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- 100% Renewable Energy: Achieved 100% renewable energy for global operations, seven years ahead of schedule.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Decreased carbon footprint by 3% and carbon intensity by 13% in 2023.
- Eliminated Single-Use Plastics: Replaced 95% of plastic air pillows with paper filler in North America, aiming for full removal by year-end.
Amazon’s Sustainability Milestones:
Amazon’s annual Sustainability Report for 2023 highlights significant strides in their commitment to The Climate Pledge, detailing achievements in renewable energy, carbon footprint reduction, and sustainable practices.
1. Achieving 100% Renewable Energy
In 2023, Amazon matched 100% of the electricity used across its global operations with renewable energy sources, reaching this goal seven years ahead of schedule. This success is attributed to over 500 solar and wind projects globally. “We’re proud to lead in renewable energy,” said Jeff Bezos, highlighting Amazon’s status as the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy for four consecutive years.
2. Reducing Carbon Footprint
Despite business growth, Amazon lowered its carbon footprint by 3% and reduced carbon intensity by 13% in 2023. This metric measures how emissions change relative to business growth, demonstrating Amazon’s ability to decouple emissions growth from business expansion. “Our efforts in sustainability are showing tangible results,” said Kara Hurst, Amazon’s VP of Worldwide Sustainability.
3. Eliminating Single-Use Plastics
Amazon made substantial progress in reducing packaging waste. In North America, 95% of plastic air pillows in delivery packaging were replaced with paper filler, aiming for full removal by the end of the year. In Europe, all single-use plastic delivery packaging has been replaced with 100% recyclable paper and cardboard. “We’re committed to minimizing our environmental impact,” stated Dave Clark, CEO of Worldwide Consumer.
4. Sustainable Transportation
Amazon’s transportation fleet includes over 24,000 electric vehicles, delivering 680 million packages in 2023. In the UK, Amazon is expanding micromobility hubs to enable deliveries by foot or electric cargo bikes, further reducing emissions. “Our investment in EVs is a key part of our carbon reduction strategy,” said Andy Jassy, Amazon’s CEO.
5. Climate Pledge Fund Investments
Through the Climate Pledge Fund, Amazon has invested in 26 emerging climate start-ups and recruited over 500 companies in 45 countries to join The Climate Pledge. This initiative aims to foster innovation and support companies committed to achieving net-zero carbon by 2040.
6. Sustainable Product Selection
The Climate Pledge Friendly (CPF) program saw a 157% increase in 2023, with over 1.4 million products available. These products are vetted by trusted third-party sustainability certifiers, helping customers make more environmentally conscious choices. “Our CPF program makes it easier for customers to shop sustainably,” said Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Consumer.
7. Efficient Data Centers
Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to enhance data center efficiency, making its infrastructure up to 4.1 times more efficient than on-premises solutions. “AWS is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our customers’ workloads,” said Adam Selipsky, CEO of AWS.
8. Promoting Fair Working Conditions
Amazon collaborates with organizations to improve working conditions across its value chain. Partnerships with the International Organization for Migration and initiatives like Nirapon and the Life and Building Safety (LABS) Initiative are central to these efforts. “We’re dedicated to promoting safe and fair working conditions,” said Alicia Boler Davis, Amazon’s SVP of Global Customer Fulfillment.
9. Embracing Water Stewardship
Amazon set new standards for water use efficiency in the U.S., reducing indoor water use by 40%. AWS is also on track to be water positive by 2030, with 15 water replenishment projects returning 3.5 billion liters to local communities in 2023. “Water stewardship is crucial to our sustainability goals,” said Teresa Carlson, VP of Worldwide Public Sector at AWS.
10. Advancing Sustainable Device Design
Amazon considers the entire lifecycle of its devices, from production to customer use and disposal. In 2023, Amazon published the carbon footprints of newly launched Echo, eero, Ring, Fire TV, and Fire tablet devices on their product detail pages. “We strive to make each generation of our devices more sustainable than the last,” said Rohit Prasad, VP and Head Scientist for Alexa.
Related Article: Amazon Replaces 95% of Plastic Air Pillows with Recyclable Paper, Avoiding 15 Billion Plastic Pillows Annually
Looking Ahead
Amazon remains committed to sustainability, continuously adapting and innovating to meet its Climate Pledge goals. The company’s ongoing efforts reflect its dedication to reducing its environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable future.
Learn more about Amazon’s sustainability initiatives in the 2023 Sustainability Report.