Can you tell us about your journey from joining Emerson in 1991 to becoming its first Chief Sustainability Officer in 2021?
My journey with Emerson has indeed been long and enriching, spanning over three decades. I started with Emerson in the international department after studying the Asian markets, specifically Japan, while getting my MBA. I have held positions across the company, from planning and development to global sales. I also served as President of Emerson from 2018-2021, overseeing software and digital technology development, major investments, international growth and global shared service organizations.
There is no doubt that the role of sustainability in the industries we serve is growing in significance. In 2021, following a change in leadership, it became apparent that sustainability was no longer just an emerging area but a central aspect of our business. Leveraging my diverse background and extensive network within the company, I took on the role of Chief Sustainability Officer. My holistic view of the company's operations and trust garnered over years helps me steer the organization towards meeting sustainability objectives, addressing various facets including technology, government activities, and customer engagements.
Can you elaborate on how Emerson technologies contribute to sustainability and give examples of how they are utilized in different industries?
As a global automation leader, Emerson equips industries with technologies that enhance energy efficiency and facilitate transitions to more sustainable solutions. About 70% of Emerson sales are tied to these sustainability enabling technologies. One of the areas we operate in is the traditional energy sector, including oil refineries, where our technologies assist in creating products safely and responsibly. Nowadays, these industries are leaning towards using more sustainable inputs such as bio-based and waste-based materials to develop sustainable aviation fuels, which play a crucial role in decarbonizing aviation and maritime sectors globally.
We’re also working in the expanding hydrogen ecosystem. For instance, we aid companies in manufacturing hydrogen traditionally from natural gas, offering a near-term solution for hydrogen availability. This comes in handy for high-temperature industries like steel and cement production which view hydrogen as a viable path away from using fresh hydrocarbons to achieve the necessary high temperatures. Besides, the agriculture and construction sectors are set to benefit greatly from hydrogen, with companies like JCB in the UK initiating hydrogen combustion engine programs. Moreover, we support the development of hydrogen refueling stations globally, supplying critical measurements and computing infrastructure required for efficient hydrogen distribution. Through our comprehensive approach, we are dynamically partnering with our customers to shape the future of sustainable solutions.
Emerson has surpassed its initial goal by achieving a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity from the 2018 baseline. How did you manage to accomplish this and what measures have you implemented for further sustainability in your production process?
Our success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions substantially is a testimony to Emerson's conscious effort to foster a sustainable operation. We set a target to get to net zero emissions intensity, originally aiming for a 20% reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, and we were excited to surpass that original goal early.
A pivotal strategy in achieving this was the institution of energy treasure hunts where teams inspect our facilities during low- and high-production days to identify wasteful practices and potential improvements. This ranges from simple measures such as optimizing lighting to more complex system upgrades like enhancing compressed air systems, which are prevalent in our manufacturing setups. Beyond infrastructure enhancements, we have instilled a culture of sustainability amongst our employees, educating them on sustainable practices and encouraging innovative approaches to environmental conservation. As we celebrate the wins, we also remain focused on making progress on Scope 3 emissions targets, increasing our use of renewable electricity and other important goals that factor into our comprehensive strategy.
What can you tell us about Emerson’s partnership with Bosch and the recognition you received through the Bosch Global Supplier Award for sustainability?
Our engagement in greening initiatives spans across various fronts including partnerships with governments, research institutions, industry groups, and our customers. We actively work towards presenting roadmaps for large-scale solutions while navigating economic and environmental challenges. This year, Bosch recognized Emerson as one of its most valued suppliers, helping advance innovation as we work toward a more sustainable supply chain. This recognition is a testament to our collaborative approach, focused on achievement and problem-solving, even when it involves venturing into somewhat uncomfortable territories where not all answers are known beforehand. We appreciate Bosch for acknowledging our hard work and commitment towards sustainable solutions.
This award also reflects our belief in collaborative efforts with suppliers and customers to foster a system where everyone is working towards a common goal. The essence of this recognition from Bosch lies in partnership and the persistent endeavor to meet tough targets, fostering a spirit of collective responsibility and achievement.
Given the range of industries Emerson collaborates with, which one would you say faces the most challenges in transitioning to a more sustainable pathway, and why is that?
The transition towards sustainability is undoubtedly a complex process, involving substantial challenges, especially when we look at industries grounded in the foundational building blocks of our society - agriculture, mining, and the sources of various materials we use daily. Sectors like steel, cement, and aviation are treading on a tough path given the intrinsic nature of their operations. Initiatives like preparing steel facilities to be hydrogen-ready and leveraging software simulations for potential solutions hold promise. Moreover, technologies such as carbon capture are increasingly seen as viable options, not just in steelmaking but across diverse sectors.
These challenges notwithstanding, it is encouraging to witness a committed approach from various industries, including fossil fuel companies, in not just reducing their carbon footprints but actively engaging in innovations with renewable sources and electrification processes.
As Emerson’s first CSO, what are your aspirations for the company’s progress in the next two to three years?
I would emphasize that we are in a marathon, and sustaining endurance is crucial. In the short term, the focus should be on continual progress rather than chasing perfection. Across the globe, substantial projects are underway, aiming to foster a hydrogen economy and enhance the battery value chain, domains where Emerson is significantly involved. I envisage more large-scale projects materializing, encompassing aspects like nuclear energy, which holds considerable promise in reducing carbon emissions. Initiatives around small modular nuclear formats are particularly intriguing, necessitating a demonstrable instance to assure the world of its viability and safety.
Internally at Emerson, we aspire to foster technologies that enable sustainable practices. The digital landscape, characterized by heightened signaling and system creation, is slated to offer unprecedented opportunities. Our role extends to influencing policy frameworks as well, aiding policymakers in understanding the realms of possibility and setting a realistic pace for achieving sustainability goals. The next few years are about nurturing technologies and policies that facilitate a sustainable transition, encouraging a show-and-tell approach to foster trust and acceptance of emerging sustainable technologies globally.
