Greta Jimenez
Disney has been criticised for its environmental impact, with its business model relying on long-haul flights and international travel. However, the company has made efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and combat pollution. Disney's environmental goals include reducing absolute emissions from direct operations by 46.2% by 2030, achieving net-zero emissions for these operations by 2030, and purchasing or producing 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2030. The company has invested in carbon credits, reforestation, and solar energy, with 292 solar panels installed across Walt Disney World Resort. They have also eliminated single-use plastics, implemented water conservation strategies, and promoted sustainable seafood sourcing. Additionally, Disney has committed to creating lower-impact products, reducing waste, and protecting oceans. While critics argue that Disney needs to do more, the company is taking steps towards sustainability and pollution reduction.
How does Disney fight against pollution?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reduction in emissions | Reducing absolute emissions from direct operations (Scope 1 & 2) by 46.2% by 2030, against a 2019 baseline |
| Net zero emissions | Committed to achieving net-zero emissions for direct operations by 2030 |
| Zero-carbon electricity | Purchasing or producing 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2030 |
| Water stewardship | Implementing localized watershed stewardship strategies at seven of its highest-impact sites, focusing on water conservation and protection of local natural water systems |
| Sustainable seafood | Focusing on responsible selection and sourcing of seafood |
| Solar energy | Doubling available solar energy resources by adding new solar arrays, with a goal to reduce the carbon footprint and power more theme parks, resorts, etc. |
| Conservation of plants and pollinators | Creating 160+ acres of pollinator habitat for bees, birds, and butterflies |
| Reclaimed water | Using reclaimed water for 80% of irrigation needs and 30% of overall needs |
| Sustainable costumes | Introducing sustainable costumes for cast members made from recycled polyester, fabrics, and metals |
| Green Lodging | Maintaining Green Lodging designation for 30 hotels, the largest number in Florida |
| Elimination of single-use plastics | Eliminating single-use plastic straws, plastic stirrers, and polystyrene cups at Walt Disney World and all owned and operated locations globally |
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Water conservation
Disney has implemented several measures to conserve water and protect water resources. The company recognizes that water issues are highly localized and, therefore, focuses on implementing localized watershed stewardship strategies at its highest-impact sites worldwide. These strategies aim to conserve water within its operations and invest in protecting local natural water systems.
One example of Disney's water conservation efforts is the use of reclaimed water for irrigation and overall water needs at its theme parks and resorts. EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort has switched its irrigation system to reclaimed water, and the Jungle River Cruise attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland refills from collected rainwater. Additionally, the Café Daisy kitchen at Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California, was redesigned to incorporate sustainability and reduce water use by removing all gas appliances and introducing recirculating water features.
The Walt Disney Company also invests in watershed protection and restoration projects beyond its direct operations. Over the last five years, the Disney Conservation Fund has awarded more than $1.5 million to nonprofit organizations supporting these efforts. For example, the company funded the Cody Meadow Restoration project in Placerville, CA, which aims to restore the natural water management of the land after years of damage from natural events and human impacts.
Disney is also committed to protecting forests, which play a crucial role in recycling air, cleaning water, pollinating crops, and regulating climate. Through the Alto Mayo Conservation Initiative, Disney supports sustainable coffee farming practices that protect forests and water sources in Peru. The company also acquired the Mira Lago property in 2014, a 3,000-acre tract adjacent to the Disney Wilderness Preserve, to protect and enhance local water resources and improve the ecological values of nearby conservation lands.
Furthermore, Disney has set environmental goals for its new building projects, including minimizing water usage. The company has established design standards that will guide the development of all new construction projects to reduce water consumption during construction and the use of the building.
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Sustainable seafood
Disney has long recognised the importance of environmental sustainability, conservation, and responsible business practices. This commitment extends to the responsible selection and sourcing of seafood, which is crucial for the company's future, the fishing industry, and the planet's health.
In fiscal 2023, Disney's US parks, resorts, and cruise lines sourced 96% of their seafood sustainably. This is a significant step towards ensuring the long-term viability of seafood as a resource and protecting the livelihoods of those who depend on the fishing industry.
Disney's dedication to sustainability also encompasses other areas of its business. For instance, the company has expanded its product portfolio to include over 200 items made with at least 50% recycled materials. Additionally, Disney has set internal Sustainable Design Standards and is working towards minimising waste, water, and energy consumption in all new construction projects.
Furthermore, Disney has made strides in reducing single-use plastics, with a focus on eliminating plastic straws, stirrers, and polystyrene cups from its locations worldwide. The company has also received recognition for its innovative glass pulverizer, which transforms recycled glass into cullet, and for its commitment to Green Lodging, with 30 certified hotels in Florida.
Disney is committed to taking meaningful action and has set ambitious goals for a brighter, cleaner future. The company's efforts in sustainable seafood sourcing are a testament to its dedication to environmental stewardship and the well-being of future generations.
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Solar energy
In 2021, Disney announced the construction of a 270-acre solar facility with half a million panels, located outside Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park near Orlando. This solar farm provides renewable energy to the Reedy Creek Improvement District, including Walt Disney World Resort, and is capable of powering 10,000 homes or two of Disney's four theme parks annually.
Disney has also expanded its solar capacity at its parks and resorts in Paris, Orlando, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. For example, Hong Kong Disneyland implemented new solar projects in 2023, making it the city's largest solar site at the time. Similarly, the Shanghai Disney Resort expanded its solar capacity in 2023, adding 1.3 Megawatts of solar projects.
Disneyland Paris is also leveraging solar energy, with solar parking-lot canopies that reduce greenhouse emissions by 750 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Additionally, the Radiator Springs Racers attraction at Disney California Adventure has 1,400 solar panels, and Tokyo Disney Resort has solar panels installed at eight backstage locations, powering the Dreamlights Parade.
Disney has set environmental goals to reduce net emissions by 50% from 2012 levels by 2020 and achieve net-zero emissions for direct operations by 2030. With these initiatives, Disney is committed to using solar energy to fight against pollution and protect the planet.
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Waste reduction
Disney has been working towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions since 2009 and has made significant progress in waste reduction. The company has implemented a series of waste management initiatives to reduce, reuse, recycle, and donate, with the aim of diverting as much material as possible from landfills.
Disney has set a goal to achieve zero waste to landfill for its wholly-owned and operated parks, resorts, and cruise lines by 2030. This includes popular destinations like Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, which features an advanced trash removal system. This system, installed since the park's opening in 1971, consists of 17 collection points located around the Magic Kingdom and an underground network of vacuum tubes that transport trash at 60 miles per hour to a compactor located behind Splash Mountain. The waste is then compressed and removed from Disney property, ensuring it remains out of sight and out of mind for visitors.
Additionally, Disney is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the materials used in the creation and packaging of its products, including toys, t-shirts, books, and games. The company also aims to achieve a 90% diversion of construction waste across new projects in the US and Europe by 2030.
Disney's waste reduction efforts are part of its broader environmental goals, which include reducing emissions and aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement. The company recognizes the importance of adapting its environmental goal-setting process to changes in its businesses and relevant protocols.
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Carbon emissions
The Walt Disney Company has been working towards reducing its carbon emissions and slowing deforestation for the benefit of wildlife, communities, and future generations. In 2020, the company announced a set of sustainability goals for 2030, focusing on five areas: greenhouse gas emissions, water, waste, materials, and sustainable design.
Disney has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for its direct operations by 2030, reducing its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030 compared to a 2019 baseline. The company has also set targets for reducing its Scope 3 emissions in line with a "well below 2°C" scenario by 2030. To achieve these targets, Disney has invested in renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and implemented waste diversion initiatives.
Disney has also addressed its carbon footprint through avoided emissions and reductions where possible, acknowledging that reducing emissions associated with its already pollutive processes is challenging. The company has set specific goals for its parks and resorts, such as increasing renewable energy consumption at the Walt Disney World Resort to nearly 40% of its annual total power use through the addition of two 75-megawatt solar facilities.
Additionally, Disney has supported Conservation International's forest conservation REDD+ projects in the Alto Mayo region of Peru, contributing to the protection of standing forests and the reduction of carbon emissions. Disney has also taken steps to reduce emissions from its cruise ships, such as powering the Disney Wish primarily with liquefied natural gas, which significantly reduces emissions compared to traditional diesel or marine fuel.
Furthermore, Disney launched the Clean Mobile Power Initiative in June 2023, aiming to transition film and television sets from diesel generators to cleaner forms of energy. The company has also worked on optimizing its current building systems through renovations and adaptive reuse projects to meet its sustainability goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Disney has invested in carbon credits, reforestation, and environmental restoration worldwide. They have also supported the planting of over 9 million trees and installed 292 solar panels across the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Additionally, they have set goals to reduce emissions, achieve net-zero emissions for direct operations, and purchase or produce 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2030.
Disney has recognized that water is a highly local issue and is implementing localized watershed stewardship strategies at seven of its highest-impact sites worldwide. They are also focusing on water conservation within their operations and investing in protecting local natural water systems.
Disney has set commitments to eliminate single-use plastic straws, plastic stirrers, and polystyrene cups at Walt Disney World and all owned and operated locations globally. They are also creating lower-impact products and focusing on reducing waste across their operations.
