Global technology provider Westcon-Comstor has achieved its goal of using 100% renewable electricity across its UK sites, including Bracknell, Cirencester and Swindon. This achievement is part of a broader company initiative to transition to 100% renewable electricity worldwide by 2030. The company is also working on reducing energy consumption, with recent upgrades to LED lighting and the installation of electric vehicle charging points. Westcon-Comstor’s renewable electricity target aligns with the RE100 initiative and complements its existing emissions reduction targets, aiming for net-zero by 2050.
- Westcon-Comstor achieves 100% renewable electricity target in the UK.
- Transition to renewable sources across UK sites in Bracknell, Cirencester and Swindon.
- Company aims for 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030, aligning with RE100 initiative.
UK Sites of Global Tech Provider Now Fully Powered by Renewable Energy
In a significant stride towards sustainability, Westcon-Comstor, the global technology distributor, has announced that it now meets all its electricity needs in the UK from renewable sources. This move is in line with the company’s broader goal to switch to 100% green energy across its global operations by 2030.
The Path to Green Transition
The shift to renewable energy sources has seen the company’s sites in Bracknell, Cirencester and Swindon switch entirely to green electricity. This is a major milestone in the firm’s sustainability journey, with the UK being the first country where it has achieved this target.
Reducing Energy Consumption: A Key Priority
But it’s not all about the source of power. Westcon-Comstor is also committed to reducing energy consumption at its UK facilities. One significant step in this direction is the recent upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting at its Swindon logistics facility, which is projected to cut consumption by a whopping 25,000kWh annually.
EV Charging Points: A Step Towards Sustainable Commuting
The company is also promoting sustainable commuting, with electric vehicle (EV) charging points now available for employees at its offices in Cirencester and Bracknell.
Aligning with Global Objectives
By setting the 100% renewable electricity target, Westcon-Comstor has aligned itself with the objectives of RE100, a global initiative of businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity. This goal supplements the company’s existing emissions reduction targets, supporting its overarching aim of achieving net zero by 2050.
Validation by Science Based Targets initiative
Adding further credibility to its sustainability efforts, Westcon-Comstor became the first major global technology distributor to get its net-zero targets formally validated by the internationally renowned Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Mark McLardie, Head of ESG at Westcon-Comstor, expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating:
“Having set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets as a business, it’s rewarding to be able to demonstrate that we are making tangible progress in an important market like the UK. Purchased electricity currently accounts for nearly 70% of our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions globally, and moving to renewable sources will accelerate our progress towards a 50% reduction in these emissions by 2030. We also recognise that reducing energy consumption has a vital role to play in ensuring our business is operating sustainably, and this is a real focus for us in the UK and globally.”
Final Thoughts
This announcement from Westcon-Comstor is indeed a welcome development, highlighting how major corporations can lead the way in transitioning to renewable energy. It is encouraging to see such commitment to sustainability, which is not only good for the planet, but also aligns with increasing consumer expectations around corporate social responsibility. This progress is a clear demonstration that ambitious sustainability targets are not just achievable, but also beneficial for business and society at large.
FAQ
Q: What is the renewable electricity target that Westcon-Comstor in the UK has achieved?
A: Westcon-Comstor has achieved 100% renewable electricity across its UK sites.
Q: What locations in the UK are now powered purely by renewable electricity by Westcon-Comstor?
A: Westcon-Comstor’s sites in Bracknell, Cirencester, and Swindon are now powered purely by renewable electricity.
Q: What is Westcon-Comstor’s global goal regarding renewable electricity by 2030?
A: Westcon-Comstor aims to move to 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030.
Q: What sustainable energy initiatives has Westcon-Comstor implemented in the UK?
A: Westcon-Comstor has upgraded to energy-efficient LED lighting in its Swindon logistics facility and installed electric vehicle charging points in its offices in Cirencester and Bracknell.
Q: Which global corporate renewable energy initiative is Westcon-Comstor aligned with?
A: Westcon-Comstor is aligned with RE100, a global corporate renewable energy initiative committed to 100% renewable electricity.
Q: What role does reducing energy consumption play in Westcon-Comstor’s sustainability goals?
A: Westcon-Comstor recognises that reducing energy consumption is vital for operating sustainably and is a focus for the company both in the UK and globally.