ARKANSAS, Sept 21 (Future Headlines)- In a significant move towards sustainability and reduced carbon emissions, French construction company Saint-Gobain has entered into a 15-year agreement with energy giant TotalEnergies to procure solar power. This deal, aptly named “Danish Fields,” will see Saint-Gobain purchasing 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity to power 125 of its industrial facilities located across the United States and Canada. This initiative, set to commence by the end of 2024, marks Saint-Gobain’s third power purchase agreement in North America, collectively aiming to significantly reduce the company’s scope 2 emissions on the continent.

Saint-Gobain’s decision to engage in its third power purchase agreement in North America underscores its dedication to sustainability and emission reduction. These agreements collectively represent a robust approach to addressing the company’s scope 2 emissions – those indirect emissions linked to its power purchases. By significantly increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources, Saint-Gobain aims to substantially reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

The primary focus of these agreements is to mitigate Saint-Gobain’s scope 2 emissions, particularly in North America. Scope 2 emissions encompass the indirect greenhouse gas emissions resulting from a company’s consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam. These emissions are a crucial part of a company’s carbon footprint and a key area for reduction efforts.

To put the scope 2 emissions reduction efforts into perspective, it is essential to note that Saint-Gobain’s three power purchase agreements are expected to collectively reduce the company’s scope 2 emissions in North America by an impressive 70% compared to 2017 levels. This significant reduction reflects the tangible impact of transitioning to renewable energy sources on a large scale.

The Danish Fields agreement alone is poised to make a substantial contribution to Saint-Gobain’s emissions reduction objectives. This single agreement is projected to reduce North American scope 2 CO₂ emissions from electricity by approximately 90,000 metric tons annually. This figure is a testament to the efficacy of large-scale renewable energy procurement in curbing emissions. It highlights the potential for the corporate sector to play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability and emission reduction targets.

Saint-Gobain’s commitment to renewable energy aligns with a broader trend in the corporate world. Increasingly, companies are recognizing the importance of sustainable practices, including transitioning to clean energy sources, as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts. Renewable energy procurement, through power purchase agreements or investments in renewable infrastructure, has become a key strategy for companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and demonstrate environmental stewardship.

Companies across various industries are actively engaging in renewable energy procurement to meet sustainability goals and reduce emissions. Power purchase agreements, like the Danish Fields deal, allow companies to secure a stable supply of renewable electricity while contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector.

These agreements also demonstrate the economic viability of renewable energy. As technology advances and economies of scale come into play, renewable energy sources have become competitive with or even more cost-effective than traditional fossil fuels. This economic rationale is a driving force behind corporate commitments to clean energy.

Corporate initiatives like Saint-Gobain’s Danish Fields agreement also align with global climate commitments. The Paris Agreement, signed by numerous countries, sets targets to limit global warming and reduce carbon emissions. Companies are increasingly recognizing the need to align their operations with these global climate goals, not only to mitigate environmental risks but also to remain competitive in a changing business landscape.

Writing by Kevin Wood; Editing by Sarah White