Energy Digital - March 2015

www.energydigital.com • March 2015

LUXURY goes green

The Hottest High-End Hybrids on the Market

Five Tips for TOP 10 CleanTech Greener Computing Products BUSINESSFRIEND The App That Saves Your Energy

DIRECTOR’S COMMENT

Going Green S P R I N G I S U P O N U S , and what better time

than now to refresh, reset and replenish—both for ourselves and for the environment in which we live. With a nod to green living, this month’s feature article showcases top-of-the-line, highend hybrid and electric vehicles. Gone are the days of sacrificing luxury to appease your conscience: These sexy cars are good for the environment and even better for your reputation.

Technology is an ever-present force with a momentum that seems to increase exponentially year-over-year. For companies concerned about the carbon footprint being left behind by production, distribution and manufacturing are most likely aware that IT needs to factor into that footprint as well. In an effort to truly transition to a more sustainable corporate environment, we offer five tips for greener computing in this month’s Green Tech feature.

We also reveal the 10 best CleanTech products on the market today as well as a special report on an app for professional collaboration that will save you energy for once.

Enjoy the issue!

Jennifer White Director of Content, WDM Group jennifer.white@wdmgroup.com 3

Big landscapes Inspire big thinking

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE AUSTRALIA FOR YOUR NEXT BUSINESS EVENT. This year we chose Australia for our global congress. It was an easy choice, as Australia’s proximity to Asia gave us the opportunity to attract many new delegates. The program was one of the best in years. New Australian developments in our field attracted a lot of interest and strong international research partnerships were established.

Australia is on everyone’s list to visit, and it lured our highest number of delegates yet. There’s no doubt they’ll be talking about this convention for years to come.

Dr Louise Wong, International Board Member

visit australia.com/businessevents/associations for everything you need to plan your australian event.

CONTENTS

Features TRANSPORTATION Luxury Goes Green

8 18

GREENTECH

Five Tips For Greener Computing

TOP 10

CleanTech Products

34 26

businessfriend

The App That Saves Your Energy 5

CONTENTS

44 54

Usina Pitangueiras

APROBIO: The Association of Biodiesel Producers of Brazil

Company Profiles BRAZIL 44 Usina Pitangueiras 54 Association: APROBIO: The Association of Biodiesel Producers of Brazil

66

Halton Region Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant

CANADA 60 Association: Infrastructure Canada 66 Halton Region Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant

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GREEN TRANSPORTION

LUXURY goes green

The Hottest High-End Hybrids on the Market Going green should not have to mean giving up the finer things in life—and luckily, we don’t have to make a choice between comfort and the future of the planet. The following hybrid and electric luxury cars prove that you really can have the best of both worlds:

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GREEN T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

Lexus LS 600h L www.lexus.com The Lexus LS 600h L is a unique vehicle in more ways than one.

What really sets it apart is that it aims to deliver a 12 cylinder driving experience with eight cylinder mileage. When you get behind the wheel of some eco-friendly cars, they don't quite have the "oomph" of a gas guzzler, but the LS 600h L feels just as fun to drive as any standard vehicle. Add to this everything you expect from a Lexus, from reclining rear seats and a massage system to an actual fridge built into the interior. 438 horsepower with a 5.0 liter, V8, and two electric motors, this all-wheel car gets 19 miles to the gallon in the city, and 23 on the highway.

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March 2015

LUXURY GOES GREEN

Lexus ES Hybrid www.lexus.com The quiet, luxurious cabin is the real draw of the Lexus ES Hybrid. It's like a space-age relaxation pod with its smooth driving and roomy interior. Serious gearheads have pointed out that driving the car will take some getting used to: The regenerative brakes feel a little odd if you're used to traditional brake pads, and the steering can be a bit sluggish, so the car is definitely built for comfort, not speed. The robust electronic suite in the cabin includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, a seven-inch screen and eight speakers, all wrapped up in soft leather and cush seating.

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GREEN T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

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March 2015

LUXURY GOES GREEN

Cadillac ELR www.cadillac.com The Cadillac ELR may have disappointed some drivers in terms of performance but certainly delivers where Cadillacs count: it's basically a swanky hotel lounge on wheels. The front-wheel drive coupe runs on two electric motors with a four cylinder gas engine keeping the car charged when you can't plug it in. The ELR gets an incredible 85/80 MPG for city/highway driving and delivers a smooth ride along winding roads. It may lack the "oomph" that speeddemons desire, but that's not the point of buying a Cadillac in the first place. You buy the ELR for the roomy, stylish interior; the OnStar telematics; the front and rear parking sensors; the Bose surround sound; the Bluetooth—and of course the Cadillac name in general.

Mercedes-Benz E400 Sport Hybrid www.mbusa.com Mercedes-Benz is leading the way in the next generation of the automobile, from self-driving luxury cars to some of the most exquisite hybrids available today. The Mercedes-Benz E400 Sport Hybrid delivers Mercedes-class performance with a six-cylinder, 3.5 liter engine. One charge will get you a half a mile at 22 MPH or less on electric alone.

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GREEN T R A N S P O R TAT I O N Tesla Model S www.teslamotors.com A lot of electric cars seem to be designed after the classics. It's nice to get in a Cadillac ELR and feel like you're getting in a Cadillac, but we'd sure love to see more electrics and hybrids truly embrace the futuristic aspect of the technology—and this one delivers. The Tesla Model S boasts a stunning interior that has more in common with Star Trek: The Next Generation than with American Graffiti. Tight handling and smooth running prove that you can have a luxury electric car, and the butter-soft ride synonymous with electric-powered vehicles may inspire a standard for future luxury cars.

Add to this the spacious front seats, standard 17-inch touch screen in the console, Wifi, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a panoramic glass roof, leather upholstery, etc. and Tesla well deserves the reputation for being not just one of the best electric sedans, but one of the best sedans, period.

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March 2015

LUXURY GOES GREEN

Infiniti Q50 Hybrid www.infiniti.com The 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid is not only a hybrid of electric and gas powered driving, it's a hybrid of the sporty feel we've come to expect from the brand with the smooth ride and eco-friendly design of hybrid cars. With 354 horsepower and a 3.5 liter, V6 engine working alongside the electric motor, the car is a dream to drive. All-wheel drive is an option, so if you have to deal with tough driving conditions, this is a hybrid that can get the job done.

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GREEN T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

BMW i3 www.bmw.com The BMW i3 may not look so roomy from the outside, but once you get into the car you'll see that saving space is one of the main benefits of electrics. The interior is as roomy as some small SUVs, with an exterior that has more in common with a compact. A car that's easy to park without sacrificing comfort is a scarcity indeed. The i3 can get up to 100 miles on a single charge, and if you need to make more long-haul trips, there is a gasoline engine available that can extend the car's range up to 180 miles, depending on conditions. The tight steering is the real draw in terms of handling, and automatic climate control makes the interior a great place just to hang out.

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March 2015

LUXURY GOES GREEN

BMW ActiveHybrid 3 www.bmw.com BMW is synonymous with luxurious, highperformance cars, so the bar is set pretty high for their hybrids—and they jump clear over it every time. The 25/35 MPG car is actually more powerful than the 328i and 335i conventional gas-powered cars. 335 horsepower, speedy acceleration, and 2.5 miles on battery alone make for a car that's just a lot of fun to drive. The technology is still new and some of the most exciting hybrids and electrics have yet to hit the market. These eco-friendly luxury rides are nothing if not future-classics.

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CLEANTECH

Five tips

for Greener Computing A more efficient and sustainable IT department is the future—here are five ways to get started Writ ten by SASHA ORMAN

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March 2015

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CLEANTECH WHEN THINKING OF ways to improve efficiency and the environmental footprint of your business, chances are that the first topics to spring to mind involve divisions like production or distribution. But energy consumption is a comprehensive concern, and there is room for improvement in every division.

Green Computing is the idea that a company’s IT department can be just as efficient, sustainable, and environmentally conscious as any other part of operations. It’s an idea that can

save your business money and improve its standing with your community.

Building a truly green business takes time, but no matter what industry you’re in and where you’re starting out, all it takes is a little planning and strategy to get the ball rolling today.

‘[Green Computing] is an idea that can save your business money and improve its standing with your community’

1 Products certified by EPA’s ENERGY STAR program will help reduce energy consumption 20

March 2015

GREENER COMPUTING

1) Strengthen your power management strategies Go on the offense against energy waste by seeking out technology that is known to be more efficient. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which promotes energy efficiency, and the program’s “Low Carbon IT” campaign is dedicated to helping businesses from HP to AT&T reduce their energy costs and run their IT programs more sustainably.

According to the program, the single most important thing that a business can do right now to start saving energy is turning off computers or sending them into standby or sleep mode when not in use. According to ENERGY STAR, simply activating system standby or hibernating features can save an office $50 or more per computer.

2) Invest in a Greener Brand of Technology Of course equipment that only saves money and energy while it’s asleep isn’t truly efficient. A business invested in green computing also needs equipment that is fully invested in being

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

2

as green as possible. ENERGY STAR offers several recommendations for computers and monitors that meet the program’s specifications regarding TEC (typical energy consumption) levels and power management settings.

But don’t stop at computers, either— smart peripherals like surge protectors and uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) can also play a role in keeping your power usage well managed.

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CLEANTECH

3) Think Bigger and Look to the Cloud Beyond improving your green status within your office cubicles, there is also a bigger picture to consider. Data storage is an increasing concern, and efficient data storage is rapidly coming into focus as a way to reduce energy waste and emissions.

When acquiring servers, look for newer models that better regulate temperature and power management in order to use energy more efficiently.

These newer models may be more expensive up front, but the energy savings over time can be substantial.

Another option involves taking your data to the cloud. There is considerable debate over whether the cloud is green per se, but the technology’s ability to help individual businesses reduce active data center space and thereby increase efficiency

‘Data storage is an increasing concern, and efficient data storage is rapidly coming into focus as a way to reduce energy waste and emissions’ 22

March 2015

3 Large companies who adopt cloud computing could see annual energy savings of $12.3 billion by 2020

GREENER COMPUTING

is at the moment undeniable.

As Forbes recently reported, a report by the Carbon Disclosure Project estimated that large companies who adopt cloud computing could see annual energy savings of $12.3 billion by 2020; another study by Accenture found that businesses making effective use of cloud applications could cut their energy consumption up to 90 percent.

4) Dispose of Your Hardware at Appropriate E-Waste Sites Whether it’s computers and printers or tablets and POS systems, there comes a time in every company’s life when hardware grows obsolete and must be replaced with newer models.

When this time comes, ensuring that the hardware being replaced is disposed of properly is a top priority.

Throwing old computers and other hardware out with the rest of the office garbage can lead to hazardous components like mercury and cadmium leaking into oceans or soil and groundwater. Furthermore, many materials used to make computers like aluminum and plastic can be recycled if the hardware is sent to the right place and given the opportunity.

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CLEANTECH Most major cities have designated programs and drop-off points specifically for e-waste disposal and recycling. Take the time to find the resources available to you in your area. Some even have pick-up services that will come directly to your facilities to take unwanted hardware off your hands.

‘Ensuring that the hardware being replaced is disposed of properly is a top priority’

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GREENER COMPUTING

5

5) Encourage Employee Telecommuting Greenhouse gas emissions are a critical contributor to climate change, yet few businesses consider the gas used to transport employees to and from work each day as part of their environmental responsibility. But by smartly taking advantage of the myriad telecommuting tools we now have at our disposal, a lot of those

gas emissions can be prevented.

Encourage your employees to use more work-from-home days from time to time, utilizing software like Skype for teleconferencing and remote access to tap into hardware when needed. Not that every day should be a WFH day—everyone loves a full and bustling office, and too much time apart can be counterproductive—but an increase can be as good for the environment as it is for morale.

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SPECIAL REPORT

businessfriend: The Energy-saving App for Execs Our own energy is our most precious resource—don’t waste it on multiple apps.

Written by: JENNIFER WHITE

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SPECIAL REPORT AS USUAL, “INNOVATION” was the name of the game at the recent 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the emphasis being on convenience: It is more convenient to have a watch monitor your health than it is to visit the doctor once a year, and it is certainly a not a hassle when your car drives you home. But what about the day-to-day tasks that are seemingly simple yet actually more time-consuming than necessary; the ones that exhaust more of your personal energy than you probably even realize?

Consolidating the multi-step processes we robotically follow and accept as “routine” can be much more impactful than purchasing the latest “nice-tohave” gadget—and certainly more convenient (Read: energy-saving).

One company recognized the need for consolidation and decided to do something about it. Alongside the 3D printers, 4D TVs, robots and drones introduced at the 2015 CES was businessfriend, a “professionally social” app with one main goal: simplify your life.

The platform BUSI, or Business Utility with a Social Identity, 28

March 2015

‘As busy business execs, the BUSI platform is a welcome alternative to excessive app usage’

T H E E N E R G Y- S A V I N G A P P F O R E X E C S

is essentially a hybrid of the best parts of commonly used apps—both personally as well as professionally. From Facebook and Twitter to LinkedIn and Skype, businessfriend aims to blend the good and eliminate the bad, i.e. the features that come with our favorites yet frustrate us most.

You most likely do not wish to see photos from your assistant’s college reunion, nor do you want

the naked baby-in-the-bath photos Aunt Sally tagged you in to show up in a client’s news feed.

The line between professional and personal can be rather blurry in the cyber world, and the energy expelled by executives in an attempt to separate the two can be exhausting.

While staying connected and in-theknow is imperative, maintaining this line is non-negotiable.

So what do we do? Login, login, login: one app per purpose; five passwords per device; 29

SPECIAL REPORT

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March 2015

T H E E N E R G Y- S A V I N G A P P F O R E X E C S

10 logins per day—or more.

“Most platforms are either social or business, not both,” said Leslie Nash, VP marketing communications at the tech company. “businessfriend allows you to have both—so instead of juggling apps to get you through your day (i.e. Go-to-Meeting for screen sharing, LinkedIn for professional, Facebook for social), you have everything you need in one platform.”

‘Consolidating the multi-step processes we robotically follow and accept as routine can be much more impactful than purchasing the latest niceto-have gadget’

Founder and CEO Glen White echoed this statement: “It’s a totally new concept for social networks and content provision, but it’s also a social network with a unified communications platform.”

This hybrid professional / personal tool is also one of the first of its kind that actually makes sense. Apps are not a novel concept, nor are features such as instant messenger, VoIP calls, video chat, cloud storage, document sharing or contact management. However, a businessfocused marriage between these functions and more is rather unique—and rather convenient.

After reviewing the product at the 2015 CES, Techpodcasts.com wrote, “[businessfriend was] created to help people collaborate with their colleagues and favorite brands.”

As busy business execs, the BUSI platform is a welcome alternative to excessive app usage. The vibe is more professional than playful but don’t be fooled: The UI is clean, fresh and downright sexy.

Download businessfriend today through the App Store or Google Play.

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TOP 10

TOP 10

Companies Producing CleanTech Products These companies are setting the standard for innovation in the CleanTech industry

Never before has clean energy technology been in such high demand. In fact, the development and movement toward clean energy technology has become a global phenomenon, proving to be a major force of economic growth.

Here are the top 10 CleanTech companies producing game-changing products:

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TOP 10

10 SONITEC The Vortisand, created by the Sonitec company, has already installed over 2,500 systems worldwide. According to its website, Vortisand “combines a cross-flow condition and sand filtration in the same vessel.

The technology was designed for various applications such as HVAC side-stream filtration, process water, rain-harvesting water and more.”

What does this mean? Less energy, less water and fewer chemicals.

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CLEANTECH PRODUCTS

09 VELOBILITY AG Because the bicycle is a great means of transportation with a relatively low impact on the environment and a high impact on health and wellness, Velobility AG has a goal of developing and establishing next-generation Bike Sharing Solutions worldwide. To this end, Velobility AG has made major investments into developing new technology for bike sharing systems.

In their own words, “By providing a strong public cycling infrastructure, forward-thinking cities and sustainably-acting enterprises can play an active role in facing today’s environmental challenges. Let’s recapture the road and make people shine on a bike instead of hiding in a car.” Keeping pollutantexpelling vehicles off the road as often as possible is always a step in the right direction, and any company that can make this happen is one to watch.

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TOP 10

08 TERRAMERA PLANTSCIENCE Using the power of natural plant defenses and a unique innovative chemistry, Terramera PlantScience develops biopesticides for agriculture, bee health and public health usage. These biopesticides are safer and more effective than conventional chemical pesticides, which is better for the pest control industry and the environment as a whole.

Terramera PlantScience’s product is especially beneficial because it can be used by large, leading agricultural corporations and individual consumers alike.

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CLEANTECH PRODUCTS

07 RAYGEN RESOURCES RayGen’s Concentrated Solar Photovoltaics (CSPV) solar generation system uses mirrors to concentrate natural light onto ultra-efficient photovoltaic cells. RayGen technology is 1,500 times more powerful than standard technology.

The system uses clean energy with two times the efficiency of standard photovoltaics and, perhaps most impressive, does all of this at decreased cost.

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TOP 10

06 METGEN OY MetGen is all about reducing energy consumption. Specifically, MetGen improves the pulp, paper, and biofuel industry by removing toxins from waste, reducing the impact of bleaching agents, and raising the efficiency in mills. This treatment saves money from unnecessary energy costs, reduces pollutants from unnecessary chemicals, and increases efficiency from expensive, redundant processes.

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CLEANTECH PRODUCTS

05 MEASURABL Measurabl has redefined and simplified sustainability reporting. According to its website, “Measurabl is software built to help you collect, report, and improve upon non-financial data so you can focus on what you do best.”

In short, Measurabl connects directly to corporate utilities and collects data on energy and water usage. Companies can then import this information right into their ENERGY STAR account and eliminate manual entry errors.

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TOP 10

04 FENESTRAPRO According to its website, FenestraPro is a technology company based in Dublin, Ireland. It provides a cloudbased software tool for architects to design nondomestic buildings in the early stages, focusing on functionality and usability. The goal is to improve green design, check compliance in real time, and obtain technical guidance.

Soon enough, this technology will be standard in architect firms around the world.

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CLEANTECH PRODUCTS

03 EPIGAN EpiGaN created a device called the High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT). It boasts high electron mobility and a wide band gap energy, making it ideal for fast switching and high voltage operation under high temperature conditions.

According to its website, “The growing demand for high-speed, high-temperature and high powerhandling capabilities has made the semiconductor industry rethink the choice of materials used as semiconductors. For instance, as various faster and smaller computing devices arise, the use of silicon is making it difficult to sustain Moore’s Law. But also in power electronics, the properties of silicon are no longer sufficient to allow further improvements in conversion efficiency.”

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TOP 10

02 DA.AI DA.AI is proud to be Taiwan’s first non-profit company dedicated to producing eco-friendly products. It is also one of the world’s first non-profit companies to donate the entirety of its net proceeds to charity. This alone makes DA.AI something special. The company strives to use recycled PET bottles as raw material to manufacture a vast array of eco-friendly products.

DA.AI has used its materials to create recycled fabrics used in clothing, bedding, and any number of everyday household items. It’s a win-win for the company—activating a new life cycle for the used PET bottles and creating eco-friendly products that are useful to consumers.

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CLEANTECH PRODUCTS

01 ADVANCED BATTERY CONCEPTS Advanced Battery Concepts develops innovative GreenSeal battery technology that drastically improves the performance and functionality of current large-format, rechargeable batteries. And since batteries are necessary for almost everything, Advanced Battery Concepts is on to something with its clean technology creation.

According to its website, “GreenSeal technology produces lead avid batteries with greater than twice the life whilst using only half the lead. Customers will have lighter batteries that run longer.

The environment benefits from less waste, less greenhouse gas emissions and an overall much lower environmental impact.”

Never before has cleaner energy technology been in such high demand by companies and consumers alike. This global phenomenon has become a major force of economic growth, prompting companies large and small to examine their own workflow and production to determine what they can do to be an active participant in the growth of cleaner technology.

These 10 companies—and scores of others like them— may seem unique now, but soon enough, they will be the rule and not the exception to green living.

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ENERGY TH

With efficient and sustain the company invests in

PITANGUEIRAS PLANT:

HAT MOVES THE REGION

nable production, in addition to its success in power generation, n innovations in agricultural and industrial areas within Sรฃo Paulo Written by: Flรกvia Brancato | Produced by: Danilo Stefanelli

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P I TA N G U E I R A S S U G A R A N D A L C O H O L LT D .

S Mechanized harvesting

Sugar factory

ince 1975, Pitangueiras Sugar and Alcohol Ltd (PITAA) has been moving the Brazilian economy in a sustainable way. From a modest sugar cane factory with a milling capacity of 1,000 tons/day, the company has become a producer of alcohol in the country and, consequently, started the operation of a yeast drying plant, the construction of a sugar factory, a packing lounge, a finished products warehouse, and the enlargement of its industrial analysis laboratory.

In 2001, the then Pitangueiras Distillery Ltd became Pitangueiras Sugar and Alcohol Ltd, with a production capacity of 10,000 bags of 50 kg of

Industrial analysis laboratory

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March 2015

BRAZIL

sugar and 600 thousand liters of alcohol per day.

Thus, the company established itself as a major producer of electricity in the countryside of the state of Sao Paulo, commercializing the surplus of its production. Today the numbers demonstrate the success of a journey full of challenges.

The company is currently responsible for a cutting area that corresponds to 29,000 hectares, performs the milling of more than 2.4 million tons of sugar cane, produces 67,000 cubic meters of ethanol and more than 4.2 million bags of sugar (50 kg), and generates a total of 140,000 MWH/ year in energy.

PRODUCTION AND QUALITY POLICY With the objective of producing, industrializing, and commercializing sugarcane derivatives in national and international markets, PITAA has developed almost a dozen products, including different types of sugar, ethanol, and electricity.

With the highest technology applied to its production line, the company extracts sugarcane products for different purposes such as dry yeast, fossil oil, and hydrolyzed and natural bagasse.

The use of biomass for power generation is a sustainable option that ensures the noninterference in global warming and prevents the release of other harmful emissions to the environment. This coincides with another distinguishing feature of the company: its administration and quality control. “Like few healthy plants of Brazil, the Pitangueiras Plant is

Management João Batista de Andrade CEO

Rafael de Andrade Neto CHIEF AGRICULTURAL OFFICER

João Henrique de Andrade FINANCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL MANAGING DIRECTOR

“Like few healthy plants of Brazil, the Pitangueiras Plant is still today operated by the family” – PITAA Financial and Industrial Managing Director, João Henrique de Andrade

w w w. p i t a a . c o m . b r

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P I TA N G U E I R A S S U G A R A N D A L C O H O L LT D . still today operated by the family. Thus, we manage everything very closely, always searching for technological improvements and the effective training of our employees,” explains the PITAA Financial and Industrial Managing Director, João Henrique de Andrade.

The challenges of the sector make the company focus even more on its commitments to meet the demand and remain strong in the market.

Andrade also warns that, with the increase in production cost, it is important to concentrate efforts in all possible areas. “We are investing in electrical power and working very hard to reduce production cost, improving the efficiency of the plant and lengthening short-term debt,” he says.

One of the strategies is the investment in the recollection of sugarcane straw, for example, through the installation of balers, straw choppers, and machinery for the transport of material. Started last year, another important

São Francisco. The medical and dental care with greater presence in the sugarcane sector.

Quality protection for the health of all employees.

The São Francisco is responsible for medical and dental care of more than 250,000 beneficiaries specifically in the sugarcane industry.

Counting with a high experienced and traditional profile in such industry, it offers and perform customized health and dental plans.

Find the exclusive conditions that makes São Francisco health and dental plans a real and optimal protection for your personal wellfare and work activities.

Technical Responsible: Doctor Geraldo Almeida Lima CRO n. 43.924 Technical Responsible: Doctor José Carlos Lucheti Barcelos CRM n. 81.223

279_SF_SetorSucroAlcoleiro_Anuncio_97x137mm_Ingles.indd 1

Call and make your plan

0800 777 90 70 www.saofrancisco.com.br

04/02/2015 10:26:40

BRAZIL

investment was in the process of burning and power generation, which included the installation of sugarcane juice suction pumps that help with extraction and reduce the humidity of the bagasse that feeds the juicer.

PROFESSIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT In pursuit of excellence, the company invests in the development and training of its employees. Pitangueiras Sugar and Alcohol has training programs that include courses in personal and professional development and scholarships, thus guaranteeing continuous learning and skilled labor. “We offer a 40 percent scholarship for those who want to improve in some w w w. p i t a a . c o m . b r

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P I TA N G U E I R A S S U G A R A N D A L C O H O L LT D .

Integrated operations center

Centrifugal sugar machine

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BRAZIL

way in an area of the company,” explains the director.

Among the professional training programs, the “Project Renewal” deserves to be highlighted.

Coordinated by the Sugar Cane Industry Union (Única) in partnership with the Federation of Rural Workers Employed in the State of São Paulo (FERAESP), the project has as its goal training not only for labor but also literacy projects, improvement in English and mathematics, and various initiatives in the area of education directed at employees and at the community at large.

Since 2007, the company has cultivated the PITAA Native Trees Nursery. The initiative of environmental preservation has spread gradually; today the Santa Terezinha Farm produces approximately 50,000 seedlings per year, taking into account both the internal consumption and consumption for suppliers. Among the cultivated species are jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora), raspberry, lemon cloves, Japanese grape, rosewood, jequitibá (Cariniana legalis), pau-brasil (Caesalpinia echinata), dry meal, and pink, purple, yellow, and white ipês.

Exercise for employees

Plant nursery for reforestation

Bagasse stock

“Our main focus is the reduction of cost and return on invested capital. We are currently working on a project to increase the generation of energy, for example” – PITAA Financial and Industrial Managing Director, João Henrique de Andrade w w w. p i t a a . c o m . b r

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Coopercitrus

P I TA N G U E I R A S S U G A R A N D A L C O H O L LT D .

A A Tribute Tribute to to

Usina Pitangueiras from from Coopercitrus.

Coopercitrus.

A A partnership partnership that that generates generates renewed renewed energy energy and and projects projects Brazil to the world.

Brazil to the world.

Coopercitrus: Soluções integradas, resultados sustentáveis. www.coopercitrus.com.br

Power Generator

Water Cooling Towers

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March 2015

Directors and managers meeting

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH According to Andrade, for new technologies and update of modern equipment, PITTA’s investments are around R$ 7 million per year. “Our main focus is the reduction of cost and return on invested capital. We are currently working on a project to increase the generation of energy, for example.” With a current capacity to generate around 26 MWH, and with the new initiative in practice, it is expected that the total generation will double in value.

The new project consists of the use of condensation turbines, evaporative condensers,

BRAZIL

Company Information INDUSTRY

Sugarcane-based energy HEADQUARTERS

Pitangueiras, SP - Brazil E S TA B L I S H E D

1975 EMPLOYEES

1095 ANNUAL REVENUE

and electrification of mills, which provide better energy efficiency for the whole system, lower steam consumption per MW generated, and lower power.

Always in search of sustainable growth, and with good expectations for the near future, the director is optimistic and concludes, “We always work for continuous improvement within the company in all aspects: quality, health, and safety.

We grow slowly, as the market is improving. In 5 years we must achieve the milling of 3 million tons.”

US$119 million PRODUCTS/ SERVICES

Sugar, ethanol, yeast, energy

w w w. p i t a a . c o m . b r

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APROBIO: THE ASSOCIATION O PRODUCERS OF BR Written by: APROBIO | Produced by: Danilo Stefanelli

OF BIODIESEL RAZIL 55

APROBIO

T CEO of APROBIO, Erasmo Carlos Battistella

he Association of Biodiesel Producers of Brazil (APROBIO) was founded in June 2011 and ever since it performs the corporate and institutional representation in many and different forums. Its associates produce only biodiesel, what makes APROBIO the main organization to represent and defend their truly interests and also the biofuels sector as a whole.

Biodiesel in Brazil brings socio-economic benefits, environmental and public health and has placed the country as one of the main players in the international arena of bioenergy and the green economy. The National Program for Production and Use of Biodiesel, created by the government in December 2004 sealed the commitment of the Brazilian state with the United Nations to reduce

New board of directors of APROBIO

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BIODIESEL

Biodiesel bus takes FIFA’s committee to visit World Cup construction sites in Curitiba

the emission of greenhouse gases, as required by the Kyoto Protocol.

The Association stimulated the formation of the Parliamentary Front of Biodiesel and established a channel for dialogues with ministries and agencies represented on the Executive Committee of Biodiesel, CEIB, and relevant associations such as the National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers (ANFAVEA), advocating the advantages PNPB progress would and effectively brought to Brazil.

Among the studies and research promoted by the Association was “Socioeconomic Impacts

Executive Director of APROBIO, Julio Cesar Minelli

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APROBIO

APROBIO’s CEO with ex-president of Brazil

Canola plantation (raw material for biodiesel production)

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of Biodiesel Industry in Brazil”, made by Institute of Economic Research Foundation (FIPE), at University of São Paulo (USP). According to FIPE, the production of the biofuel in Brazil has increased such since it began, in 2005, that the country has become the 4th largest global producer and the 2nd largest consumer in 2011.

A major recent achievement of the sector was the issue of Provisional Measure (MP) 647/2014, which increased the percentage of the binding mixture to 7% by volume, valid from November

BIODIESEL

the 1st, 2014. The MP was converted into the Law 13.033 on September the 24, 2014.

The decision to expand the biodiesel market represents a significant advance for the sector and the country even. The search of the Association, however, remains for a new regulatory framework that brings predictability and regulatory security to ensure direct investments by companies in a medium- and long-term.

The Brazilian biodiesel program has a unique feature, which seeks to reconcile energy policy with the concept of social inclusion, introducing family farming in the oil’s production chain. The criteria and the form of inclusion are managed by the Ministry of Agrarian Development, with the participation of cooperatives, farmer’s organizations and APROBIO also.

As a new industry, the regulation of the production of biodiesel activity requires constant improvements. So part of the APROBIO’s work includes the technical and regulatory dialogue with the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels, on matters such as regulation of the sector and the biofuel technical specifications.

We represent the industry and disclose the biofuel in meetings and seminars, as well as follow the development of the regulation of the international market for bioenergy and biofuels, seeking new business opportunities to our members.

Company Information INDUSTRY

Biodiesel HEADQUARTERS

São Paulo - SP, Brazil E S TA B L I S H E D

June, 17th, 2011 NUMBER OF MEMBERS

10 MANAGEMENT

CEO: Erasmo Carlos Battistella Executive Director: Julio Cesar Minelli

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Infrastructure Canada Investments in Public infrastructure Support a Strong, Competitive and Sustainable Canada Our Commitment to infrastructure in Canada

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INFRASTRUCTURE CANADA

Public infrastructure is the backbone of our nation’s economic prosperity and social development.

Investments in modern and efficient public infrastructure help create jobs and promote economic growth and productivity.

From large-scale construction projects to smaller-scale, community-based investments, infrastructure has the power to revitalize, strengthen, and improve the everyday lives of all Canadians.

Over the next 10 years, our Government will invest $75 billion in infrastructure that delivers results for Canadians – a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and better 62

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communities. These investments will provide stable, predictable funding for projects that enhance economic growth, job creation and productivity and will help maintain Canada’s economic position amongst the strongest of the G7 countries.

In fact, Canada has consistently ranked atop the G7 countries in total investments in infrastructure as a percentage of GDP since our Conservative Government took office in 2006.

No other federal government in our nation’s history has demonstrated this commitment and has made these levels of investment.

Our partners play a crucial role in

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supporting investments in Canada’s infrastructure. At 95%, the vast majority of all public infrastructure assets in this country are owned by provinces, territories and municipalities. Our Government is committed to working with all levels of government, as well as with the private sector, to ensure that our investments support the priorities of all Canadians.

Our infrastructure programs have been designed to meet the needs of our citizens, while achieving the best value for taxpayers’ dollars. Projects are cost-shared to maximize federal investments while leveraging greater funding from other sources.

Through cost-sharing, we are able to increase the number of federally funded projects and address the needs of more Canadians across our great country.

Unprecedented Federal Infrastructure Investments As part of our Government’s historic investments, the $53-billion New Building Canada Plan, the largest and longest federal infrastructure plan in our nation’s history, provides funding in several different ways:

the renewed federal Gas Tax Fund is available directly to municipalities to address their local needs, the National Infrastructure Component provides funding for projects of national significance, that contribute to long-term economic growth and prosperity and the ProvincialTerritorial Infrastructure Component supports projects of national, regional and local significance while contributing to economic growth, a cleaner environment, and stronger communities. This approach was taken to offer a flexible approach to infrastructure financing and supports investments that address priorities under a wide range of eligible categories.

Infrastructure Investments Support Sustainable Communities Investments in public infrastructure can improve the quality of the environment and lead to a more sustainable economy over the long term. Since 2006, federal contributions to infrastructure have supported improvements in the areas of solid waste management, renewable energy, and wastewater – resulting in cleaner air and water.

Protecting and enhancing the w w w. i n f r a s t r u c t u re . g c . c a

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quality of Canada’s freshwater resources supports recreation, tourism, and fisheries, and is an important contributor to the manufacturing, resource and agricultural sectors of the economy.

In recognition of the importance of clean water, our Government has made significant investments in wastewater infrastructure.

Over the past 9 years, the federal government has committed over $2.08 billion to wastewater infrastructure projects across Canada through a number of its programs. In addition, since 2006, municipalities have invested almost $811 million of the Gas Tax Fund in wastewater projects.

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Recognizing the challenges that wastewater effluent can pose, Canada and the United States first signed the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) in 1972, and renewed it most recently in 2012. The agreement commits both countries to support the environmental health of the Great Lakes.

Since 2006, our Government has invested approximately $643 million in direct funding toward municipal wastewater infrastructure projects in the Great Lakes Basin alone, projects that have helped restore some of the region’s most vulnerable areas.

Improvements to the Halton Region Wastewater Treatment Plant also serve as a prime example of cooperation between municipal, provincial and federal governments

CONSTRUCTION

toward meeting domestic and international commitments to protect our water resources. In November 2009, we were proud to announce our support for the expansion of Halton’s Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant. Expansion and enhancements to the plant are helping to improve the quality of treated wastewater discharged into the Hamilton Harbour.

Moving Forward Our Government will continue to support projects that will improve the quality of the environment and lead to a more sustainable economy over the long term. As was the case under past federal infrastructure programs, important environmentally-focused categories such as water and wastewater treatment are eligible categories for funding under the New Building Canada Plan.

As we move forward with our infrastructure investments, we do so in tandem with our partners to provide meaningful and lasting benefits for our communities across Canada. I am very proud that our Government has delivered a New Building Canada Plan to help finance the construction, rehabilitation and enhancement of infrastructure across Canada.

The Honourable Denis Lebel Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of

Company Information Infrastructure Canada leads federal efforts to ensure that Canadians benefit from worldclass, modern public infrastructure.

We achieve this by making investments, building partnerships, developing policies, delivering programs, and fostering knowledge.

The department is a key funding partner, working with provinces, territories, municipalities, the private sector and nonprofit organizations, along with other federal departments and agencies to help build and revitalize the infrastructure Canadians need and use every day.

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Halton Region Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and Halton Region Partner for $159M Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Collaboration, communication and carefully planned contracts Written by: Andrew Rossillo Produced by: Michael Magno

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Grit Building- Excavator Helping Excavator

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earing its completion mid 2015, the $159M Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant represents an exceptional collaborative effort between the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and Halton Region.

“Our Government’s support for public infrastructure has never been stronger. Upgrades to the Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant in Burlington will help ensure the health and wellbeing of this growing region and improve the Lake Ontario ecosystem. We are proud to help Halton Region realize its largest infrastructure capital project as we 68

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focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada,” said the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.

The Skyway plant will produce treated wastewater that meets the highest national standards established by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and the Remedial Action Plan for Hamilton Harbour.

“Upgrades to the Skyway

PLANT Wastewater Treatment Plant will help protect the local environment and enhance water quality in the Halton region. By investing in critical infrastructure projects like this across the province, Ontario’s government is supporting economic growth and creating jobs now and for years to come,” said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Improvements to the plant will ensure sufficient treatment capacity to support projected population growth in Burlington to 2031, as outlined in Halton Region’s Wastewater 2011 Master Plan.

“The expansion and upgrade of the Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant will help Halton Region provide safe and effective wastewater treatment for our growing communities while protecting the sensitive environment of the bay.

This project also highlights the funding partnerships with all levels of government that are critical to our ability to meet our long-term infrastructure needs and ensure Halton Region remains a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr.

CANADA

By increasing the primary treatment capacity, the plant will be better equipped to deal with future flows as well as wet weather flows.

Improvements to the secondary treatment process, and the addition of tertiary treatment for wastewater being discharged from the plant, will help meet the environmental needs of Hamilton Harbour. The project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2015.

“We developed this project with the idea of supporting, improving and enhancing the economy, creating a cleaner environment, and building a stronger and more prosperous community. The project has both a development aspect as well as a water-quality aspect,” said David Andrews, Director, Water & Wastewater Treatment for Halton Region Andrews pointed out that water-quality was especially important since treated water from the Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant is discharged to Hamilton Harbour which is a sensitive receiver and an Area of Concern, as identified by the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the United States. There are w w w. h a l t o n . c a

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strict quality requirements for treated effluent which is discharged to Hamilton Harbor. This project improves the overall quality of treated effluent produced by the Skyway plant.

Added plant capacity to support development in the area was one of the main catalysts behind this project being set into motion. “We increased the plant size from 118 to 140 megaliters per day,” said Andrews. As part of this project tank capacities were increased in each of the existing plant process areas. In addition, tertiary treatment was added in the form of a sand

filter. Originally, it was an enhanced secondary plant, which will be upgraded to a tertiary plant by the end of the project,” said Andrews.

Collaborative Effort Keeps Project Completion on Schedule The Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant project was launched at the end of 2010. The project is right on schedule according to the initial projection of being completed by mid 2015. “The project is following along the desired timeline, and we’re basically done with the process construction. We still have to do some of the end-of-project

SUPPLIER PROFILE RED VALVE COMPANY AND TIDEFLEX® TECHNOLOGIES Since 1953, Red Valve Company and Tideflex® Technologies® have manufactured quality products to solve the world’s toughest flow control problems. Red Valve Company and Tideflex® Technologies are the leading manufacturer of valves and related products for municipal and industrial applications worldwide, providing a wide range of pinch valves, control valves, patented Tideflex® Check Valves, Redflex® Expansion Joints, Tideflex® Air Diffusers, knife gate valves and nonclogging pressure sensors. Our advanced elastomer technology is engineered into every pinch valve, knife gate valve, pressure sensor, expansion joint and Tideflex® Check Valve.

Website: www.redvalve.com

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H A LT O N R E G I O N S K Y WAY WA S T E WAT E R T R E AT M E N T restoration and residual landscape work,” said Andrews.

A significant amount of critical planning has helped the project maintain the schedule established at the very beginning, especially through focusing on the construction sequencing. Andrews also explained how multiple contracting made a vital contribution towards staying on schedule: “Multiple contracts allowed us to design and construct in parallel for various facets of the design and upgrade.”

Proud supplier of the Phoenix Underdrain System for the new tertiary granular media filters at the Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant.

awifilter.com

“Another noteworthy element is that we worked based on a partnership approach. We initiated the overall process with a partnering workshop with the contractor, the engineer and the owner, which included a number of participants from each of these groups, working through the direction for the project. Delivery of a successful project through partnering was identified as the priority as opposed to the individual interests of the participants,” said Andrews.

Anthratech Western Inc. (AWI) is counted among these critical contributors. AWI supplied the patented Phoenix Underdrain System for the granular media filters in the new tertiary filtration facility at the plant. The Phoenix Underdrain System was chosen for this project due to the excellent performance record of the system which is also in use in the filters at both Halton’s Oakville and Burlington Water Purification Plants. The Phoenix Underdrain System was customengineered for the Skyway plant based on site-specific requirements.

The design for the Skyway filters included the air scour supply header

PLANT pipe hidden in the filter flume and the filter media retention barrier sized specifically for the mono-media sand design.

A strong partnership approach was also established at the beginning of the project between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and Halton Region, who all contributed equally to the overall delivery of the project in terms of funding.

The Government of Canada is the lead on the funding agreement for this project, acting as the point of contact for communication and continuous updates. “We have ongoing communications about the project’s progress, including any modifications we might make,” said Andrews.

When asked if there were any particular challenges presented from working with a governmental body, Andrews was quick to confirm the opposite, informing that “the relationship has been very amicable and very supportive throughout the whole process. Because it’s a funded program, we did need to communicate certain details regarding how the project would be

CANADA

delivered, to make sure it met the criteria and constraints of the funding program.”

“The funding timelines and method of deliverables represents a significant challenge for such a large project, especially once that’s government funded, necessitating that very specific requirements are met. Time management and whole-team collaboration and communication was necessary to successfully meet the challenge of delivering portions of the project based on pre-established timelines,” said Andrews.

Green Infrastructure Fund The Halton Region Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant Project was initially submitted under the Building Canada Fund; infrastructure component. Based on the intended goal of improving effluent quality, along with additional features, the project was transferred to the Green Infrastructure Fund.

“We didn’t originally apply for that fund, but the Federal government identified it as being appropriate for the Green Infrastructure Fund. We also created a new operations and w w w. h a l t o n . c a

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Blower Building; Lifting New Blower into Place

laboratory building as part of this project, which was modeled after some of the criteria pertaining to LEEDS certification, including grey water recycling, heat exchange, LED lighting, maximized natural light, minimized artificial lighting, and specially designed roofing which promotes cooling. Furthermore, part of what helped us achieve this Green Infrastructure funding came from us looking at energy efficiency in terms of the evaluation of equipment,� said Andrews.

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In addition, the project was also afforded a significant boost in cost and operational efficiency with the help of Red Valve Company, Inc. and its Tideflex Technologies Division’s coarse bubble aeration and mixing assemblies for interconnecting wastewater channels. The Tideflex coarse bubble diffuser is a non-clog unit that requires no maintenance or service. The supply air to the assemblies can be completely shut off with no detrimental clogging or system shutdown. This allows

PLANT the operators to apply air as needed, saving thousands and thousands of dollars annually.

With no maintenance requirements, extensive operational costs savings are also realized. High solids mixing and management is one of the most costly activities in wastewater processing, the Tideflex equipment provides continuous operation in one of the most aggressive process areas, with no service requirements or downtime and at a fraction of the typical operating cost.

Next Steps “For this project, we are presently involved with commissioning various facets of the plant” said Andrews. “The last contract has yet to be tendered, which is basically the final landscaping and site cleanup.” The project site is adjacent to a beach on Lake Ontario, and because this is a popular place for both locals and tourists, Andrews pointed out that this final stage, though largely based on aesthetic values, is still very much an important one.

Andrews went on to share that they have a number of projects currently under way, estimated at approximately $350 million in expansions and upgrades. This includes their second largest plant’s just having started its upgrade and expansion from 75 to 125 megaliters.

It involves the construction of a new effluent pipe and outfall that extends two kilometers into Lake Ontario. This project is valued at approximately $250 million.

CANADA

Company Information INDUSTRY

Energy HEADQUARTERS

1151 Bronte Road Oakville, Ontario, Canada, L6M 3L1 FOUNDED

Not Disclosed EMPLOYEES

Not Disclosed REVENUE

Not Disclosed

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