Drafting vs. Engineering: Choosing the right partner for commercial projects

Intelligent power management company Eaton is providing engineering services and electrical solutions for Penn State’s $700 million Beaver Stadium Revitalization project. Eaton is helping make significant updates to the stadium’s electrical system to drive energy efficiency and support the university’s commitment to sustainability.

The revitalized electrical system will serve as a reliable foundation for the transformation of the stadium’s west side, which includes a new press box, upper deck and multiple new ground-level structures. Eaton’s advanced energy monitoring solutions will help the university optimize energy usage by providing the actionable insights needed to improve efficiency, simplify maintenance and maximize long-term cost savings. 

“Eaton and Penn State have a strong history built on more than 25 years of collaboration,” said Justin Carron, director of buildings and campuses at Eaton. “With our proven equipment and one of the most capable engineering services teams in the industry, we’re delivering a reliable, safe electrical system to keep Beaver Stadium operating efficiently for decades to come.”

Eaton will support the Penn State project with a comprehensive range of power distribution solutions such as substation, switchboards, panelboards, transformers and disconnects. The company’s engineering services team will provide short circuit, coordination, arc flash studies and startup services to ensure optimal electrical system performance, safety and reliability.

Learn more about how Eaton is helping electrify the buildings of the future.   

Eaton | www.eaton.com

The National Safety Council (NSC) has awarded Ryan Severe of Puget Sound Energy (PSE) the 2025 Green Cross for Safety Innovation Award. The recognition follows Severe’s pioneering work with the SYTIS’ TC-90 Bi-spectral Card Camera in PSE wind turbine’s electrical panels. Paired with SYTIS’ InfraSpec software, the compact, embedded camera enables real-time, remote monitoring of critical, electrical panel components to diagnose issues in their early stages. 

Severe introduced the TC-90 system to diagnose unknown triggers for PSE’s frequent and costly downtimes, fires and arc blasts that had been plaguing their Vestas V80 wind turbines for extended periods of time. Upon installation, SYTIS technology instantaneously identified that the contactors and attached lead wires were operating at temperatures exceeding their respective manufacturers’ rating. 

The TC-90 system has emerged as an innovative safety catalyst across PSE's wind turbine O&M. Severe reports: 

• Tower climbs reduced by over 50%, substantially eliminating associated risks  
• Diagnostics can now be performed remotely, mitigating unnecessary climbs  
• Electricians are briefed on issue prior to turbine climbs, improving preparation and reducing downtime and unwelcome dangers 
• Early warnings from the InfraSpec software identify anomalies via email alerts, halting issues before escalation 
• No exposure to live electrical current during installation or diagnostics  
• The TC-90 has since been adapted to help quickly diagnose converter faults inside power panels, enhancing site-wide awareness 

Severe’s integration of the TC-90 system has marked a major advancement in operational safety — enabling real-time visibility into live inverter panels from the safety of a vehicle, preventing physical exposure to energized components during diagnostics. 

The award was presented at the 26th annual Green Cross Celebration, during which NSC CEO Lorraine Martin praised the winners for “protecting our workplaces and communities today and shaping a safer tomorrow”. 

Sytis | www.sytis.com

Green Partners Adjusting (GPA), the specialist renewable energy loss adjusting firm, has highlighted a significant challenge for project owners and insurers managing losses on wind energy projects approaching repowering.

As the first wave of UK and European wind farms, built in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reach the end of their operational life or the full term of their planning agreements, many projects are earmarked for repowering with larger, more efficient turbines.  The difficulty lies in how policies respond when a site is scheduled for repowering but suffers a material damage event before that transition. Traditional insurance wordings do not always anticipate this scenario, leaving both insureds and insurers navigating complex grey areas.

“Replacing turbines like-for-like is often not viable,” explained George Pooley, Managing Partner, Green Partners Adjusting. “Original turbines in the 750 – 850kW range are largely obsolete and uneconomical to repair if there is not a supply of replacement parts - meaning project owners naturally look to repower with 2MW or larger machines. But current insurance policy structures create uncertainty about how losses should be quantified in this scenario.”

The difficulty centres on the treatment of replacement cost, actual cash value (ACV), and loss of revenue:

• Obsolescence: Replacing or attempting repairs with the same model is impractical; however, taking the ACV can leave insureds with negligible recovery, as depreciation wipes out much of the turbine’s book value.
• Revenue uncertainty: Policies may cover loss of revenue for a repair or replacement period, but if the insured chooses not to replace, entitlement to business interruption cover for the length of period indemnifiable, becomes unclear.
• Disputed positions: Insurers may argue there is no entitlement to revenue if the asset is not replaced, while insureds will push for the full indemnity period - often up to 12 months. Loss adjustors are then tasked with bridging the gap between both parties.

Green Partners Adjusting believes the market would benefit from the development of standardised clauses that address the unique circumstances of end-of-life and repowering projects. Policies that, for example, could specify loss of revenue cover for a notional repair period (6–9 months) even if the turbine is not replaced, providing a fairer balance between insurers and insureds.

Some policies include “Obsolete Technology” provisions, but these tend to focus on the availability of spare parts or the economics of repairing older units and often lack clarity on Business Interruption treatment. Green Partners Adjusting argues that the market needs standardised clauses tailored to repowering scenarios. These could, for example, stipulate:

• Clear definitions of ACV recovery for end-of-life assets using a pre agreed valuation formula or linking to the Sum Insured.
• Explicit Business Interruption cover for a defined notional repair period, regardless of whether replacement occurs.
• Mechanisms for agreed settlement where repowering is imminent.

“With repowering becoming a central feature of the wind sector, this issue will only grow in importance,” said George Pooley. “Our role as loss adjustors is to guide constructive conversations, but the industry also needs clarity. Clearer policy language would help avoid disputes and provide certainty for project owners and insurers alike.”

George Pooley will be discussing insurance claims and repowering at the Aviva Renewables Client Forum 2^nd October 2025.

Green Partners Adjusting | https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenpartnersadjusting/

RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, has today launched its first Canada Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a four-year framework (2025–2029) that sets out clear commitments to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples across the country.

The plan builds on RES’ two decades of working alongside Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada and outlines five core pillars – Educate, Engage, Empower, Celebrate, and Illuminate – designed to deliver meaningful and measurable actions.

These include advancing Indigenous awareness training for RES employees, co-developing engagement plans with Indigenous communities for all new projects, increasing employment and contracting opportunities, supporting cultural events, and publishing biannual progress reports.

Peter Clibbon, Senior Vice President, RES in Canada, said “RES’ RAP reaffirms our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The renewable energy business takes us directly to where Indigenous Peoples have a unique and long-lasting connection to the land and waters. We are committed to nurturing deeper relationships with Indigenous communities and dedicated to recognizing Indigenous histories, diverse cultures, and unique perspectives as vital.”

RES has already demonstrated the value of Indigenous-led partnerships through projects such as the 200 MW Bekevar Wind Project in Saskatchewan, developed in collaboration with Cowessess First Nation. The project secured 17% equity ownership for Cowessess Ventures Ltd., as well as employment, training, and contracting opportunities, creating long-term economic benefits for the community.

Developed with input from Indigenous partners and RES employees, the RAP is closely aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (NIMMIWG).

Douglas McAlpine, Chair, Americas, RES, said: “True reconciliation requires long-term commitment, transparency, and respect. At RES, we see our Reconciliation Action Plan as an opportunity to lead by example in the renewable energy industry, demonstrating how meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples can drive both social and environmental progress. This is about ensuring the projects we deliver today create enduring benefits for generations to come.”

The RAP’s visual identity was created by Cree artist Chris Chipak of Red Pheasant Cree Nation, whose design incorporates cultural symbolism to reflect the plan’s five guiding pillars and the shared journey of reconciliation.

RES will report publicly on the RAP’s progress every two years, ensuring transparency and accountability as it continues to build long-lasting partnerships with Indigenous Peoples across the country.

RES employs nearly 100 people across Canada, with expertise spanning both development and construction. The company established its Canadian presence in 2005 with the hiring of its first local employee to support the development of the Talbot Wind Farm in Ontario. It has since developed and or constructed 18 per cent of all wind projects in Canada.

RES has developed and/or constructed more than 3.9GW of wind, solar, and energy storage projects nationwide and has a 9.9GW portfolio of renewable energy projects under development.

Access the RAP in full here: https://bit.ly/3Km2dFO

RES | https://www.res-group.com/

The Net Zero Conference, brought to you by Verdical Group, convenes climate leaders to collaborate on global solutions for change in the built environment. The event is a hub for people in the industry to gather, bridge knowledge gaps, and inspire a net zero future. The annual one-day conference returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center on October 1, 2025, featuring industry leading keynote speakers, educational sessions and industry networking opportunities:

• World-Class Education Sessions — Featuring content on: Biomimicry, Biophilia, Built Environment, Design, Energy, Health & Wellness, Materials, Technology, Transportation, Urbanism, Waste, Water 
• Networking Opportunities — Past attendees have come from 54 countries and 45 U.S. states spanning all industries. Mingle at our Happy Hour in the Hall, Women in Net Zero Mixer, and more.
• Inspiring Keynotes — World-class speakers from multidisciplinary backgrounds hold our conference stage. Previous Keynote speakers from XPRIZE, Edison International, NASA, Seventh Generation, Zero Hour, and more.

For over a decade, the Net Zero Conference has been convening climate leaders to re-envision a decarbonized and net zero built environment. We showcase the latest on: Climate + Net Zero + ESG + Equity + Carbon + Resilience with 100+ speakers, 80+ partners around the globe and thousands of annual attendees.

Take Part in Climate Action

There’s never been a more exciting time to join the ranks of those taking climate action. The latest 2023 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report reinforced and accentuated the challenge that we face and the urgency that is necessary concerning the climate crisis. Over the last 11 years, the Net Zero Conference has brought together those who understand it takes all of us to overcome climate change.

Transparency Report 

We’re committed to making a positive impact through the Net Zero Conference each and every year. In line with that goal, we are pleased to introduce the NZ24 Transparency Report, which shares insights on our attendees, speakers, environmental impact, and more. Learn more: https://netzeroconference.com/transparency-report/

Main Conference & Expo

Wednesday, October 1  |  7:30am – 6:00pm

The Net Zero Conference & Expo will be hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center! Join us for zero carbon learning opportunities across all industries, exciting keynotes, and networking in the Expo Hall. 

Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall
1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Register to join at https://netzeroconference.com

Verdical Group | https://verdicalgroup.com/

Cool Down, the innovative thermal transfer system that uses naturally stable ground temperatures to cool homes more efficiently, announced the release of the newest version of its Smart Control Unit. The upgraded unit introduces new modes that expand the system’s functionality and provide even more ways for homeowners to cut energy costs and improve comfort—year-round.

The Cool Down system is known for its ability to reduce air conditioning use by up to 67% per season by leveraging the consistent temperatures found in basements. With the new Smart Control Unit’s  release, the system now offers enhanced heating and dehumidification functionality, as well as new energy-saving modes designed for varied climates and user preferences.

“The Smart Control Unit is about putting more control—and more savings—in the hands of homeowners,” said Damien Semel-DeFeo, founder of Cool Down. “These new modes allow the system to be customized for any home, climate, or energy-use goal.”

New Features in the new Smart Control Unit:

• Estimated Savings Display: Users can now view their estimated energy savings in real time—helping track ROI and optimize system use.

• Basic Heating Mode: In addition to summer cooling, Cool Down can now be used in the winter to capture and circulate heat from areas with wood stoves, pellet stoves, mini-splits, or south-facing windows.

• Dehumidification Mode: Enables your AC or heat pump to dehumidify unfinished basement spaces just like the rest of your home—cutting cooling costs while improving indoor air quality.

• Power Boost Mode: Temporarily prioritizes cooling and dehumidification performance over energy savings—ideal for extremely hot or humid days.

• Eco Boost Mode: Maximizes energy savings by preventing the AC or heat pump from activating. Especially effective in shoulder seasons or for homes with moderate cooling needs.

• Standalone Mode: For homes without ductwork, Cool Down now functions as a central cooling solution on its own. While slightly less powerful than traditional AC, it offers dramatically lower operating costs.

Cool Down is a practical, low-cost alternative or supplement to traditional cooling systems—especially important as electricity rates rise across the country. Designed to be installed by professionals in just a few hours, the system integrates seamlessly with or without existing HVAC equipment and requires no refrigerants, compressors, or external condensers.

Cool Down | https://www.getcooldown.com/

Emobi, North America's largest EV charging roaming and JustPlug infrastructure, and Curo, a pioneering Virtual Depot platform that enables leasable, existing EV charging for fleets, today announced a strategic partnership designed to help fleets electrify faster, cheaper, and more seamlessly across the U.S. Through this collaboration, Curo gains seamless charging access to Emobi's vast network of charging point operator partners in North America, while Emobi benefits from increased utilization of its chargers as Curo parks and manages more fleet customers across their locations. Together, the companies are creating a smarter path to electrification that benefits fleets, while also driving new utilization for CPOs and opening revenue opportunities for commercial real estate partners.

For fleet operators, Curo enables both gas and electric vehicles to scale without the burden of building new charging infrastructure. By tapping into Emobi's existing resources, Curo's customers can deploy electric fleets more quickly and cost-effectively, while their drivers benefit from a seamless charging experience. The result is less operational uplift for fleet managers, more reliability for drivers, and stronger economics for operators already working to navigate the EV transition. The partnership is currently live and delivering results.

"Fleet operators need solutions that simplify electrification, not add to their burden," said Lin Sun Fa, CEO of Emobi. "By integrating with Curo, we're making it easy for fleets to tap into chargers already in the ground, while giving our CPO partners higher utilization. It's a win-win."

"It's great to innovate together with another YC alumnus and enrich the experience for our fleet customers," said Kieran White, CEO and Co-Founder of Curo. "Through Emobi's partner referrals, we're able to rapidly expand our growing parking and charging network."

Emobi | www.emobi.ai

Curo Charging I www.curocharging.com