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ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION: PIERREFONDS-ROXBORO STRENGTHENS ITS STRATEGY WITH A NEW VISUAL IDENTITY AND SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

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PIERREFONDS–ROXBORO, QC, Sept. 11, 2024 /CNW/ – The members of the Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough Council, joined by dedicated employees, community partners, and citizens, highlighted the Borough’s strategic commitment to ecological transition today, notably unveiling a new brand identity designed to communicate this strong commitment. The event, held on the Pierrefonds Library terrace, marked a significant milestone in the Borough’s efforts toward a greener future and showcased the first annual assessment on Pierrefonds–Roxboro’s ecological transition initiatives.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new communication strategy for our ecological transition, designed to support the administration’s strategic vision and the sustainable initiatives undertaken by our staff and residents of Pierrefonds–Roxboro. This strategic effort reflects our deep commitment to a sustainable future and aligns with the Borough’s Vision 2030, which aims to make Pierrefonds–Roxboro a territory recognized for its protected natural environment and vibrant, multicultural community. This transition is not only reflected in our evolving practices but also in how we communicate our ecological vision,” said Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough Mayor, Dimitrios (Jim) Beis.

A Distinctive Branding for a Powerful Message

To clearly demonstrate our commitment, we are introducing a slogan and a visual identity with compelling messages. The slogan, “Living the transition, let’s cultivate an ecological future” is the concept on which our approach is based. With this message, we want to establish an authentic and inclusive bond with our citizens by inviting them to adopt a sustainable lifestyle in their community. This concept takes into consideration the ever-present reality in Pierrefonds–Roxboro: that citizens have specifically chosen this Borough as their home.

The term “Living” refers to harmonious cohabitation with our environment, while “cultivate” suggests continuous growth and a shared commitment to practices that are respectful of the environment. Overall, our signature elicits a reflection process about how to live in the Borough in a way that is both smart and participative.

An Ecodesigned Brand Image

Our choice of colours and the visual design solidly reflect our sustainability objective. The calming green and blue tones symbolize nature, water and ecological balance, while the eco responsible design of the communication supports recyclable supports and ink with a low environmental impact. This allowed us to strengthen our message while shrinking our own ecological footprint.

Our communication strategy comprises a series of key objectives. First, we are striving to position Pierrefonds–Roxboro as a leader in the ecological transition in a municipal setting. We also aspire to increase awareness among citizens and workers, while also informing them about our eco-responsible initiatives via a multitude of channels including our newsletter, social media networks, electronic billboards and signage on the territory. By advertising our commitment, we are hoping to stimulate citizen participation, increase environmental awareness and promote sustainable behaviours.

Stay tuned! You’ll notice communication initiatives that emphasize the importance of this green trend. Together, backed by a clear message and tangible actions, let’s live the ecological transition and cultivate a greener future for our community.

Spotlight on some of our recent achievements:

Planting of 2,847 trees and the creation of an innovative microforest, funded by the first participatory budget of the Ville de Montreal. This initiative highlights our commitment to a sustainable urban environment and the preservation of biodiversity.Strengthening the protection of our 27 km of riverbanks along the Rivière des Prairies by raising awareness among our teams and waterfront residents about renaturalization, and implementing actions to preserve their natural state in the face of climate and urban challenges.The Pierrefonds Library grounds were partially lent to Jardin Buzz, which, in collaboration with MontréalCulteurs, transformed the space into pollinator gardens filled with native perennial plants and flowers. This initiative not only supports pollinators but also enhances fruit and vegetable production, creating a continuous cycle of environmental benefits.Expansion of the Jardin Solidaire to 720 square feet thanks to a $192,688 investment, adding new planting beds, a water outlet, and accessible features such as rest areas and pathways, strengthening its model of sustainable urban agriculture.Diversion rate from landfills increased from 33% in 2015 to 48% in 2022—a significant improvement considering that one ton of waste destined for landfills generates 1.6 tons of GHGs.A 24% increase in organic waste collection, amounting to an additional 1,449 tons compared to 2022. The collection service was extended to all buildings with more than 9 units and commercial sectors, and plastic bags for green waste were banned, marking a major environmental milestone.Repair Café at the Pierrefonds Library, supported by the eco-quartier VertCité, brought together volunteers to repair broken items brought by residents, promoting sustainable living, waste reduction, and the transfer of repair skills.Boosting the circular economy with the acquisition of 900 ashwood stakes, repurposed from trees felled due to the emerald ash borer, to mark and promote public tree planting.Switch to biodegradable oil for chainsaws, adopted at the request of arborists, demonstrating our commitment to more eco-friendly practices in daily operations.Launch of a pilot project to screen and reuse excavation soils, reducing resource waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and damage to local roads.

SOURCE Ville de Montréal – Borough of Pierrefonds–Roxboro

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/landisgyr-secures-major-contract-with-leading-us-utility-302919687.html

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In HelloNation, Electrical Expert Sean McGahy Breaks Down How a Whole Home Surge Protector Works

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The Article Explains How This Type of System Protects a Home’s Electronics From Power Surges Throughout the Day.

WAKE FOREST, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does a whole home surge protector do? A HelloNation article answers that question and explains how this type of device defends a home’s wiring and electronics from voltage spikes.

The article explains that many power surges happen quietly throughout the day, often without anyone noticing. Large appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators create small voltage spikes every time they cycle on and off.

According to the article, a whole home surge protector is installed directly at the electrical panel, where it can monitor voltage across the entire house. Unlike a power strip, which protects a single outlet, this device works at the source.

The article notes that modern homes rely on sensitive electronics, including smart thermostats, entertainment systems, and connected appliances. Repeated voltage fluctuations can damage this circuitry over time, even when a homeowner never notices it happening.

External surges from lightning strikes or utility grid fluctuations tend to be more severe than everyday cycling surges, the article explains. A whole home system is designed to respond quickly and redirect excess voltage away from a home’s circuits.

Installation is typically straightforward for a licensed electrician and does not usually require major changes to existing wiring, the article states. Many systems include indicators that let homeowners confirm the device is functioning properly.

The article points out that surge protectors are rated by how much energy they can absorb, often measured in joules. Homes with more electronics generally benefit from a protector with a higher rating.

A protector does not last forever, the article notes. Absorbing a large surge can wear down its internal components, even if the device still looks functional. Periodic testing by an electrician can confirm the system is still working as intended.

Electrical Expert Sean McGahy of Zar Electric is featured in the article. The article explains how periodic testing can confirm that a whole home surge protector is still providing the level of protection it was designed for.

The article adds that surge protection works best as one part of a broader approach to electrical safety. Homes should still have properly functioning breakers, updated wiring, and routine inspections alongside this added layer of defense.

Homes in areas prone to storms or frequent power fluctuations may see added value from this protection, the article notes. New construction offers a convenient time to add it, though retrofitting an existing home is described as achievable and usually quick.

The article notes that cost varies depending on the type of system installed and the complexity of a home’s existing electrical setup. Many homeowners view the expense as reasonable compared to the potential cost of replacing damaged electronics after a serious surge event.

Some insurance providers take note of these systems when evaluating a home’s overall risk profile, the article adds, though policies vary from carrier to carrier. This is described as one more reason homeowners weigh the value of this type of protection.

The article closes by noting that deciding whether this protection makes sense often comes down to a home’s electronics, its location, and a homeowner’s comfort level with risk. A licensed electrician can walk through these considerations before a final decision is made.

How Does Whole Home Surge Protection Safeguard Your Home? features insights from Sean McGahy, Electrical Expert of Wake Forest, North Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-electrical-expert-sean-mcgahy-breaks-down-how-a-whole-home-surge-protector-works-302919589.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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In HelloNation, Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold Explains How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Minnesota Homes

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The Article Shows How Moisture, Temperature Swings, and Hail Shape Material Choices for Roofs, Windows, Walls, and Decks.

WACONIA, Minn., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How do freeze-thaw cycles damage a home in Minnesota? The answer appears in a HelloNation article that was newly published for homeowners choosing building materials for a cold climate. The article features insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold, a fourth-generation member of the family behind Mayer Lumber.

The HelloNation article explains that a Minnesota home faces a wider range of weather than houses in most of the country. Below-zero nights, humid summers, and hailstorms all test the products used to build and repair it.

According to the article, moisture often does more harm than cold by itself. Water seeps into small gaps, freezes overnight, and expands, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles slowly push joints and seams apart.

The article also notes that large temperature swings make many products expand in summer and shrink in deep cold. Materials installed without room to move can buckle, crack, or pull loose from their fasteners.

The roof takes more of this stress than any other part of the house, the article explains. Asphalt shingles remain the most common choice because they are affordable and familiar to most roofing crews. In areas that see hail, many homeowners look at impact-resistant shingles that earn a Class 4 rating.

The article points out that some insurance companies offer lower premiums for Class 4 roofs, though discount rules vary by insurer. Metal roofing is another option that sheds snow quickly, and snow guards are often added above doors and walkways.

Ice dams get special attention in the piece. The article explains that no shingle stops them alone, because the real cause is warm air leaking into the attic and melting snow on the upper roof. Air sealing, attic insulation, and steady ventilation deal with that heat directly.

Cold-climate building codes also call for an ice barrier membrane under the shingles along the eaves, according to the article. This layer helps keep backed-up water away from the roof deck and the ceilings below.

For windows, the article points readers to the National Fenestration Rating Council label and its U-factor, which measures how easily heat passes through the whole unit. A lower number means better insulation and a warmer glass surface on a January night.

The article compares double-pane windows with triple-pane units, which cut heat loss further but cost and weigh more. It also notes that vinyl and fiberglass frames insulate well, while aluminum frames need a thermal break to suit Minnesota winters.

Walls, decks, and lumber are covered as well. The article explains that house wrap and flashing protect wall framing from water, and that wood touching concrete or soil generally needs pressure treatment.

The insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold also address cost. The article encourages comparing the full life of a product rather than the purchase price alone, since a cheaper material that needs frequent repairs can cost more over 20 or 30 years.

Finally, the article advises checking with local building officials about code rules. It also stresses following manufacturer installation instructions, since many warranties depend on them.

How Do Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Building Materials in Minnesota? features insights from Andy Maetzold, Building Materials Expert of Waconia, Minnesota, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-building-materials-expert-andy-maetzold-explains-how-freeze-thaw-cycles-affect-minnesota-homes-302919645.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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