Q: So you came here and said hey guys, we need to do things a little smarter, a little greener?
A: Actually it was really just sort of a natural progression. Our co-founders have always been committed to these issues. It wasn’t like I had to twist anyone’s arm or anything … it was just a matter of someone stepping up to do it.
Q: I’m sure coming from working directly for Larry and Sergey makes your job easier. Do you still have to prove yourself and the things you do?
A: All of the programs have to go through an analysis for the financial aspects and the value-add for the business of Google. Sometimes, like with the solar project, it was a great financial return, so it was a no-brainer. But a lot of times there’s a softer aspect too—like boosting morale or retaining or attracting better talent.
Q: So everything has to have a return?
A: A certain type of return. It needs to make sense. Of course sometimes we just do things for fun—like put a T-rex (statue) in our courtyard—just because we’re Google. But generally, we’re trying to prove that sustainability makes a lot of sense for our business.
Q: So what are your overall goals here?
A: Well we’ve stated certain goals. We’ve pledged fifty megawatts of renewable energy by 2012. We’ve also pledged carbon neutrality by the end of this year. But those are all just placeholders because it seems the public demands goals. Internally, we’re focused really on impactful results. Goals are great, but the real question is, how can we be more impactful?
Q: It must be cool to work in an environment where you can kind of see beyond arbitrary goals.
A: It is cool. But the biggest stress of my job is that I’m not doing enough. Everything I propose gets approved. One day our CEO told me I’m not making his life difficult enough, basically.
Q: Outside of Google, how would you characterize the business world’s acceptance of green technologies these days?
