Cox Enterprises Signs American Business Act on Climate Pledge

Company pledges to send zero waste to landfill by 2024; be water and carbon neutral by 2044

ATLANTA, Oct. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Cox Enterprises attended the White House Summit on Climate and the Road through Paris.  The Summit gathered leaders from the government, private sector, academic, technical and scientific communities. The event focused on how to further efforts around carbon mitigation, sustainability and resiliency, as well as how technologies are emerging to support and scale these efforts. Additionally, participants discussed how to further engage and organize in support of the upcoming COP21 Paris climate negotiations.

At the event, Cox Enterprises announced that it has joined the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, joining more than 80 companies from across the American economy to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sustainability. 

Cox Enterprises has long been committed to environmental stewardship and conservation.  Since 2007, the company has invested more than $100 million in sustainability and conservation through its Cox Conserves program, which promotes and supports positive environmental change in our businesses and in the community. 

"As the environment we live in and work in is threatened, the culture of our company is to do something, not debate, not procrastinate, but get out and really do something about it," said Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy. "Cox Conserves is a very important part of our culture. The legacy I want people to understand is that it's what you do rather than what you say that matters. We are proud to pledge our support and take action as an eco-friendly company to reduce our impact on the environment."

Cox Enterprises pledges to send zero waste to landfill by 2024 and become both carbon and water neutral by 2044. The company plans to accomplish these goals by:

• Waste Diversion: Reduce waste to landfills by 6 percent year over year through increased recycling, exploration of new waste technologies, as well as employee and customer engagement.
• Carbon Reduction: Reduce CO2 emissions by 5 percent year over year through alternative energy, energy conservation and operating a more sustainable fleet.
• Renewable Energy: Invest in new energy generation technologies, as well as existing, proven technologies.
• Water Conservation: Reduce water usage by 6.5 percent year over year through programs across our campuses and business operations that balance necessary use with meaningful restoration.
• Sustainable Supply Chain: Partner with suppliers with a focus on conservation, including reduction in energy and water used in manufacturing and distribution, and reduction in air and water pollution. Cox also asks suppliers to increase use of recycled content in products and packaging, reduce waste sent to landfills, invest in alternative energy sources and prioritize use of environmental friendly transportation.

Learn more about the American Business Act on Climate Pledge at go.wh.gov/ClimatePledge.

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About Cox Enterprises:
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of more than $17 billion and approximately 55,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak.  To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.

About Cox Conserves:
Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program. Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 55,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

The company's sustainability goals are to send zero waste to landfill by 2024 and become carbon and water neutral by 2044. The company also presents the Cox Conserves Sustainability Survey, a nationwide survey that examines sustainability opportunities and challenges for small and medium-sized businesses.

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SOURCE Cox Enterprises

For further information: Elizabeth Olmstead, elizabeth.olmstead@coxinc.com