Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened the gateway between Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir – the Zoji La Pass – for traffic on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road at 11,650 feet on March 19, 2022, setting up an all-time record of the pass being opened after just 73 days of its closure this year. This is the first time BRO has been able to achieve the feat, after it had kept the pass open till January 05, 2022 through relentless snow clearance operations amidst tough weather conditions.
Since February 15, 2022, the snow clearance operations were undertaken from both sides of the pass by Project Beacon and Vijayak, located in J&K and Ladakh respectively. After sustained efforts, the connectivity across Zoji La Pass was initially established on March 04, 2022. Thereafter, efforts were made to improve the road conditions to create safe passage of vehicles. First convoy of vehicles carrying essential fresh supplies moved across the Zoji La Pass and reached Kargil bringing much needed relief to the people of Ladakh. Usually, the Zoji La Pass used to remain closed for around 160-180 days during winters on account of heavy snowfall.
Various dignitaries from civil administration and the Indian Army, including Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, were present during the re-opening of the pass. Lauding the efforts of Project Beacon and Vijayak, the DGBR said, early opening of Zoji La Pass will not only bolster the defence preparedness of the country, but will also facilitate the movement of essential commodities to the people of Ladakh. He added that the opening of the pass will assist BRO to stock the material required for construction of important infrastructure projects in Ladakh. He reiterated BRO’s commitment to be in the forefront in Nation Building.
ProcurePort.com, leading e-procurement solutions and services company has this month been awarded SOC 2 Type II certification for its e-Procurement Application Suite.
By meeting the extensive criteria of these standards, ProcurePort demonstrates its commitment to protecting highly sensitive and confidential information and consistently delivering quality results for clients.
The ProcurePort solution suite automates the entire Source-to-Pay process for large organizations, allowing those organizations to achieve procurement process efficiencies and cost savings across all spend categories.
Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the SOC 2 information security standard is an audit report on the examination of controls relevant to the trust services criteria categories covering security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. The SOC 2 Type II certification confirms that Clair’s security and compliance controls have been effective for more than six months.
“The successful completion of our SOC 2® Type II examination audit provides ProcurePort’s clients with confidence that the controls and protections we use to secure their data are in accordance with industry guidelines and principles,” said Jemin Patel, Director – ProcurePort.
About ProcurePort
ProcurePort is a leader in providing on-demand procurement software (Requisition Software / Reverse Auction software / Spend Analysis software / RFQ & RFP software / P.O & Invoice Automation / Payments Automation / Spend Analysis Software / Contract Management Software) and services (Reverse Auction services / Spend Analysis services) for startup companies as well as Global 1000 organizations. Operating in a wide range of industries from manufacturing to government, ProcurePort’s clients benefit from both the technology and service expertise that can help them automate their procurement processes without time-consuming or expensive technology deployment. ProcurePort’s affordability enables startups to compete with larger organizations and reach new levels of success in deploying an E-Marketplace in a specific vertical. For more information, visit https://www.ProcurePort.com or call 1.866.643.8153 (toll-free in North America).
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) has been awarded the highest score of “Grade A” by global environmental non-profit charity CDP, in the categories of climate change and water security. CDP evaluated Hitachi’s pioneering initiatives and disclosure of information for tackling climate change, as well as acting to protect water security. This is the first time Hitachi has simultaneously been included in an “A List” in two themes, and the third consecutive year that Hitachi has been included in water security.
Hitachi has set its long-term environmental targets, issuing its plan “Hitachi Environmental Innovation 2050,” to help realize a sustainable society. In the area of climate change, the Hitachi Group as a whole has set a target of becoming carbon neutral in its business sites (factories and offices) by fiscal 2030, and of achieving carbon neutrality through its entire value chain by fiscal 2050. To achieve this target, the company has introduced its Internal Carbon Pricing system, starting with investments for fiscal 2019, and executive pay linked to environmental performance from April 2021. In addition, the company plans to invest 1.5 trillion yen in R&D over the next three years, focusing on decarbonization technologies, including energy-saving technologies, to help its customers reduce their CO2 emissions and environmental impact.
In terms of the use of water resources, Hitachi has set a target of improving the efficiency of internal water usage by 50% by fiscal 2050, compared to fiscal 2010. It aims to use the water resources necessary for business continuity appropriately and efficiently, and has been working to identify and address risks related to water issues throughout the Hitachi Group. Externally, Hitachi provides water environment solutions using digital technology, and improves water infrastructure to solve global water issues.
CDP is a global non-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. The organization analyzes and evaluates the environmental initiatives and information disclosure of the world’s major companies in the three themes of climate change; water security; and forests – and selects the best companies as “A list” companies each year.
Hitachi is becoming a climate change innovator and will continue to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society where people live happy and prosperous lives, through solving various ESG issues for society and customers through its Social Innovation Business, which uses data and technology to innovate social infrastructure.
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through data and technology as the Social Innovation Business. Hitachi is focused on strengthening its contribution to the Environment, the Resilience of business and social infrastructure as well as comprehensive programs to enhance Security & Safety. Hitachi resolves the issues faced by customers and society across six domains: IT, Energy, Mobility, Industry, Smart Life and Automotive Systems through its proprietary Lumada solutions. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) totaled 8,729.1 billion yen ($78.6 billion), with 871 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 350,000 employees worldwide.
Hitachi is a Principal Partner of COP26, playing a leading role in the efforts to achieve a Net Zero society and become a climate change innovator. Hitachi strives to achieve carbon neutrality at all its business sites by fiscal year 2030 and across the company?s entire value chain by fiscal year 2050.
For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.
Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park now form the first IDA-certified international transboundary Dark Sky Park.
Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park now form the first IDA-certified international transboundary Dark Sky Park
August 12, 2021 Waterton Park, Alberta Parks Canada Agency
National parks are gateways to discovering, learning about, and connecting with nature.
Today, Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta, Canada) and Glacier National Park (Montana, USA) are proud to announce that they have received full certification as an International Dark Sky Park, after meeting the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) outdoor lighting requirements.
Waterton-Glacier International Dark Sky Park has installed dark sky-friendly lighting while ensuring lighting used is necessary for public safety. These lights and fixtures reduce the harmful impacts of artificial lighting on wildlife, protect human health and preserve night skies for optimal viewing.
Parks Canada is adding to its reputation as an international leader in the preservation of night skies with this certification in Waterton Lakes National Park. In 2021, new LED streetlights were installed in Waterton Lakes in accordance with Parks Canada outdoor lighting guidelines and IDA standards. This completed the requirements for certification as a dark sky park. Waterton Lakes’ new streetlights feature a custom LED colour temperature, PC Amber (1650K). Parks Canada will continue to replace park lighting with these new LEDs over time. With this certification, Waterton Lakes joins 12 other Parks Canada-administered places with dark sky designations.
In Glacier National Park, new LED streetlights were installed in the West Glacier headquarters area and park residences received either new, dark sky-friendly fixtures and LED bulbs, or simply had the existing bulbs replaced. Additionally, replacement fixtures have been purchased for the East Glacier, St. Mary, and Many Glacier areas of the park for installation later this year.
Dark Sky Park certification helps raise awareness about light pollution and highlights how Waterton-Glacier International Dark Sky Park is reducing the impacts of outdoor lighting. It also provides opportunities for visitors to experience the night sky at its best in both parks.
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“The dark skies in the Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park truly are spectacular. Designation of the Peace Park as the world’s first international transboundary Dark Sky Park shows the world our commitment to protecting the environment, while offering opportunities for visitors to connect with nature, even at night.”
Ron Hallman
President & Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada
“Dark night skies are an important wilderness characteristic at Glacier National Park. Clearly seeing the expanse of the universe increases a person’s sense of solitude well beyond that of the terrestrial landscape. A Dark Skies designation aids International Peace Park visitors in finding their own wilderness solitude.”
Pete Webster
Acting Superintendent, Glacier National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park now hold four joint designations: International Peace Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, and the first transboundary IDA International Dark Sky Park.
Waterton Lakes National Park is the first national park in Canada to receive IDA certification as part of the Waterton-Glacier International Dark Sky Park.
Parks Canada protects more dark skies than any other agency or jurisdiction in the world.
Dark Sky initiatives improve ecological health, especially for nocturnal animals, benefit human health, reduce energy waste and provide night sky viewing opportunities.
Light pollution is artificial light directed towards the sky, representing energy inefficiency and waste. Dark sky-compliant lighting reduces light’s impact on the night sky by reducing glow and generally directing light downward.
Unnecessary artificial light at night can affect ecological health as well as wildlife behaviour and patterns. It has negative effects on humans and nocturnal animals as several species depend on darkness for foraging, mating and migration.
Dallas Meidinger
Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer, Waterton Lakes Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
403-632-5026
dallas.meidinger@canada.ca
Gina Kerzman
Public Affairs Officer, Glacier National Park
406-888-5838
gina_kerzman@nps.gov
Gradiant, an end-to-end cleantech water treatment solutions provider, announced that it has secured 26 new projects in 2021 year-to-date (YTD) across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Four of the projects will be delivered as design-build-own-operate-manage (DBOOM) contracts for long-term concession periods of up to 20 years. The business growth demonstrates increased demand for advanced water & wastewater treatment during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
The new contracts in 2021 YTD are a mix of high-profile clients in the industrial, municipal, and government sectors, including multinational brand owners. Eighteen of the 26 new projects in 2021 YTD are with new clients that have selected Gradiant for the first time to solve their complex water challenges. New applications for Gradiant’s technologies this year have been in lithium mining, semiconductor fabrication, and high complexity industrial wastewater reuse.
“Our business has thrived this year at Gradiant, despite the challenging market dynamics brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Prakash Govindan, Co-Founder and COO of Gradiant. “We have adapted to the evolving needs of the market by taking on new clients to penetrate new strategic COVID-resistant market segments in semiconductors, mining, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Facilities equipped with Gradiant’s SmartOps(TM) asset management and remote monitoring & control systems continue to produce mission-critical water during the COVID-related travel and access restrictions. Since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020 until today, Gradiant has been awarded 56 new projects, delivering a total contract value of over US$514 million. We are proud of these accomplishments while managing through the pandemic – these results are only possible because of the commitment and passion of our team and our customers.”
Gradiant is committed to the Asia Pacific region. Almost all Gradiant’s growth in 2021 YTD has been in Asia Pacific, where the region’s rapid urbanisation and population growth have been driving the demand of clean and sustainable technologies. Gradiant won new contracts to build facilities for the first time in Indonesia, Vietnam, and even Antarctica. Gradiant’s team has grown from 250 people at the end of 2020, to about 350 people in 2021 YTD – almost all headcount growth has been in the Asia Pacific region, mainly in their Singapore Regional HQ and R&D Center.
Research from MSCI(*) has indicated growing attention to sustainability among investors, who have recognised that companies with strong environmental, social and governance practices in Asia are outperforming their counterparts. These regional trends suggest growing need for brand owners to adopt sustainable business practices, placing greater importance for cleantech solutions providers such as Gradiant to support their operations.
“We are experiencing another year of robust growth at Gradiant,” said Luke Johnson, CFO of Gradiant. “Growth remains consistently strong across our strategic market segments in semiconductors, mining, and pharmaceuticals, and our new contract wins support the market’s sustained demand for cleantech solutions and DBOOM concession agreements. We have proven this year that our acquisitions of Sigma Water (Malaysia) and CRS Water (Australia) in 2020 created synergies to access new customers, applications, and geographies, when married to Gradiant’s clean water technologies and project development and financing capabilities.”
Gradiant is a leading solutions provider and developer of cleantech water projects for advanced water & wastewater treatment. Gradiant’s robust end-to-end solutions and proven technical, delivery, and operations expertise enable cost-effective and sustainable treatment of the most complex water challenges. Gradiant serves its clients around the world from their corporate headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, regional headquarters and R&D center in Singapore, and its operating subsidiaries Gradiant India (Chennai), Gradiant China (Shanghai, Ningbo), Sigma Water (Malaysia), CRS Water (Australia), Gradiant Energy Services (Houston, Midland, Texas, USA), and Gradiant Middle East (Saudi Arabia).
Media Inquiries: Meghan Moore, Communications Manager Gradiant International Holdings, Singapore communication@gradiant.com
Sales Inquiries: Kaarthic Madhavan, VP Sales and Business Development Gradiant International Holdings, Singapore kmadhavan@gradiant.com
Public Relations, APAC: PRecious Communications for Gradiant Tan Yanchang gradiant@preciouscomms.com
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