How do Berkshire Hathaway’s Companies Operate Sustainably?

Berkshire Hathaway is a multinational conglomerate which is responsible for a portfolio of 23 subsidiary businesses.

Its companies, including Fruit of the Loom and NetJets, have their own sustainability targets to help reduce the environmental impact of the business as a whole.

Thanks to Berkshire Hathaway’s commitment to sustainability, Sustainability Magazine has awarded it 53rd place in its Top 250 World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025.

Promoting renewable energy

Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s operations involve generating, transmitting, storing, distributing and supplying energy through its own subsidiaries.

It generates power through a range of sources, including natural gas, steam, hydroelectric, coal, wind, solar, geothermal and nuclear.

It is working towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions, while striving to keep its products affordable for its customers.

Berkshire Hathaway Energy is committed to increasing the use of renewable energy and improving transmission infrastructure by exploring innovative new technologies.

The company has invested US$34bn in renewable energy generation with the aim of complying with energy regulations.

Patrick Reiten, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at Berkshire Hathaway Energy, says: “Technology-neutral energy incentives directly contribute to lower energy costs for our customers and job creation in the states we serve.

“They also support Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s businesses as they work to meet increased energy demands while maintaining their commitment to provide secure, affordable energy to customers.”

Fruit of the Loom’s recyclable packaging

Fruit of the Loom is one of six clothing and apparel companies owned by Berkshire Hathaway.

It launched its campaign “The Fruit Way” which outlines its sustainability commitments and actions for the future.

Its targets were to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030 from a 2018 baseline.

In 2024, it met these goals, achieving a 68% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 47% reduction in Scope 3 emissions.

Fruit of the Loom also plans to use 100% renewable electricity in its operations and facilities by 2030 and maintain zero waste in its owned facilities.

The company is aiming to transform its packaging operations, starting at its manufacturing plant in Morocco.

All of its cartons are made from 100% recycled fibres and feature the company’s new recycled materials logo, as well as using mineral-free ink for its carton printing.

It is making an effort to reduce its use of polybags and stretch film in its packaging, to reduce its reliance on single use plastics.

Fruit of the Loom says it is committed to being among the first companies to embrace changes in packaging technology and will continue to implement innovative solutions across its packaging process.

How does NetJets offset its emissions?

As a leader in the private aviation sector, Berkshire Hathaway’s subsidiary NetJets is committed to reducing its environmental footprint.

Since 2012, it has been offsetting the carbon footprint of its European operations, which goes above European Union regulations.

It has offset the emissions from its administrative and training flights in the US since 2021.

The jet management company is supporting the industry’s uptake of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

NetJets is achieving its target of purchasing enough blending SAF to cover all flights out of San Francisco, which is where the fuel supply is located.

Brad Ferrell, Executive Vice President, Administrative Services at NetJets, says: “Our sustainable fuel purchase is crucial for the continued availability of the product in the market and we’re excited to help create that opportunity, as well as to announce the next phase of our Global Sustainability Programme.

“There remains more to be done in the sustainable aviation space and we look forward to being on the cutting edge of those innovations and evolving this programme in our ongoing efforts to address sustainability in the air, on the ground and with our team members.”