5 Things We Must Do To Inspire The Next Generation About Sustainability And The Environment

Article written by Martita Mestey and first published in Medium's Authority Magazine

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Inspiration can be shared through social media. While it’s true that there can be so much negativity on social platforms, there are also so many groups out there sharing the amazing climate work they’re doing. Seeing that message is a valuable way to encourage young people to research and participate in sustainability practice. We can and should encourage kids to participate in this topic, share things that resonate with them, and learn about this cause.

As part of my series about what we must do to?inspire the next generation about sustainability and the environment, I had the pleasure of interviewing James Potach, Senior Vice President, Sustainability Business at?Schneider Electric.

James Potach is a leader in energy efficiency with over 30 years of experience in his field. As head of the Schneider?Sustainability Business?efficiency practice, James has cultivated a high-performance culture among his team of 500+ experts, channeling his passion for driving innovation and sustainability for clients throughout the organization. The team has partnered with 1000+ schools and government systems to capture over $3B in energy savings, transforming these facilities to lay the foundation for healthy, safe and sustainable communities for all.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?

I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. It was a classic Midwest, “Leave it to Beaver” childhood, full of lots of sports and time in the outdoors. I enjoyed my public-school education and went on to get my degree in engineering from Iowa State. After spending time at several large and small industrial automation companies, I found Schneider Electric, and have been with the company for the last 19 years.

Was there an “aha moment” or a specific trigger that made you decide you wanted to become a scientist or environmental leader? Can you share that story with us?

My love for the environment was instilled at a young age. Growing up in the Midwest, all my family vacations were spent camping. We would get in the car and drive for hours until we arrived at a new national park to explore. Spending all that time in the great outdoors really made an imprint on me, and I carry those memories with me in the work I do today.

Candidly, I did not initially plan to pursue a career in sustainability — I knew I wanted to make a bigger impact in the world, so I took a chance on a role that found me. I was inspired by the impact this team makes on the planet, and the way we help our clients find and implement solutions to become more socially and economically sustainable.

I was inspired by the impact this team makes on the planet, and the way we help our clients find and implement solutions to become more socially and economically sustainable.

Is there a lesson you can take out of your own story that can exemplify what can inspire a young person to become an environmental leader?

I would highly encourage young people to take risks on new career paths that interest them. If climate tugs at you, find something within the field that gives you purpose and give it a try. If it isn’t a fit, there are so many other opportunities in the field of sustainability to explore. Take advantage of your access to information and investigate the options that best fit your natural strengths and talents.

Can you tell our readers about the initiatives that you or your company are taking to address climate change or sustainability? Can you give an example for each?

Schneider Electric partners with public institutions to not only decarbonize but make them more resilient to the effects of climate change.

An example of this can be seen in a program our team recently completed with Jersey City, NJ. The city approached Schneider for help in fulfilling its commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. With their goals in mind, our team worked with city officials to develop an energy savings program and implement a holistic solution across a portfolio of buildings to reduce their energy consumption.

Along with more commonplace components such as more rooftop solar, LED lighting, and upgrades to heating and ventilation systems across 22 buildings, a big part of our plan with Jersey City was the construction of a microgrid. Creating resilience has been a major priority for Jersey City following Hurricane Sandy, and the microgrid creates a way for critical infrastructure to continue operating through power outages and emergencies.

The microgrid and entire energy savings program is expected to cut Jersey City’s overall consumption costs by up to $21 million over 20 years, freeing up $19 million for capital improvements to go back into the city. The microgrid and entire energy savings program is just one example of how Schneider’s work helps our partners not only reduce their carbon footprint, but also improve the overall health and quality of life for residents.

The microgrid and entire energy savings program is expected to cut Jersey City’s overall consumption costs by up to $21 million over 20 years, freeing up $19 million for capital improvements to go back into the city.

Can you share 3 lifestyle tweaks that the general public can do to be more sustainable or help address the climate change challenge?

There is no silver bullet with sustainability, it is more of a shift in mindset. However, there are ways that we can all jump in:

1. We need to consume less. Our consumer society has a huge impact on the planet and the environment. People think that because they want more, they need to work harder to get more. The best way to save energy is simply to use less. It is up to us to put a cap on what we consume and see where we can scale back. If we all adapt this mindset, no matter how small, the impacts will add up.
2. We need to recycle. A popular commercial when I was growing up had the catchphrase “give a hoot and don’t pollute.” We all have stuff in the back of our closets or cupboards that we haven’t used in years — things that could be recycled or should go to someone who could use it to get more use out of it than we do. By recycling and donating, you’re doing your part in scaling back the environmental damage done by overconsumption.
3. Don’t underestimate your own personal impact.?There are amazing sustainability movements and so many ways to get involved in the fight against climate change. Recently, I volunteered with other Schneider Electric folks for a nonprofit called GRID Alternatives, installing solar on homes for economically under-resourced families. It felt great to be part of a group working on the ground providing a solution. It is up to each of us to find our own ways to get involved to put sustainability concepts into action.

Ok, thank you for all that. Here is the main question of our interview: The youth-led climate strikes of September 2019 showed an impressive degree of activism and initiative by young people on behalf of climate change. This was great, and there is still plenty that needs to be done. In your opinion, what are some of the things parents should do to inspire the next generation to become engaged in sustainability and the environmental movement? Please give a story or an example for each.

• Parents should model sustainability.?I have a 14-year-old son, and we had a complex conversation the other day about what kind of batteries to use for his video game controllers. He is, on his own, figuring out how many batteries he uses a year playing his video games. He then was encouraged to take that number and its environmental impact into consideration for purchasing a rechargeable battery. Kids are naturally curious, and parents should harness that curiosity to discuss sustainability and have an ongoing, engaging conversation about these complex topics.
• Inspiration can be shared through social media. While it’s true that there can be so much negativity on social platforms, there are also so many groups out there sharing the amazing climate work they’re doing. Seeing that message is a valuable way to encourage young people to research and participate in sustainability practice. We can and should encourage kids to participate in this topic, share things that resonate with them, and learn about this cause.
• Generate inspiration through school.?Our schools have an opportunity to provide an environment that not only is a fun place for learning about sustainability, but also generates inspiration for these students. We recently worked with Gulf Shores School System in Alabama, where they used their energy savings to fund new learning environments with a special focus on teaching the students how to reduce their carbon footprint. The students were able to observe the work being done in real time to make their school more efficient and learn more about why energy efficiency helps our planet.
• Lead by example to inspire action.?It is so important to encourage and empower our youngest generation to be confident, ask questions and look for answers. This responsibility tends to fall primarily on parents and teachers, but companies should also take it upon themselves to pave the way. This is a big part of why Schneider Electric is committed to being an impact company for sustainability. Our company’s work has led to recognition as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2022, and one of Ethisphere’s Most Ethical Companies eleven years in a row. I’m so proud of our team’s commitment to sustainability, and the example being set to other companies, institutions, and individuals around the world.

How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?

Not only can businesses (or public institutions, which is my focus area) become more profitable by being environmentally conscious, but they can make a big economic impact with the money saved. Funds that were previously allocated for energy costs can be put towards other initiatives, such as economic development programs the benefit the community.

An example of this can be seen in a program we completed in Sierra Vista, AZ, a mid-sized municipality southeast of Tucson. Two years into our partnership, Sierra Vista has taken its $14 million investment and transformed it into $100 million in expected economic impact over the program lifecycle. With these new funds freed up by Schneider’s energy improvements, Sierra Vista was able to further its goal of becoming a leading destination for sports tourism and recreation. Major renovations and upgrades have been made to the city’s fields and facilities, creating many opportunities to bring new tournaments, partnerships, visitors, and dollars to Sierra Vista’s local economy. That growing profit is going right into the city and benefiting residents.

Two years into our partnership, Sierra Vista has taken its $14 million investment and transformed it into $100 million in expected economic impact over the program lifecycle.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I am grateful for the mentors who have helped me grow through my career. That said, one of the biggest lessons from my career is that you can learn from many people: people above you, to the left and right of you, and the people you’re leading. There are a lot of lessons that we would otherwise miss unless we have the mindset of not always looking upwards but looking at everyone around you. I believe these types of relationships in the workplace should be prioritized and cultivated if you want success as a team.

You are a person of great influence and doing some great things for the world! If you could inspire a movement that would bring the greatest amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

A favorite hat of mine says “stay human.” I keep it close to my desk to remind me that just because we might disagree, doesn’t mean you’re my enemy. Our world is too polarized, and we need to find common ground. At the end of the day, we are all in this together.

Our world is too polarized, and we need to find common ground. At the end of the day, we are all in this together.

Our work at Schneider Electric is centered on staying human, striving to make life better for millions across the country regardless of who they are. I am proud of my team for their commitment and drive to not just help students, teachers, and citizens by improving their daily environment, but help our world through protecting our global environment.

Do you have a favorite life lesson quote? Can you tell us how that was relevant to you in your own life?

“Do the right thing, the right way, and at the right time.”

This saying is my litmus test for making decisions, acting, or reflecting. You can’t pick and choose which, you need three out of three. I’ve found it so useful for not only myself, but as I help my team reflect on their decisions and actions.

What is the best way for people to follow you on social media?

Find me on LinkedIn at?https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/james-potach/

This was so inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!