Unilever, consumer goods giant, has announced plans to remove coal from its energy mix within five years, with a further pledge to use only renewable energy sources by 2030.
It plans to become "carbon positive", not only through sourcing energy from renewables, but also investing in renewable energy, selling surplus energy on the markets and making it available in local communities where it operates.
Paul Polman, chairman of the company, told the Guardian the target was “do-able, really do-able”. He then referenced a new factory in China which is powered by wind and solar energy, and an office in Paris which is “carbon positive”, contributing green electricity to the power grid.
Currently, Unilever receive 40% of their energy mix from renewable sources.
Cedrec's take
This is fantastic news from one of the biggest companies on the planet. They have the resources to make it happen, and have pledged to do so in only five years. Critics may say they should have done something earlier, but getting even 40% of the energy mix from renewables is encouraging enough, and further proof that Unilever are truly invested in divestment.
