Bloomberg Targets 90% Diversion of Waste by 2020

Originally posted on https://www.bloomberg.com/bcause/planet/.

Aggressive recycling and composting, along with utilization of waste-to-energy, have driven our waste reduction/diversion success. Bloomberg currently diverts 75% of its total waste away from landfills and is targeting 90% diversion by 2020. We continue to educate our employees and build awareness surrounding our waste-reduction efforts globally. In addition, as part of the expansion of our LEED portfolio, water-reduction measures have been implemented in numerous key offices.

When waste is sent to landfills, the breakdown process produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Our waste sent to landfills resulted in 1,633 metric tonnes of CO₂e. On a per-headcount basis, this represents an 5% increase over 2015, but still a 67% reduction from 2007, attributable primarily to a move to zero-landfill, waste-to-energy disposal of all our waste in both New York City and London and composting programs in 19 cities globally. We calculate CO₂e emissions from waste using the methodology and conversion factors provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

To read Bloomberg's 2016 Impact Report, click here.