WWF initiative cuts 100 million tonnes of carbon

Since the WWF’s Climate Savers Programme began in 1999, member companies of the initiative have jointly slashed 100m tonnes off their carbon emissions total.

The encouraging figures emerge out of a review conducted by consultancy firm Ecofys that was commissioned by WWF International.

The 100m tonnes figure, the review says, is double the annual emissions of Switzerland, and by 2020, some 350m tonnes of carbon emissions could have been saved.

The initiative measures the carbon reduction commitments of around 30 of the world’s largest companies, including the Coca-Cola Company, Sony, National Geographic and Nike.

“The leadership shown by Climate Savers confirms that companies in diverse sectors can do good business and take a bite out of climate change”, said Alexander Quarles van Ufford, senior partnerships manager at WWF International.

“Resource efficiency and the goal of a low-carbon economy have to become part of the corporate DNA, particularly given high fuel and commodity prices.”

Organisations that are low-carbon or even carbon neutral are the ones that will prosper in a sustainable future economy.

A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in January claimed that sustainable business is indeed profitable, and one important step in becoming sustainable is by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Though much depends on the industry type—for example, the term ‘sustainable oil company’ is somewhat of an oxymoron—the sectors that can potentially turn things around have a chance to do so with only a few sustainable tweaks.

Investment has also has a big part to play in the move towards more sustainable operations. With increasing numbers of sustainability rankings available, it is becoming easier to focus your investment portfolio on companies that take global issues seriously. Our recent Guide to Sustainable Investment is the perfect place to start if you wish to get a foot in the responsible, ethical and clean investment door.

Further reading:

The beauty of sustainability

Local and regional carbon emissions: infographic analysis

The Guide to Sustainable Investment