The Clinton Climate Initiative: A Business Solution to Climate Challenges

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Energy, green and sustainability are hot topics, and as a result television programs, radio and newspapers are full of information and advice on how to go green. Unfortunately, when a wealth of information exists, there is also a wealth of misinformation. But through the noise, a program called the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) has emerged that focuses on a true and measurable approach to reducing energy use and making a quantifiable impact on greenhouse gas reduction.

This article will introduce the benefits of the CCI and how this program impacts us all, and then explore the ways that businesses can integrate the solid energy management principles of the CCI and realize the rewards.

Background on the Clinton Climate Initiative

The Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) is a program through the William J. Clinton Foundation that applies a measurable, business approach to fighting climate change globally. Specifically, the CCI focuses on working with the C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group, a group of large cities worldwide dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since cities contribute about 75 percent of all heat-trapping greenhouse gases, they are critical to slowing the pace of global warming.

CCI has three goals:

1. Create a purchasing consortium to leverage buying power and accelerate implementation of energy saving technologies in cities;
2. Mobilize experts to provide technical assistance to cities to create energy programs; and
3. Share best practices and tools between cities to speed implementation.

While these three goals are simple and what corporations aim to do everyday in their business, they are revolutionary in terms of large-scale, global energy management.

What are the Roadblocks, and How is the CCI Overcoming Them?

The CCI's approach is rooted in practical realities that include recognizing and addressing the roadblocks that make progress difficult.

First, the CCI has recognized that the situation in many countries today does not motivate large cities to implement energy-efficiency programs or processes. In the United States, energy is relatively inexpensive and readily available, so the return on investment for energy projects has not always been attractive. In booming economies, like China and India, energy efficiency does not top the list of challenges when compared to skyrocketing population, inflation or growth. To address this, the CCI invests in educating cities on the benefits of energy efficiency and providing them with the tools to make it a priority.

Next, the CCI recognizes that energy management requires experts, tools and constant learning. Comprehensive energy management involves more than changing light bulbs and turning down thermostats. Each existing building is different and experts are required to survey the facility, consider energy conservation opportunities, weigh the cost and benefit of each solution and present a holistic approach that maximizes energy savings and minimizes cost. Additionally, projects must be installed with long-term operational goals in mind and savings must be reported in a consistent and reputable manner. The CCI group has pre-qualified experts and vendors in this area so that each city can begin working with reputable and trusted companies immediately.