Carbon dioxide emissions and climate change
Experian is working to do its part to reduce CO2 emissions. In 2005 the business signed contracts with its energy suppliers to switch part of its electricity purchasing to low-carbon sources. Throughout 2005/6, Experian (in the UK) purchased 20% of its electricity from renewable sources. In the UK Experian is working with The CarbonNeutral Company to identify the "carbon footprint" of its transport fleet. The initiative was supported by Experian’s leasing company, Masterlease as part of its own environmental strategy.
Experian has also begun to consider how it might adapt to a changing climate. For planning purposes the Group has made the following assumptions:
- Energy costs will continue to rise, partially as demand continues to grow while supply remains static, and partially as Governments load more costs on to users of energy to discourage consumption.
- Renewable energy generation will continue to grow, although it will still provide only a minority of the developed world’s total energy supply.
- There will be changes in the weather patterns in all parts of the world, ranging from mild to severe.
- Public opinion will change in support of ‘climate friendly’ policies and Governments or companies who are seen to be polluting in this way will attract growing criticism.
In response, Experian is constantly seeking to improve its energy efficiency as described elsewhere in this Report, and plans to continue and – if possible – extending its use of renewable or low-carbon energy, which has the commercial benefit of avoiding carbon tax charges.
In some cases there are new opportunities from - for example - providing insurers with specific information to allow them to assess changing risk. Experian is able to meet this demand with detailed information.