In 2010, 3M developed its first set of Sustainability Goals. These Goals go beyond the environment and now include social responsibility and economic objectives.
Continuing to improve the environmental performance remains a key component of 3M's 2015 Sustainability Goals.
Environmental Stewardship - Reduce volatile air emissions 15% by 2015 from 2010 base year (indexed to net sales) - Reduce waste 10% by 2015 from 2010 base year, indexed to net sales (total emission divided by net sales) - Improve energy efficiency 25% by 2015 from 2005 base year, indexed to net sales - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 5% by 2011 from 2006 base year, indexed to net sales (this goal was set in 2007) - Develop water conservation plans in 3M locations where water is categorized as scarce or in a stressed area.
Social Responsibility - Develop community stakeholder engagement plans at 3M facilities - Promote a road to Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Excellence at new 3M Sites
Economic Success - Review at least 80% of supplier spending in the following countries: China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey to drive conformance with 3M EHS, Transportation & Labor/Human Relations Standards by 2015 - Enhance the environmental sustainability attributes of new products
3M’s 2015 Sustainability Goals build upon the company’s record of environmental achievements, which include reducing volatile air emissions 95% since 1990 and cutting greenhouse gases by 72% (since 1990). 3M has also reduced solid waste indexed to sales by 66% from a 1990 base year.
3M’s achievements have helped build its reputation as a global sustainability leader. The company ranked #2 on the 2011 Best Global Green Brands List produced by brand consultancy Interbrand, and a separate study by Brand Logic found that investment professionals, purchasing/supply management professionals and graduating students from the US, China, Japan, Germany, UK and India also perceive the company as a leader in the field.
