Podcasts about climate action plan

Today's edition is sponsored by the Ragged Mountain Running and Walking ShopSeptember 30 is the final day of the federal fiscal New Year and one version of today's Charlottesville Community Engagement could perhaps have been about how this region might be affected by a federal shutdown. Each edition of this newsletter could be a lot of different things, but what gets selected is usually a matter of what is available for me to write.I'm Sean Tubbs and for a story on the looming shutdown, I refer you to the Virginia Political Newsletter by my colleague Brandon Jarvis.In today's installment:* Albemarle Supervisors have endorsed their legislative priorities for the 2026 General Assembly while Charlottesville City Council is still working on theirs* Jaunt turns 50 this year and is seeking stories from riders* Albemarle Supervisors get a progress report on climate action initiatives including where $522K in spending will go this fiscal yearThanks for reading Charlottesville Community Engagement ! This post is public so feel free to share it.First shout-out: A Week Without DrivingHow different would your life be if you didn't have a car? From Monday, September 29 to Sunday October 5, Livable Cville invites you to join the local Week Without Driving experience. The goal is to learn more about barriers and challenges that nondrivers face in our community and to reflect on the challenges you would face as a full-time non-driver.There are many reasons why people do not drive, including people with disabilities, youth, seniors and those who can't afford vehicles or gas. A third of people living in the United States do not have a driver's license, but are forced to navigate a mobility system designed almost exclusively for drivers.Livable Cville expects the Week Without Driving experience will help participants better appreciate the challenges and barriers they face. For more information and to register your participation, please visit: https://livablecville.org/weekwithoutdrivingLocal elected officials preparing for 2026 General AssemblyThere are over a hundred days left until the 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly and less than two months until legislators can begin to pre-file bills.Across Virginia, localities are determining what priorities they would like to see turned into legislation.At their meeting on September 15, Charlottesville City Council went through a long list of suggestions from the Planning Commission, the Human Rights Commission, and the Office of Sustainability.“Energy prices are going up,” said Kristel Riddervold, the city's sustainability director. “Legislative priorities related to expanding distributed energy, meaning solar, all over the place in different ways.”Riddervold said city priorities are for the Virginia General Assembly to maintain the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act, full funding for the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, and reform of rules for construction of data centers. You can see the full list here.The Human Rights Commission submitted a three page list including a request for legislation for expanded rights for those who rent, a request for localities to have right of first refusal to purchase supported housing units, and a $60 million state fund for housing assistance to support 5,000 families. Another legislative request is to require all Virginia localities to maintain a public homeless shelter. You can view this list here.Vice Mayor Brian Pinkston said many of those ideas seem very aspirational and may not take into account political realities.“The one that says here, ‘require that each county and city in Virginia maintain a public overnight homeless shelter or fund a private equivalent,'” Pinkston said. “I mean, that would be lovely because we're, we're doing this. I have a sense for neighboring counties and communities, the work that we're doing here. But does that have any hope of being passed?””City Councilor Michael Payne said many of the Human Rights Commission's requests are part of statewide efforts and many of the aspirations could get through depending on who holds the majority in 2026.“There definitely [are] some that potentially I think really could get passed this year, including like the 5,000 family funds or first right of refusal, but for example, the homeless shelter one you mentioned. I mean, I would feel. I think we could all feel confident saying there's no chance that passes this year.”The Planning Commission submitted a list of 15 potential pieces of legislation. The first addresses the section of state code that is at the heart of the lawsuit against the city's zoning code. Number six is a reintroduction of failed legislation that would allow localities to tax land and improvements at different rates. (view the list)Council will have a further discussion on October 6 before adopting their legislative agenda on October 20.The Albemarle Board of Supervisors is a little further ahead and had the third of three work sessions at their meeting on September 17. Albemarle has four legislative priorities, three of which would involve legislation and the fourth being a budget amendment.“First, we're seeking as a priority enabling localities to enforce the Virginia Landlord Tenant Act,” said County Attorney Andy Herrick. “We're also carrying over from past years expanding the authority to use photo speed monitoring devices.Currently those are limited to road construction work zones and school zones and Albemarle wants to be able to use them on rural roads. Albemarle also wants the General Assembly to try again on legislation to allow localities to hold a referendum on whether to levy a one cent sales tax to fund school construction.“This is an initiative that has been sought in prior years, that's passed the Assembly and been vetoed by the Governor in the past two years,” Herrick said.The budget amendment relates to another item Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed this year. The legislature's version of the budget had funding for a connector trail to connect Biscuit Run Park with the Monacon Indian Nation Tribute.Supervisors adopted their legislative priorities and the next step is to schedule a meeting with area legislators.To learn more about some of the statewide issues, read this story in the Virginia Mercury from Charlotte Rene Woods.Jaunt turns 50 this year and seeks travel storiesAs the Week Without Driving continues, one way people participating might get around is public transit. In addition to Charlottesville Area Transit, the region is served by Jaunt, a public service corporation that formed in 1975.To celebrate, Jaunt is asking people to submit their stories of using the service.“As we look back on 50 years of service, we know the most important part of Jaunt's story is the people we serve,” said Mike Murphy, Jaunt's Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission has always been rooted in community, care, and connection—and this anniversary is about celebrating the ways Jaunt has supported essential regional needs for mobility across generations.”Jaunt was created as Jefferson Area United Transportation but the acronym became the official name in 1983.Have a story from that time? Tell Jaunt at the website they've created.Second shout-out: Five Things ReLeaf has done recently!Time for a subscriber-supported shout-out, this time for ReLeaf Cville!* On April 21, ReLeaf Cville celebrated Arbor Day 2025 by talking with 40 fourth grade students at Greenbrier Elementary about the importance of urban tree canopy, and then planting a tree on the preschool playground* On April 25, the Van Yahres Tree Company donated time and energy to provide tree care to 45 trees ReLeaf planted in the Rose Hill Neighborhood, Fall 2023* On May 10 at RiverFest, Green Team members Moos and Antony joined Keith Pitchford, Board vice-chair, and Cathy Boyd, Executive Director, in providing information about ReLeaf Cville and playing Tree Bingo* In May, C-Ville Weekly profiled ReLeaf Cville's efforts to help homeowners turn their yards into leafy oases - and cool their neighborhoods.* The fourth annual Green Team session took place this week and was designed to equip rising 9th-12th graders in tree knowledge and tree care skills, this year's schedule includes sessions co-led by the Rivanna Conservation Alliance, Van Yahres Tree Company, Master Naturalists, Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards, Community Climate Collaborative, and Steve Gaines, Charlottesville's Urban Forester.Albemarle Supervisors briefed on Climate Action programs, $522K in FY2026 spendingFor the past eight years, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors has been in support of efforts to monitor greenhouse gas emissions as part of an international bid to keep global temperatures from rising. For six years, though, a different set of elected officials opted out of the program.On September 17, 2025, the six elected officials got a briefing from staff on county and regional efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to a world of higher temperatures and more volatile storms. They were also briefed on how staff plans to use $300,000 the Board dedicated to the issue at the end of the FY2026 budget process as I reported at the time.Resources:* 44-page progress report from Albemarle staff* Slide presentation from the briefingBut first, some recent history.Recent historyIn June 1998, local leaders signed a document called the Sustainability Accords, a series of statements intended to solidify the work of several environmental groups working in the area. While climate action itself was not mentioned, the document called for the development of “attractive and economical transportation alternatives to single occupancy vehicle use” and called for the promotion of “conserv[e]ation and efficient use of energy resources.”In December 2007, Albemarle Supervisors voted to adopt a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050. At the time, Supervisor Ken Boyd voted for the “Cool Counties” initiative though he expressed concern about the potential impacts. (read a story I wrote then)In the years that followed, a group called the Jefferson Area Tea Party raised concerns about both the resolution and the county's membership in the International Council for Sustainability. The ICLEI group provided resources to measure greenhouse gas reductions and Boyd sought to end participation“We are being infiltrated in local government by an agenda that is set by this international organization,” Boyd said in early May 2011 as I reported at the time. “I think it's now a cancer that is infiltrating our local government here.”By that time, two other Republicans had joined the Board of Supervisors giving Boyd votes he needed to change direction. Democrat Lindsay Dorrier Jr. was a swing vote.Lane Auditorium was packed on the night of June 8, 2011 with some in the crowd defending sustainability efforts and continued participation in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Members of the Tea Party claimed that civil liberties were being threatened.At the end of the meeting, Supervisors voted 4-2 to end participation in ICLEI as I reported at the time. Three months later, they ended participation in Cool Counties as reported in the Charlottesville Daily Progress.However, the Republican majority would come to an end in 2013 after Democratic candidates defeated Duane Snow in the Samuel Miller District and Rodney Thomas in the Rio District.Back on the jobIn September 2017, Supervisors voted to adopt a resolution to “support local actions to reduce climate pollution.”“In October 2019, the Board adopted greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement,” said Jamie Powers, a county employee since 2023 who is now Albemarle's Climate Program Manager. “The next year, October 2020, the board adopted the Climate Action Plan and stood up the Climate Action Program to implement that plan and help get the community's emissions down in line with the board's targets.”The targets now call for a 45 percent in emissions reductions from 2008 levels by 2030 and to be carbon-free by 2050.Powers said emissions continue to climb across the world and the effects of climate change are here now as a present crisis rather than one for the future to deal with.“The impacts are generally going to be worse over time and increasingly unpredictable unless we can get global emissions under control,” Powers said. “And we do have a role to play locally.”Albemarle's reduction targets are in line with the Paris Agreement which set a framework to reduce emissions so that the increase in global warming could be kept below 2 degrees Celsius. The increase is now at 1.5 degrees.Powers said climate change itself is not the underlying problem.“It is a symptom of a set of problems,” Powers said. “This socioeconomic system that we have, it works exactly as designed and it brings us to a climate crisis and a biodiversity crisis and all these sorts of things. So if we are going to effectively address the climate crisis, we need to take a look at our systems and address things appropriately.”The models used by Albemarle and other local governments are complex and conform to the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories. These are put together by ICLEI and emissions come from many source sectors.“The major sectors of emissions are transportation, stationary energy, and that includes solar,” said Greg Harper, Albemarle's chief of environmental services. “That would be kind of like reducing that stationary energy. Ag force and land use is a smaller contributor and then waste as well.”Albemarle resumed doing inventories in 2018 and Harper said emission levels dropped during COVID but increased for 2022. Data is about two years behind. Harper said reductions can be decreased many ways, such as if many groups can work together to reduce a metric known as “vehicle miles traveled.”“We don't want to stop activity in the county, obviously, but we want to shift people from driving a car by themselves to taking mass transportation, getting on their bicycle for smaller commutes,” Harper said.Powers said Albemarle has been active in many ways to encourage reductions such as supporting home energy improvements, providing “climate action activity kits” through a nonprofit, installing electric vehicle chargers, and creation of the Energy Resource Hub.Albemarle also provided several grants including $20,000 for the International Rescue Committee's New Roots farming program to allow them to electrify equipment and improve their agricultural practices.“If we break down some of the things that they were doing from their composting practice, we calculated that about 25 tons of carbon dioxide is sequestered by them using the composting practices,” Powers said. “About 5 tons of avoided emissions by removing synthetic fertilizers from their operations.”All told, Powers said about 38 tons of carbon dioxide emissions were prevented.Albemarle County is also collaborating with the City of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia on the Resilient Together initiative which seeks to create a resilience plan to adapt to a different weather pattern. That will come before the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors in early 2026.FY2026 fundingPowers also outlined a recommendation of how Albemarle might put that $300,000 to use, as well as another $222,000 in carry over funds for climate action.“The Board made it clear we wanted to emphasize projects that are going to get the most value in terms of emission reductions in FY26,” Powers said.The Residential Energy Improvements line item is intended to assist property owners with lower incomes and that $237,000 does not include another $150,000 the county received through the federal Community Development Block Grant program.“A lot of times, especially in low income households, energy is going out the window, literally,” Powers said. “And so how can we help those folks tighten up their envelopes so when they're turning the AC or the heat on, it's still staying in the home instead of heading out the window.”The Local Energy Alliance Partnership (LEAP) and the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP) are partners on that project. Powers said the goal will be to reach up to 50 homes, decreasing emissions classified as “stationary” energy. He estimates the return on investment will be about $3,000 per ton of emissions prevented.Another $100,000 will be spent on energy efficiency in county-owned buildings.“Most likely implementation looks like LED installation, LED fixture installation, likely at two different buildings,” Powers said. “If we transition the equivalent of the space of Northside Library to those fixtures, we would reduce again in that stationary energy category, one of those four categories by 0.03 at $700 per ton and annually that'd be a 143 ton reduction.”Albemarle funded the Energy Resource Hub in FY2025 at the $100,000 level and an additional $63,000 for this year. This is a program that helps homeowners find rebates and other incentives.Partners have not yet been found for the Climate Action Collaboration initiative.For previous coverage on climate action issues, visit Information Charlottesville.Reading material for September 30, 2025* Whistleblowers accuse HUD of ‘systematically undermining' fair housing laws, Ryan Kushner, Multifamily Dive, September 25, 2025* HUD cuts multifamily mortgage insurance premiums, Julie Strupp, Multifamily Dive, September 26, 2025* Albemarle County to consider delay on data center ordinance, Jenette Hastings, WVIR 29NBC, September 28, 2025* Watershed mapping project shows rapid loss of forests, offers new view of Va.'s changing landscapes, Evan Visconti, September 29, 2025* Charlottesville's schools are old. Local officials are trying to change that, Brandon Kile, Cavalier Daily, September 29, 2025* Afton Scientific breaks ground on $200 million expansion in Albemarle, Kate Nuechterlein, September 29, 2025What's the ending, #929?Today I could not get moving. Something is off but my job is to bring people information. I picked up four new paid subscribers since posting the May 2025 transactions, and it is important to get out what I can.The story I wanted to tell today was an accounting of yesterday's traffic congestion caused by a truck hitting a bridge under construction that carries Old Ivy Road over the U.S. 250. I lack the resources to get such a story together but I have questions about whether such an incident is covered by emergency management officials in the area.There are so many stories I want to tell, and sometimes the best I can do is link to other people's coverage. Here's a story from VPM. Here's one from 29NBC News. Here's another from CBS19. How about Cville Right Now?There is a lot of rhetoric about climate action and moving people out of automobiles. Is any of it having any effect? Are fewer people driving alone? How many people are paying attention to this issue? What is the community supposed to do when a major highway is shuttered for hours? Are we all so endless trapped in a news cycle that solutions remain elusive, situations remain intractable?I don't have the answer but I know I want to be part of an information ecosystem that seeks to do better than what we have at the moment with a series of wicked problems that are difficult to solve in this era of fragmentation.So what's today's ending? A note that David Bowie's Diamond Dogs helped me think this morning and this 1973 special seems important. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control released its latest survey of Delawareans opinions on Climate Change.This is the fourth time since 2009 DNREC has taken the public's temperature on climate change and related issues. The results continue to show an overwhelming majority of state residents are concerned about climate change and view it as a serious threat – and will be used to help craft Delaware's 2025 Climate Action Plan – due to be delivered in November.DPM's Tom Byrne recently sat down with DNREC's Climate and Sustainability Program administrator Susan Love to discuss the survey results and how they help state officials develop a plan to address climate issues in the years ahead.

Warren S. Gorowitz, a highly regarded leader in the landscape and irrigation industry for over 30 years, currently serves as Director of Sustainability and Social Impact. With expertise in water efficiency and sustainability, Warren holds positions on several industry association boards and is a sought-after speaker and authority on matters related to water and sustainability. At Hunter Industries, Warren is responsible for providing global leadership and strategic guidance for the organization's sustainability initiatives. He oversees the company's Climate Action Plan, the annual impact report, and the employee volunteer and giving programs including Hunter's Community Impact Grants committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California and received an Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He is a past instructor in the UCLA Extension Sustainability Certificate Program, a Global Futures Scholar at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and previously a Faculty Associate at Arizona State University in the School of Sustainability. His career at Ewing Outdoor Supply spanned 25 years where he held positions such as Vice President of Sustainability. Professional Association Involvement National Association of Landscape Board Member | Past Commercial Board Member Sports Field Management Association | Past Professional Grounds Management Society Board Member | Irrigation Association Past President | Past Green Building Initiative Board Member | Past U.S. Green Building Council Water Efficiency Technical Advisory Group Vice Chair | Past Founding Board Member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency | Past American Society of Irrigation Consultants National Board Member Community Involvement Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Board of Director |Cal State San Marcos University Council Member | San Diego North Economic Development Council Board of Director

Ireland has surpassed the 175,000 EV target for 2025, as contained in the Government's Climate Action Plan. Driving test wait times reduce again and the new car sales in July. All to discuss with Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent Geraldine Herbert.

On 'Ours To Protect', we take a closer look at biodiversity, sustainability and the broader issue of Climate Change as it relates to Clare. This week, Pat Flynn finds out more about electric vehicles and how they are playing a central role in Ireland's Climate Action Plan. Ours to Protect brought to you by Clare FM, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán, with the Television Licence Fee.

Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, in collaboration with Technological University Dublin, has launched Ireland's first Master's in Sustainable Cloud Computing, a pioneering programme that responds to growing industry demand for cloud professionals with expertise in financial operations (FinOps) and environmental sustainability. Unveiled at Liberty IT's state-of-the-art office in One Le Pole Square, the launch of the programme marks a major step forward in developing the next generation of cloud leaders equipped to manage hybrid and multi-cloud environments, while addressing cost efficiency and carbon impact. Ireland's First Master's in Sustainable Cloud Computing Speaking at the launch, Susan Kelly, Operations Director, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, said: "This programme represents a new model for cloud education - combining deep technical skills with FinOps knowledge and sustainability awareness. Graduates will be equipped to drive innovation and environmental responsibility across industry." Tracey Donnery, Director of Policy & Communications, Skillnet Ireland, said: "This first-of-its-kind Master's programme will help ensure Ireland has the skills and talent necessary to become a global hub for sustainable cloud computing, create exciting new innovation opportunities for businesses, whilst supporting our low-carbon economy goals". The Master's in Sustainable Cloud Computing goes beyond traditional green computing, exposing participants to emerging areas such as carbon-aware computing, renewable energy integration, sustainable data centre considerations, and circular economy practices in IT operations. The curriculum also addresses AI-driven energy optimisation and the development of carbon accounting frameworks for cloud environments. Jonathan White, Senior Director of Engineering, Liberty IT, said: "As a recognised leader in digital innovation, we are committed to shaping the future of the tech industry and creating a better future for the communities we live and work in. We are proud to have supported the development of the MSc in Sustainable Cloud Computing in collaboration with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and TU Dublin. By working together, we have ensured the programme is aligned with industry needs, and we are confident that this initiative will equip graduates with the critical skills needed to drive innovation and sustainability in technology, fostering a greener and more responsible future for all." Aligned with Ireland's National Cloud Computing Strategy and Climate Action Plan and developed in collaboration with TU Dublin's School of Enterprise Computing and Digital Transformation, the programme offers advanced training in hybrid cloud architecture, cloud cost optimisation, sustainable IT practices, and carbon-aware computing. Students will engage with live industry research and present their findings at a public showcase on completion. Professor Pramod Pathak, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Digital and Data at TU Dublin, said: "Modern cloud professionals need to be multi-disciplinary experts. This master's provides the full toolkit - from technical fluency to financial accountability to environmental leadership." Dr Barry Feeney, Head of School, TU Dublin, added: "This programme would not be possible without our partnership with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and the input from industry leaders. It ensures we are delivering real-world, future-proof skills. At TU Dublin, we are deeply committed to engaging with employers to co-develop programmes that produce industry-ready graduates, equipped to meet the evolving demands of the tech sector." A key focus of the curriculum is FinOps, the emerging discipline of managing cloud costs strategically. Students will build capabilities in cloud financial governance and automation of expenditure tracking, skills increasingly critical to organisations under pressure to manage cloud budgets and sustainability targets. Applications for the inaugural intake are now ...

Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, in collaboration with Technological University Dublin, has launched Ireland's first Master's in Sustainable Cloud Computing, a pioneering programme that responds to growing industry demand for cloud professionals with expertise in financial operations (FinOps) and environmental sustainability. Unveiled at Liberty IT's state-of-the-art office in One Le Pole Square, the launch of the programme marks a major step forward in developing the next generation of cloud leaders equipped to manage hybrid and multi-cloud environments, while addressing cost efficiency and carbon impact. Speaking at the launch, Susan Kelly, Operations Director, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, said: "This programme represents a new model for cloud education - combining deep technical skills with FinOps knowledge and sustainability awareness. Graduates will be equipped to drive innovation and environmental responsibility across industry." Tracey Donnery, Director of Policy & Communications, Skillnet Ireland, said: "This first-of-its-kind Master's programme will help ensure Ireland has the skills and talent necessary to become a global hub for sustainable cloud computing, create exciting new innovation opportunities for businesses, whilst supporting our low-carbon economy goals". The Master's in Sustainable Cloud Computing goes beyond traditional green computing, exposing participants to emerging areas such as carbon-aware computing, renewable energy integration, sustainable data centre considerations, and circular economy practices in IT operations. The curriculum also addresses AI-driven energy optimisation and the development of carbon accounting frameworks for cloud environments. Jonathan White, Senior Director of Engineering, Liberty IT, said: "As a recognised leader in digital innovation, we are committed to shaping the future of the tech industry and creating a better future for the communities we live and work in. We are proud to have supported the development of the MSc in Sustainable Cloud Computing in collaboration with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and TU Dublin. By working together, we have ensured the programme is aligned with industry needs, and we are confident that this initiative will equip graduates with the critical skills needed to drive innovation and sustainability in technology, fostering a greener and more responsible future for all." Aligned with Ireland's National Cloud Computing Strategy and Climate Action Plan and developed in collaboration with TU Dublin's School of Enterprise Computing and Digital Transformation, the programme offers advanced training in hybrid cloud architecture, cloud cost optimisation, sustainable IT practices, and carbon-aware computing. Students will engage with live industry research and present their findings at a public showcase on completion. Professor Pramod Pathak, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Digital and Data at TU Dublin, said: "Modern cloud professionals need to be multi-disciplinary experts. This master's provides the full toolkit - from technical fluency to financial accountability to environmental leadership." Dr Barry Feeney, Head of School, TU Dublin, added: "This programme would not be possible without our partnership with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and the input from industry leaders. It ensures we are delivering real-world, future-proof skills. At TU Dublin, we are deeply committed to engaging with employers to co-develop programmes that produce industry-ready graduates, equipped to meet the evolving demands of the tech sector." A key focus of the curriculum is FinOps, the emerging discipline of managing cloud costs strategically. Students will build capabilities in cloud financial governance and automation of expenditure tracking, skills increasingly critical to organisations under pressure to manage cloud budgets and sustainability targets. Applications for the inaugural intake are now open, with the first cohort commencing in January 2026. ...

Recent research by Strata, Ireland's leading provider of construction time management and digital construction services, reveals that 88% of construction and engineering professionals have accelerated their use of digital technologies over the past year. In addition, nearly 70% of respondents are leveraging these tools to drive smarter decision-making and innovation across the sector. Barriers to digital adoption The 2025 Strata Report: Digital Transformation in Construction highlighted that siloed workflows are the leading barrier to digital adoption in the sector. Time constraints ranked second, driven by limited capacity for training and the pressure of industry-wide labour shortages. In third place, skillset gaps point to an urgent need for targeted training and the strategic hiring of new digital capabilities to support transformation. Knowledge of AI The research found that 81% of construction and engineering professionals report only basic or moderate knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, more than 71% of respondents believe AI will be critical in shaping the future of the sector. Despite this strong belief, over half of companies surveyed had yet to implement formal AI training for their teams. Sustainability in sector When asked about the importance of sustainability in the sector, 85% of construction and engineering professionals said it will become more important over the next one to three years. This contrasted with just 5% reporting significant progress in utilising digital tools such as carbon calculations and whole-life assessments. Commenting on the findings, Enda Grimes, Director and Founder of Strata said: "With the Government's National Planning Framework prioritising accelerated housing delivery, and the Climate Action Plan placing new demands on infrastructure and sustainability targets, meeting construction demand will require greater efficiency and new ways of working. In this context, digitalisation and AI are no longer optional efficiency tools - they are essential levers for delivering on national ambitions." "Our research shows that while digital adoption is gaining momentum across the sector, a significant gap in skills and applied knowledge remains in our industry. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration with digital experts who not only bring strong digital capability, but also understand the practical complexities of engineering and construction. As Ireland's population continues to grow, the need to improve our infrastructure becomes more urgent. By combining deep engineering expertise with digital innovation, we can accelerate delivery and build the resilient infrastructure we need." Over 250 construction and engineering professionals, representing over 170 individual companies in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe took part in the Strata survey in the second quarter of 2025. For more information visit www.stratadigital.io/ . The 2025 Strata Report: Digital Transformation in Construction report can be sourced here. See more stories here.

Ireland plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030—five years earlier than the EU's 2035 deadline—as part of its sweeping Climate Action Plan. But is this ambitious move realistic? In this episode, Niall dives deep into the heated debate with guest Nadia Forde from Ashford Motors.Niall explores both sides of the conversation:"We can't ignore climate change any longer. EVs are the future, whether we like it or not," says one caller, supporting the shift."I live in rural Clare—there's barely a charging point within 20 miles!" argues another, questioning the practicality of going electric for everyone.Meanwhile, Naill highlights the financial strain on smaller manufacturers and how big brands like Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and VW are already transitioning ahead of schedule due to tightening emissions standards—not just regulation deadlines.From concerns over affordability and charging infrastructure to hopes for a cleaner, greener future, Niall asks:Are you ready to give up petrol and diesel? Or is this just policy running ahead of reality?Tune in now, and decide for yourself.

With no City Council meeting this week, Mayor Erica Zweifel recaps this year’s Lighten Up sale at Carleton College, the book she’s reading on climate change and touches on the city’s Climate Action Plan, a preview of next week’s budget work session, and more.

With no City Council meeting this week, Mayor Erica Zweifel recaps this year's Lighten Up sale at Carleton College, the book she's reading on climate change and touches on the city's Climate Action Plan, a preview of next week's budget work session, and more. 

Vermont passed up most of the major recommendations in the last Climate Action Plan, from 2021. What's different this time around?

The Sierra Club, a non-profit committed to environmental advocacy, predicts hitting an oil and gas plateau in the next decade. We spoke with a representative from the organization to learn more. (Conor Curtis with Martin Jones)

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has published its 2024 Year in Review, highlighting a transformative year of progress in areas critical to Ireland's future, including housing innovation, digital resilience, and sustainability. In a year of global uncertainty and rapid advances in areas like cybersecurity, NSAI played a pivotal role in supporting business competitiveness and advancing Ireland's strategic ambitions under Housing for All, the Climate Action Plan, and the Digital Europe Programme. Minister of State with responsibility for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon TD said: "The NSAI plays a vital role in strengthening Ireland's business ecosystem. From enabling housing innovation through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to advancing cybersecurity and sustainability, NSAI's Year in Review displays how the organisation supports our industries to grow safely, smartly, and compete internationally. The Year in Review reflects the important role NSAI plays in supporting Irish businesses and setting and maintaining world-class standards, measurement services and certification systems." In 2024, NSAI advanced key pillars of its Strategic Plan 2022-2026 in the areas of housing, digital transformation, climate and MedTech through standards, metrology and certification that directly support Ireland's Programme for Government and economic growth. Geraldine Larkin, NSAI CEO, said: "NSAI is committed to supporting businesses to enable growth, competitiveness and long-term success. We're proud to act as a bridge between innovation and assurance, empowering Irish businesses of all sizes to operate with confidence, integrity, and international credibility. Whether it's bringing a new MMC housing system to market or achieving ISO certification in information security, we ensure companies can move faster, meet expectations, and lead by example." Key highlights from the report include: Supporting housing innovation: With 80 new MMC enquiries and 48 new applications received in 2024, NSAI's MMC department is supporting faster, safer and more efficient construction outcomes. NSAI's Sustainability and Built Environment department approved 1,132 construction products last year and NSAI established a dedicated Building Information Modelling department before Christmas. Agrément certification is specifically aimed at products or systems that are new or innovative. The KORE group in Cavan, for example, achieved MMC Agrément certification through NSAI for its insulated concrete formwork system and its insulated foundation system. Caroline Ashe Brady, Commercial Director with the Kore Group said: "NSAI's rigorous assessment process has been crucial in enabling us to bring next-generation construction solutions to market with confidence. MMC Agrément certification helps manufacturers in the construction industry, like ours, to meet both compliance requirements and sustainability goals." Cybersecurity at the forefront: In September 2024, NSAI was appointed lead co-ordinator for the EU TrustBoost programme, aimed at strengthening cybersecurity certification across the EU. With threats to data privacy and digital infrastructure on the rise, this initiative under the Digital Europe Programme is helping to develop new technologies and tools to create a more secure digital ecosystem for Europe. Separately, NSAI developed a new certification readiness tool for Irish SMEs around information security. Innovation and excellence through standards: As Ireland prepares to take over the presidency of the Council of the EU in July 2026, NSAI continues to take a leading on the role of standards in support of the single market. This is a vital role at national and European level. In 2024: 1,467 standards were published 286,209 standards were accessed 200 new members joined technical committees (there are now over 2,400 national committee members) Precise measuring for trade: NSAI's Nati...

In May, Regional Council approved a Corporate Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases our organization emits. This plan is part of a larger community strategy called TransformWR, and the goal is to cut emissions in half by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. On this episode of Your Region Pod we look at the challenges we face in reducing the local effects of climate change and the important role municipalities play in reducing harmful emissions. We hear from Dr. Sarah Burch, a professor at the University of Waterloo and the Executive Director of the Waterloo Climate Institute. Tova Davidson joins us as well, she is the Executive Director at Sustainable Waterloo Region, an organization that helps businesses see the cost benefits of environmental sustainability. Meaghan Eastwood, Manager of Planning and Sustainability at the Region of Waterloo and a member of Climate Action Waterloo Region, shares a few examples of what the Region is doing to reduce emissions. Visit the Region's 2024 yearbook to learn more. Check out our newsletter, Around the Region,  for more news and stories about how we are addressing climate change. And... if you haven't already, listen to our Meet the Pollinators episode to learn about out how some of the smallest creatures have a big role to play in keeping life on this planet healthy.You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

The Ukiah City Council on Wednesday night adopted a comprehensive Climate Action Plan and an associated environmental study. 

Francess McDonnell, Breifne O'Brien and Aisling O'Brien bring you the biggest stories of the week in Irish agriculture from Agriland, which this week includes: Healy-Rae: ACRES scoring may need overhaul;Final details revealed on new €3,375 suckler scheme;National cattle herd falls by 400,000 head in 24 months;Mart throughput reaches 574,505 cattle in Q1 2025;Demand grows for Kerrygold in US;What will the Climate Action Plan mean for farmers?;Sightings recorded as the birds are back in town.Don't forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland's weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

The government needs to take emergency actions to reduce emissions in its Climate Action Plan, which will be brought to cabinet today. That's among the calls being made this morning by The Stop Climate Chaos coalition, whose Coordinator Oisín Coughlan joined Shane this morning on the show.

EU trade chief seeks joint effort with U.S. on fair tariff deal. Publication of the final report of an inquiry into the alleged abuse of an intellectually disabled young woman in a foster home setting is expected today. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers will update ministers on the new dedicated Infrastructure Division in his department and a taskforce that will support it. Also Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien will seek Government approval to publish the Climate Action Plan for 2025.All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Political Correspondent with Newstalk and host of the Let Me Explain podcast.

Brianne Fisher, the Climate Action Manager for the City of Tempe, Arizona, joined the podcast to discuss sustainability and climate action. She talked about the importance of urban cooling to reduce risk from extreme heat and how green infrastructure plays a roll. She also shared key elements of the City's Climate Action Plan and the role of resiliency hubs. Host: Ben Kittelson

This lecture defines Presidential Executive Orders as directives issued by the President to manage federal government operations, carrying the force of law without congressional approval. Executive orders enable Presidents to direct federal agencies and respond to national issues. They have played a role in shaping civil rights, military policy, and economic regulations.The President's authority to issue executive orders stems from Article II of the U.S. Constitution:The Take Care Clause (Art. II, §3) ensures the President oversees the execution of federal laws and policies.The Commander-in-Chief Clause (Art. II, §2) grants the President authority over the military.The Executive Power Clause (Art. II, §1) vests executive power in the President.Statutory Authority: Congress can delegate specific powers to the President through legislation.Executive orders are binding on federal agencies and do not require congressional approval, but they are subject to judicial review and can be repealed by a successor. Presidents use executive orders in various contexts:Administrative OrganizationForeign Policy and National SecurityRegulatory and Economic PolicyCivil Rights and Social IssuesEmergency ResponsePublic Health MeasuresEnergy and Environmental PolicyTechnology and CybersecurityCriminal Justice and Law EnforcementExecutive orders must derive authority from the Constitution or statute. Courts can invalidate executive orders that exceed constitutional or statutory authority. Congress can limit the effect of an executive order or refuse to fund initiatives enacted by it. Executive orders may face political resistance, public opinion, lawsuits, or congressional action. States may challenge executive orders that infringe upon state sovereignty. Executive orders do not have permanent legal standing and can be revoked or modified by future Presidents.Examples of executive orders include:Emancipation Proclamation (1863)Executive Order 9066 (1942)Desegregation of the Armed Forces (1948)Creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (1970)DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) (2012)Immigration Ban (2017)Equal Pay Initiative (1963)Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (2013)Climate Action Plan (2013)The “Buy American, Hire American” Order (2017)Other Presidential actions include presidential memoranda, presidential proclamations, national security directives, signing statements, presidential determinations, and presidential directives. Executive orders provide the President with a mechanism for efficient action, but their use is subject to constitutional and legal constraints.

Presidential Executive Orders: Definition, Authority, and ScopeDefinition: Presidential Executive Orders are directives issued by the President to manage federal government operations.Authority:Article II of the U.S. Constitution:Take Care Clause: Ensures the President oversees the execution of federal laws and policies effectively.Commander-in-Chief Clause: Grants the President authority over the military.Executive Power Clause: Vests executive power in the President.Statutory Authority: Congress may delegate specific powers to the President through legislation.Characteristics:Binding on Federal AgenciesDo Not Require Congressional ApprovalSubject to Judicial ReviewCan Be Repealed by a SuccessorScope and Use:Administrative OrganizationForeign Policy and National SecurityRegulatory and Economic PolicyCivil Rights and Social IssuesEmergency ResponsePublic Health MeasuresEnergy and Environmental PolicyTechnology and CybersecurityCriminal Justice and Law EnforcementLimitations:Must Derive Authority from the Constitution or StatuteJudicial ReviewCongressional OverridePublic and Political PressureState Opposition and Federalism ConcernsDuration and Repeal by SuccessorsNotable Executive Orders in U.S. History:Emancipation Proclamation (1863)Executive Order 9066 (1942)Desegregation of the Armed Forces (1948)Creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (1970)DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) (2012)Immigration Ban (2017)Equal Pay Initiative (1963)Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (2013)Climate Action Plan (2013)The “Buy American, Hire American” Order (2017)Executive Orders vs. Other Presidential Actions:Executive Orders: Legally binding directives issued by the President with the force of law within the executive branch.Presidential Memoranda: Less formal than executive orders, often used for internal guidance within the executive branch or to announce policy decisions.Presidential Proclamations: Public statements that may declare national days of observance, make policy announcements, or address specific issues.National Security Directives: Classified instructions concerning national security matters, often issued by the President to relevant agencies.Signing Statements: Issued by the President when signing a bill into law, these statements outline the President's interpretation of the legislation.Presidential Determinations: Official documents used to direct federal agencies on specific policies.Presidential Directives: Broader in scope, these include Homeland Security Presidential Directives and other specific policy instructions given to executive branch officials.

Metro Vancouver has a climate goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. Now that goal is under attack from some members of the Metro Vancouver board. The Dogwood Institute says right-wing populists are trying to scrap climate action from the budget at an upcoming special meeting on February 21. We speak with Ashley Zarbatany, Fossil Gas Campaigner with the Dogwood Institute in Victoria.

Local leaders are now seeking public input about their priorities for fighting and adapting to climate change.

Munster Technological University's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering hosted the first national PowerGRID2025 conference in the Bishopstown Campus last week. The event attracted 100 registered delegates from a wide range of power industries, technology and energy sectors to explore the challenges and opportunities of an evolving power grid. The high attendance reflects the importance of innovation and digitisation required for Ireland's grid infrastructure upgrade that is essential for the state to meet its energy transition goals. The power grid is undergoing a monumental transformation to meet growing electricity demands while supporting ambitious climate action goals. The goals include: Targeting a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 through the Climate Action Plan. Increasing Ireland's power system from 75% integration of renewable energy sources will increase this to 95% by 2030. Ensure the modernised power grid must also support a projected increase in Irish electricity demand from 33 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2022 to 56 TWh by 2030 and 80TWh in 2050. To support this growth the electricity grid requires significant upgrades with a growing need for skilled professionals in designing, developing, and operating modern grid systems. MTU, with the support of industrial partners, has heavily invested in its power engineering training facilities, and the first graduate class from the MTU, Springboard Supported Postgraduate Certificate in Smart Sustainable Power Engineering, presented their work at the conference. This upskilling comes at a critical time as the digital technologies in modern grid and substation design require engineers to span both electronic, communication, cybersecurity and electrical engineering domains at a level not previously supported in university programmes. Commenting on the event, Ross Kelly, H&MV, said, "The skills needed to engineer a modern digital substation are so broad that no one person could know it all, so a new role is needed for a system integrator. This person needs to know a little bit about power systems, AC/DC, Battery/UPS, primary and secondary equipment, SCADA, protection schemes, networking, cyber and Level 3 and 4 commissioning.." Applications for the 2025 delivery of this programme are now open at https://springboardcourses.ie/details/13707.

In today's newscast: Monterey County residents have until Friday at 11:59pm to complete a climate action simulator, which will help the county decide which projects to prioritize. Also, Joby aviation gets a few steps closer to offering commercial electric air taxi flights.

Munster Technological University (MTU), in collaboration with H&MV Engineering who delivers High Voltage design, engineering and construction services with a specialised focus in data centres, renewables, utility, commercial and industrial sectors and ABB, a global technology leader in electrification and automation, has launched a Digital Substation in the Power Academy Lab of MTU's Bishopstown campus. The investment of the Digital Substation is part of H&MV Engineering's and ABB limited sponsorship, worth more than €200,000, aims to further develop the training and research capacity of Ireland's grid infrastructure. The introduction of Digital Substations as part of Ireland's grid infrastructure upgrade is essential for the state to meet its energy transition goals, which targets becoming carbon neutral by mid-century with an interim target of 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 through the Climate Action Plan 2023. (Cap2024). Ireland's power system has achieved 75% integration of renewable energy sources and plans to increase this to 95% by 2030, highlighting the importance of state-of-the-art grid technologies. Irish electricity demand is also increasing rapidly with increased population, industry and data centre consumption and the transition to electric heating and transport. Total demand is projected to rise from 33 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2022 to 56 TWh by 2030 and 80TWh in 2050. To support this growth the electricity grid requires significant upgrades with a growing need for skilled professionals in designing, developing, and operating modern grid systems. The introduction of the Digital Substation at MTU as part of a joint ABB/H&MV investment positions MTU to upskill industry professionals from all sectors of the power engineering sector, including generation, distribution, transmission, and consumption to design, develop, commission, and operate the grid infrastructure required for the country's future development. Commenting on the investment, Dr Martin Hill, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, stated that the industry support came at a critical time as the digital technologies in modern substation design required engineers to span both electronic, communication and electrical engineering domains at a level not previously supported in university programmes. This equipment allows students to work in an industry-standard environment with the current and future generations of smart grid protection equipment. MTU will demonstrate the panel operation with practical workshops on digital substation testing at the national PowerGRID 2025 conference in MTU in January 2025. www.powergrid.ie. The deadline for submission for MTU's "Smart Sustainable Power Engineering" course is January 25th, 2025. For more information, visit www.mtu.ie/courses/cresspe9/

What if God's vision for wealth, poverty, and justice radically differed from the world's? Discover how you can align your life with a kingdom-centered approach to economics. In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Matheus Ortega unpacks the transformative principles of Kingdom Economics. Drawing from scripture, theology, and his journey, Matheus explores four paradigms for addressing wealth and poverty while offering practical insights for living out a Christ-centered approach to justice and generosity. Whether you're a church leader, business professional, or passionate about justice, this episode will challenge and inspire you to think differently about your role in God's kingdom. Main Points Four Paradigms of Kingdom Economics: Explore the biblical frameworks of abundance, simplicity, justice, and renunciation and how they shape our approach to wealth and poverty. Vocational Calling and Purpose: Discover how personal gifts and career choices can align with God's greater kingdom vision. Justice and Dignity for the Poor: Learn how addressing poverty goes beyond charity to restoring dignity and creating opportunities for the marginalized. Unity in Diversity Within the Body of Christ: Understand the vital interdependence of different roles—givers, managers, transformers, and servants—in advancing God's kingdom. Redefining Prosperity in the Kingdom: Shift your perspective on success and abundance, focusing on benefiting others and glorifying God through every resource you steward. If this episode inspired you, we'd love for you to subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share it with your network. Visit lausanne.org for more resources on engaging in global mission and kingdom impact. Links & Resources Matheus Ortega's Book: Economia do Reino (Kingdom Economy) (currently in Portuguese, with translations underway) - https://www.economiadoreino.com/  Additional Inspiration: Explore William Colgate's legacy of generosity and William Wilberforce's work for justice. Guest Bio: Matheus Ortega is an expert in international development and climate action. With a bachelor's in International Relations (PUC-SP), a master's in Development and Humanitarian Emergencies (LSE), and a specialization in Urban Development (Oxford), he has led transformative urban projects in Brazil, Haiti, and Namibia. Currently, he is the senior manager for climate action at C40 Cities' UrbanShift team, and he supports cities in advancing integrated climate strategies. Previously, he advised Salvador, Brazil, on its first Climate Action Plan and managed the UK Government's £16 million Prosperity Fund in Brazil. Matheus is also the author of Economia do Reino and Tithe. We'd love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

IDA Ireland, in collaboration with Microsoft and LinkedIn, has published the latest in its Labour Market Pulse report series, which provides insights and trends from the Irish labour market to help inform decision-makers across business, academia and public policy. As the global economy pivots toward sustainable practices, Ireland has the potential to become a leader in this transition, thanks to its ambitious climate goals, desire to attract more green-focused Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and growing demand for specialised green skills across industries. With LinkedIn data revealing that the percentage of job postings requiring green skills in Ireland is one of the highest internationally, with one in eight (12.4%) Irish jobs now requiring at least one green skill, this Labour Market Pulse encourages all citizens, businesses, and educators to embrace and invest in green skills development to prepare for Ireland's low-carbon future. The global demand for green skills is rapidly outpacing supply, with estimates indicating that by 2050 twice as many jobs will require green expertise than there will be people qualified to fill them. LinkedIn data saw demand for green talent grow by over 22.1% last year - well above the global average of 11.6% - demonstrating a strong and immediate need to upskill the workforce to keep up with the demands of the green economy. This trend has been evident for an extended period now with LinkedIn's analysis also highlighting that demand for green skills in Ireland grew at twice the rate of the rest of the world - 11.9% vs 6% - between 2021-2024. Furthermore, it green talent has become highly attractive to employers, as job seekers in Ireland with green skills or titles achieve a 79.8% higher hiring rate than the workforce overall. Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2024 has locked critical sustainability targets into legislation, mandating that by 2030 80% of the nation's electricity will come from renewable sources. To support these goals, IDA Ireland has facilitated over 50 green investments, fostering a diverse ecosystem of innovation. From wind turbine technologies to AI-driven energy distribution, companies are investing in Ireland's sustainable future, creating new jobs in green sectors. Green skills are most concentrated in industries like Utilities, Construction, and Manufacturing, with skills such as Environmental Impact Assessment and Operational Efficiency among the fastest growing in demand. However, the need for skills in areas like sustainable supply chain management, pollution prevention, and renewable energy is spreading rapidly to other industries, such as professional services, financial services, and technology. To support this need Skillnet Ireland's Ireland Talent Landscape 2024 report highlights that over 59% of businesses see upskilling in sustainability as critical to their future success. Green skills development is not only vital for environmental goals but also serves as a key driver for economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: ''I welcome the data insights which show that the green economy is a rapidly growing sector, with demand for green talent increasing by 11.6% from 2023 to 2024. Sustainability is a key focus in IDA's strategy, and we are committed to helping multinationals in Ireland achieve their sustainability goals. IDA have facilitated 50 green investments so far, and we are looking forward to continuing that progress.'' Commenting on the Labour Market Pulse, James O'Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Lead and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Center, said: "As Ireland advances on its sustainability journey, it is important that every community, business and individual has the right capabilities to support the green transition. Published today, the Labour Market Pulse highlights the need for greater investment in green skills across key industries to accelerate a zero-carbon future for Irela...

Tune in find out how you can get more engaged and have a voice in Charles County Government's Climate Action Plan with Climate Resilience and Sustainability's Beth Groth and Noelani Brockett.  For more information about this topic, visit: https://charles-county-md.civilspace.io/en/c/climate-actionThanks for listening. If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe. We're also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

HEAnet, Ireland's National Education and Research Network, has announced the launch of its Strategy 2025-2030. HEAnet, Ireland's National Education and Research Network, plays a pivotal role in supporting the country's academic and research communities. By delivering high-speed internet connectivity and ICT-shared services, HEAnet connects over one million students, researchers, and staff across all levels of the Irish education and research sector. Their network not only facilitates access to essential online resources but also ensures that Irish learners and researchers are linked to global academic and research networks through our partnership with GÉANT. With a vision to empower excellence in education and research, HEAnet aims to be a trusted partner, driving technological innovation for the advancement of this sector. The HEAnet Strategy 2025-2030 seeks to address the ever-growing demands of the education and research community through key focus areas and foundation enablers. The new HEAnet strategy focuses on five strategic areas: 1. Network- Delivering world-class network connectivity. HEAnet will strengthen Ireland's education and research infrastructure with a resilient, scalable, and energy-efficient network. Through key upgrades and expanded international connectivity, we will meet growing demands and position Ireland as a global hub for education and research data. 2. Security - Strengthening the security capability and resilience of Irish education and research. HEAnet will expand its security services, including further expansion of our SOC and SIEM solution. In collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre, we aim to strengthen the security posture of Ireland's education and research sector, reducing risks and enhancing resilience. 3. Research - Driving collaboration and innovation to support global research ambitions. HEAnet is committed to driving research excellence by supporting FAIR data management, advancing national research infrastructure, and fostering collaboration. HEAnet will enhance Open Science efforts, helping Ireland's research community to innovate and excel on the global stage. 4. Sustainability - Leading the way in environmental, social and economic sustainability. HEAnet will integrate sustainability across environmental, social, and financial dimensions. We will significantly reduce our carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and ensure a sustainable funding model, contributing positively to Ireland's Climate Action Plan and the wider community. 5. People - Empowering Our People to Achieve Excellence. At HEAnet, people are our most valuable asset. We will foster a culture of growth, inclusivity, and excellence, offering expanded development opportunities, promoting EDI, and cultivating talent pipelines to ensure long-term success and a thriving, diverse workforce. HEAnet CEO Ronan Byrne remarked, "Our Strategy 2025-2030 outlines our ambitious and forward-looking strategic direction to the end of this decade. This strategy represents a significant milestone for HEAnet, as it sets the stage for a transformative journey that builds on our past achievements while charting a course for a future filled with opportunities and growth." The full strategy is available on HEAnet's website: www.heanet.ie/heanet-strategy More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and...

This Day in Maine for Thursday, November 21st, 2024.

A new voluntary certification that will help restore Ireland's peatland and boost climate resilience by allowing farmers and landowners to demonstrate the environmental benefit of their activities has been launched for public consultation. According to estimates, the restoration of the 700,000 hectares of degraded peatlands in the country could help to avoid up to 2 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The Peatland Standard for Ireland will help landowners attract funding to accelerate peatland revival. Those wishing to restore peatlands on their land will be able to fund their projects by offering verified ecosystem certificates encompassing carbon, biodiversity, and water benefits to organisations wanting to invest in and support conservation and sustainability initiatives. Irish peatlands are waterlogged, carbon-rich habitats for diverse species that regulate water flow, quality, and flood risks. However, most Irish bogs are degraded due to human activities. The new science-based certification creates a methodology to quantify improvements across emission reductions, water storage and quality, biodiversity, ecosystem functions, community benefits, and wildfire prevention. "The new Peatland Standard recognises the environmental, economic, and societal benefits from reviving these vital ecosystems," said Dr Shane Mc Guinness of Peatland Finance Ireland. "Quantifying the benefits of carbon, biodiversity, and water enhancements will unlock financing for community restoration work, which is only possible when funding comes from a diverse and blended range of sources. It is encouraging to see businesses, alongside national and European public bodies, providing blended financing to support positive environmental impact." The development of the Standard has been supported by a €495,000 commitment from Amazon's Right Now Climate Fund, as well as the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and the Natural Capital Financing Facility (NCFF) of the European Investment Bank (EIB). "Peatlands are vital stores of carbon, but their degraded state means they currently release over two million tonnes of greenhouse gases every year," said John Boumphrey, Amazon's UK and Ireland Country Manager. "We're supporting the development of the Peatland Standard for Ireland because properly financing restoration projects can bring great benefits to both local communities and the broader environment." The Standard has been developed over the past 15 months and is now under public consultation with the expectation to go live early next year. It was developed by Peatland Finance Ireland, a not-for-profit supported by academic, not-for-profit, governmental, and semi-state bodies. The work of Peatland Finance Ireland aligns with Ireland's Climate Action Plan, which cites the potential of peatland restoration to reduce emissions through nature-based solutions. The certification will comply with international environmental principles and align with the EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification Framework. Independent third-party auditors, working to ISO standards, will validate and verify ecosystem improvement claims.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) says the country has "significant gaps" to close in order to meet legally binding Climate Action Plan and EU targets. For more on this Brian Caulfield, Professor in Transportation at the Department of Civil Engineering, in Trinity College Dublin.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has today published its National Energy Projections 2024 report which explores future trends for energy use in Ireland. The results provide an assessment of how we are likely to perform against our national Climate Action Plan and EU climate and energy targets, accounting for factors such as economic growth and Government energy policies. The report finds that there are significant projected gaps to all legally binding targets including national carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings, and EU obligations on renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. The report identifies a severe risk of delayed achievement of the majority of Climate Action Plan targets, including for renewable electricity, biomethane, electric vehicles, district heating, heat pumps and building energy efficiency upgrades. If even some of these risks materialise it would result in certain target failure, increased energy demand, less renewable energy, and higher greenhouse gas emissions. The report notes that even with a massively scaled effort for technology deployment across all sectors, it is now likely too late to meet our legally binding 2030 obligations at EU and national levels. As a result, unprecedented technology change must be combined with strong policies and measures to limit growth in energy demand and disincentivise behaviours and practices that incur wasteful energy use in all parts of society. SEAI CEO, William Walsh said: "SEAI's latest Energy Projections report finds projected gaps still remain in our legally binding national and EU climate action obligations for 2030. While we have made some good progress on energy-related emissions, we are far from being on track for success. Even if we achieve the most optimistic scenario detailed in this report, and hit all Climate Action Plan targets, it is likely that gaps to our energy and climate obligations will remain. A significant expansion of incentives, information and regulation is required to enable us to comply with legally binding climate and energy obligations to 2030 and beyond." "We must begin to embrace measures that will allow us to meet our personal and societal needs at reduced rates of energy consumption. We need to invest in infrastructure and services that support people to live more energy efficient lifestyles, building a policy environment that paves the way for sustainable circular economy goods and services.?We must also be prepared to disincentivise wasteful business and consumer behaviours." SEAI delivers the National Energy Projections annually, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

This episode was originally published in August 2024. Sales of EVs in Ireland collapsed in 2024 with the number of newly-licensed electric vehicles down by 24 per cent in the first seven months of the year.But why? The push towards EVs is a key plank in the Government's climate strategy and the choice of EVs has never been wider.Early adopters worried about range anxiety but advances in technology has seen that replaced by charge anxiety – concerns about the availability of charging stations, whether that be at home or on the road. But that's just one worry motorist have before considering an EV.The Government's Climate Action Plan aims to have almost one million EVs on Irish roads by 2030, comprising 845,000 cars and 100,000 vans, trucks and buses.With just over six years to go before that target date, the falling sales figures raise further questions over what was already an ambitious target.Motoring writer Neil Brisco explains why the shine has gone off EV cars for Irish motorists.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Republican Mayor Rex Parris joins us to discuss the city of Lancaster's efforts to become hydrogen-powered, inspired by Japan's expertise. Matt and Rex discuss the urgent need to address climate change, particularly ocean warming and intensifying hurricanes. ‘ They also dive deep into the upcoming election, who the better candidate for the environment is, and how the fossil fuel industry continues to have a grip on the Republican Party. You can learn more about Mayor Parris' strides in Lancaster at: www.cityoflancasterca.org Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name? Visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.  You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, or whenever you get podcasts.

Lancaster's Mayor, Rex Parris, is pushing for hydrogen energy, learning from Japan. Urgent climate action is needed, but fossil fuel interests slow progress. Solutions exist, but action lags.

The Finnish capital, Helsinki, was ranked number one in the latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, which was published on 16 October 2024. The GDS Index measures the sustainability of travel destinations in four different categories using more than 70 indicators. The comparison includes more than a hundred cities throughout the world that have invested in sustainability. Helsinki has performed well in the GDS Index in the past: in 2023, ranking fourth. "Being named the world's most sustainable travel destination is proof of the long-term work that has been done in Helsinki. We are developing and growing tourism sustainably together with tourism operators and local residents. The first place we have now achieved indicates that we are on the right path," said Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki. Visitors appreciate sustainable destinations and services The Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index evaluates sustainability across four key areas: Destination Management, Supplier Performance, Environmental Performance, and Social Performance. Helsinki has traditionally performed very well in the index, particularly in environmental performance at the city level. This year, Helsinki ranked first in Destination Management, Supplier Performance, and Environmental Performance and second in Social Progress. The city invests in enhancing the social sustainability of tourism by supporting local businesses on their path to sustainability and increasing resources for the development of tourist destinations. "International studies show that travellers are increasingly looking for more sustainable services and destinations. There will no doubt be increasing demand for the world's most sustainable tourist destination in the future," said Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director at the City of Helsinki. Work continues on sustainable and smart tourism Helsinki's city strategy has set the goal of being the most sustainable and smartest tourist destination. Helsinki's Climate Action Plan for Tourism and Events also outlines Helsinki's goal of being at the top of the world in terms of sustainability, as verified by indexes and certifications. The goal has been to achieve the top spot in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index by 2025 at the latest. In addition to tourism, Helsinki is committed to reducing emissions in all its activities. Their goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Carbon neutrality targets will be achieved, especially by increasing the share of renewable energy in heat and electricity production, as well as energy efficiency measures in buildings. The city has also invested in low-emission transport solutions: more than 30 per cent of the bus fleet in the Helsinki region has been electrified, and over 30 kilometres of new tramways will be introduced in Helsinki over the next decade. The City of Helsinki has several sustainability-related projects and measures underway. In terms of tourism, the most important of these are the development of inclusive tourism and additional investments in the participation of local residents in the development of tourism. They measure the carbon footprint of tourism, promote Helsinki's Climate Action Plan for Tourism, and support tourism companies on the path of sustainable travelling. The City of Helsinki is also interested in close collaboration with other tourist destinations on a national and international level.

Please note, this episode was recorded in early September, before Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. That's why the storm isn't mentioned in our discussion. Our thoughts are with those affected, and the City has been actively sending personnel and resources to assist in recovery efforts.In this episode of the Big Ideas Raleigh Podcast, hosts Dan Bagley and producer Dr. Sarah Glova are joined by two climate action experts: Kathie Dello, State Climatologist of North Carolina and Director of the North Carolina State Climate Office at NC State University, and Megan Anderson, Sustainability Lead at the City of Raleigh. Together, they explore how Raleigh is setting the standard for climate action, being the first city in the region to secure key grants and national partnerships. Learn about Raleigh's innovative approach to sustainability and discover actionable ways to get involved, whether you're an individual, family, business owner, or activist. Climate change impacts us all, and Raleigh is leading by example. Residents will find plenty to celebrate, while listeners from other cities will want to take notes and apply some of these impactful strategies.Tune in to hear why climate action is not just a government initiative but a community effort where everyone has a role to play.Please note: This episode was recorded in early September, before Hurricane Helene impacted Western North Carolina. That's why the storm isn't mentioned in our discussion. Our thoughts are with those affected, and the City has been actively sending personnel and resources to assist in recovery efforts.Resources:Learn more about the City of Raleigh's Climate Action and how you can get involved:Visit the City of Raleigh's website to learn more about what we're doing related to climate action: https://raleighnc.gov/climate-actionReview the City's Climate Action Plan: https://raleighnc.gov/climate-action-and-sustainability/services/community-climate-action-planLearn More about the City's Office of Sustainability. https://raleighnc.gov/climate-action-and-sustainabilityCheck out the Urban Heat Island project: https://raleighnc.gov/climate-action-and-sustainability/services/mapping-urban-heat-islandsLearn more about Dr. Kathie Dello in her interview with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency within the US Department of Commerce: https://cpo.noaa.gov/interview-with-climate-scientist-kathie-dello/ ---Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.

In this episode, we're thrilled to feature Shelby Rust Busó, the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of San Diego. As a key figure in San Diego's climate action plans, Shelby brings a wealth of experience in sustainable building design, mobility, local food systems, and resiliency planning. Her role is crucial in implementing San Diego's ambitious Climate Action Plan, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.   Shelby discusses her career journey from her roles in Miami and Atlanta to her current position leading San Diego's efforts in building decarbonization and climate action implementation. Whether you're an environmental professional or simply passionate about sustainability, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of environmental leadership.  Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy! 

The Marine Institute has published its Climate Action Roadmap 2024, setting out the organisation's key operational achievements in relation to sustainability and energy. These include an overall energy efficiency reduction of 39.7% compared to the 2009 baseline, successful installation of Solar PV Rooftop systems (providing green electricity to facilities in Oranmore and Newport), and a successful trial using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as an alternative fuel for the Institute's research vessels. HVO is a low-carbon biofuel that serves as a replacement for fossil fuels. Other energy-saving projects include a boiler upgrade at Oranmore, LED lighting upgrades throughout Oranmore and Newport buildings, and air conditioning upgrades in Oranmore (with centralised control to meet the requirements of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive). CEO of the Marine Institute, Dr Rick Officer, said, "The Marine Institute's Climate Action Roadmap 2024 demonstrates our commitment to delivering on responsibilities outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2024, and the Climate Action Mandate. Sustainability is at the heart of how we work in the Marine Institute, and a guiding principle for our organisation. "We are extremely proud of our progress over the past 12 months in the vital areas of sustainability and energy. Our achievements result from the combined effort and innovation of colleagues working across the Institute." The Climate Action Roadmap 2024 also details how the Institute's Oranmore facility has reduced its energy consumption by 41% (March 2024), relative to the 2015 baseline. Four more teams commenced the process for My Green Lab accreditation over the past year, leading the way in sustainability from a laboratory perspective. The programme seeks to reduce the environmental impacts of laboratories - through a combination of organisational initiatives and behaviour change programmes. A core challenge for the Institute in reducing its overall consumption is the energy required to operate its research vessels (RV Tom Crean and RV Celtic Explorer). The continued activity of these vessels is essential to delivering on the organisation's remit to protect, and contribution to marine sustainability. Vital work carried out on the vessels focuses on sustainable seafood, how we manage our ocean space (marine spatial planning), how we protect marine biodiversity (marine protected areas), offshore renewable energy (decarbonisation of energy systems), and how the ocean impacts climate change. Included in the Climate Action Roadmap 2024 is the Marine Institute's Energy Policy. Having this policy in place demonstrates the commitment of the organisation as a whole in the implementation of the ISO 50001 Energy Management System. The Marine Institute aims to achieve certification of ISO 50001 during 2025. You can download the Climate Action Roadmap 2024 here.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Cary Krosinsky, Leading Teacher, Author & Advisor at Brown, NYU and Yale. At Yale University, Cary has been co-teaching a seminar on climate, energy and finance since 2014. Other courses at Yale include the first seminar on Business & Sustainability, a new workshop on Climate Tech Ventures, and the first MBA class on Sustainable Finance. Cary is also the Co-founder of the Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI), Real Impact Tracker (which spun out YourStake) and the Carbon Tracker Initiative. He is a Founding Mentor to Climate Tech VC (CTVC, now Sightline Climate).  Join Ross and Cary as they delve into sustainable finance and the need for integrity in this  sector. Cary shares his background, including his teaching experience at top institutions and his evolution in the field. They discuss the impact of student interest on course content, the challenges facing universities, as well as the controversy surrounding ESG investing.  Cary highlights the investment gap in addressing climate change, the rise of the anti-ESG movement, and the need for transparency to combat greenwashing. The conversation also covers the diverse strategies within ESG investing and the importance of global collaboration and ethical practices in finance. Meet Cary Krosinsky Cary Krosinsky is a distinguished lecturer, author, and advisor specializing in the intersection of sustainability, finance, and impact. As co-founder of the Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI), Real Impact Tracker, and the Carbon Tracker Initiative, Cary has been at the forefront of sustainable finance innovation. He created the field of Sustainability & IR in the mid-2000s and continues to serve as a senior advisor in various capacities. Cary's influence extends beyond Yale, having taught at Brown University, Harvard, and NYU. His work at Brown supported the creation of the sustainable investment component of the Brown endowment in 2016. He also served on the NYS Common Retirement Fund Decarbonization Advisory Panel, contributing to their 2019 Climate Action Plan. A prolific author, Cary has written seven books on sustainable investing and related topics. His works include "Sustainable Investing: Revolutions in Theory & Practice" (2016) and "Modern China" (2020), which advocates for better relations in solving sustainability challenges. Cary's expertise is sought after globally. He has developed sustainable finance frameworks for organizations like the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) and China's CSI. His research papers cover topics ranging from the financial outperformance of active sustainable investing to the value of global assets under management.

On today's show, how the city of Fayetteville is implementing its Climate Action Plan on College Avenue. Also, Alice Driver discusses her new book "Life and Death of the American Worker." Plus, our host, Kyle Kellams, talks with the team behind the podcast "How To Do Everything."

Sales of EVs in Ireland collapsed in 2024 with the number of newly-licensed electric vehicles down by 24 per cent in the first seven months of the year.But why? The push towards EVs is a key plank in the Government's climate strategy and the choice of EVs has never been wider.Early adopters worried about range anxiety but advances in technology has seen that replaced by charge anxiety – concerns about the availability of charging stations, whether that be at home or on the road. But that's just one worry motorist have before considering an EV.The Government's Climate Action Plan aims to have almost one million EVs on Irish roads by 2030, comprising 845,000 cars and 100,000 vans, trucks and buses.With just over six years to go before that target date, the falling sales figures raise further questions over what was already an ambitious target.Motoring writer Neil Brisco explains why the shine has gone off EV cars for Irish motorists.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Indiana Climate Action Plan, developed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), is a strategic initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the state, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.  Join host Erika Schiller and Jessica Murray, Environmental Manager & Project Manager at IDEM, to discuss Indiana's strategic approach to addressing greenhouse gas emissions, the challenges of engaging diverse communities under tight deadlines, and delivering tangible co-benefits like improved air quality, public health, and job creation. ClimeCo is proud to be a trusted partner to help deliver this Priority Climate Action Plan for Indiana.  Tune in to learn more about Indiana's first Climate Action Plan!  Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media to be notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in! Episode Resources: Indiana Priority Climate Action Plan: https://www.in.gov/idem/airquality/files/cprg_20240301_final_pcap.pdf IDEM's Air Quality - Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program: https://www.in.gov/idem/airquality/climate-pollution-reduction-grant-cprg-program/ 

Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager for Orange County, North Carolina joined the podcast to discuss climate action and sustainability. She talked about the background and elements of the County's Climate Action Plan and highlighted the Community Climate Action Grant Program which funds local sustainability projects. She also discussed piloting an agrivoltaics program and her career path from working in parks to climate action. Host: Ben Kittelson

Laura Burke, Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency discussses' greenhouse gas emissions projections for the period 2023-2050.

In this insightful conversation, several Jacobs teammates, including Vice President, Global Head Corporate Sustainability Tawny Chritton Keene, Director, Global Corporate Sustainability – Talent and Culture, Bo Storozuk, and Graduate Environmental Consultant Reem Habib, discuss how every role within an organization can contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you're an engineer, data analyst, project manager or part of an administrative team, your actions can make a huge difference.Follow Jacobs:Website: jacobs.comIf/When podcast series: If/When podcast seriesLinkedIn: @jacobsconnectsInstagram: @jacobsconnectsX: @JacobsConnectsFollow our guests:Tawny: @tawnychrittonkeeneBo: @bostorozukReem: @reem-thamer-89a744204More episode details available here. 

One of the traits of being a human is that we all make mistakes. Nobody is perfect. And yet, somehow, we often feel there's something wrong with us if we don't live the perfect lives we see depicted online and in the media. These often bring up feelings of worthlessness, inadequacity, loss of self-esteem and other negative emotions we'd rather not experience.     There are ways to deal with these feelings that can lead to positive change. We discuss these with author Ally Dalsimer, whose book It's Okay Not to Be Fabulous Every Day addresses these issues head on. In our lively talk, Ally shares some soul-stirring wisdom, including:·      the right way to embrace imperfection·      tips on how to tackle overwhelm·      why it might be necessary and healthy to redefine success·      dealing with conficting inner voices·      a transformational way of looking at regret·      an important power you can access from within    If you're looking for new ways to achieve self-acceptance, don't miss this important episode of Dream Power Radio.     Ally Dalsimer is a published author, former political candidate, experienced life coach, and award-winning environmental expert. Her highly acclaimed book It's Okay Not to Be Fabulous Every Day! leads the reader on an inspirational journey from sadness and self-recrimination through discovering hope and self-acceptance to achieving one's destiny and finding self-love.     Ally began her professional career as a project assistant at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and worked her way up to serve as the Defense Department's Natural Resources Program Manager, where she was responsible for management, oversight, and advocacy for the Department's 25 million acres of land.     Highlights for Ally's accomplishments during her three decades environmental career include:- Helped develop, launch, and manage several national and international conservation efforts including, Partners in Flight (birds) and the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign.- Served on the Obama Administration's Climate Task Force, and helped write the President's Climate Action Plan.     Ally won multiple awards, including:- National DoD Partners in Flight award for Outstanding Contribution to the Conservation of Neotropical Migratory Bird Habitat.- U.S. Air Force Award for Outstanding Contribution to USAF Conservation Programs.- National Partnership for Reinventing Government “Hammer” Award.     Ally has authored or co-authored more than 50 articles, technical reports, proceedings, brochures, and now a book! It's Okay Not to Be Fabulous Every Day! is available in multiple formats at https://books2read.com/OKNotToBeFabulous       Her new book will be available Spring 2024!     Ally has undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology from the University of Richmond, and a Master's in Public Policy with Environmental Law and Economics Track from Georgetown University. She lives in Virginia with her rescue cat Pooma.    To connect or sign up for her bi-weekly newsletter, visit: Website: https://allydalsimer.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ally.dalsimer/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllyDalsimer  Want more ways to find joy in your life? Check out my website thedreamcoach.net for information about my courses, blogs, books and ways to create a life you love.