Our worries regarding the environment and climate change goes beyond just the general public, activists and charities. Large companies and corporations are also beginning to take in the consequences that our planet faces, and how the effects will not only be felt by society, the climate, the environment or our general wellness, but also in the world economy.
As well as the largest energy companies such as Iberdrola, other large international companies are beginning to sign up the cause to help make the world more sustainable, cleaner, and more efficient by investing in renewable energy.
In what just a few years ago seemed like good will gestures, today have become a reality for many companies that are continuing to make large investments to change and slow down the effects of climate change.
The buyers’ principles
Through awareness and commitment to help create a greener and more sustainable planet, 65 international companies have come together to formalize their commitment. This commitment, called The Buyers’ Principle, entails six principles to stimulate the improvements in renewable energy: varieties of greener energy, competitive costs, third-party financing, long-term contracts, projects to reduce harmful emissions and mutual cooperation.
The Buyers’ Principle has been signed by large companies such as Unilever, Microsoft, Visa and Amazon, to name a few. Many of the companies that belong to the group, as well as their commitment, have detailed certain objectives to meet within a specific time frame:
- Apple have proposed that 100% of their energy consumption will be renewable.
- Google are taking giant leaps and are about to achieve making all of their offices and daily operations fully reliant on green energy.
- Nike and Ikea have demonstrated their commitment to renewable energy and fully reliant on renewable sources within a maximum of three years.
- Coren, a large Spanish alimentation company, have promised to substitute their current use of fossil fuels to renewable energy.
An energy company clearly committed to renewable energy is Iberdrola. In the previous year and so far this year, Iberdrola has managed to sign many different renewable energy supply contracts with companies from all around the world.
- Together with Kutxabank, Iberdrola have signed the first contract in the world to supply long term renewable energy to a bank; a ten year contract that aims to reduce as much as 15.000 tons/year of CO2 emissions.
- Internationally, this Spanish energy company has opened a hydroelectric station in Brazil, that will provide clean energy to a million Brazilians. It will generate up to 350 MW of power, which equates to around 8% of the total usage in the state of Parana. In addition to this, the installation of the hydroelectric power station is of direct benefit to the Iguazú Falls, since it helps to maintain the minimum flow necessary.
- With an expected introduction date during 2020, Iberdrola signed a contract with Nike to supply them with renewable energy. This is the third agreement signed between the companies, that will make it possible for the sports brand to receive renewable wind energy from Iberdrola on both sides of the Atlantic.
The fight against climate change depends on everyone: individuals, governments and institutions; but also on companies. The largest companies are the ones who must take the first steps to be part of this change and to lead the way for smaller companies to follow. Larger companies higher levels of production, accompanied by green energy, will have a very positive effect on the environment and on the sustainability of the planet.