Out and about at Energy Exports Conference in Aberdeen, this is what I learnt.
Definitely a strong feeling that Supply Chain is going to struggle! The shift in demand for renewables is big, not new information but really emphasised by the speakers. Meeting global carbon reduction targets requires rapid delivery of so many low carbon energy projects and there are increasing technical aspiration (bigger turbines, deeper water). Realistically this is a difficult task that could do with some policy/financial certainty and spec. consistency to aid success. I found the morning session quite bleak based on the poor audience size and pessimistic commentary of the offshore wind sector. (IPPR report tagged below for more on this)
However, talking to exhibitors (mostly large companies) I enquired as to where they are with their “in house sustainability” and got a generally positive response. Several spoke of upgrades to the manufacturing processes, buildings having solar added, switching to LED lights. Some have in house Green Teams set up with regular reviews of actions to reduce environmental impact. Several commented they had to seek consultancy services regards Carbon Calculations as a result of supply chain bid requirements. Although a question was raised as to how much validation is done of information and the consistency of data used.
It was also good to hear that some employees are raising challenges internally on what employers are doing on this subject. All felt Board level commitment is essential if environmental consciousness is to be implemented successfully.
As a consultant supporting action on sustainability and regeneration I talk about the drivers for change and what action looks like on a regular basis, so it was great to hear from others today about their experiences. Shout out to a consultant currently supporting one of the companies I spoke to, well done R2Z.
What I would have liked to hear was discussion on mindset or Inner Development Goals, how we achieve these scopes through skills like collaboration. Along with more visible connection to the wider aims, such as the Sustainable Development Goals or working within Planetary Boundaries. Clarity on the reasons for undertaking the energy transition, and our overall move to being sustainable as a species require us to shift to a more eco-system approach. Our ability to progress topics requires more collaboration, a lot more positive energy and passion to drive change. System and mindset change are needed not just energy transition.
If I met you today, thank you for your time and I hope we speak again soon. If we haven’t met yet please get in touch to discuss why becoming sustainable (or even regenerative) makes good business sense.
Who else was at Energy Exports and what did you take away from the experience?
#sustainability #eec24 #eic #renewableenergy #energytransition #systemchange #netzerotargets #regeneration #mindsetshift
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