The following guest blog post is by Emma Rugge-Price, VP Communications – GE Australia and New Zealand
One of the things that makes me proud to work for GE is the refreshing approach to climate change that the company took years ago and officially in 2005, which we call ecomagination.
Ecomagination challenges the widely held view that reducing carbon emissions and intensity is diametrically opposed to economic prosperity. We set about investing millions in innovative technologies that would improve the carbon and financial performance of our customers’ businesses, and in some instances, countries. We have developed and certified over 140 products over the past 7 years with more to come and these range from more efficient jet engines and locomotives to revolutionary light bulbs and smarter appliances. We also committed to reduce our own footprint as part of the program, so we have walked the talk, reducing our energy and water footprint, while reducing our cost of operations significantly – to the tune of $130 million a year!
Find out more about ecomagination and the innovative products we are developing.
It’s a great initiative, made even better by another thing that makes me proud to work for GE – the ecomagination program was launched and initially led by one of our most senior and inspiring women, Lorraine Bolsinger, who is now leading one of our biggest businesses in Aviation. She is a powerhouse, much like the founder of 1 Million Women, Natalie Isaacs…
So, supporting the 1 Million Women SAVE program and partnering for the Power month is an important program for us locally and a good fit with our own program to save on carbon and on costs.
We have been running an online campaign called Two Words for Tomorrow recently, which has asked Australians what they think is the single biggest issue facing Australia’s future. It’s encouraging to see that for those under 30, clean environment is at the top of the list.
We’d love to hear from you on the issues – what would your two words be?
A clean environment is at the top of the list for those under 30! Two Words for Tomorrow.
About the Author: Emma joined GE in 2004 as the Marketing Communications Leader for GE Commercial Finance with responsibility for all aspects of communications including brand strategy, media relations and employee communications for Australia and New Zealand. In 2008, she was promoted to VP, Marketing overseeing and restructuring the marketing function to meet the changing economic conditions.
Emma has specialized in communications throughout her career and since 2009 she has led Corporate Communications for GE, Australia & New Zealand, one of GE’s largest markets globally.
About GE: GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ge.com/au.
Follow GE on twitter @GEaustralia
1 Million Women 