Kia Sorento and K5 have both been selected to the Top 10 for this year’s World Car of the Year (WCOTY) Awards. The nominations follow Kia’s big wins last year, as the Telluride was named ‘World Car of the Year’ and the Soul EV ‘World Urban Car.’

<img id="prnejpgdcealeft" title="Kia Sorento and K5 Achieve Top 10 for the 2021 World Car of the Year…

IRVINE, Calif., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Kia Sorento and K5 have both been selected to the Top 10 for this year’s World Car of the Year (WCOTY) Awards. The nominations follow Kia’s big wins last year, as the Telluride was named ‘World Car of the Year’ and the Soul EV ‘World Urban Car.’

Kia Sorento and K5 Achieve Top 10 for the 2021 World Car of the Year Awards.

«Kia’s vehicles continue to earn acclaim for segment leadership, innovation and design, and this latest nomination is further proof of our position as a world-class brand,» said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors North America, Kia Motors America. «We are honored to be considered again for World Car of the Year and are all looking forward to the results next month.»

All-new for 2021, the fourth generation Sorento features head-turning design, more off-road capability, and proven safety tech. With a bold new name representing Kia’s engineering and consumer confidence, the K5 sets a new standard among midsize sedans with its revolutionary design and powerful turbocharged engine lineup.

«Now in their 17th year, the World Car Awards were inaugurated to reflect the reality of the global marketplace and to recognize, reward and inspire excellence, leadership and innovation in a rapidly changing automotive industry on a global scale,» said Beth Rhind, co-founder and Executive Director at World Car Awards.

The winners of the World Car Awards will be announced April 20 and are decided by an independent international jury of 93 acclaimed automotive journalists from 28 countries around the world.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the «Official Automotive Partner» of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Kia Sorento and K5 Achieve Top 10 for the 2021 World Car of the Year Awards.

 

Kia Motors America Logo

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452381/Kia_Motors_America_2021_World_Car_of_the_Year_Awards_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452383/Kia_Motors_America_2021_World_Car_of_the_Year_Awards_2.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812837/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Kia Sorento And K5 Achieve Top 10 For The 2021 World Car Of The Year Awards

IRVINE, Calif., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Kia Sorento and K5 have both been selected to the Top 10 for this year’s World Car of the Year (WCOTY) Awards. The nominations follow Kia’s big wins last year, as the Telluride was named ‘World Car of the Year’ and the Soul EV ‘World Urban Car.’

<img id="prnejpgdcealeft" title="Kia Sorento and K5 Achieve Top 10 for the 2021 World Car of the Year…

IRVINE, Calif., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Kia Sorento and K5 have both been selected to the Top 10 for this year’s World Car of the Year (WCOTY) Awards. The nominations follow Kia’s big wins last year, as the Telluride was named ‘World Car of the Year’ and the Soul EV ‘World Urban Car.’

Kia Sorento and K5 Achieve Top 10 for the 2021 World Car of the Year Awards.

«Kia’s vehicles continue to earn acclaim for segment leadership, innovation and design, and this latest nomination is further proof of our position as a world-class brand,» said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors North America, Kia Motors America. «We are honored to be considered again for World Car of the Year and are all looking forward to the results next month.»

All-new for 2021, the fourth generation Sorento features head-turning design, more off-road capability, and proven safety tech. With a bold new name representing Kia’s engineering and consumer confidence, the K5 sets a new standard among midsize sedans with its revolutionary design and powerful turbocharged engine lineup.

«Now in their 17th year, the World Car Awards were inaugurated to reflect the reality of the global marketplace and to recognize, reward and inspire excellence, leadership and innovation in a rapidly changing automotive industry on a global scale,» said Beth Rhind, co-founder and Executive Director at World Car Awards.

The winners of the World Car Awards will be announced April 20 and are decided by an independent international jury of 93 acclaimed automotive journalists from 28 countries around the world.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the «Official Automotive Partner» of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Kia Sorento and K5 Achieve Top 10 for the 2021 World Car of the Year Awards.

 

Kia Motors America Logo

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452381/Kia_Motors_America_2021_World_Car_of_the_Year_Awards_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452383/Kia_Motors_America_2021_World_Car_of_the_Year_Awards_2.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812837/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Kia Sorento And K5 Achieve Top 10 For The 2021 World Car Of The Year Awards

IRVINE, Calif., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Kia Sorento and K5 have both been selected to the Top 10 for this year’s World Car of the Year (WCOTY) Awards. The nominations follow Kia’s big wins last year, as the Telluride was named ‘World Car of the Year’ and the Soul EV ‘World Urban Car.’

<img id="prnejpgdcealeft" title="Kia Sorento and K5 Achieve Top 10 for the 2021 World Car of the Year…

IRVINE, Calif., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Kia Sorento and K5 have both been selected to the Top 10 for this year’s World Car of the Year (WCOTY) Awards. The nominations follow Kia’s big wins last year, as the Telluride was named ‘World Car of the Year’ and the Soul EV ‘World Urban Car.’

Kia Sorento and K5 Achieve Top 10 for the 2021 World Car of the Year Awards.

«Kia’s vehicles continue to earn acclaim for segment leadership, innovation and design, and this latest nomination is further proof of our position as a world-class brand,» said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors North America, Kia Motors America. «We are honored to be considered again for World Car of the Year and are all looking forward to the results next month.»

All-new for 2021, the fourth generation Sorento features head-turning design, more off-road capability, and proven safety tech. With a bold new name representing Kia’s engineering and consumer confidence, the K5 sets a new standard among midsize sedans with its revolutionary design and powerful turbocharged engine lineup.

«Now in their 17th year, the World Car Awards were inaugurated to reflect the reality of the global marketplace and to recognize, reward and inspire excellence, leadership and innovation in a rapidly changing automotive industry on a global scale,» said Beth Rhind, co-founder and Executive Director at World Car Awards.

The winners of the World Car Awards will be announced April 20 and are decided by an independent international jury of 93 acclaimed automotive journalists from 28 countries around the world.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the «Official Automotive Partner» of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Kia Sorento and K5 Achieve Top 10 for the 2021 World Car of the Year Awards.

 

Kia Motors America Logo

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452381/Kia_Motors_America_2021_World_Car_of_the_Year_Awards_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452383/Kia_Motors_America_2021_World_Car_of_the_Year_Awards_2.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812837/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

NERA leads oil and gas giants in collaboration to address Australia’s decommissioning challenge

  • Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) to address aging O&G infrastructure
  • Study shows a need for +$50bn of decommission work, much of it urgent
  • CODA launches call for proposals for foundation projects

PERTH, Australia, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) has today been officially launched, heralding a much-needed collaborative effort to address the challenges and maximise the…

  • Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) to address aging O&G infrastructure
  • Study shows a need for +$50bn of decommission work, much of it urgent
  • CODA launches call for proposals for foundation projects

PERTH, Australia, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) has today been officially launched, heralding a much-needed collaborative effort to address the challenges and maximise the opportunities of decommissioning Australia’s aging oil and gas infrastructure.

To be officially launched at the AOG Energy conference, CODA has been established by Perth-based National Energy Resources Australia (NERA), the industry-led, not-for-profit organisation established in 2015 as part of the Federal Government’s Industry Growth Centre initiative, with the goal of driving innovation, productivity and enhancing competitiveness in the energy resources sector.

In an unprecedented move, CODA brings together many of the world’s major oil and gas companies – Chevron, Woodside Energy, Santos Limited, Esso Australia Pty Ltd, Vermilion Oil and Gas Australia and BHP – as well as many leading service and research organisations such as Baker Hughes, Atteris, Linch-Pin, AGR, Curtin University and Xodus Group.

Federal Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt MP today welcomed the establishment of the new decommissioning body.

«Congratulations to NERA for the establishment of the Centre of Decommissioning Australia. We all want to ensure we have a sound regulatory framework and that the offshore oil and gas industry can manage current and future decommissioning challenges.»

WA Mines and Petroleum Minister, Bill Johnston MLA, echoed Minister Pitt’s message.

«Western Australia is already a global hub for the oil and gas sector, accounting for 60 per cent of Australia’s LNG exports in 2019, and now has the potential to be a world-leading centre for decommissioning.

«Congratulations to NERA on launching this impressive initiative.»

NERA’s Chief Executive Miranda Taylor said the launch of CODA marked an important step in maximising value for the community, the environment and for Australian industry.

«We’re looking at $50 billion of work over the next 50 years, so decommissioning represents a multi-generational challenge for Australia. CODA will play a critical role in transforming our approach to late life planning and decommissioning and maximising the value of these activities for Australia’s community, environment, industry, economy and future.»

«NERA is an expert facilitator, bringing our stakeholders together to work on collaborative solutions, like those required to reduce decommissioning costs, create opportunity for local suppliers and improve our understanding of the impact of decommissioning decisions.» 

In 2020 NERA commissioned the first assessment of Australia’s offshore decommissioning liability, produced with support and involvement from oil and gas operators.

The report by Advisian, Worley’s global consulting business, concluded that there is more than $50 billion (US$40.5 billion) of necessary decommissioning work on Australia’s offshore oil and gas infrastructure, over half of which needs to be started within the next ten years.

With the study highlighting the urgency of the situation, CODA will now lead the way on supporting industry, government, the community and other stakeholders to ensure that these activities actively seek to maximise opportunities for local service and technology companies in local and regional decommissioning projects.

Chevron Director of Operations, Kory Judd, said: «Industry has a responsibility to manage asset retirement in an environmentally responsible and efficient manner while ensuring opportunities to deliver long-term environmental and socio-economic outcomes for Australia. 

«By providing a focal point for collaboration, technology sharing, and local capability opportunities, CODA will enable a coordinated approach to drive positive asset retirement results for the benefit of all stakeholders.»

Woodside Senior Vice President Operations, Fiona Hick, said: «Decommissioning will become increasingly prominent in our industry in Australia in coming years. The launch of CODA presents industry with a fantastic opportunity through which to share best practice and to further contribute to undertaking decommissioning safely and efficiently, while delivering benefits to the environment and local communities.»

Graham Gillies, VP of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea at Baker Hughes, said, «Decommissioning oil and gas infrastructure in a safe and responsible manner is critical for the future of the industry and for energy transition. As an energy technology company, we are excited to join the Center of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) network and to work closely with the oil and gas operators in Australia to carefully plan and execute decommissioning projects, leveraging our local resources and expertise in onshore and offshore environments.»

To mark today’s launch CODA has announced a series of foundation projects designed to rapidly accelerate cross-industry understanding of our decommissioning challenge.

These are:

  • Understanding Opportunities for Local Disposal and Recycling
  • A Global Review of Decommissioning Planning and Execution Learnings
  • Development of a Decommissioning Innovation and Technology Roadmap

These projects, along with other work being progressed by CODA, represent critical early-stage building blocks in delivering CODA’s objective of maximising value for Australia from decommissioning activities.

CODA’s launch is the second major announcement in as many months for NERA having just weeks ago unveiled a network of hydrogen technology clusters across the country, designed to help establish a global identity and a recognised brand for Australian hydrogen technology and expertise.

Notes:

  • The Call for Proposals will be open until 9 April 2021.
  • More details are available on the NERA website.

About NERA:
NERA is an independent not for profit company funded through Federal Government grants and collaborative programs by state/territory governments, industry and the science and research community.  NERA is working with our partners to catalyse low emissions and digital technologies to support Australia’s energy transition, and to grow innovative SMES and supply chains.  We work with our energy sector partners to improve Australia’s performance in the commercialisation of innovation and the scale up of technologies and to help Australian industry to diversify and decarbonise.

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nera-leads-oil-and-gas-giants-in-collaboration-to-address-australias-decommissioning-challenge-301242377.html

SOURCE National Energy Resources Australia (NERA)

The Home Depot Expands Environmentally Friendly Outdoor Power Lineup

ATLANTA, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, is launching a new suite of cordless outdoor power equipment that give both DIY and Pro customers the ease of use and environmental benefits of battery-operated machines, but with the power and run time of gas equipment.

<img id="prnejpg4f67left" title="The Home Depot logo….

ATLANTA, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, is launching a new suite of cordless outdoor power equipment that give both DIY and Pro customers the ease of use and environmental benefits of battery-operated machines, but with the power and run time of gas equipment.

The Home Depot logo. (PRNewsFoto/The Home Depot) (PRNewsFoto/)

The expanded lineup by Ryobi, DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee are effortless to start, significantly quieter, yet emit no carbon emissions, and eliminate the need to store or mix gas and oil. At the same time, the batteries for these brands’ outdoor tools, like trimmers and blowers, are interchangeable with their other power tools such as drills, impact drivers and more.

For example, the Ryobi ONE+ batteries that customers previously purchased with other equipment for their homes or jobsites also power more than 175 tools in the Ryobi ONE+ and ONE+ HP product line.

«Modern advances in battery technology are giving these industry-leading brands the ability to deliver our customers outstanding power and even greater value than ever in cordless outdoor power equipment,» said Jeff Kinnaird, executive vice president of merchandising at The Home Depot. «Battery-powered products are easier to use, more environmentally friendly and have the power and runtime of gas to help our customers complete their outdoor projects.»

Highlighted products in the spring 2021 cordless outdoor power assortment include:

  • RYOBI 40-Volt HP Cross-Cut Self-Propelled Mower ($599): Starting with the push of a button, the RYOBI 40-Volt HP 21in. Multi Blade Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower has more power, a longer runtime, and a longer motor life to deliver a superior cut quality with the convenience of cordless.
  • DeWalt 20-Volt MAX Push Mower ($399): Customers can mulch, bag or side clip with the DeWalt 20-Volt MAX Cordless Lawn Mower. It is powered by two 20-Volt MAX 10 Ah batteries to deliver 40-Volt of power and 400-Watt Hours. It is equipped with a full steel deck, 6 cutting heights and auto sensing technology.
  • Makita 18-Volt LXT String Trimmer Kit ($199): Providing zero emissions, lower noise and considerably less maintenance, the 18-Volt LXT Brushless Cordless String Trimmer is ideal for precision trimming and edging. It delivers faster cutting with 6,000 RPM from its Makita BL Brushless Motor, the tool has a longer run time, increased power and speed and longer tool life.
  • Milwaukee 12-Volt M12 FUEL HATCHET Pruning Saw ($249): Designed to meet the ergonomic, performance and durability needs of landscape maintenance professionals, the Milwaukee M12 FUEL HATCHET 6 in. Pruning Saw Kit delivers unmatched control and access, with the power to cut 3 in. hardwoods and delivering up to 120 cuts per charge.
  • RYOBI ONE+ 18-Volt Power Cleaner ($79.97 for Tool Only): The RYOBI Power Cleaner is convenient and portable and allows for easy cleaning of outdoor furniture, windows, boats, campers, and many other surfaces by pulling water from any fresh water source by connecting to a standard garden hose or siphon hose.
  • Toro 60-Volt Max Leaf Blower ($216.99): Designed to reduce arm fatigue during lawn cleanup, the Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower has extended power, run time and product life from its brushless motor. Its turbo-boost button and ergonomic handle put the high-performance power in the hands of its user.

Consumer Tip: To understand the full power and performance of a battery-powered product, find the voltage of the product and amperage of the battery and multiply the two to determine its full power output.

(Volts x Amps = Total Watts)

For additional information or to shop these items, visit www.homedepot.com.

About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. The Company operates a total of 2,297 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2020, The Home Depot had sales of $132.1 billion and earnings of $12.9 billion. The company employs approximately 500,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/118058/the_home_depot_logo.jpg

 

SOURCE The Home Depot

The Home Depot Expands Environmentally Friendly Outdoor Power Lineup

ATLANTA, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, is launching a new suite of cordless outdoor power equipment that give both DIY and Pro customers the ease of use and environmental benefits of battery-operated machines, but with the power and run time of gas equipment.

<a…

ATLANTA, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, is launching a new suite of cordless outdoor power equipment that give both DIY and Pro customers the ease of use and environmental benefits of battery-operated machines, but with the power and run time of gas equipment.

The expanded lineup by Ryobi, DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee are effortless to start, significantly quieter, yet emit no carbon emissions, and eliminate the need to store or mix gas and oil. At the same time, the batteries for these brands’ outdoor tools, like trimmers and blowers, are interchangeable with their other power tools such as drills, impact drivers and more.

For example, the Ryobi ONE+ batteries that customers previously purchased with other equipment for their homes or jobsites also power more than 175 tools in the Ryobi ONE+ and ONE+ HP product line.

«Modern advances in battery technology are giving these industry-leading brands the ability to deliver our customers outstanding power and even greater value than ever in cordless outdoor power equipment,» said Jeff Kinnaird, executive vice president of merchandising at The Home Depot. «Battery-powered products are easier to use, more environmentally friendly and have the power and runtime of gas to help our customers complete their outdoor projects.»

Highlighted products in the spring 2021 cordless outdoor power assortment include:

  • RYOBI 40-Volt HP Cross-Cut Self-Propelled Mower ($599): Starting with the push of a button, the RYOBI 40-Volt HP 21in. Multi Blade Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower has more power, a longer runtime, and a longer motor life to deliver a superior cut quality with the convenience of cordless.
  • DeWalt 20-Volt MAX Push Mower ($399): Customers can mulch, bag or side clip with the DeWalt 20-Volt MAX Cordless Lawn Mower. It is powered by two 20-Volt MAX 10 Ah batteries to deliver 40-Volt of power and 400-Watt Hours. It is equipped with a full steel deck, 6 cutting heights and auto sensing technology.
  • Makita 18-Volt LXT String Trimmer Kit ($199): Providing zero emissions, lower noise and considerably less maintenance, the 18-Volt LXT Brushless Cordless String Trimmer is ideal for precision trimming and edging. It delivers faster cutting with 6,000 RPM from its Makita BL Brushless Motor, the tool has a longer run time, increased power and speed and longer tool life.
  • Milwaukee 12-Volt M12 FUEL HATCHET Pruning Saw ($249): Designed to meet the ergonomic, performance and durability needs of landscape maintenance professionals, the Milwaukee M12 FUEL HATCHET 6 in. Pruning Saw Kit delivers unmatched control and access, with the power to cut 3 in. hardwoods and delivering up to 120 cuts per charge.
  • RYOBI ONE+ 18-Volt Power Cleaner ($79.97 for Tool Only): The RYOBI Power Cleaner is convenient and portable and allows for easy cleaning of outdoor furniture, windows, boats, campers, and many other surfaces by pulling water from any fresh water source by connecting to a standard garden hose or siphon hose.
  • Toro 60-Volt Max Leaf Blower ($216.99): Designed to reduce arm fatigue during lawn cleanup, the Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower has extended power, run time and product life from its brushless motor. Its turbo-boost button and ergonomic handle put the high-performance power in the hands of its user.

Consumer Tip: To understand the full power and performance of a battery-powered product, find the voltage of the product and amperage of the battery and multiply the two to determine its full power output.

(Volts x Amps = Total Watts)

For additional information or to shop these items, visit www.homedepot.com.

About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. The Company operates a total of 2,297 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2020, The Home Depot had sales of $132.1 billion and earnings of $12.9 billion. The company employs approximately 500,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-home-depot-expands-environmentally-friendly-outdoor-power-lineup-301242877.html

SOURCE The Home Depot

ESC Partners Accelerates Growth with Opening of New Latin America Offices

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ESC Partners, a leader in fueling utility innovation and execution of digital transformation, announced today expansion into a new geographic area to include locations throughout Latin America. Offices and presence in both Central and South America are being established to support the recent partnerships penned with multiple utility organizations in several countries. Upcoming numerous ESC…

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ESC Partners, a leader in fueling utility innovation and execution of digital transformation, announced today expansion into a new geographic area to include locations throughout Latin America. Offices and presence in both Central and South America are being established to support the recent partnerships penned with multiple utility organizations in several countries. Upcoming numerous ESC projects being launched include implementation of Oracle Customer Cloud Service (CCS) in addition to projects addressing Oracle Field Services Cloud (OFSC), Oracle Work and Asset Management Cloud Services (WACS), Meter Data Management (MDM) and more serving a combined customer base of well over 8 million utility customers throughout the region.

«We are devoted to guiding our partners to the highest level of productivity and modernization possible employing the best technologies available. The premiere platform of the Oracle Utilities Suite backed by Oracle’s commitment to success is integrated with our rich experience and serves to provide optimum results,» said RJ Kumar, CEO ESC Partners. «The time to expand our global footprint couldn’t be better as utilities around the world are working quickly to evolve and innovate to keep pace with changing demands and cloud technologies.»

Latin American utilities are placing more emphasis on seeking local partners when addressing smart metering framework options and seeking opportunities for improved business cases. This creates a logical opportunity for an experienced, trusted leader such as ESC Partners to bring services and expertise to the area.

«As a technology ally, ESC is able to support innovation across multiple solutions for utilities,» said David Greenberg, ESC SVP Global Operations and Delivery. «And with the planned 18+ billion dollars in smart grid infrastructure investment in Latin America over the next decade, the region is poised for growth across the entire scope of services.»

Latin America’s energy sector is quickly approaching a fundamental change, and as such, developing new customer-centric strategies responding to shifts in behavior, mastering digital technologies and embracing an agile mindset are critical to meeting tomorrow’s challenges. ESC welcomes the opportunity to work alongside, locally, with utility organizations to successfully step up to the challenge.

About ESC Partners
ESC Partners specializes in partnering with electric, water and gas utilities to enhance their operational capabilities and fuel organizational innovation and efficiency. Leveraging technologies, capabilities, and business acumen to achieve digital transformation. ESC teams with utilities to develop adaptable and dependable overarching plans and processes that enable them to achieve positive business outcomes. A global provider of a myriad of solutions from system integration to business process engineering and across multiple utility product suites, ESC value added service helps fill the gap with an end-to-end agile solution. ESC works dedication to a client-centric philosophy that has proven successful for over twelve years. With regional headquarters in the US, India, Dubai, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and the Philippines, the sun never sets on ESC. Learn more at esc-partners.com.

Media Contact:
Lori Waugh
ESC Partners
585.413.4302
info@esc-partners.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/esc-partners-accelerates-growth-with-opening-of-new-latin-america-offices-301243133.html

SOURCE ESC Partners

The National Safety Council Urges Drivers to Check for Recalls During Vehicle Safety Recalls Week

ITASCA, Ill., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The National Safety Council (NSC) encourages every vehicle owner to check their recall status during NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Recalls Week from March 8-12.

…

ITASCA, Ill., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The National Safety Council (NSC) encourages every vehicle owner to check their recall status during NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Recalls Week from March 8-12.

Tens of millions of vehicles on the road today have unrepaired recalls, and many of those recalls involve defective parts that can pose life-threatening risks to drivers or passengers. Led by NSC, the Check To Protect campaign encourages all vehicle owners to proactively check their recall status and, if necessary, schedule a free repair as soon as possible.

«Safety is top of mind for families across America, and vehicle safety is an important part of that,» said Mark Chung, Vice President of Roadway Practice at NSC. «We encourage everyone to take two minutes this week to check for recalls on their vehicles. You won’t know if you’re at risk until you check.»

Any vehicle owner can learn whether they have an open recall by visiting CheckToProtect.org and entering their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN. The VIN can be found on the driver’s side dash, inside the driver’s door, on your registration documents, or on your insurance card. Another option for vehicle owners is to text «RECALL» to 99724 – or, for Spanish speakers, text «REVISA» to 99724 – and snap a picture of the license plate when prompted.

All recalls are free to have repaired at authorized dealers, regardless of whether you purchased your vehicle from the dealer or take it there for regular service. For more information on safety recalls, visit CheckToProtect.org.

About the National Safety Council

The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 100 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace, roadway and impairment. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.

About Check to Protect

Check to Protect brings together a coalition of automakers, traffic safety partners, state DMVs and others, led by the National Safety Council. This public safety campaign encourages drivers to check the recall status of their vehicle and have open recalls fixed immediately – for free – to protect the ones they love.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-national-safety-council-urges-drivers-to-check-for-recalls-during-vehicle-safety-recalls-week-301243125.html

SOURCE National Safety Council

Motional Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2021

BOSTON, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Motional, a global leader in driverless technology, has been named to Fast Company‘s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2021.

…

BOSTON, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Motional, a global leader in driverless technology, has been named to Fast Company‘s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2021.

The list honors the businesses that have not only found a way to be resilient in the past year, but also turned those challenges into impact-making processes. These companies did more than survive, they thrived – making an impact on their industries and culture as a whole. This year’s MIC list features 463 businesses from 29 countries.

«Driverless vehicles have the potential to save millions of lives, and we’re at the forefront of making them a reality. That takes a relentless commitment to innovation, and an extraordinary dedication to our mission. We’re honored to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies — it’s a testament to the talent, passion and ingenuity that our teams bring to their work every day,» commented Karl Iagnemma, CEO and president, Motional.

Motional has been leading driverless innovation for decades. It drove some of the industry’s largest leaps forward, including the first fully autonomous cross-country drive, the first-ever robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world’s longest-standing public robotaxi service. That service has provided more than 100,000 rides, with 98% of passengers awarding their rides a five-star rating. Motional is also a leader on safety; the company is proud to have safely navigated over 1.5 million miles in diverse road environments, and led the establishment of industry-leading safety standards.

During the past year, Motional’s innovation has created significant commercial and technological advancement in driverless technology:

  • In February 2021, Motional became one of the first companies in the world to operate driverless vehicles on public roads. Before doing so, Motional earned a first-of-its-kind endorsement to operate with an empty driver’s seat from TÜV SÜD, a world-leading independent technical service provider with extensive experience assessing driverless technology.
  • In December 2020, Motional and Lyft announced plans to launch a multimarket robotaxi service in major US cities, beginning in 2023. The announcement marked the largest robotaxi deployment partnership for a major ridesharing network.
  • In October 2020, Motional and Via announced plans to launch a first-of-its-kind partnership: a platform for public, on-demand shared robotaxi rides.
  • In September 2020, Motional expanded its groundbreaking nuScenes program by over a billion data points. nuScenes, initially launched in 2019, catalyzed a thriving culture of information-sharing in the driverless industry, helping to build safer, smarter vehicles and technology.
  • In August 2020, Motional – previously the Hyundai-Aptiv Autonomous Driving Joint Venture – revealed its new name and brand identity.
  • In March 2020, Aptiv and Hyundai Motor Group completed the formation of their 50/50 autonomous driving joint venture, aimed at advancing the companies shared vision of making mobility more safe, green, accessible, and connected. That $4B joint venture was now uniquely positioned with leading software capabilities, a deep integration with a global vehicle manufacturer, and significant capital.

Fast Company‘s editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses across the globe and industries. They also judged nominations received through their application process.

The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company‘s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.

«In a year of unprecedented challenges, the companies on this list exhibit fearlessness, ingenuity, and creativity in the face of crisis,» said Fast Company Deputy Editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with Senior Editor Amy Farley.

To coincide with the issue launch, Fast Company will host its first-ever Most Innovative Companies Summit on March 9 and 10. This virtual, multiday summit will celebrate the Most Innovative Companies in business, provide an early look at major business trends, and offer the inspiration and practical insights on what it takes to innovate in 2021. 

Fast Company‘s Most Innovative Companies issue (March/April 2021) is now available online here, as well as in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning March 16, 2021. The hashtag is #FCMostInnovative.

About Motional

Motional is a driverless technology company making self-driving vehicles a safe, reliable, and accessible reality.

The Motional team was behind some of the industry’s largest leaps forward, including the first fully-autonomous cross-country drive in the U.S, the launch of the world’s first robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world’s most-established public robotaxi fleet.

Motional is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group, one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers offering smart mobility solutions, and Aptiv, a global technology leader in advanced safety, electrification, and vehicle connectivity.

Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia. For more information, visit  www.Motional.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

ABOUT FAST COMPANY

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.

 

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/motional-named-to-fast-companys-annual-list-of-the-worlds-most-innovative-companies-for-2021-301242977.html

SOURCE Motional