First articulated in 2013, Dell’s Legacy of Good Plan builds on the idea that technology should be a driver of human progress, unlocking opportunities for health, happiness and prosperity. Now in its fourth year, Dell has introduced an update to the plan that recognizes key CSR achievements for the company following its merger with EMC. 2020 Legacy of Good outlines Dell’s long-term commitment to society, team members and the environment and reveals considerable progress on the tech company’s 2020 goals.
“Bringing together Dell and EMC in September 2016 gave us an opportunity to reflect on our progress and establish a core set of commitments that represent the best of both companies, said Trisa Thompson, SVP and Chief Responsibility Officer at Dell. “We have a newfound energy as we think about the opportunity we have to put our combined portfolio, expertise and resources to good work. It’s already encouraging tremendous innovation that will benefit our customers and our world.”
During the 2017 Fiscal Year, Dell made marked progress on its sustainability goals, establishing itself as an environmental leader in the field of tech with successes such as exceeding its initial 2020 goal of using 50 million pounds of sustainable materials in its products. The company has now set its sights on using 100 million pounds of recycled content plastic and other sustainable materials.
Earlier this year, Dell also began shipping the XPS 13 2-in1 in packaging made from ocean-bound plastics and made a public commitment to increase annual usage ten times by 2025. Using 25 percent recycled ocean plastic content, the move is expected to keep 16,000 pounds of plastic from entering the ocean and works towards the tech giant’s goal of achieving 100 percent sustainable packaging by 2020. Currently, 94 percent of Dell packaging by weight is recyclable or compostable. The company has said that it plans to open source its supply chain to encourage broad use of ocean plastics by other companies.
“While integration unlocks new possibilities, let’s not kid ourselves — integration is also really hard. People worry about all the change. We found that our companies’ commitment to CSR provided just what we needed to help break down barriers and unite us in our common goals. It provides a rallying cry to all,” said Thomspon.
“Our time and focus on internal initiatives last year did not come at the expense of external coalition building. Last June, we helped launch the Net Positive Project, bringing together companies that want to use their products and talents to leave a Net Positive handprint on the world. Similarly, we strengthened our relationship with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, becoming a member of the CE100 …We even sponsored an award as part of The Circulars at the World Economic Forum, working together with others to raise the profile of businesses adopting circular principles.”
According to the report, Dell has recovered 1.8 billion pounds of electronics, 88 percent of its 2020 goal to recycle two billion pounds of used electronics, to date.
“We continue to work in close partnership with our customers to help meet their responsible business goals,” said Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO. “Our takeback programs, which allow customers to turn in obsolete electronics to Dell when purchasing new technologies, have made Dell the largest recycler of e-waste in the world with services in 83 countries and territories. This year we expanded our custom donation service: customers can now turn their retired IT assets into targeted, high-impact donations to their communities. It’s a win-win.”
The update also highlights a number of advancements along Dell’s supply chain. In response to a growing demand for transparency, Dell released details of its supply chain performance on Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) audits and other initiatives in its semiannual Social and Environmental Responsibility (SER) Progress Report.
The company has outlined a number of new supply chain sub-goals focused on EICC audits, emissions reporting and water risk mitigation plans have been established to drive responsible actions amongst suppliers. By 2020, Dell plans to have 95 percent of direct materials and key logistics suppliers set specific greenhouse gas emissions targets and report on their emissions inventory. Additionally, Dell will require its top 250 direct materials supplier facilities in water-stressed regions or with water-intensive processes.
In addition to advancing on its environmental goals, Dell made headway on the social aspects of its Legacy of Good Plan, expanding its flexible work program, engaging employees in resource groups and providing technology and expertise to millions of underserved children via strategic giving initiatives.
“I’ve never been more excited or optimistic about the future. Every day, there are new discoveries and breakthroughs that get us one step closer to solving some of the world’s greatest challenges — and in almost every case, technology is an important part of the solution. Now, more than at any time in our corporate history, Dell Technologies sits at the intersection of innovation and human progress,” added Dell.
Get the latest insights, trends, and innovations to help position yourself at the forefront of sustainable business leadership—delivered straight to your inbox.
Published Jun 21, 2017 10am EDT / 7am PDT / 3pm BST / 4pm CEST