Peter Hofman, Director, Sustainable Future, develops EDF Energy's leading position in providing long term secure and environmentally sustainable energy services. Peter is chair of the London Energy Service Company (ESCO) which is developing low carbon energy solutions for London in partnership with the London Climate Change Agency (LCCA). Peter has worked in the energy industry for over 25 years in a number of senior roles in energy supply and distribution. He also recently served as chairman of the Energy Retail Association, which is the trade body that represents the UK's largest energy suppliers.

What is the most important step the energy supply industry can take to reduce harmful emissions?

"The energy industry must play a pivotal role in addressing climate change and reducing the UK's carbon footprint. We can directly contribute to lowering the amount of carbon and other harmful gases that are released into the atmosphere when electricity is produced. Having said that, we do need clear guidance from the Government in order to make the long-term investments that are needed.

"In the industry, we have a role to take in influencing the way our customers use energy and helping them to cut their CO2 emissions. Our target at EDF Energy is to reduce CO2 emissions arising from our customers' energy use by 15% by 2020 by offering a variety of products which are designed to help customers use less energy. Our award-winning 'Read. Reduce. Reward' scheme is one way that we are already achieving this."

What projects are you currently working on?

"The Sustainable Future project was established within EDF Energy last summer to act as a catalyst for developing a truly sustainable energy business which adds economic, social and environmental value. There are a number of specific projects we are working on in this area which are all contributing towards our most important role - to embed a culture of sustainability throughout the organisation."

What is your proudest 'green' achievement?

"The launch of 'Our Climate Commitments' earlier this year coincided with World Environment Day. This is a very ambitious set of targets which go far beyond anything the industry has seen and they are evidence that EDF Energy is determined to lead and play an active role in tackling climate change. Through Our Climate Commitments, we have pledged to reduce CO2 emissions from our electricity generation by 60% by 2020. We'll invest in new more efficient power plants, develop clean coal technologies and secure a diverse energy mix."

What are the key ingredients of a successful low carbon initiative in your sector?

"Sustainability is about achieving a balance, and in no other sector is this more important than in the energy sector. We have a duty to provide secure sources of energy that are affordable for everyone, as well as low carbon."

What are the biggest challenges you face in your role and how do you deal with them?

"The biggest challenge for me is to develop a sustainability culture through informing people about the impact of climate change and inspiring them to get involved, without overwhelming them! I can't do this alone, and I'm delighted to know I have the support of the entire EDF Energy executive and general management team to help me."

Are current UK Government climate change targets realistic in your view?

"We believe these targets should be achievable. Whether or not they're ambitious enough is another question! The Government's targets are a good starting point and I'm really pleased to see that climate change is getting a much higher profile on the political agenda now. But, there is so much more we can all be doing to tackle climate change, much earlier than 2050. EDF Energy's new commitments go beyond the government's targets and go beyond anything the industry has seen and we believe they provide a point of reference for others to follow."

What in your opinion is the most viable, long term, sustainable energy solution?

"A diverse energy mix is the best solution to long term security of supply, including more renewables and replacement nuclear power stations alongside clean coal, gas and greater energy efficiency. Microgeneration is also becoming increasingly viable for electricity generation technologies, although it is important to be realistic about the contribution that these new technologies can make.

"Decentralised energy, where energy is generated at a local level, is an excellent model for the future and an important part of the sustainable energy solution. At EDF Energy we have three Combined Heat and Power (CHP) stations, where the heat that is usually lost during the energy generation process is used to heat buildings in the local community. Through the London ESCO, we are working in partnership with the LCCA to develop this further and deliver sustainable energy solutions to new and existing building developments in London."

How do you encourage staff to become more environmentally conscious?

"As a sustainability partner with the London 2012 Olympics, we have an excellent opportunity to mobilise staff in support of this inspirational brand. The London 2012 bid has focused on creating a sustainable Olympics and a lasting legacy. This is what sustainability is all about: creating a legacy for future generations to enjoy the same quality of life that we have today.

"When we announced the partnership, we launched an initiative called 'Green Lane' which provides advice on simple steps everyone can take to reduce emissions and encourages our employees to pledge to make a difference personally.

"This year we have shown everyone at EDF Energy the film "An Inconvenient Truth" and discussed its implications - so far nearly 7,000 employees have seen it. We also have a network of nearly 200 'One Planet Ambassadors' around the company who are really motivated to make a difference. They are encouraged to spend two hours a week to champion our performance."

What emerging sustainability trends do you predict in the energy supply sector?

"Climate change, as a political issue, is becoming more and more important. New technologies are emerging, so the political and technological agenda could be very different in 12 months time.

"I participate in the Energy Technology Institute board, which is a joint funding initiative between the UK Government and some of the world's biggest companies. Its role is to develop new technology solutions that will make energy cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable and establish the UK as a clean energy Leader.

"Also, EDF Energy is helping local authorities to install electric vehicle charging points in major urban centres, to facilitate the changeover to cleaner electric vehicles.

"For me, the big trend could be the mainstreaming of low carbon energy technologies for consumers. Put simply, I hope we will see green stuff become just normal."

What advice would you give to someone starting out in a similar role to yours?

"You can't create a truly sustainable organisation overnight, it is a gradual process. You need to focus on where you can make the biggest difference. One of the most important things is to make sure sustainability has the right profile in the organisation so it gets the attention it deserves. Once you have convinced business leaders it is the right thing to do, the job becomes much easier."

Best Practice Tips

Please visit the Forum here and share a tip that you have for organisations to reduce their carbon emissions. Often the very simplest ideas can have the greatest effect:

• "Lights - turn them off when you leave a room and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day. If you do use a particular light for an average of four hours or more a day, then replace it with an energy-saving equivalent, using around a quarter of the electricity and lasting up to 12 times longer. Energy efficient bulbs cost around £5 each, but will give you a saving on your bills of £10 over the year."
  (www.energylinx.co.uk)

• "Capturing the imagination and conceptual awareness of young people will pay dividends in the future."
  (Tony Peck, Carbon Management Group Leader, CMG)