High voltage sustainability

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HIGH VOLTAGE SUSTAINABILITY When you hear the word ‘conservationist’, typically, ‘Porsche’ may not be the next word that springs to mind. But according to Jason Furness, Workshop Controller at Porsche Centre Brighton, it should be. He shares his story of how Porsche’s enviable record of environmental innovation became the ideal home for a conservationist at heart ... who also happens to like extremely fast cars. Having worked on cars since he was 15, and then forging a career in the auto industry, Jason has now amassed extensive industry experience. “Working on cars was an easy choice at that age, as it’s something I’d always wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” he says. Jason worked in a variety of roles in his earlier years in the industry, spending the half-decade before joining Porsche running a specialist performance workshop for amateur race car ‘weekend warriors’. JASON FURNESS After becoming a pioneer in hybrid transportation, Porsche company has now taken the fully electric route with the Taycan, a development which holds much promise for Jason. “Porsche’s process of designing and building the allelectric Taycan will ultimately drive down the cost of the technology,” Jason says. “This will feed into unique possibilities for home batteries and smart charging – where a car can be charged via roof-mounted solar panels when there’s excess power, for example.” Working for Porsche, then, has reinforced Jason’s environmental engagement. “It’s made me more optimistic about the future,” he affirms. “From the outside, it’s hard to see how a brand renowned for speed is Workshop Controller Porsche Centre Brighton

Having reached what he calls the ‘pointy end’ of his career, Jason began seeking new challenges. Now in his third year at Porsche Centre Brighton, he came on board as a mechanic before beginning relevant on environmental issues. On the ground, though, I get to see the progress in factories and examine the rapid change in materials – and that makes me very hopeful.” the Workshop Controller role created especially for him. The power of a progressive, forward-thinking company like Porsche

“I began helping out our Workshop Manager, filling in for him when he was away working with racing teams,” Jason recalls. “The two roles fit together closely. The Workshop Manager oversees difficult jobs, while the Workshop Controller – my current position – takes charge of the day’s structure and ensures each deadline is met.” to drive change, then, shouldn’t be underestimated. “Even when governments are slow to react, many in the private sector are pushing forward because they’re aware of the consequence of inaction,” Jason says. “With very tough sustainability targets, Porsche are tightening up everything as quickly as they possibly can.”

Coupled with his passion for speed, Jason has deep respect for Porsche’s commitment to continually making their cars cleaner without sacrificing performance. Jason’s partner, Sophie is deeply involved in the environmental movement. “She’s been a big influence on me, and consistently encourages me to do better on these issues,” he says. “We see eye to eye on many things, including the sacrifices required to genuinely

“I’ve always been torn between helping the environment and racing reduce your impact on the world.” cars,” Jason confesses. “Yet while I’ve long struggled with the auto industry’s core concerns, I’ve come to realise that car racing is actually one of the core innovative industries. The technology they create and advance through competition drives innovation further.” For her part, Sophie is heavily involved in nature-preserving efforts. “She works for Phillip Island Nature Parks, a not-for-profit conservation organisation,” Jason says.

Jason’s ongoing commitment to sustainable technology was thus one of his driving motivations in joining Porsche. “They have always been “She’s also involved with several other groups including Plastic Free Philip Island, beach cleans and festivals on waste management.” a pioneering company in this respect, with founder Ferdinand Porsche At Porsche Centre Brighton, Jason plays a daily part in the company’s designing a hybrid car back in 1900,” he says. “While there are many leading role on environmental issues. “Recently, we’ve hooked up a companies doing electric cars now, Porsche has always existed at the computer screen to our rooftop solar system,” he says.”We can see forefront of innovation.” how much power we’re making, and whether we’ve made more power

He predicts that the technologies being developed at Porsche will than we’ve used to feed back into the grid.” have massive flow-through effects. “For example, the company has Engaging with Porsche Centre Brighton’s solar program has had built a semi-trailer which can charge 30 cars,” he says. “By making positive effects on Jason’s view of the company’s impact on the battery technology and capacity so much more advanced year on world. “Commercially, it makes sense in doing what we can, whenever year, Porsche is doing something great. What they’re creating with we can,” he reflects. With his steadfast commitment to Porsche’s batteries will lead to dramatic real-world change to the infrastructure green future, Jason is a genuine asset to the marque’s status as a of our cities.” conscientious and forward-thinking manufacturer. •