Spire appoints first Head of Environmental Commitment

Rhea-AI Summary

Spire has announced the appointment of Nick Popielski as its first Head of Environmental Commitment on February 1, 2021. This position aims to enhance the company's environmental strategies, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. In the previous year, Spire saw a 19.2% reduction in methane emissions through infrastructure upgrades and has already reduced emissions by over 39% since 2005, targeting a 54% reduction by 2025. The company received accolades, being named one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for two consecutive years.

Positive

• Appointment of Nick Popielski strengthens leadership in environmental commitment.
• Proven track record in business and economic development enhances integration of environmental and business goals.
• Significant methane emissions reduction achievements: 39% since 2005.
• Targeting 54% reduction in emissions by 2025, exceeding international standards.
• Recognition as one of America's Most Responsible Companies for two years.

Negative

• Concerns over continuity and experience gaps in environmental leadership.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by midcentury, Spire announced today that Nick Popielski has been appointed as the company's first Head of Environmental Commitment.

In this new leadership position, Popielski will lead Spire's environmental efforts, develop new processes and guide the company's strategy behind its environmental commitment of achieving carbon neutrality. Popielski will take on this added responsibility while continuing to lead business and economic development, positioning Spire to align environmental and business performance goals.

The announcement comes on the heels of another strong year of methane emission reduction at Spire. Through pipeline replacement in fiscal year 2020, Spire's investment to replace 318 miles of aging infrastructure resulted in a 19.2% leak reduction per 1,000 system miles of distribution pipelines. Overall, Spire has already reduced methane emissions by more than 39% since 2005 and projects a nearly 54% reduction by 2025, well ahead of international standards.

"We want to build on this strong momentum by ensuring we have a dedicated leader who will drive forward our commitment to protecting our planet," said Suzanne Sitherwood, Spire president and CEO. "With his proven expertise and track record in leading our business and economic development, we're happy to have Nick Popielski help us truly advance Spire's environmental efforts."

Such efforts have already earned Spire national recognition, recently being named one of "America's Most Responsible Companies" by Newsweek for a second consecutive year.

"Our focus on the environment aligns with our core values and it's important we assign leadership to it," said Steve Lindsey, Spire chief operating officer. "Nick's expertise in data and analytics position us to build on what's already established and drive our strategy."

"We believe in caring for the planet. And we know that our environmental initiatives are important to our customers as well," said Popielski, who joined Spire in 2015 as vice president of business and economic development. "I'm excited to take on this role and help Spire step forward to become carbon neutral and ensure our customers have access to the affordable, reliable, clean natural gas they rely on, every day."

A graduate of the University of Rochester, Popielski earned a master's degree from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business. He has served on the American Gas Association's Sustainable Growth Committee and Electrification Study Group, and currently serves on their Carbon Neutral Strategies Steering Committee. In addition, Popielski serves on the board of the Gas Technology Institute's (GTI) Utilization Technology Development Group and oversees Spire's participation in GTI's Emerging Technology Program, Carbon Management Information Center, and Center for Methane Research. Nick and his wife Dawn Smith-Popielski live in St. Louis.

About Spire
At Spire Inc. (NYSE: SR), we believe energy exists to help make people's lives better. It's a simple idea, but one that's at the heart of our company. Every day we serve 1.7 million homes and businesses making us the fifth largest publicly traded natural gas company in the country. We help families and business owners fuel their daily lives through our gas utilities serving Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri. Our natural gas-related businesses include Spire Marketing, Spire STL Pipeline and Spire Storage. We are committed to transforming our business through growing organically, investing in infrastructure, and advancing through innovation. Learn more at SpireEnergy.com.

Media Contact:
Raegan Johnson
314-342-3300
Raegan.Johnson@SpireEnergy.com

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SOURCE Spire Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of Nick Popielski's appointment as Head of Environmental Commitment at Spire?

Nick Popielski's appointment signifies Spire's dedication to enhancing its environmental strategies and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

What are Spire's goals for carbon emissions reduction?

Spire aims for a 54% reduction in methane emissions by 2025, building on a 39% decrease since 2005.

How has Spire performed in reducing methane emissions?

Spire has reduced methane emissions by over 39% since 2005 and achieved a 19.2% reduction in 2020 through infrastructure upgrades.

What recognition has Spire received for its environmental efforts?

Spire was named one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for two consecutive years.

How does Nick Popielski's experience benefit Spire?

Popielski's background in business and economic development positions him well to align environmental initiatives with Spire's operational goals.