The renewable energy arm of US industrial technology giant General Electric aims to be carbon neutral by the end of 2020, with all operations being powered by a combination of wind, hydropower and energy storage and remaining emissions covered by energy efficiency gains and carbon offsets.
GE Renewable Energy will partner with Natural Capital Partners (NCP) for “strategic advice” in achieving the target, with NCP providing carbon credits and energy attribute certificates “tailored to GE’s specific requirements” in achieving a net-zero footprint.
“This is a decision that makes business sense. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, and renewable power sources will ultimately combine to lower the operating costs of our business,” said GE Renewable Energy CEO Jérôme Pécresse.
“I am confident our journey to carbon neutrality will contribute eventually to the growth of our business and also to the overall sustainability efforts driven by the renewable energy industry.”
Danielle Merfeld, GE Renewable Energy’s chief technology officer, added: “By pursuing carbon neutrality, we will gain first-hand experience to further champion the sustainability goals of our customers and other partners. It’s our priority to walk the talk in our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint.”
GE will use the CarbonNeutral Protocol, a framework launched by NCP in 2002 that is based on data sourced from a scientific and technical advisory group of businesses, NGOs and industry experts, with reports on its progress being made “regularly, providing shareholders with a roadmap for how the company is tracking against its goal”.
NCP CEO Stephen Killeen said: “GE Renewable Energy is showcasing its leadership on climate action through its carbon neutral program and delivering positive impact now while national commitments to reduce carbon emissions continue to lag behind.”