Technology

SMU recognised at the 2024 International Green Gown Awards for its Sustainability Blueprint and SMU-X pedagogy

Published

12 hours ago

October 21, 2024

SINGAPORE, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Management University (SMU) is delighted to have won two 2024 International Green Gown awards – ‘Sustainability Institution of the Year’ and ‘Next Generational Learning and Skills’. These accolades not only highlight SMU’s unwavering commitment to sustainability but also recognise its innovative efforts in integrating sustainable practices into education and community engagement.

The International Green Gown Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding sustainability initiatives in higher education across the globe. Winners were announced by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), the leading body for sustainability in the post-16 education sector in the UK and Republic of Ireland in association with Allianz Global Investors, one of the world’s leading active investment managers. This year, 28 awards were presented to institutions from 14 countries, highlighting the commitment to embedding sustainability into educational practices.

SMU’s recognition as ‘Sustainability Institution of the Year’ underscores its strategic approach, through its Sustainability Blueprint, which embeds sustainability in the way its community works, learns, lives and plays. Informed by the UN SDGs, SMU’s Sustainability Blueprint charts its actions forward in concerted ways across the four strategies of Cultivating a Greener University, Developing Change Agents, Driving Impactful Research and Fostering Resilient Communities.

The University integrates sustainable technologies and practices into the planning, management and deployment of resources; prepare students as future sustainability leaders through transformative education and holistic learning experiences; produce and disseminate impactful sustainability research with an emphasis on management and social sciences; and create a safe, inclusive and empowering environment for its community to flourish.

“We are honoured to receive these awards, which reflect the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” said SMU President, Professor Lily Kong. “Being recognised as ‘Sustainability Institution of the Year’ is a huge honour. We are encouraged that SMU’s leadership, innovation and dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability across all aspects of the University have been recognised. We believe that education plays a crucial role in driving change, and we aim to become an exemplar of sustainable living and an inspiration for others as we build a more sustainable future together.”

Winning in the ‘Next Generational Learning and Skills’ category further exemplifies SMU’s dedication to preparing future leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for a sustainable world. Its innovative pedagogical approach, SMU-X, facilitates partnerships with corporations, non-profit organisations, and government entities to address emerging and pressing sustainability challenges in a real-world context. Students and faculty work alongside industry professionals to develop innovative perspectives that contribute to sustainable development goals. By exposing students to diverse perspectives and sustainability practices from around the world, SMU prepares them to be effective global citizens and advocates for sustainability beyond Singapore and the region.

SMU Provost, Professor Timothy Clark, said, “We are delighted to be recognised for our innovative pedagogical approach; the accolade is a testament to our commitment to industry project-based experiential learning. SMU-X is a platform for academia and industry to come together to drive meaningful impact. By emphasising real-world problem solving, and through collaborations with partners in the public and private sectors, we prepare our students to be future change leaders capable of addressing real-world sustainability challenges and driving positive environmental and social change.”

For the bold steps it has taken to reduce its carbon footprint on campus and to address climate risks through innovative construction technologies and methodologies – particularly exemplified through SMU Connexion, Singapore’s first net-zero energy building in the city centre – SMU was also Highly Commended in the ‘2030 Climate Action’ category.

In announcing the 2024 winners, Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive of EAUC, said, “It’s a privilege to celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year’s International Green Gown Award winners. This year we have 28 winners from 14 countries. These institutions are setting powerful examples for how to embed sustainability into every aspect of education and community. Their winning submissions highlight the breadth of innovative and impactful sustainability work taking place across the globe and serve as powerful catalysts for further sustainability action. By sharing these stories and examples widely, we can inspire more institutions to follow their lead, amplifying the impact beyond their campuses. The commitment to driving positive change, not only on their own campuses but beyond, is a testament to the leadership and vision that will shape a sustainable future. Congratulations to all our winners and participants!”

Read more about SMU’s winning submissions and the judges’ comments here:

Sustainability Institute of the Year – Winner
https://www.greengownawards.org/singapore-management-university-singapore4Next Generational Learning & Skills – Winner
https://www.greengownawards.org/singapore-management-university-singapore1 2030 Climate Action – Highly Commended
https://www.greengownawards.org/singapore-management-university-singapore

Endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme and supported by The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), L’Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), the International Association of Universities (IAU), the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) and Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS), the International Green Gown Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the world.

Now in the 10th year and with judging panels drawn from EAUC’s international member and partner network, the Awards are widely recognised as setting the bar for sustainability best practice in colleges and universities around the world, while providing an international platform to share and promote sustainability action in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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About Singapore Management University (SMU)

A premier university in Asia, SMU is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU’s education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning.

Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises eight schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law, School of Social Sciences, College of Integrative Studies and College of Graduate Research Studies. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors’, masters’, and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas.

SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU’s city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community. www.smu.edu.sg

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SOURCE Singapore Management University

Technology

Omnex Acquires Futurepast

Published

15 mins ago

October 21, 2024

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On October 17, 2024, Omnex Engineering and Management (Omnex), an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based firm, announced the acquisition of Futurepast, Inc., an Arlington, Virginia-based company that provides greenhouse gas consulting, training, and auditing services.

Omnex president Chad Kymal stated that Futurepast will be integrated into Omnex’s Secure, Safe, and Sustain (Omnex S3) business unit, and that Futurepast’s John Shideler will assume the role of Managing Director of Sustainability Services.

According to Kymal “Omnex’s S3 and Futurepast would like to support a Net Zero World helping our customers and the world transition into a future that balances the needs of the present with those of the future. S3 and Futurepast will provide training and verification services to support Omnex’s customers’ as well as the world’s aspiration to Net Zero Carbon. In addition, Omnex S3 supports the transition to eMobility by providing product certification for Automotive Functional Safety and Cybersecurity. Hence the collective vision and mission of Safety, Security, and Sustainability. According to Kymal, “we are indeed fortunate to have one of the world’s experts in greenhouse gases (GHG) and Net Zero join Omnex.”

Shideler stated that, saying, “Folding the mission of Futurepast into the Omnex group will add scale to our business operations and increase the level of services available to clients. It is a win-win for our customers and for the two companies.”

In August, Futurepast achieved accreditation from the ANSI National Accreditation Board as a validation and verification body, and it serves clients across North America and globally.

Omnex has 12 offices worldwide and provides services across 40 countries globally. We are thrilled to partner with Futurepast as we aim to make a real difference in reducing companies’ carbon footprints.

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SOURCE Omnex

Technology

Yale Levy Joins SoloSuit to Lead Growth of SoloSettle

Published

15 mins ago

October 21, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SoloSuit, a legal tech startup helping consumers resolve debt collection lawsuits, has named Attorney Yale R. Levy as Director of Client Development. Levy, founder of Levy & Associates, LLC, a multi-state collection law firm, and former President of the National Creditors Bar Association (NCBA), brings decades of debt collection expertise to the company. He will focus on building partnerships with creditors, law firms, and collection agencies to promote SoloSuit’s latest tool, SoloSettle.

“I’m excited to help expand SoloSettle,” said Levy. “This innovative platform allows consumers to settle debts electronically while saving creditors significant legal costs by speeding up the process.”

SoloSettle is the first of its kind—a digital settlement marketplace designed to ease and automate the negotiation process between consumers and debt collectors. By leveraging AI and electronic communication, SoloSettle eliminates the need for direct phone conversations and court involvement, creating a frictionless and efficient way to settle debts online. Once an agreement is reached between the parties, the platform facilitates the entire process, from negotiating terms, to executing settlement documentation, to handling secure payments. SoloSettle saves time and money for both consumers and collectors, reducing the average settlement time from six months to just under 14 days.

“This is a win-win,” said George Simons, Founder and CEO of SoloSuit. “SoloSettle helps consumers settle debts affordably, while helping collectors recover debts faster and with less hassle. We’re thrilled to have Yale lead our expansion efforts.”

Under Levy’s leadership, SoloSettle has gained traction, with numerous law firms, collection agencies, and debt buyers already using the platform to resolve debts. Levy’s expertise provides a collector’s perspective, positioning SoloSuit as a trusted mediator between consumers and collectors.

“SoloSettle is not a debt settlement company,” Levy clarified. “It’s a neutral platform that streamlines the settlement process for both parties.”

Simons added, “Yale’s leadership in the collections industry is invaluable as we strengthen relationships with creditors, debt collectors, and law firms. With his help, we’ll continue to grow this innovative platform.”

About SoloSuit
SoloSuit helps consumers resolve debt collection lawsuits through web-based software. Its platform, SoloSettle, enables consumers and debt collectors to negotiate settlements online, reducing time, cost, and stress in debt resolution.

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SOURCE SoloSuit, Inc.

Technology

Sen. Amy Klobuchar tours American Peat Technology sites for Manufacturing Month

Published

15 mins ago

October 21, 2024

Growing Aitkin-based APT creates all-natural products for agricultural, other applications

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Minnesota’s senior U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar made a visit to the facilities of American Peat Technology (APT) in Aitkin, Minnesota, on Thursday, October 17th.

Sen. Klobuchar’s visit was part of her tour of Minnesota industrial worksites in honor of Manufacturing Month.

“We were proud to show Sen. Klobuchar how emerging applications for peat-based agricultural products are putting Minnesotans to work,” said APT’s CEO Brad Pieper. “Thanks to the excellence of our all-natural products, and the growing demand for them, APT is increasingly prominent as a solver of problems in agronomy, water treatment, consumer goods, and many other areas.”

Incorporated in 2003, APT uses peat – plant matter that naturally breaks down over time in Minnesota bogs and wetlands – to manufacture natural, value-added products serving needs in areas of agronomy, water remediation, consumer product development, whiskey distilling, battery mineral processing, and more. With vast research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities, APT partners with start-ups and established companies to develop and scale product solutions.

“Whether it’s converting nitrogen into useful gases for crops, or filtering heavy metals out of water impacted by mining, APT’s peat processing not only helps Minnesota’s farmers, it’s also turning Central Minnesota’s peatland into real jobs that raise our local communities up,” said Pieper.

With 40 year-round employees, a 100,000 square foot production facility, and 480 acres under permit to mine, APT is Minnesota’s largest peat harvester. It’s one of several Minnesota businesses Sen. Klobuchar visited for Manufacturing Month, during which businesses open their doors to showcase their contributions to life in the state, and to recruit new talent.

“I stopped by American Peat Technology to see how their business helps local agriculture and creates manufacturing jobs in rural Minnesota,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our state has long been a premier destination for innovative companies like APT, and I’ll continue working to strengthen our economic leadership.”

“We’re thrilled Sen. Klobuchar chose to come to APT,” Pieper said. “It’s the perfect opportunity to highlight our company and the great things we’re doing for the people of Central Minnesota and the world.”

Learn more about APT at https://americanpeattech.com/.

About American Peat Technology

American Peat Technology (APT) manufactures natural, high-value all-natural products using peat harvested from Minnesota’s bogs and wetlands. As the state’s largest peat harvester, APT supports industries ranging from agronomy and water remediation to whiskey distilling and battery mineral production. Based in Aitkin, Minnesota, and offering R&D and manufacturing expertise, APT partners with start-ups and established companies alike to develop innovative, scalable solutions. Known for its nimble and science-driven approach, APT is a trusted partner that delivers custom solutions tailored to its clients’ most complex challenges.

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SOURCE American Peat Technology (APT)