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The BICEP Blog

Welcome to the BICEP blog. Where consumer companies flex their muscle on climate and clean energy and advocate for innovative policies. And stuff.

Welcome to the BICEP blog. Where consumer companies flex their muscle on climate and clean energy solutions and advocate for innovative policies at the local, state and federal level.

Click on the titles of the blog post below to read and comment on a post.

Can North Carolina Lawmakers Continue to Spur Clean Energy Investments?

As the only state in the Southeast with a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Standard (REPS), North Carolina is leading the way in attracting large corporate clean energy investments. But the standard, which requires electric utilities to procure and invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency, continues to be threatened.

BICEP Welcomes Fetzer Vineyards as Newest Member

Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP) is honored to welcome Fetzer Vineyards as its newest member.

Seventh Generation, Stonyfield, Ben & Jerry's Call for Business Leadership in Sustainability

Top executives from Seventh Generation, Stonyfield, and Ben & Jerry’s joined BICEP’s Anne Kelly and Progressive Radio Network host Eleanor LeCain to discuss the urgent need for sustainability leadership from businesses.

Seventh Generation and Ben & Jerry's Lead the Call for a Carbon Tax in Vermont

BICEP members Seventh Generation and Ben and Jerry’s are leading the charge in trying to get their home state of Vermont to become the first U.S. state to implement a carbon tax.

Autodesk and Vulcan Help to Take Urban Sustainability to the Next Level

BICEP members Autodesk and Vulcan Inc. are putting their money (and talents) where their mouth is when it comes to climate change. Each is using their expertise and resources in supporting the USDOT’s Smart City Challenge.

Food Retailers Take Out Full-Page Ad to Call for Stronger Freight Truck Standards

In anticipation of the EPA’s final truck efficiency standards, several of our nation’s leading food companies united in a call for stronger, more ambitious federal fuel and emissions standards for heavy-duty freight trucks.

Preserving California's Climate Leadership in Sacramento

This April, six companies and one investor spent the day in Sacramento advocating for smart climate, energy, and water policies with key California state lawmakers.

Post-Paris: There is No Denying the Clean Energy Future

On February 9, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling to pause implementation of the Clean Power Plan while the lower court reviews the legality of the regulations. The “stay” of the rule means that the EPA may not enforce the Clean Power Plan pending the resolution of the case on the merits. While the ultimate legal outcome is unclear at this point, what is very clear is that the pace and scale of the transition to a thriving, clean economy is now undeniable, irresistible, and inevitable.

The State of Play: How Companies Can Advocate for Clean Energy in the States

State-level support for clean energy is critical at a time when federal level policies are difficult to move in Washington D.C.. Moreover, state governments have the power to significantly advance—or cripple—development of renewable energy and energy efficiency within their boundaries.

Vulcan Inc. Takes On Federal Coal Leasing to Tackle Climate Change

BICEP member Vulcan Inc. and its CEO – philanthropist and entrepreneur Paul G. Allen – have long been advocating for reform of the federal coal-leasing program. Last month, the Administration listened and took action.

VF Corporation Commits to 100 percent Renewable Energy

Joining the White House’s American Business Act on Climate Pledge this December, BICEP member VF Corporation announced a bold commitment to source 100 percent renewable energy at its owned and operated facilities by 2025 and to develop science-based goals to support additional emission reductions throughout their operations.

Gap Inc. Ups Ante for GHG Goals in Global Facilities

BICEP member Gap Inc. flew past its 20 percent greenhouse gas reduction target for 2015. Now, the parent company of Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic has set itself a worthy new target: halving its emissions by 2020.

Leaning In: How Companies Influence Climate Policy—COP21

At this year’s UNFCCC Climate Conference in Paris this December, BICEP members and colleagues joined together at the U.S. Center to discuss how corporate action on climate policy can lead to real change.

2015: A Year In Review

This year, thanks to the support of our BICEP members and investor partners, Ceres made a big splash in the realm of climate change and energy policy.

COP21: A Win for the Plant AND the Economy

The historic global climate agreement finalized this December in Paris proves not just a win for our world’s environment but also for our world’s economy.

Owens Corning Walks the Walk and Talks the Talk at Clean Energy and Efficiency Event

At the end of October I traveled to Toledo, Ohio to celebrate at the headquarters of Owens Corning as they unveiled on a 2.4 megawatt, 11-acre solar array that does double duty in the winter as a canopy over the employee parking lot.

Clif Bar Brings Organic Agriculture Focus to its Climate Commitments

Thanks to Clif Bar, rock-climbers sporting red t-shirts everywhere are now synonymous with energy bars, wholesome, organic snacks, and sports nutrition. What’s more, these same climbers (or “Clifsters”) are not only scaling the rocky terrain up mountainsides, they’re ascending the summit of climate action in their own communities.

Global Food and Beverage CEOs Unite for Climate Action

With COP21 less than one week away, the chief executive officers of Coca-Cola, The Hain Celestial Group, Hershey’s and PepsiCo have signed on to BICEP’s letter to U.S. and world leaders urging them to forge a robust international climate agreement in Paris.

Businesses Step Up to Support Clean Energy Policy in the Midwest

This fall, BICEP companies joined a growing business movement to fight for clean energy policies in Ohio and Michigan. Both state legislatures are attempting to roll back their states’ forward-looking renewable energy and energy efficiency resources standards. With the help of Ceres, companies are stepping up and expressing their support for these policies, which have been key to expanding clean energy in the Midwest.

Businesses and Investors United in DC for Climate Action

Last week, representatives from 15 companies and investors joined Ceres in Washington, D.C. to meet with over 30 Congressional offices in both the Senate and House on a range of issues related to climate and clean energy policy. The group met with both Republicans and Democrats to discuss important matters such as the Green Climate Fund, the EPA Clean Power Plan, and a promising Climate Resolution offered by Representative Chris Gibson (R-NY).

Why businesses are engaging in state energy policy

Increasingly, American Fortune 500 companies are focusing on reducing their energy footprints and investing in renewable energy. Industry and business leaders are attracted to policy environments that allow them to leverage efficiency and clean energy investments to save money, lock in fixed energy prices, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A Win for the Books: Supporting #SB350 in California

BICEP members were instrumental in bringing the business voice in support of key climate and clean energy policies SB 350 and SB 32 to the forefront of the debate in California.

BICEP Members Announce Commitments Over #CWNYC

BICEP members were well represented among the impressive array of private sector actions announced over this September’s Climate Week in New York City. BICEP members’ commitments to reduce emissions and scale up renewable energy deployment not only demonstrates their leadership on climate action but also marks their contribution toward keeping the world within 2°C of warming.

Companies Work to Defend and Expand Clean Energy in North Carolina

This week, companies and investors traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina to defend the state’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard, and to lend their support to a proposal to extend the state’s renewable energy investment tax credit.

“The Why and the How”: Brands Engaging in Climate Policy

Last week, BICEP’s director Anne Kelly attended the 2015 Sustainable Brands Conference in San Diego, where she moderated a panel on corporate engagement in climate policy alongside representatives from eBay and VF Corporation.

Aveda Looks to Beautify Minnesota with Clean Energy

Aveda knows that caring for the world in which we live means helping to make it more beautiful while also caring for the environment. Their business of beauty hopes to sustain for years to come. That’s why Aveda supports expanding clean energy in their home state of Minnesota.

Solar, Climate Policy Bring Us Hope at Ceres Conference

The 2015 Ceres Conference in San Francisco gave us a lot to be hopeful about in the world of clean energy, thanks to U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Danny Kennedy of Sungevity, who both served as speakers at the conference.

BICEP Celebrates Earth Week in Washington DC

The road to Paris is through Washington, DC. That’s the message BICEP brought to our nation’s capitol last week as we count down toward a global climate deal expected to be reached in Paris this December.

Supporting a Clean Fuel Standard in Washington State

Clean fuels are important for cutting carbon pollution, creating new jobs, and reducing our dependence on oil. That’s why BICEP is calling on leaders in Washington State to move forward with implementing a Clean Fuels Standard.

EILEEN FISHER Launches VISION2020

International fashion brand and BICEP member EILEEN FISHER recently announced a bold new plan to achieve 100% sustainability in all its practices.

California Companies Take to Sacramento

This week, Ceres brought leading California businesses to discuss climate and water policy with key state policymakers in Sacramento. Company representatives from KB Home, Dignity Health, Driscoll’s, and Jackson Family Wines joined Ceres staff in California’s capitol to make the business case for strong climate and water policies in the state.

Brewing a Better Planet

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, leading breweries across America are reminding us that there are lots of ways to green your beer. Climate change impacts the brewing industry in unique ways, and the industry is finding innovative ways to reduce their impacts. On Tuesday, BICEP announced that 24 leading breweries have joined the Brewery Climate Declaration, a companion to the larger national Climate Declaration.

Owens Corning to Power Toledo HQ with Solar

BICEP member Owens Corning is moving forward on another large renewable energy project—this time to power its headquarters in Toledo, Ohio.

Oregon Clean Fuels Program Moves Forward

This week, the Oregon House approved SB 324, legislation that extends the state’s Clean Fuels Program beyond its initial 2015 sunset date, allowing the program to be fully implemented. The Clean Fuels Program has the ability to create new jobs, stimulate economic growth, and help to stabilize the planet’s fragile climate.

Apple Procures Largest Solar Agreement Ever for California Operations

Climate Declaration signatory Apple already relies on renewable energy for much of its U.S. operations. Now, the company has announced that it will power its California operations under a power purchase agreement that is the largest-ever solar procurement deal for a commercial end user.

Our Impacts in 2014

We had quite a year in 2014, and wanted to share all of the impacts we’ve had. Our success is due to the leadership of the companies, investors, partners, and individuals who enable our efforts. Check out our infographic which demonstrates our 2014 Policy Impacts.

Advocating for Renewable Energy on Capitol Hill

Many major businesses produce or purchase renewable energy, and the list is growing. But there are still significant barriers in place.

IKEA Announces Largest Wind Farm Investment to Date

IKEA continues to lead the way in business sustainability practices. Recently, IKEA announced their investment in a new, 165 MW wind farm being built in Texas, which will be the company’s largest wind investment to date.

Companies support climate action during NYC Climate Week

Companies congregated in New York for the People’s Climate March, the launch of Climate Week, and the UN Climate Summit. Companies are taking bold steps: committing to policy advocacy, making new sustainability commitments, and calling on the world’s nations to act.

New Belgium Supports Clean Power for the Future of Beer

Climate change impacts nearly every sector and industry of the economy, and the beer brewing industry is no exception.

Defending AB 32 and Staying the Course

California’s AB 32 is working. The strongest climate and energy policy of any state in the nation, AB 32 has shown that programs like a cap and trade program, energy efficiency incentives, and strong renewable energy policies can build a robust and sustainable economy. That’s why BICEP members sprang into action when a bill to weaken and delay its implementation was introduced in the California legislature this year.

Companies Support Clean Power Plan

The Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy announced last week that under the newly unveiled Clean Power Plan our nation’s power plants will reduce carbon emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2020. The Clean Power Plan is the single largest action a nation has ever taken to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, and Climate Declaration companies were quick to support it.

BICEP: Business Muscle Where It's Needed Most

In a blog for Walden Asset Management, Anne Kelly, Director of BICEP, explains the origins and impacts of Ceres’ BICEP coalition.

Aspen Skiing Company Visits Washington, D.C. to lobby on Climate Change

Aspen Skiing Company’s Matt Hamilton, Director of Sustainability, recently traveled to Washington D.C. to lobby on Capitol Hill, asking for senators to address the damaging and accelerating impacts of climate change.

Clif Bar Rises to Solar Challenge

In response to President Obama’s “On Site Renewables Challenge”, issued at the Solar Summit, to encourage private companies to increase their use of solar power, Clif Bar has launched its 50/50 by 2020 initiative

BICEP Companies Recognized by Senator Whitehouse

In Senator Sheldon Whitehouse's 65th weekly climate change speech on the floor of the Senate last week he praised BICEP and Climate Declaration companies like Mars, IKEA, JLL, and VF Brands.

Mars Announces Major Wind Purchase toward 100% Renewable Energy

Your favorite chocolate will soon be powered by wind electricity. Mars, Incorporated recently announced that the company has purchased a 200MW wind farm in Texas.

White House Asks BICEP Companies to Support Carbon Reductions

At the 25th Anniversary Ceres Conference in Boston last week, BICEP hosted a packed breakfast to celebrate our achievements over the past year and look at what’s to come in the year ahead.

What a Difference a Year Makes

When we launched the Climate Declaration one year ago, our goal was to get 100 companies to sign in 100 days. Within the first week we surpassed that goal, demonstrating that businesses are serious about tackling climate change.

California-based businesses, including Apple, SolarCity, San Diego International Airport, and Sungevity Sign the Climate Declaration

Last week, more than a dozen major California-based businesses, including Apple, SolarCity, San Diego International Airport, and Sungevity added their names to the list of more than 140 California-based companies that have signed the Climate Declaration.

The Economic Benefit of #MoreSnowDays

Outdoor recreation is an economic powerhouse in the United States, each year generating $646 billion in consumer spending and 6.1 million direct jobs.

Owens Corning Goes Solar in NY

Owens Corning, the newest BICEP member and the world’s largest fiberglass manufacturer for energy efficient building products, has just flipped the switch on a new 2.7-megawatt solar project at their New York manufacturing facility.

Your eBay Shopping Is Greener With New Data Center

Shoppers can go green by bringing a reusable bag, shopping locally or buying items with less packaging. Now, shopping online can be green too. eBay is powering more data centers with innovative energy technologies, making every time you click a chance to use renewable energy.

Companies Back Carbon Pollution Standards

Last week, twenty-three major companies wrote a letter in support of reducing U.S. carbon pollution from power plants. A major milestone in President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the EPA released standards for carbon pollution from new power plants.

More Major Companies Join Climate Declaration

BICEP announced 5 more major companies joining the Climate Declaration. Microsoft, Owens Corning, Diageo, Thornton Tomasetti, and Acer America Corporation have all signed the statement calling for US climate action.

Timberland knows energy efficiency bill would save help save money

Timberland knows from its own business practices that energy efficiency saves the company money, and that’s why it wrote in the New Hampshire Union Leader about their support for energy efficiency legislation moving through Congress that is co-sponsored by New Hampshire’s Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

Real estate leaders push for energy efficiency bill

“Anyone still laboring under the impression that fighting climate change has to mean financial sacrifice should take a look at our clients’ income statements,” wrote Michael Jordan, Executive Vice President of Sustainable Strategy at Jones Lang LaSalle, in an op-ed for The Hill.

Renewable Energy Celebrates Victories

Renewable Energy is winning! Despite attempts to weaken or destroy state renewable energy programs, both Kansas and Arizona recently upheld their support for renewables.

In Annual Reports, Companies Recognize Climate Risk and Opportunity

Major companies are examining the risks of how changing weather patterns could affect their businesses, but it’s not all gloom and doom. Companies are also recognizing the business opportunities that new innovations would bring as we tackle climate change. The next step is to push for clear policies.

Where are Obama’s business allies on climate? Right here.

Tonight, President Obama is expected to lay out his plans for following through on his promise to “respond to the threat of climate change.” He is going to need help from leaders in the business community to accomplish those plans.

Obama’s Climate Change Legacy

In his second Inaugural Address, President Obama set the stage for a renewed course of action on energy and climate change. The path going forward won't be easy, but the President's statement affirms that climate change remains a front and center priority of this Administration.

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