Company Profile – American Express
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As one of the world leaders in credit cards, American Express is lucky to operate in an industry that is not known for having a large carbon footprint. Even with this advantage, American Express has made some strong moves to fight global warming and continue to reduce their carbon footprint.
As well, American Express cannot be accused of green washing, as the environmental section of their website is hidden deep in their latest CSR report. If anything, they could make this information more prominent to show their customers it is important to them.
American Express first implemented projects on energy efficiency and waste management more than two decades ago. Most recently, they have set a target of cutting their carbon footprint by 10% by 2010 from 2006 levels.
Their total carbon emissions in 2006 were about 302,000 metric tons of carbon equivalents. However, this figure does not include the impact that employee commuting has on their carbon footprint, and does not include the paper consumption in their offices. They do acknowledge that they are a large user of paper and are working to reduce their paper consumption.
The primary means of reaching their carbon emissions reduction goal is through improved energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.
In terms of renewable energy sources, American Express is part of the EPA Green Power Partnership, though does not feature near the top of the list. Their South Florida Facilities get 3% of their power from renewable sources. Clearly, this is an area with plenty of room for improvement if the company wants to cut their carbon footprint.
Their efforts for energy efficiency are far more substantial. The company is currently creating an Office of Environmental Responsibility that will have senior executive oversight and will be responsible for providing comprehensive management and leadership towards their environmental goals. However, until this group is up and running, it must been regarded with some scepticism.
At their office sites, American Express supports cutting their carbon footprint by implementing projects in energy efficiency, more efficient building design, recycling and waste management, and using eco friendly cleaning products.
To date, these efforts have included such measures as better designs in their facilities, installing energy efficient technology at new sites and doing retrofits at existing ones, the use of high efficiency motors, chillers and cooling towers, energy efficient lighting, and managing peak energy demands through building controls.
In the US in 2006, these changes reduced their use of electricity by 4 million kWh. As electricity use makes up 70% of their total carbon footprint, this represents very significant progress.
So how do they stack up?
Business Strategy: 2.5/5 – despite some good measures, it is not seen as a way of doing business, but rather as their responsibility to society
Products & Services: 4/5 – by the nature of their products, they are not intense in the creation of carbon emissions
Leading by Example: 2.5/5 – this is very good for their own operations, but if they profess to emphasize the use of renewable energy, it should be more than just 3% at one of their sites
Overall: 3/5
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