Categoría: Influencers

JOLIET, Ill., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Pivot Energy and Joliet Junior College (JJC) announced today the completion and activation of a 1.3-megawatt (MW) onsite solar system at JJC’s Main Campus. The solar array, which consists of 3,542 solar panels, was installed by national solar developer Pivot Energy and will save the college more than $1.6 million in electricity expenses over 25 years.

Over the life of the solar system, it is estimated to produce 61,836,250 kilowatt hours of clean and reliable electricity, enough energy to power more than 5,000 Illinois homes. JJC is expected to offset its total energy consumption by 22.5%, making the campus one of the greenest in the state. 

The panels were provided by retired Joliet oncologist Dr. Sarode Pundaleeka with Sunlarge Industries. Over the first 10 years, JJC will pay a reduced rate for the energy generated by the panels, after which they will be donated to the college.

«JJC has consistently invested in sustainable practices since our first college campus was completed in the early 1970s,» Dr. Judy Mitchell, JJC’s president, said. «Not only are we grateful for Dr. Pundeleeka’s investment in our institution and sustainable values, but we are ready to take this to the next level, supporting renewable energy and building academic and training opportunities around it.»

«Joliet Junior College’s longstanding commitment to sustainability is impressive. Thanks to the gracious Dr. Pundaleeka, the college is able to realize cost-savings from day one without any upfront capital needed to pay for the system, and showcase to its student body what good environmental stewardship looks like,» said Liz Reddington, director of project development at Pivot Energy. 

Pundaleeka hopes the solar array will inspire future generations to pursue careers in clean energy and convey the importance of sustainability to all campus visitors. 

«It is phenomenal to see this project completed. This gives a very distinct and progressive look to the campus,» Pundaleeka said. «JJC will be in sound economic state without the escalating energy costs.»

Since 2000, JJC has completed over 50 sustainability projects, including opening multiple LEED-certified buildings. In addition to the solar project, a pollinator habitat mixture will be planted around the panels using native grasses and forbs, which will support bee and butterfly habitats and aid in drought and stormwater mitigation.

About Pivot Energy
Pivot Energy is a Denver-based solar energy company that is focused on helping accelerate the rapid transition taking place in the energy industry to a grid that is more decentralized and cleaner. Pivot offers a distributed energy platform that includes a range of services and software aimed at serving the full commercial solar ecosystem, including retail customers, project developers, system operators, utilities, and financiers. The company develops, finances, builds, and manages community and commercial solar projects around the country. Pivot operates on a triple bottom line basis, measuring success by the positive impact to people, planet, and profit. Learn more at www.pivotenergy.net.

About Joliet Junior College 
Located in the south Chicago suburbs, JJC is the nation’s first public community college, with six campuses and education centers that serve approximately 27,000 students annually. JJC’s nine academic pathways offer customized, affordable certificate and associate degree options for immediate career placement or seamless transfer capabilities. JJC students also benefit from a collective $13 million in state and federal grants, and scholarship assistance in excess of $750,000 each year. Learn more at www.jjc.edu.

Media Contact:
Nate Watters
nate@fc-communications.com 
720-628-3132

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SOURCE Pivot Energy

CHICAGO, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Verde Energy Efficiency Experts (verde.expert) announces the formal launch of its Savings Accelerator™ Program. If the adage «A dollar saved is a dollar earned» still holds true, then Verde Energy Efficiency Experts is helping its commercial and municipal customers earn a lot more money – even as business is less predictable than ever.

Verde is a Chicago-based energy-efficiency company that finds and implements the most efficient and effective ways for organizations to save on energy costs. It helps commercial and municipal customers substantially reduce operating expenses by cutting their monthly energy expenses, sometimes by as much as 40%.

Verde identifies and swaps out inefficient lighting, refrigeration, HVAC systems, and more with efficient models, while also taking full advantage of utility rebates, discounts and programs. While saving costs is the major, tangible benefit that companies can expect when partnering with Verde, Verde’s clients also receive acclaim and recognition by making their operations cleaner and greener – a benefit that is increasingly valued by conscientious consumers and employees alike.

«Opportunities to reduce commercial energy consumption – and save money – are everywhere. But you have to know where to look. And then take action. That’s where we come in,» says Jamie Johnson, CEO and Founder of Verde.

For over a decade, Verde has been helping its customers identify and implement energy efficiency programs that make a big impact on the bottom lines and the environment. «And now, customers need us more than ever,» adds Johnson. «For many businesses, revenue has declined and won’t return to what it was until COVID is put to bed. Businesses and municipalities feel hopeless; revenue and sales are more difficult to control than ever before. But one thing they can control is their energy efficiency.»

Verde’s new Savings Accelerator™ Program, which is available to all kinds of Chicagoland businesses and municipalities, greatly reduces Verde’s Team’s fees. In light of the changes brought about by COVID and the nation’s uncertain economic future, Verde is providing a tremendous amount of value at no cost. Its initial Customer Virtual Consultation is now free; its In-person Consultation is now free; and its Custom Plan Development is now free for qualifying companies. Verde also provides free analysis and consultation over outside air flow control, a key building component for both energy efficiency and Covid 19 safety.

Chicagoland businesses that are interested in taking advantage of Verde’s limited-time Savings Accelerator™ Program should call (773) 413-9587 or email info@verde.expert.

About Verde
Verde Energy Efficiency Experts (verde.expert) is a team of energy experts who are obsessed with reducing energy consumption. For more than 10 years, Verde has been helping Chicagoland businesses get on the path to energy efficiency. The savings that come from working with Verde really adds up – and that matters more now than ever. Because after all, a dollar saved is a dollar earned. Some of Verde’s customers include: McDonald’s, Half Acre Brewery, hundreds of local fire stations and libraries, Kronos Gyros, and Happy Foods Grocery Store.

Media Contact
David Kelbaugh
Tacklebox
288684@email4pr.com
312-316-8578

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SOURCE Verde Energy Efficiency Experts

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ —

Key takeaways

• While the long-term trend towards electric vehicles (EVs) continues to solidify, consumer anxiety amid the pandemic may be shifting automotive priorities towards familiarity and affordability, with 74% of U.S. consumers looking for a traditional internal combustion engine in their next vehicle.
• Vehicle payment deferments are also raising some concern across the globe with younger consumers in the U.S. more than two times more likely to push back payments (23% of 18-34 year olds versus 10% of the overall study sample).
• While online automotive sales have risen in popularity globally due to the pandemic, 71% of U.S. consumers still want the in-person experience moving forward.

Why this matters
Uncertainty and financial concerns driven by COVID-19 continue to have an impact on consumer mobility and the global automotive sector. For more than a decade, Deloitte has been exploring automotive consumer behaviors and trends impacting the global automotive ecosystem. This year’s report titled, «2021 Global Automotive Consumer Study,» surveyed more than 24,000 consumers from 23 countries. It explores opinions regarding a variety of issues impacting the global automotive sector, including implications of the pandemic on consumer perceptions, the development of advanced technologies and impact of digital automotive retail platforms.

Recharging consumer interest in EVs
Before the transportation torch is officially passed from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric powertrains, consumers require greater assurance around mileage, robust charging infrastructure rollouts and affordability of the electric segment. While the pandemic continues to play a large role in exacerbating this apprehension, stricter carbon emission regulations on the horizon point to a «closing window» for the traditional ICE segment experience.

• Motivated by a sense of familiarity and financial concerns due to COVID-19, consumers across the globe are showing a near-term reluctance to switching away from ICE technology. Just one-quarter (26%) of U.S. consumers are considering alternative engine solutions for their next vehicle, down 15% year-over-year.
• The top concern about EVs in both the U.S. and Germany is battery range (28%), whereas lack of charging infrastructure is top of mind in Asia (The Republic of Korea at 32%, Japan at 29% and India at 26%).
• While the majority of consumers in the U.S. (71%), Japan (71%), Germany (64%) and India (63%) expect to charge their vehicles at home, more than half (51%) of respondents in China intended to make use of available charging stations at their place of work or on the street instead.
• Consumer perception of connected vehicles appears to be edging up in Asia, with as many as 83% of consumers in China finding the technology beneficial; that number is just about half in the U.S. (44%).
• With increased connectivity, 64% of U.S. consumers are most concerned about the possibility of hacking, which is shared among consumers in Germany (64%), The Republic of Korea (64%) and India (66%).
• Advanced vehicle features that promote greater safety capabilities, such as blind-spot detection, are most appealing to U.S consumers (70%), whereas Germany also ranks built-in navigation systems as their most important future vehicle option at 65%. But, cost continues to be a limiting factor for advanced vehicle technologies with 74% of U.S. consumers unwilling to pay more than US$500 for infotainment.

Key Quote
«The global automotive industry, like many others, has been profoundly impacted by the pandemic. That said, the momentum toward a more connected vehicle future remains bright and full of promise. Ever stricter vehicle emissions requirements in many markets around the world are also pushing the goal of electric mobility forward. Efforts to realize these technologies will open up a new world of possibility.»

– Dr. Harald Proff, Deloitte Global automotive leader and partner, Deloitte Germany

Financial concerns reroute future vehicle intentions
Continued financial concerns are affecting vehicle ownership across the globe. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers in many markets are rethinking not only when they will be buying their next vehicle but also what type of vehicle they will buy next. As the risk of affordability concerns increase, a growing number of people are deferring vehicle loan/lease payments with some intending to acquire a less expensive vehicle than originally planned.

• One in 10 Americans (10%) opted to defer their automotive payment in 2020, but that rises to 23% among consumers aged 18-34.
• While the vast majority (84%) of U.S. consumers plan on purchasing a similar vehicle in the future, more than half of consumers in India (57%) plan to enter a completely different vehicle segment as a result of the pandemic.
• Timelines for acquiring their next vehicle varies greatly, with 66% of U.S. consumers remaining on initial timelines. In contrast, roughly one-third of consumers in India (38%) and The Republic of Korea (32%) plan on delaying their next vehicle purchase.

Mapping future digital auto services
The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to more virtual transactions, but certain aspects of the buying process remain difficult to digitize, reinforcing the consumers’ desire for an in-person experience.

• U.S. preferences remain largely in favor of in-person sales experiences (71%). In contrast, consumers in India look to be the most open to a virtual transaction in the automotive space with almost one-third (27%) indicating a fully virtual buying experience is preferred.
• Authorized dealers will remain a part of the virtual buying process with more than half (59%) of U.S. consumers preferring to interact with a franchised seller.
• Having the ability to see the car in-person remains a major deterrent for fully virtual sales noted by 75% of U.S. consumers, in addition to respondents in Japan (80%) and Germany (76%). Similarly, more than half (59%) of consumers in China listed the physical test drive of a vehicle as a deterrent to a fully virtual transaction, as did 64% of U.S. respondents.
• One virtual transaction that engenders a high level of interest globally is «virtual servicing,» where a vehicle is picked up from a home or office when it needs service. Consumers in the U.S. (46%), The Republic of Korea (70%), and Japan (67%) are largely in favor of the added convenience, provided it comes free of charge.

Key quote
«Unlike many other retail sectors that have seen a wholesale shift to online buying, purchasing a vehicle remains a largely personal experience for many consumers.  However, some people will be looking for a virtual sales experience to maximize convenience, speed and ease of use. This will likely result in a more complicated, and potentially costly, set of consumer expectations for dealers to meet at a time when businesses are looking to recover and thrive in the wake of the pandemic.»   

–Karen Bowman, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP and U.S. automotive sector leader

Connect with us on Twitter at @DeloitteCB or on LinkedIn @KarenBowman.

About Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 7,000 private companies. Our people come together for the greater good and work across the industry sectors that drive and shape today’s marketplace — delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthier society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Now celebrating 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s more than 330,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com.  

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee («DTTL»), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as «Deloitte Global») does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the «Deloitte» name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

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SOURCE Deloitte

BOSTON, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today showcased its Wiser range of smart home products marking a significant step forward for the building industry to offer connected, protected and sustainable homes at the 2021 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Schneider Electric is partnering with builders across the country to meet the demands of new sustainability regulations, safety issues and increased home energy usage. 

It’s more critical than ever to cut down on emissions as homes are expected to become the single largest consumer of electricity, surpassing industry as the largest contributor of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. This is exacerbated by the fact that home energy usage is up an average of 20% since the pandemic began. With this is mind, Schneider Electric is empowering homeowners and builders to make homes not only be smart, but connected and sustainable as well, all through the Wiser Energy system.

As a national leader in connected and smart home technology, Schneider Electric is already in four out of 10 homes in the U.S., keeping them safe from potential electrical hazards. Now, Schneider Electric is also giving homeowners a new, deeper level of insight that allows them to take control of their homes, their carbon footprint and their energy bills. 

Schneider Electric Empowers Home Builders Across the U.S.

Across the United States, Schneider Electric is working with home builders, offering them solutions that focus on the four key areas that enable them to build top-of-the-line homes: providing best in class safety and protection, creating an enhanced lifestyle with connectivity, incorporating AI and machine learning, and embracing modern aesthetics and modular designs.

«We recognize the impact residential energy use is having on the environment and the need for new technology to help consumers increase their energy efficiency and reduce their energy costs,» said Richard Korthauer, Vice President, Home & Distribution, Schneider Electric. «We are working with industry-leading builders to incorporate new solutions into their designs to create sustainable homes of the future that allow residents to view, manage and track their home’s power using a single device. By seamlessly integrating this technology into their home, homeowners have greater peace of mind and energy savings, without sacrificing comfort.»

These solutions include:

• Square D Energy Center – A more resilient, efficient, and aesthetic all-in-one home energy system solution designed for smart homes offering homeowners personalized digital control over their residential energy.
• Wiser Home Energy Monitor – A connected solution integrated into the home’s electrical panel providing real-time information to optimize home energy usage and track savings.   
• Square D Wiring Devices – High-performing, multi-tasking, connected light switches, dimmers, outlets and combination devices that can control room lighting, provide energy monitoring, and send alerts by phone or voice activation via Alexa or Google Assistant.

Providence Homes & Schneider Electric Create Resilient, Sustainable Homes

Sustainable, durable and healthy homes begin with construction. Schneider Electric and Providence Homes, the leading builder of energy efficient homes in Northeast Florida, are working together to create energy efficient residential ecosystems and empower home buyers to better control their energy costs.

Providence Homes is dedicated to going beyond energy efficiency and building long-lasting, sustainable homes. In working with Schneider Electric, the builder has been able to create homes that are not only sustainable, resilient, hyper-efficient and people-centric, but most of all transparent and optimized for long-term energy efficiency.

«We take great pride in building 100% ENERGY STAR^® Certified homes that can keep up with the energetic families that live inside them, while offering a cleaner, healthier environment for all. When showing our homes, we are excited to share how our homes outperform traditional code-built homes in all aspects of design and performance,» said Charles Roberts, Vice President of Operations. «By incorporating the Wiser Home Energy Monitor, our homebuyers can easily see the cost-savings in action and the value speaks for itself.» 

Providence Homes is integrating Schneider Electric’s Wiser Energy Monitor into more than 250 homes, giving those homeowners 24/7 real-time access to energy usage, track savings and set energy goals to optimize their home energy. 

«Providence Homes has embraced our smart home solutions to differentiate themselves from a technological and insight standpoint, while reinforcing their commitment to home energy efficiency,» said Bradford Wills, Director: Strategic Customers & Programs, Home & Distribution, Schneider Electric. «We see our relationship with Providence Homes as a blueprint for builders across the country in how to embrace digital transformation and create homes that meet the demands of consumers today and in the future.»

Schneider Electric’s Home & Distribution team will be speaking at the 2021 CES Conference, discussing the evolution of the sustainable home, how builders are tackling the biggest challenges facing homeowners, and how the homes of the future are being built today. 

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive, and Empowered values.

Hashtags: #CES2021 #LifeisOn      

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SOURCE Schneider Electric