Green Isn’t Just a Buzzword Anymore: Why smart companies are doubling down on sustainable energy, even in a shifting political climate.

Despite shifting political priorities in Washington, many of the world’s most forward-thinking companies are not backing away from sustainability. They are leaning into it. Why? Because clean energy and circular economy strategies are not just about regulation or ideology. They are about long-term value.

As reported by Reuters,even with a more fossil fuel–friendly administration back in office, “the economics, companies’ near-term emissions pledges, and the rising costs of climate events keep the broad direction unchanged.” In other words, sustainability still makes business sense.

Here are five ways the energy industry is becoming greener, and how Sky Quarry may help lead the way as these trends continue to evolve.

  1. Recycling and Waste-to-Energy Innovations

One of the most compelling sustainability trends in the energy sector is turning waste into energy. Sky Quarry’s ECOSolv technology is designed to recycle discarded asphalt shingles into valuable petroleum products and other reusable materials, including sand, limestone powder, and fiberglass. This process has the potential to significantly reduce landfill waste and recover energy from materials that were previously considered unrecyclable.

The global waste-to-energy market was valued at approximately $42 to $43 billion in 2024 and continues to grow. In North America, the market is estimated at about $8.8 billion, making it a strategic space for innovation.

  1. Integrated Sustainable Operations

Many companies are adopting fully integrated operational models to improve both efficiency and sustainability. Sky Quarry’s planned operations aim to span from asphalt shingle collection and processing at PR Spring in Utah to refining at its Foreland Refinery in Nevada. This end-to-end model is expected to reduce waste, improve logistics, and enhance profitability.

  1. Technological Advancements

Technology is a driving force behind the energy sector’s shift to greener practices. Sky Quarry’s ECOSolv process has been developed to recover up to 99 percent of hydrocarbons and solvents from shingles, enabling the recovery of valuable resources that would otherwise be lost. These types of innovations can drive both environmental and financial gains, positioning technology as a foundational business tool.

  1. Flexibility Over Regulation

While past environmental progress was often driven by regulatory mandates, today’s industry leaders are designing systems that work regardless of political shifts. Sky Quarry’s modular facility model is being developed to scale efficiently, respond to regional demand, and operate within diverse state and local frameworks. This adaptability could reduce risk exposure and support long-term resilience.

  1. Promoting Circular Economy Principles

The circular economy, which involves designing systems where waste becomes input for new value, is gaining real momentum in the energy sector. Sky Quarry is advancing this vision by developing processes that convert post-consumer roofing waste into useful products. This model reduces environmental harm, keeps resources in circulation longer, and supports a more sustainable supply chain.

Sky Quarry: A Model for the Future

The energy landscape is shifting, shaped by technology, resource pressures, and investor expectations. Sky Quarry’s strategy is being built with those forces in mind. With integrated infrastructure, innovative recovery systems, and a focus on scalable economics, the company is working to create a model where sustainability is not just a goal. It is a lasting business advantage.

Stay tuned for more updates as Sky Quarry continues building solutions for a cleaner, more efficient energy future.

Learn more about our technology here: https://skyquarry.com/our-technology/

Footnotes:

·  Based on data from market analysis, the global waste-to-energy market reached $42.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6% through 2034mordorintelligence.com+15gminsights.com+15databridgemarketresearch.com+15.

·  The North America waste-to-energy market was valued at $8.82 billion in 2024, with growth expected over the next decade gminsights.com+2cervicornconsulting.com+2mordorintelligence.com+2.

 

Tom Zickell

Mr. Zickell has over 40 years of experience in the roofing industry, beginning as a self-employed roofer before joining Owens Corning and later GAF, where he managed multiple roofing and fiberglass mat plants. He became VP of Manufacturing and Engineering at GAF, overseeing significant operations and earning the Chairman’s Award for his contributions.

Tom went on to lead Georgia Pacific’s roofing division and founded NEI, a successful self-adhesive roofing underlayment manufacturer. He developed a patented method for recycling shingles and later founded ARI, RAS-Tech, and RTI, securing multiple recycling patents and partnering with Sky Quarry to advance shingle recycling technology.

Tom has a BA in Political Science from Assumption University, an Economics degree from State University at Albany, and an MBA from Suffolk University.


Jennifer Standley

Jennifer Standley has over 15 years experience building and leading startups in a variety of industries. Specializing in marketing and business development, she has played a pivotal role in streamlining operations, enhancing brand awareness, and boosting overall revenues for several direct-to-consumer sectors, particularly in the organic food industry.

She is passionate about advancing better environmental practices—be it through the promotion of organic foods for kids or contributing to Sky Quarry’s journey towards environmental sustainability.

Jennifer has a BA in Business Management and Humanities from Brigham Young University and a Professional Designation, AA degree in Design & Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.


Cyla Apache

Cyla Apache is a highly motivated corporate controller, experienced in building, leading, and developing dynamic teams, with significant experience implementing software and developing efficient workflows. She also has an extensive background in tax law, enjoys both the financial and operational side of business, and has proven that an accounting department can contribute to the revenue and profitability of a company.

Cyla has successfully completed both an MBA, and an MS in Accounting. She also holds a CPA designation from the California State Board of Accountancy, along with an Enrolled Agent designation from the IRS.


Darryl Delwo

Darryl Delwo has over 25 years’ experience building and leading finance teams in global companies with significant operating scale and complexity. He has held senior positions in high growth public and private firms, providing strategic oversight to finance and operations, including $150mm of M&A activity, and joint venture and refinancing transactions.

Darryl has a BC in Accounting and Business Management from University of Calgary, holds CMA and CPA designations from CMA and CPA Alberta, and a Controllership Certificate from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta.

Marcus Laun

Marcus Laun has spent the past twenty years as a founding principal or senior advisor to over fifteen publicly and privately held companies. His experience includes advising and investing Nurture, Inc. an organic baby food company which eventually sold to Group Danone for $250mm.

Marcus is also founder and CEO of GrowthCircle.com and Geopulse Exploration Inc., a media company specializing in the production and distribution of short films for corporate clients. He also has advised and raised capital for companies in the solar, wind, oil, gas, and alternative fuel industries.

As Managing Director of Knight Capital Group (the largest market-maker of equities in the US)., he oversaw syndicates for over $300 million in financing.

He has a BS in Hotel Management from Cornell University, and an MBA from Columbia University.

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David Sealock

David Sealock is a highly accomplished, results-driven senior executive leader with over 30 years of strategic management and business leadership. He has a track record of building high-performing teams with a strong focus on setting corporate strategy, executing over $1.2Bn in equity and debt transactions, joint ventures and M&A deals.

David served as CEO of Petroteq Energy, President of Autus Ventures, Vice President Technology – Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada; President & COO of Sulvaris; President & CEO of Sunshine Oilsands; EVP of MegaWest Energy; &  has held senior management positions with Deer Creek Energy, CNRL, Petrovera Resources, Total, and Chevron.

David has a BS in business management and is a Registered Engineer with the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologist (ASET).

 

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