Empower

Renewable power projects require significant investment of capital and time. By identifying potential risks in advance, projects can overcome regulatory challenges, enhance safety and come online quicker. We were selected by Global Power Generation, a subsidiary of Naturgy, to deliver the independent engineering report to support the financing of its Chile-based solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. This report will be used to support the business case for renewable power projects and manage risks proactively.

A report from the Economic Intelligence Unit commissioned by the World Wildlife Foundation finds that internet searches for sustainable goods grew by 71% between 2016 and 2021. But many consumers are wary of “greenwashing” and look for independent verification of green-label claims. Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program highlights products that are certified by one or more trusted third-party sustainability certifications or their own Compact by Design certification, which helps preserve the natural world. Amazon’s Smart Thermostat earned ECOLOGO® Silver Certification from UL.

Car seats contain hundreds of chemicals, including flame retardants, formaldehyde and phthalates, that may irritate small or sensitive lungs. Parents looking for a car seat with fewer chemicals and lower emission levels can now put Wonderland Group’s products on their shopping lists. This UL customer is the first car seat manufacturer in the Asia Pacific region to earn UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification, which was developed to support specific health sensitivities of children and other vulnerable populations.

Batteries have grown in power and application and are driving the expansion of the mobility market through e-bikes and hybrid and electric vehicles. But the market for recycling and repurposing of spent batteries has been slow to develop, creating significant waste concerns. UL signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai on second-life battery energy storage systems (SLBESS) with the goal to further SLBESS adoption by demonstrating safety and performance potential. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to combat climate change and carbon emissions through effective battery reuse.

Forty percent of today’s global plastic waste ends up in the environment. With consumers increasingly considering the environmental impact of their purchases, demand for more sustainable materials is growing. SABIC, one of the world’s largest chemical manufacturing companies, is committed to growing the market for recycled, ocean-bound plastics. This customer achieved Environmental Claim Validation (ECV) for Recycled Content, a critical step in broadening the availability of validated, recycled plastic for manufacturers looking to improve the label claims of consumer end products.

The market for wind power is expanding rapidly. Precedence Research projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% through 2030, when the global market should reach nearly $175 billion (USD). To keep up with the demand, manufacturers such as Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy have developed advanced turbine designs for some of the world’s largest onshore turbines. By providing certification services for Siemens Gamesa, UL will help aid in the safer, reliable deployment of these turbines and advance renewable power capacity throughout Europe.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated consumer adoption of cashless payments. Retailers, financial institutions and developers are responding with innovative products and protocols to meet demand safely and securely. We stand ready to analyze these solutions across both established and evolving frameworks. In 2021, we secured approvals to facilitate testing to support secure digital payment technologies, including for customers seeking compatibility with the American Express Network and for consumer mobile devices seeking EMC Level 1.

Contactless payments can unlock earning potential for entrepreneurs in developing areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa. WIZZIT Digital, a South Africa-based digital payments firm, introduced Tap2Pay, a software point-of-sale (SoftPOS) solution with personal identification number support. Our advisory services included functional testing and evaluation services, as well as robust testing to security standards. This comprehensive approach helped WIZZIT Digital demonstrate adherence to applicable standards and empower entrepreneurs throughout the region.