But we realize there is more to be done to reach our goal of cutting our absolute greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030, which means minimizing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across our end-to-end value chain.
Scope 1 emissions are from HP’s direct operations. Scope 2 are indirect emissions, such as the electricity that powers our operations. Scope 3 relates to activities not controlled by HP, such as “upstream” emissions from our supply chain and “downstream” emissions from customer use of our products. Together, Scopes 1, 2, and 3 represent the cradle-to-grave emissions of our products, and nearly all our emissions (99%) are Scope 3, with almost 70% of those coming from our supply chain and 30% from customer use.
Tackling Scope 3 emissions
With our supply chain representing over two-thirds of our emissions, our mandate was clear: To reduce the footprint of our printers, computers, and monitors, we had to reduce the footprint of the components, manufacturing, assembly, and transportation of those items. We have hundreds of suppliers, so we needed to take a data-based approach to this problem. We examined our supply chain data and found that our 30 largest partners were responsible for nearly 80% of the Scope 3 emissions from our directly-contracted-suppliers operations. If we could assist those 30 companies in becoming more eco-friendly, the results would be far-reaching. To help these suppliers reach the next level of success, we leaned into the philosophy of “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Not only would helping the suppliers help HP, but it would benefit their bottom line, other customers, the communities where they operate, and the planet as a whole. So we got to work.
Sharing knowledge
Because HP has stressed responsible sourcing, human rights, and sustainability as part of our supplier selection, many of our partners already had a strong base but needed extra support. Building off our real-world learnings within HP, we partnered with them to create environments where they could adopt long-lasting environmentally conscious approaches that would be best for their unique businesses.
Over the last two years, HP has brought in top-tier environmental groups such as the CDP and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to host virtual workshops for those 30 suppliers. Participants learned about energy efficiency, renewable energy, setting science-based targets, external reporting, and more.
At the same time, we asked our partners to disclose their footprint using CDP Supply Chain reporting tools. Nearly 200 suppliers (representing over 95% of our yearly spending) are currently doing so. This transparency helps HP better understand our footprint and informs the broader tech industry utilizing this supply chain.
Tackling the rest
The results have been incredible: Twenty of our top 30 suppliers have formally committed to setting meaningful greenhouse gas reduction targets following the Science Based Targets Initiative. We are also proud that 100% renewable electricity now powers the final assembly of over 95% of our worldwide PC and display products. HP and our supply chain partners are making substantial progress, but there’s still much more to do. It’s vital that we address the “upstream” supply chain adding to our footprint. However, we cannot reach net zero without also tackling the 30% of our emissions generated during the ongoing customer use of our products. The good news is that customers are actively seeking sustainable choices on shelves, online, or as part of enterprise purchase for printers, computers, and monitors. Our goal is to help them do just that—to make the home, office, or hybrid work setup of the future the most sustainable ever.
How HP is building a sustainable and ethical supply chain
Hundreds of suppliers make up HP’s supply chain — one of the largest in the IT industry — and the company’s commitment to make ethical, sustainable, and resilient products protects its business and brand, strengthens customer relationships, and creates opportunities to innovate.
