Cummins Inc. has released its annual sustainability progress report on the company’s performance on environmental, social and other issues, as well as an update on the impact of COVID-19 on operations and the company’s commitment to fighting systemic racism.
According to the report, the Columbus-based company has continued to invest in research and development of low-carbon technologies and has maintained its commitment to implement its PLANET 2050 environmental strategy.
Launched this past November, the PLANET 2050 strategy seeks to help combat climate change and conserve natural resources and includes company-wide targets aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and helping communities in which the company operates.
Additionally, Cummins reached three of its 2020 environmental sustainable goals last year and narrowly missed a fourth, the report states.
Cummins has exceeded its carbon dioxide savings by partnering with customers on fuel economy projects, avoiding 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, the company said. The company also has also surpassed its 2020 water reduction target and its goal to certify 40 of its highest energy use facilities to new energy efficiency standards.
“The pandemic and protests have revealed a fundamental truth about sustainability: companies and institutions are only as strong as the communities, countries and the world around them,” Cummins Chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger said in a statement. “To be successful for our shareholders over the long run, we must ensure the health and prosperity of all of our stakeholders.”
Cummins, however, is facing “unprecedented challenges as a business” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which could “make progress difficult in 2020,” the report states.
Waste generation could increase as the company prioritizes the safety of Cummins employees and uses disposable items such as personal protective equipment.
The company’s logistics goal also could be impacted if Cummins needs to expedite shipping to support customers whose products are considered essential during the pandemic.
Cummins plans to issue additional reports on the company’s sustainability efforts by the end of this month, but may not fully know the impact of the pandemic on its environmental goals until next year.
“Cummins is continuing to track performance, but the company may not have a full grasp on COVID-19’s impact on its 2020 environmental goals until early 2021, when results are compiled on 2020 performance,” according to the report.
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Visit www.cummins.com/company/global-impact/sustainability to read the report.
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The annual Community Recycle Day has not been held in Columbus this year due to the ongoing pandemic.
Cummins said organizers are tentatively planning for a date this fall but that is not firm at this point. It has been pushed back due to a number of challenges associated with COVID-19, company officials said, as the first priority is the safety and security of everyone who participates. The company plans to release more information when plans are in place.
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