RMI

Construction on the Empire State Building, one of the world’s first supertall buildings, began in 1930. Nearly a century later, the architectural triumph is pushing the frontiers of energy efficiency. Empire State Realty Trust and RMI were able to reduce the Empire State Building’s energy consumption by 50% thanks to deep retrofits in the late 2000s. As part of the major upgrade, some 6,500 windows were remanufactured on site, to let in light but reflect heat. By cutting the building’s heating and cooling needs, the improvements helped net $17 million in savings. The Empire State Buildings savings offer other cities and states a model to cut waste and pollution in their own buildings: https://bit.ly/3Iel8BY

The improved affordability and accessibility of advanced energy solutions are already transforming lives around the world. "Eighty percent of the world is still very much moving on the fast track toward clean energy, because it makes economic sense, because it makes sense from a resiliency perspective, because it makes sense from an employment and a job perspective. And ultimately it makes sense from an equity and inclusion perspective," RMI CEO Jon Creyts shared during the TIME100 Climate Leadership Forum at #ClimateWeekNYC. At RMI, we’re working with other organizations, business leaders, and decision makers to showcase the market-based solutions that are driving the world’s shift to cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable energy options: https://bit.ly/46zQE5h

"[Companies] want to have a share in producing clean energy technologies, selling them to the world," and to profit from "the single largest capital formation in the history of the world." — Sarah Ladislaw, Managing Director, U.S. Program, RMI In conversation at #ClimateWeekNYC with Axel Threlfall of Reuters and Drew Bond of C3 Solutions, Sarah spotlighted the geopolitical and economic urgency of the clean energy transition — and the private sector's pivotal role in shaping it. 🟢 Clean energy isn’t just a climate solution — it’s a global economic transformation. 🟢 Now is the moment for companies to invest, lead, and build the future they want to operate in. 🔗 For a deeper dive into the U.S. role in the global clean energy race, explore RMI’s new energy statecraft playbook: https://bit.ly/4mvBlk4 🎥 Watch the full session via #Reuters: https://bit.ly/3WaGvak

Nations continue to miss their commitments to cut global warming pollution. But, as countries slow down, big companies are speeding up — they’re cutting emissions, saving energy, and lowering costs. RMI is helping the private sector move faster by strengthening markets for sustainable products through aggregated demand, collective action, advocacy, and clean energy projects. RMI partners directly with companies to co-develop strategies and solutions, including how to decarbonize supply chains, design infrastructure, and optimize the clean energy grid. Through these collaborations, we help businesses accelerate innovation and tap into opportunities for clean solutions. We serve as implementers, conveners, advisors, and collaborators to help companies deliver and scale market-driven solutions across the energy system. Learn more about how we work with companies to move ambition to action: https://bit.ly/42LvYpP #UNGA80 #UN80 #UnitedNations

Today at #ClimateWeekNYC, I said that the grid is the biggest investment opportunity being overlooked here in the U.S. We have pumped trillions into the grid over the years, and today it only operates at 40% capacity. To meet the load growth we are facing now and in the future, it’s about upgrading energy efficiency, supporting demand side resources, and more incentives for innovation. But all of us on the panel were optimistic about the future, with 80% of the world still moving fast on the energy transition, plus strong subnational and corporate leadership here in the U.S. Thank you to my fellow panelists, Priscilla Sims B., Kate Gallego, Dr. Patrick Herhold and Governor Bill Ritter as moderator, and to the Climate Group for hosting this essential conversation about where the smart money should go now.

Businesses trying to reduce their scope 3 emissions need to buy cleaner fuels and products such as steel, cement, aluminum, plastics, and fertilizers. But production of these clean inputs is only just getting started, meaning supply is limited and buying options are scarce. Corporate buyers and procurement teams hold the key to changing that. By showing a willingness to pay for cleaner materials and signing longer-term contracts, companies can give suppliers the confidence and financing they need to scale up production. Our new report, launched today at #GreenMarketsDay25 at #ClimateWeekNYC, breaks down the tools companies can use to accelerate this transition and illustrates how voluntary buyer action has helped scale other solutions such as CDR technology and sustainable aviation fuel. Here’s what RMI’s Josh Henretig had to say: "Acting early isn’t just about cutting emissions, it’s a strategic investment. First movers strengthen their brands, secure scarce supply, and help shape the future markets." For more, read our report, Catalytic Procurement: How Corporations Can Lead the Green Commodity Transition 👉 https://bit.ly/4nJp4JR Center for Green Market Activation (GMA), Lowercarbon Capital, Smart Freight Centre

Improving efficiency reduces waste, costs, and pollution while still allowing us to meet our needs. Delivering fully on the promise of energy efficiency means creating not just better products, buildings, and factories, but upgrading broader systems such as cities, industrial hubs, and global supply chains. Part of that shift will include upgrading from fossil fuel technologies to advanced energy and electrification solutions, which are often two to four times more efficient. Coupled with a rapid transition to advanced energy, this holistic approach — evaluating not just a single system but how multiple systems can work better in harmony — can make the transition faster, more affordable, and more widely beneficial. https://bit.ly/4gBaZvT

RMI’s Energy Transition Academy (ETA) has launched its Global Women in Clean Energy (GWiCE) Fellowship, a program designed to strengthen women practitioners' technical and leadership capacity, and to catalyze a more inclusive and equitable clean energy workforce in their regions. With cohorts in Africa, and soon Indonesia, the GWiCE Fellowship combines technical and leadership training, mentorship, and networking to prepare women to lead the deployment of clean energy solutions including minigrids and hydropower. Alongside technical training, GWiCE fellows learn from peers and women leaders and conclude the five-month program with an in-person workshop focused on leadership skills development, including strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement. On the eve of New York Climate Week, this work highlights the critical role of women’s leadership in shaping a resilient, sustainable future. It also reminds us that energy access is not merely a cornerstone of a sustainable energy future, it is a catalyst for social progress and inclusive economic development. Learn more: https://bit.ly/41ZXDTO