Sustainable Energy for All: Opportunities for the Transportation and Logistics Industry

Transcription

1 Sustainable Energy for All: Opportunities for the Transportation and Logistics Industry

2 Acknowledgements The findings presented in this document are the result of research, interviews, and focus groups conducted in support of the development of the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative by the UN Global Compact and Accenture. More than 70 companies across 19 industries primarily UN Global Compact LEAD companies and Caring for Climate Signatories contributed to these findings. Contents Preface Summary The Importance of Sustainable Energy for the Transportation and Logistics Industry Sustainable Energy as a Value Driver for the Transportation and Logistics Industry Priority Actions for the Transportation and Logistics Industry

3 Preface In support of the United Nations Secretary General s Sustainable Energy for All initiative, the United Nations Global Compact and Accenture have partnered to identify the most important actions the private sector can take across nineteen different industries to advance the primary objectives of the initiative while simultaneously driving business value. This body of work includes an introductory report that discusses the relationship between the initiative and the private sector in a broad sense, as well as 19 individual Industry Opportunity documents. In total, the objective is to provide guidance and to inspire companies across all industries to take action in pursuit of sustainable energy and benefits for their own companies. This document provides an analysis of the opportunities Sustainable Energy for All presents to the transportation and logistics industry. It identifies specific priority actions transportation and logistics companies can take to advance the three objectives of the initiative energy access, energy efficiency, and renewable energy while also driving increased business value. The priority actions identified for each industry are aligned to the vision and objectives of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative. They span multiple modes of engagement operations, products & services, social investment and philanthropy, and advocacy and public policy engagement and represent four different ways that businesses can create value: revenue growth, cost reduction, brand enhancement, and risk management. As UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon wrote prior to the 2012 World Future Energy Summit, Energy transforms lives, businesses and economies. To succeed, we need everyone at the table governments, the private sector, and civil society all working together to accomplish what none can do alone. The obstacles are not so much technical as human. We need to raise sustainable energy to the top of the global agenda and focus our attention, ingenuity, resources, and investments to make it a reality. Addressing the world s energy needs is a way to advance society and also to advance sustainable value creation for the transportation and logistics industry while balancing positive economic, environmental, and social gains across the globe. About the Transportation and Logistics Industry The transportation and logistics industry represents companies that transport goods and offer logistics services in a variety of ways, including trucking, rail, air, and marine. The industry is comprised of companies that provide distribution services, supply chain solutions, logistics services, and freight. These companies range from small trucking companies, to large container ship operators. The analysis in this document does not include passenger transportation such as private car, bus, public transportation or commercial airlines. 3

4 Summary The ambitious goals of the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative will require commitment and vigorous action from the private sector to drive investment, increase innovation in products and services, and increase operational efficiencies. Transportation and logistics represent essential services to the economy, and yet contribute significantly to global energy use. Energy use in the transportation and logistics industry is tied to freight modes of transportation such as truck, air, rail, pipeline, and marine (domestic barge and cargo). These modes of transportation primarily rely on petroleum based fuels and only use small amounts of natural gas and electricity. It is estimated that truck and rail transport account for approximately 30 percent of global transport energy use (which includes passenger transport). About 90 percent of that energy is used by road transport, which is far more energy-intensive than rail. Marine transport is the most energy efficient mode of transportation and accounts for 9 percent of all global transport energy use. 1 Companies in this industry have an opportunity to drive significant cost savings from increasing the energy efficiency of transportation and operations. Additionally, transportation and logistics companies can drive value through increased revenues, brand enhancement, and risk management by building sustainable energy considerations into the services offered to the marketplace. For transportation and logistics companies to advance their business opportunities related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, the industry can focus on four priority actions mapped to the business value levers, objectives, and engagement modalities of Sustainable Energy for All: Priority Industry Actions Business Value Levers Objectives Engagement Modalities Improve operations of vehicles, vessels or aircraft to maximize energy efficiency of transport. Cost Reduction Brand Enhancement Risk Management Energy Efficiency Core Business: Operations Upgrade fleet to enable use of alternative, less carbon-intensive fuels and drive the use of renewables. Revenue Growth Cost Reduction Brand Enhancement Risk Management Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Core Business: Operations Improve the intermodal and trans-modal transfer systems to increase energy efficiency. Cost Reduction Risk Management Energy Efficiency Core Business: Operations Partner with manufacturers to improve the design and energy performance of vehicles, vessels, and aircraft. Cost Reduction Brand Enhancement Risk Management Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Core Business: Operations 44

5 + + Ensuring Universal Energy Access Doubling the Rate of Improvement in Energy Efficiency Doubling the Share of Renewable Energy What Is Sustainable Energy for All? Under the leadership of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations is mobilizing key constituencies from the private sector, public sector, and civil society in a major global initiative, Sustainable Energy for All. The goal of the initiative is to catalyze action around three clear objectives to be achieved by 2030: Energy access: Ensuring universal access to modern energy services. Energy efficiency: Doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. Renewable Energy: Doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The Sustainable Energy for All initiative strives to mobilize bold actions and large-scale investments by fostering the enabling conditions for success, supporting cooperation and coordination across sectors, and tapping into a broad array of businesses and financiers. The initiative has the capacity to leverage a rapidly expanding knowledge network, disseminate ideas, and monitor progress toward the initiative s objectives. It can change the terms of engagement by introducing new public-private partnerships based on synergies across relevant sectors of the economy and engendering constructive dialogue on policy, investment, and market development by governments, businesses, and civil society. Sustainable Energy for All provides a clearly articulated global vision for sustainable energy and brings together the unparalleled global convening power and reach of the United Nations, which will help build consensus, drive a common agenda, and coordinate the actions of multiple entities at both the global level and the national levels, helping all entities work toward shared and mutually beneficial goals. Sustainable Energy for All brings together all relevant stakeholders in the sustainable energy area the public sector, private sector, and civil society on a common and open platform for communication and collaboration. For more comprehensive information about Sustainable Energy for All, please go to: 5

6 The Importance of Sustainable Energy for the Transportation and Logistics Industry Innovation in the Transportation and Logistics Industry As a major consumer of petroleum based fuels, the transportation and logistics industry is vulnerable to volatility of fuel prices. In an increasingly competitive market, companies look to transportation and logistics as an area to improve efficiency, increase reliability and reduce costs. Performance in these areas is driving the major innovation trends in the industry, with fuel and energy savings as the benefit: - Vehicle engine fuel efficiency - The use of renewable energy such as biofuels - Software solutions for data management, demand orchestration, flexibility, optimization and simulation While some of these innovations leverage existing technologies in new innovative ways, improved renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy opportunities are driving the future of zero-emission and zero energy transportation. The Transportation and Logistics Industry: Highly Energy Intensive The transportation sector accounts for roughly 30 percent of global energy consumption, including passenger transport. Further distinction must be made between passenger transport and freight. According to the Energy Information Administration, truck and rail transport accounted for 27 percent of global transport energy use in About 90 percent of that energy was used by road transport, which is far more energy intensive than rail. Marine transport is the most energy efficient mode of transportation and accounts for 9 percent of all global transport energy use. 2 According to The World Economic Forum, logistics and transportation services are responsible for 5.5 percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions, which is a direct result of the industry s energy consumption. 3 Estimates suggest that it is commercially-viable to reduce current emissions from the transportation and logistics industry by about half. About 60 percent of those benefits would come from the sector s own emissions. The remaining percentage would come from the broader supply chain of other industries. 4 Importance of Emerging Markets The International Energy Agency predicts energy use from trucking to increase by 50 percent by the year 2050 from a baseline scenario; the vast majority of growth is expected to occur in developing countries. Apart from large countries such as Russia, China and the US, rail accounts for a relatively small share of freight movement compared to trucks in most countries. 5 Because rail freight is so much more energy efficient than road freight, it is worth increasing efforts around the world to foster a modal shift. Increasing rail freight s share of the total volume of freight movement would require major investments in both rail infrastructure and intermodal facilities, but would yield significant reductions in energy use. Sustainable Energy for All has the opportunity to mobilize this shift on a global scale, bringing together support and financing from governments with business solutions from companies in the transportation and logistics industry. 6

7 The Business Opportunity Presented by Sustainable Energy for All In taking actions to advance the three objectives of Sustainable Energy for All, the extent of this unprecedented, rapid change will provide companies with new opportunities to drive sustainable business value in a manner that aligns to their core strategies. To seize these opportunities, there are four engagement modalities companies can address as they implement the identified priority actions: 1. Core Business - Operations: Businesses can transform their operations through increased energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy alternatives. 2. Core Business - Products and Services: Businesses can innovate and modify their core products and services to meet the new and developing market demands for more energy efficient products, sustainable energy, and the infrastructure needed to extend energy access around the world. 3. Social Investment and Philanthropy: Businesses can identify ways to establish a strategic link between social investments and their core strategies to increase the likelihood that such activities will be sustained and able to reach scale. 4. Advocacy and Public Policy Engagement: Businesses can seek to engage governments (national, regional, or local) on relevant issues that protect competitiveness and drive opportunities, while working toward the objectives of Sustainable Energy for All. Sustainable Energy for All provides a platform to address global financial, social, and environmental concerns associated with energy. Ultimately, in working toward the achievement of the three objectives of the initiative energy access, energy efficiency, and increased use of renewables businesses also have significant opportunities to drive sustainable value. Especially important are four value levers related to revenue growth, cost reduction, brand enhancement, and risk management. Which actions will your company take to drive value? The particular actions a company chooses to drive business value depend on a range of factors: its unique attributes and energy characteristics; its business model, corporate strategy and consumer base; and external factors such as level of regulation and economic context. Each of the priority actions in this document is aligned to one or more of the four business value levers described here. Business Value Levers Revenue Growth Creating new business models Collaborating to develop new markets Developing new products and services Moving from products to services Cost Reduction Improving energy efficiency Streamlining supply chain and logistics Reducing raw material consumption Changing operations to reuse waste Brand Enhancement Showcasing innovation Collaborating to increase transperancy Improving community involvement Engaging stakeholders Risk Management Contributing to policy agendas Protecting License to Operate Integrating risk management activities Diversifying business model and operations 7

8 Sustainable Energy as a Value Driver for the Transportation and Logistics Industry Looking through the lens of business value from sustainable energy, the transportation and logistics industry is well positioned to contribute to Sustainable Energy for All. At the heart of most companies supply chains, the industry has already been identified as an area to reduce costs and manage risk. Initiatives include increasing the energy efficiency of operations, increasing the use of renewable energy and alternative fuels, and improving the design and capacity of vehicles, aircrafts, and vessels through partnerships with manufacturers. These actions can directly improve profitability through lower fuel costs, higher utilization rates, and faster service for the industry and its customers. For example, Mercedes Electric Supply leveraged UPS s integrated transportation network to deliver everything from letters to cargo containers and saved 20 percent on its bottom line. 6 Additionally, companies can realize revenue growth by offering sustainable products and services to meet the emerging demands of customers. Improvements in energy efficiency, especially if they decrease overall reliance on fossil fuels given the volatility of prices can also mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions. Role of Technology and Innovation While engine efficiency technology continues to improve, the growth of the transportation and logistics industry threatens to undermine progress in reducing total energy consumption. For this reason, strategic investments in rail infrastructure and intermodal facilities are required to facilitate a switch from highly energy intensive modes of transport, such as truck and air, to the more efficient options of rail or ship. Since modal speed improvements tend to be marginal, it is at the intermodal or trans-modal facilities that most of the time and cost benefits are achieved. As global supply chains become longer and more complex, the pressure on intermodal and trans-modal transfers, or so-called bottlenecks, has increased. Just as Wal-Mart has revolutionized trans-modal road transport with tactics such as crossdocking, warehousing and radio frequency identification, the same must be achieved for trans-modal and intermodal for rail and ship transport. The technology Wal-Mart uses is not new; it is applying existing technology in innovative ways to increase efficiency. Many times, business model transformation and innovation creates just as much, if not more business value than technological innovation. 8

9 Priority Actions for the Transportation and Logistics Industry The following section provides detail on four priority actions the transportation and logistics industry can take to become more energy efficient and advance their business opportunities in the sustainable energy market: 1. Improve operations of vehicles, vessels or aircrafts to maximize energy efficiency of transport. 2. Upgrade fleet to enable use of alternative, less carbon-intensive fuels and drive the use of renewables. 3. Improve the intermodal and trans-modal transfer systems to increase energy efficiency. 4. Partner with manufacturers to improve the design and energy performance of vehicles, vessels, and aircraft. 1. Improve Operations of Vehicles, Vessels or Aircrafts to Maximize Energy Efficiency of Transport. Companies can consider taking a variety of steps to improve operations across the major categories of road, rail, marine, and air. Road: Numerous strategies can be applied to increase the fuel efficiency of the trucking industry. The use of telematics employs technology to gather information on human and mechanical factors by equipping a vehicle with sensors that provide data on: speed, direction, braking, and the performance of specific parts and components in the engine and drive train. This data is used to make adjustments such as vehicle and route optimization. Also, the data can help drivers improve their driving behavior, such as accelerating and braking smoothly to conserve fuel and minimizing idling time. 7 Applying technology to route optimization is important because factors such as traffic congestion and number of stops can decrease vehicle utilization, decrease fuel efficiency, increase cost of fleet operation, shrink market coverage and increase cost of shipment. Such is the case for less-than-truckload or small freight transport. 8 Rail Rail is 3.5 times more energy efficient than trucking and therefore is the most efficient method of freight land transport. Nevertheless, new strategies can help to optimize fuel and energy efficiency. A train can be more efficiently operated if loads are assigned based on adjusted slot efficiency. Filling empty slots with empty containers or trailers also reduces aerodynamic resistance, thereby improving energy efficiency. Uncoupling empty railcars from the end of loaded intermodal trains, whenever practical, reduces weight and fuel consumption. The combination of these factors has the potential to save almost a gallon per mile per train. 9 Marine Marine shipping companies are increasingly adapting a fuel saving method known as slow steaming or running the vessel at approximately half its capable speed, something that can dramatically reduce fuel consumption. For example, a typical 8,000-container ship traveling at 21 knots will burn 125 metric tons of fuel to go 500 nautical miles, but the same ship will need just 80 metric tons of fuel to travel the same distance if the speed drops to 15 knots. While some may argue that there is an advantage in shipping to going faster, in Marine shipping, the real measure of success is certainty of on-time arrival, driving slow-steaming as an effective technique to improving efficiency. There are other benefits to slow steaming that outweigh the higher crew costs associated with longer times at sea. An immediate 15 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is achievable and overall, the practice allows carriers to keep more ships in use, avoiding the expense of docking ships that are not in use. 10 A variety of innovative and practical methods are being created to utilize renewable sources of energy in the shipping industry. For example, by installing solar panels on a cargo ship s deck, the vessel can harness solar power. Ships can also harness wind power by attaching sail-like structures that can be used when wind conditions are favorable. 9

10 Air Air freight is the most energy intensive mode of transportation and energy efficiency can be increased through payload capacity and routing optimization. Methods include: lower flight speeds, computer-optimized flight plans, computer-managed aircraft gate departures, arrivals and taxi times, using a single engine to taxi, more fuel-efficient towing tugs, environmentally friendly paint that reduces drag, and maximizing cargo capacity utilization. 11 Companies are already starting to tackle these issues. Japan Airlines is implementing a variety of eco-flight activities to increase fuel efficiency during take-off, cruising, decent and landing. Choosing the optimal altitude, route and speed can save fuel during cruising or in the presence of strong headwinds. Further reductions can be achieved by switching off some engines during taxiing, reducing the use of the thrust reverser at landing and minimizing the use of the aircraft auxiliary power unit while parked at the gate. Together with other measures such as reducing the weight of goods, fuel, and water loaded on aircraft and cleaning of aircraft engines on a regular basis to maintain engine efficiency can result in significant fuel savings and carbon dioxide emission reduction. 12 With better planning, companies have realized both cost savings and energy savings by switching to a mode of transportation that is less energy intensive. For example, switching from air to marine freight can dramatically reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency, while at the same time decreasing costs. Likewise, switching from truck to rail freight can also yield the same results. 2. Upgrade Fleet to Enable Use of Alternative, Less Carbon Intensive Fuels and Drive the Use of Renewables. Fleet upgrades can be an effective way to increase the use of renewable energy and low-carbon fuels across all transportation types: Road Because alternative fuels are not suitable for most traditional trucks, companies should consider investing in new, energy-and fuel-efficient vehicles as older trucks are retired. A variety of advanced technologies and/or alternative fuels exist that can be used to increase fuel efficiency and use of renewables in vehicles, including: propane, compressed natural gas, hybrid gas/electric, liquefied natural gas, electric engines, and liquid petroleum gas. Fleet conversion can also be considered, although financing structures would need to be established to address the upfront, relatively capitalintensive process. Rail Energy efficiencies in rail can be achieved through the use of alternative energy to power freight locomotives. Currently, diesel-electric locomotives are operating all around the world, delivering freight with increased energy efficiency. In the future, technology and innovation will continue to advance; BNSF Railways has developed an operating prototype of a hydrogen-fuelcell switch locomotive whose only effluent is water vapor. 13 While this technology is still under development, companies should consider adapting new technologies to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. Marine Ships can increase the quality of fuel or the quantity of biofuels used in the fuelmix. Ships typically use low-grade bunker fuel (or fuel oil), which has up to 2,000 times the sulfur content of typical diesel fuel used in automobiles. 14 Thus, there are opportunities for the industry to use lower-carbon, lower-sulfur fuels in marine shipping. In addition, ships offer the unique opportunity to convert waste energy and heat to energy to power operations. The heat that is generated from the engines of ships can be reused to produce more electricity via a steam turbine. Under operating conditions, approximately 25 percent of the energy contained in a vessel s fuel is lost when the engine s hot exhaust gas escapes into the atmosphere. But with a waste heat recovery system, the heat and pressure contained in the exhaust gas are captured and used to move turbines, creating mechanical energy that operates an electrical generator. The effect of the waste heat recovery system is a reduction in the engine s fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 9 percent. 15 Air Technology and innovation is pushing airlines and air carriers towards the use of biofuels. The industry has already achieved 50 percent blends of drop-in Hydrotreated Renewable Jet fuels; however, financial, regulatory and technical barriers exist to scaling up the use of renewables on a commercial scale. Further analysis, crossindustry collaboration, government policy and financial incentives are critical to advancing progress in this critical area

11 3. Improve the Intermodal and Trans-Modal Transfer Systems to Increase Energy Efficiency. As companies attempt to switch their supply chains to more energy-efficient modes of transport such as rail and barge service for inland freight distribution wherever possible the weakest link that remains is the intermodal (ship-rail, rail-ship) and trans-modal (ship-ship, rail-rail) connection. This component of the logistics chain drives disadvantages in terms of reliability, flexibility and time vis-à-vis trucking. In addition, rising energy prices and desires to limit supply chain risk have pushed companies to implement just-in-time practices, which cannot tolerate delays due to intermodal transfer and unloading, missed connection between railroads, and other challenges such as locating misplaced containers at the terminal. To meet customer demands for reliability and speed, some fundamental changes are necessary to accommodate more complex supply chains and make short-haul service more attractive. The efficiency and performance of transfer terminals is based on several complex factors. However, the integration of an automated transfer management system is one strategy that can streamline the process. Installing these systems in ports, rail corridors linked to intermodal terminals, and distribution centers are strategies worth considering to reduce costs while simultaneously improving the reliability and energy efficiency of intermodal goods movements and services. 17 Automated transfer management systems are instrumental in achieving aerodynamic and slot efficiency on freight rail with the use of image technologies. Not only can they save thousands of gallons of fuel per train, but they can also shorten transfer times and make service more reliable

12 4. Partner with Manufacturers to Improve the Design and Energy Performance of Vehicles, Vessels, and Aircraft. To drive improvements in energy efficiency and reduce costs, transportation and logistics companies should consider partnering with manufacturers to improve the performance of vehicles and vessels. For example, transportation and logistics companies can work with truck manufacturers to test and design lighter, more aerodynamic vehicles that run on alternative fuels. Ultimately, market demand from companies in the sector and their customers will drive research, innovation, production, and adoption in the area of green transportation. Further opportunities for partnership exist in rail. Regenerative braking is fairly common in most new commuter and transit trains in Europe and Japan; however, its application to freight trains is currently limited by weight and braking power of freight locomotives. Further research and development is required in this field to achieve breakthrough innovations. Lastly, other changes such as designing a more aerodynamic train would yield savings in both energy and fuel. Companies can also partner with ship manufacturers to redesign vessels. For example, a two-engine/two-propeller twin skeg system is superior to the traditional one-engine/propeller setup and consumes less energy than a singleengine/single-propeller propulsion system. The next generation of cargo ships should be designed to operate at slower speeds, reduce energy consumption, and increase total cargo loading capabilities to increase energy efficiency. Advances in jet engine technology are driving energy efficiency in air transportation. The biggest barrier to overcome is the financing for research and development to develop more fuel efficient engine technologies. Transportation and logistics companies can take steps to create a market for more fuel-efficient aircraft. Publicly declaring a commitment to invest in a new, more fuel-efficient aircraft and to use jet engine bio-fuels when they become readily available are two measures that can help drive progress. 12

13 Conclusion The priority actions identified in this document are meant to provide guidance and inspire transportation and logistics companies to take action to advance the three objectives of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative while simultaneously maximizing their realized business value. It is vital that the private sector be fully engaged and committed to successfully achieve the initiative s ambitious objectives. With the right level of support, coordination, and action, the power of industry can be unleashed to ensure universal energy access, dramatically improve the energy efficiency of business operations, increase the use of renewable energy, and develop more sustainable products and services. Actions focused on achieving the desired outcomes of Sustainable Energy for All will drive significant positive societal change in addition to economic growth and opportunity. industry have an opportunity to realize significant cost savings and can drive value through increased revenues, brand enhancement, and risk management by building sustainable energy considerations into the services offered to the marketplace. For transportation and logistics companies to advance their business opportunities related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, the industry can focus on the four priority actions detailed in this document. By focusing on these actions, the transportation and logistics industry will be able to maximize its contribution to Sustainable Energy for All, increase business value, and ensure a sustainable future based on a balanced approach to improving social, environmental, and economic benefits for all. Transportation and logistics companies are major consumers of petroleum based fuels and therefore have a significant opportunity to transform their core operations through improved energy efficiency and through innovations in sustainable energy. Companies in this 13

14 Endnotes 1. free/2009/transport2009.pdf 2. free/2009/transport2009.pdf 3. blog/2011/03/green-is-the-future-for-thelogistics-industry/ 4. SupplyChainDecarbonization.pdf 5. free/2009/transport2009.pdf 6. sustainable-business/integrated-logistics/ UPS Sustainability Report. 8. Wheeler, Nikki. Multi-Criteria Trucking Freeway Performance Measures in Congested Corridors. Portland State University document.php?doc_id= Vidal, John. Health risks of shipping pollution have been underestimated. The UK Guardian co.uk/environment/2009/apr/09/shippingpollution energy/ 16. Progress on alternative jet fuels stunning, says aviation industry, but commercialization is now the major challenge. Green Air Online php?viewstory= Zumerchik, John, et al. Automated Transfer Management Systems and the Intermodal Performance of North American Freight Distribution hofstra.edu/jean-paul_rodrigue/downloads/ JTRF_JZ_JPR_JL.pdf Lai_Barkan_WCRR2006.pdf 9. Barkan, Chris. Railroad Transportation Energy Efficiency University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. SeminarPresentations/ pdf 10. White, Ronald D. Ocean shipping lines cut speed to save fuel costs. Los Angeles Times UPS Sustainability Report conservation/conservation02.html 13. BNSF Railway and Vehicle Projects Demonstrate Experimental Hydrogen- Fuel-Cell Switch Locomotive. BNSF News

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16 About the United Nations Global Compact The United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to: (1) voluntarily align their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anticorruption and (2) take actions in support of UN goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. By doing so, business can help ensure that markets advance in ways that benefit economies and societies everywhere. Endorsed by chief executives, the UN Global Compact is a leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible corporate policies and practices. Launched in 2000, it is the largest corporate responsibility initiative in the world with over 7,000 signatories based in more than 135 countries, and Local Networks existing or emerging in 90 countries. More information: About Accenture Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with more than 246,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$25.5 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, Its home page is About Accenture Sustainability Services Accenture Sustainability Services helps organizations achieve substantial improvement in performance and value for their stakeholders. We help clients leverage their assets and capabilities to drive innovation and profitable growth while striving for a positive economic, environmental and social impact. We work with clients across industries and geographies to integrate sustainability approaches into their business strategies, operating models and critical processes. Our holistic approach encompasses strategy, design and execution to increase revenue, reduce cost, manage risk and enhance brand, reputation and intangible assets. We also help clients develop deep insights on sustainability issues based on our ongoing investments in research, including recent studies on consumer expectations and global executive opinion on corporate sustainability and climate change. Find out more at sustainability Contact us The United Nations Global Compact and Accenture encourage leadership from all industries around the world to engage with the Sustainable Energy for All initiative. To do so, please contact: Ole Lund Hansen Head, Global Compact LEAD United Nations Global Compact hansen4@un.org Adam T. Cooper Accenture Sustainability Services North America adam.t.cooper@accenture.com Study Team: Dave Abood, Adam T. Cooper, Elaine C. Horn, Marielle Fillit, Orsella Reyes and Jason Goode Copyright 2012 Accenture All rights reserved. Accenture, its logo, and High Performance Delivered are trademarks of Accenture. This document makes reference to trademarks that may be owned by others. The use of such trademarks herein is not an assertion of ownership of such trademarks by Accenture and is not intended to represent or imply the existence of an association between Accenture and the lawful owners of such trademarks. In support of Sustainable Energy for All