Climate change goal for factories by 2020 set through a collaboration with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
P&G expects ecological initiatives to cut costs and also help its brands ‘win with consumers’
USA Procter & Gamble (P&G) has announced an objective of reducing its absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities by 30% by 2020.
Developed with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the goal is based on the best available science and is an important step in the company’s continued efforts to minimise its greenhouse gas emissions, said P&G.
The company is joining the Climate Savers Program, a programme sponsored by WWF to enable leadership companies to collaborate and accelerate their efforts to address climate change.
P&G selected a stretching target of 30% after considering the latest science presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This reduction will ensure the company is supporting global efforts to prevent global temperatures from exceeding 2ºC and is consistent with science-based methodologies that are helping companies align targets with climate science, said the company.
“Climate change is a global issue and we believe everyone – companies, governments, and individuals – all have a role to play,” said Len Sauers, vice-president, global sustainability for P&G.
“We felt it was important to come forward with an ambitious, science-based goal to help do our part to address the challenges that climate change poses.”
P&G has been working in partnership with WWF to develop its new goal and advance its efforts on climate change. “We recognise P&G for its leadership in setting a reduction target that is grounded in climate science,” said Suzanne Apple, senior vice-president, private sector engagement at WWF.
“This is a significant commitment that will lead to measurable reductions in P&G’s greenhouse gas emissions while inspiring other companies to step up and take action. We are pleased to welcome P&G as the newest member of our Climate Savers Program, which serves to recognise industry leaders who are pursuing innovative and cost-effective solutions to climate change.”
P&G plans to achieve its new goal by maintaining a focus on energy conservation and increasing its use of renewable energy.
“We set this goal with the firm belief that it will be good for the environment and good for our business,” said Martin Riant, group president, P&G, and executive sponsor for Global Sustainability. “Energy conservation and increasing renewable energy will not only drive emission reductions, but will decrease costs and help create innovative solutions that will help our brands win with consumers.”