Between calls for increased energy security in Europe, inflated gas prices, and growing pressure to reduce global emissions, the demand for renewable energy is greater than ever before. As the world recovers and the global economy rebounds from the effects of COVID-19, more markets have re-opened, causing natural gas prices in Europe to soar. However, thanks to steadily decreasing costs for wind, solar, and energy storage technologies, making the switch to clean energy is gradually becoming the norm for businesses and corporations. Organizations like the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) have been dedicated to advocating for clean energy as the future dominant power source in America by partnering with local and national policymakers, businesses, and industry leaders to provide them with the resources they need to support a renewable energy transition and make more environmentally responsible, sustainable decisions.
As our nation begins to consider the possible shift to a clean energy future, ACP has introduced supportive initiatives, such as the Energy Transition for All initiative, that drive the organization’s commitment to managing and leading a fair, inclusive, and smooth transition to renewable energy. The initiative’s three pillars focus on the social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability. In addition to emphasizing the importance of expanding opportunities for workers, especially those transitioning from historically disadvantaged communities, the Energy Transition for All Initiative also describes ACP’s commitment to creating value for communities through supply chains, targeted investments, and local economic development, and developing a diverse, representative workforce that accurately reflects the communities ACP’s partners and members operate in.
As of 2021, renewable energy represents roughly 13% of electricity generation in the U.S. While the increased use of renewable energy will undoubtedly cut down on carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere, investments in more renewable energy technologies could actually boost the American economy by monumental proportions. In fact, ACP predicts the clean energy industry could account for as much as 50% of the electricity produced in the U.S. by 2030 – creating 500,000 jobs, attracting $700 billion in new investment, and completely reimagining how power is generated and delivered across the U.S.
The next 10 years will be the defining decade for our energy transformation. In the future, we envision clean energy simply being ‘energy’ – reliable, clean, cost-effective energy that powers American homes and businesses, while contributing to cleaner air, water, and a more sustainable future for generations to come.
- Heather Zichal, Chief Executive Officer, ACP
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a necessity for corporations due to changing perspectives around the world. Today, it’s becoming even more critical for companies to address the gap between ‘knowing,’ and ‘doing,’ by embracing more sustainable business practices. As environmentalists, scientists, and policymakers continue to fight for proactive solutions to combat climate change, companies like ecoPreserve are at the forefront of transforming the way corporations adopt and implement sustainability through strategic consulting services that empower them to make responsible decisions with minimal impact to the environment.
Although 90% of executives think sustainability is important, only 60% of companies have a sustainability strategy. While a corporation may want to expand its sustainability initiatives, it may lack the in-house resources needed to make well-informed decisions on how to execute or implement sustainability on a larger scale. That’s where ecoPreserve comes in. After assessing a client’s goals, objectives, and metrics, ecoPreserve’s team facilitates the implementation of programs and guides interdepartmental collaboration with its high-impact clients to help boost their operational performance and determine a sustainable course of action.
Using a variety of accreditation and training programs, in addition to its strategic consulting services, ecoPreserve also works with affiliates like IFMA to encourage sustainable business practices for facility management professionals (FMs). EcoPreserve’s founder and President, Alexa Stone, currently serves on the Board of Directors for IFMA’s Environmental Stewardship Utilities and Sustainability (ESUS) Community -- an initiative that aims to facilitate IFMA’s performance as a sustainable organization by identifying and exploring strategic approaches to sustainability in the built environment. Through her environmental advocacy, work experience, and volunteer leadership in the ESUS Community, Alexa has helped lead vital conversations that encourage the implementation of sustainability within facility management practices.
The way I see it, facility managers have the unique opportunity to not only act as strong participants in organizational moves toward sustainability, but to embrace the critical leadership role that comes with promoting more sustainable business practices.
- Alexa Stone, President and Founder, ecoPreserve
It’s important to note that FMs are in the business of supporting sustainable systems and operations. Their job revolves around keeping all systems and operations in their buildings functional – so, naturally, sustainable initiatives are an additional layer to consider. With that being said, FMs have the responsibility to act as environmental ambassadors for the properties, buildings, and workspaces they manage. Thus, IFMA’s ESUS Community works to promote responsible consumption practices that work to protect the natural environment, while educating the public about realistic corrective actions that lead to more sustainable solutions. Additionally, IFMA has developed accreditation programs, such as the Sustainable Facility Professional (SFP), to enable professionals like Alexa to use data and knowledge-driven methods that drive sustainable FM practices.
In its simplest form, sustainability can be defined as providing for the present needs of a generation, without compromising the needs of the future generations to meet theirs. According to ACP, the U.S. has installed enough clean energy to power 56 million homes, and average annual global greenhouse gas emissions have slowed since reaching their highest levels in human history from 2010-to 2019, however, there is still more work to be done. Scientists, environmentalists, and other conservationists have agreed; the time for celebrating small victories has passed. Climate change is here - and its effects are being seen and felt by millions worldwide.
To prevent the frequent occurrence and detrimental impact of natural disasters, as well as future energy crises, we must cut emissions in half by 2030. But we can’t do it alone. The key to building a better tomorrow, and securing the future of the generations that will follow us, lies in the hands of major corporations and their leaders. Now more than ever, corporations must begin to acknowledge the social, economic, and environmental effects of their decisions and work to collaborate with the organizations leading the way to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
About ACP
American Clean Power is the voice of the clean power industry that is powering America’s future, providing cost-effective solutions to the climate crisis while creating jobs, spurring massive investment in the U.S. economy, and driving high-tech innovation across the nation. We are uniting the power of America’s renewable energy industry to advance our shared goals and to transform the U.S. power grid to a low-cost, reliable, and renewable power system.
About IFMA
The International Facility Management Association is the world’s largest and most widely recognized association for facility management professionals. We are proudly represented by our members in over 106 countries and have served the profession for over 40 years.
About ecoPreserve
EcoPreserve is a mission-driven, certified, woman-owned small business, with a goal to alter the course of climate change by advancing solutions that reduce environmental impact, increase operational performance, and improve equity and quality of life. Since 2009, ecoPreserve has impacted over 75 million square feet of building space. ecoPreserve’s core values are woven through our mission, projects, and technical approach. These include being a leader of change, building positive teams and family spirit, and prioritizing inclusion, equity, and respect for all. We pride ourselves on delivering beyond service by exceeding client expectations.
