While “Dow Jones” is often immediately associated with the stock market and financial indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the company itself, Dow Jones, a division of News Corp, is actively engaged in a different kind of market leadership today: sustainability. Beyond delivering crucial financial news and insights, Dow Jones is making significant strides in corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. But what exactly is Dow Jones doing today in the realm of sustainability? The answer reveals a comprehensive and deeply integrated approach.
Dow Jones views sustainability as fundamental to its culture and operations, mirroring the integrity it upholds in journalism and business. Their commitment goes beyond mere compliance; it’s about being a responsible global citizen. This commitment is formalized through the Dow Jones Green program, a company-wide initiative with three core objectives designed to minimize environmental impact and foster a sustainable mindset.
Firstly, REDUCING WASTE is a key priority. Dow Jones is actively working to minimize waste generation, particularly single-use plastics and food waste, both in their workplaces and by encouraging sustainable practices among employees at home. This involves implementing waste reduction strategies, promoting reusable alternatives, and optimizing resource consumption across their operations.
Secondly, Dow Jones is focused on CHANGING CLIMATE. Recognizing the urgency of climate action, they are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. This is being achieved through multiple avenues, including investing in energy-efficient equipment, promoting low-carbon commuting options for employees such as walking, biking, carpooling, and public transport, and transitioning to clean energy sources wherever possible in their facilities.
Thirdly, ENGAGING & EDUCATING forms a crucial pillar of their sustainability efforts. Dow Jones understands that lasting change requires collective action. Therefore, they are dedicated to continuously educating and engaging their co-workers, customers, suppliers, families, and friends to embrace more environmentally sustainable behaviors in their daily lives. This involves awareness campaigns, training programs, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within and beyond the company.
These objectives are not just aspirational statements. Green teams established across Dow Jones’ global offices and plants are developing and implementing specific, measurable targets and strategies to achieve these goals. These teams are supported by executive leadership, demonstrating the company’s commitment from the top down. Notably, DJ Green is integrated within Dow Jones’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program, highlighting the interconnectedness of social and environmental responsibility.
Furthermore, as a part of News Corp’s Global Environmental Initiative, Dow Jones is contributing to ambitious, overarching environmental targets. These include a commitment to significantly reduce their environmental impact by 2030, specifically aiming for a 60% reduction in operational carbon emissions and a 20% reduction in supply chain carbon emissions compared to a 2016 baseline. This commitment is aligned with the prestigious Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), ensuring their goals are in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Dow Jones’ long-term vision extends even further, aspiring to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Beyond carbon reduction, Dow Jones is actively working to minimize single-use plastics and other wastes throughout their business, while maintaining a zero-waste-to-landfill commitment at their owned print centers. Recognizing the environmental impact of paper consumption in the publishing industry, Dow Jones has pledged to source 100% of all globally purchased publication paper from sustainably certified sources by 2025. They are committed to using paper certified by internationally recognized bodies such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and others, ensuring responsible forestry practices.
Dow Jones’ commitment to sustainability is formalized in their Policy and Performance Summary. They are dedicated to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and adhering to all relevant environmental, health, safety, and labor laws. The company operates with a principle of continuous improvement, integrating environmental and safety management systems into their overall business strategy, utilizing frameworks like ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems).
Transparency is paramount to Dow Jones’ sustainability approach. They publicly report their greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable paper management practices annually through the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), via News Corp, demonstrating accountability and openness in their environmental performance.
For those seeking deeper insights into Dow Jones’ ongoing sustainability programs and performance, the Dow Jones Sustainability Report – FY2021 provides a comprehensive overview of their initiatives and achievements.
In conclusion, when considering “what is Dow Jones doing today,” it’s clear that sustainability is not a peripheral activity, but a core component of their operations and corporate identity. From reducing waste and emissions to promoting sustainable practices and transparent reporting, Dow Jones is actively working towards a more environmentally responsible future, demonstrating leadership that extends far beyond the financial markets.
