When looking for a career in the sustainable, green, or corporate responsibility areas there are obvious businesses sectors to look at; renewable energy, Smart Grid, recycling and environmental remediation to name a just a few. But there are also an increasing number of companies outside these green industries that are demonstrating their commitment to sustainability as well.
Some companies are committing to reducing their energy consumption. The US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy together are using the Energy Star brand to assist companies with their energy reduction goals. (The Energy Star brand is also given to household appliances that meet specific energy reduction standards.)
Take a look at the Energy Star list to discover companies that have set specific energy reduction goals. Here are a few examples:
- Ford Motor Company set a goal of 15% improvement in energy efficiency corporate-wide by 2011 with a baseline year of 2006. As of 2008 they had achieved an 8.4% improvement.
- Owens Corning set a goal of reducing energy intensity by 25% by 2012, using 2002 as their baseline. By the end of 2007 they were half way toward their goal.
Other companies are using renewable energy rather than fossil fuel to power their enterprises. The Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership maintains lists of companies that are purchasing the most renewable energy in 2011 . Here are a few examples:
- Intel, with large power needs, is purchasing 88% of their power from the renewable sources of solar, wind and biomass, geothermal, and small hydro.
- Whole Foods and Kohl's Department Stores are both purchasing 100% of their power from the renewable sources of biomass, small hydro, solar and wind.
Take a look at both of these lists to get a sense of the fortune 500, government agencies, and local governments that are making concerted efforts to green their businesses. You may find potential employers that meet your desire to work for a company that is committed to sustainability.
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