On this Global Wind Day, I reflect that four years have passed since the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals - the blueprint to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

The wind industry is a key part of the transition to a cleaner energy system and an enabler to address other sustainability challenges. Within the industry, LM Wind Power has taken a leadership role in sustainability. Our company’s vision is, “Together, we capture the wind to power a cleaner world,” and we’re definitely living that vision! Our company and industry are growing at a pace few will ever witness. Although double-digit growth comes with operational challenges, it is a clear signal that the world wants more reliable, affordable and sustainable forms of energy. Our people help deliver precisely that, every day.

With more than three decades of experience, LM Wind Power has a track record of producing ever-longer, lighter and more efficient blades that lower the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). In many markets, the industry has succeeded in decreasing the cost of wind energy to a level on par or even lower than conventional forms of energy. Wind projects nowadays win tenders without any guaranteed feed-in tariff, showing that wind projects are possible on market terms.

GE Renewable Energy pledged to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2020 - across its wind, hydro, energy storage and grid businesses - through operational efficiencies, sourcing renewable energy and offsetting unavoidable emissions. As part of the GE Renewable Energy family and having the experience of being the first company in the wind industry to achieve carbon neutrality in 2018, our clear focus is to help GE Renewable Energy to decarbonize.

At the same time, we will aim to improve sustainability performance further within LM Wind Power. This year, we’ll focus on emission reduction opportunities that will improve our operational excellence as well as those in which every employee can make a difference. I’m also committed to maintaining and increasing our focus on safety, on quality and on compliance as we undertake the challenge of bringing new blade technology to market at a required competitive cost.

LM Wind Power remains committed to the principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals. I look forward to accelerating our sustainability advancement, as there remains much more that must be done.