Analysis of Sustainability

Amazon is a lot of things for tons of people, but one thing it's never been able to claim is the status of an environmentally friendly company. Through its comprehensive shipping and distribution facilities, Amazon accounts for considerable oil and gas use, potential emissions, and extensive packaging. It cannot avoid shipping—as it is the primary basis for its competitive advantage—but they are willing to find some innovative ways to reduce its environmental effects.

 

When talking to our manager Mr. Delucca our main question was how are you handling the push to become more efficient and eco friendly.  This was our main area of focus because Amazon has kept their carbon footprint figures hidden for so long.  Also with their sheer volume of shipping and packaging required we wanted to know what they were doing to reduce their carbon emissions.  He let us know that their goal is to be a circular economy with their goals of sustainability.

Amazon has  developed a system of five modules that work together to provide an in depth and detailed view of their footprint.  First they look at Financials, this is a nimble, top down financial model that helps them see the bigger picture and prioritize where they should look deeper and really hone in on issues.  Secondly is Transportation,  they track emissions that directly result from shipping products to and from warehouses.  This also includes delivery and pickups from customers homes and other pickup points such as the new amazon lockers.  The third tier is Electricity. They closely monitor the impact of energy consumed by their offices, data centers, and warehouses. Packaging is the fourth model they look at.  Amazon carefully looks at all the materials and process behind all the boxes, mailers, and other packing items added to the products sold.  The last model is devices, they closely monitor the manufacturing, use, and end-of-life phases.

Amazon Carbon foot print 2018:

Amazon Carbon Footprint 2019: