From 2005-2009, Henkel managed to decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent, water consumption by 37 percent and the volume of waste by 12 percent, according to its most recent sustainability report (PDF).
In 2009 emissions were about 725,000 metric tons, down from about 931,000 metric tons in 2008 and 908,000 metric tons in 2007.
The company's energy consumption was about 2.457 million megawatt hours in 2009, down from 3.185 million MWH in 2008 and 3.035 million MWH in 2007. (See image below for a more detailed look at energy consumption and emissions.)
When Henkel released its previous sustainability report, which covered 2004-2008, it showed energy use down 21 percent, water consumption down 15 percent, waste down 32 percent, and associated carbon dioxide emissions down 15 percent.
At the time, Henkel set 2011 goals to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent, water consumption by 10 percent, and waste generation by 10 percent, per metric ton of output in each case.
The company is keeping the same five year goals, and by 2012 it aims to cut energy use 15 percent, water use 10 percent and waste generated by 10 percent.
Henkel has also set 2012 as the deadline for increasing the percentage of purchasing volume sourced from suppliers who are audited for sustainability.
With regards to logistics, Henkel is trying to use intermodal transport more frequently as a means of reducing CO2 emissions. Henkel estimates annual CO2 emissions of 500,000 metric tons related to transport of its goods.
Henkel estimates that business trips by its staff amount to about 150,000 metric tons of emissions a year.
Last year, Henkel began using solar to power a testing laboratory in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Henkel has been named Germany’s most sustainable brand.
