News

• Apple hits RE100 target as all global facilities now run on 100% renewable electricity

  Apple’s global operations are now 100% powered by renewable electricity, the tech giant has revealed. This includes all data centers, retail stores and offices across 43 countries, and takes the company the final stretch from running on 96% clean power in 2017 to achieving its RE100 target.

  In 2016 as part of its journey towards 100% renewable electricity, Apple joined RE100, the global corporate leadership initiative on renewables led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP. Going further, the company pledged to work on driving advocacy for clean energy policies and incorporating renewable targets into its manufacturing supply chain.

  Apple has now announced that 23 of its manufacturers are committed to operating on 100% renewable electricity for all their Apple productions. This includes nine new companies. The combined action by Apple’s suppliers represents a carbon saving of 1.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2017 – the equivalent of taking more than 300,000 cars off the road.

  Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group congratulated Apple on the news: “Apple's milestone achievement of reaching 100% renewable electricity is inspiration for the rest of RE100 – and for ambitious, forward-thinking companies everywhere. Apple has shown it can be done globally. Many more companies will be able to overcome barriers in more challenging markets if business has the support of policy makers.”

  "What's more is that Apple are bringing yet more of their supply chain with them in the switch to 100% renewables –  accelerating the pace of change. That's exactly the kind of corporate leadership we want and need to see if we are to keep global warming well under two degrees”.

  

  Accelerating change through the supply chain

  A report by RE100 highlighted the potential for accelerating market change when companies go beyond their own operations and engage their suppliers in the uptake of renewables. By doing so, large businesses can send stronger demand-side signals and shift policy, especially in markets where renewable electricity can still be challenging to source.

  In the report, Apple features as a leader on supply chain engagement. With its Clean Energy Portal, the company has developed an online platform to offer regional guidance which helps suppliers identify commercially viable renewable energy projects in the regions where they operate. More than 85 suppliers are currently registered, and Apple plans to scale up the process with a target of installing 4 GW of renewable electricity by 2020 to reduce manufacturing emissions globally.

  Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, said: “We’re going to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the materials in our products, the way we recycle them, our facilities and our work with suppliers to establish new creative and forward-looking sources of renewable energy because we know the future depends on it.”

  As the wind blows and the sun shines

  Apple has met its RE100 target through a mix of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), on-site renewable generation and partnerships with local renewable electricity projects. The tech giant currently has 25 operational clean power projects across the world, adding up to 626 MW of generation capacity. 15 further projects are in construction and once built, the total capacity will be 1.4 GW.

  Examples of Apple’s renewable electricity projects include a 17 MW onsite rooftop solar installation at Apple Park; the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California; PPA’s for 200 MW wind in Oregon and 320 MW solar in Nevada; and a partnership with a local solar company in Japan to install 300 rooftop solar systems.

  A recent RE100 Progress and Insights Report found that PPAs are an increasingly common approach for RE100 members to source renewables around the world, with the proportion of renewable electricity consumed this way increasing by more than fourfold in just one year.

   Image courtesy of Apple

• Newsletter: new members, major purchases and dates for your diaries

  More than 130 companies now part of RE100      

  RE100 passed the 130 members mark, with 131 leading companies now collaborating to increase renewable electricity demand. New members include AEON, Japan's largest retailer, and Watami from Japan, as well as Fifth Third Bank and Etsy from the US.

  A new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates that RE100 members will drive an investment of $94 billion in clean energy markets by 2030, adding 87 GW of wind and solar power to the grid worldwide.

  First wind power for RE100 club in the Netherlands   

  The Dutch Wind Consortium – AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals, Royal DSM, Google and Royal Philips – are now receiving power from the new Dutch wind farm Bouwdokken. The four companies signed two long-term Power Purchase Agreements in 2016 and 2017 to jointly source renewable electricity.

  Microsoft in huge solar deal

  Microsoft has announced the single largest corporate purchase of solar power ever seen in the US, signing an agreement with sPower to add 315 MW of electricity via two solar projects in Virginia.

  Growing the momentum for renewable electricity in Japan

  A recent report highlighted RE100 members Apple, Walmart, Microsoft, General Motors and ABInBev as companies leading global decarbonization efforts. A documentary by Japan’s NHK World also features interviews with Kellogg’s, General Motors and Head of RE100, The Climate Group, Sam Kimmins.

  Shifting policy frameworks

  Speaking on a panel at the Chatham House Energy Transitions conference in London, Head of RE100, The Climate Group, Sam Kimmins participated in conversations on how markets shift policy. At the RECS Market Meeting in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, RE100 members ING, Philips Lighting and IKEA also highlighted the importance of supportive policy to enable corporate action on renewables - read more in our blog.

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  Dates for your diaries

  April 9-10, 2018: BNEF Future of Energy Summit, NYC: BNEF’s annual summit explores the shifting forces in the energy system and the nexus of markets, industry and policy. RE100 member Google will be speaking on a panel about corporate energy challenges and solutions.

  April 11, 2018: X Energy, London: Speakers to include RE100 members Heathrow and BT, and The Climate Group’s CEO Helen Clarkson.           

  April 11-13, 2018: BRC Member Event, Jersey City: This event will facilitate sessions from innovators in renewable energy transactions. RE100 will be hosting two roundtable discussions.

  May 24, 2018: Clean Energy Ministerial, Copenhagen: The Climate Group will host a reception with RE100 member Carlsberg Group at this year’s CEM, as well as a separate RE100 event on corporate renewables sourcing.

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  Coming soon 

  Climate Week NYC (September 24-30, 2018) will once again provide RE100 members the opportunity to showcase climate action. To find out how you can get involved visit climateweeknyc.org or contact us here.

  RE-Source 2018, Amsterdam (November 20-21, 2018) will bring together multinational corporations, renewable energy developers and senior decision-makes to raise awareness, exchange information and facilitate connections.

  And finally...   

  Interested in saving energy while going 100% renewable? Register for The Climate Group’s EP100 webinar with Manufacture 2030 and Woolworths April 25, 15:00 hrs BST. Register here.

• Tech giant Microsoft signs largest corporate solar agreement in the US

  Microsoft has announced the single largest corporate purchase of solar power ever seen in the US, signing an agreement with sPower to add 315 MW of electricity via two solar projects in Virginia.

  Microsoft has been powered by 100% renewable electricity since 2014. In 2015, the tech giant joined RE100, a global corporate leadership initiative by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, now bringing together 130 ambitious companies committed to sourcing entirely renewable power.

  In 2016, Microsoft set further ambitious targets to source clean electricity for its datacenters directly from local sources of energy; 50% by the end of 2018 and 60% by early 2020.

  Raising the company’s total renewable energy portfolio to 1.2GW, the new agreement with sPower puts Microsoft firmly on track to meet these goals, whilst simultaneously supporting the growth of the solar industry in Virginia.

  Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group said: “Huge congratulations to Microsoft on a great achievement. This is powerful leadership from a RE100 pioneer – bringing new solar capacity onto the grid will both benefit their business strategy and accelerate a market shift to renewables.

  He added, “This project is a clear illustration of how supportive policy environments enable corporate renewable electricity off-takers to invest at scale, driving competitiveness and speeding up the transition to a zero emissions economy.”

  Harnessing the power of the sun

  When fully operational, the Pleinmont I and II projects will consist of more than 750,000 solar panels spread across more than 2,000 acres, producing approximately 715,00 MWh per year. They are part of a larger 500 MW solar project, the biggest solar development in Virginia.

  On signing the agreement, Brad Smith, President, Microsoft, said: “This project means more than just gigawatts, because our commitment is broader than transforming our own operations; it’s also about helping others access more renewable energy.”

  As costs of wind and solar power fall rapidly and approach grid parity, businesses are increasingly seeing the benefits of investing in renewable electricity to source both their own energy needs and facilitate more clean power coming onto the grid.

  A recent RE100 Progress and Insights Report reveals the rise of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) as a method for such procurement, with the use of PPAs increasing fourfold amongst RE100 members in one year.

  Governments and businesses working together

  Recent research for the RE100 initiative shows the greatest increase in PPAs is seen in regions where legislative frameworks are most favorable, notably the US, Mexico, the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.

  With Virginia being a signatory of the Under2 Coalition, a global network of sub-national governments committed to climate action for which The Climate Group acts as Secretariat, the state has expanded significant efforts to cut emissions and drive clean energy investment. Working with Microsoft to facilitate new solar capacity entering onto the grid is part of this process.

  “When companies like Microsoft invest in Virginia solar, they opt for clean and reliable energy as well as new jobs in the energy economy we are working hard to build”, said Governor Ralph Northam.

  “I am proud that Microsoft is expanding its commitment to solar energy in Virginia, and I look forward to building upon this victory for clean energy and the jobs that come with it.”

   

   

• Dutch Wind Consortium receives first power from new wind farm in the Netherlands

  A new milestone in corporate renewables procurement has been reached, as the Dutch wind consortium – consisting of AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals, DSM, Google and Royal Philips – received its first power from the new Bouwdokken wind farm in the Netherlands.

  In October 2016 and January 2017, the four companies signed two long-term corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) to jointly source power from the Krammer and Bouwdokken Wind Parks, which will have a total capacity of more than 140 MW. The latter of these two projects delivered generation to the companies for the first time this week.

  All four companies are members of RE100, a collaborative initiative led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, which unites the world’s most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity.

  Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group, said: “Congratulations to Akzonobel, DSM, Google and Royal Philips – this is a fantastic show of leadership by RE100 members that makes total business sense. The success of the Consortium sends a powerful signal to utilities that corporate off-takers want affordable access to renewables – and fast. By collaborating with like-minded, ambitious peers, these pioneers are accelerating market change and driving a zero-emissions economy. It is also sends a powerful signal to governments that businesses are prepared to make long term commitments to support large scale renewable infrastructure, in regions where government policy allows the market to operate freely.”

  Powering ahead on renewables

  The collaboration between AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals, DSM, Google and Royal Philips to directly contract wind farm developers for their renewable electricity needs is the first of its kind in the Netherlands. By partnering through a consortium, the companies supported the construction of two large scale wind farms with a capacity equal to powering approximately 140,000 households.

  “We brought together a group of companies that is united in its sustainability leadership,” Marcel Galjee, Energy Director, AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals said on behalf of the consortium. “We believe it is of utmost importance to join forces and come up with innovative partnerships to achieve the sustainability goals of our companies as well as those set out in the Paris climate agreement.”

  Harry Coorens, VP Procurement Sustainability, Royal DSM, added, “I receive questions from all over the world to explain this success story. It is a prime example to show an industry drive and collaboration that supports a mutual goal; creating a cleaner environment for people today and generations to come.”

  Reasons to act

  A survey of RE100 members in 2017 revealed that management of greenhouse gas emissions and CSR concerns ranked as the top drivers for companies to set 100% renewable electricity goals, considered as ‘important’ or ‘very important’ by 99% and 97% of respondents, respectively.

  However, the economics of renewable energy came a close third, cited as ‘very important’ or ‘important’ by 88% of responding members. Improving market value and generating wider reputational benefits are also important considerations.

  “As a purpose-driven health technology, a healthy planet is central to our mission”, explained Simon Braaksma, Senior Director of Group Sustainability, Royal Philips. “We are making good progress to decouple economic growth from our environmental impact.”

  Google reached 100% renewable electricity towards the end of 2017, and is now using its global voice and weight as a large energy user to help green the grid and accelerate market change. “As a company, we are continuing to push innovation for corporate renewable energy procurement,” said Marc Oman, EU Energy lead, Google Global Infrastructure.

  The rise of PPAs

  For Royal Philips, the two wind farms together will power 100% of their business operations in the Netherlands. Akzonobel Specialty Chemicals, which already sources 45% renewable electricity, will use the supply to produce chlorine, caustic soda and “green hydrogen” at its site in Rotterdam.

  A recent RE100 Progress and Insights Report revealed a rapid increase in the use of PPAs by RE100 members between 2015 and 2016, with procurement growing fourfold from 3% to 13%. According to 2016 data, BT, Equnix, Microsoft, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble and Walmart source the highest share of their renewable electricity consumption through PPAs.

  In 2016-17 the greatest increase in PPAs by RE100 members were in regions where legislative frameworks are most favorable, including the US, Mexico, UK, Ireland and the Netherlands – where the Consortium is based.

• Blog: How transparency and supportive policy can enable business action on renewables

  As global companies and experts meet in Amsterdam to discuss the tracking of renewable electricity, Constant Alarcon, RE100 Campaign Manager, The Climate Group, makes the case for transparency and supportive policy frameworks to unlock the full potential of corporate renewable electricity sourcing in Europe and around the world.

  The amount of new solar and wind capacity installed globally increased from 129 gigawatts (GW) in 2016 to 154 GW in 2017. Investments in renewable energy and energy smart technologies were up 3% to reach $333.5bn in 2017. At the same time, renewables costs continued to fall, and the lowest prices ever for solar PVs were achieved in Mexico.

  Clean power is up, costs are down. It’s a real opportunity for investors to get more for less, said the UN Environment chief. And with renewables reaching or exceeding cost parity with brown-power in many markets, we are approaching a tipping point for a cleaner, more prosperous economy.

  But we are not there yet. We need to go faster.
  
  

  COMPANIES LEADING THE WAY

  Through RE100, a global initiative led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, corporate electricity users are accelerating the shift to renewable energy. Our membership now includes 128 leading companies committed to 100% renewable electricity, creating more than enough demand to power Poland or New York State.

  They are progressing towards their objective: in Europe, 61% of the electricity they use is already generated from renewable sources (twice higher than the EU average of 29.6%) – more than in any other region where RE100 members operate.

  At the RECS Market Meeting in Amsterdam this week, our members have been explaining what it means for them to be market leaders.

  IKEA Group has been a long-term champion of renewable electricity, co-founding RE100 in 2014, to facilitate collaboration between companies to stimulate and accelerate broader corporate action. Now the retailer is looking to bring its suppliers on board.

  Philips Lighting has been pushing the boundaries of what is feasible by developing the first renewable energy certificates of the Gulf Region. The company is also vocal about its sustainability commitments in policy conversations, in support of more ambitious climate and energy regulations.

  ING favors renewable energy in its investment decisions and is shifting away from coal-fueled power plants, the most polluting way of generating electricity.

  And Colruyt Group's approach goes hand in hand with its strategy to offer best cost to consumers shopping in its stores. Put simply, its investments in renewables are reducing its prices.
  
  

  TRANSPARENCY AND DISCLOSURE

  Progressing towards their 100% objective gives forward-thinking businesses the confidence to be bolder on renewable electricity. But they also need and want to be able to claim it.

  The existence of an EU-wide credible tracking mechanism for renewable energy has been critical to motivate companies to take aggressive action and to secure rapid progress. The system of ‘Guarantees of Origin’ (GOs) enables businesses to make credible claims about their renewable electricity consumption.

  

  In our recent RE100 Progress and Insights report however, traceability issues and the lack of widely available renewable energy certificates were quoted by our members as significant barriers to achieving their target in other markets.

  Fortunately, credible certificate systems like the International RECs Standard or TIGRs (Tradable Instruments for Global Renewables) are becoming more widely available. In February 2017, China’s National Development and Reform Commission announced the launch of a national and governmental pilot market.
  
  

  SUPPORTIVE POLICIES TO CATALYZE ACTION

  While those developments are going in the right direction, Europe might be about to head exactly the opposite way. As the EU Commission, Council and Parliament progress their ‘Trilogue’ negotiations on the next Renewable Energy Directive, the fate of GOs – so critical in enabling corporate renewable energy sourcing in Europe – is uncertain, due to the diverging views of the Parliament and the Council.

  In December 2017, 11 RE100 members wrote to EU Energy Ministers, asking them – among other things – to establish a fully functioning GOs system.

  First, this means that the use of GOs for renewable electricity disclosure must be mandatory – to avoid unsubstantiated and non-credible claims. Second, and critically, all produced renewable electricity should receive GOs – whether or not government support was given to the producer.

  In addition, countries should avoid the mandatory auctioning of GOs for supported production. It is essential to maintain the link between the production of renewable electricity and the corresponding certificate.
  
  

  FORWARD-THINKING GOVERNMENTS

  Our recent RE100 survey shows that policy barriers – not cost, or calls for subsidy – are the most common challenge for committed companies.

  Leading companies are playing their part, but they need governments to ensure that enabling policies are in place to unlock corporate investment at scale. Ensuring the traceability of renewable electricity purchasing is an example of structural regulation that can accelerate corporate action on renewables.

  Policy visibility, certainty and stability are also vital for companies to make long-term decisions about their electricity supply. This is why 11 of our members have called on the EU Council to back the 35% 2030 renewable energy target adopted by the Parliament. Recent analysis from the Commission and IRENA show that going beyond the 27% target voted by the Council is cost effective and bears large socio-economic benefits for all Member States.

  Companies must also be allowed to directly participate in electricity markets. Our recent RE100 report shows that in the US, 20% of the renewable electricity consumed by RE100 members is sourced through power purchase agreements (PPAs), in which producers and buyers directly negotiate a contract. This results in direct addition of renewable capacity to the grid.

  By contrast, in Europe the lucrative corporate PPA market is largely untapped – representing only 4% of our members’ renewable power consumption. The Renewable Energy Directive can unlock this potential by requiring Member States to get rid of all administrative and regulatory barriers to PPAs and clearly take them out of legal ‘grey’ areas that create uncertainties and risk for companies.
  
  

  BOOMING GROWTH

  RE100 members are putting themselves at the forefront of change, and they will catalyze US$94 billion in renewable electricity investment by 2030, adding up to 87 gigawatts of wind and solar energy to the grid.

  Ambitious, leading multinationals are already driving the transition to clean energy. Governments can empower thousands more to and ensure that the clean economy not just grows, but booms.

• First RE100 member to go 100% renewable through a single solar power project

  Fifth Third Bank has joined RE100 and is set to become the first member company to achieve 100% renewable electricity through a single solar power project. The US financial services company will fulfill its goal through a solar power purchase agreement (PPA), covering its entire power consumption.

  As well as being a first for the RE100 initiative, led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, the bank will also become the first publicly-traded company to purchase 100% of its power through solar alone.

  The project, led by SunEnergy1, will be constructed in Hertford County, North Carolina – a state Fifth Third Bank operates within. Expected to come online in late 2018, the 80 megawatt (MW) solar plant will generate around 194,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year.

  As well as employing approximately 1,000 people for construction, it is expected to avoid 144,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) each year, equivalent to emissions generated by over 21,600 homes or 30,800 cars.

  

  Image: courtesy of Fifth Third Bank

  “This initiative affirms our bold commitment to advance environmental stewardship on behalf of customers, employees and shareholders,” said Greg Carmichael, Chairman, president & CEO, Fifth Third Bancorp. “This innovative project will reduce Fifth Third’s carbon footprint and benefit the communities we serve. In addition, this project is expected to increase earnings, demonstrating that companies can ‘do well by doing good.’”

  Fifth Third’s leadership was praised by Amy Davidsen, Executive Director – North America, The Climate Group, who attended the company’s announcement at the NASDAQ Opening Bell in Times Square, New York City.

  “We applaud Fifth Third for joining RE100 and for becoming the first member company to contract for 100% solar power,” she said.

  “By achieving its 100% renewable energy goal four years early, Fifth Third is demonstrating that there is a strong business case for solar, that corporate leadership on renewables is accelerating, and that faster greenhouse gas emissions cuts are possible – this will inspire more companies to follow suit”.

  

  Image: Amy Davidsen, Executive Director – North America, The Climate Group (left) with Tayfun Tuzun, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Fifth Third BanCorp (right)

  Fifth Third sees going 100% renewable as an ambitious next step in its business strategy. “For years, Fifth Third has worked to become more sustainable by using energy more efficiently and by lending to the solar energy industry. Today we take great pride in becoming the first Fortune 500 company—and first US bank - to buy as much solar power as we use in a year,” said Scott Hassell, Vice President and Director of Environmental Sustainability, Fifth Third Bank. 

  He added, “And we are thrilled to be on track to achieve our 100% goal this year, four years ahead of schedule. ”

  A diversifying energy market

  Corporate PPAs are on the up, according to recent RE100 research. The latest RE100 report ‘Approaching a tipping point: how corporate users are redefining global electricity markets’, shows that procurement of renewables through PPAs increased more than fourfold amongst RE100 members in 2016, providing a weighty 2,362,056 MWh of consumption in the US compared to 8,732 MWh in 2015.

  The rapidly falling costs of wind and solar power are enabling businesses to translate their renewable electricity commitments into tangible investments. On top of this, companies are beginning to realize the active role they can play in contributing additional renewable power capacity to the grid.

  Globally, the greatest increase in PPAs is seen in regions where legislative frameworks are most favourable, notably the US, Mexico, the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.

  Fifth Third Bank becomes the 128th member of RE100. As more and more companies join the campaign and commit to 100% renewable electricity, corporate demand for renewables continues to grow, helping to open markets and ultimately accelerate the transition to a zero-emissions economy.

  Find out more about RE100 members here.

  By Elly Dinnadge

• Newsletter: growing demand, knowledge sharing and upcoming events

  

  RE100 membership goes from strength to strength

  At the time of writing, RE100 has 127 members with a total electricity demand greater than that of Egypt, at over 161TWh/year. We're delighted to welcome Daiwa House, Japan’s largest housebuilder, who has become the first construction company to join both RE100 and The Climate Group’s energy productivity campaign, EP100, leading the way with a joined-up approach to achieving cleaner, smarter energy. In another first, biomedical products manufacturer TCI has become the first Taiwanese company to join RE100. Visa has also joined RE100 with an ambitious goal of reaching 100% renewable electricity by the end of 2019. We also welcomed global investment manager Schroders to the campaign.

  

  Amplifying the voice of corporate off-takers in Brussels

  As part of our work to ensure access to 100% renewable electricity in Europe through the Clean Energy Package, we have joined other initiatives to call on the EU to strengthen the Guarantees of Origin system for renewables. Speaking at an event in Brussels, Belgium, hosted by Mars, RE100 Campaign Manager, Constant Alarcon, underlined the importance of supportive policy frameworks for member states and called on the Council to support the 35% renewable energy goal for 2030 voted through by the European Parliament.

   

  Knowledge sharing webinar: new tool for companies

  RE100 and the Business Renewables Center (BRC) hosted a webinar looking at renewables and energy optimization for commercial buildings. Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has developed tools for companies who own or rent commercial buildings to invest in on-site solar, energy efficiency and energy storage, which could help many RE100 members with offices or warehouses to get closer to their 100% goal in the US.

   

  Supply chains: RE100 report available in Mandarin

  Our Going Beyond report is now available in Mandarin. The report gathers the experiences and guidance of three RE100 members – Apple, BT Group and IKEA Group – to demonstrate what companies can do to overcome challenges and engage their suppliers in the transition to 100% renewable power. A big thank you to Apple for arranging translation.

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  Dates for your diaries

  March 5, 2018: Corporate Renewable Energy Sourcing – The Future of PPAs in Europe, webinar. The Re-Source Platform, of which RE100 is a founding partner, will update on the EU Clean Energy Package and present solutions to policy barriers. Speakers include Royal Philips. Click here to register.

  March 13-14, 2018:  REC Market Meeting 2018, Amsterdam, Netherlands - This is the global expert meeting on energy attribute tracking systems, bringing together market players, government officials and other stakeholders active in developing renewable energy markets. Speakers to include ING, Philips Lighting and other RE100 members.     

  March 14-15, 2018: Solar Power Summit 2018, Brussels, Belgium – This is a unique opportunity to discuss policy, business and technology changes in the solar sector, identify market trends and opportunities, and network with renowned sector analysts, experts and key industry stakeholders. To register click here.

  March 19-20: Chatham House’s Energy Transitions 2018, London: this third annual conference will bring together leading policy-makers, business leaders and industry experts to assess the potential for new leadership in the transition towards a low carbon future. Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100 at The Climate Group, will be on a panel. Register here to attend.

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  Coming soon

  Climate Week NYC (September 24-30, 2018) will once again provide RE100 members the opportunity to showcase climate action. To find out how you can get involved visit climateweeknyc.org.

  RE-Source 2018, Amsterdam (November 20-21, 2018) will bring together multinational corporations, renewable energy developers and senior decision-makes to raise awareness, exchange information and facilitate connections.

• Japan's Daiwa House joins both RE100 and EP100, commits to bold climate goals by 2040

  Japan's largest homebuilder Daiwa House Industry joins today the RE100 and EP100 programs, both committing to source its electricity use from 100% renewable energy sources by 2040 and doubling the energy productivity of its business activities by the same date.

  Daiwa House Industry is the first Japanese company to join EP100 and the first construction company to join both campaigns at the same time. Mike Peirce, Corporate Partnerships Director, The Climate Group, said: “Congratulations to Daiwa House – today’s announcement is a double first for Japan and the entire construction sector.”

  “Daiwa House has put cleaner, smarter energy at the heart of its business strategy, knowing it will bring down emissions and boost the bottom line. By committing to EP100 and RE100, and investing in renewable energy generation, storage and innovative technologies, the company is demonstrating tangible leadership to its customers and peers."

  

  Image courtesy of Daiwa House Group

  Zero environmental impact

  Daiwa House Group is already on this pathway with its long-term environmental vision, called “Challenge Zero 2055”: by that date, the company’s centennial, the group aims to achieve zero environmental impact.

  Tackling and preventing climate change is one of the pillars of this strategy: since 2007, the company has been using its own unused land to deploy wind, solar and hydro renewable energy resources – a move that has produced 227 megawatts of renewable energy, about 60% of the company’s total electricity usage.

  Daiwa House Group’s renewable portfolio ranges from its own wind power plant in Satamisaki, a structure with a capacity of 9,000 kilowatts, to solar photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the company’s facilities and unused land. Daiwa House has also developed a hydroelectric power plant in Miyagawa in 2015, and this year has just started the construction of a 16 megawatts wind power plant in Seiyo.

  The renewable energy and energy productivity goals set as part of the RE100 commitments are crucial to Daiwa House’s goal to achieve net-zero electricity consumption by 2030 and net-zero CO2 emissions for the entire group by 2055.

  Last Monday, the company has also opened Japan’s first office building fully powered with solar energy, powered by 320 solar panels on the roof backed by lithium-ion batteries, with an energy efficiency of more than twice that of a conventional construction.

  During COP21 in 2015, Japan pledged to reduce its emissions by 26% below 2013 levels in 2030 (a 18% reduction from 1990 levels) as part of the Paris Agreement on climate, and it has also a goal to reduce its greenhouse gases emissions by 80% from current levels by 2050.

  However, these goals are still largely insufficient to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius – the established limit to avoid catastrophic effects of climate change. RE100 and EP100 are instrumental to step-up business commitments, which can deliver crucial emissions reduction while transforming the market towards a more sustainable, prosperous economy for all.

• Visa joins RE100 committing to go 100% renewable by the end of 2019

  Digital payments multinational Visa has joined RE100 today, committing to use 100% renewable electricity across its global operations by the end of 2019.

  RE100 is led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, to scale-up corporate demand for renewables in the global energy market – showcasing the business case for action and overcoming barriers to accelerate a zero emissions economy.

  “We congratulate Visa on joining RE100 with an ambitious 100% renewable electricity goal and for demonstrating leadership by working with key stakeholders to build local renewable electricity markets,” said Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group.

  Visa’s commitment was announced during the Climate Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado, US, where the company also joined the Business Renewables Center and become a signatory to the Corporate Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles.

  “We are proud to play a role in driving the adoption of renewable energy,” said Al Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Visa. “For Visa, this announcement is an example of our longstanding commitment to operate as a responsible, ethical and sustainable company, while fostering economic growth."

  A clean roadmap

  To date, about 35% of Visa’s global electricity consumption comes from a mix of renewable energy sources, with three quarters of its greenhouse gas emissions originating from the company’s data centers and office buildings.

  Helping to make its bold 100% renewables target easier to reach, Visa has been implementing a range of smart solutions to reduce its energy consumption, from efficient lighting and controls to improvements to its data center infrastructure.

  The company is also working with local utilities and electricity market providers to purchase renewables where possible.

  RE100’s recent report “Approaching a tipping point” shows how power purchase agreements are becoming more and more popular among RE100 members, with the proportion of renewable electricity being sourced this way growing fourfold in 2016.

  In particular, RE100 members in the US generated the greatest increase in PPAs that year, thanks to falling costs and a favorable legislative framework.

  “Visa’s commitment to renewable electricity does not end at our front door,” said Douglas Sabo, vice president and head of Corporate Responsibility and Philanthropy, Visa. “We aim to support broader industry progress in this area by joining the Business Renewables Center as well as signing on to the Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles.”

  The company will invest in renewables particularly in the US and UK, where four facilities account for 80% of its global electricity use.

  See the full list of RE100 companies here.

• Newsletter: member progress, growing demand and Climate Week NYC 2018

  RE100 companies accelerating a clean economy - new report
  

  RE100 members are actively reshaping the energy market through their global investment decisions, our new Progress and Insights Report shows. ‘Approaching a tipping point: how corporate users are redefining global electricity markets’ reveals that RE100 members’ collective electricity demand is now equivalent to the 24th country worldwide. The report tracks progress made by members in 2016-17, and offers insight into emerging global and regional trends. Media highlights include the Financial Times, Forbes, and Euractiv. Watch this video of Helen Clarkson, CEO, The Climate Group and read this blog by CDP's CEO Paul Simpson.

  Five new members announced 

  T-Mobile, Danone, Reckitt Benckiser, Hatsun Agro Products and Canary Wharf Group have joined RE100. T-Mobile expects to save US$100 million on energy bills over the next 15 years. Danone is working to be carbon neutral by 2050. Hatsun Agro Products – India’s largest private dairy – is already over 80% renewable. RE100 now has 123 members and is growing fast.

  
  

  AB InBev’s Budweiser launches renewable electricity label

  Budweisers sold globally are to feature a symbol letting consumers know when the beer has been brewed using 100% renewable electricity. The move comes as part of parent company AB InBev's RE100 commitment. Read this blog to find out more.

  
  Nike goes 100% renewable in North America

  Nike will soon achieve more than half of its RE100 commitment by going 100% renewable across North America. The company has signed a new contract for wind power in Texas, US. This is Nike’s second power purchase agreement – an increasingly common approach for leading businesses, according to our new RE100 report.

  

  

  Sourcing certificates in Taiwan: knowledge sharing webinar

  The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER) presented information and guidance around the Taiwan Renewable Energy Certification (T-REC).

  
  EU and US policy updates

  The European Parliament has voted in favour of a binding 35% renewable energy goal for 2030. This follows significant outreach by RE100 and our members. RE100 members also wrote to Energy Ministers to call for a more supportive policy framework for renewables. Meanwhile in the US, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected a plan by the Trump administration to bolster coal-fired power plants. Several RE100 members actively voiced their opposition to the plan through a letter.

  
  Coming soon

  Climate Week NYC (September 24-30, 2018) will once again provide RE100 members the opportunity to showcase climate action. To find out how you can get involved visit climateweeknyc.org or contact us here.