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Here is today’s sustainable IT services and climate tech news, research and analysis — written for technology partners, green IT service providers, CIOs, chief sustainability officers (CSOs) and climate accounting professionals.
1. Executive Leadership – ESG: The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has hired Robin Hodess as CEO, beginning in February 2025. GRI provides standards, tools and training that empower organizations of all sizes to create sustainable, long-term value and unlock positive change in the world.
2. Executive Leadership – Power Management: Eaton has named Pete Denk as president and chief operating officer, Industrial Sector, effective January 1, 2025. Denk succeeds Paulo Ruiz Sternardt, who will become CEO when Craig Arnold retires on May 31, 2025.
3. Leadership – Data Centers: atNorth, a data center provider in the Nordics, has hired EY and Novo Nordisk veteran Cora Olsen as director of sustainability. Her role will involve “building a sustainability team and further strengthening cross-functional sustainability capabilities.” Her focus also includes “evaluating emerging renewable energy solutions and energy efficient technologies,” the company said. Olsen arrives roughly one month after atNorth expanded two data centers in Iceland. A related partnership with AgTech startup Hringvarmi will recycle excess data center heat for use in food production.
4. Partnership – Higher Education: The University of Kent (UoK), located in the United Kingdom, expects to cut emissions generated on campus by 50% through a new carbon reduction strategy developed in partnership with Siemens Smart Infrastructure. The first steps involve installing LED lighting in all buildings; upgrades to all building management system controllers; space optimization; and an updated metering system to optimize energy use across the estate, the organizations said.
1. Accelerator – Hardware: Keep an eye on the mHUB Climate and Energy Tech Startup Accelerator. The accelerator, focused on hardware climate and energy startups, runs a six-month program that assists with hands-on product development in a prototyping facility supported by corporate and venture investors.
2. Accelerator – Ocean-focused Startups: The NOAA Ocean-Based Climate Resilience Accelerators support small business and entrepreneurs that are seeking to commercialize ocean, coastal and Great Lakes- based technology and information services. Cohorts include the StarBlue Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, the gener8tor Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator and the VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator.
3. Accelerator – Startups to Know: The Elemental Impact accelerator has invested $18.6 million across 16 climate technology startups that focus on one of four areas:
- Accelerating the next era of U.S. manufacturing;
- building a resilient supply chain;
- strengthening rural and tribal access; and
- scaling a regenerative food system.
4. M&A – IT Asset Disposition (ITAD): Quantum Lifecycle Partners has acquired DCR Systems Group Inc., an IT service provider in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The recently completed deal further expands Quantum’s expertise in such areas as IT asset disposition (ITAD), recycling and e-waste reduction.
5. Complete M&A List: Here’s our database of all M&A deals involving green IT and renewable energy buyers, sellers and investors.
1. United States – Solar Energy Strategy: The U.S. solar industry unveiled its lobbying strategy for the incoming Trump administration, promoting itself as a domestic jobs engine that can help meet soaring power demand, without referencing its role in combating climate change, Reuters reported.
2. Research – Belgium Survey: A KPMG survey reveals corporate sustainability reporting trends in Belgium.