How businesses innovation can power a greener future

The clean energy transition is driving change in every industry. At this year's TEDxGlasgow conference, Fiona Morgan, used her talk to showcase an often overlooked sector when it comes to the energy transition – the sporting world. 

The sports industry has a pivotal role to play in positively impacting the future of events -  embracing the latest innovations in this sector is paramount to the transition to net zero. Many event organisers are already rising to the challenge and adapting their operations to reduce their carbon footprint and become sustainable. As spectators return and with cleaner energy at the forefront of the events industry, many events hosted in 2021 have been powered by more sustainable solutions than ever before. 

Energy reinvents to drive pivotal change

For the first time since its inception in 1872, this year's Open Championship was powered by a renewable power solution. The results proved effective thanks to solar energy and an alternative fuel resource, hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO). Through the use of these solutions, the event was able to reduce its carbon emissions by 40% compared to the traditional diesel generators. 

Furthermore, renewable electric vehicle charging infrastructure was deployed, utilising a solar PV battery storage hybrid solution.  Although these new solutions had yet to be tested at any significant event worldwide, the mobile solar resource proved to be a fundamental part of the energy provision for the event.  

When Powered by Nature is not just a tagline

Another global event which has embraced green solutions is SailGP.  With the trademark 'Powered by Nature,' SailGP is a key example of a company which has incorporated sustainability into its core business model.   

With the ambitious goal to become the first climate-positive sports league - and be fully powered by clean energy by 2025 - the team behind the events test new technologies and power solutions to achieve this target.  From hybrid solutions such as combining renewables with thermal generation and battery storage, it has provided SailGP with the opportunity to save on carbon emissions without compromising on reliability.  

For the greener and greater good 

One of TEDxGlasgow's core themes is Business Innovates. Our partner Aggreko, is a prime example of how innovative changes to its core provision can support its customers towards a greener future.  

Working with SailGP and the Open Championship, Aggreko is proactively researching and integrating new low-emission technologies to fundamentally change the events industry.  Innovations such as green grid distribution and alternative fuels like biomethanol and hydrogen are examples of the progressive transition to a greener future.  

Ensuring sustainability standards

Another essential aspect that the events industry must work on is its accreditation and achieving the science-based targets that many governments have.  Accreditations such as the Carbon Neutral International Standard and the International Sustainability Standard ISO20121 provide opportunities for events to ensure its operations are aligned with the recognised sustainability targets.  In addition, signing up to pledges and initiatives such as the UN Climate Neutral Now Initiative ensures events are delivered to the highest operating standard.

"We are seeing our customers around the world committing to more ambitious sustainability standards. We are working with them to support their sustainability targets and deliver clean energy with our bespoke power solutions."

Robert Wells, Managing Director of Aggreko Event Services

When collaboration is key 

One of Aggreko's biggest successes, alongside the emissions reductions for these global events, is the cross-company collaboration at these events. All of the companies working on these events have a shared goal of operating more sustainably and achieving a net-zero future. 

Collaboration is critical, and TEDxGlasgow believes it's one of the most effective ways to tackle climate change.  The launch of TEDxGlasgow's new Partner Climate Action Initiative brings together all 18 partners with the aim to amplify the best ideas to accelerate positive change.  

A positive future for everyone 

After nearly 18 months of cancelled in-person events, people can’t wait to get back out to see their favourite sports and entertainers.  As events grow in popularity, the demand for the energy industry to reinvent itself will be paramount.  The increasing focus from the public on an event’s carbon footprint and the impact of attendance, will result in a greater demand for businesses to offer innovative and reliable power solutions.  We hope that, through collaboration, companies like Aggreko can create a blueprint of clean event solutions for others to follow in the future.

About Aggreko’s Sustainability Drive

Aggreko works with partners around the world to provide power for events of all sizes and is committed to actively work with its customers to significantly reduce local emissions and diesel usage by 2030. They are also working towards becoming a  net zero company by 2050 or sooner. 

About Climate Action Initiative 

TEDxGlasgow’s new Climate Action Initiative aims to amplify the best ideas to tackle climate change and work together to accelerate positive impact.  This innovative new project of bringing together a diverse group of companies has gone one step further in sharing ideas worth doing.  From just one pivotal annual event, TEDxGlasgow has been hosting a monthly event for their 18 partners since June.  The concept behind the initiative is to offer the partners the opportunity to engage with new ideas and share solutions to challenges that they face when transitioning to a carbon free, sustainable business model.