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Estée Lauder Reducing Emissions through Whitman Laboratories’ Solar Power Project

For The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC), beauty is about managing its business sustainably. As a global company, employer, and corporate citizen, the company is committed to taking positive actions to ensure a healthier planet for all.

To mitigate the effects of climate change, the company pledged in 2016 to achieve a net zero carbon goal by 2020. Through efforts like the solar power project at its Whitman Laboratories in the United Kingdom, ELC is making significant strides towards achieving its goal.

Published 6 years ago | About a 1 minute read

This major environmental initiative included the installation of a 1 MegaWatt solar PV system, the largest on-site renewable energy project in the company’s history. Today, the system provides around 20 - 25% of the manufacturing site's annual electricity requirements and up to 100% during sunny days in the summer months. A total of 3680 panels and 16 kilometers of cabling —covering 6,072 square meters of roof space —are expected to save 562 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, the equivalent of powering 268 homes in the U.K. year-round.

The construction of this solar PV system builds on Whitman Laboratories’ legacy of environmental responsibility, including a 90% recycling rate, partnering with local schools and community organizations to provide reusable materials and installing energy efficient LED lighting systems throughout the facility.

Cutting down emissions in company-owned production (manufacturing and packaging), distribution and retail facilities around the world is one of the numerous strategies ELC has undertaken to embed sustainable practices along its value chain. Last year the company underscored its commitment to the environment by joining RE100 — a collaborative, global initiative uniting more than 100 influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity.