SunCast 758: Transforming Transport: Lime Co-Founder On E-Mobility’s Role In Decarbonization
About a third of global carbon emissions come from transportation, with most generated by private vehicles. Cities face a critical challenge: the “last mile” problem—how to efficiently connect people from transit hubs, like bus and train stations, to their homes or workplaces. When public transit falls short, commuters often turn to cars, increasing traffic, pollution, and emissions. Lime, a leader in micro-mobility, tackles this gap with e-bikes and e-scooters, offering a sustainable alternative for these short, essential urban trips. With over 500 million rides completed—covering more than a billion kilometers—Lime demonstrates how small shifts in behavior can make a big impact on decarbonization.
Nico met with Andrew Savage, co-founder and VP of Sustainability of Lime, during a visit to Savage’s hometown of Burlington, VT. Andrew draws from a career that spans solar energy, policy work, and government relations. Before joining Lime, Savage was a key figure at AllEarth Renewables, helping advance solar energy adoption in Vermont. He also served on political campaigns, advised mayors, and worked closely with Capitol Hill on policy initiatives. His deep expertise in environmental policy gave Savage a unique skillset to help steer Lime’s growth into 280 markets while keeping on pace with the company’s goal of net zero by 2030.
Curious how a career can span multiple sectors and still hold a true-north of decarbonizing the grid? Interested to learn how e-mobility is helping us achieve our carbon-free future?
Expect to learn:
- Why early bike-share programs failed—and how Lime’s dockless model offers a better solution
- How Lime recycles batteries and repurposes them for second-life uses
- What carbon-reduction strategies keep Lime on track to meet its 2030 net-zero goal
- How Lime uses rider data to help cities redesign streets and improve safety
If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
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