Enel X’s tips on creating a sustainable energy strategy: Part 4

Businesses should develop sustainability road maps.

In this four-part article, Enel X North America, Inc. offers its expert advice for organizations on how to make the business case for a sustainable energy strategy, align stakeholders, and set actionable emissions targets. This final part concludes by identifying three sustainability solutions. Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Sustainability solutions: Sustainability road map

With the right targets and management practices in place, organizations can turn to developing their sustainability road map and integrating energy management into their sustainability program. Organizations should establish and review a timeline of specific actions that meet their goals and are appropriate under current business policies.

The sustainability solutions you choose are an essential factor in ensuring success. No single option is best for every business, and indeed different priorities must be weighed in considering the options. Here are three simple steps we suggest for successfully implementing a solution:

1. Identify and assess options. There are many different types of solutions—the most prominent options will either reduce consumption, source low-carbon fuel, or invest in natural climate solutions. Evaluate your energy inputs and outputs in order to be able to properly define your business need and complete the appraisal of all your options.
2. Select suppliers/partners. These solutions can often be long-term commitments, so ensure you take your time in requesting information, evaluating options, and looking into supplier track record and performance.
3. Begin with a pilot before scaling up. A pilot project will reduce your risk exposure, and will allow you time to collect data that will increase buy-in from stakeholders after they see proof of the project’s effectiveness.

Why – and how – to make a difference

As we enter the Decade of Action, there are clear economic, environmental and social reasons why businesses and institutions must minimize their GHG emissions. Integrating energy into your sustainability program is crucial to reducing emissions, and requires a well-defined plan with widespread buy-in from stakeholders inside and outside the company to be effective.

The energy industry is going through a transformation, and it has created the opportunity for businesses to become leaders in climate change mitigation. The integrated energy strategy discussed in this e-book is fundamental to drastically reducing emissions. For more details about the WBCSD Guidelines for an Integrated Energy Strategy, visit wbcsdpublications.org/integrated-energy-strategy.

To learn more from Enel X about how to create a sustainable energy-strategy program, click here.

For more information, contact Enel X.

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