Episode
18

Samuel, Son & Co.'s Energy and Carbon Management with VP Environmental, Energy, & Real Estate John Lennartz

October 20, 2021
|
Duration:
1845429
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In This Episode:

Join energy coaches David Arkell, John Pooley, and Samuel, Son & Co.'s VP Environment, Energy, & Real Estate John Lennartz on an episode about how the multinational company manages their energy.  This episode features working in energy teams, motivations behind managing energy and carbon, and what stakeholders are asking.

Highlights

  • Defining Energy Management:
    Lennartz emphasizes energy usage and efficiency paired with energy supply management, viewing energy as a controllable expense.
  • Organizational Commitment and Team Approach:
    The company has created cross-functional energy teams at various sites, focusing on data monitoring and continuous improvement. Executive sponsorship has been essential in gaining corporate buy-in for the program.
  • Corporate and Regional Challenges:
    Differences across locations in North America, especially between regulated and deregulated markets, influence how sites manage energy costs and implement sustainable practices.
  • Balancing Internal and External Motivations:
    Initially motivated by cost savings, Samuel Son now also responds to climate-conscious customer expectations, reporting on carbon reduction efforts through platforms like CDP.
  • Continuous Improvement:
    Lennartz stresses that energy management is an ongoing process that adapts to changing technologies and market demands, particularly in heavy energy-consuming facilities.
  • Key Insights

  • Data and Training as Program Foundations:
    Collecting and analyzing data on energy usage is crucial. Training team members on how to interpret and act on data insights strengthens the effectiveness of energy management.
  • Resilience Through Team Structures:
    Lennartz explains that team structures help maintain energy and carbon initiatives even with personnel changes, creating a sustainable program over time.
  • Regulated vs. Deregulated Markets:
    Energy cost management differs across markets; in Ontario, for example, managing peak demand is vital for Class A customers to reduce global adjustment costs.
  • Customer and Investor Expectations:
    External stakeholders, especially major customers with climate goals, increasingly expect suppliers to have documented energy and carbon management practices, influencing Samuel Son’s approach.
  • Employee Engagement and Retention:
    Environmental programs align with employee values, enhancing recruitment and retention. Younger employees particularly value the company’s commitment to sustainability.
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