Method Opens Environment-Friendly Factory In Chicago

Method, a manufacturer of environment-friendly cleaning products, opened its first factory in Chicago. According to company co-founder Adam Lowry, Method wants to become “the most sustainable and the most socially beneficial company in the world.” Guided by this view, Method’s Chicago facility is designed to be eco-friendly, including features, such as the world’s largest rooftop farm. Also, the building is partly powered by its own wind turbine and solar panels. Chicago offered the company $8.1 million in tax breaks to encourage Method to locate the factory within the city limits. Method manufactures detergents and soaps that it claims do not harm consumers and the environment.

"Eco-friendly detergents: Green wash", The Economist , September 26, 2015

German Retailer Takes Top Honors For Sustainability Efforts

German retailer Metro Group was ranked first in the retail category of the 2015 international Dow Jones Sustainability Index. The Dow sustainability analysts cited Metro Group’s activities in the ecological and economic field, including a “positive trend” in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions, power and water consumption, and waste volumes. The Sustainability Indices list the companies with the best ecological, social and economic performance in their respective industry. The world rankings include about 10 percent of the companies from each industry among the top 2,500 companies listed in the S&P Global Broad Market Index.

"Metro Group is the industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices", News release, Metro Group, September 16, 2015

Johnson & Johnson Announces Energy And Sustainability Objectives

Johnson & Johnson pledged to reduce its absolute carbon emissions 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. In partnership with the 2015 Climate Week event in New York City, the company also promised to purchase or produce 20 percent of electricity from clean and renewable sources by 2020. Also, the company aims to power all its facilities with renewable energy systems by 2050.

"Johnson & Johnson Commits to New Energy and Climate Goals", Johnson & Johnson, September 23, 2015

Procter & Gamble Partners With World Wildlife Fund To Reduce Own Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Procter & Gamble said it aims to cut absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities by 30 percent by 2020. Developed in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, the goal is based on current science and signals a significant milepost for P&G’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also, P&G said it is joining WWF’s Climate Savers Program, which seeks to enable leadership companies to work together and support their climate change efforts.

"P&G Announces New Goal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 30%", Procter & Gamble, September 16, 2015