UNDP, govt launch $20.7m project to mainstream climate adaptation into development planning

Two new companies join the ranks of the latest Circular Fashion Index.
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A group of 20 states sued the Trump administration on Wednesday over the shutting down of a multibillion-dollar grant program with the purpose of strengthening natural disaster preparation and mitigation. The lawsuit filed in a Boston federal court contends that the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unlawfully eliminated its Building Resilient Infrastructures and […]
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Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, is celebrating a significant milestone in its long-standing partnership with Blue Connections IT, helping the company on their path to another year of carbon neutrality.

The leading Australian-owned provider of comprehensive IT solutions, Blue Connections IT has incorporated several sustainable features into its infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art, six-star building tied to its ongoing mission to reach net zero. To enhance energy efficiency, the building has been designed with solar panels, double-glazed windows, low-power energy lighting and an advanced heating and cooling system connected to solar power. Recycled rainwater is also used across all toilets within the building, further reducing environmental footprint.

Recent research from Schneider Electric’s ‘Sustainability Index, 2024’ found that while 70% of corporate decision-makers are discussing their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, only 10% have a strategy in place for managing Scope 3 emissions — created up and down an organisation’s value chain. This showcases there is a fundamental change needed for Australian businesses to meet the new climate reporting requirements.

The new standards, set by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), are set to come into effect from 2025. The rules will require companies to disclose extensive information on climate-related issues, including governance, strategies, risk management, metrics and targets. With its new carbon-neutral status, Blue Connections IT is an example of an impact maker company leading the way in this area already as we move towards a net zero carbon future.

“We are proud to partner with Blue Connections IT and celebrate this impressive milestone. The company is setting a powerful example of how businesses can take proactive steps towards sustainability. This achievement showcases Blue Connections IT’s commitment to environmental responsibility and proactive approach to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of its business,” said Farokh Ghadially, Vice President of Secure Power from Schneider Electric.

As of 2022, Blue Connections IT had successfully reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 17.1%. The company remains committed to achieving a 20% reduction across its supply chain, with progress continuing toward that target. This came after the installation of new technologies, such as Schneider Electric’s in-row coolers in its server rooms and electric vehicle (EV) chargers to power its fleet of 20 EVs, effectively reducing power consumption and carbon emissions.

“Our partnership with Schneider Electric has spanned over 25 years and has been a critical factor behind why we have been able to achieve carbon neutrality. Carbon neutral wasn’t a term when Blue Connections IT was first founded, and it’s been fantastic to have the support of sustainability-focused organisations to help us on our own journey towards net zero,” said Gordon Brownell, CEO of Blue Connections IT.

The company continues to invest in technology that will assist in its goal of reaching net zero and is looking to implement Load Management Software (LMS) to optimise energy usage and continue to drive efficiency across its business.

“We are committed to leading by example in our industry, showing that it is possible to implement solutions that have significant environmental benefits without compromising on growth and innovation,” concluded Brownell. For more information about Blue Connections IT’s journey to net zero, visit Blue Connections IT and Schneider Electric Impact Maker site.