(January 19, 2011) As states aim for energy efficiency and greenhouse-gas emission control, companies throughout the United States are striving to do the same and many are emerging as leaders in green innovation. Last October, Newsweek magazine took 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies and produced a 2010 Green Rankings List.
Technology companies dominated the rankings, partly due to their low-impact products (like software). However, these companies are finding solutions to make products cheaper to manufacture and operate, while saving energy or reducing waste.
Of the top 10 companies featured in the magazine, seven are California Chamber of Commerce members. The seven companies to make it to the top are as follows.
Hewlett-Packard Company
Praised as a leader on environmental issues, Hewlett-Packard placed second on Newsweek’s list. The company was commended for its use of renewable energy and strong programs to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
Since 2008, HP has been reporting emissions associated with its supply chain and is working to make its products more energy efficient. HP’s current information technology systems use 66 percent less energy than those designed in 2005. Customers would save $10.4 billion a year if all the HP printers, servers and PCs shipped in 2005 were replaced with new HP models, according to the article.
HP’s Green Score was 99.32. The company scored 90s in reputation; green policies; and environmental impact.
IBM
On HP’s heels and third on the Green Rankings List, IBM was given a Green Score of 99.20, scoring 90s in the categories of environmental impact and reputation.
In the last 20 years, IBM has found ways to reduce its energy use by 5.1 billion kilowatt hours (enough to power a midsize town). The company is now creating products like the Sustainability Management System, which aids in operating commercial buildings more efficiently.
Johnson & Johnson
The only pharmaceutical company in the top 10 on the Green List, Johnson & Johnson came in fourth, scoring almost 100 in the green policies category.
The company aimed to reduce its baseline carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions 7 percent by 2010 and surpassed the goal by reducing emissions 16 percent.
Johnson & Johnson also exceeded its goals in reducing waste, packaging and energy use. Solar panels provide 70 percent of the electricity at its Titusville, New Jersey, facility, according to the article.
Intel
Fifth on the list, Intel scored 90s in the environmental impact and reputation categories. The tech company is noted for its commitment to reducing waste, as nearly half of its U.S. energy comes from renewable sources.
Intel also strives to find suitable alternatives for the toxic components in its products. Believing that reducing its environmental footprint is everybody’s business, the company links the year-end bonuses of all employees to its sustainability goals.
Sprint Nextel Corporation
The only telecommunications company in the top 40 on the list, Sprint Nextel Corporation plans to reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions 15 percent between 2007 and 2017 by improving energy efficiency within its networks.
Sprint Nextel also was commended for its strong recycling program, which allows customers to turn in old phones, batteries and accessories (regardless of the brand).
Sprint Nextel scored 90s in environmental impact and green policies.
Yahoo Inc.
Yahoo is a leader in improving data center efficiency, purchasing energy from renewable sources and locating new data centers in cooler climates to cut down on cooling costs. A new facility in New York consumes 40 percent less electricity and 94 percent less water than conventional data centers.
Yahoo ranked ninth on the list, scoring an 89 in the green policies category. The company is recognized for its Yahoo Green site, which is dedicated to green lifestyle tips and in turn encourages its 600 million users to be environmentally aware.
Nike
Nike, 10th on the list, is noted for having a strong commitment to evaluating and improving the environmental footprint of its suppliers.
Nike is aiming for carbon neutrality in all its facilities by 2015 and already has significantly reduced its energy use by installing efficient lighting; heating/ventilating/air conditioning (HVAC) systems; and investing in teleconference equipment to reduce business travel.
Nike scored a 97 in the reputation category.
Scores
Newsweek measured companies on revenue, market capitalization and staff size. The companies then were given a Green Score, calculated using three component scores: the Environmental Impact Score (based on worldwide footprint); the Green Policies Score (based on a comprehensive assessment of environmental initiatives); and the Reputation Score (based on a poll of sustainability officers, academics and CEOs).