2011-12-06 - Energy efficiency improvements could deliver half the cuts in emissions needed to slow global warning over the next 25 years according to estimates, Carlos Poñe, CEO, ABB South Africa, told delegates at a world business sustainability parallel event at the COP 17 climate summit in Durban.
Speaking at the WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development) Global Business Day panel titled “Business and Mitigation”, Poñe said estimates show a clear case for energy efficiency as a major source for energy savings and consequent emissions reductions among large generators and users of fossil fuels such as utilities, industry and consumers.
With global energy consumption predicted to climb substantially – more than double -- by 2035, it was important to focus on reducing the high levels of inefficiency in the whole energy chain from generation to eventual consumption, Poñe said. The International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that a 20 percent reduction in the global end-use of energy is possible by 2030 with energy efficiency measures alone.
“We need to change the way we do business by saving more energy, replacing old motors and implementing more efficient control systems,” said Poñe. He added that it was important for companies to also reduce their water footprint.
Poñe highlighted to delegates the important role that power and automation technology has for saving energy. ABB has been in the energy business for 120 years, pioneering many innovations such as HVDC, variable speed drives and industrial robots, he said.
The main challenges were competition for and access to capital, low awareness of energy efficiency and the technology and services that can bring about high levels of energy efficiency. ABB was addressing these challenges through research and development of new products and systems, energy audits, energy management and awareness campaigns.
On opportunities to increase energy efficiency, Poñe said ABB is investing in technologies to help customers to save energy and lower their carbon footprint, promoting high efficiency products and smart grids for smart cities as well as developing a range of renewable energy solutions.
The Global Business Day themed “Keep moving – Climate, business and growth for all” was attended by global and local CEOs, sustainability directors, business organisations such as the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) as well as NGOs (non-governmental organisations) advocating for a low-carbon future. Panellists discussed finance and technology – two pillars for climate change action – climate change adaptation, why business needs to drive climate solutions, business risk and adaptation and business and mitigation.
ABB has also participated with a corporate stand at the business pavilion alongside the COP 17 climate change negotiations, showcasing its energy efficient technologies and renewable energy solutions for a low-carbon future.