Cherryl McDougall: "We all have a responsibility to protect our planet."
– By Steve Pipe & Richard Kanes
Earth Day is an opportunity to reflect on Seagate’s commitment as a global steward of the environment. We interviewed Cherryl McDougall, executive director, EHS and Sustainability, about Seagate’s programs that focus on the environment and sustainability in our operations and products.
Q: How does Seagate drive sustainability in its business?
McDougall: We fully understand that our decisions—both large and small—can make a difference. We’ve worked across the company at all levels to execute sustainability initiatives that balance real business needs with the necessary sensitivities to protect local and global environments. Seagate sets goals, tracks progress and audits its systems to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and waste. Together, these initiatives are the foundation of our environmental sustainability efforts.
Q: What are some key highlights of Seagate’s sustainability efforts?
McDougall: We’ve worked hard to ensure that 100 percent of our manufacturing facilities adhere to industry-leading ISO 14001 requirements. ISO promotes the development and implementation of voluntary international standards, for products and environmental management systems. We have a “zero-landfill” policy related to hazardous waste, and only send this to those facilities that have been audited to Seagate standards to certify that these facilities have appropriate disposal methods to minimize environmental impact. Seagate has established five-year reduction targets for both energy and water consumption. This fiscal year, we’ve been expanding analysis of Seagate’s overall emissions to include product transportation and distribution, in addition to individual employee commutes to and from work.
Chief Technology Officer Mark Re took part in a tree-planting activity at the South Korea Design Center earlier this month.
Q: Can you give some examples of how individual Seagate sites are reducing the company’s environmental impact?
McDougall: There are a number of interesting efforts to cite across our global footprint. In Malaysia, which is experiencing drought, our site teams continue to look for ways to minimize water consumption so as not to waste this precious resource. In China, where air quality is a constant challenge, Seagate has focused on efforts to reduce, as well as filter, its factory emissions. In addition, buses used to transport employees to and from work are less than 10 years old and must meet our strict standards for regular maintenance.
Q: How does Seagate extend the focus on sustainability into its product portfolio?
McDougall: We have a comprehensive system to collect material data from our suppliers—which allows us to understand and transparently report 100 percent of the materials contained in our products. Customers are assured that Seagate products contain no restricted substances. We also conduct product lifecycle analysis on all our product families. This work helps us understand and reduce the environmental impacts of our products—from sourcing of materials through manufacture, packaging, delivery, use and disposal.
Q: How does Seagate maintain transparency and ensure our stakeholders are aware of the company’s sustainability efforts?
McDougall: We stay transparent by reporting our performance through several means. Our Global Citizenship report provides an annual update on progress toward achieving our sustainability improvement goals. This report is posted on the UN Global Compact page for Seagate.
Additionally, we report environmental performance through the CDP website—an international, not-for-profit organization providing a global system for companies and cities to disclose environmental information.
Q: What is Seagate doing to remain environmentally friendly in its local communities?
McDougall: Seagate is deeply committed to supporting employee engagement to improve community environmental impacts through local Seagate-sponsored initiatives and events. Whether a large corporation like Seagate or as individuals, we all have a responsibility to protect our planet. Let’s make every day Earth Day.
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