CSR briefs

Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, has joined private- and public-sector industry leaders in a White House roundtable discussion to phase down the use of high-global-warming refrigerants contained in air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Johnson Controls commits to spending more than US$50 million (Bt1.6 billion) over the next three years to develop new products and improve and expand its existing low global-warming-potential (GWP) portfolio.

The President’s Climate Action Plan highlights the urgent need to reduce emissions caused by some hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, and is seeking goals, commitments and partnerships that catalyse the transition to more climate-friendly alternatives, where practical. 

According to the White House, emissions of high-GWP HFCs – potent greenhouse gases – are expected to nearly double from current levels of 1.5 per cent of US greenhouse-gas emissions to 3 per cent by 2020, and triple by 2030 if action is not taken.  

Johnson Controls stressed the importance of considering the energy efficiency of the system when selecting a new refrigerant, not just its low GWP. Up to 98 per cent of the total carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions over the life of air-conditioning equipment can be due to energy use alone, not the GWP of the refrigerant contained.

Johnson Controls claims the refrigerants it chooses for its products will best fit the needs of its customers and the environment based on safety, energy efficiency, reliability, availability and cost.

The company has spent more than $26 million over the past three years in the development of low-GWP technologies.

 

Saving waterways a new goal for Goodyear

Goodyear Thailand, in collaboration with the Ayutthaya Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Volunteer Network Association, has shown its support for “National Waterways Conservation and Development Day”.

As part of the effort, Goodyear Thailand presented bicycles, sportswear, caps and Goodyear merchandise items to the association to encourage young Thais at a “return vitality to water” event at Bang Sai Nai Temple, Bang Sai district, Ayutthaya.

The event focused on the conservation and development of waterways, including weed removal from waters, EM fertiliser preparation and the establishment of a fish bank in the neighbouring waterways. These activities were held to generate more awareness about the conservation of natural resources among Thai youth; providing diverse species of fish with more habitable areas in which to swim; promotion of fish breeding; and generating more employment opportunities for members of the community.

“One of the shared values from Goodyear’s global mission is that we are committed to caring for our environment and communities, both large and small. Goodyear is an industry leader in product sustainability, while also ensuring we work to protect our associates, facilities, the environment, and the communities in which we operate,” said Finbarr O’Connor, managing director of Goodyear Thailand.

“We will continue to collaborate with community organisations to strengthen society, economies and education. We are proud of our increased social responsibility and volunteering efforts among Goodyear Thailand employees, which is leading to improvements in our neighbouring communities.”

 

Yum! gets high marks for climate efforts

For the third year in a row, Yum! has increased its score on the CDP Global 500 climate-change report. Since 2010, Yum! has participated in CDP, which reports on the environmental impact of companies and how well they are doing to reduce their carbon footprint.

This year, Yum! received a disclosure score of 95 out of a possible 100 points and a performance score of B. The disclosure score measures the depth and breadth of climate-related actions, and the performance score reflects the positive actions demonstrated through the CDP response. 

“Our strong performance on CDP is a direct result of the sustainability work throughout our system globally, helping us be an industry leader,” said Roger McClendon, Yum! chief sustainability officer.

Achieving continued success on CDP would not be possible without the company’s global markets being committed to reducing their carbon footprint. He said that whether it’s building LEED-certified stores, reducing energy usage at corporate headquarters or using electric vehicles for delivery business, every little bit counted towards the larger sustainability effort. 

Specifically, there was tremendous support from the Australian, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, South African, British and US markets, he said.

 

Dell and UNIDO tackle massive e-waste challenge 

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and Dell International have signed an agreement to cooperate on a sustainable-solution model for e-waste management for developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The memorandum of understanding signed this week by Li Yong, director-general of UNIDO, and David Lear, Dell Inc’s executive director of sustainability, commits the two organisations to work together for five years, with an option to extend the partnership.

Developing countries are expected to account for the majority of discarded electronics by 2016, and twice that of developed regions by 2030. 

The aim of this agreement is to create awareness, build capacity, and engage in knowledge sharing and policy advocacy with regard to sustainable e-waste management. It will support the creation of an operational and economically viable collection network, and dismantling and recycling facilities, to process e-waste in developing countries in a safe and environmentally sound way. 

It will also support the development of local recycling infrastructure, contributing to the industrial development of these countries and creating green economies.

Dell began integrating sustainability features into its products and processes nearly 30 years ago with designs that were upgradable, serviceable and recyclable because it was good for business, customers, and the environment. Dell is building on this commitment through its recently launched Legacy of Good plan outlining its vision for 2020. 

Dell has a goal to eliminate 900 million kilograms of used electronics by 2020, which will be achieved through its recycling programmes for homes and businesses in 78 countries. Dell recently received the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries’ 2014 Design for Recycling Award and UL Environment validation for a closed-loop recycling system.