''Science demands that we rapidly decarbonize our economy and reach net zero emissions by 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5°C. That won't be done without leadership from businesses, who play a critical role in answering this existential challenge by innovating and rapidly transitioning to low-carbon products and services. On CDP's climate change A List of leaders since 2017, Signify has shown its willingness to act and reduce its impact. Its science-based target to reduce its emissions in line with 1.5°C is one of the most ambitious in the world; it is increasing its use of renewable energy, and it is effectively engaging its value chain, by requesting its suppliers to disclose through CDP.''
Maxfield Weiss, Director Corporate Engagement, CDP Europe
Invest in energy efficiency projects
Carry out energy savings walkthroughs and 3rd party energy scans with our energy providers
Help energy intensive operations to reduce energy consumption
Reduce the use of substances that have a high global warming potential
Use flex-working across our organization
Use intelligent systems to regulate lighting and heating in our offices and use our spaces more efficiently
Continously check our supply chain to ensure it is as efficient as possible
Focus on reducing the number of logistical operations that take place
Focus on using only the most environmentally friendly carriers
Create transparency on the environmental impact of our ocean transportation
Reach our reduction targets for each department across the business
Enable efficient working models making sure our employees can work from any location and have the tools needed for ‘virtual’ working with colleagues around the globe without the need to travel
We are member of EV100 and commit to operate a lease fleet of hybrid and fully electric vehicles by 2030
In 2016, we signed our first Power Purchase Agreement with a windfarm in Texas, USA, which powers our operations in the US and Canada with 100% renewable electricity ever since.
Signify, Heineken, Philips and Nouryon committed to contracting renewable electricity from a wind farm for the first 10 years through a virtual Power Purchase Agreement. Driving incremental production of renewable electricity in Europe, the deal is expected to add 330 Gigawatt hours of clean power to the electricity grid.
In 2019, Signify was the first to sign a virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) in Poland. The Kisielice windfarm consist of 21 turbines. Signify’s Polish facilities are responsible for more than 25% of our global electricity consumption.
In 2017, we were the first international company to secure renewable electricity in the Gulf region via solar energy.
Hectares of infertile land, degraded by illegal cattle grazing and gold mining, are restored by permanent reforestation and long-term monitoring of forests in northern Colombia. The project has a particular focus on biodiversity and creates at the same time over 150 jobs for the local community.
More than a third of Zimbabwe’s once majestic forests are gone. This project ensures that 785,000 hectares of forest and wildlife on the southern shores of Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba are now being protected. Beyond saving the environment, a range of activities support the independence of local communities. Agricultural workshops, low-emission brick-making, establishing fast-growing fuel-wood plantations, and ecotourism provide employment and protect endemic wildlife including endangered Black Rhinos.
In Gumla district, more than 500,000 people lack access to electricity. After sunset everything shuts down. Bringing light to them is not just about covering their basic needs. It catalyzes a full transformational journey towards employment, better health and improved overall wellbeing.
The Rural China Grouped Small Hydro Project consists of a group of 88 small-scale hydropower plants which generate clean renewable electricity across rural south western China. Carbon credits are used to fund social initiatives like disaster relief funds, and agricultural and education programs. Agricultural workshops on growing fruit trees and other sustainable crops offer increased income opportunities for local farmers.
Decomposing organic materials in landfills generate large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times stronger than CO2. To keep this methane from damaging our climate and to make use of its potential as a sustainable energy source, this project has set up a landfill gas collection system to manage both solid waste disposal and local energy supply in a sustainable way. In the end, the generated electricity is fed into the grid to supply the inhabitants of Suzhou with clean, non-fossil energy.
In the mountainous Son La province of Vietnam, one can see the benefits of sustainable energy production. Most of the light and heat comes from burning wood or from dirty and inefficient diesel generators; leading to deforestation, soil erosion, and harmful air emissions. The run-of-river hydro plant operates without a dam, avoiding problems of dam construction, flooding, resettlement, and environmental impacts on river flora. Now, the use of locally produced renewable energy allows for sustainable development without emissions harmful to people and planet.