Large corporations must be environmentally responsible.
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If we’re going to avoid a serious global warming crisis in the near future, we’re going to have to act fast—and in big ways. Global temperatures are shifting, and most are aware of the very real threat that shift brings. Yet, we continue to be wasteful, often simply too lazy or ignorant to change our ways as a whole.
Small changes in our daily lives can make a huge collective impact; but that still won’t mean much if large companies, governments, corporations, and the like don’t get on board as well. Luckily, some are beginning to realize that they, too, have an environmental impact and responsibility.
Recently, KKR Green Portfolio announced that since its inception, it has an estimated $917 million in cost savings and added revenue. In that time, it has also avoided more than 1.8 million metric tons of GHGs, 19.5 million cubic meters of water use, and 4.7 million tons of waste. Additionally, KKR has recycled upwards of 1 million tons of waste. Now that’s what we call having a big impact.
“The continued impact that we see as a result of this program represents a significant achievement for our private equity portfolio companies, our firm, and our investment partners,’ said Henry R. Kravis, who is Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of KKR. “Working with Environmental Defense Fund to improve our portfolio companies’ environmental performance, we’ve shown that responsible investing can also be smart investing. We are working to change how companies do business, helping them save money through efficiencies while improving the environment and positively impacting the communities where they operate.”
KKR is a private investment company started by Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Henry Kravis and George Roberts in 1976. KKR Green Portfolio launched in 2008, and today 24 companies across North America, Europe and Asia are currently enrolled and participating in its efforts.