Innovation & Technology

Best Buy Now Helping Consumers Reduce CO2, Save Billions on Utilities, Recycle More

The electronics retailer will now help its customers save billions while reducing their emissions, as it works to further decrease its own — and now offers expanded recycling and repair services.

Published 5 years ago | About a 4 minute read

Image: Best Buy

After reducing its carbon emissions more than 50 percent, Best Buy is committing to achieve an even greater impact: The company has set a first-ever goal to help consumers reduce their carbon emissions by 20 percent* and save $5 billion on utility costs by 2030, while it works to decrease its own emissions 75 percent** over the same period.

The new goals were announced today and are included in the company’s latest Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report.

“Best Buy exists to help people enrich their lives through technology, which certainly embraces ecofriendly options that benefit our customers and planet,” said Alexis Ludwig-Vogen, Best Buy’s Director of Environmental Sustainability & Compliance. “We believe a combination of eco-friendly products and services, along with continued improvements in our own operations, can produce measurable results for everyone.”

Best Buy says it will help consumers reduce emissions by 20 percent and save $5 billion on utility costs by 2030 by putting greater emphasis on ENERGY STAR electronics, appliances and other energy-saving devices. The company was named a 2019 ENERGY STAR Retail Partner of the Year for the sixth consecutive year, thanks to its efforts to help customers save energy and money, and for its continued consumer education about these products.

“We’re impressed by the fact that Best Buy is looking well beyond its own direct impact by committing to help customers reduce their household carbon emissions, while helping to bring the world’s biggest electronics and appliance buyers, manufacturers and utilities together to solve this issue,” said Eric Olson, SVP at Business for Social Responsibility.

In its own operations, Best Buy has committed to reduce carbon emissions 75 percent through efficiencies from renewable energy sources, LED lighting and a hybrid vehicle fleet; as well as investments in on-site solar panels, solar farms and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Automated technology in its distribution centers will further improve efficiency and reduce the amount of waste generated by shipping products to customers. New machines are creating custom boxes and shipping envelopes that fit the products being shipped, producing 40 percent less cardboard waste and eliminating plastic fillers.

Best Buy’s new consumer and company targets are both approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.

Also announced today are two new ways Best Buy customers can help prevent e-waste:

Expanded electronics recycling

Image credit: Best Buy

Best Buy remains the nation’s largest collector of recyclable electronics and appliances. Since 2009, the chain has collected more than 2 billion pounds of electronics and appliances for recycling — and now, it will be easier than ever for consumers to responsibly dispose of their old devices:

Best Buy also announced today that its Geek Squad Agents and In-Home Advisors, who make house calls to provide consultations and other tech-support services, will now offer to take end-of-life items — including cables and cords, Wi-Fi gear, audio equipment and other items that don’t contain personal data — with them for recycling.

Customers can still recycle electronics such as phones, laptops, tablets and more for free at Best Buy stores; and large TVs and appliances can be safely removed through the company’s haul-away services, with potential trade-in options available for turning in devices that still have value.

“We know many people are looking for more convenient ways to simplify their lives and live more sustainably,” Ludwig-Vogen said. “With our In-Home Advisors and Geek Squad Agents visiting customers’ homes every day, it only makes sense to extend a recycling option to house calls, too.”

Authorized Apple repair

Today, Apple announced a major expansion of its Apple authorized service network — with nearly 1,000 Best Buy stores across the US and 7,600 new Apple-certified Geek Squad technicians ready to make same-day iPhone repairs or to service other Apple products.

“At Apple, we’re dedicated to providing the best customer service in the world,” said Tara Bunch, Apple’s VP of AppleCare. “If a customer ever needs to repair their products, we want them to feel confident those repairs are done safely and correctly. We’re always looking at how we can reliably expand our network of trained technicians and we’re excited to partner with every Best Buy store, so it’s even easier for our customers to find an authorized repair location near them.”

*From a 2017 base year

**From a 2009 base year