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Washington, DC: The move toward "green," meaning primarily new sources of renewable energy, has dominated the headlines over the last two years. Many people around the world automatically perceived "green" to be the answer to addressing climate change and to achieving environmental sustainability. The problem is that attaining the long-term goal of a world powered by renewable, low-carbon energy is a highly complex and expensive proposition that no single technology, green or otherwise, can resolve.
As perception collided with reality and the initial hype around "green" began to subside, a new, more balanced concept emerged: clean development. It encompasses many things related to sustainability, including energy security, economic growth, fair markets, and clean water — as well as carbon constraint. Furthermore, it is built on the pursuit of cost-effective energy that is "clean," and not just limited to renewables. This includes natural gas, nuclear and coal when used in environmentally sensitive ways.
At a recent Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions panel discussion, Clean: 1st Step to Green?, Joseph A. Stanislaw, Independent Senior Advisor, Energy & Sustainability, Deloitte LLP, moderated a panel including Robert Beck, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The National Coal Council; Thomas Skains, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc.; and Christine Tezak, Senior Energy & Environment Policy Analyst, Robert W. Baird & Co. Click here to see their insights and perspectives. |
