Oracle and the Environment

From Lauraibm

Revision as of 09:12, 10 July 2007

Bold text==Summary==

What the Vendor says about itself

Oracle and the Environment

As a developer of computer software, Oracle does not produce harmful waste or byproducts in the course of doing business. However, Oracle is not merely a bystander in the ecology movement.

Oracle proactively promotes "green" practices by minimizing resource utilization, emphasizing sustainable resources, minimizing and recycling waste, and other activities.

By partnering with federal and state agencies and other voluntary organizations, Oracle has become a leader in the software industry on energy and environmental issues.

Oracle Conservation Facts

• Oracle was the first software company to participate in the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leader Partnership, a program that sets specific goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Oracle is a founding member of the Sustainable Silicon Valley Initiative, a program that follows the Kyoto Accord's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• As of June 2004, Oracle's office in Reading, United Kingdom was certified as an ISO 14001 facility, following strict guidelines for tracking electricity, natural gas, paper, and waste.
• Oracle is a founding member of the Redwood Shores Transportation Committee. More than 22 percent of the HQ workforce utilizes commute options offered by Oracle. Vanpools, shuttles to and from local CalTrain stations, bike lockers and racks, and discounted public transit tickets are all popular alternatives to driving a car.
• Oracle's food service provider donates all unused food to Turning Point Women's Shelter in Redwood City. If Turning Point cannot take all the food available, a donation is made to the Santa Clara Second Harvest Food Bank.

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Oracle and the Avian Conservation Centre

Oracle-supported Program Keeps California Bald Eagles Flying High

The Avian Conservation Center rescues, breeds and hatches endangered birds, with a little help from industry.

Perched on a bluff behind the San Francisco Zoo sits one of the most extrordinary animal conservation programs in California. Since 1986, the Bald Eagle Recovery Project has rescued, bred, hatched and released the majestic avian and national symbol, dramatically restoring their numbers along the West Coast. From the release of the first chick into the wild in 1991, the Project has added 70 new members of this endangered species, bringing the number of breeding Bald Eagle pairs in California to 150 from a low of 34.

Re-establishing an endangered species is time-consuming and labor-intensive work. Coordinator of the Avian Conservation Center Kathy Hobson runs the project almost entirely by herself, maintaining eight breeding pairs of eagles at the Center each family with their own private pen. Hobsen spends her time supporting the birds in every way--one day managing the incubation of new eggs, the next travelling to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco to collect pine needles for nests. Hobsen's expertise and dedication is a major factor in the success of the project.

And this success gives Hobson hope for the future of the Bald Eagle—and other species of birds—in California. "I hope that one day you'll be somewhere on the pennisula and easily see a golden eagle and a bald eagle and a peregrine," says Hobson "And I want to see a condor. I hope it won't be hard to see them all one day."

However the Zoo would simply not be able to operate this important program without assistance from private industry. Beginning in 1989, Oracle has consistantly supported the Bald Eagle Recovery Project with charitable donations and volunteers. Based on the current budget, Oracle's total cash contibutions could fund the entire project for almost two years-keeping nests filled, eggs warm and the repopulation effort soaring along.

Oracle also supports the San Francisco Zoo in other ways. Oracle Volunteers participate in "Renew the Zoo," a monthly workday focused on improving the Zoo grounds. Oracle Volunteers also assist with Zoo events throughout the year."Many corporations and foundations reduce their giving or terminate their contributions over time," says Foundations Manager Linda Rapp. "We are particularly grateful that Oracle continues to support the Zoo at an extremely high level."

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Oracle and Energy Management

Oracle is working to decrease its environmental footprint by reducing the amount of energy it uses to heat, cool, light, and maintain its corporate offices.

Starting with the design and construction of Oracle's headquarters campus in Redwood Shores, the company employed energy efficient solutions for lighting, air conditioning and water use. This approach continued with the design of Oracle's massive data center in Austin, TX—which is powered by 25 percent renewable energy. Today, Oracle is committed to extending energy conservation to its facilities across the globe.

In addition to lower-tech conservation measures such as turning off monitors overnight, reducing lighting in hallways and stairwells, and replacing incandescent lighting with compact-fluorescent lights, Oracle now includes high-tech energy-saving features as part of the design process when constructing new buildings.

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Source

• 1. Oracle and the Environment

• 2. Oracle and the Avian Conservation Centre

• 3. Oracle and Energy Management