How Global Sustainability Initiatives Impact Local Businesses

Across the world, corporations are coming together and committing to rigorous climate  and sustainable development goals. The RE 100 is just one example of such current global initiatives, requiring participants to achieve 100% renewable electricity for all their operations. A few recognizable companies who have committed to the RE 100 include Nike, Apple, General Motors, PepsiCo, Airbnb, Johnson and Johnson, Capital One, Microsoft, and over 300 others. Apple met the 100% renewable electricity goal in 2018 and then turned their focus to helping their manufacturing & vendor partners meet renewable energy standards. Now, 23 of Apple’s independent manufacturers are running on 100% renewable energy. 

The Impact on Local Businesses

As large corporations take on global energy initiatives, local businesses that make up supply chains will eventually be required to keep up or lose business to vendors that meet growing sustainability standards. 

WalMart is an example of an RE100 member with sustainability goals for their product supply chains. With many local companies providing goods as part of Walmart’s supply chain, such as SatisPie in Henrietta, Rochester regional businesses are likely to make the switch to greener operations sooner rather than later to meet growing sustainable development goals.

 
Why Renewable Energy?

Solar energy is now the most cost-effective form of energy, offering businesses a way to reduce their carbon footprint while reducing operational expenses. With at least 80% of consumers believing corporate America has a responsibility to address climate change, the rising stakeholder demand for sustainability and corporate social responsibility will only continue to grow. As more companies sign on to achieve their own corporate social responsibility goals, partner vendors will inevitably need to find trusted ways to meet new demands.