EMC Delivers 2013 Sustainability Report

EMC Corporation announced the availability of its 2013 Sustainability Report, Thinking Forward: Redefine the Future.

The report sheds light on how EMC approaches its role in the world by providing progress updates on sustainability factors and detailing new targets set for the future.

Companies no longer are accountable only for a healthy financial bottom line; they also are responsible for contributing positively to a healthy global economy, environment, and society. In the IT industry, this translates to leveraging innovation and data for the public good, while minimizing negative impacts resulting from product creation, use and disposal. EMC believes investing in a sustainable future makes the company stronger and healthier, and the company’s sustainability efforts are based on the principle that virtually all business decisions have economic, environmental, and social implications.

This year’s report emphasizes EMC’s belief that all decisions have implications for the environment, society, and the company.

2013 major sustainability relevant factors

Highlights from the report include:

• Mid-Term Goals – EMC set 2020 corporate targets for greenhouse gas reductions and energy use, providing increased visibility and reporting on the progress being made on 2040 and 2050 goals.
• Detailed Reports – For a deep dive into how sustainability is integrated into each area of EMC’s business, this year’s report includes seven detailed reports describing how the company is building sustainability into the way it works. Detailed reports include: people and workforce, operations, products, supply chain, governance, customers, and communities.
• Sustainability Materiality – To identify and prioritize sustainability factors, EMC undertakes a sustainability materiality assessment annually. This year, EMC engaged more external stakeholders, expanded the list of factors for consideration, and achieved greater participation from senior executives.
• EWaste – In 2013, EMC required all IT Asset Disposal suppliers to become R2 or e-Stewards certified, motivating many suppliers to become certified for the first time – including suppliers in Ireland, India, and Thailand where there were none before.
• Operations – Since 2005, EMC’s energy intensity by revenue – the amount of global Green House Gas emitted per $1 million earned – has declined by more than 40%.
• Supply Chain – EMC refined its data collection and monitoring of supplier performance in several ways, including piloting Social & Environmental Responsibility spot checks at five supplier sites in three different countries, with intent to expand the program.

David Goulden, CEO, EMC information infrastructure, said: “The IT industry has a tremendous opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable world. At EMC, our commitment to sustainability is a pillar of our business strategy. As we redefine innovative products and services for our customers, we also look to redefine how we leverage innovation and data for public good. Ultimately, through this intense focus on sustainability, we will continue to maximize value for our shareholders, society, and the planet.”

Kathrin Winkler, SVP and chief sustainability officer, EMC, said: “The need to approach business decisions with an understanding of their long-term implications is a practice that permeates all levels of business. At EMC, we believe that by taking a holistic, forward-looking view of environmental, societal, and economic practices, we will create value for our stakeholders. To provide further transparency, this year we have included mid-term 2020 goals to give stakeholders a deeper view into what we aspire to achieve. I hope this year’s report serves as a reminder that the decisions we make today can and will shape the future of our company, our communities, and our planet.“