3M
From WikiClimate
Company Details
- Company name: 3M Company
- Country: USA
- Sub Sector: Industrial Conglomerates
- Industry Group: Capital Goods
- Parent Sector: Industrials
3M is fundamentally a science-based company. We produce thousands of imaginative products, and we're a leader in scores of markets – from health care and highway safety to office products and optical films for LCD displays. Our success begins with our ability to apply our technologies – often in combination – to an endless array of real-world customer needs. Of course, all of this is made possible by the people of 3M and their singular commitment to make life easier and better for people around the world.
Carbon Disclosure
The following data is © Carbon Disclosure Project and was provided by 3M in response to the Carbon Disclosure Project Greenhouse Gas Emissions questionnaires.
Goals & Overview
3M set a goal to reduce our worldwide GHG emissions by 50% (from a 1990 base year). In addition, 3M is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Climate Leaders program to reduce our U.S. GHG emissions by 30 percent by 2007 (from a 2002 base year).
3M has established its next set of GHG goals. The new reduction goal will be a 3% reduction in GHG emissions indexed to net sales in 2010 (with a 2006 baseline). The emission-reduction goals include both Kyoto and non-Kyoto gases.
The emission-reduction goals include both Kyoto and non-Kyoto gases and are being accomplished through manufacturing process improvements, energy conservation and additional pollution control equipment.
As directed in 3M’s Global Climate Change Position and Greenhouse Gas Management Policy and Standard (see attached), the company has been taking proactive steps to manage its energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. The actions outlined in both of these documents have led to a 54% reduction in absolute, global greenhouse gas emissions (1990 – 2006) while more than doubling net sales during the same time period. In addition, they have helped prepare the company for the EU emissions trading system as well as other emerging greenhouse gas related policies. As a result of these efforts, existing GHG regulations have not had a significant financial or regulatory impact on 3M.
3M has a Global Climate Change Committee that works to drive further GHG reductions and monitor developing GHG policy. This committee assures that any policy changes are adequately monitored and addressed.
In addition, 3M works closely with EPA Climate Leaders program to review the GHG inventory and Inventory Management Plan and provide guidance in setting an aggressive GHG emissions reduction goal. All goals announced by EPA through the program are analyzed to ensure they are significantly better than business-as-usual and are approved by EPA senior management.
While 3M has already taken voluntary action to reduce our carbon footprint, we still face some regulatory and financial risk from climate changed regulation.
3M firmly supports credit for early action to reduce GHG emissions. Legislation needs to provide complete credit for companies that acted in good faith to voluntarily reduce their GHG emissions. GHG reductions are the “right thing to do” and companies should not be penalized for early action. In fact, early action is critical in climate change as reductions already achieved are contributing to reducing CO2 in the atmosphere today.
A cap-and-trade system where GHG emissions are capped and companies are allowed to trade emissions with other entities is preferred. Cap-and-trade will allow reductions to be made faster and more economically as market incentives will drive emission reductions.
Lastly, 3M favors 100% allocation of emission unit credits, up to the level of the cap, rather than the auction of credits.
Recent recognition
3M was awarded the US Environmental Protection Agency’s 2005 Climate Protection Award in recognize of the company’s leadership and technical achievements in protecting the Earth’s climate.
In 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 3M was recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Energy by winning the Sustained Excellence Award for Energy Management in recognition of continuous improvement in energy management. This award is given to companies that demonstrate extraordinary and sustained programs to reduce energy use and increase energy efficiency.
Data collection
Working with the EPA Climate Leaders program, our company has developed a corporate GHG emission Inventory Management Plan (IMP). The IMP includes all institutional, managerial, and technical arrangements made for the collection of data, preparation of the inventory, and implementation of steps to manage the quality of the inventory. A mature quality system based on ISO/IEC 17025 is the mechanism that drives all activities in the 3M Environmental Lab (the inventory owner for 3M). Under this quality system, an Inventory Management Plan (IMP) exists as individual Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that address all inventory aspects. These SOPs state all references used and clearly define any calculations and algorithms applied during the inventory data reduction. The inventory and associated SOPs underwent a successful third party audit in 2003. Core references used in these SOPs include WRI GHG Protocol, IPCC, and EPA Climate Leaders.
All calculations are performed in a 3M developed Lotus Notes database with the exception of emissions calculated using Microsoft Excel that are associated with landfills and some aspects related to proprietary 3M processes. No third party tools are used to perform calculations. Where available, IPCC global warming potentials are used. Compounds present in the inventory but not listed in IPCC have internally developed global warming potentials based on the IPCC calculation and available scientific data.
Carbon Reduction Activites
3M is also working to manage its greenhouse gas emissions impact by purchasing and installing on-site renewable energy.
- In 2006, 3M entered into a new agreement to purchase livestock-derived methane for its Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin plant. By mid-2008, the plant expects to get 11% of its energy use from this renewable source offsetting approximately 1,908 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
- In 2006, 3M’s Perth, Canada plant began installing a 2,000 square foot solar wall on the south side of the warehouse. The solar wall is expected to displace 329 million Btu's of electricity for the site each year. The new wall will both preheat the air and reduce the building transmission loss.
- 3M has been purchasing wind energy at its Austin, Texas location since March of 2001. This location purchases approximately 1,250,000 kWh annually equaling 13% of its annual energy use.
In addition, 3M is also exploring opportunities to utilize landfill gas, on-site and off-site wind energy, and biodiesel at other 3M locations.
Regulatory risks
3M is managing the regulatory risks related to GHG emissions from our operations and identifying cost-effective mitigation opportunities. To help manage GHG emissions from our operations 3M joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Climate Leaders program in 2003. Through the Climate Leaders program, 3M committed to: reducing absolute GHG emissions in the United States by 30 percent by 2007 (from a 2002 base year).
As directed in 3M’s Global Climate Change Position and Greenhouse Gas Management Policy and Standard (see attached), the company has been taking proactive steps to manage its energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. The actions outlined in both of these documents have led to a 54% reduction in absolute, global greenhouse gas emissions (1990 – 2006) while more than doubling net sales during the same time period. In addition, they have helped prepare the company for the EU emissions trading system as well as other emerging greenhouse gas related policies.
Physical risks
Currently, the most direct effects of climate change are on weather patterns. As weather systems shift and become more extreme, the result is in more droughts, floods, severe storms, etc. As part of its business process, 3M has multi-layered contingency plans to respond to extreme weather events and changes in weather. This planning and preparedness begins at the top level of management via a Corporate Crisis Management Team. In addition, 3M facilities have crisis management plans that address a variety of weather-related and other potential interruptions to operations. These plans take into account employee safety, protection of assets, customer service, and other business continuity requirements.
3M has developed several products to help the private and public sectors prepare for and respond to emergencies. As a global supplier of safety and security products for emergency preparedness our products and solutions range from personal protection such as our respirators and protective gear to products and
General and regulatory risks management
3M continuously manages risk in the broad array of markets we serve through our existing policies, guidelines, and procedures that encompass more than forty operating divisions in more than sixty countries. 3M's Environmental, Health & Safety Committee along with the Global Climate Change Committee, Corporate Crisis Management Team, and the Enterprise Risk Management Committee oversee, identify and manage potential risks and opportunities for the company.
In addition, 3M manages risk through our stewardship programs such as Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) program and Life Cycle Management. 3M was one of the first companies in the United States to embrace environmental stewardship. Over 30 years ago, the company created its first environmental policy and launched the much copied 3P program. The 3P program helps prevent pollution at the source - in products and manufacturing processes - rather than removing it after it has been created.
Current and/or future financial effects of risks
Over a decade ago, 3M began to make significant investments that were designed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions; those investments continue today. 3M continues to reduce its emissions, and supports prudent and meaningful actions to ensure that greenhouse gases from all sources are dramatically reduced.
As identified above in the Risk and Opportunity section, because of 3M’s proactive steps to manage its energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide we have not had significant financial or business implications.
Opportunities presented by current or anticipated regulatory requirements on climate change
We consider that current or anticipated regulatory requirements offer opportunities because...
Shifts in consumer attitude towards more sustainable, less GHG intensive products presents a business opportunity for 3M since the company manufactures several products that can help businesses and consumers reduce their GHG footprint.
3M has developed several products to help its consumers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions footprints as well as other environmental challenges. Many of these products are featured in 3M’s Environmental Solutions Catalogue which can be downloaded at www.3M.com/EnvSolutions.
An example of one of the products featured in this catalog is 3M’s 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid. 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid's environmental profile, low toxicity characteristics and fire protection performance make it a sustainable solution as a halon replacement alternative to HFCs. It can be used in occupied areas.
Opportunities presented by current or anticipated physical changes resulting from climate change
Similar opportunities stated above in the Regulatory Opportunities question apply to physical opportunities for 3M.
General opportunities presented by climate change
3M™ Window Films is another product 3M has developed that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 3M™ Window Films reject up to 78% of the heat that comes through the window; by reducing the heat, energy costs and greenhouse gases are also reduced. As a partner with former President Clinton’s, Clinton Climate Initiative, in the C40 Large Cities Climate Group project, 3M will be providing 3M™ Window Films. Please see the attached article [3MInvitedToJoinClimateInitiative_12-07.pdf] for more information on 3M’s partnership with the Clinton Climate Initiative.
Vikuiti™ Dual Brightness Enhancement Film (DBEF) is a reflective polarizer that recycles light and enhances the energy efficiency of TVs, monitors and other displays. It is among the latest brightness enhancement films designed by 3M’s optical experts. Vikuiti™ films can provide such a significant increase in LCD brightness that fewer bulbs are needed to produce the same brightness, while providing energy savings of ~30 percent in monitors.
Planned investment in products and services designed to minimise/adapt to effects of climate change
3M does invest in products and services that are designed to minimize the effects of climate change from our own operations as well as providing product solutions to help our customers minimize their own effects on climate change. To view the current list of products please visit www.3m.com/ Sustainability > Product Innovations.
3M has also developed several products to help the private and public sectors prepare for and respond to emergencies. These products range from personal protection, such as respirators and protective gear, to products and services to aid with emergency response such as managing the supply chain through to distribution. Many of these products are featured in 3M’s Government Markets Emergency Preparedness Catalog which can be downloaded at http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebserver.dyn?&&&&&&I26kn&tC9&MC9&&_4gTKWzzzzY-.
Future financial effects of opportunities presented by climate change
One of the ways 3M assess current and/or future opportunities is through our strategic focus that comprises the company’s emerging strategy for growth. One of 3M’s Four Elements of Strategic focus is to build new businesses through Emerging Business Opportunities (EBO’s). An EBO is a growth-oriented subset of a business unit formed to address commercial opportunities presented by the mega trends of society. 3M formed an EBO under the Energy and Advanced Materials Division; the Renewable Energy EBO. The Renewable Energy EBO currently is pursuing business opportunities such as a Solar Energy, BioFuels, and Wind projects. For more information on other projects please see the attached article [US_DOE_SolarProject_1-08.pdf].
In addition, 3M formally assesses the environmental impacts of our products through Life Cycle Management (LCM). LCM is program that is integrated throughout 3M's operations and is formally integrated into 3M's New Product introduction process, which involves the research and development, environmental, and marketing functions. Existing products are also being evaluated through the LCM process on a prioritized basis. LCM helps 3M better understand and manage the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) impacts of and efficient use of resources in 3M products throughout their life cycle. It guides responsible design, development, manufacturing, use, and disposal.
