The American Red Cross is committed to lessening its influence on the environment and creating a more sustainable future for future generations. The three primary areas of concentration for the organization are waste reduction, water conservation, and carbon emission reduction. The Red Cross is boosting energy efficiency by switching over 80% of its facilities to renewable energy, cutting waste by 30%, increasing recycling rates by 50%, and consuming no less than 20% of its water in an effort to cut carbon emissions.
The Red Cross is supporting renewable energy sources and making investments in energy-saving upgrades like smart thermostats and energy-efficient HVAC systems. In an effort to lower fleet emissions, they are also adopting electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids in place of gas-powered cars. Along with mitigating waste by substituting biodegradable materials for Styrofoam feeding supplies and plastic water bottles, the Red Cross is also estimating the amount of carbon emissions linked to their supply chain.
The two main strategies for reducing waste are managing it responsibly and minimizing the waste that people contribute to the environment. The Red Cross has invested in compostable and sustainable feeding supplies, installed water refill stations, and created a reliable recycling infrastructure in collaboration with supply management team members to make their supply chain more sustainable.
It is imperative to practice water conservation, particularly in regions that are vulnerable to droughts and water shortages. In order to cut water usage by 20% by 2027, the Red Cross is installing xeriscaping techniques in water-stressed areas, swapping out landscaping plants for drought-tolerant varieties, and modernizing outdated fixtures in kitchens and restrooms. The Red Cross is working to create a more sustainable future for future generations with the aid of these initiatives.