Every company has a department called corporate social responsibility (CSR) which refers to practices and policies undertaken by corporations that are intended to have a positive influence on the world. 

Many companies have taken steps to improve the environmental sustainability of their operations, through measures such as installing renewable energy sources or purchasing carbon offsets. 

In managing supply chains, efforts have also been taken to eliminate reliance on unethical labor practices, such as child labor and slavery. Although CSR programs have generally been most common among large corporations, small businesses also participate in CSR through smaller-scale programs such as donating to local charities and sponsoring local events.

Here are some of the concrete actions these companies – in order of their overall Capital rank – are taking: 

 Microsoft – Software

Since 2012, Microsoft’s global operations have been 100% net carbon neutral. The company charges a “carbon fee” to all business groups for their carbon footprint, and invests the fees collected in its carbon reduction initiatives. 

Apple – Technology Hardware

Apple sourced 100% of the electricity used at all its facilities in 2018 from renewable sources, and in 2017, 22 of Apple’s supplier facilities were certified as Zero Waste, including all iPhone final assembly sites.

Alphabet – Internet

Since 2016, Google has been using AI systems to manage cooling at its 15 data centers, saving up to 40% of energy. Data centers account for 2% of global greenhouse emissions – about the same as air travel.  

Accenture  – Commercial Support Service

In December, Accenture announced that it would aim to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 11% by 2025, against its 2016 baseline – the largest professional services company to make this type of commitment. 

Clorox – Personal Products

Clorox is committed to ensuring that more than 90% of its product packaging is recyclable, making sustainability improvements to half of its global product portfolio, and eliminating PVC in all packaging.

Nielsen Holdings – Media

Nielsen has established several programs around eliminating waste from its operations – including a 2020 goal to ensure that none of its global e-waste is sent to landfills, and a “No Print” initiative in its offices that has saved over 70,000 sheets of paper. 

Cardinal Health – Food & Drug Retailers

Cardinal Health has invested in waste water recovery, collecting rainwater from site roofs to use for air cooling, bathrooms, and irrigation. In 2017, the company recycled more than 250 million gallons (20% of total water consumption) at its facilities. 

 

The Environment should be a priority for companies, but that corporate behavior is clearly not measuring up. The good news is that, despite this middling perception, our analysis shows that there are a number of companies across sectors working to build a more sustainable future.