Intel's Lorie Wigle recognized for sustainable leadership

The 98 Percent

Within Intel, Wigle is known as the “Queen of Green.” But her status as a thought leader within one of the leading global companies should not be diminished by a cute moniker.

Wigle’s sights are trained steadily on the big impact — the 98 percent. Not familiar with the concept? The green technology movement maintains that the technology industry is responsible for about 2 percent of greenhouse gas emissions — and many other industries have their own 2 percent.

“Nike worries about their 2 percent — and that’s important — but technology can have an impact on that other 98 percent,” Wigle said.

That is, technology can be put to work reduce emissions across all industries.

“We have that opportunity to contribute,” Wigle said.

The eye on that bigger goal is what makes Wigle such a compelling champion for sustainable business, especially when it comes to technology. A conversation with her pivots gracefully from the “fantastic sustainability benefits of cloud computing” to the role of technology in “empowering the occupants” of green buildings with detailed and real-time consumption information.

She’ll also probably touch on Intel’s involvement with smart grid development, an effort she’s spent the last three years submerged in.

As Wigle delicately puts it: “It hasn’t moved at the pace our industry moves.”

Jill Eiland, Intel’s corporate affairs manager, said Wigle has been very strategic in where she has focused her efforts — which she credits for being a big part of her effectiveness in promoting sustainable practices.

“She is very steady and tenacious and thoughtful and she’s done a very good job of connecting the dots,” Eiland said.

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