In remarks delivered June 16 at the Clean Technology Conference & Expo 2011, Robert Wilkins, vice president public affairs at Danfoss, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency electronic and mechanical components and controls for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration and motion systems, underscored the importance of partnerships in the advancement of sustainable technologies and strategies.
“There is an urgent need for collaboration among manufacturers, utilities, engineers and end users to develop and implement the systems that will help catapult the use of clean technologies and improve energy efficiency and the health of the power grid, buildings and our homes,” said Wilkins during the session “Green Building: Corporate Needs & Partnering.”
In his remarks, Wilkins identified energy efficiency, along with and the development of renewable energy and the Smart Grid, as solutions to energy demand challenges created by three megatrends: an increase in the U.S. population, urbanization and a finite supply of fossil fuels.
According to Wilkins, “Market-driven innovations can help move us faster toward a more energy-efficient future.” As examples, Wilkins pointed to the development of variable-speed technology, which enables systems to be more efficient by precisely matching operation to demand, and oil-free, magnetic bearing variable-speed centrifugal compressors, which require less energy and deliver improved long-term performance and reliability.
“Energy-saving technologies are available today, but they are massively under-utilized,” Wilkins added. “Taking a step forward will require complete cooperation among manufacturers, utilities and state and federal governments.” Together, these stakeholders can provide the education, policies, incentives and utility programs necessary to deploy efficient, renewable and clean technologies that offset energy demand, costs and environmental impact and create a sustainable energy future.
Jim Newman, founder and principal at Linnean Solutions and vice chair of the board of the Massachusetts Chapter of the USGBC, moderated the session, which also included presentations by Domenic Armano, regional project development manager at Johnson Controls, and Paul Hamilton, senior vice president, energy efficiency at Schneider Electric. Like Wilkins, both men emphasized the need for partnerships to overcome obstacles to the growth of green building initiatives.