The eBay 2018 Impact Progress Update published today, announced eBay’s new sustainability targets for 2019. The report provides details on eBay’s environmental footprint and progress against each of eBay’s five existing impact goals. eBay have also announced the sixth goal within their Progress Update, aimed at reducing the company’s carbon emissions.
eBay 2018 Impact Progress Update is an annual report on the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework, policies and programs.
In September 2015, eBay pledged to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which aim to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities, tackle climate change, and help ensure no one is left behind. All these values align with eBay’s five sustainable goals including affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production as well as climate action, partnership for the goals joined by reducing greenhouse emissions.
New greenhouse gas emissions reduction target
eBay have added a sixth goal to their Progress Update framework in establishing their first greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target. The aim is to achieve 50% absolute reduction in Scope 1, the carbon emitted directly by eBay, and Scope 2, emissions resulting from the grid electricity eBay consumes, GHG emissions by 2025, and 75% by 2030, from their 2016 baseline.
Sourcing 50% renewable electricity
In 2018, eBay sourced 50% renewable electricity—a 5% gain over 2017. This positive progress came through a combination of efforts. This includes eBay’s participation in local utility-driven green power programs, such as Solar Choice in San Jose, Calif, which serves eBay’s headquarters.
This milestone was also supported by pursuing power purchase agreements and assessing the feasibility of other on-site renewable energy options to complement eBay’s solar array in Salt Lake City.
Supporting less advantaged communities
eBay reported an 18% growth in the number of commercial sellers from at-risk or distressed communities, compared to a 0.4% decrease in business enterprises in these communities overall.
This positive growth represents a strong upward trajectory toward a goal to achieve a higher percentage of growth in the number of sellers from less-advantaged communities as compared to economic growth nationwide. The 2018 launch and expansion of the Retail Revival program in cities and regions around the world, paired with eBay’s ability to enable all sellers to access a global marketplace, supported this growth.
Targeting new fundraising record
After raising a record-setting $102 million in 2018, eBay remains on track to reach their goal of $1 billion raised for charity by 2020. More than 66,000 nonprofit organizations are registered on the platform, giving buyers and sellers the opportunity to contribute with every transaction.
eBay continues to partner with organizations to host cause campaigns, like the 12-month partnership with The Prince’s Trust in the UK, which raised £105,000 in its first 24 hours, and a Veterans Day campaign supported by CNN’s Jake Tapper and several Hollywood celebrities and entertainment icons, which raised $160,000 for Homes for Our Troops.
