The '3C initiative' is a global opinion initiative consisting of companies advocating an integration of climate issues into the world markets and trade facilitated through a global framework that would come into force in 2013.

The members of this initiative, which was launched by the European power company Vattenfall, are all leaders in their areas of operations, such as ABB, Alstom, Bayer, GE and Suez, among others.

José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, met with a delegation of business leaders on 11 January, 2007, including CEOs Lars G Josefsson of Vattenfall, and Fulvio Conti of Enel, who presented the new global initiative.

Siemens' credentials as a founding member are reflected in the fact that it has been contributing continuously to the ongoing efforts to combat global warming with an extensive set of environmental protection measures, management systems, and products and solutions that improve environmental protection and operational efficiency of a customers business.

To facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, governments, the private sector and consumers must join forces to create both market pull and technology push, Siemens has been fully involved in providing an optimal balance between greenhouse gas mitigation and sound economic development.

Dr Uriel Sharef, member of the corporate executive committee, Siemens AG, said, "Global warming is a reality – a disturbing reality of staggering and potentially disastrous consequences, and a reality that demands action today." Not surprisingly, the company has announced its support for the Vattenfall initiative.

Eco-friendly power generation solutions
Siemens' climate-friendly power generation solutions include new highly efficient combined cycle power plants, modernised fossil fuel-based power plants, renewable energy technologies, and emerging technologies like fuel cells and the development of CO2-free fossil fuel-based power plants.

On the demand side, it offers energy-saving industry drive systems with fast return on investment, advanced piezo direct injection for automobiles, energy-saving trains, consulting services for energy-efficient buildings, energy-efficient industry solutions, and much more.

In addition to its support of the 3C Initiative, Siemens has also been promoting global climate protection by participating in major stakeholder rounds like the 'G8 climate change roundtable', the 'European technology platform for zero emission fossil fuel power plants' (EU ZEP), and the 'European Union's motor challenge programme.