Most of us know the importance of conserving energy and other resources in our own homes. Relatively simple adjustments in our daily lives like installing solar panels and separating recyclable items from the trash have become sustainability staples in our homes. Although our efforts are undeniably important, perhaps the biggest impact to be made in terms of energy conservation can be made by major corporations.
Due to the massive amounts of energy they use to fuel daily operations, big businesses must get on board with the trend toward renewable energy for them to be successful. Fortunately, there are many businesses working toward a more ecofriendly platform for daily operations.
Here are five major corporations working to reduce their eco footprints.
1. Dannon
The Dannon Company started making serious strides in corporate sustainability back in 2009. The company saves fuel and cuts emissions by producing cups and bottles close to the place where they are filled. They also work to receive fresh milk from local producers close to their plants to cut down on transportation. In addition to these efforts, 95 percent of Dannon products are transported in reusable wood pallets which are sourced from renewable, re-plantable forests.
2. TD Bank
According to TD Bank’s sustainability page on the company website, the key areas of focus for their sustainability efforts are:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Improving energy efficiency
- Reducing paper use
- Reducing waste volumes and water use
- Greening their supply chain
Some of TD’s efforts have included improved videoconference options to cut down business travel, the launch of employee awareness campaigns to encourage energy-saving behavior in the workplace, and the implementation of green IT programs to reduce the demand of energy from company technology.
3. Ikea
Ikea has committed to using as much renewable energy as it consumes by 2020. The company is already energy independent in the Nordic area, consuming less energy than it produces.
Ikea has also realized that its consumers are interested in doing their part in reducing energy emissions. This is why the company is working on creative product offerings that can make living a green lifestyle easier. The company switched all of its lighting products over to LED and has also started selling solar panels in some countries.
4. Coca Cola
The Coca Cola Company has set the hefty goal of moving 100 percent of its energy consumption to renewable energy by 2020. By the end of 2016, the company expects to have 40 percent of its energy consumption controlled by renewable sources. Representatives say that Coca Cola plans to work with energy suppliers over the next few years to identify options for renewable energy sources in each of their plant locations.
Although they have yet to announce specific details on the renewable energy resources they will be using in this plan, we’ve seen companies in the UK using renewable energy for refrigeration and companies in the US switching to solar for storing drink and food items. These would be likely options for the steps Coca Cola will take in securing renewable energy sources for its operations in similar locations.
5. Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs has also set the goal of switching 100 percent of its energy consumption to renewable energy sources in 2016. In 2012, the company set a 10-year target to deploy $40 billion of capital in financing and investment to scale up clean energy globally. The company has since mobilized more than $33 billion for solar, smart grid, wind, and other clean energy sources.
So there you have it, five awesome companies working to build a brighter, more sustainable future for big business. For more information on how you can build a more sustainable lifestyle at home, check out this guide by Vladimir Zivanvoic on Lifehack.
Featured photo credit: Pexels via static.pexels.com
