Ricoh New Zealand now using 100% renewable electricity
RE100 is a global initiative led by the Climate Group in partnership with CDP, made up of influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity, working to increase demand for – and delivery of – renewable energy. Ricoh became the first Japanese company to join RE100 in 2017, which is now comprised of more than 300 major businesses around the world.
In March 2021, Ricoh Global raised its renewable electricity target to 50% by FY2030, up from the previous target of 30%. The Group has made a commitment for all of Ricoh to be using 100% renewable electricity by 2050.
On July 1st 2021, Ricoh New Zealand smashed all of those targets and was awarded a certification for reaching 100% renewable electricity across all it’s branches and distribution centres as at the end of 2020.
This is a momentous achievement and a milestone we are very proud to reach well ahead of the global expectation.
In order to gain this certification a complete rethink of our electricity providers was required. In 2019 each branch had it’s own unique electricity provider, not all of them renewable.
Ashleigh Garrett (EA / Internal Operations Manager) said “I went to tender with all those that used renewable resources and found the best price provider based on bulk discount for all branches. So as contracts came up over the next 18 months they were switched over. Wellington branch in September 2020 was the last one”.
Ricoh went with Mercury as it generates about 17% of New Zealand’s electricity and does it all from 100% renewable sources. Mercury has 9 Hydro Stations and 5 geothermal power stations nationwide, with wind coming very soon. Mercury are committed to understanding, managing and minimising any impacts their operations have on natural resources, along with looking at the ways they can continue to innovate and improve efficiencies. They are also a Ricoh customer!
We are pleased to present to you the internal Renewable Electricity Certificate issued by RCL ESG Strategy Department in recognising RNZ’s effort to align its operation with Ricoh Group’s RE100 commitment.