Biofuels powering the future

WestRock announced it has entered into two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) with ENGIE North America (ENGIE), a subsidiary of ENGIE S.A. and global leader in the net zero energy transition. The VPPAs are designed to add renewable energy to the U.S. energy grid and mark a step forward in WestRock’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agreements support two of ENGIE’s solar projects – Bernard Creek located in Wharton County, Texas and Chillingham Solar located in Bell County, Texas – for an aggregate of 282 megawatts (MW). The new projects comprise one element of WestRock’s strategy to pursue a science-based target (SBT) to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 27.5% by 2030. Schneider Electric provided advisory services and strategy management for the WestRock and ENGIE agreements.

How can brands protect forests? Join us at Sustainable Brands in London as PEFC International CEO Ben Gunneberg discusses this very question at the PEFC Activation Hub on 17 November. You will find us at our Activation Hub throughout the three day event, which takes place at the Beaumont Estate, Windsor, from the 16-18 November, as we highlight how PEFC certification can provide brand owners with the responsible sourcing assurances they require. “Consumers are increasingly demanding that the products they buy come from sustainable sources,” said Mr. Gunneberg. “By choosing PEFC-certified materials, brand owners can use the globally recognized PEFC logo, satisfying consumers’ expectations for responsibly produced products.”

People of all ages and backgrounds from across the U.S. and Canada came together Wednesday 20 May to break the Guinness World Record for the most trees planted in one hour by small teams. Organized by PEFC’s North American member, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI), more than 200,000 trees were planted simultaneously in 28 different communities. The record attempt involved more than 1,100 participants, across four time zones, including industry representatives, community organizations, youth groups, conservation groups, and SFI Implementation Committees. Each team of 25 to 100 people planted trees simultaneously from 1:00 to 2:00 pm EDT, in locations ranging from New York City to Vancouver Island in British Columbia.