Posted by Jamie in Green Companies, Green Products & Services | 0 Comments
eBay Inc.: A force for green
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eBay, Inc., the company that brought the popular online auction and shopping website eBay.com, strives to become a force for “green” through the way it handles, builds, buys, and operates its businesses. Along with its three core businesses, eBay, PayPal and Skype; and its employees and associates, it has made several contributions that benefit the environment.
Waste Reduction. eBay, PayPal and Skype harness the power of the Internet to allow consumers to transact without the use of a car, a paper check or with petroleum fuel, hence contributing to energy efficiency everyday. eBay deals with the sale and reuse of old but useful products that divert non-biodegradable materials from the landfills. PayPal enables users to transact financially without the use of paper, saving forest resources. Skype enables individuals to communicate around the globe without the need for fuel.
Environmental Monitoring. eBay monitors the impact that its operations make on the Earth by working with ICF International to make a greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) inventory that evaluates Scope 1 emissions (generators and transport) and Scope 2 emissions (office energy) use. It also implemented a ban on the sale of ivory-based products on its auction sites to promote wildlife conservation.
Energy efficiency. eBay is also stepping up its efforts to conserve energy and decrease its dependence on natural resources. It built a new building in San Jose, Ca. in May 2008 that followed the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold standard which will reduce energy consumption by 30 to 40 percent and conserve water by 30%.
Green investments. eBay invested in 2008 on a 650 kW solar installation in its San Jose location, the largest to date in the city. Powered by 3,248 solar panels, it will provide 18% of the company’s energy demand. Elsewhere in the world, eBay invested in a wind project in China, a hydroelectric project in Brazil, a conservation forestry project in Madagascar, landfill gas capture in Mexico, and a methane project in Winsconsin, USA.
Engaging Employees. eBay’s environmental initiatives involve its employees a great deal. It formed a volunteer corps known as the “Green Team,” where employees can help plan and implement eco-friendly measures and programs for the company including recycling programs and energy-efficient commuter shuttles.
Stakeholder Cooperation. eBay believes in cooperation and teamwork as key factors to tackling climate change. It has worked with several organizations and entities such as Sustainable Silicon Valley, the Climate Savers Computing Initiative and Business for Social Responsibility.
