Continuing progress on sustainability for SAP

By Freya Purnell

SAP has shaved a further six per cent from its greenhouse gas emissions in 2010, despite strong revenue growth, it has reported in its 2010 SAP Sustainability Report.

The report, which is the fourth released annually, showed since 2007 SAP has cut emissions by 25 per cent, putting the company well on track to achieve its target of reducing emissions to 2000 levels by 2010.

These primary contributors to the 2010 savings were energy-efficiency projects, changes in employee commuting behaviour and the continued purchase of renewable energy, which now accounts for 48 per cent of all electricity used by SAP.

The report also details the company’s progress in driving sustainability impact via the delivery of innovative customer solutions that turn sustainability into a business opportunity, leveraging innovation to improve SAP’s own sustainable operations, and pursuing social innovation.

This commitment to social impact is seen in the organisation’s ongoing efforts to positively impact one million lives. In 2010, this included the first global SAP Month of Service, the contribution of over 59,0000 volunteer hours and the donation of technology solutions to 715 non-profit organisations.

SAP measured and monitored its sustainability performance using data sourced from its own Carbon Impact OnDemand, Sustainability Performance Management and BusinessObjects Explorer solutions.

“Recognising the connection among challenges in today’s world, the role of IT and the importance of innovation to drive progress, sustainability is at the heart of our business,” said Peter Graf, chief sustainability officer and executive vice president of sustainability solutions, SAP. “From our innovation roadmap to our focus on leadership and people development it is shaping our business at every level. Our report offers a view into how we are not simply embracing a sustainability strategy, but rather making our corporate strategy sustainable.”

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