sustainability

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SolarCycle Announces New Recycling Facility

Posted on by Joe Ball

Cedartown, Georgia (October 31, 2024) – SOLARCYCLE, an advanced technology-based solar recycling company, today announced a 5 gigawatt (GW) recycling facility in Cedartown Georgia, in partnership with Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp.

The 255,000 square foot facility will have the capacity to recycle and recover materials from 10 million solar panels per year, enough to process an estimated 25-30% of the U.S.’s retired solar panels in 2030. It will initially recycle 2 million solar panels per year and scale as the company meets growing market demand for end-of-life solar services and domestic solar supply.

The facility will be adjacent to SOLARCYCLE’s solar glass factory, announced in February. The glass factory will be the first in the U.S. to produce specialized glass for crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics and will have the capacity to manufacture 5-6 GW of solar glass every year. SOLARCYCLE will employ more than 1250 full-time employees across both locations once the campus reaches full capacity.

“As Georgia continues to lead the nation in attracting jobs from emerging industries, we’re thankful SOLARCYCLE is moving up creation of these opportunities in northwest Georgia, benefitting that entire region’s economy,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I want to thank our local and state partners who made this accelerated growth in Polk County possible, and I look forward to its impact in the years to come.”

“We are pleased to accelerate our work in Cedartown, Georgia in response to continued demand for solar recycling. By scaling recycling and solar glass manufacturing through a vertically integrated process, we are filling a critical gap in America’s solar supply chain and closing the loop for domestic solar manufacturing,” said Suvi Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder of SOLARCYCLE. “We thank Governor Kemp and the Biden-Harris Administration for their success driving clean energy policy forward. Their leadership has made it possible for the industry to grow operations in the U.S. and bring good jobs and meaningful investment to local communities as a result.”

To support the acceleration and expansion of the SOLARCYCLE circular economy campus in Cedartown, the company welcomes Microsoft to its roster of strategic investors, which includes Fifth Wall, HG Ventures, Prologis Ventures, Closed Loop Partners, and Urban Innovation Fund.

“The transition to a net zero economy will require massive deployment of renewable energy solutions at scale,” said Brandon Middaugh, Sr. Director of Sustainability Markets at Microsoft. “It’s important to us that companies like SOLARCYCLE are developing innovative solutions for ensuring that the raw materials required for this build out and deployment are returned to the supply chain.”

The facility will debut SOLARCYCLE’s next generation recycling process which will have the capacity to recover up to 99% of PV materials and is optimized for bifacial C-Si panels. This state-of-the-art closed loop process is significantly more flexible and scalable than previous recycling solutions while achieving much higher value and mass recovery rates.  Current recyclers are using the same technology platform for both monofacial and bifacial panels, which is extremely inefficient and leads to much lower quality recovered materials. Recovered materials from this recycling facility will be manufactured into new solar glass at the adjacent factory and sold directly back to American solar manufacturers to fill a critical gap in the country’s solar supply chain. The company has long-term partnerships with more than 70 of the nation’s largest energy companies to recycle and recover value from retired solar panels.

SOLARCYCLE currently operates facilities in Odessa, Texas and Mesa, Arizona. The new recycling facility is move-in-ready and will be operational mid 2025. The adjacent glass factory will be operational in 2026. SOLARCYCLE is hiring full-time jobs in manufacturing, engineering, management, research and design, and support staff. Open roles are available at www.solarcycle.us/careers.

 

About SOLARCYCLE, Inc.
SOLARCYCLE is leading the growth of the circular economy for solar in America. The company partners with the nation’s largest asset owners and manufacturers to recycle solar panels, recover valuable materials, and make key components for the next generation of solar panels and clean energy products. Through its circular economy solutions, SOLARCYCLE enhances the sustainability and resiliency of the solar supply chain in the US. Learn more at www.SOLARCYCLE.us.

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The Power of Innovation: Why The Hardtech Showcase is a Game-Changer

Posted on by Joe Ball

The Power of Innovation: Why The Hardtech Showcase is a Game-Changer

In the ever-evolving world of technology, breakthroughs don’t just happen in Silicon Valley or within the confines of software. Hardtech—where tangible, physical innovations come to life—plays an equally pivotal role in shaping the future. From cutting-edge materials to groundbreaking solutions in transportation, energy and manufacturing, hardtech startups are laying the groundwork for the next wave of industrial transformation. But for these founders to take their innovations to the next level, they need more than just brilliant ideas—they need the right platform, connections and support. That’s why events like The Heritage Group Accelerator’s Hardtech Showcase are not only vital but transformative.

The Heritage Group understands that groundbreaking ideas can come from anywhere. By hosting a dedicated showcase for hardtech startups, we’re creating a bridge between the visionaries who are developing next-gen technologies and the industry leaders and investors who can propel those visions into reality.

“The Heritage Group Accelerator taught us how to tell our story,” said Mark Collins, CEO and founder of Emission Free Generators as well as an alumni of the Accelerator. Storytelling is not only key to a successful showcase presentation, it makes an impact with investors as well. For Collins, that meant standing out among over 180 applicants to secure support from the Rocket Fund.

The value of this event is its ability to bring together two worlds that need each other: startup founders, who are often pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with limited resources, and industry giants, who have the experience, capital and infrastructure to turn those possibilities into scalable solutions. For the founders, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to present their innovations to an audience that can fuel their growth. Whether it’s a new material that will revolutionize construction or a breakthrough energy storage solution that could reshape the renewable energy sector, the ideas on display at the showcase have the potential to change entire industries.

For investors and industry leaders, the Hardtech Showcase is a front-row seat to the future of hardtech. Having access to these innovative startups can make all the difference, and these decision-makers get to see first-hand the ingenuity behind the pitches. The chance to interact directly with the minds behind the innovations—hearing their stories, understanding their challenges and seeing their solutions up close—provides a level of engagement far beyond reading reports or reviewing portfolios. It’s also an opportunity to see how the Accelerator makes an impact on founders.

“The Accelerator pushed the limits of what I thought was possible,” said Nick McRae, Chief Executive Officer of BroadLoop and another program alumni. “It’s changed the way that I operate the business, the way I think about growing more quickly and what’s possible for our company.”

New ways of thinking are at the heart of The Hardtech Showcase, which goes beyond pitching to foster a true collaborative environment. It’s not just about attracting investment—it’s about building relationships. Founders leave the event with invaluable feedback, mentorship and potential partnerships. In turn, industry leaders gain insights into emerging trends and technologies that can keep their companies and products ahead of the curve.

At its core, The Heritage Group Accelerator’s Hardtech Showcase is about celebrating innovation in its most tangible form. It’s about recognizing the immense value that comes from building solutions that are not only visionary but practical and world-changing. For the startup founders, it’s a moment to be heard and supported. For investors and industry leaders, it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves—supporting the kind of innovation that doesn’t just influence industries but transforms the way we live and work. While the Hardtech Showcase is the culmination of an intensive 13-week program, it’s also the start of a brighter, more innovative future, all thanks to the hardtech visionaries who dare to dream—and the platforms like The Heritage Group that help make those dreams a reality.

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Under the Hood: The Story of HG Ventures and Battle Motors

Posted on by Joe Ball

Battle Motors, a company transforming the heavy-duty commercial vehicle landscape, has a close partnership with HG Ventures. Following a recent visit to the company’s Ohio production facility, HG Ventures Managing Director, John Glushik, explains what makes this opportunity so special.

At HG Ventures, we often talk about investing in people as much as technology, and that has certainly been the case with Battle Motors. When I first met Mike Patterson, Battle Motors’ CEO, he was already a successful serial founder. So, when he approached us with his vision for a new venture, I was immediately interested. The Heritage Group has always bet on people, and Mike exemplifies the kind of leader we want to support. The values and standards that drive him and his team are consistent with how we do things at The Heritage Group, and it was clear early on that this was a great fit.

Mike saw a unique opportunity: take an existing company, an established refuse vehicle manufacturer, and scale it rapidly by introducing new technologies, unmatched reliability and a growth-oriented team. It was an easy decision to invest in Battle Motors in mid-2021, and as part of the deal, I joined the board. The timing couldn’t have been better.

John Glushik, Managing Director of HG Ventures, walks the Battle Motors facility with Mike Patterson

Thoughtful Innovation at the Forefront of the Electrification Revolution

The commercial vehicle industry, and refuse trucks in particular, have been dominated by diesel for decades, and in some areas, there’s been a shift towards compressed natural gas (CNG). However, electrification offers performance-improving technologies for a range of industries. With that in mind, Battle Motors has taken an established vertical in the commercial vehicle space—specifically, refuse trucks—and launched electrified trucks.

You can’t just dive into electrification overnight. It’s an evolution, and at Battle Motors, they’re approaching it thoughtfully. Battle Motors has built a diverse set of products, so customers can evolve into it as they see fit—whether staying with best-in-class diesel, bringing in CNG, mixing technologies or going 100% electric.

Refuse trucks are a perfect application for electric commercial vehicles. With known duty cycles and routes, there’s no range anxiety—something that often holds back electric vehicle adoption. You can send out a truck with a battery that lasts 100 miles on a 20-mile route, and you’ll never have to worry about charging. This predictability also makes it easy for fleet managers to calculate ROI on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis, further strengthening the case for electrification.

Battle Motors’ growth tear isn’t stopping with just refuse trucks, and the company is rapidly expanding into a wide range of heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

The Battle Motors facility in New Philadelphia, Ohio

Leveraging Existing Relationships

One of the smartest moves Mike made was acquiring and transforming an existing business with established customer relationships, rather than starting from scratch. Battle Motors is the evolution of Crane Carrier Company, a legacy business that had been operating for decades. Through Crane Carrier, Battle Motors already had relationships with most of the major municipalities in the U.S. who were buying diesel trucks along with an established dealer network.

By leveraging these existing relationships, Battle Motors has quickly positioned itself in front of major cities and waste management companies across the country. This has been a key factor in accelerating the company’s growth and ability to gain traction in the market.

A Worthy Investment

The company has expanded the existing Ohio plant and increased production capacity by more than 8X since our original investment, and touring the facility recently was truly exciting. For us, the ideal investment prospect combines many factors, and Battle Motors hits on all of them. It’s a company that embodies what we look achieve with an investment by HG Ventures.

We focus on helping companies with tangible value, and Battle Motors is a prime example of putting that in place. We combine significant venture capital experience—helping build teams, serving as trusted Board members, and helping companies navigate growth challenges—with the unique value that The Heritage Group brings: decades of market expertise, technical knowledge, and strong relationships in key markets.

I’m incredibly honored to be part of a transformation that is set to revolutionize an industry to be more productive and sustainable. I am confident that Battle Motors’ dramatic growth in the commercial vehicle sector will have significant long-term impact, and I am proud we can play a role in that success.

This story was originally reported by HG Ventures and has been republished here with permission.

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Significant Steps in Our Sustainability Journey

Posted on by Joe Ball

If you’ve ever been to The Center on the northwest side of Indianapolis, you know what an impressive campus it is. The Center serves as The Heritage Group’s hub of connection, collaboration and innovation.

Both LEED and SITES certified, The Center campus is also a beacon of sustainability.

Boulders and stone, gathered from Indiana quarries, were incorporated into the building’s design.

Boulders, stone panels and aggregate came from our own Indiana quarries, native plants attract pollinators and provide habitat for birds and other creatures, solar panels power lighting on our entrance signage and rainwater gathered in ponds is used for irrigation. The Heritage Group thoughtfully designed this space to make the smallest environmental impact, and we continue on our sustainability journey, always looking to improve. It’s the right thing to do for our people, planet and communities.

Zero Waste to Landfill

In a concerted effort to reduce our waste, and in partnership with experts from our operating company Envita Solutions, we’ve spent the last year re-evaluating best practices, taking very detailed measurements and making improvements with this goal in mind: reaching Zero Waste to Landfill. Company leadership, employees and vendors all played a part in this win through these steps:

  • No more single-use plastics. Employees often carry reusable water bottles or compostable cups into meetings.
  • Compost food waste. Green with Indy takes our compostable products and turns it into compost for community projects.
  • Like-minded caterers. Meals are served using compostable or recyclable plates, napkins and flatware.
  • Construction “clean fill.” Because they won’t leach into the ground, materials from the lab such as asphalt mix and aggregate can be used as a clean fill material.
  • Waste to energy. Through our waste hauler, our reduced amount of waste is repurposed as fuel.

“Thanks to this teamwork, we’re now diverting 100% of our waste from the landfill,” said Anne Smith, THG’s Senior Director of Sustainability. “Plus, these steps also helped us earn six more points in our LEED recertification, bumping us up to the Silver level. We couldn’t be happier with this outcome!”

LEED Recertification: Silver Level

Onsite charging stations for electric vehicles.

When you walk into a LEED certified building, you see a badge proudly displayed that announces that status. This badge is hard earned and indicates that sustainability is a top priority for the building owners and occupants.

It’s not a one-and-done thing: LEED recertification happens every three years, so it’s an ongoing effort according to Todd Dobbs, Facilities Manager for THG, who led our most recent recertification. “Being recertified shows that we aren’t just putting a plaque on the wall. We’re continuing to live and work sustainably.”

The recertification work was boosted by an energy audit and recommendations on how to reduce our energy consumption. Following those recommendations, The Center invested in monitoring systems that evaluate energy needs and adjust lighting, temperature and ventilation controls to meet those needs without waste.

For example: In our lab, fans in the ventilation hoods were running at 100% all day, every day. Now, with occupancy sensors installed, controls dial fans back to a minimum level after 30 minutes of no occupancy. That means all night, all weekend, we’re saving energy.

Although we used LED bulbs in many areas of the building, we were able to convert 1,000+ bulbs to LED versions. Moves like this resulted in huge improvements in efficiency, reducing our reduced electrical consumption by 30% and natural gas by 40%.

Besides energy consumption, LEED includes measurements in other areas too:

  • There’s little room for improvement there, with motion-activated faucets and low-flow toilet tanks already in place.
  • We asked employees who work in The Center to share information about their commutes and what vehicles they drive. Thanks in part to the EV charging stations in the lot, we’ve grown from two employees with electric vehicles in 2017 to approximately 10 this year.
  • Human Experience. We also asked employees to share their impressions about their work environment, amount of daylight and outdoor spaces. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

“Our long-term goal is to continue our work in this area — we still have gains to make,” said Todd. “Maybe someday we’ll even hit Gold!”

Did you know?

LEED-certified buildings save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people. They are critical to addressing climate change, enhancing resilience and supporting more equitable communities.

SITES-certified projects help reduce water demand, filter and reduce stormwater runoff, enhance biodiversity, provide pollinator and wildlife habitat, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, improve human health, increase outdoor recreation opportunities and much more.

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Driving the Future of Octane

Posted on by Joe Ball

At the Octane National Symposium, held in Indianapolis in late-April 2024, Monument Chemical brought together key players together for once-of-a-lifetime experience.

From April 22 to 24, over one hundred industry experts and technicians flew in from all over the country to swap stories and gain insight into the future of octane fuels. Monument’s Indianapolis Octane National Symposium created an intersection for proven experience and fresh perspectives to give attendees a valuable look into emerging industry trends — and how we’re taking full advantage. And true to Monument fashion, we took the conference experience to another level, hosting it at the Heritage Center with a truly one-of-a-kind tour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“As a leader in the Octane space, it was our goal to bring together key players in our industry to share best practices on the nuances of Octane measurement,” Indresh Mathur, Director of Innovation and Customer Solutions at Monument, explained. “In addition, we shared our expanded capabilities and investments in the renewable fuels business, particularly in the racing industry, as well as how we leverage decades of history and experience through Haltermann Solutions to support our customers in all the areas they need. This Symposium is just one of many ways we’re raising the bar.”

After a night of networking and introductions, the first day of the three-day event included technical sessions and panel discussions, featuring business leaders from Sunoco, Marathon, ExxonMobil, Argonne Laboratory, and more, as well as several members of the Octane measurement and racing community.

“Our speakers were thoughtfully chosen to facilitate the most effective transfer of knowledge across the industry,” Sarves Peri, VP, Business Leader Monument Renewables and Fuels, shared. “There are a lot of highly experienced leaders entering retirement, so we wanted to give their expertise a platform to educate the young people in our field who are shaping the landscape and designing the future of Octane and Cetane measurement.”

“Following the conference, participants were eager to share positive feedback with the Monument team,” Indresh added.

“Monument did a great job coordinating the event and keeping all the attendees engaged with the presentations, while creating a relaxed, open atmosphere where we could all share insights and stories about our experiences in testing fuels,” Zachary Santner, Manager, Product Engineering and Business Optimization at Sunoco Performance Products, shared. “Building my network of resources for octane testing gave me a lot of confidence in continuing to find parts and service for our old equipment — which is extremely valuable for Sunoco and me personally in navigating any issues my team might encounter related to the knock engines.”

That afternoon, a bus took all attendees to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a special access tour led by the head of track operations. Working closely with Milestone, everyone was able not only to get exclusive access to the track itself, but also to see and learn all about a real pace car first-hand.

“I feel like Monument went above and beyond any expectation that anyone had,” Stacy Perry, Refining Analytical & Development’s Quality Programs Compliance Specialist, Marathon. “The tour of the raceway was a once in a lifetime experience for me. But my favorite part of the experience was meeting individuals who have been in the business for many years. Hearing their experience and life lessons is an invaluable practice that provides benefits to everyone. I learned more in the two days of this symposium than I have learned in the ten years I have been in the refining industry.”

Day two featured a highly technical agenda in collaboration with the Joint Regional Octane Group Meeting. Sessions were tailored specifically to these members, while all other attendees had the opportunity to tour The Heritage Lab, as employees shared the history of our research, as well as our current and emerging capabilities in renewable fuels.

“The Center was an amazing venue,” Stacy added. “I got a chance to walk around the woodland trails and fell in love with the creative world they have created!”

From one-of-a-kind tours to invaluable networking and knowledge sharing, Monument is extremely proud of the success of our first Octane Symposium. We’re grateful for our collaboration with CFR Engines Inc., the regional groups, our sponsors, and all the participants in coming together to share valuable perspectives and insights.

“Our role as an industry leader goes far beyond buying and selling Octane and Cetane reference fuels,” Sarves explained. “It’s our responsibility to understand the big picture, how the industry environment is changing, how that impacts our customers’ needs, and how we respond with solutions. And we then share that information with our partners and even our competitors. That’s what being a leader is all about, and we’re very excited about what the future has in store.”

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Fueling Discovery

Posted on by Joe Ball

In the race for innovation, there’s no greater proving grounds than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Throughout its storied history, the Speedway embodies the spirit of discovery.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of motorsports worldwide. The Speedway’s marquee event, the Indianapolis 500, has inspired countless imitations and adaptations, solidifying its status as the pinnacle of motorsport. The Indianapolis 500, often referred to as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” is the crown jewel of racing in America. This annual event draws hundreds of thousands of fans to witness the world’s best drivers compete in a grueling 500-mile race. The event’s significance transcends sports, becoming a cultural phenomenon that symbolizes the spirit of competition, perseverance and ingenuity.

The Heritage Group and our operating companies have stood alongside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for decades. Together, we push boundaries, harnessing emerging science to propel progress forward. But, how exactly, did this long-standing partnership come about?

Our first company, Crystal Flash, sponsored a car for the 1937 running of the Indianapolis 500. Beginning in the late 1950s, Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI), a member of Heritage Construction + Materials (HC+M), began supplying bituminous materials for use in track repairs. This partnership continued and expanded in 1988 when Heritage Research Group (HRG), the research and development team of The Heritage Group, designed specific asphalt mixes for the Speedway’s oval.

Since then, the partnership between the two institutions has only strengthened. As time wore on and the track’s racing surface was subjected to the ever-changing climate of Indiana, it was time to update the asphalt, which at the time was only lasting around seven years. When it came to repaving the surface, IMS called upon Heritage to oversee and execute the sensitive work.

It wasn’t until 2013 that the full strength and capabilities of the various operating companies of The Heritage Group were put on display. On October 1, 2013, IndyCar and IMS officials announced a new event, a grand prix race on a road course, to be held in May 2014. However, an entirely new track needed to be designed and built in a very short amount of time. The road course project united Heritage Research Group, Milestone Contractors, US Aggregates and Asphalt Materials, Inc. to complete the work prior to the upcoming winter season which would halt any on-track construction. The work was completed to specifications on time, and the inaugural Indianapolis Grand Prix was held May 10, 2014, just seven months following the event’s announcement.

Enduring Spirit of Innovation

The pursuit of speed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has also been a catalyst for scientific discovery. Engineers and mechanics continuously strive to enhance the performance and safety of race cars, often pioneering technologies that eventually find their way into commercial vehicles. From rearview mirrors to disc brakes, from seatbelts to increased fuel efficiency, all of these innovations were first tested at the Speedway before making their way to your personal automobile.

The innovations born on the track often have far-reaching implications beyond racing, contributing to advancements in automotive technology, transportation systems and even environmental sustainability. For example, developments in hybrid and electric vehicle technology, spurred in part by the push for greater fuel efficiency in racing, have the potential to revolutionize the automotive industry and reduce carbon emissions.

Beyond its role as a hub for innovation and scientific discovery, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide. The speedway’s illustrious history is dotted with legendary drivers, unforgettable races and dramatic moments that have captivated audiences for generations. From the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 to the present day, the speedway has been a dramatic stage for both motorsports and human achievement.

“Find those partners that understand your mission and that are willing to work alongside you to make it better,” noted Doug Boles, President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “That’s one of the things we love so much about Heritage. We could not have the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500 without our partners at Heritage.”

The enduring partnership between the Speedway and The Heritage Group drives a relentless pursuit of excellence, shaping the next generation of safety, speed and success — both on and off the track.

 

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Envita Solutions: Leading By Example

Posted on by Joe Ball

Since 2001, Envita Solutions has been a devoted partner to customers, helping them tackle their most complex waste and sustainability challenges. Since its inception, Envita Solutions has continued to evolve with the changing sustainability landscape. From circularity strategies, increased recycling, waste minimization, landfill diversion, equipment optimization, cost savings – and everything in between – Envita Solutions understands the dynamic decision points its customers are weighing.

Envita Solutions exists to protect human health and the environment. As the premier provider of total waste management services in North America, they walk the talk in working towards their own ambitious sustainability goals.

Carbon Neutrality

To further its environmental impact goals and continue leading by example, Envita Solutions has achieved carbon neutrality across its North American operations. In addition to structural changes to minimize GHG release, Envita Solutions also procured carbon credits from N2O abatement projects to offset harder-to-decarbonize business operations. Envita Solutions’ carbon credit strategy was guided by ClimeCo, a trusted carbon credit market leader with the highest standards of environmental commodity products. Over the next decade, Envita Solutions will work to reduce GHG emissions so each subsequent year they rely less and less on the offset market to support climate resilience.

Environmental Impact Reporting

Creating a sustainability plan requires extensive decision-making with a focus on long-term impact. Envita relies on both The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and EcoVadis to help identify benefits and risks as well as improve performance and accountability on their sustainability journey. CDP supports Envita Solutions in managing its environmental impact through reporting and risk management with programs focusing on climate change, water, supply chains, forests, and cities. EcoVadis is a globally recognized assessment platform that Envita Solutions utilizes for reporting. It allows Envita Solutions to see the full picture of how their sustainability decisions influence four main categories: environmental impact, labor, procurement practices, and human rights standards/ethics.

Zero-Waste-to-Landfill

Envita Solutions has proudly helped more than 300 of its customers’ facilities achieve zero-waste-to-landfill certification. This means that they send zero discards to landfills or high-temperature destruction, instead diverting it to more sustainable means. Of course, all of Envita Solutions’ facilities in both the United States and Mexico are also proudly zero-waste-to-landfill certified.

Envita Solutions is the industry leader in delivering transformative sustainability across North America and they’re not slowing down any time soon!

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Cirba Solutions Launches “SustainABILITY 10,000”

Posted on by Joe Ball

Battery recycling and management company focuses its community engagement programming on one mission – to create eco-living action in communities across North America

Charlotte, N.C. (April 18, 2024) – Cirba Solutions, the premier battery recycling and management company, today announced a considerable investment in sustainable battery recycling education. A new initiative titled, “SustainABILITY 10,000,” looks to turn communities into educated eco-living experts by Cirba Solutions and its team who will commit to 10,000 hours of community engagement, sustainable practices and education in communities across North America.

The movement to live a more eco-friendly life continues to stagnate due to a lack of education about the practical steps necessary to have a positive impact on the environment and increase our sustainability footprint. A recent study by Nielsen IQ revealed that 78 percent of consumers say a sustainable lifestyle is important to them and 30 percent are more likely to purchase products with sustainable credentials. Cirba Solutions’ new initiative focuses on increasing consumer education and social awareness of battery recycling opportunities in local communities, both proven to change behavior.

“In battery recycling, we experience the gap between desire and education every day. Despite most consumers wanting to recycle batteries, many simply don’t know how or where to do it. The result is that the majority end up in the trash or landfill and are not being properly recovered following battery end-of-life,” said David Klanecky, CEO and President of Cirba Solutions. “But we also know battery recycling doesn’t stand alone. Many eco-friendly choices we as consumers would like to make don’t happen simply because of a lack of education about how to turn that desire into action. By committing 10,000 hours of education into our communities and neighborhoods, our mission is to move that needle and empower people to take action and live a more sustainable life.”

The nationwide effort will first center in the regions where Cirba Solutions operates. These include North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, California, Michigan, Ohio and British Columbia, Canada.

Specifically, the effort will focus on three key areas:

  • Community Education: Working in partnership with local communities, Cirba Solutions will both integrate into existing education plans, while creating new ones to help spread the word about how and where individuals can recycle batteries.
  • Community Enhancement: Leveraging the power of neighborhood connection, Cirba Solutions will provide physical and visual opportunities for programs such as battery collection events, local education opportunities and support of STEM activities.
  • Digital Advocacy: Cirba Solutions will build online resources and tools accessible to every community to share resources and activities to develop green and sustainable literacy.

SustainABILITY 10,000 will officially kick-off the weekend leading up to Earth Week 2024, when Cirba Solutions will participate in a collection event with the Detroit Zoo, as part of the GreenFest 2024 E-Recycling Event. On Saturday, April 20th and Sunday, April 21st, Cirba Solutions will help the community divert waste from local landfills by collecting batteries.

“This initiative takes what we do at Cirba Solutions every day and raises the bar, so we’re focused on delivering actionable value into communities,” said Karen Gay, Community Engagement Manager at Cirba Solutions. “Our team is passionate about making a difference and we can’t wait to continue the great work we’ve done alongside community leaders as well as create new partnerships with organizations who share our mission.”

SustainABILITY 10,000 both focuses and builds upon Cirba Solutions’ continuing commitment to its give-back culture. In 2023 alone, the end-to-end battery recycling company worked with regional organizations and various local communities to discuss safety, planning and training. Cirba Solutions also worked with and discussed sustainability practices with U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony of Cirba Solutions’ battery recycling facility expansion in Lancaster, Ohio, and engaged with more than a half dozen local community groups to support causes ranging from holiday toy donations to reducing hunger in regional communities.

To learn more about Cirba Solutions’ community engagement efforts, visit: www.cirbasolutions.com/our-community

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Progress Over Perfection

Posted on by Joe Ball

Amy Schumacher is CEO of The Heritage Group, a U.S. based sustainability investor. Amy tells Nomura Greentech that she is applying generations of business experience to grow vital new industries such as battery recycling.

This interview first appeared in the Winter 2023 edition of Nomura Greentech, and is reposted here for promotional purposes.

“We have been in the environmental sector for over 50 years.”

 

What first sparked your interest in sustainability?

At The Heritage Group we are a fourth generation, privately held, family-owned business. We think in terms of decades and ultimately generations, that’s how we are still around.

We have been in the environmental sector for over 50 years. My father founded that part of our organization, and I grew up in that world.

My spark is tied to how we define sustainability as people, planet and communities, as well as our common vision, centered on leaving the world better than we found it.

From early teenage summer jobs to my current CEO responsibilities, sustainability has always been a part of me.

How concerned are you about climate change and the pace at which the world is collectively trying to solve this problem?

We are all citizens of the world on this particular issue and I think everyone needs to explore what they can do to address climate change.

Both big initiatives and small steps can create a significant impact. For example, we’ve taken the small, but important step of eliminating single-use plastic bottles at our headquarters, and other Heritage locations are beginning to do the same. On a larger scale, we’re part of an initiative that’s introducing sustainable solutions into the construction of airport runways.

Tackling climate change is fraught with challenges from inconsistencies in language and measurement, to lack of global alignment and keeping up with rapidly evolving regulation.

I am concerned that the challenge may seem too daunting or the solutions so complex that people either get discouraged or spend too much time debating rather than taking meaningful steps forward.

At The Heritage Group, at least on our sustainability journey, we have adopted the mantra of ‘progress over perfection’ – in other words, even if our action is somewhat imperfect, we’ve ultimately made more progress than if we hadn’t begun at all.

As CEO you oversee The Heritage Group’s portfolio of more than 50 businesses and 6,000 employees. What’s your ethos when it comes to sustainability, capital allocation and investment or acquisitions?

The way we consider sustainability in making investment decisions has changed dramatically. It was always in the ether, but it’s now front and center as a factor that we actively discuss as it relates to strategic investments.

Our portfolio is very diverse. We have some companies that operate directly in the environmental services space and others in various adjacencies around it.

In addition to our core business areas, we have grown our investment thesis into new platforms that ultimately service our sustainability mission. In our HG Ventures portfolio, a hard-tech focused venture strategy, I can’t think of an investment we have made that doesn’t support our sustainability goals.

The DNA of The Heritage Group is in materials science. You have a focus on chemicals, construction materials and environmental services. How are you looking to bring sustainability into these businesses and which one is the hardest to decarbonize?

I’m really proud to be in these sectors and I’m committed to supporting their transition.

When I think about some of our legacy core businesses, we have embraced circularity for a very long time. Take reclaimed asphalt pavement, or RAP, one of the most recycled materials in the U.S., or recovering zinc from one of the largest solid hazardous waste streams in the country.

To decarbonize these businesses, we have long leveraged our Heritage Research Group, which uses science and technology to do more with less and do things differently.

This means harnessing our expertise in specialty chemicals and sustainable fuels to drive development or taking a waste stream from one industry to create an environmentally friendly solution in another or even optimizing processes, not only to reduce waste, but also to decrease our environmental footprint.

Quite often the decarbonization challenge is difficult and instead of leaning in, many investors exit and transfer the problem to someone else. We see that all the time and instead, we are using our expertise in science to drive sustainable solutions.

Which areas are you focused on for new investment and which of your past investments have yielded the biggest sustainability impact?

From an investment perspective, we are always looking at aligning our capabilities with the next emerging macro trend or tailwind – that’s when we are at our best.

Our investment in Cirba Solutions, the largest lithium-ion battery recycler in North America, is a good example of a recent success and where we plan on maintaining our focus in the near term.

Battery recycling is set to benefit from the rapid expansion in the global EV market and the U.S. will continue to develop at a fast pace as there’s a shortage of mineral inputs. Batteries are also associated with geopolitical and societal challenges considering where in the world some of these raw materials are located so recycling can help mitigate these issues.

Our strategy for Cirba Solutions was to look at that emerging opportunity and match it with the expertise within our portfolio companies to accelerate its development.

When I think about our past investments and current capabilities, what gave us the courage to commit to building and ultimately growing Cirba, was our understanding of recycling. We have capabilities in collection, and expertise in the science and technology of reusing materials.

With our track record of successfully handling challenging materials, we see an opportunity to be a leader within that industry. It’s a perfect example of where so many of The Heritage Group’s best capabilities really came together to do something impactful.

To what extent do you think the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is fast tracking decarbonization solutions and is it helping any of your portfolio companies?

I think it’s too early to understand the full impact of the IRA. It is definitely raising awareness, driving capital investment and accelerating the pace of business growth within the green space.

A number of our businesses, including Cirba Solutions, were recipients of federal Department of Energy grants related to their innovative technology. We were fortunate to have Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm at our ribbon cutting to celebrate not only the IRA, but what was possible for one of our emerging core businesses.

Envita Solutions is another example of a key Heritage operating business that is helping our customers achieve their goals through the use of data and science to optimize waste management.

While the IRA is not directly benefiting Envita, it is impacting the customers we serve by accelerating their net zero goals and timelines which in turn creates more opportunities.

The IRA is also having a positive effect on our communities. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is one of the best museums in the country, and The Heritage Group helped it apply for a Department of Energy sustainability grant through the IRA. We have a strong passion and commitment towards improving our communities.

Which future technologies are you most excited about?

Every year, around this time, I get really excited about welcoming our hard-tech founders into The Heritage Group Accelerator.

The program brings roughly ten very early stage companies to The Heritage Group for 13 weeks to help launch their sustainability businesses in areas such as green materials, infrastructure, environmental solutions and industrial systems.

It’s inspiring to see so many budding entrepreneurs applying their curiosity, talents and creativity to this space and the number of applicants grows exponentially each year.

Specific technologies capturing my attention include: sustainable aviation fuel, low carbon materials, water technology, and, of course, battery recycling.

There are also brand new technologies that we have never envisioned, which provide a glimpse into the future.

In 2030, The Heritage Group celebrates its centenary. What would you like to achieve by then and what legacy would you like to leave?

As a long term family-owned business, we’re building for generations, leaving people, planet and communities better than when we found them.

I’m fortunate to build upon what came before me at Heritage and to plant the seeds for what will come after, and that’s both a privilege and a responsibility.

Aspirationally, I would like to leave The Heritage Group in a place where it will be successful for the next 100 years, not just the next decade.

That means a focus on top talent. We aim to have a collection of world class businesses where smart, hardworking individuals can make a real difference. We are thinking carefully about the people side of our company because people are our greatest asset and hopefully a part of my legacy.

Who’s your sustainable hero and why?

It would be easy to say my grandfather and father; they had the foresight and courage to introduce sustainability concepts into The Heritage Group at a time when no one was talking about it and really laid the foundations for the businesses that we run today.

But honestly, my sustainable hero is my great-uncle Frank who was the steward of our sustainability journey in the early days, when the environmental industry was so much like the Wild West that we felt uncomfortable operating there.

All leaders have defining moments in their history where they can choose diverging paths and great-uncle Frank’s came soon after we had bought a fledgling environmental business. It was hindered by a series of challenges and leadership at the time was considering getting out and moving on.

But great-uncle Frank said “the world needs people like us in this business so we’re going to lean in, not lean out, and do the right thing, always.”

That really became the fabric and DNA of the business. We never stepped into this because of ESG regulatory pressures, financial returns or to jump on the next big macro trend. My forefathers did it because it was the right thing to do and that has served us at the heart of who we are today.

HAHDhAHSDHAHS

Reaching New Heights At Indianapolis Airport

Posted on by Joe Ball

Milestone sets a standard for sustainable practices in construction, leaving an enduring mark on the construction industry.

Milestone Contractors achieved a remarkable feat last spring by undertaking the colossal task of removing, recycling and reconstructing the southern runway at Indianapolis International Airport. This ambitious project, aimed at creating a runway to serve the airport’s needs for the next 40-to-50 years, was executed with dedicated precision, resulting in a runway that spans an impressive 150 feet in width, comprising four 37.5-foot-wide pulls, each a substantial 22 inches thick.

“Most concrete paving contractors in the United States are not capable of going 37.5 feet wide,” noted Steve Friess, Vice President of Concrete Operations for Milestone Contractors. “When you get to that wide and 22 inches deep, it takes a special crew that understands the nuances of stacking concrete that deep.”

Beyond the physical challenges of a project on this scale, airport runway construction is heavily regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Safety concerns are paramount, and contractors can expect to have their work closely inspected every step of the way.

“[With] airport projects, the FAA has a lot of requirements, and they are very stringent about a lot of things because they need to be,” said Steve. “So, if you’re gonna pave at an airport, you have to be ready to do it a hundred percent because the requirements are the same across all the United States.”

Within the nearly 700-page blueprint that guided construction were additional specifications on the FAA’s sustainability requirements. Far from presenting a hurdle, Milestone Contractors embraced the requirements as an opportunity to be stewards of the planet for the next generation, employing environmentally conscious practices such as using four million gallons of recycled water for dust control and on-site concrete plant operations.

“We recycled 135,000 tons of concrete and 65,000 tons of asphalt that came off the shoulders of the runway and then went back,” said Steve.

A highlight of Milestone’s commitment to sustainable practices was the innovative use of carbon encapsulation injection into the wet cement. This forward-thinking approach aimed to encapsulate carbon and eliminate its presence from the atmosphere, highlighting the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly construction methods.

That commitment paid off. Consider the airport’s prestigious accolades: Indianapolis International Airport, already recognized as the best North American airport in its class for eleven consecutive years, added another feather to its cap (stripe to its pilot uniform?) by earning the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) Envision Platinum Award. Milestone Contractors played a pivotal role in achieving this recognition, showcasing a commitment to sustainable infrastructure practices that goes beyond the ordinary.

The reconstruction of runway 5L23 at the Indianapolis airport stands as a testament to Milestone’s unyielding dedication to sustainable construction. This project not only signifies the successful completion of a major undertaking but also represents a defining chapter for the entire Milestone team. The company’s reputation for delivering quality work on time and within budget is well-established, but this project allowed their values, expertise and commitment to sustainability to shine brightly.

“Milestone is a very unique company. Whether it’s concrete, asphalt, general construction pipe or whatever, it’s all done as a team,” boasted Steve. “We were able to answer the call because we have all the parts of the team to put together.”

About Milestone Contractors, L.P.
Milestone Contractors is a privately held, family-owned business headquartered in Indianapolis. Milestone Contractors is a fully integrated heavy construction company specializing in highway, bridge, asphalt and concrete paving and site development. Over its 30-year history, Milestone has built a reputation for prioritizing safety, quality, people and innovation. Milestone Contractors is a part of The Heritage Group’s family of companies. Learn more at www.milestonelp.com.