L’Oréal USA achieves carbon neutrality across US sites

21 Sep 2021 --- L’Oréal USA has reached carbon neutrality for scopes one and two emissions for all of its 25 US sites, across 12 states, including its manufacturing and distribution facilities, administrative sites and research and innovation sites.

The largest subsidiary of the L’Oréal Group, L’Oréal USA has been advancing its renewable energy ambition through a multi-pronged approach aimed at improving energy efficiency and transitioning to 100% renewable energy since 2005.

The achievement is in line with the beauty leader’s global sustainability commitment, L’Oréal for the Future, which states that all L’Oréal operated sites worldwide must reach carbon neutrality by 2025. With this announcement, the US subsidiary has achieved this goal four years ahead of schedule.

The news also coincides with L’Oréal being confirmed, for the 7th year, as a UN Global Compact Lead company, for its ongoing commitment to the Ten Principles for responsible business.

L’Oréal for the Future states that L’Oréal’s operated sites worldwide must reach carbon neutrality by 2025.The company was also recognized for placing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the core of its growth strategy.

“L’Oréal’s sustainability ambition is a transformational effort that has touched every department,” says Stéphane Rinderknech, president and CEO, L’Oréal USA.

“Our brands and products are some of the most recognizable in the world, and more than two out of every three products we sell in the US are manufactured here. Products are made in facilities that use 100% renewable energy.”

Energy Optimization
L’Oréal USA’s manufacturing facilities have implemented measures to reduce energy consumption, ranging from a switch to LED lighting to more specialized equipment such as high-efficiency air compressors and vacuum pumps.

Direct Renewable Energy Projects
Seventy percent of L’Oréal USA’s sites have on-site renewable energy projects.

L’Oréal USA is continuously ranked among the top 25 companies for overall US solar capacity by the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA).

Since 2005, the company has installed more than 50,000 solar panels across the country, totaling 57 miles.

Renewable Energy in administrative offices
In 2012, L’Oréal USA installed solar panels at its Berkeley Heights office. What was already a LEED Gold certified building, the new solar project provided renewable energy for 60% of the office’s energy needs, as well as electric vehicle charging stations for employees.

Locally Sourced Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
To make up the difference between on-site solar capacity and usage, L’Oréal has strict parameters for the purchase of RECs.

All certificates must be locally sourced to ensure the company is driving systemic change through renewable energy expansion in the local communities in which it operates. RECs must be attributable to a local or semi-local renewable energy project close to the site which uses it.

Through this approach, L’Oréal aims to provide the demand for increased renewable energy supply in the countries in which it operates. These RECs have been generated by several wind, hydro and solar power projects in the states of California, Florida and New York.

UN’s Global Compact Lead
L’Oréal was identified as being among the most highly engaged participants in the UN’s Global Compact (UNGC). This is a call to companies to align strategies and operations with principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption and take actions that advance societal goals.

“Businesses can and should be a force for good. Increasingly, companies understand that it will not be possible to thrive in a society that is not inclusive or sustainable”, says Alexandra Palt, executive vice president, L’Oréal chief corporate responsibility officer and executive vice-president of the fondation L’Oréal.

“The UN Global Compact’s recognition confirms L’Oréal’s commitments and efforts to help protect human rights, provide decent working conditions throughout its value chain and tackle urgent environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. We have made significant progress, but we won’t stop here. We have just ten years before us to show that change is possible.”

By Kristiana Lalou

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