Shell celebrated the relaunch of its Shell Technology Center Houston in January. The expanded facility contains one million square feet of laboratory and office space and houses 2000 Shell scientists and engineers, making it the largest of Shell’s three worldwide technology centers. About 60% of the facility is newly built or renovated. The improvements cut CO2 emissions by 30% and reduce energy consumption by approximately US$2 million/year. “This investment in innovation and a consistent commitment to collaboration are essential to spark new ideas and develop solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s energy challenges,” said Matthias Bichsel, director of Projects & Technology at Royal Dutch Shell. Shell spends more than $1 billion annually on technological research and development.