The impact.
RE100 is a global corporate leadership initiative committing the world’s most influential businesses to run on 100% renewable electricity by 2050.
Developed by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, RE100’s purpose is to accelerate progress towards zero-carbon grids at a global scale.
The initiative increases corporate demand for – and, in turn, supply of – renewable energy by bringing together major companies committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity globally in the shortest possible time frame (by 2050 at the latest).
If the current roster of RE100 members were a country, they would be the 21st largest electricity consumer in the world – bigger than South Africa.
What’s the challenge?
Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable sources of electricity is critical to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the climate emergency around the world.
Businesses account for approximately two-thirds of the world’s end-of-use of electricity. Switching this demand to renewables is transforming the global energy market and accelerating the transition to a clean economy.
More demand for renewable power brings economies of scale, making renewable energy the cheaper option and a better choice for the environment and human health.
Climate change is one of the biggest global challenges that will shape the way we do business now and in the coming decades. The Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, facilitated by the World Economic Forum, believes the private sector has a responsibility to actively engage in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to help lead the global transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
Our approach.
The ambition behind RE100 is to raise the bar for corporate leadership on renewable electricity. Companies joining RE100 set a public goal to source 100% of their global electricity consumption from renewable sources by a specified year. They disclose their electricity data annually, and RE100 reports on their progress.
The initiative increases corporate demand for – and in turn supply of – renewable energy, by:
• Bringing together major companies committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity globally in the shortest possible time (by 2050 at the latest)
• Setting the bar for corporate leadership on renewable electricity, holding members to account, and celebrating their achievements to encourage others to follow
• Communicating the compelling business case for renewables to companies, utilities, market operators, policy-makers and other key influencers
• Highlighting any barriers to realizing the business and economic benefits of renewable electricity as reported by RE100 members
• Working with RE100 members and in partnership with others to highlight and address policy and market barriers to corporate sourcing of renewable electricity
Since the initiative was launched in New York in 2014, more than 200 companies – including many of the Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders – have joined RE100 and set a public goal to source 100% of their global electricity consumption from renewable sources.
The momentum continues to grow as the initiative spreads to Europe, North America, India, China, Japan and Australia.
How can you get involved?
Companies joining RE100 make a global, public commitment to 100% renewable electricity. To achieve this goal, they must match 100% of the electricity used across their global operations with electricity produced from renewable sources – biomass (including biogas), geothermal, solar, water and wind – either sourced from the market or self-produced.
Businesses can join RE100, the initiative is also supported by the Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders and part of the Forum’s Platform for Shaping the Future of Global Public Goods.
Find out more about the Forum’s range of Climate Initiatives or apply to join the Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders.
