Building on ongoing sustainability efforts, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) has announced a new goal to reduce 1 million tons of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions from company operations through 2022. Among other initiatives, the goal includes building out the company’s clean fleet of vehicles.
Called the Million Ton Challenge, the goal is to reduce emissions from PG&E’s operations over a five-year period. Through the company’s operational plans, PG&E aims to do as follows:
- Make its facilities more energy efficient and sustainable;
- Reduce methane emissions from natural gas operations;
- Increase clean vehicles and fuels in its fleet; and
- Adopt environmentally responsible products, with an early focus on electric substation equipment.
Additionally, PG&E is encouraging employees to join the challenge by making a pledge to reduce their carbon footprint at work and home.
“At PG&E, a sustainable energy future is our North Star, and this new goal directly aligns with our company’s vision,” says Geisha Williams, president and CEO of PG&E. “By reducing our emissions by roughly 10 percent, we are extending our ongoing sustainability efforts and doing our part to protect the environment. Achieving sustainability means addressing climate change in the way we work every day as we continue to provide safe, reliable, affordable and clean energy to our customers.”
Through targeted electric vehicle (EV) programs, PG&E aims to help accelerate the adoption of EVs to support clean transportation in California. For example, through its EV Charge Network program, PG&E is installing 7,500 EV chargers at condominiums, apartment buildings and workplaces across northern and central California, including at sites in disadvantaged communities. The company also recently announced an EV pilot program with San Joaquin Regional Transit District.
“It’s more critical than ever to see companies like PG&E step forward with states, cities and others to demonstrate leadership in the fight against climate change. In pledging to reduce its climate impact, it’s clear that PG&E is making a concerted effort to lead by example across its business operations,” notes Heather Zichal, managing director of corporate engagement at The Nature Conservancy and a member of PG&E’s sustainability advisory council.