PSEG issues 2021 Sustainability and Climate Report

Published on October 19, 2021 by Dave Kovaleski


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Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) issued its 2021 Sustainability and Climate Report this week, with updates on the company’s achievements and in a variety of areas, including air emissions, energy efficiency, transportation, and waste minimization.

Among the highlights, New Jersey-based PSEG reported that its emission rates throughout its portfolio for nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were down 58 percent and 77 percent, respectively, in 2020 compared to the previous year. This reflects places their emission rates significantly below industry averages.

“Year after year, we are experiencing new weather extremes as the evidence of climate change around us grows,” PSEG Chairman, President, and CEO Ralph Izzo said. “Reducing the most devastating impacts of climate change while increasing resiliency will require a concerted effort by all sectors of the economy,” Izzo said. “At PSEG, our value creation process combines the responsible use of natural resources, technology, and our workforce to deliver the energy that sustains the modern economy. Our combined 2021 Sustainability and Climate Report contains our progress to date, commitments for the future, and the changes that will be needed to meet our goals.”

The report examined PSEG’s progress across a range of sustainability categories, including air emissions. As of 2020, PSEG has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 54 percent since 2005 by switching to lower-carbon fuels, improving energy efficiency, and modernizing its networks, among other strategies. Also, PSEG aims to reduce fossil fuel use in its transportation fleet by converting its passenger vehicles, 60 percent of medium-duty vehicles, and 90 percent of heavy-duty vehicles to battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, or anti-idle jobsite work systems by 2030. In addition, the company’s waste and recycling programs diverted 95.5 percent of material from landfills in 2020. These are just some of the statistics from the report.

Further, PSEG is developing an environmental justice commitment in support of the diverse communities it serves. It believes such a commitment is essential so that its customers – especially those in underrepresented communities – can benefit from the coming changes of a decarbonized future.

Also this week, PSEG announced that it has joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the Race to Zero campaigns. The Race to Zero and Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaigns are designed to help mobilize support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors for a resilient zero-carbon economy in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

“Climate change is one of the preeminent challenges of our time, and PSEG has an obligation to help address climate change and its effect on our environment, our customers, and communities around the world,” Izzo said. “As part of our vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, PSEG has already made significant emissions reductions in our operations. Today, we are taking the next step by joining the Race to Zero and committing to develop science-based targets to help address the worst effects of climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations.”