Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Sourcing Renewables  -  February 22, 2021

3M invests in reaching carbon neutrality

3M announced that it expects to invest approximately $1 billion over the next 20 years to accelerate new environmental goals, including achieving carbon neutrality. By applying science and technological expertise, 3M expects to further reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, by 80% by 2040, and reaching 100% carbon neutrality in its operations by 2050.

The investment further accelerates 3M's continuous improvement of its manufacturing operations and ability to deliver on its environmental goals. Starting this year, as part of its ongoing review of its manufacturing facilities, 3M will also work to ensure all operations become best-in-class for minimizing emissions that can be produced during manufacturing operations.

"We are bringing our innovation to bear on the climate challenges we all face, so we can more rapidly bend the curve on carbon emissions and water use," Mike Roman, 3M chairman and CEO, said in a statement. "Since 2000, while continuing to grow our company, we've significantly reduced our greenhouse gas emissions, our global headquarters is completely powered by renewable electricity and we are advancing our goal of reducing waste globally by targeting it at the source—working to eliminate single-use plastics and converting more facilities to zero-landfill status."

The company has also made energy-efficiency upgrades to its buildings including adding its window film to help keep the heat out and the cool air in, making buildings more efficient, and reducing the energy needed to heat and cool the places where people live and work. In addition, 3M films, tapes, and adhesives are used to help solar panels capture more light to increase efficiency, and protect wind turbine blades against weathering and harsh environments to ultimately enhance reliability, extend life, and improving performance.

3M is also looking to reduce its water use by 25% at its facilities and return higher-quality water to the environment after use in manufacturing operations.

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