Emissions Reduction Would Be Equivalent to a 20 to 36 Percent Cut in Imported Oil Consumption, According to Study by The Boston Consulting Group on Behalf of the Global e-Sustainability Initiative; Research and Recommendations Are Unveiled and Discussed at Policy Forum in Washington, D.C.
-- Recognize the important role that the ICT sector can play in a national energy efficiency strategy -- Build a national "center of excellence" to establish standards and metrics for CO2 emissions, consolidate and validate data, coordinate public- private collaboration, and share best practices -- Encourage the ubiquitous deployment and adoption of broadband, since connectivity will be the backbone of all ICT solutions -- Create market mechanisms that reward energy efficiency and reduce emissions by monetizing carbon dioxide emissionsIn addition, BCG and GeSI recommend specific policy measures in four main areas that together could contribute to an annual reduction of 0.8 to 1.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide by 2020. The opportunities and recommendations are: 1. A smart grid that could reduce CO2 emissions by 230 to 480 million metric tons (mmt) of carbon dioxide and save $15 billion to $35 billion in energy and fuel costs
-- Provide incentives for utilities to invest in smart-grid technologies and energy efficiency improvements -- Lead by example and integrate smart-grid technologies into federally owned utilities2. More efficient road transportation that could reduce travel time and congestion while shaving off 240 to 440 mmt of CO2 emissions and saving $65 billion to $115 billion
-- Expand investment in smart infrastructure for roads and road-related equipment -- Elevate the importance of ICT solutions in current government programs3. Energy-efficient smart buildings that could abate 270 to 360 mmt of CO2 and save $40 billion to $50 billion
-- Use incentives and mandates to increase the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings -- Introduce environmental requirements into the certification process for building professionals -- Lead by example to create demand in the market and identify best practices -- Encourage R&D in smart buildings, especially where industry is underinvesting4. Travel substitution through virtual meetings and flexible work arrangements that could reduce CO2 by 70 to 130 mmt and save $20 billion to $40 billion
-- Lead by example to encourage behavioral change -- Share best practices to support the case for travel substitutionCopies of the "Smart 2020: United States Report Addendum" and the original "Smart 2020" report can be downloaded at www.smart2020.org. To arrange an interview with a BCG expert, please contact Dave Fondiller at +1 212 446-3257 or fondiller.david@bcg.com. About The Boston Consulting Group The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and the world's leading advisor on business strategy. We partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses. Our customized approach combines deep insight into the dynamics of companies and markets with close collaboration at all levels of the client organization. This ensures that our clients achieve sustainable competitive advantage, build more capable organizations, and secure lasting results. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with 66 offices in 38 countries. For more information, please visit www.bcg.com. About GeSI (Global e-Sustainability Initiative) GeSI (www.gesi.org) is an international strategic partnership of ICT companies and industry associations committed to creating and promoting technologies and practices that foster economic, environmental, and social sustainability and drive economic growth and productivity. Formed in 2001, GeSI fosters global and open cooperation, informs the public of its members' voluntary actions to improve their sustainability performance, and promotes technologies that foster sustainable development. It partners with two UN organizations: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which hosts GeSI's Secretariat and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). These partners help shape our global vision regarding the evolution of the telecommunications sector, and how we can best meet the challenges of sustainable development.