Going Carbon Neutral … Leading By Example!

I had been fascinated by renewables for many years before I joined GE Renewable Energy a few months ago as the Hydro business leader. One of the key reasons I joined this business was so that I could actively contribute to a more de-carbonized world.

I am extremely excited and proud to share with you that GE Renewable Energy announced our pledge to make 100% of our operations #carbonneutral by the end of 2020.

For GE Renewable Energy, a leading company in the renewable energy industry and the energy transition, this is about walking the talk and inspiring others in the industry to follow suit. For myself and many colleagues, being able to align our professional lives with our personal beliefs is motivating and satisfying.

My family and I moved back to Europe recently. My wife and I spent a lot of time carefully organizing our two sons’ new life… Finding the right house, the right school, enrolling them in the right kind of activities… with the unique goal that all parents share: to ensure that our children can become happy, strong and autonomous adults. We all want the best possible future for them.

Yet, this future is now full of the dramatic uncertainties brought by climate change. The reality is that real, significant change is needed to mitigate the long-term effects of climate change so our children and future generations can enjoy this planet we call home.

For this very reason, I am convinced that making GE Renewable Energy’s operations carbon neutral is an absolute must. It is a drastic change of mindset and behavior. Our Chief Technology Officer Danielle Merfeld is leading us in this effort and has already started implementing our carbon neutrality roadmap and the Hydro team is fully committed to its success.

In the meantime, while we may feel that our actions are too small to tackle such a huge task, they do have a role to play in demonstrating that we care and we are willing to make changes. Whether that’s getting rid of single-use plastic, walking or biking instead of using the car, turning off computers and lights, finding energy efficient solutions for your home, avoiding food waste, there are many opportunities we can make small changes in our own lives.

I am a true believer that small wins can lead to big and sustainable victories. The true impact lies in our ability to inspire others to act. This is how we will succeed in leaving a healthy world to future generations. I believe the global community has an opportunity now to preserve and protect our children’s future. Let’s seize it!