Alexander Wuthnow of Bosch Thermotechnology: Five Strategies Our Company Is Using To Tackle Climate Change & Become More Sustainable

As part of our series about how companies are becoming more sustainable, we had the pleasure of interviewing Alexander Wuthnow, PhD, Regional President and CEO of Bosch Thermotechnology.

Dr. Alexander Wuthnow is the Regional President and CEO of Bosch Thermotechnology, the North American HVAC division of German multi-conglomerate Robert Bosch. Regarded for his entrepreneurial spirit and determined work ethic, Alex is committed to advancing the leading brand in the HVAC industry in North America. For sixteen years, Alex has represented the Bosch Group and has driven growth and expansion for various Bosch divisions across five countries and two continents. In his current role as President and CEO, Alex directs the sales portfolio for a leading global source of state-of-the-art, highly efficient solutions for heating, cooling, and hot water. Under his leadership, Bosch Thermotechnology serves a large and diverse group of residential and commercial customers in all 50 states and Canada.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

When I was growing up, I had an uncle who ran his own HVAC company. I had the honor of working for him when I was a teenager. I consider it an honor because, under his watchful eye, I learned the technologies, nuances and intricacies of heating, cooling and plumbing systems. At the time, I thought it was just a summer job, but as it turns out, it ignited a passion for the space that has only grown stronger over the years. I told my uncle I was planning to study business, but he said I was so talented in the technical aspects of the job that I shouldn’t forget about that side when I left for school. I took his advice and, at the same time, earned degrees in business administration and industrial engineering and finished my formal education with a doctorate in mechanical engineering.

In my 20s I was sitting in automotive factories working with semiconductors. It was necessary work; but my heart wasn’t in it — and besides, nobody understood what I did. I thought I would focus on production planning for automotive companies with huge manufacturing facilities, but then when I turned thirty, I was starting a family and began to think about buying a home and what I would do with the rest of my career. At the same time, I was lucky to meet the CEO of the Bosch Thermotechnology division in Europe, which designs and manufactures highly efficient HVAC products. When he asked me to work for him, I quickly jumped at the opportunity. From then on, at backyard barbecues, people would talk about climate change and ask me about the various technologies they can use to combat it such as heat pumps, solar power, efficient heating and so on. It was the first time my job would be at the center of important conversations — that everyone actually understands. I stayed at Bosch and have enjoyed a terrific career. I’m now president and CEO of Bosch Thermotechnology in North America and take great pride in the fact that we are doing something for the environment and that every product we sell helps make the world a little better.

What is the mission of your company? What problems are you aiming to solve?

Bosch is an $80 billion family-owned company whose majority shareholder is Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. This means Bosch focuses its significant resources directly on research and development, and charitable and social endeavors such as funding schools and hospitals around the world. Our motto is “Invented for life”: we want our products to spark enthusiasm, improve quality of life, and help conserve natural resources. Whatever Bosch does, it is to improve life. The Bosch Thermotechnology division is centered on making life better for every person by designing and delivering state-of-the-art HVAC solutions to help ensure homes and businesses are more comfortable, more efficient and more cost-effective.

Can you tell our readers about the initiatives that you or your company are taking to address climate change or sustainability? Can you give an example for each?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, most companies put the brakes on progressive policies and directives, such as sustainability actions, in an effort to protect their bottom line. Bosch, on the other hand, pushed forward. In 2020 the Bosch Group, with its more than 400 locations worldwide, was the first global industry leader to be climate neutral. The next stage is to optimize measures to further reduce our impact as well as the companies and organizations we work with to reduce their impact on the climate by improving energy efficiency, generating more energy from renewable sources, expanding the purchase of green electricity, and more.

This is not just talk. We are passionate about working on climate change and take our position as role models seriously. I do my part by almost always riding my bike to work. Our company is doing whatever it takes to make our planet a better place and our strength is in developing new technologies that work in the real world. For example, our heat pumps are nothing short of special. We use a proprietary inverter technology, which helps heat and cool a home with a minuscule amount of electricity — and it’s extremely quiet, which cuts down on noise pollution. Electrification is the future and will save the burning of fossil fuels. Not all of our HVAC products are purely electric, for instance, our condensing boilers still burn gas, but we have engineered it to be vastly more efficient than anything preceding it.

The technology behind our products is the secret behind our sustainability. With an average of 14 patent filings per DAY, the Bosch Group is one of the most innovative companies in the world and proves that Bosch seeks real innovations to truly improve the quality of life.

How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?

We have found that by acting in an economically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner — we can not only improve people’s quality of life but also create more jobs today and build a positive path for future generations. Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate culture, but it’s not just about culture; it’s also about the bottom line for us, our partners, and the users of our solutions.

For corporations, sustainability can boost profitability in several ways, including improved efficiency, less waste, lower utilities, a positive reputation, being more attractive to investors and hedging against future regulations and compliance requirements. For homeowners, there have recently been some very aggressive incentives to help them be more sustainable when it comes to HVAC systems in their own homes. For example, some of the largest credits and rebates available through the Inflation Reduction Act are for heat pumps. These are extremely efficient and effective geothermal or air source systems that can replace air conditioners and fossil-burning furnaces or boilers.

On our website, you can search for local rebates and tax credits on Bosch products in your area.

The youth led climate strikes of September 2019 showed an impressive degree of activism and initiative by young people on behalf of climate change. This was great, and there is still plenty that needs to be done. In your opinion what are 5 things parents should do to inspire the next generation to become engaged in sustainability and the environmental movement? Please give a story or an example for each.

1. I have three kids. When I look at them, I am constantly reminded of the type of world I want them to inherit. I have a responsibility to not only do what I can to ensure they are prepared but to instill in them the responsibility to help make the world a better place than how they found it. The path to this is through education. Education is essential for everyone, and it is necessary to provide the opportunity for education to everyone who wants it. Educated people think differently. When young people see and learn about climate change, they can recognize where it is happening now and what they can do to address it in their own lives. That is a recipe for an empowered generation. Start young, share the truth and talk openly about the good, the bad and best practices for sustainable living.
2. Be a role model. Actions speak louder than words. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with the challenges of climate change, but if we take individual action ourselves, it adds up fast. That is why I, and many of my fellow team members at Bosch Thermotechnology, have chosen to ride our bikes to and from work
3. Raise your voice. Participate in the social discourse. If you have ideas, don’t be afraid to share them.

What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?

1. First of all, I recognize that even though I have worked extremely hard to be where I am, I am very lucky. That said, I’ve made some of my own luck. What I mean by that is when I have seen opportunities appear in my life, I have grabbed onto them with both hands to turn mere opportunities into successes.
2. Talk to people. Getting to know more people from all walks of life will only add to the person you are.
3. Learn to recognize and understand trends. The most successful people in business aren’t necessarily those with the greatest skills or products. They are the ones who see the trends and challenges and how they can prepare and capitalize on them.
4. Your success is on you, not anyone else. If you love what you do, you will succeed.
5. Be humble. Work as hard as you can, but also be satisfied with what you have. It doesn’t necessarily mean you will earn the most money, but you’ll be happy.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I have had the benefit of some really great examples and mentors in my life. My dad taught me how to work hard and be a supportive and responsible man. My uncle taught me how to work smart and capitalize on my strengths. The coaches I have had, particularly my basketball coaches, taught me how training is intrinsically tied to improvement and why consistent effort is required, even when you don’t want to — especially when you don’t want to.

You are a person of great influence and doing some great things for the world! If you could inspire a movement that would bring the greatest amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Be a role model yourself. Small actions can lead to big changes. Start to make changes in your own home.

What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?

https://www.bosch-thermotechnology.us/us/en/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bosch-heating-and-cooling-north-america/

This was so inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!