UN scientists recently delivered a stark warning about the impact of climate change on people and the planet, saying that ecosystem collapse, species extinction, deadly heatwaves and floods are among the "dangerous and widespread disruptions” the world will face over the next two decades due to global warming. We have come to this point because collectively we are failing at our most important mission with bad planning and implementation. The experts agree that we must “Reduce before We Produce” yet this is not reflected in our approach and actions. We know that about thirty per cent of renewable energy is wasted, yet it is the focal point of our efforts now. The Conservation Technology Group (CTG) of which I am a founding member has come to feel strongly that energy demand reduction as a priority will be far more cost effective and environmentally beneficial than the path most corporations and governments are on now. When we minimize energy demand, we get triple the benefits of renewable dominate sustainable programs. A well-planned energy demand reduction plan will create energy savings that can fund more energy savings actions or renewable projects. This program will provide more ESG benefits than current programs and will then allow us to right size our renewables so far less of the renewable energy is wasted. The biggest ESG benefit will be in the social segment, as good energy demand planning will produce a much more comfortable and productive workplace. CTG has a better plan than what is being utilized by almost all companies and governments! A core part of this plan is first implementing self-funding energy demand reduction programs. These programs use a PACE type concept. Use the equity in the infrastructure to finance a energy demand project wherein the monthly savings are greater than the efficiency upgrade amortized payment. These projects will pay for themselves, then provide monthly savings to fund another demand reduction plan or a renewable energy project but then almost all of the renewable energy produced will be utilized! When energy demand reduction is the first priority we will get better payback, benefits, and a quicker path to net zero goals Let’s use science and logic to put first things first! The Conservation Technology Group would like to be a force for more productive sustainability.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112852