Energy Efficiency and Climate Change
Maximizing energy efficiency and addressing climate change lie at the heart of our Environmental Sustainability efforts. We’re committed to achieving carbon neutrality by reducing our energy consumption and moving to the use of 100 percent renewable energy—first in our operations, and then throughout the supply chain. It’s an ambitious goal, and we’re taking it seriously. We’re examining the challenges from every angle and applying practical solutions with measurable outcomes.
Before we know where we’re going, we need to know where we’ve been. That’s why we take careful measurements of our energy usage, as well as several of our business operation outputs that may contribute to climate change. With our recent greenhouse gas assessments verified by third parties, we have a solid foundation upon which to build long-range, holistic solutions.
Our first milestone is set: by 2011, we will reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in our owned and operated locations by eleven percent worldwide compared to 2007 levels. We’re already making good progress. So far, we’ve realized a two percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. This includes an up to ten percent decrease in energy consumption in facilities and retail stores. In addition, we have begun to make strides in reducing our climate change impact within our supply chain. In one of our key transportation routes we achieved forty-seven percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from reduced fuel.
We have much to do, but we’re confident that we can achieve our goals and help establish a dialogue that catalyzes change throughout the industry. Click below to find out what we’re doing with energy efficiency and climate change: