MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company announced a set of strategic environmental goals and challenging three – five year targets to reduce emissions, waste, electricity and fuel use, and its impact on water and ecosystems.
The goals are part of Disney’s 2008 Corporate Responsibility Report, which details the company’s approach to critical corporate responsibility issues ranging from charitable giving to nutrition and from online safety for kids to workplace diversity.
“Disney’s enhanced corporate responsibility efforts make our brands and products more attractive, strengthen our bonds with consumers, make the company a more desirable place to work and build goodwill in the communities we operate. All of this contributes to shareholder value,” said Disney president and CEO Robert A. Iger.
The interactive multimedia report provides a detailed snapshot of the company’s philosophy and activities in five areas; children and family, content and products, environment, community and workplaces. Details include the company’s first comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory and updates on Disney’s pioneering policies on healthy food guidelines and smoking in films.
Building on 20 years of work by Disney’s environmental affairs department, the new goals and targets were formulated over the last two years by an Environmental Council of senior executives from across the company. Charged with developing and implementing sustainable strategies for Disney’s impact on the environment, as well as ways to use the company’s media reach to encourage positive action, the Council has taken a measured, scientific approach in analyzing company operations and crafting strategic objectives.
“While Disney has always been a leader in environmental stewardship, we are taking ambitious steps to help preserve our planet for future generations,” said Disney senior executive vice president and CFO Thomas O. Staggs.
The long-term environmental goals outlined in the report are: Zero waste, Zero net direct greenhouse gas emissions from fuels, Reduce indirect greenhouse gas emissions from electricity consumption, Net positive impact on ecosystems, Minimize water use, Minimize product footprint and Inform, empower and activate positive action for the environment.
“We applaud Disney for its leadership in adopting these goals, especially at such a challenging time in the global economy. Disney’s vision underscores the continued interest in the environment among people worldwide and the growing recognition that environmental leadership can help revitalize the economy.” Conservation International provided advice to Disney on its new goals and targets,” said Peter Seligmann, Chairman and CEO of Conservation International.
