Decarbonization Doesn’t Mean Less Profit: Part 1

 

As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, the conversation around decarbonization has taken center stage. It’s not just a scientific issue, but an economic one as well, with an estimated $10 trillion expected to be invested in net zero efforts over the next decade. The stakes are high, as the future of our planet hangs in the balance, and businesses are beginning to see the potential for profitable sustainability.

So, what does it mean to run a profitable, sustainable business while also saving the planet? This core question will be explored in this two-part episode of DisruptED, hosted by Ron Stefanski. Our guest, Kristen Fornes, VP of Business Development at Engie North America Inc., will delve into the economic opportunities and challenges of decarbonization.

In Part 1 of this episode, we’ll discuss:

  • The economic implications of decarbonization and the potential for a $10 trillion investment.
  • The role of businesses in the decarbonization movement and how they can benefit.
  • The transformation story of Engie, a company that transitioned from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Listen to Part 2 here:

Kristen Fornes, originally from Dayton, Ohio, moved to Chicago in 2008 to pursue a finance degree at DePaul University. She began her career in energy sales and quickly moved up the ranks at Engie, a company that has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last five years. Engie has transitioned from being a fossil fuel giant to a leading player in renewable energy, demonstrating that it’s possible to run a profitable, sustainable business while contributing to the fight against climate change.

Recent Episodes

The U.S. education landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as more states adopt education savings accounts (ESAs), signaling a broader push toward personalized, parent-directed learning and broader educational choice. With over a dozen states now offering universal ESA programs, debates around school choice have reached a new level of urgency. Throughout 2024, enthusiasm for…

In Florida, education is undergoing a radical shift—not just in who can choose schools, but in how education itself is being delivered. With over 500,000 students now receiving state scholarships and more than 80,000 families engaging in a la carte learning through education savings accounts (ESAs), the Sunshine State is no longer just a…

Artificial intelligence is changing the rules of engagement in education. As generative AI tools like ChatGPT become increasingly integrated into academic environments, they’re reshaping what productivity, personalization, and pedagogy look like. According to McKinsey’s research, teachers typically spend 20 to 40 percent of their time on tasks that could be automated with today’s technology,…