According to a report released by footwear manufacturer Nike at its Corporate Social Responsibility Day, the company reduced carbon emissions from its supply chain by 4% compared to 2009. Despite the impact of the economic recession, the company's revenue still grew by 3% in 2009 and 14% in 2008, demonstrating that carbon reduction and business activities are not necessarily positively correlated.
Nike stated that its greenhouse gas carbon footprint in 2009 was equivalent to 1.53 million tons of CO2, a decrease from 1.6 million tons in 2008. However, the company has not yet set its own carbon reduction target. The company has implemented a program that includes monitoring and reducing carbon emissions from its factories, while also providing employees with better energy training courses. Nike is reducing carbon emissions through IT education for its end users and automatic shutdown software. It is also taking measures to reduce the negative carbon emissions from business travel, particularly for teleconferencing and video conferencing.
Last year, the company decided to stop purchasing carbon offsets, meaning that all carbon reductions will be implemented by Nike itself. The report states that "Nike's priority is to achieve climate neutrality through superior energy efficiency and direct purchase of renewable energy, or through on-site improvements and other means."
Despite a 41% increase in production facility area and a 9% increase in total production, Nike's own operating facilities reduced carbon emissions by 15% in 2009 compared to 2007.
Most of Nike's suppliers comply with water resource plans, aiming to recycle wastewater in water-rich areas and ensure it meets the cleanliness and drinking water needs of local communities. The company is also developing new energy sources and implementing green energy designs for its new production lines, focusing on water efficiency.
– Reference source: Environmental Expert 2010-02-02
– Translated by Plastic Industry Technology Development Center
– For reference only, please refer to the original text.
