IBM Research has joined forces with EKZ, the electricity utility provider of the Canton of Zurich in Switzerland to implement a new pilot project that will allow consumers to conveniently charge electric vehicles and monitor their energy costs, using mobile devices. The web app will also help utility providers better manage power grid loads during peak charging times.
sustainability
The Procter & Gamble Company has released its 2011 Sustainability Report. Titled ‘Commitment to Everyday Life’, the report demonstrates P&G’s achievements over the last year from decreasing the environmental footprint of products to delivering sustainable product innovations to the market. The report is available online.
The Swedish apparel giant H&M announced its news. First, H&M has updated its 2011 Fall line. The new Conscious collection celebrates the theme of Swedish folklore. After commiting to the Greenpeace’s ‘Detox’ challenge, H&M emphasizes its usage of eco-friendly materials. Every item in the collection is made with more sustainable materials, from organic cotton or linen to recycled wool and organic hemp. The items have embroideries and also some exclusive home decor pieces.
Manufacturers are seeing a rapid expansion in the number and scope of regulations around product and packaging recycling, such as the European Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. SAP AG is helping Panasonic comply with these worldwide product end-of-life regulations and retailer mandates with the SAP® Recycling Administration application. In addition to compliance, the application helps Panasonic to be more efficient and reduce both recycling and operational costs. The use of the software drives excellence in recycling and reuse, which is an important aspect of any customer’s sustainable supply chain and products business case—with the ultimate goal of protecting the brand while designing, manufacturing and distributing innovative, safe and compliant products.