Fujitsu commits to 100% renewables by 2050

Japanese electronics giant Fujitsu has announced that it has committed to sourcing 100 per cent renewable energy across all its locations by 2050, a move solidified by its decision last week to join the Climate Group’s RE100 initiative.

The global movement among corporations towards sourcing 100 per cent of their electricity needs from renewable energy has been increasing steadily for several years now, helped in part by the work of the RE100, a global initiative run by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) that brings together and supports businesses committing to 100 per cent renewable energy.

As of writing there are 140 companies committed to the RE100 initiative, with targets varying between 100 per cent renewable energy by 2020 and 2050.

The latest to join, Fujitsu, announced last week its intention to expand its use of renewable energy to 100 per cent by 2050 across all the Fujitsu Group’s locations, both within and outside of its headquarters in Japan. The company also set in place an intermediate goal of securing 40 per cent renewables across its global locations by 2030.

The renewables pledge follows Fujitsu Group’s announcement in May of a commitment to reduce its CO2 emissions to zero by 2050 as part of its “Climate and Energy Vision”, a medium- to long-term environmental program that will make use of energy-saving measures and the expansion of its sourcing of renewable energy.

Initially, Fujitsu will look to increase its procurement of renewable electricity for its data centres outside of Japan but will also “consider the appropriate steps for each region” and “continue its work on R&D and technology trials for energy management and storage.”

“With our technology and expertise, Fujitsu will show leadership in providing solutions for overcoming any barriers to disseminating renewable energy, such as cost,” said Hideyuki Kanemitsu, VP and Head of Responsible Business Unit for Fujitsu.

Fujitsu will make use of a range of renewable energy procurement methods including renewable energy certificates, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and on-site installations such as solar combined with energy storage – this, in addition to its commitment to using its technological expertise to invest in future research and development that will benefit the industry as a whole.

The company is also one of 436 companies that have had their greenhouse gas reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. Specifically, Fujitsu has committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 33 per cent by 2030 and by 80 per cent by 2050 and reducing its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.

Following in the footsteps of numerous companies who have made similar 100 per cent commitments over the past few years, Fujitsu also announced that they would join the RE100 initiative.

“Joining RE100 demonstrates our strong intention to deliver on our FUJITSU Climate and Energy Vision,” Hideyuki Kanemitsu added. “We expect to see opportunities to collaborate with customers and various stakeholders through our RE100 membership.”

“We are delighted to welcome Fujitsu to RE100″ said Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group. “Their commitment comes at a crucial time, sending a clear message to the world that Japanese companies are committed, alongside their global peers, to using 100 per cent renewable power.”