| | JULY 20208The shift towards a low carbon economy began years ago, accelerated by motivators like technology, public sentiment, and legislation aimed at curbing the intensifying issues of global warming. At Just Energy, we've been leading the charge to integrate sustainable energy into our own operations. There's a huge role we can play as energy providers and advisors to educate and empower consumers on the effects of their everyday activities, and the actions they can take to mitigate their environmental impact.Technological innovation and the convergence of different technologies is happening very rapidly. In the energy sector, we're seeing the transition from a commoditized, centralized and fossil-intensive model to one that is increasingly becoming decentralized, diversified, smart and cleaner. And renewables are front and center: projections show that wind and solar will surge to almost 50 percent of world generation by 2050. And, given the findings of the latest U.S. Climate assessment released November 23, 2018, that's a good thing. The most comprehensive federal report yet forecasts dire consequences for human health, quality of life, and U.S. economic growth if global warming continues unchecked. However, there is some optimism in the assessment that it's not too late as changes today can make a big difference.Scores of local and state governments are taking measures to reduce their own carbon emissions, and we are seeing the manifestation of growing climate change concerns among nations. The key is how that will translate into concrete policy on the ground at the national, state, and local level. During the Global Climate Action Summit in California this past September, regions, cities, businesses, investors and civil society pledged their commitment to action as we hear more and more about reaching environmental tipping points.Public concern regarding the health of the planet has grown well beyond the confines of environmental groups. According to a 2018 Deloitte Resources Study, American consumers are growing more concerned about climate change and their own carbon footprint. This is even despite President Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, a move that actually raised awareness of environmental issues prompting businesses to revisit their sustainability plans. Research also shows broad support for renewables among residential consumers striving to become greener at a personal level. The study further reveals that the gap between environmental concern and consumer action is projected to narrow, attributable to falling solar power prices, more awareness of clean energy options, growing concern about climate change and the inclinations of tech-minded millennials to make green choices in their everyday lives.How does this affect us and how are we using carbon offsets and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in our business?As an energy retailer, we're in a unique position to be at the intersection of these shifts, that is, linking consumers with the marketplace and influencing customer uptake with product choices that will continue to drive green business. And in supporting projects that promote continued renewable energy development, we're driving innovation and job growth in this considerable economic sector.We were one of the first major energy retailers to offer green energy choices. Carbon offsets and RECs have been part of our product portfolio for over a decade. We recognized the significance of growing our base of products and services to address the reality of global warming, its environmental consequences, and growing consumer desire for more sustainable options. Not to mention the growing importance for customers to seek out companies prioritizing environmental considerations. We started with our JustGreen Power and Gas products years ago, which are geared to our electricity and natural gas commodity supply customers. JustGreen Power gives customers the ability to reduce the environmental impact of their electricity supply by matching all or a portion of their usage with RECs from certified renewable sources such as wind, run of the river hydro, solar or biomass. JustGreen Gas allows customers to CONNECTING CONSUMERS WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY IN A NEW CLIMATE ECONOMY IN MY OPINIONBy Sam Telleen, Director of Renewable Solutions, Just Energy [TSE: JE]
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