This bonus episode expands on the themes discussed in Episode 5 by providing a practical example of how energy resilience strategies are implemented at the local level.

The discussion focuses on Switzerland's requirements for large energy consumers, organisations that exceed defined thresholds for electricity or heat consumption and are therefore subject to specific obligations to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The guests explain the regulatory pathways available, including target agreements, energy audits, and cantonal agreements, highlighting how requirements can vary across Switzerland’s 26 cantons.

Ultimately, the case study reinforces a central theme of the series: global challenges require locally informed solutions, and energy resilience depends on balancing regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability goals.

Guest quotes:

Mariarosaria Gagliotti:

“By meeting the definition of a large energy consumer, the company is obligated to take action, implementing reasonable measures to optimise energy consumption.”

Sofiane Kessouar:

“The LEED certification provides a framework for designing, constructing and operating highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings.”

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction to the Swiss energy resilience case study

00:01:11 – Defining large energy consumers in Switzerland

00:02:13 – Legal obligations for energy efficiency and emissions reduction

00:02:31 – Regulatory compliance pathways and available options

00:03:31 – Choosing the most appropriate compliance strategy

00:04:09 – Single-site versus multi-site considerations

00:04:54 – Understanding Switzerland’s cantonal structure

00:05:22 – Local regulations and sustainable construction leadership

00:05:55 – Introduction to LEED certification

00:06:31 – Benefits of green building standards

00:07:06 – Key LEED certification categories

00:07:39 – Lower operating costs and environmental benefits

00:07:57 – Reflections on local expertise and real-world case studies

00:08:06 – Closing remarks and the value of global collaboration

Sponsor Copy

Rethinking EHS is brought to you by the Inogen Alliance. Inogen Alliance is a global network of 70+ companies providing environment, health, safety, and sustainability services, working together to provide one point of contact to guide multinational organizations to meet their global commitments locally.

Visit inogenalliance.com to learn more.

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Links

https://Inogenalliance.com/resources

https://Inogenalliance.com/podcast

Produced by Madcontent.co.nz

Episode 5 of Rethinking EHS, Season 3 focuses on energy resilience and the strategies organisations can adopt to navigate growing uncertainty in global energy systems.

The episode explores how geopolitical tensions, climate-related disruptions, infrastructure constraints, and rising energy demand are increasing pressure on businesses worldwide. While every country faces unique challenges based on its energy mix, regulatory environment, and available resources, organisations share common concerns around reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

Looking ahead, the guests emphasise that energy resilience is no longer separate from sustainability. Ultimately, understanding energy use, leveraging new technologies, and developing locally appropriate solutions will be critical to building a more resilient energy future.

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Guest quotes:

David Wyllie:

“The cost of renewables is dropping much faster than most people realise, and the cost of battery storage is dropping at a pace that many clients don't realise either.”

Sofiane Kessouar:

“The biggest challenge is that there is absolutely no one-size-fits-all solution. You are dealing with a fragmented world.”

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Sponsor Copy

Rethinking EHS is brought to you by the Inogen Alliance. Inogen Alliance is a global network of 70+ companies providing environment, health, safety, and sustainability services, working together to provide one point of contact to guide multinational organizations to meet their global commitments locally. Visit inogenalliance.com to learn more.

Produced by Madcontent.co.nz

This bonus episode expands on the themes discussed in Episode 4 by taking a closer look at the practical safety challenges facing data center operators and EHS professionals.

The conversation highlights how rapidly changing technologies are reshaping the data center environment. From AI-driven computing infrastructure and evolving cooling requirements to the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries, organisations must continually reassess risks and adapt operational controls. While many hazards are familiar, the scale and speed of technological change require safety professionals to remain agile and closely connected to operational teams.

The discussion also highlights the growing use of technology to improve safety outcomes, including battery monitoring systems, video-based ergonomics assessments, and procedural compliance monitoring.

A key theme throughout the episode is organisational complexity. Data centers often involve multiple stakeholders, including property owners, tenants, contractors, and end users, creating challenges around accountability, communication, and risk ownership. Success depends on strong collaboration, clear governance structures, and open communication between all parties involved.

Looking ahead, the future of data center safety will require continuous learning, close collaboration between safety and environmental professionals, and a proactive approach to understanding emerging technologies. As data centers continue to grow in scale and importance, maintaining safe and resilient operations will become increasingly critical.