It can be overwhelming to consider how much work we all have to do to ensure that we keep our covenant with nature and save the Earth for ourselves, future generations, and the other species we share our home with. Earth Day has been a going concern since its inauguration in 1970, and many major events in the history of conservation have occurred to coincide with its late April observation, including the recent signing of the Paris Agreement.
But not everyone can affect such momentous changes, and protecting spaceship Earth is something we all need to consider on a macro level every day. Our little behavioral changes over time can affect climate change with cumulative power. Here’s what these four companies are doing for Earth Day 2021 – and every day – to help conserve the beauty of our planet and its ability to sustain our lives.
Why do you feel it is necessary for Chipotle to do what it can to protect the environment?
Protecting our environment and playing an active role in fighting climate change is a top priority for Chipotle. Being a company that relies on agriculture means that we must do what we can to protect the earth and fight for the farmers who have grown on it.
Can you give us 1-2 specific examples of policies, no matter how small, that you have in place to halt climate change?
Chipotle’s commitments to further our accountability of proactively addressing climate change include (amongst others):
• Board oversight related to ESG, including our progress on climate-related actions
• Executive compensation tied to sustainability, including climate commitments (specifically in 2021, our publication of Scope 3 emissions, years ahead of our original 2025 target).
Check Out Chipotle’s Careers Page Here!
Why do you feel it is necessary for Boston Consulting Group to do what it can to protect the environment?
At BCG, we believe that making a difference in society is an essential part of corporate strategy and value creation. Employees, customers, investors, and governments care deeply today about solving societal challenges—with climate change among the most urgent. As we at BCG partner with our clients to help them realize their net-zero ambitions, we also continue to change the way we operate as a firm—as evidenced by our own net-zero commitment and climate action investments.
Can you give us 1-2 specific examples of policies, no matter how small, that you have in place to halt climate change?
We have committed to reaching net-zero climate impact by 2030. We will reduce our footprint through a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions per full-time equivalent employee (FTE) and a 30% reduction in Scope 3 business travel emissions per FTE by 2025, and we will remove our remaining footprint with the most effective nature-based and engineered solutions at an annual average of $80 per tone by 2030. Beyond 2030, we will become climate positive by removing more carbon than we emit. We have also committed $400 million over the next decade to enable BCG teams to drive climate and environmental impact across industries and countries.
Check Out BCG’s Careers Page Here!
Why do you feel it is necessary for Atlassian to do what it can to protect the environment?
(We can’t believe we need to say this, but…) Climate change is caused by humans, and without immediate intervention, it will fundamentally disrupt the environment, society, and the economy in very painful ways. Working together, the private sector, public sector, and citizens must play as a team and take bold action. As part of our commitment to combat climate change, Atlassian has achieved its goal to run our operations on 100% renewable energy, starting in fiscal year 2020. We’ve also set science-based targets to limit warming to 1.5°C and achieve net-zero emissions by no later than 2050. Finally, we are focusing on inspiring Atlassians and companies alike to act.
Can you give us 1-2 specific examples of policies, no matter how small, that you have in place to halt climate change?
Atlassian achieved its goal to run our operations on 100% renewable energy in fiscal year 2020. We’ve also set science-based targets to limit warming to 1.5 ̊C and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Check Out Atlassian’s Careers Page Here!
Why do you feel it is necessary for Waste Connections to do what it can to protect the environment?
As a leading environmental services company, we recognize the importance of our services to prevent pollution, protect the environment and promote health and welfare in the communities we are privileged to serve. We also constantly monitor and evaluate new technologies and investments that can enhance our commitment to the environment and reduce climate change. Learn more at https://www.wasteconnections.com/sustainability
Can you give us 1-2 specific examples of policies, no matter how small, that you have in place to halt climate change?
Waste Connections has demonstrated our commitment to the environment by introducing fifteen-year sustainability targets and pledging over $500 million of investment to achieve our goals, which include expanding our offsets to emissions, increasing resource recovery, and continuing improvement to our safety record, voluntary turnover, and Servant Leadership scores. In addition, in spite of the challenges during 2020, we advanced our sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to, the following: adding new recycling facilities, expanding the use of robotics which lessens the need for virgin materials, investing in fully electric collection vehicles for beta testing, and committing to develop additional renewable energy facilities that beneficially converts our landfill gas to energy.