Lenovo’s sustainability goal: Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
Lenovo is a global technology powerhouse serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company by further expanding into key growth areas including server, storage, mobile, solutions and services.
In January 2023, Lenovo announced its goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, validated and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a partnership between the UN Global Compact, CDP, World Resources Institute and World Wide Fund for Nature – making it the first PC and smartphone maker and one of only 139 companies in the world with a net-zero target validated by SBTi.
Lenovo Chairman Yuanqing Yang said: “As a global technology leader, Lenovo has been committed to reducing its emissions for more than a decade. In the fight against climate change, we believe collaboration and accountability are the two critical elements needed for collective success.” He added: “We remain dedicated to following climate science, standardizing our measurements, and seeking ongoing validation for our targets and progress.”
Flip Phones. Flip phones have become a small escape hatch for people who want calls and texts without carrying every app they’ve ever regretted downloading. The Motorola Razr still has that snap-shut satisfaction, and newer basic phones give people a way to be reachable without being fully swallowed by a screen.
iPods. Used iPods are getting attention again because they do one job and one job only. Loading a Nano, Classic, or Touch with your own music library feels more personal than letting an app decide what you should listen to.
Instant Cameras. Polaroid and Fujifilm Instax cameras keep showing up at parties, weddings, dorm rooms, and weekend trips because the photo provides a tangible memory. The colors can be strange, the flash can be harsh, and someone will probably blink, but it’s still more fun than uploading memories to Google Photos.
Point-and-Shoots. Canon PowerShots, Sony Cyber-shots, Nikon Coolpix cameras, and other small digital cameras from the 2000s are back in purses and jacket pockets. They make photos look less polished than iPhone shots, with red-eye, blur, and flash glare that somehow feel closer to how the night actually felt.
Wired Headphones. Apple EarPods and other wired headphones have gone from boring backup gear to an actual style choice. They don’t need charging, they don’t vanish into couch cushions as easily, and they’re much more budget-friendly.
Cassette Players. Cassette players and tape decks are getting attention from people who like music that takes a little effort. Rewinding, flipping sides, and dealing with a worn-out case can be annoying, sure, but the whole process feels more involved than tapping shuffle for the 400th time.
Boomboxes. The modern boombox comeback is more of a compromise than anything else, since plenty of new models look old while offering Bluetooth connection. That mix gives people the chunky 1980s and 1990s look without asking them to fully return to D batteries, warped tapes, and radio static.
Reference: 20 signs the internet is falling back in love with old tech
Approach to Sustainability
Lenovo is committed to ensuring that their products are safe throughout their entire lifecycle, including manufacturing, transportation, installation, use, service, and recycling. Their continual assessments during the product lifecycle help them to gain deep insight into opportunities for risk and cost minimization, as well as uncover new opportunities to enhance and increase product marketability.
The tech company has been reporting on their GHG emissions performance for over 10 years. By continuing to measure, analyze, and disclose their efforts, they strive to make a real difference each year with their net-zero strategy.
At Lenovo, they see the safety and well-being of their workforce as integral to their long-term success. What helps them in this area is that, unlike other major technology companies, they conduct more than 50% of their manufacturing in their own factories. This model enables them to better control their sustainability footprint, while bringing innovation to market more efficiently.
The tech powerhouse is committed to sound Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) management across its end-to-end supply chain process. Along with demanding high-quality materials, parts, and products from their suppliers, they have ESG-specific systems in place, supported by contractual requirements to help ensure their suppliers meet or exceed applicable labor, environmental, health and safety, and ethics standards.
Lenovo’s packaging priorities focus on driving the use of more sustainable materials by: Reducing excess size and layers of product packaging; Reducing the use of plastic packaging; Increasing the use of recycled and renewable materials in packaging; Expanding the use of bulk and reusable packaging solutions; Increasing the use of materials that have sustainability certifications.
Reference: Sustainability | Lenovo Philippines
