Bechtel Corporation, an American engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company renowned for its work on major infrastructure projects worldwide, has evolved as a leading force championing the goal of ‘Net Zero Plus’. Founded in 1898, Bechtel has contracted some of the most ambitious projects globally, including Hoover Dam in the U.S and Jubail Industrial City in Saudi Arabia.
Despite its historical association with traditional energy sources, Bechtel’s recent work has developed a crucial focus on renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure development. The strategic shift aligns Bechtel’s sustainability goals with the world’s evolving energy needs. There exists a mutual vision of a carbon-neutral future, with a specific emphasis on the ‘Net Zero Plus‘ principle.
No longer is it enough to reach ‘net zero’ levels of carbon emissions. The ‘net zero’ concept implies that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere is equal to the amount removed from it. Nevertheless, global environmental challenges call for an approach more aggressive towards greenhouse gas reduction, leading to the evolution of this principle, known as Net Zero Plus.
In a ‘Net Zero Plus’ scenario, the focus is not only on achieving net zero carbon emissions but also on creating an infrastructure capable of producing and storing more clean energy than it consumes, thus delivering a positive carbon impact. This groundbreaking concept goes beyond offsetting emissions to actively reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Bechtel, in its journey towards sustainable development, is leveraging its vast experience and technical capability to achieve this ambitious goal. Advancing this ‘+Plus’ model, Bechtel is investing in renewable energy projects like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Furthermore, the corporation is committed to the construction of energy-efficient buildings and the development of smart grids.
Bechtel’s foray into renewable energy is already witnessing remarkable achievements. In the sphere of solar energy, the corporation built Ivanpah, the world’s largest solar thermal plant in California. Notable also is Bechtel’s involvement in the construction of the Keeyask Generating Station in Manitoba, Canada, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
Few companies comprehend the full meaning of ‘Net Zero Plus’ better than Bechtel. The company’s strategic partnerships have been instrumental in executing many ‘Net Zero Plus’ projects. Bechtel also recognizes the importance of enhancing internal operations to achieve overall sustainability, hence their commitment to promoting energy-efficient practices within the company.
Bechtel’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and its pursuit of ‘Net Zero Plus’ principles highlight the possibility of a carbon-neutral future. This paves the way for other global companies to follow suit, motivating them to prioritize environmental sustainability alongside economic growth and operational efficiency.
In conclusion, Bechtel’s contribution to the ‘Net Zero Plus’ principle is not just about its projects or the sustainable standards it sets for itself. It is an explicit commitment to the future of our planet and an assertion that development can indeed harmonize with environment preservation. The unfolding narrative of a sustainable world lies as much in the hands of corporations like Bechtel as it does on the collective actions of individuals.