Xerox reaches carbon target six years early

Office goods manufacturer Xerox has become the latest IT firm to tout its green credentials, claiming it has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 18 per cent and vowing to slash its pollution output by a quarter before 2012.

The company said the reduction in harmful carbon dioxide emissions was achieved six years ahead of target and was the result of a number of measures, including switching to clean energy for its company vehicles, improving its manufacturing process and using less electricity.

Xerox said that while its carbon-cutting regime had delivered environmental benefits it had also slashed costs by $18m in 2006.

The company's energy consumption fell by 21 per cent, with electricity usage, natural gas purchases and gasoline consumption down 12 per cent, 27 per cent and 30 per cent respectively.

Patricia Calkins, vice president of environment, health and safety, said that there was evidence that the initiative had delivered multiple commercial benefits. "Our long-term experience has shown us that when we act in ways that benefit the environment, we make sound business decisions that not only benefit Xerox but also our customers and shareholders," she said.

The US Environmental Protection Agency applauded the company's results and urged other businesses to clean up their act. "This success demonstrates that climate change management is good for business and good for the environment," argued Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's office of air and radiation.