The campaign comes alongside predictions from scientists that permafrost will completely melt by 2100, drastically altering ecology, raising global sea levels, and releasing over 950 billion tons of methane into the atmosphere. Epson and National Geographic aim to raise awareness that businesses can reduce their impact on global warming.
The ‘Reduce the Heat’ campaign is led by National Geographic researcher Dr. Katey Walter Anthony, who oversees Arctic observatories in Alaska and Russia to monitor the long-term effects of climate change. Her pioneering research on permafrost protection features a series of videos, infographics, and online content in collaboration with Epson and National Geographic and can be found HERE.
– The Arctic is literally melting before our eyes. We estimate that up to 10 percent of the projected global warming this century could come from the melting of permafrost, affecting the entire Earth. Our choices are truly important in business and in life. When companies and individuals make smart decisions about which technology to use, it will also positively impact our environment – says Dr. Anthony.
Energy savings are crucial in the fight against global warming, but numerous technologies consume significant amounts of energy and are active every second in the business environment. Epson’s pioneering range of heat-free technology printers counters this trend as they require less energy, fewer replacement parts, and have a lower environmental impact.
– Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Epson, and we are committed not only to reducing our own environmental impact but also to helping our customers do the same. We hope to make a difference in tackling global environmental issues with our customers and business partners through our technologies – commented Epson’s global president Yasunori Ogawa.
The campaign has introduced five key steps that businesses can take in the fight to protect permafrost:
- Reduce the Heat: From appliances to printers, devices found in the office can emit a significant amount of heat. When they need to be replaced, companies should consider available heat-free alternatives – every device plays its role in reducing global warming and helps companies achieve their ESG.
- Leverage the Circular Economy: Whether it’s office furniture, packaging, or electronic devices, manufactured items can generate a lot of heat – as can their disposal in landfills. Whenever possible, companies should consider how new purchases and old waste can come from the circular economy and be returned there.
- Reassess Water and Renewable Sources: When it comes to powering the workspace, companies should think about how much energy can come from clean renewable sources like solar and wind, as fossil fuels play a significant role in warming the Earth’s atmosphere. The same applies to heating and processing water, so companies should try to conserve water sources wherever possible, including the application of water sensor technologies.
- Align Sustainable Values Across the Supply Chain: Sustainability has now become an important issue for all organizations, and those that take it seriously are transparent about what they are doing to save the planet. If sustainability is important to companies, they should also deeply investigate the operations of the companies they buy from and partner with – as they have the ultimate power to further drive sustainable values throughout the entire supply chain.
- A Look to the Future: As we race against time to save our planet, companies must do more than just transition to paperless operations and introduce recycling bins – they need a clear plan to become carbon neutral, encompassing everything from using renewable energy sources to water conservation. Establishing a strong ESG and providing a clear plan for its fulfillment is crucial in the fight against climate change. Additionally, companies must be transparent about their environmental practices as customers are better than ever at recognizing false ‘green marketing’ – which increasingly turns them away!
Visit Epson’s Reduce the Heat page.
