Climate change affects everyone, disrupting business and making it difficult for people to live full and enriched lives. We want to be part of the solution, not the problem. Fujitsu has cared deeply about the environment since its founding in 1935, and has made environmental conservation a top management priority, based on the principle of “operating in harmony with nature.” This 85-year commitment to protecting the planet continues to be expressed through our brand and values today, as exemplified by the commitment to a better future implied by our brand promise—shaping tomorrow with you—and our purpose: to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. In honor of Earth Day 2021 on April 20, here are some insights into how we view our relationship to our relationship with the planet.
A Few of Our Environmental Policies
- Compliance with the ISO 14001 international standard
- Required annual environmental training for all employees
- Environmental Pillar role within each region’s Responsible Business Committee
- The Fujitsu Climate and Energy Vision, created by the Fujitsu Environmental Management Committee
- The Fujitsu Green Action Team
What are the Fujitsu Climate and Energy Vision?
In May 2017, Fujitsu publicly announced the “Fujitsu Climate and Energy Vision,” a medium- to long-term environmental vision with the goal of bringing the Fujitsu Group’s CO2 emissions to zero by 2050, contributing to the creation of a decarbonized society, and adapting to climate change.
In place since 1993, the Fujitsu Environmental Action Plan is one way Fujitsu stays on track to meet this vision. Fujitsu Network Communications has met or exceeded three of the four goals in Stage IX.
Where Does the Fujitsu Green Action Team fit in?
The Green Action Team strives to reduce Fujitsu’s environmental impact by increasing awareness, preventing pollution, and improving continuously
-GAT Mission Statement
The Green Action Team (GAT) is a North American Fujitsu volunteer employee interest group formed in 2015 to support the Fujitsu Environmental Vision and the Fujitsu Way. The GAT promotes environmental conservation activities both within Fuijtsu and in the community, as well as keeping employees up to date on the company’s sustainability initiatives and programs.
In addition to its mission statement, GAT’s goals include:
- Educating employees on Fujitsu’s global and local environmental objectives
- Identifying opportunities for Fujitsu to be a more environmentally conscious workplace
- Providing opportunities for Fujitsu employees to volunteer for green activities in their communities
- Modeling sustainable living outside of the workplace
When I first joined Fujitsu, if you’d asked if I could see myself as Chair of the Green Action Team, I probably would have said, “No.” Not because I did not care about the environment then, but because I felt highly unqualified.
However, I’ve learned over the past year as incoming chair that leadership doesn’t mean you have all the answers, or even the most knowledge. I may not be the most environmentally conscious person I know, but I do care deeply about my ecological footprint. Last year, we had a brilliant intern present on ways to live sustainably at home. It was a humbling moment for me to hear about the many little changes I could make today to be more “green.” The GAT is a very meaningful way to translate global corporate goals into grassroots action.
Making a Difference – One Green Action at a Time
The GAT has promoted multiple initiatives and activities within the North American Fujitsu companies, and we’re very fortunate to have highly committed executive leaders who are willing to support and help fund our programs. Here are a few examples of GAT events from recent years:
- Plastic water bottle initiative – Reducing plastic water bottle use throughout the Richardson, TX campus
- Coffee cup initiative – Removing styrofoam cups from campus break rooms and encouraging employees to bring their own reusable coffee mugs to work
- Trash can initiative – Reducing the number of trash cans throughout work areas to encourage higher usage of recycling containers
- Community cleanup and recycling events – Organizing employees to represent Fujitsu at local trash-off or “clean ‘n’ green” recyclable drop-off days
Virtual Work brings a New Approach to the Same Goals
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on society. With most Fujitsu employees working from home long-term, campuses have remained largely dormant. As a result, the GAT has taken a new approach to employee engagement. While continuing to focus on preexisting environmental goals, we have also been creating virtual events and promoting more outdoor and community activities, such as tree plantings. Our hope is to encourage employees to take the opportunity offered by remote work to make a difference at home and in their immediate communities, so we can keep the green momentum going. .
This spring we’re hosting the following events:
- (April 2) Spring Creek Nature Area Park Clear-Out– Our first in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Green Action Team helped Richardson Parks and Recreation clear out an invasive tree species from part of the Spring Creek Nature Area, a local wildlife preserve.
- (April 8) Lunch and Learn: Trees in my Yard – Featuring guest speaker Ashleigh Pettus from Texas Trees Foundation, this informative session educated employees on trees that may be in their own backyards.
- (April 22) Lunch and Learn: Dallas Inferno – Featuring guest speaker Emily Plauche from Texas Trees Foundation, this informative session will educate employees about the importance of tree cover in North Texas.
- (May 1-31) Plant-a-Thon Photo Competition – Participants will submit photos of their plants in categories such as “Patio Horticulturist” and “Garden Green Thumb” for prizes.
