How have IBM's corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts evolved over time?

In the early days of IBM, corporate responsibility and sustainability were not major priorities. The company focused primarily on innovation, growth, and profits. However, over time, societal and environmental challenges prompted IBM to reconsider its role in the world and explore ways to integrate responsible and sustainable practices into its operations.

In the 1970s, IBM began to implement environmental programs to reduce pollution from its manufacturing processes. In the 1990s, the company established a Division of Environmental Affairs to address environmental issues more systematically. IBM also started to focus on social responsibility initiatives, such as contributing to education and community development.

By the early 2000s, IBM had developed a comprehensive corporate responsibility strategy that included environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. The company set ambitious targets for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the diversity of its workforce, and promoting human rights throughout its supply chain. IBM also launched several innovative programs to support sustainability and social change, such as the World Community Grid and the Corporate Service Corps.

In recent years, IBM has continued to evolve its approach to corporate responsibility and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of aligning sustainability with business strategy and innovation. In 2020, for example, the company announced its intention to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and to use its technology and expertise to address climate change and other societal challenges.

IBM has been a leader in corporate responsibility and sustainability for over 50 years. The company has a long history of environmental stewardship, dating back to the early 1970s when it formalized its environmental policy. In the years since, IBM has made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact, improving its energy efficiency, and increasing its use of renewable energy.

In 2008, IBM set a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020. The company has made significant progress towards this goal, and in 2018 it announced that it had already reduced its emissions by 25%. IBM is on track to meet its 2020 goal, and it has set a new goal of reducing its emissions by 50% by 2030.

IBM has also made significant progress in improving its energy efficiency. In 2018, the company's global data centers consumed 1.8% less energy than the previous year. IBM is committed to continuing to improve its energy efficiency, and it has set a goal of reducing its data center energy intensity by 30% by 2025.

In addition to its environmental efforts, IBM is also committed to social responsibility. The company has a long history of supporting diversity and inclusion, and it is a leader in the development of ethical AI. IBM is also committed to providing its employees with a safe and healthy workplace, and it has a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy.

IBM's corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts have evolved over time in response to changing environmental and social challenges. The company is committed to continuing to lead the way in these areas, and it is working to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Here are some specific examples of IBM's corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts:

• In 2010, IBM launched the Smarter Planet initiative, which is a global effort to help cities and communities become more sustainable and resilient.
• In 2017, IBM launched the IBM Sustainability Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the company's environmental, social, and governance performance.
• In 2018, IBM announced that it would be investing $1 billion in AI for social good over the next five years.
• In 2019, IBM was named one of the world's most sustainable companies by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

IBM's corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts are an important part of the company's overall strategy. The company is committed to using its technology and expertise to make a positive impact on the world.