Technology Tuesdays: Getting to Net Zero

Hello Partners!

I am sure you are well aware of the climate crisis and the urgency with which we must act to avoid the most severe effects of climate change. By now, we have heard it all so much and so often that, to some, it may sound like background noise. However, do not allow yourself to become desensitized to it but rather take a look at what is being done both in public sector leadership as well as private sector leadership to address this issue. We can use these as signals to think about what changes can be made on the smaller scale to support these efforts.

First, what does net zero mean? Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of carbon emissions being released into the environment from human activity and the amount being removed by reduction measures. When we have reached net zero emission status, we are removing the same amount of carbon emissions through reduction measures as we are contributing to the atmosphere.

At the federal level, lawmakers are introducing legislation that will do a number of things with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050. This legislation will increase the speed at which clean energy technology is being developed by increasing the amount of investment in these efforts. It will also set in motion the closing of abandoned oils wells and mines as a measure to prevent further contamination to the environment. Additionally, it will direct 40% of its resources to underserved and disadvantaged communities so they will not be left behind in the course to implement a new clean energy agenda. American Jobs Plan

The Federal Government has a tremendous amount of power to set things in motion. However, the private sector has nearly the same amount of power when it comes to the economy and thus, share in the responsibility to move us to net zero.

First, businesses are increasingly moving toward having smarter and more electrified buildings. As solar power gradually becomes less expensive and more readily available, it is easier for business to electrify more of their operations. Smarter buildings are also better equipped to shift demand. This means they are drawing from the grid when power is cheapest as well as when power is generated from cleaner means.

Another thing that businesses are doing involves clean fueled vehicles. On one hand, automakers are creating more clean fuel vehicles. More types of clean fueled vehicles are becoming available such as trucks and SUVs. Also, businesses are increasingly electrifying their fleets. These efforts not only reduce carbon emissions but also support the grid by charging, primarily, during optimal times.

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Sources:
https://www.energy.gov/articles/how-were-moving-net-zero-2050
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/03/16/how-companies-can-help-create-a-net-zero-carbon-economy/?sh=6a8fc7af3e3c
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/29/fact-sheet-biden-administration-jumpstarts-offshore-wind-energy-projects-to-create-jobs/