Companies signed up to a target of sourcing all of their electricity needs from renewable energy sources are half way towards achieving this goal, according to the latest report from the RE100 campaign.
As of this month, more than 50 companies are signed up to the initiative, which aims to get the most influential companies around the world to commit to the 100% target. The latest available data for the 45 companies signed up in 2014 shows that on average, RE100 firms are 50% of the way to meeting their renewable electricity targets, with some already having reached 100%.
This include Marks & Spencer, which has reached its 100% target already in the UK thanks in part to the solar array at its East Midlands distribution centre, which is the largest single roof mounted solar installation in the UK.
According to the latest report, the IT, telecommunications and technology (ICT) sector is leading the way, having achieved 64% of electricity from renewables in 2014. This is followed by the retail and financial, professional services and buildings and property sectors, which have both reached 60%.
The performance of the retail sector is particularly impressive considering it has the highest electricity use of all sectors, estimated to have been almost 35 million MWh in 2014. However, the ICT sector remained well ahead in terms of the proportion of renewable energy compared to total electricity use.
The food and drink sector was found to be trailing behind at 23%. Major drinks producer Coca-Cola has reached just 10% renewable electricity consumption despite installing 150MWh worth of solar PV capacity at its UK-based bottling plant and Belgium-based distribution centre.
Emily Farnworth, RE100 campaign director at the Climate Group, said: “The good news is that RE100 companies in every sector have made progress towards their 100% goals – or in some cases, have already got there.
“Of course we need to carry on growing the campaign and get more and more companies committed to 100% renewable electricity. Following on from the success of COP21 in Paris, business has a real opportunity to support the transition to renewable power and help deliver major carbon cuts.”
Taking into account interim and end goals for reaching 100% renewable electricity, RE100 expects the current group of 53 RE100 companies to reach an average of 80% renewable electricity by 2020.
