US energy company pledges green growth

Public Services Enterprise Group (PSEG), a New Jersey-based publicly-owned utility company, published the 2010 report this week.

Senior vice president for public affairs and sustainability, Anne Hoskins, said: “PSEG recognises that today’s social contract goes well beyond what has been historically defined as ‘corporate responsibility’.

“Social, environmental and economic issues are rooted in the company’s strategic investments and execution efforts and we are committed to leading our corporation and the communities in which we serve to a sustainable future.”

She explained PSEG has won awards and accolades for its environmental innovations over the years and tried to position itself as a leader in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

But, University of Massachusetts researchers pegged the company as the 48th biggest emitter of air pollutants in the USA.

The report highlights include addressing climate change in its activities, upgrading ageing infrastructure and investing in workforce development.

The report also discusses challenges the company faces in its bid to be a leader in providing safe, reliable, economic and green energy.

And, it aims to underscore the company’s commitment to social responsibility, pointing to a number of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives that have the potential to ease climate change and create new revenue opportunities and jobs.

The company has invested up to $5 billion (£3.2 billion) in energy efficiency efforts and the development of renewable resources and “clean central station energy”.

It has also introduced an annual sustainability week inviting employees to raise challenges it faces and suggest steps to tackle them.

For the full report click here.

David Gibbs