How 5 Global Brands Use Renewable Energy

By Jeff Desjardins

November 3, 2015 – According to the Renewable Energy Policy Network, about 22.1% of the world’s energy needs are satisfied by renewable energy. Hydro power accounts for most of this (16.4%) and the remainder (5.7%) comes from solar, wind, biomass, and other renewable sources.

While many governments are undertaking initiatives to keep the percentage share of renewable energy sources increasing, there are also some large global brands that are helping lead the charge to a greener economy. Today’s infographic covers these brands and the business moves they have made to ensure a smaller footprint.

Microsoft has committed to being carbon-neutral since 2013. To help with this initiative, the company has made several 20-year deals to buy wind-generated power including from a 175 MW wind project in Illinois and a 110 MW project in Texas.

Sony plans to have a zero environmental footprint by 2050, and already uses 100% renewable energy for its CD manufacturing in Austria. The company is also targeting to reduce the annual energy consumption of its products by 30% by 2020.

Google has been carbon-neutral since 2007, and buys carbon credits to offset its emissions. The company plans to be eventually using renewable energy for 100% of its supply, and is 35% of the way there. They are in the process of investing $2 billion in renewable energy projects.

Ikea, the furniture giant, has set 2020 as the year it plans to become 100% powered by renewable energy. The Swedish company has already committed €1.5 billion to solar and wind energy, including investment in wind farms in at least nine countries.

Lastly, Walmart has committed to procuring 7 billion kWh of energy from renewable sources by 2020, and it claims it is already 32% of the way there. Walmart currently has more than 335 renewable energy projects in operation or development throughout the world.

Jeff Desjardins is a founder and editor of Visual Capitalist, a media website that creates and curates visual content on investing and business.

 See this informative Infographic from Visual Capitalist