WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING THE RENEWABLE ENERGY INDUSTRY TODAY?
Keeping track of government regulations and mandates is a big challenge for the renewable energy industry, as they are constantly changing. This can make it difficult for companies to plan and invest in renewable energy projects, as they may not know what the regulatory landscape will look like in the future.
HOW DO YOU EDUCATE CUSTOMERS ABOUT RENEWABLE ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY?
We have been going into end-user and industrial contacts and talking to them about their current sustainability initiatives. Many companies are trying to become carbon neutral by 2050 but may not know where to start. We step in and perform energy audits/analysis at their facilities to help them see where they are wasting energy, where they are using the most energy and how they can start saving energy.
We give them a list of projects they can do in order to start saving energy. Not all these projects fall under the electrical category like Kirby Risk typically works with. Some projects involve HVAC systems, water usage, compressed air, etc. We also talk to our customers about installing solar in their facilities to offset their electrical demand from utilities.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST REWARDING PARTS OF YOUR JOB?
I think it is rewarding to step in and help facility managers and engineers at larger factories who need assistance lowering their carbon footprint. All companies know that they have to do something to lower their carbon footprint. Many of these managers have been tasked by their senior leadership to lower their footprint and become greener, but they don’t know where to start. When we step in and offer our services, it feels great to know we are helping them achieve their sustainability goals.
WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO PROMOTE RENEWABLE ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY?
Promoting renewable energy and sustainability is important for the future of our climate and long-term resource availability. For example, solar power is a renewable energy source that helps us conserve resources and reduces emissions that can contribute to climate change. Renewable energy has become cost competitive to traditional sources and can lead to energy efficiency and sustainability in various industries.