Ingersoll Rand Energy Leader to Join GreenBiz Webcast, Unveil Findings of Climate Change Research
Owen Smith to share findings of new research addressing the ways in which companies confront climate change, GHG reduction on Dec. 1
DAVIDSON, N.C., Nov. 23, 2015 /3BL Media/ – Owen Smith, director, energy policy and strategy, Center for Energy Efficiency & Sustainability (CEES) at Ingersoll Rand, a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, will present an interactive webinar with GreenBiz on Dec. 1 from 1-2 p.m. ET. Register for free at http://bit.ly/1N6DdxL.
The survey concludes that businesses are a powerful force in addressing climate change, with more than 90 percent making at least one commitment to increase energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions or increase the use of renewables. The project explores the types of commitments made, the strategies companies are following, and how these vary by size and type of company.
“Climate change is of growing urgency, and this new research shows that businesses are acknowledging their accountability and taking action to address the problem,” Smith said. “Ingersoll Rand has taken a firm stance on addressing climate change by creating more innovative, efficient products while also improving the efficiency of our operations around the world. We are proud to be counted among companies that are leading in the effort to address climate change.”
During the webcast, “Businesses React to Climate Change,” Smith and John Davies, vice president and senior analyst at GreenBiz Group, will provide commentary on recently concluded research fielded by Ingersoll Rand and GreenBiz. The research targeted more than 5,300 companies and focuses on the ways in which businesses address climate change and related matters such as energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.
“The research provides a positive outlook for the future as companies continue to develop formal strategies for commitments centered on energy efficiency,” Davies said. “The needle wasn’t moving in the right direction just a few years ago, but as companies – like Ingersoll Rand – continue to make public commitments and implement strategies to achieve these commitments, we should see an escalation in corporate responsibility for addressing climate change.”
Preliminary findings were presented by Smith and Davies in October at VERGE 2015 on a panel that included sustainability experts from Microsoft and Belk. VERGE is GreenBiz Group's global event series focused on the technologies and systems that accelerate sustainability solutions across sectors in a climate-constrained world.
Ingersoll Rand is committed to solving some of the world’s pressing challenges and in September 2014 the company made public its Climate Commitment to achieve a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) refrigerant footprint of our products by 2020, and incorporating alternatives with lower global warming potential across the company’s product portfolio by 2030; make a $500 million investment in product-related research and development over the next five years to fund the long-term reduction of GHG emissions; and a 35 percent reduction in GHG footprint of our own operations by 2020.
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About Ingersoll Rand
Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands — including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane® — work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a $13 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.
About the Speaker
Owen Smith is the director of energy policy and strategy in Ingersoll Rand’s Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (CEES). In this role he works with Ingersoll Rand’s businesses to develop market-leading strategies that reflect significant trends in the energy sector. His efforts expand and accelerate market opportunities for energy efficiency solutions by engaging with leaders from business, non-profit, academic and government institutions. He also seeks to ensure the company’s strategic brands are well positioned to thrive as they address society’s pressing energy and environmental challenges.
Smith came to CEES from Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), a thought leading environmental non-profit that engages with businesses, communities and institutions to advance market-based solutions to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. As principal of RMI’s Electricity and Communities Practices, he was accountable for programmatic goals to accelerate the transformation of the electricity system and to enable communities to capture economic benefits by leading on climate and energy challenges.
Prior to RMI, Smith worked at Duke Energy where he scaled renewable energy and energy efficiency across Duke’s regulated utilities. He also held positions in corporate strategy, mergers & acquisitions, finance and marketing.
Contact
Dan Berei, Ingersoll Rand
704-655-5018, dand.berei@irco.com
