GE “Citizenship” Report Shows Global Sustainability Practices
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Overview
GE looks at the concept of sustainability from a global perspective. Because of this, the company refers to its report as its “Corporate Citizenship Report (CCR).”
GE is a global company with a worldwide view. Therefore, the sustainability efforts this year in its report dealt with countries outside of the U.S., such as Mexico, India and China.
Highlights
GE launched an initiative called “Ecomagination,” focused on addressing the world’s energy and environmental challenges. Through this initiative:
- GE invests in products and services that solve environmental problems
- Became a founding member of the United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), which urges action on climate change legislation
- GE also engaged in climate change dialogues in the EU and China and made internal greenhouse gas and energy reduction commitments.
In measuring its successes, GE compares itself in 2007 with its own 2004 performance. As of the end of 2007, the company:
- Reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by eight percent
- Reduced GHG and energy intensity by 34 percent and 33 percent
GE also announced a new goal to reduce its water use 20 percent by 2012 from a 2006 baseline.
In Mexico, GE negotiated a partnership with Mexico’s environmental enforcement agency, aimed at encouraging companies to implement environmental compliance and quality assurance systems. Because of this, it received a prestigious environmental award from the Mexican government.
In China, GE also hosted its third annual Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Forum in Shanghai to discuss Chinese regulatory trends and share best practices, including “ways to reduce water consumption while meeting business goals, shrinking environmental footprints and increasing operational productivity.”
Additionally, GE contributed its environmental technology to many infrastructure projects built for the Beijing Olympics, including a filtration system to ensure clean water for human consumption and recycled water for landscaping.
Afterthoughts
An outside Stakeholder Report Review Panel worked with GE to help point out their need to take a closer look at some of their carbon-intensive fossil fuel extraction businesses. This action is needed in order to align GE with their promise to become a lead member of the United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP) by reducing emissions 60 to 80 percent by 2050.
