The Power in Team Work

Solar power farm in Taylor County, Georgia

Google and Georgia Power have recently teamed up to obtain clean power by working with utilities. A goal of Google's, as stated last year, is to successfully reach 100 percent renewable energy. So far, they are on the right track. It has been confirmed that Google is buying roughly three gigawatts worth of clean power.

The company has established an arrangement with Georgia Power, along with three other major companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Walmart and Target. All four companies have made these planning efforts a priority of theirs to produce renewable energy for all of their data centers and offices.

The two companies who have laid the groundwork for other companies to follow are primarily Google and Walmart. Google's Terrell was quoted as saying, "We not only want to change the way we operate, but we really want to change the world with respect to addressing climate change." While Walmart's Chriss offered insight on what the three keys to successfully implement their goals are. Those key steps include first having a conversation with the current utilities you work with to ensure they know what you are looking for. Second, understanding your personal preferences around risk. What are you willing to take on such a project? As a customer, you have to find out what you are comfortable with in terms of the risk side of the equation. And last, it's crucial to understand what you're signing up for. This is important because without knowing this, there will be a lack of understanding and communication with the current utilities worked with.

All in all, Target, Google, Walmart and Johnson & Johnson have recognized they are huge power users. They are dedicated to teaming up to address this current issue and what they can do to shrink their unnecessary energy consumption. Fortunately, these large companies can greatly encourage other companies to follow in their footsteps. Georgia Power has implemented the Four Cs (conviction, courage, commitment and contrarian) create such a program. With this said, the company deserves great respect and credit for their powerful efforts.

Check out the Odyssey of My Ecological Footprint next week to find out what current events topic I discuss next!

McKenzie T.

Current event courtesy of GreenBiz.com