Commonwealth Financial Network – Patrick Murphy – 2012

Goals

Patrick Murphy was hired as an EDF Climate Corps fellow with Commonwealth Financial Network to identify technical, behavioral and informational energy efficiency opportunities.

Solutions

Murphy focused on initiatives such as vending machine retrofits and computer power management. He also started an audit process that will evaluate light-emitting diode (LED) lighting upgrades in the building’s commons and outdoor areas and supported Commonwealth’s internal Green Team initiative. Collaborating with leaders in San Diego, Calif., and Waltham, Mass., offices, he revamped sustainability communications and coached the team through a new process for gathering employee input. The Green Team convened four bi-coastal meetings and seven active working groups during his fellowship. Finally, Murphy prepared a high-level resource guide on energy efficiency and environmental stewardship for Commonwealth’s 1,400 financial advisors nationwide.

Potential Impact

Vending machine retrofits and computer power management could reduce Commonwealth’s energy consumption by 60 percent, saving $57,000, 100,000 killowatt hours and 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.