Latest news with #Energize
Time Magazine
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time Magazine
World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025
Methodology: How TIME and Statista Determined the World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025 In the fight against climate change, companies are navigating compounding problems: supply-chain issues, tariffs, changing government incentives for environmental programs. Analysts predict that renewable energy construction and operation including wind and solar infrastructure as well as battery development and EV uptake could take a hit from tariffs and rollback of clean energy incentives. 'Many firms face profit margin pressure that could squeeze out investments in sustainable materials or renewable energy,' consultancy firm Argon & Co wrote in May. 'The shift of production to new locations in pursuit of tariff relief brings environmental and social risks, from higher carbon footprints to labour rights concerns.' To track how top global firms across industries are rising to the challenge, TIME and data firm Statista partnered to rank the world's 500 most sustainable companies based on their public commitment to and progress toward sustainability targets during the calendar year of 2023 (the most recent year for which complete data are available). Many companies that ranked high on the list provide mostly digital services, like banking, consulting, communications, and research; or, they supply renewable energy to others. The top ranked company on this year and last year's list, France-based Schneider Electric, does both. Schneider Electric makes energy management software and advises other companies on how to reduce their emissions, beating out competitors like Siemens AG, GE Vernova and ABB as the leading provider of energy grid digitalization technology. In its first quarter 2025 report, Schneider said it surpassed sustainability targets in 2024, helped RichLand Logistics launch new EV trucks for last mile delivery, and deployed Schneider Charge Pro EV charging stations in Europe. It has also directly helped other high-ranking companies on the list reduce their footprints. For example, through a program called Energize, it has helped pharmaceutical companies including Sanofi (no. 10) and Novartis (no. 11) procure renewable energy for their operations. As a pharmaceutical manufacturer, Sanofi executives know it needs to do more than switch to renewable energy to cut its environmental impact; its sustainability report focuses on reducing waste and reusing materials, progressively replacing PVC with cardboard in secondary packaging, and stopping use of plastic in its vaccine syringe blister packs by 2028. Currently, '55% of our vaccines are blister free,' says Sandrine Bouttier-Stref, Sanofi Head of Corporate Social Responsibility. The new packaging is also smaller, lighter, and easier to transport and store. Sanofi is testing more eco-friendly design and manufacturing for all of their products, starting with other injectables, like insulin Toujeo and immune treatment Dupixent. They've also started experimenting with a reusable insulin pen that could replace 50 one-time injectors, as well as pilot take-back programs to collect and recycle used pens and needles. And, to cut the industry-wide use of horseshoe crab blood to detect low levels of toxic bacteria in products and medicines, Sanofi has already shifted to a synthetic substitute in two vaccine plants in France, Bouttier-Stref says, with a third plant slated to make the switch this year. In the last year, Novartis has been re-evaluating strategies to reduce water and chemical waste at their manufacturing sites, according to Chief Sustainability Officer Korab Zuka. The company redesigned its Cairo site to reuse treated wastewater in the cooling towers, and its Kundl, Austria, site recycles vial washer wastewater into boiler feedwater. Additionally, one manufacturing site in Switzerland is implementing a chemical solvent recovery and reuse project. For automakers, the focus has long been clamping down on emissions, but tariffs led to bumpy roads. The highest ranked automakers on the list, Ford (no. 74) and Volvo Cars (no. 91), recently revised their climate goals. Geely-owned Volvo changed its goalpost of going fully electric from 2030 to 2040, which the company elaborated on in sustainability update March 2025. But all are continuing to push for progress. 'While we acknowledge the challenges facing the automotive sector, our vision remains firmly on an electric and more sustainable future, and our long-term ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 is unchanged," says Vanessa Butani, Head of Global Sustainability at Volvo Cars. She adds that the company continues to make progress even in this time of external turbulence. 'We now have six fully electric models on the market and four more in the pipeline,' Butani says. 'To date, we have reduced emissions per car by 26% compared to our baseline 2018, and 78% of energy in our own operations comes from climate-neutral sources. The EX30 has the lowest carbon footprint of any fully electric Volvo car to date, and our flagship model, the EX90, features 15% recycled content [and] a battery passport.' (Battery passports give customers transparency into its supply chain and raw material origins. EU will mandate all EVs contain battery passports by 2027.) Similarly, Ford reconsidered its plans to go all electric in the EU by 2030, in favor of an all hybrid lineup instead. 'Reality has a way of making you adjust your plans,' Marin Gjaja, Chief Operating Officer of Ford's Model E electrification division, told Autocar July 2024. However, its first quarter 2025 report showed that the electric future was arriving nevertheless: 73,623 electrified vehicles (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric) were sold in the quarter, up 26% from last year. Ford also introduced three new electric vehicle models for the European market in March. —Charlotte Hu
Cision Canada
03-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Energize Capital raises $430 million to capitalize and scale digitally-enabled climate solutions
Backed by leading institutional Limited Partners, Ventures Fund III underscores the need for thematically aligned investors in today's market CHICAGO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- Energize Capital, a leading multi-stage investor in climate solutions, today announced the close of its Ventures Fund III ("Ventures III") totaling $430 million in capital commitments to the fund and its related vehicles. The firm's fifth institutional fund and third of its Ventures strategy, Ventures III will deploy into earlier-stage companies focused on scaling energy and industrial transformation through digital and software-enabled solutions. This latest raise brings Energize's total assets under management to over $1.8 billion and will empower the specialist firm to continue leveraging its team's decades of expertise in climate technology to support entrepreneurs through both financial capital and extensive operational and commercialization support. Today's economy is undergoing a profound transformation, placing new demands on capital partners to navigate emerging complexity and create value. Technologies like AI are redefining industrial processes, driving innovation, efficiency, and scalability. At the same time, the reshoring of manufacturing, evolving global supply chains, and the accelerating energy transition are reshaping critical infrastructure. These shifts are creating significant opportunities in areas such as grid interconnection, next-generation manufacturing, and the circular economy—all of which increasingly rely on digital tools to manage complexity and unlock value. With a thesis grounded in digital-first climate solutions and a track record of scaling companies in these evolving sectors, Energize is well-positioned to be a critical partner in this next chapter. "Now on our third ventures fund, the Energize team has been investing in climate technologies and solutions across several cycles, and we've experienced firsthand how this space has evolved in both market size and complexity," said John Tough, managing partner at Energize Capital. "Today more than ever, operators need specialist investors with deep domain expertise and operational know-how to help them scale their solutions and achieve enduring growth. We are excited to back the next generation of entrepreneurs and are honored to be supported by a group of world-class Limited Partners who align with our mission of investing in climate solutions with ambition." Energize's Ventures Fund III is backed by LPs that represent leading institutional, corporate strategic, family office and impact investors. New LPs in the fund include Första AP-Fonden (AP1), Capricorn, Reference Capital, Keeling Capital, Keysight Technologies, WEX Venture Capital, and several other international pensions. Among returning investors are GE Vernova, CDPQ, Builders Vision, UBS, WEC, and others. "As an investor committed to accelerating the energy transition, Builders Vision values Energize's deep industry insights and proven approach to scaling energy transition SaaS businesses," said Scott Gerdes, director of private investments at Builders Vision. "The close of Ventures Fund III is an opportunity for Energize to further enhance its in-depth research, valuable industry connections, and hands-on team, all of which are crucial for driving broader market adoption. By collaborating with forward-thinking companies and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Energize is fueling growth and contributing to the creation of a cleaner, more resilient energy ecosystem." 1 The fund will back asset-light climate solutions, with a particular focus on companies operating in the industrial digitization, next generation infrastructure and energy transition sectors. To date, Energize has deployed capital from Ventures III into several investments, including Tyba, a battery software optimization platform; Archive, a technology solution for brands to launch and scale profitable resale businesses; and Nira, a software platform that supports grid interconnection for energy developers. About Energize Capital Energize Capital is a leading investor in climate solutions. Founded in 2016 and based in Chicago, Energize seeks to scale sustainable innovation by partnering with the builders and operators shaping the future. To date, Energize has funded 36 companies and deployed more than $920 million through its Venture and Endurance strategies. Founded in partnership with Invenergy, the firm is backed by strategic, institutional, and impact LPs including Första AP-Fonden (AP1), GE Vernova, Capricorn, CDPQ, Builders Vision, UBS, WEC, Reference Capital, Keeling Capital, Keysight Technologies, WEX Venture Capital, and more. For more information on Energize, please visit
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Energize Capital raises $430 million to capitalize and scale digitally-enabled climate solutions
Backed by leading institutional Limited Partners, Ventures Fund III underscores the need for thematically aligned investors in today's market CHICAGO, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Energize Capital, a leading multi-stage investor in climate solutions, today announced the close of its Ventures Fund III ("Ventures III") totaling $430 million in capital commitments to the fund and its related vehicles. The firm's fifth institutional fund and third of its Ventures strategy, Ventures III will deploy into earlier-stage companies focused on scaling energy and industrial transformation through digital and software-enabled solutions. This latest raise brings Energize's total assets under management to over $1.8 billion and will empower the specialist firm to continue leveraging its team's decades of expertise in climate technology to support entrepreneurs through both financial capital and extensive operational and commercialization support. Today's economy is undergoing a profound transformation, placing new demands on capital partners to navigate emerging complexity and create value. Technologies like AI are redefining industrial processes, driving innovation, efficiency, and scalability. At the same time, the reshoring of manufacturing, evolving global supply chains, and the accelerating energy transition are reshaping critical infrastructure. These shifts are creating significant opportunities in areas such as grid interconnection, next-generation manufacturing, and the circular economy—all of which increasingly rely on digital tools to manage complexity and unlock value. With a thesis grounded in digital-first climate solutions and a track record of scaling companies in these evolving sectors, Energize is well-positioned to be a critical partner in this next chapter. "Now on our third ventures fund, the Energize team has been investing in climate technologies and solutions across several cycles, and we've experienced firsthand how this space has evolved in both market size and complexity," said John Tough, managing partner at Energize Capital. "Today more than ever, operators need specialist investors with deep domain expertise and operational know-how to help them scale their solutions and achieve enduring growth. We are excited to back the next generation of entrepreneurs and are honored to be supported by a group of world-class Limited Partners who align with our mission of investing in climate solutions with ambition." Energize's Ventures Fund III is backed by LPs that represent leading institutional, corporate strategic, family office and impact investors. New LPs in the fund include Första AP-Fonden (AP1), Capricorn, Reference Capital, Keeling Capital, Keysight Technologies, WEX Venture Capital, and several other international pensions. Among returning investors are GE Vernova, CDPQ, Builders Vision, UBS, WEC, and others. "As an investor committed to accelerating the energy transition, Builders Vision values Energize's deep industry insights and proven approach to scaling energy transition SaaS businesses," said Scott Gerdes, director of private investments at Builders Vision. "The close of Ventures Fund III is an opportunity for Energize to further enhance its in-depth research, valuable industry connections, and hands-on team, all of which are crucial for driving broader market adoption. By collaborating with forward-thinking companies and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Energize is fueling growth and contributing to the creation of a cleaner, more resilient energy ecosystem."1 The fund will back asset-light climate solutions, with a particular focus on companies operating in the industrial digitization, next generation infrastructure and energy transition sectors. To date, Energize has deployed capital from Ventures III into several investments, including Tyba, a battery software optimization platform; Archive, a technology solution for brands to launch and scale profitable resale businesses; and Nira, a software platform that supports grid interconnection for energy developers. About Energize CapitalEnergize Capital is a leading investor in climate solutions. Founded in 2016 and based in Chicago, Energize seeks to scale sustainable innovation by partnering with the builders and operators shaping the future. To date, Energize has funded 36 companies and deployed more than $920 million through its Venture and Endurance strategies. Founded in partnership with Invenergy, the firm is backed by strategic, institutional, and impact LPs including Första AP-Fonden (AP1), GE Vernova, Capricorn, CDPQ, Builders Vision, UBS, WEC, Reference Capital, Keeling Capital, Keysight Technologies, WEX Venture Capital, and more. For more information on Energize, please visit Media ContactRobiny Jamerson, Energize Marketing & Communications, rjamerson@ 1 No compensation was provided in exchange for this testimonial SOURCE Energize Capital Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Keller Williams employees volunteer at McCook Lake
NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (KCAU) — Flooding is not a concern in Siouxland like it was last year, but residents at McCook Lake are continuing to pick up the pieces. Property owners near the lake got some extra clean up help Thursday from volunteers with Keller Williams. This is the ninth year the company has held 'RED (Renew, Energize, Donate) Day' where each location closes to help out in their local community. Ashley Johnson, the agent services coordinator at Keller Williams Siouxland, told KCAU 9 exactly their team was doing to help. Story continues below Top Story: Catholic Diocese of Sioux City comments on first American Pope Crime: Sioux City man sentenced for stealing keys, taking off in car Sports: South Dakota softball advances to Summit League semifinals 'We got some people out on the island picking up maybe some debris that's washed out there,' Johnson said. 'We got some working back at Izaak Walton, specifically helping get stuff ready for the season there, and then we're out here helping some the homeowners clean up the shorelines as well.' Johnson added that with so much debris still buried under the sand and mud, she thinks it could could take years to get the lake back to where it once was. The Izaak Walton League continues to assist in clear up at McCook Lake as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Green Bay hosting 'Neighborhood Clean Energy Info Sessions'
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials in Green Bay say they are pleased to announce that they are hosting a series of 'Neighborhood Clean Energy Info Sessions.' According to a release from the City of Green Bay Public Works, these info sessions are a part of 'Energize Green Bay,' the City of Green Bay's initiative aimed at promoting clean energy solutions, reducing carbon emissions, and helping residents access energy-saving opportunities. Officials say the info sessions will be free to the public and are designed to inform residents throughout the city about the benefits of clean energy, cost-saving opportunities, and available incentives. 'Getting their piece of the action': Suamico-based car rental company offering to help locals make money during draft The City of Green is encouraging residents to attend the info sessions so they can learn how clean energy solutions can lower their utility bills, improve household health, and take advantage of state and federal tax credits and rebates. Each info session is said to include a presentation by Alex Galt, the Clean Energy Connector for the City of Green Bay, along with other potential guests that could include local residents and representatives from sustainably-focused organizations. A full event schedule for the 'Neighborhood Clean Energy Info Sessions' is as follows: February 11 at 6:00 p.m. Aldo Leopold Community School, Library (622 Eliza Street) February 13 at 6:00 p.m. West High School, Old Library, 2nd Floor (966 Shawano Avenue) February 25 at 6:00 p.m. Red Smith K-8 School, Library (2765 Sussex Road) March 4 at 6:00 p.m. Beaumont Elementary School, Library (1505 Gatewood Street) March 11 at 6:00 p.m. Chappell Elementary School, Library (205 North Fisk Street) March 25 at 6:00 p.m. Southwest High School Commons (1331 Packerland Drive) For more information about the info sessions, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
