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Lafarge and Geocycle Canada inaugurate first company-owned Low-carbon Fuel Plant in the country

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The over $10-million investment will reduce carbon emissions at the Lafarge Canada Brookfield Cement Plant by 12,000 tonnes per year

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2024 /CNW/ – Lafarge Canada and Geocycle Canada, members of Holcim Group, and the Department of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD), today announced the opening of Geocycle’s first low-carbon1 fuel plant in Canada – a more than $10-million facility located at the Lafarge Canada Brookfield Cement Plant (NS). The investment represents one of the most transformative initiatives in the 50-year history of the cement plant. The project received $3.53 million from the federal government’s Energy Innovation Program (EIP), created to advance clean energy technologies to support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

“Cement is a vital component of infrastructure projects that contribute to economic growth. By implementing sustainable and innovative solutions to reduce our environmental impact, we’re serving the needs of our customers and the communities in which we operate both now and in the future,” says David Redfern, president and CEO, Lafarge Canada (East). “Our continued collaboration with Geocycle Canada reinforces our commitment to invest and advance circular construction in Canada.”

When in full production, the new plant will divert approximately 14,000 tonnes of waste away from landfills annually to be pre-processed into low-carbon fuel, minimizing the Brookfield Cement Plant’s reliance on traditional fossil fuels. It is expected that this will reduce carbon emissions at the plant by more than 12,000 tonnes per year2; equivalent to taking 13,480 passenger vehicles off the road.3 

As Geocycle’s first-of-its-kind in the country, the low-carbon fuel plant will take waste products like nonrecyclable plastics, and soon, construction and demolition waste materials, from local sources, turning it into low carbon fuels to make cement, and ultimately the concrete used in construction projects in the area and beyond. The new facility is also expected to create jobs in the local Nova Scotia community.

“At Geocycle, our solutions are circular by design,” says Sophie Wu, Head of Geocycle North America. “We are happy to take another significant step in our ongoing partnership with Lafarge Canada. This is a great example of our work toward the decarbonization of the construction industry in Canada.”

“By taking waste from the local community and turning it into low-carbon energy, Lafarge Canada and Geocycle Canada are reducing Canada’s reliance on traditional fossil fuels, and paving the way for additional lower carbon energy projects in the construction industry,” says The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

The Plant commissioning started in June 2024 when the Lafarge and Geocycle teams initiated their work with local manufacturers and materials recovery facilities (MRFs) to collect their waste to be pre-processed at the new facility. Together, both organizations are working toward finding solutions to decarbonize the construction industry. In May, the companies announced the completion of a pilot project to produce high-quality clinker made of recycled materials recovered from waste sources. Clinker is the main ingredient in cement – the active ingredient in concrete.

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1 Low (or lower or alternative low) carbon fuels are defined here and in some Canadian jurisdictions as fuels with lower carbon emissions than the fossil fuels they replace, which in the case of the Brookfield plant is coal.

2 Applicable to Scope 1 plant emissions with reductions determined using WBCSD/WCI methodology

3 Figure calculated using Natural Resources Canada Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.

About Lafarge Canada Inc.

Lafarge Canada is the largest provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions in Canada, including aggregates, cement, ready mix and precast concrete, asphalt and paving, road and civil construction. We have over 6,900 employees and 400 sites across the country, and as an affiliate of Holcim, Lafarge Canada is driven by the Group’s purpose to build progress for people and the planet. 

Holcim’s 63,448 employees are on a mission to decarbonize building while improving living standards for all. We empower our customers to build better with less, with a broad range of low-carbon and circular solutions, from ECOPact® to ECOPlanet®. Through innovative systems, from Elevate’s roofing to PRB’s insulation, Holcim makes buildings more sustainable in use, driving energy efficiency and green retrofitting. With sustainability at the core of our strategy, we are on the way to becoming a net-zero company with 1.5°C targets validated by SBTi.

www.lafarge.ca

About Geocycle

In a world of increasing population and rising urbanization, Geocycle provides sustainable solutions to municipalities and industries by transforming waste into resources: recycling, when possible, while valorizing non-recyclable materials. As a dedicated part of Holcim Group, we operate globally and offer large-scale and scientifically proven recovery and recycling solutions. We set industry leading standards, foster industrial symbiosis and provide peace of mind to our partners for achieving their own sustainability targets. We strive to achieve zero waste of resources, which leads to decarbonization, circular economy and building progress for people and the planet.

www.geocycle.com

About Holcim

Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions with net sales of CHF 27.0 billion in 2023. Driven by our purpose to build progress for people and the planet, our 63,448 employees are on a mission to decarbonize building, while improving living standards for all. We empower our customers across all regions to build better with less, with a broad range of low-carbon and circular solutions, from ECOPact and ECOPlanet to our circular technology platform ECOCycle®. Through innovative systems, from Elevate roofing to PRB insulation, Holcim makes buildings more sustainable in use, driving energy efficiency and green retrofitting. With sustainability at the core of our strategy, we are on the way to becoming a net-zero company with 1.5°C targets validated by SBTi.

Learn more about Holcim on www.holcim.com, and by following us on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Lafarge Canada Inc.

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Quarterhill Awarded High-Speed Weigh-In-Motion Prescreening Contract in Belgium

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The new WIM station will assist Brussels Mobility in achieving its goals of improving road safety and creating a fair regulatory environment by reducing the number of overloaded vehicles on the roads of the Brussels region.Traffic data provided by the system will support Brussels Mobility’s mission to foster economic growth and improve quality of life through the development of transport infrastructure.

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Quarterhill Inc. (“Quarterhill” or the “Company”) (TSX: QTRH) (OTCQX: QTRHF), announced today a contract to provide weigh-in-motion (“WIM”) technology to Brussels Mobility through a joint project with Belgium-based technology integrator Jacops NV (“Jacops”). Quarterhill will be responsible for the design and supply of the WIM subsystem, technical support, and training. Quarterhill will also provide Jacops with the software necessary for commercial vehicle monitoring and enforcement.

Quarterhill will supply the WIM system for the Brussels-Capital Region weigh station, which will be used to pre-select overloaded vehicles for enforcement. The dynamic weighing station will promote and improve the efficiency of inspections by screening vehicles at highway speeds in advance of the law enforcement inspection site. In addition, the weigh station will generate data that provides an accurate, real-time picture of the vehicles on the E19 highway.

The system’s goal is to reduce the number of overloaded vehicles on the Brussels Region’s roads. Overloading causes many problems, such as rapid road deterioration, more serious accidents, and unfair competition between transport companies. Quarterhill’s technology mitigates these issues by screening for overweight vehicles while optimizing the use of enforcement resources.

“We are excited at the prospect of introducing our advanced enforcement technology to Brussels Mobility and expanding our presence in Europe,” said Chuck Myers, CEO of Quarterhill. “Together with Jacops, we will deploy a state-of-the-art high-speed WIM system that will make Belgian roads safer and more sustainable. We have a longstanding relationship with Jacops as a customer for our microwave sensor products, and this project demonstrates how having a broad portfolio of traffic technologies and established relationships with traffic system integrators leads to further opportunities.”

The weigh station will monitor four lanes of one-way traffic on the highway and record data on vehicle classification and vehicle tax without impeding traffic. An overview camera provides images to help enforcement personnel clearly identify vehicles flagged by the system. An Automated Number Plate Reader system will photograph, recognize, store, process, and transmit the number plates of vehicles approaching the dynamic weighing station.

Quarterhill’s iSINC WIM controller was selected for the project as it offers preselection of overweight vehicles, creates comprehensive vehicle records, classifies vehicles, and meets the desired standards for continual uptime monitoring and ease of service. iSINC’s versatility allows it to control a wide array of sensors, cameras, dimensioning systems, communication systems, and custom equipment.

WIM sensors that comply with the accuracies outlined in the Nmi International WIM standard Specification and test procedures for WIM Systems will be installed at the site. The WIM sensors meet the lane width specifications and provide high durability, stable output over time, and IP68 water resistance.

Quarterhill will advise Jacops on the design and placement of the WIM system components to ensure optimal operation, including onsite technical support for installation, testing, and initial calibration. Quarterhill will also provide Jacops with thorough training on the WIM components and system calibration. Over the 2-year warranty period, Quarterhill will provide remote diagnostics and technical support to ensure continuous uptime and optimal performance.

“This project shows that Quarterhill’s technology is well suited to the precise needs of European agencies. We are set to elevate road safety and integrity in the region, reinforcing our expanding footprint in this important market,” stated Heimo Haub, Managing Director, Quarterhill Europe.

About Quarterhill
Quarterhill is a leading provider of tolling and enforcement solutions in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) industry. Our goal is technology-driven global leadership in ITS, via organic growth of our tolling and enforcement businesses, and by continuing an acquisition-oriented investment strategy that capitalizes on attractive growth opportunities within ITS and its adjacent markets. Quarterhill is listed on the TSX under the symbol QTRH and on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol QTRHF. For more information: www.quarterhill.com.

Forward-looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Such forward-looking statements relate to future events, conditions or future financial performance of ‎Quarterhill based on future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements other ‎than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements ‎are often, but not always, identified by the use of any words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “budget”, ‎‎”plan”, “goal”, “expect” and similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, assumptions, ‎uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those ‎anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, among others, demand for Quarterhill’s products and services; general economic and market conditions; competition; risks relating to technological advances and cyber-security; and other risks set forth in the Company’s most recent annual information form available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company believes the expectations reflected in ‎the forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations ‎will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be ‎unduly relied upon.‎ Material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, among others: Quarterhill’s ability to execute on its business plan; demand for Quarterhill’s products and services; operating assumptions; and financial projections and cost estimates. Quarterhill has no intention, and undertakes no obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quarterhill-awarded-high-speed-weigh-in-motion-prescreening-contract-in-belgium-302347610.html

SOURCE Quarterhill

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ez1099 2024 Edition Tax Preparation Software for 2025 Tax Season Is Available for Electronic Filing

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REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Designed for US business owners, tax professionals and entrepreneurs, the latest ez1099 tax form software from Halfpricesoft.com is easy to navigate and streamline processing unlimited forms for multiple companies for one flat rate.  The latest edition of ez1099 supports paper form printing, pdf printing and efile feature. It also comes with a recipient data import feature from the spreadsheet and QuickBooks IIF file.

 

“ez1099 2024 software is now available for business owners and tax professionals to print and file 1098’s and 1099’s, seamlessly.” Dr. Ge, Founder of Halfpricesoft.com, says.

ez1099 software streamlines the preparation, printing, and e-filing of essential IRS forms, including W2G, 1097BTC, various 1098 forms (1098, 1098C, 1098E, 1098F, 1098Q, 1098T), numerous 1099 forms (1099A, 1099B, 1099C, 1099CAP, 1099DIV, 1099G, 1099INT, 1099K, 1099LTC, 1099MISC, 1099NEC, 1099OID, 1099PATR, 1099Q, 1099QA, 1099R, 1099S, 1099SB, 1099SA), 5498 forms (5498, 5498ESA, 5498QA, 5498SA), as well as 8935, 3921, 3922, and 1096 forms.

Cost is only $79 per installation for the basic version of ez1099 Software or $139 per installation for the advanced version with bulk printing feature, import feature, PDF file creation and electronic filing capability. Also offered in a network version for two or more installations starting at $199 to enable sharing data between computers or offices.

ez1099 is compatible with Windows 11, 10, and 8.  It can also run on Windows Vista system, 7, and MAC machines (Mac can run the system only if installed with Bootcamp).

The features in the latest version ez1099 software include but are not limited to:

electronically file unlimited forms to the IRS with one flat rateez1099 blank paper prints out recipient copiesPrint in bulk for faster processingQuick data importing featureCustomers can save even more time by compiling and saving form data for later use and modificationSupport unlimited accounts and unlimited recipients at no additional chargeGo green with optional PDF document converting and e-file (electronic filing) featuresFeature to process correction forms included

Starting at $79.00 for the print and mail version and $139.00 to electronically file. Halfpricesoft.com welcomes all clients to begin the no obligation thirty-day test drive today at https://www.halfpricesoft.com/1099_software.asp#purchase

About halfpricesoft.com

Halfpricesoft.com is a leading provider of small to midsize business software, including online and desktop payroll software, online employee attendance tracking software, accounting software, in-house business and personal check printing software, W2, software, 1099 software, 1095 ACA form software and ezACH direct deposit software. Software from halfpricesoft.com is trusted by thousands of customers for over 20 years and will assist business owners simplify payroll processing and streamline business management.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ez1099-2024-edition-tax-preparation-software-for-2025-tax-season-is-available-for-electronic-filing-302340859.html

SOURCE Halfpricesoft.com

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The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute Enters Agreement to Accelerate Precision Drug Discovery for Neurodegenerative Disease

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Partnership Will Harness NYSCF’s Automated Cell Culture Systems and Artificial Intelligence Capabilities to Study Disease at an Unprecedented Cellular Level

NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute today announced they have entered into an agreement with Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company, to use NYSCF’s AI-powered platform for drug discovery to target neurodegenerative disease. This initiative brings together NYSCF’s advanced robotic systems for stem cell research and J&J’s expertise in drug discovery and data science to unlock novel disease insights and accelerate the development of more effective and tailored treatments.

NYSCF has developed proprietary automation technology that enables large-scale, reproducible disease modeling and drug screening using patient-derived stem cells. By combining high-content cell imaging with machine learning-driven analysis, NYSCF’s platform can reveal previously undiscovered disease phenotypes and therapeutic targets leading to the development of novel therapeutic approaches. This versatile platform is adaptable to a wide range of cell types and diseases, making it uniquely positioned to advance precision medicine for patients.

“This work with Johnson & Johnson allows us to integrate our cutting-edge stem cell automation and AI platform with their deep expertise in therapeutic development,” said Jennifer J. Raab, President and CEO of NYSCF. “Together, we look forward to accelerating the discovery of innovative treatments for patients affected by devastating neurodegenerative disease.”

About The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute
The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute is an independent non-profit organization accelerating cures and better treatments for patients through stem cell research. The NYSCF Research Institute is an acknowledged world leader in stem cell research and in the development of pioneering stem cell technologies, including the NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array®, which is used to create cell lines for laboratories around the globe. NYSCF focuses on translational research in an accelerator model designed to overcome barriers that slow discovery and replace silos with collaboration. For more information, visit nyscf.org.

CONTACTS:
David McKeon
212-365-7440
dmckeon@nyscf.org

Chris Taylor
chris@christaylorpr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-new-york-stem-cell-foundation-research-institute-enters-agreement-to-accelerate-precision-drug-discovery-for-neurodegenerative-disease-302347569.html

SOURCE The New York Stem Cell Foundation

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