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State-owned <keyword id="20039950" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Petroleum-Corporation" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bharat Petroleum Corporation" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Bharat Petroleum Corporation">Bharat Petroleum Corporation</keyword> plans to invest Rs 1.7 lakh crore over the next five years to grow its core oil refining and fuel marketing business as well as in 'future big bets' of <keyword id="20115883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="petrochemicals" source="keywords">petrochemicals</keyword> and <keyword id="19895435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-energy" source="keywords">green energy</keyword>, its chairman G Krishnakumar has said. At present, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (<keyword id="19908646" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="BPCL" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BPCL" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="BPCL">BPCL</keyword>) owns about 14 per cent of India's oil <keyword id="20064251" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="refining-capacity" source="keywords">refining capacity</keyword> and about a quarter of the fuel retailing network. It plans to grow these businesses while foraying into newer areas. The firm is now implementing the first phase of a multi-decade aspirational journey in the form of '<keyword id="22826627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="project-Aspire" source="keywords">Project Aspire</keyword>' - its five-year strategic framework that is based on two fundamental pillars - 'Nurturing the Core' and 'Investing in Future Big Bets', he said in the company's latest annual report. "Our mid-term strategy is on a continuum. While we remain committed to growing our core businesses, which include refining and marketing <keyword id="20037698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="petroleum-products" source="keywords">petroleum products</keyword> and upstream, we are equally focused on our big bets comprising petrochemicals, gas, green energy, non-fuel retail, and digital. "Project Aspire, with a planned capex outlay of around Rs 1.70 lakh crore over five years, will enable us to create long-term value for our stakeholders while preserving our planet for future generations," he said. "A cornerstone of our long-term strategy, Project Aspire, with a Rs 1.70 trillion investment, marks the initial phase of our multi-decade odyssey to shape the energy of tomorrow. This, coupled with our robust balance sheet, fuels our ambition to lead the <keyword id="19951336" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-transition" source="keywords">energy transition</keyword>." The company is targeting net zero carbon emissions from its operations by 2040. "BPCL has drawn a net-zero roadmap, which encompasses renewable power, green hydrogen, compressed biogas, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), efficiency improvement and the offsets procurements. This would require a phased capital outlay of approximately Rs 1 lakh crore till 2040, and the company is geared for the same," he said. The firm's bet on continuing investing in core businesses is based on the premise that India's booming economy will drive a 4-5 per cent annual increase in energy demand and petroleum product consumption. Also, the demand for major petrochemical products is expected to rise by 7-8 per cent annually. "This presents a strategic opportunity to expand refining capacity alongside the development of integrated petrochemical complexes," he said. BPCL is implementing new petrochemical projects at two of its three oil refineries. A Rs 49,000 crore ethylene cracker project is being implemented at the Bina refinery in Madhya Pradesh, alongside raising oil refining capacity from the current 7.8 million tonnes to 11 million tonnes annually by 2029. A polypropylene project is being set up at Kochi refinery in Kerala by 2027. "To meet the anticipated demand beyond our planned expansions in Bina and Kochi, we are actively evaluating options for setting up additional integrated refining and petrochemical capacities within the next 5-7 years," Krishnakumar said without disclosing either the investments or the location of such a project. Andhra Pradesh is being speculated as the likely site after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP and regional party TDP stormed to power in the state in recently concluded assembly elections. TDP has been demanding the implementation of a refinery-cum-petrochemical complex that was promised as part of the package when the state was split more than a decade back. "Our investment in the petrochemical project is consistent with our aspiration of becoming a dominant player in India's petrochemical growth story," Krishnakumar said. On energy transition, he said BPCL is targeting to build 2 gigawatts (GW) of <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> capacity by 2025 and 10 GW by 2035. "We are investing nearly Rs 1,000 crore to establish two 50 MW captive wind power plants in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which will support our refineries in Mumbai and Bina." The firm is also investing around Rs 300 crore in 72 MWp of solar project in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. "Concomitantly, we are executing green hydrogen projects aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission. These projects include a 5 MW electrolyser plant at Bina refinery and a green hydrogen refuelling station with an indigenously developed electrolyser at Kochi," he noted. BPCL, he said, is committed to supporting the transition to electric mobility through a robust and accessible charging infrastructure. The company has installed over 3,000 charging stations, including fast chargers for cars and two-wheelers. 900 fast chargers are installed across 120 highway corridors, which helps address the range, discovery and time anxiety of electric vehicle (EV) owners. "Over the next five years, we aim to install 4-wheeler fast chargers at approximately 6,000 retail outlets across 400 highway corridors, prioritising high-traffic corridors like the Golden Quadrilateral and N-S/E-W highways," he said. On biofuels, he said BPCL sells petrol with 20 per cent ethanol blend at 4,279 out of its over 22,000 petrol pumps. It is also building compressed biogas plants using municipal solid waste to make gas that can be used as CNG in automobiles. The firm is also exploring partnerships in the arena. "These combined efforts, along with the upcoming commissioning of a bio-ethanol refinery, positions BPCL as a key player in India's transition to a greener fuel mix, creating a robust ecosystem for the adoption of cleaner fuels across the country," he added. BPCL is establishing a corporate venture capital fund to invest directly in promising startups. "In order to thrive in this complex and challenging business landscape, we will leverage our agility and focus on operational excellence to ensure continued success. Safety and reliability will remain our top priorities, guiding all our actions. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance," he added. He said the energy sector of India stands at an inflection point. "The nation has an ambitious vision of becoming a USD 30 trillion developed economy by 2047. 'Viksit Bharat @2047' will necessitate an almost fourfold increase in primary energy demand." India's exponential growth trajectory will propel it to a pivotal role in the global energy market, accounting for roughly 12 per cent of world energy consumption by 2047. "The key strategic objectives for India in the energy sector will entail significant expansion in refining capacities, raising the share of gas in the energy basket from about 6 per cent to 15 per cent, establishing leadership in petrochemical exports, and sharply reducing energy imports from current levels of 47 per cent to below 25 per cent by 2030 and to zero by 2047," he said. India is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity, sourcing half of its energy needs from renewables, reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes and lowering carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030 with the ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. "Building on its strong Indian energy presence, BPCL aspires to meet 7-10 per cent of the nation's primary energy demand by 2047," he said.

BPCL planning Rs 1.7 lakh crore spend to expand core business, new energy foray over next five years

<keyword id="20357709" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Power-Renewable-Energy" source="keywords">Tata Power Renewable Energy</keyword> Ltd (TPREL) has joined hands with state-owned <keyword id="22457046" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NHPC-Renewable" source="keywords">NHPC Renewable</keyword> Energy Ltd (NHPC-REL) for installation of rooftop <keyword id="20297569" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-projects" source="keywords">solar projects</keyword> on government buildings of central ministries, states, and union territories. "This collaboration represents a major step forward in our shared vision of a sustainable and <keyword id="19895435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-energy" source="keywords">green energy</keyword> future. By leveraging our combined strengths, we are confident in achieving our goal of 100 per cent solarisation by 2025," Nanda said. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in this regard was signed on July 17, 2024 between Deepesh Nanda, CEO &amp; MD of TPREL, and S P Rathour, CEO of NHPC-REL, TPREL said in a statement. "This initiative will not only help us meet our solarisation targets but also contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint of government buildings," NHPC CMD R P Goyal said. An arm of Tata Power, TPREL is a developer of renewable energy projects including solar, wind, hybrid, round-the-clock (RTC), peak, floating solar, and storage systems including battery storage. It owns, operates, and maintains these projects. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/samsung-galaxy-m35-5g-with-6000mah-battery-launched-in-india-starting-at-16999/slidelist/111806447.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/samsung-galaxy-m35-5g-with-6000mah-battery-launched-in-india-starting-at-16999/slidelist/111806447.cms" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy M35 5G with 6,000mAh battery launched in India starting at ₹19,999</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/oneplus-nord-4-vs-realme-gt-6t-which-mid-range-phone-should-you-buy-under-35000/slidelist/111803604.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/oneplus-nord-4-vs-realme-gt-6t-which-mid-range-phone-should-you-buy-under-35000/slidelist/111803604.cms" target="_blank">OnePlus Nord 4 vs Realme GT 6T – which mid-range phone should you buy under ₹35,000?</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-and-airtel-added-3-45-million-subscribers-in-may-2024-while-vi-lost-nearly-a-million/articleshow/111800758.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-and-airtel-added-3-45-million-subscribers-in-may-2024-while-vi-lost-nearly-a-million/articleshow/111800758.cms" target="_blank">Reliance Jio and Airtel added 3.45 million subscribers in May 2024, while Vi lost nearly a million</a>

Tata Power Renewable Energy, NHPC Renewable join hands for installation of rooftop solar projects

Australian High Commissioner to <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>, <keyword id="20307863" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="philip-green" source="keywords">Philip Green</keyword> OAM, on Wednesday, expressed Canberra's willingness to collaborate with New Delhi in the <keyword id="20242397" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-sector" source="keywords">space sector</keyword> and added that both nations are going ahead with the three collaborative space projects and signing the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. While speaking to ANI, Philip Green expressed <keyword id="19895799" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Australia" source="keywords">Australia</keyword>'s interest in partnering with India in its <keyword id="19929542" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-exploration" source="keywords">space exploration</keyword> endeavours, adding that the Australian government has pledged a USD 18 million grant for <keyword id="22187831" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="joint-India-Australia-space-projects" source="keywords">joint India-Australia space projects</keyword>. "Here today we are saying that we are keen to be partners for India in its space journey. We're already strategic and quad partners with India and we want to do more with space and my government is backing it," said Philip Green. Today we're signing the first MOU of three that has been settled as a result of an USD 18 million dollar grant for my government specifically, for India-Australia space collaborations," he added. Further, the Australian envoy said they are excited about the <keyword id="20535850" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-space-sector" source="keywords">Indian space sector</keyword> and believe its different and complementary skills can benefit each other. "We're very excited about the Indian space sector and we're particularly excited about the fact that Australia has different and complementary skills," the Australian envoy said to ANI. "We're a very big continent with very few numbers of people, which means we have very dark skies. We have great abilities in terms of space tracking," he added. Congratulating PM Modi for his victory in the 2024 general elections, Philip Green said that Australia is looking to work even more closely in the future. He also disclosed during the interview that there could be high-level visits by Australia and India to galvanise the already strong partnership. "We congratulate Modi and his government on re-election. We look forward to working even more closely as we go forward. There are three powerful drivers in our bilateral relationship, our new strategic alignment, the very strong complementarity between our economies and what we call the human bridge, the more than a million people of Indian origin who now make Australia their home," said Philip Green. "We're planning visits I'm not going to announce them to you today, but I can assure you there will be high-level visits by Australia and India to galvanise what is already a strong partnership," he added On April 30, "the Australian Government announced funding for three collaborative space projects that will strengthen the space economy for the two partner nations," said the <keyword id="22187832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Australian-Space-Agency" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Australian Space Agency" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Australian Space Agency">Australian Space Agency</keyword> in an official statement. "The projects will receive a total of A$18 million (Rs 98 crore) as part of the International Space Investment India (ISI) Projects program," the statement added. Each project will include a number of Australian and Indian partners, who will help address climate change, boost manufacturing, and advance artificial intelligence, among other objectives.

"Keen to be partners with India in its space journey": Australian envoy on space collaboration projects

<keyword id="20433759" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bryan-Johnson" source="keywords">Bryan Johnson</keyword>, a tech mogul turned biohacker, has embarked on an ambitious mission to <keyword id="24065128" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reverse-aging" source="keywords">reverse aging</keyword> through his “Blueprint,” a meticulously designed regimen blending cutting-edge science, technology, and sheer willpower. He claims to have reduced his biological age by years, supported by epigenetic testing and biomarker tracking. His day-to-day life is a structured experiment in <keyword id="20186177" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="longevity" source="keywords">longevity</keyword> that pushes the boundaries of health optimisation. <h2>Food and pills</h2>Johnson begins his day with a strict routine, starting with sleep. He adheres to a disciplined bedtime, relying on wearable tech to monitor his heart rate variability, sleep cycles, and recovery. This consistency is crucial, as quality sleep plays a significant role in cellular repair and cognitive function. His morning meals are a far cry from traditional breakfasts, featuring a nutrient-packed “Green Giant Smoothie” rich in collagen, creatine, and spermidine. Later, he consumes a “Super Veggie” blend of plant-based ingredients, chosen to minimise inflammation and support metabolic health Supplements are another cornerstone of his protocol, with Johnson taking over 100 pills daily, each targeting specific areas like stress reduction, energy optimisation, and anti-aging. Ingredients such as ashwagandha, nicotinamide riboside, and spermidine feature prominently, though some experts question the efficacy and necessity of such high quantities. His dietary and supplement strategy is paired with a high-tech exercise regimen designed to balance strength, endurance, and recovery. <h2><keyword id="21898607" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="biohacking" source="keywords">Biohacking</keyword> and mental health</h2>Johnson’s dedication to data is perhaps the most striking aspect of his routine. Through wearable devices, blood tests, and even whole-body imaging, he tracks his biological markers to ensure that every action he takes has a measurable impact. Some of his practices venture into biohacking territory, such as red-light therapy and electrical stimulation, which aim to rejuvenate cells and promote tissue repair. He also prioritises mental health, integrating mindfulness practices and stress-reducing techniques into his day to complement his physical pursuits. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110256586" title="Longevity fanatic Bryan Johnson says &amp;#39;sleep is the new coffee&amp;#39;" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Johnson claims his lifestyle has reduced his biological age, evidenced by metrics like epigenetic tests. However, critics argue that such methods are expensive and not universally accessible. Many of his practices, while fascinating, come with the caveat that the science supporting them is still evolving. <h2><keyword id="24065131" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skin-injections" source="keywords">Skin injections</keyword> and swallowing a camera</h2>Beyond his regimented diet and exercise routine, Bryan Johnson has embraced several unconventional and wacky practices in his quest to reverse aging. For instance, Johnson's skin regimen goes far beyond basic skincare. He undergoes intense and often painful skin rejuvenation treatments, claiming his skin now resembles that of a 20-something. This includes slathering on a variety of scientifically-formulated creams daily and utilising specialised therapies to stimulate collagen production and reverse aging effects. Recently however, after undergoing fat injections from a donor to restore facial volume lost due to extreme calorie restriction, Johnson suffered a severe allergic reaction, causing his face to swell to the point of temporary blindness. The treatment, part of his “Project Baby Face” initiative to stimulate natural fat growth without fillers, highlighted the importance of facial fat for a youthful appearance despite optimal biomarkers. Though the ordeal resolved in a week, Johnson remains undeterred, reformulating plans for future attempts to combat the effects of aging By collecting data from regular tests on his organs — such as MRIs, ultrasounds, and even reportedly swallowing a “baby carrot-sized” camera for internal imaging — he adjusts his lifestyle based on the "biological age" of each organ. He refers to this as allowing his organs to be their "best selves". <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="106352466" title="Millionaire Bryan Johnson who wants to live forever shares his recipes for anti-aging lunch and dessert" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>A surprising result of his extreme protocol has been what he describes as the reversal of <keyword id="17120374" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Graying-hair" source="Orion">graying hair</keyword>. While not a confirmed or widely replicated outcome, Johnson claims he has stopped needing to dye his hair thanks to his strict diet, supplementation, and overall health strategy. All in all, Johnson tracks over 1,000 health metrics daily, making him arguably the "most measured man" alive. This includes monitoring biomarkers, oxygen efficiency, heart function, and even metrics as specific as his body's biological age compared to an average 18-year-old's. <h2>Can you try it (without breaking the bank)?</h2>While Johnson’s results are impressive, his methods are often critiqued for their accessibility and scientific backing. With an estimated $2 million annual cost, the Blueprint isn’t feasible for most people. Nevertheless, many of his principles — such as prioritising sleep, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and regular exercise — are scalable and can be adopted by individuals on a budget. <ul><li>Eat smarter: Focus on plant-based, nutrient-rich diets.</li><li>Exercise regularly: Even a brisk walk is better than none.</li><li>Prioritise sleep: Invest in a quality mattress or simply stick to a consistent bedtime.</li><li>Embrace mindfulness: Look for free apps that can help get you started.</li></ul>Bryan Johnson’s experiment has captured attention worldwide, not just for its audacity but also for its implications. His journey raises profound questions about the future of health and longevity. Is this the dawn of a new age in human optimisation, or merely a glimpse into the indulgences of the ultra-wealthy? Time and science will ultimately decide.

From skin injections to swallowing a camera, here are some things Bryan Johnson has done to age in reverse

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Voters elected Republicans across the country while also supporting policies typically touted by Democrats.</li><li>Minimum wage hikes passed in two red states, and one voted against pay cuts for tipped workers.</li></ul>In 2024, voters elected a Republican president while embracing policies touted by Democrats.Minimum wage hikes, in particular, were victorious in states that went soundly for President-elect Donald Trump.In Missouri, Trump raked in just over <a target="_blank" href="https://enr.sos.mo.gov/">58% of the vote</a>. The same share of the state's voters opted to hike the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026 and mandate some paid sick leave. A slim majority also voted to enshrine abortion rights.In Alaska, where <a target="_blank" href="https://www.elections.alaska.gov/enr/">Trump seems poised to trounce Kamala Harris</a>, a measure to hike the minimum wage to $15 by 2027 and mandate paid sick leave <a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/results/2024/11/05/alaska-measure-1/">also looks like it's on track to win</a>.In <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/arizona-ballot-measures">Arizona</a>, a measure to allow employers to reduce base pay for tipped workers did not pass, and voters similarly voted to enshrine abortion rights.It's happened before: In 2020, Florida voters wholeheartedly embraced Trump — and voted to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/florida-minimum-wage-rise-vote-amendment-15-tipped-employees-workers-2020-11">hike the minimum wage to $15 by 2026</a>.It's further proof that this election really was all about the economy."People are right now still feeling the effects of high inflation," Yannet Lathrop, a senior researcher and policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project, said, adding, "When they have before them an opportunity to raise the wage of themselves or their family members or friends, they are going to choose to do that because they still are feeling the effects of high inflation. "David Cooper, the director of the Economic Analysis and Research Network at the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute, told BI there's been a "real sea change" in people's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jobs-labor-market-federal-minimum-wage-raise-small-business-2024-8">understanding of the impact of hikes</a>. Both he and Lathrop have observed a move away from the belief that higher minimum wages would lead to fewer jobs and toward <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-a-15-minimum-wage-would-mean-businesses-workers-employment-2021-1">research</a> showing that pay hikes mean higher pay with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-fed-raising-the-minimum-wage-doesnt-kill-jobs-2019-9">minimal job loss</a>."Raising the minimum wage almost always has bipartisan support except among elected Republican officials. So there is a disconnect between what elected Republicans want to do around minimum wage policy and what their voters overwhelming — at least by and large — tend to want them to do," Cooper said.When Democrats brought a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $15 in 2021, it received <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/05/democrats-15-minimum-wage-hike-473875">zero GOP support</a>, with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/8-democrats-voted-against-raising-minimum-wage-worth-43-million-2021-3?utm_source=reddit.com">8 moderate Democrats</a> also voting the measure down.Trump has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/01/nx-s1-5173819/2024-election-trump-harris-workers-overtime-wages">signaled</a> he'd be open to a minimum wage hike. Vice President-elect JD Vance cosponsored <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.romney.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Higher-Wages-for-American-Workers-Act-2023.pdf">a GOP bill</a> to raise the federal minimum to $11 an hour, but it never made it to a vote.Georgetown University Professor Jason Brennan told BI that it isn't strange many Americans who vote Republican also vote for a higher minimum wage.Brennan said that most partisan voters don't actually have a strong sense of policies they favor; they favor a party rather than its ideology. Swing voters tend to vote for both right-wing and left-wing ideologies. In a high-price environment, that can lead to a voter opting for both Trump and higher pay."They're looking at the fact that things are expensive, and they're just trying to think of what policies they think might address that," Brennan said.After all, getting paid more matters to Americans across the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/2024-election-democrats-republican-opinions-abortion-guns-climate-childcare-marijuana-2024-8#but-americans-are-united-in-believing-that-the-country-spends-too-little-on-childcare-2">political spectrum.</a>"My takeaway would be regardless of what party you are, if you are not speaking to people's pay and job conditions and not supporting measures that will clearly improve job quality for people, then you're missing an opportunity to generate support," Cooper said.Did you vote for Trump and a higher minimum wage? Contact this reporter at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:jkaplan@businessinsider.com">jkaplan@businessinsider.com</a>.

Red, blue, and green: US voters elected minimum wage increases

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Beazer Homes is building "zero energy," climate-friendly homes even though they're more expensive. </li><li>CEO Allan Merrill said the upfront investment will pay off long-term. </li></ul>A new community of 19 single-family homes north of Baltimore is at the forefront of the green-building movement.Solar panels are on the roofs. Garages come with electrical-vehicle charging. Energy-efficient appliances, including electric heat pumps and induction stoves, are installed. Airtight insulation prevents leaks that waste energy. Fresh-air systems keep indoor air clean. The homes use so little energy that solar could offset most or all energy utility costs.The project was developed by Beazer Homes, one of the largest US homebuilders. Several years ago, the company set a goal that by 2025, all its new homes would meet the US Department of Energy's "Zero Energy Ready" <a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home-program">certification</a>. Its CEO, Allan Merrill, said Beazer was close to meeting the goal.The effort has come at a cost; Merrill said climate-friendly features can add $10,000 to $30,000 to construction and that the market for these homes is still emerging. It's also a precarious time, with so many Americans struggling to afford a home and the reelection of Donald Trump threatening to reverse many environmental regulations. But there are tailwinds, including state laws that require industries like utilities and real estate to decarbonize and a record amount of renewable-energy projects across the US.Merrill thinks the up-front investment will be worth it in the long term, even if shareholders haven't rewarded Beazer yet. Prioritizing sustainability helps the company attract the best talent, he said, and homeowners are increasingly concerned about rising utility costs. Now Beazer has to educate customers and the broader real-estate market about the value of green homes."Leadership requires investment," Merrill said. "We made a conscious decision to make less money on all of these homes. Now it's about talking to more customers, becoming more effective at communicating the value, and getting paid for it."<div type="image" title="People stand in the kitchen of a &quot;Zero Energy Ready&quot; home in Parkville, Maryland." height="3463" width="3024" msid="115056622" hostid="261" sizebytes="404276"></div>Merrill added that Beazer is in the middle of that journey. The 19 single-family homes in Parkville, Maryland, cost at least $700,000, which is more than double the area's median sales price in September of $300,000.Merrill said the value of Zero Energy Ready homes comes from lower utility bills, healthier air quality, a quieter living space, and a reduced environmental impact. Beazer estimated that owners of the new homes in Parkville would save about $453 a month in energy-utility costs compared with owners of older homes in town, and $311 a month compared with owners of a typical new build. Better indoor air quality is a selling point for buyers with asthma or other respiratory problems. Renewable energy and electric appliances don't emit fossil fuels."The tricky thing is when people walk in, they're not wearing a button that tells you which of those issues are relevant to them," Merrill said. "That's the discovery process. It's finding a way to connect what we've done to each buyer."He said another challenge is that home appraisals generally don't account for energy efficiency or renewable-energy technologies.Woody Fincham, a residential appraiser in Charlottesville, Virginia, who also teaches courses on sustainable homes for the Appraisal Institute, says few appraisers have the expertise. But he argued that the problem is broader. Real-estate agents need to market green features so that prospective buyers understand their value, which then has to be communicated to mortgage lenders who can seek out qualified appraisers.Still, there's no guarantee that a green home can fetch a higher price, because the market largely depends on what's sold nearby."If you're in a community where people put a lot of value on efficiency — and there are some parts of the country where they do — the appraisal will be able to show that the market is willing to pay more," Andrew Pizor, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, said. "But if you're in a community where people don't care about that kind of thing, the appraiser is going to compare prices and likely find that no one's willing to pay extra for it."Two Democrats in Congress have proposed legislation that would require appraisals to consider a home's energy use compared with that of nearby properties, as well as whether the home has energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and EV charging. The bill would also require additional training for appraisers.But it hasn't passed, and Merrill said Beazer isn't waiting around.

Why the CEO of a big US homebuilder is gambling on green homes

Climate Action 15: 2024's top global innovators powering green solutions

<keyword id="4625572" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-renewable-energy-development-agency" source="Orion">Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency</keyword> Ltd (<keyword id="391336" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ireda" source="Orion">IREDA</keyword>) has opened an office in <keyword id="6424024" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gift-city" source="Orion">GIFT City</keyword> at Gandhinagar which will specialise in providing debt options denominated in <keyword id="90766" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="foreign-currencies" source="Orion">foreign currencies</keyword> to facilitate natural hedging and significantly reduce the financing costs for green hydrogen and renewable energy manufacturing projects, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said on Thursday. The strategic initiative which would contribute to the country's journey towards a greener future was highlighted by IREDA chairman and managing director (CMD) Pradip Kumar Das at a panel discussion on 'Future Growth Opportunities for Long Duration <keyword id="1609428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-storage" source="Orion">Energy Storage</keyword>', held at the World Future Energy Summit 2024 in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. The IREDA CMD emphasised the critical role that energy storage will play in achieving the <keyword id="13194051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-green-hydrogen" source="Orion">National Green Hydrogen</keyword> Mission's ambitious target of producing over 5 million metric tons of hydrogen per annum by 2030. The CMD emphasised the need to enhance research and development efforts to reduce cost and improve the performance of energy storage solutions. It was necessary to implement policies that strengthen the supply chain network, and providing competitive and tailored financial solutions will encourage investment in energy storage projects, he added. India has taken active steps in this direction, which include the formulation of a storage requirement roadmap up to 2047, technology-agnostic storage tenders, and supportive government interventions for battery manufacturing and pumped storage hydropower projects. The Central Electricity Authority of India projects a storage requirement of nearly 400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by 2030-32, with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 3.5 lakh crore.

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