Sustainability Action Plan
Sustainability Action Plan
5/8/13
Sustainability Action Plan
Introduction
As businesses continue to meet the increasing demand of consumers, their impact on the environment and production of waste is amplified significantly. Carbon footprint and CO2 emissions become an even greater concern when the product must be transported to customers across the globe. In fact, CO2 emissions from transporting products alone accounted for 1.2 billion tons of CO2, or 4.5 percent of global emissions in 2012 (citation). While increased waste and pollution are an inevitable byproduct of manufacturing and delivering products, companies in the telecommunications industry are making sustainable practices the forefront of their business plan. Firms such as Cox Communications are restructuring their entire business processes to reduce their impact in manufacturing as well delivering their products to customers. As of early 2013 Cox Communications had invested over five billion dollars in alternative energy, water and energy conservation, eco-friendly shipping fleets and waste management. As a result of their efforts, Cox prevents over fifty thousand tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the environment annually, while simultaneously increasing their bottom line.
As the business world begins to place more emphasis on sustainable practices, innovative firms who embrace sustainability will be light-years ahead of their competition. In the following pages we will look at Cox’s sustainability program as a model for businesses in a variety of industries to effect the change necessary to be competitive in an ever changing business world. Additionally, we will look at challenges companies face in implementing sustainable practices as well as opportunities that can benefit companies, stakeholders and the environment.
Cox Conserves- Sustainability Initiative
The Cox Conserves program was implemented in 2007 as part of the company’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
5/8/13
Sustainability Action Plan
Introduction
As businesses continue to meet the increasing demand of consumers, their impact on the environment and production of waste is amplified significantly. Carbon footprint and CO2 emissions become an even greater concern when the product must be transported to customers across the globe. In fact, CO2 emissions from transporting products alone accounted for 1.2 billion tons of CO2, or 4.5 percent of global emissions in 2012 (citation). While increased waste and pollution are an inevitable byproduct of manufacturing and delivering products, companies in the telecommunications industry are making sustainable practices the forefront of their business plan. Firms such as Cox Communications are restructuring their entire business processes to reduce their impact in manufacturing as well delivering their products to customers. As of early 2013 Cox Communications had invested over five billion dollars in alternative energy, water and energy conservation, eco-friendly shipping fleets and waste management. As a result of their efforts, Cox prevents over fifty thousand tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the environment annually, while simultaneously increasing their bottom line.
As the business world begins to place more emphasis on sustainable practices, innovative firms who embrace sustainability will be light-years ahead of their competition. In the following pages we will look at Cox’s sustainability program as a model for businesses in a variety of industries to effect the change necessary to be competitive in an ever changing business world. Additionally, we will look at challenges companies face in implementing sustainable practices as well as opportunities that can benefit companies, stakeholders and the environment.
Cox Conserves- Sustainability Initiative
The Cox Conserves program was implemented in 2007 as part of the company’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions