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Boston Globe
22-07-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Builders coalition enters new chapter as founder Dave Madan rejoins
Advertisement Under Madan's leadership, the group shortened its name to The Builder Coalition, or TBC. The focus, he said, is on opening doors 'for all talented individuals, especially those who have historically lacked access to key networks and resources.' Its mission now includes a 'TBC Innovation Center' think tank, essentially consulting and convening services that it offers to help other communities diversify their development sectors. The first national Innovation Center event will be held in September, at the Seaport Hotel, to bring together real estate finance experts from around the country. Madan leads a four-person staff, and hopes to add a fifth by early 2026, with an annual budget of around $1 million. The organization is also awaiting action from the Healey administration on a state budget earmark for another $150,000. Advertisement The coalition celebrated its new phase of growth Friday by hosting a fellowship kickoff event at the Bruce Bolling building in Roxbury and a tour of affordable housing sites where previous TBC fellows have foundations in the ground and wood frames going up. Speakers included Representative Russell Holmes and Senator Liz Miranda (co-sponsors of the budget earmark), city housing chief Sheila Dillon , and Sabrina Correia from sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co. For Madan, it was inspiring watching this new class of 25 fellows — each one gets matched with two industry mentors — meet with previous fellows and observe how they're changing the city in their own way. 'It's a pretty incredible thing,' Madan said. 'There were just big smiles when everyone got off the buses. They were like, ... 'This is the real deal. Seeing is believing.'' Banking on more English classes When the findings of a MassINC report about the need for more career-focused English classes were announced a year ago at the UMass Club, those in the room looked around at each other and said, essentially, 'We can solve this.' The report showed that funding in Massachusetts for English proficiency classes was not keeping pace with the pressing need: One in 10 working-age adults in the state still had limited English skills. 'That report was really a galvanizing moment,' said Rahn Dorsey , chief executive of the Eastern Bank Foundation , a lead sponsor of the MassINC report. Now, the report is translating into action. The Eastern Bank Foundation last week announced it is committing $10 million over three years to support English teaching programs in the state, with an eye toward filling workforce gaps. The news, announced at the State House, happened alongside the Healey administration's announcement that the Legislature had pledged a separate $10 million for English proficiency work in a recent supplemental budget. Advertisement Foundation board chair Bob Rivers , who spoke at the State House event, said in an interview that it's just a coincidence that the dollar amounts are the same. The Eastern Bank Foundation recently hired Eva Millona as a foundation fellow to help lead this new initiative, with assistance from Jerry Rubin , the former chief executive of Jewish Vocational Service and another foundation fellow. Millona is back in Boston after serving in the US Department of Homeland Security. Previously, she led the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition . MassINC chief executive Joe Kriesberg said he was impressed to see the foundation's financial commitment to this cause, saying it 'supercharges' the Healey administration's efforts. 'It's certainly of a scale that you do not see very often from any kind of foundation or philanthropy,' Kriesberg said. '[It's] courageous for Eastern ... to take this leadership role at a time when not everybody is standing up to support our immigrant communities.' Getting machines to talk at SharkNinja Making a 'smart home' even smarter was one of the top missions for Mike Harris during his seven years at Amazon . Now, it will be one of his top missions at SharkNinja . The Needham-based company has recruited Harris from Amazon to be its first-ever chief innovation and technology officer, as it tries to Harris said he's been impressed with the pace of activity at the headquarters, with engineers tinkering with products around almost every corner, to improve on the flagship lines of Shark vacuums and Ninja blenders, as well as new lines ranging from smoothie makers to hair dryers. Advertisement The road to Amazon for Harris started at a startup called Zonoff, which specialized in connected-home software. Smart-home device company Ring acquired Zonoff's staff in 2017, bringing Harris on board. Amazon gobbled up Ring roughly a year later. Harris will lead SharkNinja's electrical engineering and software efforts related to connectivity — figuring out how to get various electronic devices to talk with each other. He'll report to Ross Richardson , SharkNinja's chief design officer. Now that he's furnishing his new home in the Boston area, he may be in the market for SharkNinja products. He's already hearing from others who want to place orders. 'All my friends and family have been sending me lists,' he added. 'I'm going to have to set up a warehouse just to fulfill [their] needs.' Rest-stop rivalry draws lobbyists A redevelopment lease for In the final round, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation ended up Global Partners . Global has long been represented by Dorchester lobbyist Bobby White , whose firm, Robert F. White Associates , has several other fuel sector clients. On June 18, the day Applegreen O'Neill and Associates , Boston's third-busiest lobbying firm. Spokesman Reid Lamberty said Global has relied on White's expertise over the years, and the company tapped O'Neill to 'help us navigate MassDOT's final decision on the RFP — specifically to gain insight into the process and receive guidance as we moved forward." Advertisement Global continues to make the case to MassDOT and Governor Maura Healey 's administration that its bid is better, primarily because it contains a higher rent price and because of Global's local ties. On Applegreen's side, the Blackstone -backed company hired Smith, Costello & Crawford , the city's busiest lobbying shop, last year to help craft the bid. Recently, Dempsey Associates , the city's fourth-busiest lobbying firm, has been involved as Applegreen contractor Suffolk Construction 's adviser. Jim Smith of Smith, Costello & Crawford said his firm's advice to Applegreen was to be responsive to the top priorities of the Healey administration, namely to launch a Smith, a Tesla owner, said the primary reason electric vehicles are not being more widely adopted is the concern over finding places to charge up when batteries are running low. The service plaza bid, he said, represented an opportunity to address that issue. Plus, the existing state plazas 'are not in particularly good shape [and] are frankly embarrassing for a commonwealth that really relies on tourism' to help the economy. 'It wasn't complicated at all,' Smith said. 'Yeah, money was important but there were other things that were more important.' Jon Chesto can be reached at
Politico
21-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
CMS Innovation Center plans hiring spree after cuts
Presented by With Simon Levien Driving the Day HELP WANTED — CMS's Innovation Center plans to expand its workforce as it prepares to launch new health care payment models, POLITICO's Ruth Reader and Robert King report. The decision comes after CMS cut nearly 300 people, about 5 percent of its workforce, earlier this year as part of a massive HHS reorganization. 'The CMS Innovation Center is hiring passionate leaders eager to make meaningful change in the healthcare delivery and outcomes in Medicare and Medicaid,' Sarah Fogler, director for the center's Patient Care Models Group, wrote on LinkedIn recently. The Innovation Center wants to fill roughly 100 positions, according to former and current staffers at CMS granted anonymity to discuss internal operations. 'There will be a mix of new hires with subject matter expertise in economics, clinical and data,' according to an official granted anonymity to speak freely on the hiring blitz. Although the center didn't lose staff in the reduction-in-force, it lost probationary employees in February. Two former CMS workers fired as part of the reduction-in-force said they tried to apply for the new positions but were told the agency can't hire RIF-ed employees. One shared an email from Fogler with POLITICO. 'We aren't able to hire individuals who were affected by the reduction in force,' Fogler wrote to one of the former employees who attempted to submit their resume. 'We'll have two postings for direct hire (economist and nurse) otherwise we'll be hiring through the CMS Fellow pathway.' Fellowships are intended to be temporary; the center's payment models are time-limited and sometimes end early. Fellows stay on for at least one year. CMS said in a statement that all hiring decisions follow federal guidelines and 'reflect CMS commitment to program integrity and fiscal responsibility.' Background: The Innovation Center was established under the Affordable Care Act in 2010. It has long promoted creative models of preventive care and has piloted some 50 payment models. Why it matters: The hiring blitz, which will occur in phases, comes as the center is developing new payment models to implement agency policies, with chronic disease prevention a major priority. WELCOME TO MONDAY PULSE. An Indiana Amish community is 'considered one of the least allergic populations ever measured in the developed world,' The Washington Post reports. I'm Carmen Paun, POLITICO's global health reporter, filling in today for Kelly Hooper and Sophie Gardner. Send your surprise reaction, tips, scoops and feedback to cpaun@ khooper@ sgardner@ and follow along @carmenpaun, @kelhoops and @sophie_gardnerj. In Congress DEMS DIG IN THEIR HEELS — Congressional Republicans seek to pass a bipartisan health care package by year's end. But Democrats are playing hardball, suggesting that Republicans poisoned the well with their party-line domestic policy megabill, POLITICO's Ben Guggenheim reports. One demand they're making as a condition of engagement: a costly extension of expanded tax credits for Affordable Care Act insurance premiums set to expire at the end of the year. The tax credits, which Democrats enacted over Republican objections during the Biden administration, reduced insurance costs on the 2010 health law exchanges for millions of middle- and upper-income people for the first time. Extending them will be a tough pill to swallow for Republicans, particularly in the House, where Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith of Missouri recently suggested it could be a nonstarter for his conference. Why it matters: There's been chatter for months about reviving a sweeping bipartisan health care package that was on track for passage last December as part of a larger government funding bill, but House GOP leaders dropped the health care provisions after President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk said the funding bill was overly broad and threatened to tank it. A major part of the health package included proposals to crack down on pharmacy benefit managers, which critics accuse of charging health plans more for drugs than the reimbursements they send to pharmacies, among other things. PBMs negotiate drug prices among manufacturers, pharmacies and health plans. It remains to be seen whether Republicans want a PBM overhaul badly enough to trade an extension of the subsidies. RURAL HOSPITAL LIFELINE? Republicans clinched a $50 billion fund to blunt blowback from a near $1 trillion Medicaid rollback — but some rural health experts say it's not nearly enough. The Rural Health Transformation Program, tucked in President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, aims to offset deep Medicaid cuts with allotments of $10 billion per fiscal year from 2026 through 2030. Rural communities are expected to lose $155 billion in Medicaid support over the next decade, according to KFF. The program's rollout, however, remains murky, POLITICO's Amanda Friedman reports. CMS will administer the grants, with half the funds distributed equally to states with approved plans. The other half will be allocated at the discretion of CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, based on each state's rural population, number of rural facilities and the overall 'situation' facing a hospital. In a statement to POLITICO, CMS didn't provide requested details about how Oz would assess which states receive more money and how the agency will remain impartial throughout the approval process. 'The program is under development, and CMS is working in coordination with whole-of-government partners,' CMS spokesperson Alexx Pons said via email. 'Additional details will be shared as implementation advances.' Michael Topchik, a national leader of the Chicago-based consulting firm Chartis Center for Rural Health, which counts hospitals among its clients, told POLITICO the grant program will bring hospitals 'closer to whole,' though he doubts most will escape unscathed. Eligible providers include rural hospitals, clinics, community mental health centers and federally qualified health centers. But because funding must be shared among them, rural hospitals — which bring in more than $12 billion a year from Medicaid, according to Chartis — are expected to face major shortfalls. States have a Dec. 31 deadline to submit a 'detailed rural health transformation plan' outlining how they'll improve rural health access and outcomes, use technology and recruit health care workers. OZ ON THE HILL — CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz is scheduled to meet with members of the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday, Ben reports. A meeting notice viewed by POLITICO says committee members are invited 'to discuss the priorities' of CMS on July 23, including issues 'involving health care matters' that fall within the panel's jurisdiction. Hospitals 'TOUGH TIMES AHEAD' — NASHVILLE — The American Hospital Association announced the head of a large rural hospital system will become board chair in 2027 at what was likely the largest gathering of health care leaders since President Donald Trump signed into law his 'big, beautiful bill' — which drives deep cuts into Medicaid, Simon reports. The mood among some attendees was understandably dour. The AHA Leadership Summit, which drew about 1,200 hospital C-suite executives and managers, began with a commiseration. Tina Freese Decker, the group's board chair, said they 'did everything they could' to stop the cuts, noting her team's sleepless nights working to blunt the bill's impacts. 'There are very tough times ahead,' she said, calling the current health care system unsustainable and then rallying members to reform it. One health care executive in attendance granted anonymity to speak candidly gave their read on the opening speeches, which featured dire predictions of health care under the cuts. 'AHA must show it recognizes that bad shit happened,' the executive told POLITICO. 'But now we have work to do.' A new leader: Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will be the AHA's board chair-elect, taking over in 2027, Decker announced. Gassen, who says he leads the largest rural health system in the U.S., will begin his tenure as hospitals — particularly those in remote areas with slim margins — could suffer huge financial hits when many cuts take effect after the 2026 midterms. Trump's law will disburse around $50 billion to rural health providers, but many industry groups say the fund isn't enough to offset the cuts. Rural clinics rely on Medicaid to a greater degree than other providers. In his remarks Sunday, Rick Pollack, AHA president, warned to expect potential clinic closures, a slimmer workforce, fewer patients and fewer services if Medicaid cuts aren't negotiated down or repealed. PHARMA WATCH THE TARIFF EFFECT ON DRUGS — If President Donald Trump implements the tariffs on foreign-made drugs he's been threatening, the U.S. could see a shortage of critical medicines, the generic drugs sector and analysts have warned. Trump said he'll impose a low tariff on drugs coming from abroad as of next month and give drugmakers a year to build up production capacity in the U.S. After that, tariffs could rise to 200 percent, he's warned. But while the higher-value, branded pharmaceutical sector might gradually adapt, Europe's generics manufacturers — operating on razor-thin margins and cheaper competition from India and China — face a stark choice: absorb massive costs or abandon the U.S. market entirely, POLITICO's Giedre Peseckyte reports. Why it matters: The U.S. relies heavily on imported generic drugs. Generics account for 92 percent of all prescriptions filled in the U.S., dominating by volume but not by revenue due to their low cost. Tariffs would worsen ongoing U.S. shortages for essential hospital medicines and injectables and deepen America's reliance on Chinese and Indian suppliers, according to Medicines For Europe, Europe's generics drug lobby. Public Health MAHA CELEBRATES — HHS Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other proponents of his Make America Healthy Again movement celebrated over the weekend the latest announcements from food companies about eliminating artificial food dyes and other ingredients considered harmful over the next few years. Kennedy posted a Reuters report to the social platform X about PepsiCo planning to remove artificial dyes and flavors from its potato and tortilla chips, which it sells under the brands of Lay's and Tostitos. WK Kellogg, the maker of Froot Loops cereals, said Friday it would remove artificial dyes from its cereals by the end of 2027. WHAT WE'RE READING The New York Times' Brian M. Rosenthal and Julie Tate report about how a push for more organ transplants is putting donors at risk. Reuters' Bhanvi Satija reports that Sarepta Therapeutics won't comply with the FDA's request to stop shipping its Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy after the death of a clinical trial patient.
Jordan News
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
The 26th Royal Accession Anniversary: A Continued Journey of Nation-Building and Modernization in Jordan - Jordan News
Tomorrow, June 9, Jordanians will mark the 26th anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah II's accession to the throne. Led by His Majesty, Jordanians continue their steadfast journey of development, modernization, reform, and support for fellow Arabs, in service of the nation and the pursuit of stability and peace. اضافة اعلان Since ascending the throne in 1999, King Abdullah II has led Jordan through significant milestones in building and solidifying the modern state, strengthening the rule of law, and achieving progress across the economic, social, and political spheres. In his Throne Speech opening the first ordinary session of the 20th Parliament on November 18, 2024, His Majesty reaffirmed that the goal is to ensure a dignified life for all citizens, empower youth, and prepare them for future job markets. Jordanian sports have also seen remarkable growth and achievements at both regional and global levels, most notably the national football team's historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The King's visits to cities, towns, and rural areas reflect his close connection to the people—a hallmark of the Hashemite approach that reinforces national unity and social cohesion under the concept of one Jordanian family. Advancing Jordan's development, building on achievements, and serving loyal citizens remain top priorities for His Majesty. He consistently expresses pride in what Jordanians have achieved and his firm belief in their united commitment to develop and protect Jordan, while standing by the causes of the Arab nation. In celebration of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's constitutional accession to power, royal visits to all governorates in the past year were accompanied by the launch of initiatives that spurred development across education, healthcare, industry, and productivity sectors, aiming to engage the public in sustainable growth. In Balqa Governorate on December 10, 2024, His Majesty inaugurated a Military Retirees Club to provide social, cultural, and sports services to veterans and their families. On November 28, 2024, in Karak, His Majesty praised the region's wealth in resources such as potash and its key projects in industry, agriculture, and water, reaffirming commitment to improving services across all governorates. He inaugurated the Research, Development, and Innovation Center of the Arab Potash Company, which aims to develop new products and investment opportunities tied to Dead Sea minerals. His Majesty also launched the company's 10-year growth strategy (2024–2034) for the fertilizer and derivative chemical industries, part of Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision. In Tafileh on October 16, 2024, the King stressed the importance of leveraging the region's tourism sites and agricultural lands, improving facilities at places like Dana Reserve and Sela Castle, and expanding successful investment models like the wind energy project. He highlighted the significance of local museums and new service centers in promoting tourism and enhancing services. On October 1, 2024, in Ajloun, His Majesty emphasized the impact of the cable car project in boosting tourism and reiterated the need to implement the region's master plan and develop infrastructure to attract investment and create job opportunities. While visiting Jerash on September 17, 2024, following the completion of the first phase of political modernization, His Majesty voiced hope that the recent parliamentary elections would mark a turning point toward program-based political parties that meet citizens' aspirations. He described Jerash as 'a city of history and authenticity that showcases Jordan to the world.' The King sees no separation between political and economic modernization, as reiterated during his visit to Zarqa on May 14, 2024. In Madaba in April 2024, the King highlighted the city's historical and religious significance and its potential for further tourism growth, especially at Mount Nebo. Also in April, during his visit to Mafraq, His Majesty praised the region's continuous development, especially in agriculture, and acknowledged its strategic location on key international trade routes. Addressing the northern and eastern border communities, the King said: 'You are closest to the frontlines and know the efforts of our armed forces and security services in protecting the country and combatting smuggling. Your sons are among those heroes whom we honor and respect.' During a meeting on April 8, 2024, with representatives from Jordan's refugee camps, His Majesty affirmed that a strong and stable Jordan is best positioned to support Arab brothers, especially Palestinians. While visiting the southern desert in Wadi Rum, the King fondly recalled his service in the 40th Armored Brigade and expressed appreciation for the region's natural beauty and tourism potential. On March 27, 2024, during a gathering in Qasr Al-Mshatta with representatives of the central desert, His Majesty said Jordan has overcome many hardships thanks to the resolve of its people, and the world respects the Kingdom's principled positions and regional role. In Ma'an, on February 29, 2024, the King described the city as the gateway of goodness and the first station in the Kingdom's founding. He noted the many royal initiatives that have brought progress across various sectors. In Aqaba, on February 28, 2024, His Majesty reflected on how dreams of developing the port city had become reality thanks to the efforts of dedicated Jordanians. On the international front, the King has consistently worked to enhance Jordan's global standing, build cooperative relationships, and promote regional peace, tolerance, and humanitarian values. His international tours, especially to the United States and Europe, focus on securing support to stop the war in Gaza, protect civilians, ensure sustained humanitarian aid, and create political pathways for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Education in Jordan has significantly improved under His Majesty's reign, evolving to meet global standards and labor market demands. In his message to the nation on the 25th anniversary of assuming constitutional powers on February 7, 2024, the King said: 'Together, we have carried forward the mission of building modern Jordan at the dawn of the 21st century, staying true to the legacy of King Hussein and our founding generations. With God's help, we continue with confidence and determination, committed to political, economic, and administrative modernization.' Healthcare has also advanced with the construction of new hospitals, improved medical services, and initiatives targeting social protection and support for low-income families. His Majesty remains committed to enriching Jordan's democratic process and reinforcing the role of Parliament in the country's democratic development. The King's vision sees modernization as a three-pronged, interlinked path—political, economic, and administrative—which has expanded democratic progress and promoted youth and women's participation. In 2001, His Majesty approved the establishment of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, a non-profit organization focused on fostering development throughout Jordan. In 2006, royal initiatives were institutionalized for improved integration with governmental development plans. That same year, the King Abdullah II Center for Excellence was founded to promote a culture of excellence. During a visit to Amman on December 18, 2024, His Majesty expressed his pride in the capital as the 'beating heart of Jordan,' a city rich in history, heritage, and modernity—an enduring symbol of peace and unity. The King emphasizes good governance, economic freedom, sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and an investor-friendly climate, while also championing technology and digital transformation. This was echoed in his remarks at the G7 Outreach Session on June 14, 2024, where he spoke of the enormous opportunities in energy, innovation, and education for the Mediterranean region. As the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces, the King prioritizes the preparedness and advancement of the military and security agencies. Chairing a National Security Council meeting on December 7, 2024, His Majesty praised the Armed Forces for securing the northern borders and recognized their vital role in safeguarding national security. In February 2024, the King honored a group of veterans and martyrs with the Silver Jubilee Medal during a military ceremony, emphasizing their exemplary role in national service. His Majesty has also made media and culture pillars of societal development, alongside environmental and agricultural initiatives that align with sustainable development goals. In 2024, Jordan launched a national strategy to promote itself as a regional hub for green hydrogen and inaugurated the first national food security information system. Recognizing his contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and humanitarian support—particularly in Gaza—the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) awarded King Abdullah II the Agricola Medal on June 4, 2025. Jordan continues to play a key role in unifying the Arab world and defending the Palestinian cause. The King remains a staunch advocate for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. Amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, His Majesty persistently calls for an end to the violence and the protection of civilians. At the Arab Summit in Bahrain on May 16, 2024, the King said: 'The war must end, and the world must assume its moral and humanitarian responsibility to resolve a conflict that has lasted over seven decades, and pave the way for a future of peace and dignity for our Arab sons and daughters.' He reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite custodianship. On January 10, 2024, King Abdullah II hosted a summit in Aqaba with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address developments in Gaza and the West Bank. At the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2024, His Majesty emphasized the urgent need to protect Palestinians and called on the international community to adopt a protection mechanism for them. Jordan continues its solidarity efforts by delivering humanitarian, medical, and relief aid to Gaza via land and air. The King called for lifting the blockade and ending the humanitarian crisis at the Arab-Islamic Summit on November 11, 2024. His Majesty has also worked tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of UNRWA, underscoring its essential role until a just solution for Palestinians is achieved. Granting UNRWA the Order of Independence (First Class) in 2024 was a clear message of Jordan's unwavering support. In February 2024, King Abdullah II met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, reaffirming his firm stance against the forced displacement of Palestinians. On April 26, 2024, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania participated in the funeral of Pope Francis, symbolizing their commitment to global peace and interfaith dialogue. Her Majesty Queen Rania has consistently supported His Majesty's vision through initiatives in education and development, empowering women and youth through institutions such as the Queen Rania Foundation, Jordan River Foundation, and the Queen Rania Teacher Academy. Through her outreach across Jordan and on the international stage, Queen Rania continues to advocate for the needs and aspirations of local communities and highlight Jordan's humanitarian voice to the world.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
For this Salt Lake City building, energy efficiency, decarbonization are essential to function
Kevin Emerson, director of building efficiency and decarbonization for Utah Clean Energy, gives a tour of the organization's Climate Innovation Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 30, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) When they're out of the office, the Utah Clean Energy staff is often found in energy hearings, discussing policy with Utah leaders and advocating for more sustainable solutions to power the state. At their headquarters, on a small scale, they show how it's done. With the Climate Innovation Center, inaugurated in Salt Lake City last summer, the nonprofit not only searched for a facility that reflected its decarbonization efforts, but one that would create 'a teaching tool and living laboratory,' inviting Utahns to watch the workings of a real-life, ultra-efficient, zero-emissions building. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX After receiving many industry professionals to showcase the two-story building, with its extensive solar panels and a room with a battery to make intermittent energy available day and night, the organization opened its doors for the first time to the public for an open house on Friday. 'The building is meant to be a model of how we can eliminate emissions from operating the building,' Kevin Emerson, director of building efficiency and decarbonization at Utah Clean Energy said on Friday. 'So there's zero emissions that come from running the building. It's all electric and all solar powered.' Not only does the center produce enough energy to power its operations and even electric vehicles in its parking lot with about 39 kilowatts of solar capacity, but it has the ability to help utilities optimize their operations with a 90 kilowatt hours capacity battery. That battery, sitting in a small room alongside a heat pump water heater, is part of Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart batteries program, which pays users to incorporate their energy storage into the utility's smart power grid. 'We think it's important for our building to be kind of a flexible, interactive, kind of extension of the grid,' Emerson said. 'And because ultimately, we want that to be a standard practice, where batteries are located across the electric grid to incorporate more effectively all the renewable energy that you will keep adding.' Additionally, there's no gas combustion in the premises. All water features use conservation systems and even the washer and dryer machine installed in the janitor's closet uses a heat pump. Outside, the small garden in the facade is highly drought tolerant, full of native and pollinator-friendly plants, as well. Buildings play a big role in carbon emissions, Emerson told the group of climate and technology enthusiasts who showed up for the tour. According to the environmental nonprofit Architecture 2030, about 40% of carbon emissions come from built environments, either from its operations, or the pollution brought by construction activity itself, including mining, extraction, transportation and manufacturing materials. That's why, Emerson said, during the construction process, the team meticulously chose materials with smaller carbon footprints — from the carpets to the countertops and tiles. Embarking in this project saved emissions by opting to preserve many of the features of the building that sat in the lot prior to the nonprofit's arrival — and also, the staff repurposed wood pieces from the organization's previous headquarters for this building. A lot of the center's energy efficiency comes from its insulation, as well, with contractors paying special attention to a correct airtight construction, Emerson said. Another team also supervised the space's variable refrigerant flow heat pump, essentially a mechanical system that works like a large air conditioning unit that can provide cooling when it's warm, and work in reverse to extract warmth out of the air, even on cold winter days. The organization's next step is to document all of these features by pursuing third-party certifications for the building, including a zero energy validation, focusing on the emissions it is not producing, and a zero carbon one to certify the materials used in retrofitting the space. All of those lessons learned while designing and executing the building were included into a website, so others can incorporate non-polluting practices in new constructions or renovations. 'One of the goals that Utah Clean Energy has is to help all the folks involved in construction across the state realize that building zero emissions as a standard practice is possible,' Emerson added. 'And that's our vision, is that zero emission buildings become a standard practice here in Utah that supports energy affordability.' Hopefully, he said, more buildings become a big part of solutions for climate and better air quality days in Utah. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Charlotte Launches ‘First-Of-Its-Kind' Black Innovation Hub To Empower Entrepreneurs
Charlotte, North Carolina is one of the country's premier cities when it comes to Black-owned businesses and a new effort from Cauthy Dawkins and other members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce is set to create a hub designed specifically for those businesses. According to The Charlotte Observer, the chamber acquired an unused property and has poured resources into transforming the building into what Dawkins calls a 'one-stop shop for professionals and small businesses,' in hopes of helping entrepreneurs, improving Charlotte's economic growth, and fighting food insecurity. The Innovation Center, as the property is now known, will feature an agri-tech program for farmers, event spaces for business meetings, co-working spaces for startups, entrepreneurs and nonprofits; as well as a retail store and a distribution center for small businesses. To figure out how the space could be best utilized, Dawkins visited other cities with similar hubs, cities like Atlanta, Washington D.C., and nearby Durham, North Carolina, and what he came away with from those tours ultimately led him to create a first-of-its-kind hub for Black-owned businesses and professionals in Charlotte. 'As things in the community get taken away, like federal funding and grants, we want to be a safe space,' Dawkins told the Observer. 'I wanted to create a safe space for business owners and professionals to come get elevated.' The chamber spent approximately $30,000 to acquire the building, and is in the process of launching a $3.7 million fundraising campaign to attract funding for the necessary renovations in order to accommodate the chamber's vision for the space. According to two of the chamber's advisors Kneshia Gabriel and Jeremy Johnson, the space has been needed in the city and the Charlotte metro area in general for quite some time. 'We just want to bring more locals here to help expand their experience and help them figure out what they want to do,' Gabriel told the Observer. 'It's definitely needed and I can see it being a great resource and support system for those looking to thrive in the business community,' Johnson added. According to the fundraiser for the Black Innovation Center, which is listed on the fundraising platform Give Butter, 'Charlotte is evolving. Yet too often, Black entrepreneurs are excluded from the opportunities shaping its future. The Innovation Center–CLT is a bold response—designed to close the gap, elevate ideas, and drive inclusive innovation. We're creating a dynamic space where: Black-owned businesses scale with real support, creatives build brands and media that move culture, communities grow wealth and networks—together. And your investment makes it possible.' RELATED CONTENT: 'We Needed This Forever': Black Business Hub Launches In Wisconsin
