Q&A: Nancy Powell on HP’s Journey to Net Zero
Technology company Hewlett-Packard, commonly known as HP, was founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and David Packard and initially focused on electronic test and measurement equipment.
Over the decades, HP expanded its offerings to include personal computers, printers and networking hardware, becoming a leader in these markets.
Nancy Powell, HP UK&I’s Sustainability Lead, has spent her career working with businesses to increase their sustainability efforts, implementing strategies across organisations that produce consistent strides toward ESG goals.
After spending time at supermarket giant Sainsburys, she joined Nestlé in 2007 as Senior Sustainability Manager before moving over to Tulchan Communications LLP to consult in sustainability for companies including Diageo, Sime Darby and Singapore Stock Exchange.
Before joining HP, Nancy was TUI’s Group Sustainability Communications Manager and founded HERD, a company making shopping bags from plastic bags and post-consumer waste.
She shares her expertise with Sustainability Magazine.
Please outline HP's sustainability strategy
HP’s sustainability strategy is wide reaching and deeply integrated into our operations.
We recognise that sustainability is a vast area and our approach reflects its importance across all aspects of our business.
We have numerous initiatives that span various dimensions of sustainability, from achieving net zero emissions by 2040 to using 100% renewable electricity in our operations by 2025, having achieved 59% so far.
We’ve set publicly disclosed targets that outline our commitment and progress in sustainability and these targets are independently verified by third parties to ensure transparency and accountability.
These goals are ambitious. For example, we have our circularity target set at 75% circularity for products and packaging by 2030 and recycling 1.2 million tonnes of hardware and supplies by 2025, with 40% circularity by weight and 992,000 tonnes recycled achieved to date.
We recognise that sustainability is a vast area and our approach reflects its importance across all aspects of our business
Our dedication to sustainability is not a recent development. We’ve been publishing our sustainability reports for decades, well before it became a trend.
This long-standing commitment underscores the depth of our dedication. Moreover, sustainability is embedded in every decision we make, whether it’s in finance, legal matters, or other areas.
We maintain a set of hygiene standards that ensures sustainability is consistently considered and prioritised.
This approach differentiates us from other companies, as we integrate sustainability into our core decision-making processes and operations.
Which of HP's sustainability achievements are you most proud of and why?
HP has a strong history of sustainability ingrained into its values. I am particularly proud of the social driven initiatives in the UK which allow us to make a real difference.
The UK launch of HP Hope provides refurbished devices to charities and social enterprises focused on education and digital skills for children, making technology more accessible to those who need it most.
HP takes great pride in community-driven initiatives, such as employees from our Reading office mentoring young people leaving care in Haringey to support their transition into the workforce.
Additionally, we’ve partnered with Wrexham AFC and NABU to publish The Lucky Dragon (Y Ddraig Lwcus), a bilingual Welsh-English children’s book that celebrates the Welsh language and culture, while promoting bilingual literacy and digital equity within the Wrexham community.
I am particularly proud of the social driven initiatives in the UK which allow us to make a real difference
On a broader scale, I am proud of the HP Renew programme, which offers quality refurbished products to businesses looking to enhance their sustainable credentials and minimise their carbon footprint.
HP Renew utilises our expertise in recycling and circularity to extend the life of devices, giving them a second or even third life while maintaining the HP product quality.
How is HP working towards net zero across the supply chain?
We are actively working towards net zero across our supply chain through several key initiatives.
One major aspect is our focus on second-life devices. We’ve been dedicated to recycling and refurbishing products for decades, starting our recycling efforts back in the 1980s.
Since then, we’ve recycled more than one billion pounds (453,592 tonnes) of hardware, which highlights our long-term commitment to a circular economy.
Our circular process is central to our strategy, ensuring that devices are not only recycled but also given a second life.
Through our HP Renew programme, we refurbish devices that are up to four years old, extending their lifecycle and reducing e-waste.
In the UK market, we’ve found that many of our customers are highly engaged and enthusiastic about these sustainability efforts, which drives further momentum and success.
This holistic approach helps us make significant strides towards net zero by keeping materials in use and minimising the environmental impact of our products.
What advice do you have for other leaders looking to set – and achieve – sustainable impact goals?
My advice for leaders looking to set and achieve sustainable impact goals is to start by aligning your sustainability goals with your core business objectives.
It’s crucial that these goals are not just add-ons but are deeply integrated into your overall strategy.
When sustainability is aligned with what drives your business, it becomes a natural part of your operations and decision-making processes.
Start by aligning your sustainability goals with your core business objectives
Additionally, tracking progress with clear metrics and maintaining regular, transparent reporting is vital.
This allows you to measure how well you’re doing, make necessary adjustments and build trust with all stakeholders by demonstrating accountability and progress.
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