DeepSummary
The podcast episode begins with Chris Nelder introducing the topic of decarbonizing the industrial sector, which is an extremely difficult challenge due to the energy-intensive nature of industries like manufacturing, mining, construction, and raw material production. Despite the challenges, some companies are finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint, invest in renewables, and improve energy efficiency.
Nelder interviews Scott Tew, the executive director of the Center for Energy Efficiency at Ingersoll Rand, a large company operating in construction, mining, industrial, and commercial markets. Tew discusses Ingersoll Rand's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the business case for investing in renewable energy, which includes financial benefits, public commitments, and increased resilience.
Tew explains the importance of having internal champions within the company to drive the transition to renewables, as well as the need for support from the C-suite. He also emphasizes the importance of starting with energy efficiency initiatives before transitioning to renewable energy sources. Tew shares insights and lessons learned from Ingersoll Rand's experience in adopting renewable energy solutions.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Decarbonizing the industrial sector is a significant challenge, but companies are finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in renewable energy.
- Ingersoll Rand, a company operating in industries like construction and mining, has made a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and products.
- The business case for investing in renewable energy includes financial benefits, public commitments, and increased resilience.
- Internal champions within the company and support from the C-suite are crucial in driving the transition to renewable energy.
- Energy efficiency initiatives should be prioritized as the first step before transitioning to renewable energy sources.
- Sharing knowledge and lessons learned with peers can help accelerate the progress of entire industries towards sustainability.
- Shifting priorities within a company, driven by factors like financial incentives, reputation, or risk reduction, is necessary to catalyze the transition towards sustainability.
- Negative emissions technologies like carbon capture and sequestration may be needed to meet climate targets, but they face challenges in scaling up.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Our global climate commitment was focused across all three of the scopes, both our indirect and direct greenhouse gas footprint. So it not only included our operations, but also our products.“ by Scott Tew
- “I think the business case directly relates to things like I just mentioned, public commitments, where you have a commitment from all levels within the organization, from the CEO on down to doing whatever is necessary to move in a way that decarbonizes your value stream. And that was one of our drivers.“ by Scott Tew
- “We've had some learnings, Chris, in this space. And by the way, it took us about 15 or 16 months to finally sign off on the move forward plan because some of our learnings were related to your question.“ by Scott Tew
- “I believe energy efficiency should always be the first step. I think focusing on how to make your existing facilities as efficient as possible is the first step.“ by Scott Tew
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Episode Information
The Energy Transition Show with Chris Nelder
XE Network
11/14/18