Commitment

Posts Tagged ‘Commitment’

NaiKun Commends B.C. Government for Commitment to Long-Term Economic Prosperity Through Clean Energy Development

Posted by admin on February 7th, 2012

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Feb. 7, 2012) - NaiKun Wind Energy Group (TSX VENTURE:NKW) (“the Company”) commends Premier Christy Clark and the BC Government on its recent re-commitment to the clean-energy sector in British Columbia, in support of jobs, economic prosperity and environmental stewardship for all British Columbians.

“Premier Clark’s Natural Gas Strategy provides a clear vision for job creation and leadership on clean energy,” said Michael O’Connor, President and CEO. “This provincial commitment to developing the LNG industry also recognizes the importance of the renewable energy sector as a key to securing a strong economy and a legacy for generations to come, with a long-term commitment to fueling domestic energy needs with local, clean energy sources,” concluded Mr. O’Connor.

“On behalf of the NaiKun Team, including our industry and First Nation partners, I applaud this vision and look forward to continuing to work with the BC Government, Coastal First Nations, northern communities and industry to develop LNG to maximize the benefits that made-in-B.C. clean energy will deliver to all British Columbians and abroad.”

NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc. is a British Columbia-based renewable energy company. Located on B.C.’s northwest coast, where the wind resource is one of the strongest and most consistent in the world, NaiKun Wind’s 396MW offshore wind project would generate enough energy to provide electricity to 130,000 B.C. homes. The project is expected to result in an estimated 500 jobs during construction and 50 permanent jobs for maintenance and operations and over $ 400 million in direct expenditures in the province during construction, of which $ 250 million will benefit North Coast communities.

The NaiKun Wind project is at an advanced stage of development, with environmental approvals and agreements in place with key suppliers and First Nations and is now in a position to begin construction within two years of receiving an energy purchase agreement. For more information on NaiKun Wind, please visit www.naikun.ca.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements – This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the business and anticipated financial performance of the Company. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward looking statements, oral or written, made by itself or on its behalf.

Michael O’Connor, President and CEO

NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Marketwire – Environment

Global Witness welcomes landmark commitment to good management of Afghan mineral wealth

Posted by admin on December 12th, 2011

Afghanistan and its donors have taken an important step in making sure the country’s vast potential mineral wealth translates into development by recognising the importance of transparency and accountability in the sector.

Representatives from 85 countries met in Bonn on Monday 5th December 2011 to discuss support for Afghanistan post 2014, once most coalition forces have withdrawn. In the midst of a gloomy economic climate, how to make sure Afghanistan can become economically independent was high on the agenda – with the emerging minerals industry seen as a key area for development.

In the closing statement, the Afghan government and its international partners took the important step of recognising principles of transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s minerals sector.

The international community also pledged to support the Afghan government in developing the laws and codes of conduct it needs to bring it into line with international best practice for managing natural resources well.

This kind of early intervention could help Afghanistan avoid the resource curse which has beset other resource-rich countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo or Nigeria.

Recognising the vital importance of the country’s mining sector to future peace, stability and wealth is a positive first step towards Afghan economic sovereignty, but the closing statement lacked detail on how these pledges will work in practice. The key now is to turn rhetoric into reality, and make sure these commitments actual translate into action on the ground.

Another overlooked part of the puzzle was the role that NGOs, media and parliament can play in supporting good governance in the extractive industries. To fulfill transparency and accountability commitments, independent oversight needs to be built into the system from the outset. Civil society is a crucial part of this. Their role in monitoring companies and ensuring the government and its people are getting a good deal is critical in a country where ongoing conflict and weak government capacity makes it difficult to oversee.

Ends/

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EPA Annual Enforcement Results Highlights Commitment to Address Largest Pollution Problems with Greatest Community Impact / Focused effort on high-impact cases leads to increases in pollution reduced and investments in pollution controls (HQ)

Posted by admin on December 8th, 2011

Release Date: 12/08/2011
Contact Information: Stacy Kika, [email protected], 202-564-0906, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its annual enforcement and compliance results. EPA’s enforcement and compliance program enforces environmental laws that protect our nation’s air, land and water by taking action to cut illegal pollution and protect people’s health and communities. In fiscal year Fiscal Year 2011, EPA enforcement actions led to more than 1.8 billion pounds in pollution reduced, an estimated $ 19 billion in required pollution controls and approximately $ 168 million in civil penalties.

“Our annual results reflect the fact that a strong and effective enforcement program is good for responsible businesses, public health and communities across the country,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “As we continue our focus on the most serious pollution problems, we expect to see better environmental performance and greater public health benefits.”

In FY 2011, EPA enforcement resulted in commitments to:

- Install pollution controls for a cleaner tomorrow: $ 19 billion invested to improve environmental performance and compliance efforts, a record year, including $ 3 billion dollars to clean up hazardous waste in communities

- Protect people’s health from dangerous pollution: 1.8 billion pounds of harmful air, water, and chemical pollution reduced and 3.6 billion pounds of hazardous waste reduced, properly disposed of or treated

- Deter illegal pollution through civil penalties: $ 168 million in civil penalties assessed ($ 152 million in federal penalties and $ 16 million in actions taken jointly by EPA and state and local governments)

- Fight environmental crime: $ 35 million in fines and restitution, $ 2 million in court ordered environmental projects and 89.5 years of incarceration to deter future violations and hold violators accountable

- Invest additional resources in affected communities: $ 25 million committed by companies through enforcement settlements to conduct supplemental environmental projects in communities

Cases under EPA’s national enforcement initiatives, which focus enforcement and compliance resources and expertise on serious pollution problems affecting communities, produced the majority of commitments to install pollution controls and led to settling important cases, including the settlement with the Tennessee Valley Authority, which will lead to up to $ 27 billion in annual health benefits and provide $ 350 million for environmental projects to benefit communities.

More information on EPA’s FY 2011 enforcement and compliance results:
http://epa.gov/compliance/resources/reports/endofyear/eoy2011/index.html

More information on EPA’s national enforcement initiatives: http://epa.gov/compliance/data/planning/initiatives/index.html

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U.S. EPA News

A 15-Year Commitment to Protect The St. Lawrence

Posted by admin on November 29th, 2011

A 15-Year Commitment to Protect The St. Lawrence. MONTREAL, Que. — November 29, 2011 — Today, Canada’sMinister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Steven Blaney, as well as the Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, Mr. Pierre Arcand, announced a 15-year commitment to protect the St. Lawrence.
News Releases

House of Colour continue commitment to improve the environment.

Posted by admin on November 22nd, 2011

As part of a drive to increase their commitment to the planet Image consultants House of Colour have recently relocated their HQ operation to Croxley Business Park.

Franchise Director Helen Venables commented, ‘Our old premises were located in a lovely converted domestic building but it wasn’t great from an environmental point of view. Parking was a nightmare, recycling facilities were expensive and awkward and the working conditions for our staff were cramped and uncomfortable.’ As a new team of directors and owners of the business we felt it was important to ensure the planet was firmly embedded in our business plan. It had never featured before we took over running the business and so as part of the review of our business plan this year we made a commitment to add environmental issues. There is still a long way to go but we are pleased to be thinking carefully about the environment now when making our business decisions.’

‘Moving to Croxley Business Park has been an important step for us in this. Croxley have an ongoing commitment to ensure that they are the most forward thinking and environmentally proactive business park in the UK. And we are proud to align House of Colour with this. Everything that possibly can be, is recycled on the business park and their commitment to strive for zero waste to landfill is great’.

House of Colour have also been accredited with the Investor in people award for over 15 years now and the new directors were delighted to take House of Colour to the Gold standard in their assessment this year. ‘Only 277companies hold this award and so we are very proud. An important part of this was ensuring our HQ staff are valued and their working environment is a vital part of this.’ One of the girls in the office commented ‘. It is so clean, serene and green. There is such an air of calmness and tranquility at Croxley Business Park. Lots of activities going on and to top it all a lovely, clean professional office to work in. I think that I can get a free bus pass is really good. It’s got to encourage people to leave the car at home.’

Last year House of Colour took all parabens out of their Naturals Skin Care range and this year for the first time offered their consultants training in the north of the country as well as at their HQ in the South, to reduce the carbon footprint of the training.

About House of Colour

Established in 1985: House of Colour is an organisation with over 140 consultants around the world. The only company in its field to hold the prestigious ‘Investors in People’ award highlights its cultural focus on empowering the individual making it the leading British colour and image consultancy.

House of Colour consultants follow the most intensive, thorough and ongoing training available to operate exclusive franchise areas; with vacancies in the UK and globally, many franchisees are looking for additional consultants to work with them.

Contact:

House of Colour
Unit 2
Building 6
Croxley Business Park
Watford,
WD18 8YH
Tel: +44 (0) 1923 211 188
Email: [email protected]
www.houseofcolour.co.uk

Custom Release Wire

Government reaffirms commitment to carbon capture and storage

Posted by admin on October 20th, 2011

The Government today announced the next steps on the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) demonstration programme, after the conclusion of negotiations for a CCS demonstration project at Longannet in Scotland.

A decision has been made not to proceed with Longannet but to pursue other projects with the £1 billion pounds funding made available by the Government. The decision balances the UK’s low carbon ambition with the need to ensure taxpayer’s money is invested in the most effective way. £1bn will be available for a new process and we are expecting a number of promising bids from both Scotland and England.

Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change said:

“CCS is a key technology for the UK’s long term energy strategy.

“A billion pounds is enough to demonstrate this vital new technology in the UK, but it’s got to be spent in the most effective way.

‪“Despite everyone working extremely hard, we’ve not been able to reach a satisfactory deal for a project at Longannet at this time, so we’ve taken the decision to pursue alternative projects.”

The Government’s long term vision for CCS deployment together with an industry action plan will be set out when the selection process for further CCS projects is published. Ministers will meet with industry leaders to discuss next steps and lessons learned at the Carbon Capture and Storage Development Forum on Wednesday 2 November.

For more information about the Government’s policy on Carbon Capture and Storage please see the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) web pages.

The CCS Development Forum was formed in July 2010 and meets twice a year. It has around 40 members drawn largely from industry directly involved in delivering CCS in the UK, plus representatives from the international, academic and NGO communities. It is chaired by the Secretary of State or Minister of State. Its remit is to help overcome barriers to CCS by bringing DECC and stakeholders together and to provide a challenge function to the OCCS.

All findings gained through the Front End Engineering and Design studies will be published and made freely available on the DECC website to help speed up the wider deployment of CCS both here and abroad.

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info4local Subject Documents

With New Rubber Flooring Product, Rubber-Cal Reaffirms Eco-Friendly Commitment

Posted by admin on September 23rd, 2011

September 23, 2011 11:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Orange County, California-based rubber firm launches its newest premium
rubber flooring product for high-end applications

SANTA ANA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In a conscientious effort to maintain its high standards of product
excellence and environmental awareness, Rubber-Cal,
Inc. recently reaffirmed its commitment to going “green” with the
launch of a remarkable new rubber product. Following the May 2011 launch
of Coir
Mat.com, its new eco-friendly doormat store, Rubber-Cal debuted its
Terra-Flex Premium Rubber
Flooring Rolls on its web stores Coir Mat.com and Floor Mat
Company.com.

“Terra-Flex rubber
flooring rolls meet the needs of high-end applications while keeping
the retail consumer in mind”

Made with natural rubber harvested from Para rubber trees, Terra-Flex
rubber flooring is an innovative, hybrid blend of natural and synthetic
elastomers. The higher quality ingredients allow for lighter earth
tones, low odor, and specifications that are suitable for most
commercial applications. Terra-Flex represents a move toward making
premium rubber flooring a staple of Rubber-Cal’s product line.

“Terra-Flex rubber
flooring rolls meet the needs of high-end applications while keeping
the retail consumer in mind,” says Rubber-Cal CEO Beau Pirghibi. “This
type of premium rubber flooring is rarely available to the public in
short lengths or short lead times. With Terra-Flex, we are reducing
minimum purchase requirements and eliminating lead times by stocking
four popular colors.”

Terra-Flex rubber flooring rolls also give consumers a wider array of
options. The product may be purchased in custom lengths of up to 50
feet, with the option of custom colors also available.

Beau Pirghibi also notes that Rubber-Cal’s “goal is to provide a premium
rubber flooring product for applications with sensitive needs. Like our
other rubber
flooring products, Terra-Flex rolls can be DIY installed.”

“Here at Rubber-Cal, we understand that modern consumers demand ‘green’
flooring that is easy to install,” adds E-Commerce Manager My Tran.
“Ultimately, we want to offer rubber products that are
consumer-friendly, readily available, and sustainable.”

About Rubber-Cal

Based in Orange County, CA, Rubber-Cal is an industrial rubber company
specializing in rubber flooring, flexible ducting, and sheet rubber
products. Its brands include RubberCal.com, Ducting.com, Floor
Mat Company.com, and, most recently, Coir Mat.com.

Business Wire Environment News

Ingersoll Rand’s Commitment to Energy Efficiency Shines at the 2011 Solar Decathlon

Posted by admin on September 20th, 2011

September 20, 2011 02:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Purdue University’s INhome model is part of the U.S. Department of
Energy’s international competition in Washington, D.C.

INDIANAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ingersoll-Rand
plc (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating and sustaining safe,
comfortable and efficient environments, this week proudly supports Purdue
University’s home design entry in the U.S.
Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon 2011 on the National Mall in
Washington, D.C.

“The innovative vision of the Purdue University team made Ingersoll Rand
an ideal business partner and sponsor for their 2011 Solar Decathlon
entry”

Purdue
University’s INhome solar house – which is short for Indiana home –
is a fully functional, yet practical, net-zero energy home designed for
a typical Midwestern consumer in today’s cost-competitive residential
market. Net-zero energy means the house is required to produce as much
energy independently as is required for the occupants to live in it.

Supported in part by a $ 150,000 donation from Ingersoll Rand Residential
Solutions and the Ingersoll Rand Foundation, the house was constructed
on Purdue University’s campus and will be open to the public during the
2011 Solar Decathlon event from September 23 to October 2 in Washington,
D.C.

The Solar Decathlon began in 2002 and challenges competitive collegiate
teams from around the world to design, build and operate solar-powered
houses that are cost effective, energy-efficient and attractive. The
program is intended to educate students and the general public about
innovative options for building sustainable communities and how today’s
technologies can deliver significant energy efficiency.

“The innovative vision of the Purdue University team made Ingersoll Rand
an ideal business partner and sponsor for their 2011 Solar Decathlon
entry,” said Gary Michel, president of Residential Solutions at
Ingersoll Rand. “We are proud to support this team in its endeavor to
showcase what is possible with solar-powered living and sustainable
design, without sacrificing modern comforts, amenities or the
environment.”

Along with providing financial support and engineering consultation for
the construction of the Purdue
University home, Ingersoll Rand’s sponsorship offered a range of
portfolio products, including:

Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning products that include an
ultra-efficient Trane XL20i heat pump, and an award-winning,
newly-designed air handler called Trane Hyperion. The house entry also
includes an energy recovery ventilator and the Trane CleanEffects
whole-house air filtration system.
Schlage LiNK home management system with the new Trane ComfortLink II
Control.
Club Car Precedent i2 golf car with solar canopy for the team to use
as transport during the construction.
Ingersoll Rand twin-stack reciprocating air compressor to power the
tools used in the construction of the house.

The entries for the 2011 Solar Decathlon will be rated on a set of
criteria that contribute to sustainable living, including architecture,
market appeal, engineering, communications, affordability, comfort zone,
hot water, appliances, home entertainment and energy balance. All homes
must be designed to have net-zero energy consumption.

Following the 2011 Solar Decathlon event, the
Purdue University home will be donated to a nonprofit organization
in the local West Lafayette, Ind. community.

About Ingersoll Rand

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) is a world leader in creating and sustaining
safe, comfortable and efficient environments in commercial, residential
and industrial markets. Our people and our family of brands – including
Club Car®, Hussmann®, Ingersoll Rand®, Schlage®, Thermo King® and Trane®
– work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and
buildings, transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and
commercial properties, and increase industrial productivity and
efficiency. The Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability at
Ingersoll Rand is a global group of experts dedicated to integrating
best practices for the long-term use of energy and other resources.
Ingersoll Rand is a $ 14 billion global business committed to sustainable
business practices within our company and for our customers. For more
information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.

Business Wire Environment News

Government confirms commitment to create new charity to protect Britain’s waterways

Posted by admin on September 12th, 2011

The Government response to a consultation on proposals to move British Waterways from a public corporation to a new charity has been published today.

Following a positive response to the initial consultation on the proposals, the Government has confirmed its commitment to the creation of a new waterways charity, subject to parliamentary approval.

The response provides a summary of the main points raised during the consultation, and explains how Defra and the Transition Trustees of the new charity will take things forward.

Key points addressed in the response include:

More detail on how Government will work with the charity to secure and safeguard public benefits, including free access to the towpaths, protecting heritage and local wildlife;
Naming the ‘Local Partnerships’ that will be responsible for managing waterways at a regional level as ‘Waterways Partnerships’ to reflect their strategic role and size, with each Partnership developing a strategy for local engagement;
Confirmation that the new charity’s council will have fair representation from all interested groups, with a view over time to having half of the council appointed through elections,
Creation of an All-Wales Partnership, with representation from interested groups in Wales and a place for its Chair on the council.

A further short consultation to give more information and seek views on the transfer of legal powers and obligations from British Waterways to the new charity was also launched today.

This consultation provides further information about the legislation which currently relates to British Waterways, where amendments to legislation are necessary, and invites comments on the proposals specified. The consultation will close on 24 October 2011.

Notes

The consultation ‘A New Era for the Waterways’, closed on 30June 2011.
The Government Response can be found here http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2011/03/30/waterways-1103
The consultation on the Transfer Order provisions can be found here http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2011/09/12/waterways-1109

Defra News

New Bikeability support contract signifies Government commitment

Posted by admin on September 9th, 2011

£11m has been made available for cycle training during financial year 2011/12. This is helping to deliver up to 275,000 cycle training places to school children aged between 10 -11.

Transport Consultancy firm Steer Davies Gleave have won a competitive tender process to manage the day to day running of the Bikeability programme. Previously this work was shared between four different contracts. Using a single supplier to provide support will save an estimated £1.2m over the next three and a half years.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said:

“This government is strongly committed to cycling. Enabling children to learn to cycle safely and confidently on today’s roads plays a valuable role in creating a new generation of cyclists. That is why we took the decision to safeguard the future of Bikeability with the aim of giving as many children as possible the opportunity to take part in Bikeability cycle training.”

”Bikeability promotes the benefits of cycling as a healthy and enjoyable way of getting around. On a wider level it helps to reduce congestion, gives children more opportunities for exercise, and plays a part in the fight against climate change.”

The rules for Local Highway Authorities and School Games Organiser Host Schools (formally School Sports Partnerships) who receive Bikeability grants are also being changed to allow more flexibility of grant use. Examples include offering training to a greater age range. Currently training is aimed at year 6 school children but the changes mean that children ranging between school years 5-9 (aged 9-14) will now get the opportunity. Grant recipients will also be able to consider offering the more advanced Level 3 training. This covers complex road situations to support children cycling in busier areas.

Peter Zanzottera, Bikeability Support Manager, said:

“Steer Davies is proud to be associated with Bikeability as we have been since it started in 2007. With this new contract we offer continuity to all of the stakeholders, parents and children and we anticipate new products and initiatives to swell the numbers of new cyclists.”

Notes to editors

1. Funds for the support services are worth £2.1m over 3.5 years subject to contract extensions. Their responsibilities will include providing specialist advice to DfT, making grant payments and looking after all materials associated with the scheme.

2. Four companies were invited to tender, one later withdrew leaving three suppliers who submitted bids to the Department.

3. Bids were assessed in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulation 2006.

4. Steer Davies Gleave was contracted to run the Bikeability support service from November 2008 to September 2011. Before that the company was contracted to develop the service and to help local authorities and school sports partnerships apply for grant funding from the DfT. The company has also run a parallel contract to administer and develop the National Standard for cycle training which underpins Bikeability.

5. Full details of the changes to the grant rules will be released to grant bidders later this year.

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