Let clean economy begin, global companies urge government leaders

WWF 6 Jul 09;

Gland, Switzerland - Some of the world’s highest-profile companies today called on G8 leaders meeting in Italy to agree on a global climate deal by the end of 2009 and to set ambitious targets to cut carbon emissions.

Nineteen leading companies – including Johnson & Johnson, Nike, Lafarge, Tetra Pak, Nokia and HP – have partnered with leading global environment organization WWF in a campaign encouraging governments and policy-makers to “Let The Clean Economy Begin.”

“Traditionally, governments give businesses environmental targets,” said Oliver Rapf, Head, WWF Climate Business engagement. “This time, many of the world’s leading companies are already ahead on the issue, and are urging governments to deliver a strong framework to reduce CO2 emissions globally.”

The campaign, which will run across a variety of media, aims to persuade decision-makers at the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen in December to deliver an ambitious, fair and effective agreement to cut global greenhouse gas emissions. This week’s G8 Summit is a vital step along that path.

“The G8 is about successful economies and successful businesses,” said WWF International Director General James Leape. “G8 leaders need to recognise that moving to a low-carbon future is vital and urgent – for the planet, for business, and for the global economy.”

The Climate Savers campaign, said Mr. Leape, focuses on innovation and solutions. “The Climate Savers companies have grown their businesses while cutting their emissions. They have proved that growth and low carbon are more than compatible – they are complementary. The Climate Savers companies are saying to the politicians: ‘We’ve done it – now it’s your turn.”

Some of the world’s top business leaders are supporting the “Let the Clean Economy Begin” campaign with their own statements.

“Reducing your carbon footprint is not only achievable, it’s inspiring,” said Thomas Storey, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Fairmont committed to reduce its CO2 emissions by 20% by 2013.

Dennis Jönsson, CEO Tetra Pak said: “Call it clean. Call it green. Or simply call it jobs.” Tetra Pak committed to reduce its CO2 emissions by 10% by 2010.

“Climate responsibility is simple - it’s just good business sense' said Simon Beresford-Wylie, CEO of Nokia Siemens Networks. Nokia Siemens Networks committed to reduce its CO2 footprint by 2 million tons, by improving the energy efficiency of its base stations by up to 40% and by reducing energy consumption in buildings by 6% by 2012 as well as by increasing the use of renewable energy in company operations to 50 percent by 2010.

“By cutting carbon emissions by 15% we’re experiencing positive development on net profits” said Niels Petter Wright CEO Elopak. Elopak committed to reduce CO2 emissions by 15% by 2011.

Climate Savers companies are leading the way by example. By 2010 they will have reduced their CO2 emissions by 50 million tons over the past decade of action, while creating competitive advantage, increasing shareholder value, and in many cases, increasing profitability.

The programme, established in 1999, has been a trend-setter in demonstrating that absolute greenhouse gas emission reductions do not impede business growth. Current member companies include Johnson&Johnson, Nike, ,Lafarge, The Collins Companies, Sagawa, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Catalyst, Novo Nordisk, Tetra Pak, Sony, Nokia, Spitsbergen Travel, HP, Nokia Siemens Networks, JohnsonDiversey, Sofidel, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Elopak.