Our renewable energy strategy aligns with our broader strategy to become more efficient and reduce our overall energy usage. As a result of our significant reduction in electricity consumption in previous years, we have been able to purchase more renewable energy, which is more expensive than traditional sources.
We continue to invest in renewable energy throughout the world
In 2011, we continued our investment in energy coming from renewable sources – namely, hydro, wind, solar, and biomass. A number of our locations transitioned to renewable energy sources, such as Bangalore, which began buying hydro-electric power from a private vendor, as well as Markdorf, Germany. We also generate renewable energy. Our headquarters in Walldorf, Germany, for example, has solar panels that feed the local grid and also buys electricity from a local utility that sources from hydro. Our headquarters is powered about 50% by renewable energy.
In 2011, renewable energy accounted for 47% of our total electricity usage, compared with 45% in 2010 and 16% in 2009.
Working to expand our strategy and support an emerging industry
In 2012, we intend to deepen our renewable energy strategy, coordinating our efforts companywide and mapping a course for increasing the amount of energy that we purchase from renewable sources. We anticipate that we will purchase more renewable energy in 2012 as our electricity contracts come due and are renegotiated. As a result, our 2012 target is for renewable electricity to account for about 54% of our total electricity usage.
As these specific initiatives demonstrate, we are committed not just to shifting our own practices, but to supporting a broader market that aligns with our focus on innovation and finding new environmental solutions.
For more information on our environmental data, see our explanatory notes.
