Ricoh joins Climate Leaders Coalition
Committing to greater transparency around measuring and reporting GHG emissions
Ricoh has become the 81st signatory of the Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC). The company joins a group of New Zealand businesses who, collectively, represent more than half of New Zealand’s gross emissions, at least a quarter of private sector GDP and employ more than 150,000 New Zealanders.
CLC members are committed to measuring and reporting their GHG emissions, setting targets and working with suppliers to reduce those emissions, to help keep global warming within 1.5 degrees.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the Climate Leaders Coalition, especially because the ethos of the CLC aligns with Ricoh’s own statement around sustainability,” says Russell Foster, Ricoh New Zealand National Sales Operations Manager.
“In 2017, Ricoh Company Limited became the first Japanese company to sign up as a member of the RE100 initiative and set a science-based target, committing to a 30 per cent carbon reduction by 2030 and a target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
“At Ricoh New Zealand, we have just completed our own decarbonisation plan for 2030 with a view to reducing carbon-intensive operations such as transport and fuel usage through the introduction of e-bikes, electric vehicles and pool cars, alongside investigating alternative energy sources,” says Foster.
The consequences of climate change are one of the biggest long-term risks facing New Zealand businesses. Inaction is not a reliable risk management strategy, says Helen Mahoney, Ricoh New Zealand Sustainability Coordinator.
“Environmental crises are forcing companies to lead social transformations, for Ricoh this means creating new markets and value propositions by looking broadly at social issues.
“To realise this—and to remain a valued and respected member of society—like all businesses, we must continue to conserve the environment while still generating profits; be that through improving our business efficiencies, creating repurposing programmes for end-of-life products, or by choosing to only work with others who are championing the same environmental targets.”
Each member of the CLC has joined voluntarily and in so doing, has made a commitment to greater public scrutiny of their actions to reduce emissions.
Climate action is an opportunity to reduce our impact on the environment, make our businesses run more effectively and respond to the expectations of our customers, who increasingly believe companies should play their part in mitigating climate change.