2024 A Year of Inspiration: The Leaders Transforming the Future of Responsible Renewables
Schneider Electric and Korn Ferry are incredibly excited to share the highlights of this year’s Responsible Renewables series focused on #education. We are so proud of and thankful for our inspirational partners who have made 2024 such a successful year for responsible renewables initiatives around the globe with no clear signs of slowing down.
Our team at Schneider Electric has been partnered with Korn Ferry for two years now, and we could not have been able to co-host this #education series without their partnership. This blog series grew out of our shared goals to provide education to the market on responsible renewables by highlighting industry leaders who spearhead responsible renewables projects.
A Recap on Responsible Renewables: What Are They?
The introductory blog establishes the main initiative of the series: What are responsible renewables and why do they matter?
Simply put, clean energy buying has become more commonplace for large corporations, but a focus on the deeper impact of those renewable energy projects is less widespread. What does that mean? When developing or purchasing renewable energy projects, there are oftentimes more environmentally and socially sustainable opportunities to create, which we refer to as responsible renewables.
For examples of responsible renewables in action, we encourage you to review the full stories of remarkable companies with people who think through the responsible renewables lens or continue reading below for the highlights.
United Airlines Sustainable Innovation in Commercial Aviation
United Airlines is setting a new standard in sustainable aviation through its innovative approach to responsible renewables.
In this spotlight, United Airlines Chief Sustainability Officer Lauren Riley emphasizes, "Sustainability was once treated as a peripheral aspect of businesses... it's my job to think about what it means for a company like United to succeed in a future economy that is prioritizing low carbon." By focusing on technological advancements, such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and more efficient aircraft, United is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while engaging with global stakeholders to shape sustainability policies. Their initiatives not only drive operational improvements but also prioritize community engagement and education, reflecting a holistic commitment to sustainability across the industry.
FabTech’s Responsible Approach to the End-of-Life and Next Life Solutions for Solar Panels
FabTech exemplifies a unique approach to sustainability in the solar industry by refurbishing and reselling solar panels, thereby promoting environmental stewardship and democratizing access to renewable energy. With a track record of refurbishing hundreds of thousands of panels in less than eight years, they prioritize responsible decommissioning and recycling practices through partnerships with authorized recyclers.
Dr. Janette Freeman, Business Development Director at FabTech, emphasizes the importance of education in driving sustainable practices, stating, "Educating consumers is vital, as many are unaware of the option to purchase used solar panels and the benefits they offer." FabTech's commitment not only reduces waste but also enables broader adoption of clean energy solutions.
Solstice’s Approach to Empowering Communities with Clean Energy
Solstice, co-founded by Sandhya Murali in 2015, is revolutionizing the community solar sector by ensuring equitable access to clean energy. She shares insights on the transition from a nonprofit to a dynamic organization, and how Solstice connects underserved communities with large-scale solar developments while enhancing the customer experience by addressing the need for a seamless access to solar energy. With over 12,000 subscribers, they collaborate with top solar developers and leverage advanced data analytics, such as their churn prediction model, to maintain customer engagement.
As Sandhya Murali notes, "We strive to democratize solar access, particularly for low- and moderate-income households." Through innovative solutions and community partnerships, Solstice is paving the way for a more inclusive renewable energy future.
Baker Hughes’ Dedication to Advancing Sustainability Practices Impacting Business, Communities, and the Planet
Baker Hughes, a leader in energy technology with over a century of expertise, is redefining its approach to sustainability under the guidance of Allyson Book, the Chief Sustainability Officer.
Her journey into sustainability was influenced by her childhood experiences on a farm and her travels, which opened her eyes to the global environmental impact of unsustainable practices. "I believe if people could truly grasp the impact of their everyday choices on the rest of the world, it would significantly influence their decisions," she reflects. Since joining Baker Hughes, Book has spearheaded the development of a cohesive sustainability strategy, enhancing emissions reporting and aligning corporate practices with net-zero targets. The company has shifted from a traditional competitor mindset to forming innovative partnerships, recognizing the need for collaborative efforts in the energy transition. Notably, their Carbon Out program has engaged over 500 employees, achieving a remarkable 28.5% reduction in emissions since 2019. Book’s leadership exemplifies the potential of responsible renewable initiatives to foster a sustainable future, emphasizing the importance of education and collective action for meaningful change.
Thank You to Our 2024 Responsible Renewables Leaders and Collaborators
On behalf of Schneider Electric and Korn Ferry, we appreciate all of the above industry leaders for partnering with us for this key series highlighting responsible renewables.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories to come in January 2025!
Subscribe to our mailing list to join us as we expand on the topic of responsible renewables in a blog series that will feature conversations shaping the future of responsible renewables. Each month, we will publish a new blog spotlighting another important voice working to address responsible renewables, including developers, corporate buyers, community members, and NGOs.