Multinational corporations are often associated with a certain level of greed and irresponsibility, especially when it comes to the environment. Making a profit regardless of the cost has proven to be disastrous to the environment, and many companies have now started to adopt sustainability initiatives in order to protect the environment by limiting their impact.
Investors, who often have to make snap investment decisions during restrictive forex trading hours, are now keen to invest in companies which have a positive environmental impact on the environment, as these are also likely to be popular with their customers, and potentially generate more profits. Here are some of the multinationals which are making a difference.
Siemens UK
In 2012, Siemens UK made the decision to become more sustainable through focusing on the environment, education and social factors. It aims to aid the environment by making its products more environmentally friendly and ensuring that its ethos is
This is achieved through using resources efficiently, and manufacturing and planning their products so that they are as green as possible. They also aim to reduce their use of fossil fuels, which emit dangerous greenhouse gases. As a technology company, this may have proved challenging given the amount of energy they need to use on a daily basis, but certainly worth it for the environment.
Unilever
Unilever have made an ambitious decision to try and halve their carbon footprint by 2030. This relates to both the manufacture and use of their products. One of their main priorities is to halt deadly deforestation, which is contributing greatly towards climate change.
The multinational also aims to use sustainable sources for the raw materials that they use, as well as reducing the packaging it uses for products. Unilever’s reach also extends to its consumers, which it helps to use less water, energy and
Ikea
Ikea has made vast improvements to its extensive supply chain in terms of making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Almost 50% of the wood it uses for manufacturing furniture is from sustainable foresters, and 100% of its cotton is sourced from farms which meet the prestigious Better Cotton Standards.
It also uses solar panels extensively to generate power for its stores across the world, and it also plans to start selling solar panels to consumers.
Patagonia
One of the most innovative on the list, Patagonia is a company which is making its products of an exceptionally high quality, so that they last for longer. They then in turn encourage their customers to repair and maintain the products they buy so that they do not go to waste and pollute the environment.
Their overall aim, aside from making a profit, is to shift consumer consciousness away from buying then disposing of clothes, and encouraging them to repair them as much as possible, prolonging their life by a great deal.
IBM
This multinational already has a track record of promoting social responsibility and protecting the environment which dates back to the 1960s. All areas of the company, from use of technology to operations, have environmental protection and sustainability built in. It first issued a corporate policy on environmental affairs in 1971, which has survived for decades.
They ensure that their operations are designed so that they minimise waste, prevent air and water pollution, and minimise any health and safety risks which may be associated with them. This makes them a very clean company, and one which is sure to set a precedent for companies of a similar stature. They also ensure that energy is used in a responsible and non-wasteful manner in all levels of the company.
These are just some of the many multinationals which are having a positive impact on environmental responsibility. There is still a long way to go in terms of transforming the corporate landscape into one of social and environmental responsibility, but the wheels are seemingly in motion.