October 2022 CREW Luncheon: “Carbon Reduction: Just a “Buzz Word” or Can We Make a Difference?!”
Submitted by Kim Marks
Ashley Hess, a Workplace Strategy Program Manager at Duke Energy responsible for workplace standards across the company’s non-generation real estate portfolio, started the program off with an overview of Duke’s goals and steps we can each take to make a difference in our environment.
Duke Energy’s goals:
- By 2030 cut CO2 emissions by at least 50%
- By 2050 attain net-zero CO2 emissions
- Duke is currently beating the US electric utility industry average by achieving more than 44% reductions since 2005.
Six steps each of us can make today to offset carbon emissions:
- Use Duke Energy’s Carbon Emissions calculator to calculate your company’s emissions. Go to https://sustainablesolutions.duke-energy.com/calculate-carbon-emissions/
- Calculate your companies’ operational emissions & establish annual targets for reduction, monitor and track thru the year.
- Prioritize construction materials as an area for improvement to reduce embodied carbon by reusing materials & buildings, using less carbon intensive materials, and fewer finishings.
- Divert construction waste from the landfill by establishing a evaluating the current process and create an action plan which is monitored.
- Evaluate opportunities for onsite renewable energy generation at your facilities.
- Consider whether or not an electric vehicle fleet can lower your operating costs. Learn more here https://www.duke-energy.com/energy-education/energy-savings-and-efficiency/fleet-electrification
Landon Williams, an energy efficiency and building science expert is currently the Program Manager for SmartPath program, followed Ashley focusing on several efficiency programs currently being offered by Duke Energy to help companies work towards achieving carbon reduction goals through design assistance for new construction and building retrofits.
Understanding that one size doesn’t fit all, they have multiple programs outlined on their energy efficiency website for everything from multi-family programs to energy assessments to Energy Advisors. All information can be found here https://www.duke-energy.com/business. The Smart Saver Rebate program is one that leverages low interest loans in order for you to upgrade equipment/technology. Duke Energy understands that it is cheaper to offer reduced kw’s than build new plants so they are very focused on being your partner thru this endeavor.
Lee Anne Nance, President and COO of Stewart, shared with us her core values and strategic goals that are the foundation of her success. A devoted wife and mother, with a background as an Economist and Analyst in Economic Development, Lee Anne has used her leadership skills to help develop a unique culture at Stewart. She shared how she has developed the acronym T H R E A D which has become part of the everyday language and culture for Stewart.
Katie Grissom, Managing Director, Asana Partners delivered an informative and positive message about the Trends in Retail Development at our June 2022 luncheon. Generation Z, the largest generation, is coming into buying power and more broadly, consumer preferences are evolving as a result of the last two years. With convenience at the forefront – mixed use, neighborhood near urban and suburban neighborhoods are becoming more desirable for retailers. New categories focused on convenience are emerging, like Medtail (vets, dentists, primary care). We better understand the halo effect, the impact of opening a new store on the retailer’s sales, and digital marketing costs are pushing retailers to find new avenues to acquire customers. All of these factors point to continued growth in the brick-and-mortar retail space.
