Case Study: GE Renewable Energy's Strategy to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

GE Renewable Energy is achieving carbon neutrality in its operations through maximizing efficiencies and utilizing cost savings from emissions reductions projects to fund investments that will further drive reductions in the next decade and beyond. Despite setting a short-term goal with 2020 as their first year of carbon neutrality, GE Renewable Energy sees its transition as a long-term effort. The company recognizes that a lot of offsets will need to be purchased to achieve their short term carbon neutral goal, but it’s a transition tool first and foremost, while they are simultaneously developing operational reductions. For example, they have invested in various upgrades to equipment in their manufacturing sites and switched all their electricity supply to green options. GE Renewable Energy aims to eliminate the need for offsets over time, which ultimately depends on the availability of needed technologies and relevant regulations as well.
 
The 5 workstreams GE Renewable Energy are running to achieve carbon neutrality are as follows:
1. Account for operational GHG emissions in each business.
2. Reduce emissions by finding efficiency opportunities within energy, waste, logistics, and mobility.
3. Power with renewables by sourcing renewable electricity for sites through onsite installations, Power Purchase Agreements, and Environmental Attribute Certificates.
4. Offset Emissions by investing in carbon credits that fund emission reduction projects worldwide, while supporting Sustainable Development Goals.
5. Campaign, Engage, Lead by sharing what we learn, celebrating employee contributions and engaging customers and partners.

Beyond GE Renewable Energy’s ambitious carbon neutral strategy, the company has also invested in circular economy initiatives. This includes, for example, extending the useful life of wind turbines, recycling turbine blades, innovating to reduce material waste and introducing the groundbreaking g3 (pronounced g-cubed) to replace the highly potent greenhouse gas SF6 in its Grid Solutions products and operations.