Amazon's 2024 Sustainability Review: Insights into Manufacturing and Transportation Practices
Amazon's 2024 Sustainability Report showcases the tech giant's ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase renewable energy usage. The company, with over 1.5 million employees, delivered over 1,000 packages per minute worldwide in 2024.
One of Amazon's key initiatives is the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). By the end of 2024, Amazon increased its EV fleet from over 19,000 to over 31,000 vehicles globally, with a target of reaching 100,000 by 2030. This includes a commitment to deploy 10,000 EVs in India by 2025.
Renewable energy procurement is another focus area for Amazon. The company matches 100% of the electricity used by all active Echo, Fire TV, and Ring devices worldwide with operational wind and solar capacity. AWS data centers are optimized for energy efficiency, with a global power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.15, better than the industry average of 1.25.
Amazon co-founded The Climate Pledge in 2019, a commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2040. By the end of 2024, the Pledge had grown to 549 signatories, encouraging industry-wide sustainability efforts, including nearly 20 joint action projects on mutual climate challenges.
Despite a 6% rise in total carbon emissions in 2024—driven partly by increased energy demand for AI chip data centers and logistics operations—Amazon remains committed to sustainability. CEO Andy Jassy pledged a $100 billion investment in 2025, much of it going to clean energy and climate tech innovation, including expanding renewable infrastructure and electric delivery fleets.
Amazon reduced single-use plastic packaging by 16.4% in 2024. Waste management improvements are also evident, with landfill diversion rising to 85%. The company also addressed emissions, renewable energy, waste reduction, and skills development in its 2024 Sustainability Report.
Amazon's data centers operated by AWS demonstrated energy efficiency with a PUE of 1.15 in 2024. The company also provided solar and wind power to match all operating energy for Echo, Fire TV, and Ring devices in 2024.
Amazon pledged US$2.2 billion to build or maintain over 21,000 affordable homes in the US. The company's overall carbon emissions increased from 64.38 million MTCO2e in 2023 to 68.25 MTCO2e in 2024, potentially due to data center growth driven by AI. However, emissions per dollar of gross merchandise sales have decreased from 75.6g CO₂e/$GMS to 72.6g CO₂e/$GMS, indicating efficiency improvements.
In summary, Amazon’s approach combines ambitious renewable energy targets, fleet electrification, energy efficiency in operations, and collaborative initiatives through The Climate Pledge, offset by the ongoing challenge of emissions growth linked to expanding services and AI infrastructure.
- The environmental science sector is witnessing rapid growth, with sustainability and ESG at the forefront of many courses offered in education and self-development platforms.
- To support this movement, numerous NGOs are organizing events for individuals seeking careers in personal growth, career development, and sustainable living.
- In the business industry, investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient homes and gardens has become a popular avenue for those prioritizing environmental sustainability.
- Real estate businesses are increasingly focusing on sustainable living, incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-saving features in their property designs.
- As climate change continues to be a pressing issue, science is playing a vital role in developing technologies that help mitigate its effects, such as renewable energy sources.
- In addition to reducing its carbon footprint,Amazon has started offering training programs for employees, encouraging the development of skills related to green technology and energy management.
- The increase in the use of AI chips and logistics operations has led to a rise in Amazon's overall carbon emissions, yet the company remains committed to finding solutions through investing in clean energy and climate tech innovation.
- Despite the challenges, Amazon's 2024 Sustainability Report highlights the company's accomplishments in waste management, with landfill diversion rising to 85% and a reduction in single-use plastic packaging by 16.4%.
- In line with its commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2040, Amazon plans to expand its renewable infrastructure and electric delivery fleets, aiming to reach 100,000 EVs by 2030.
- With the growth of The Climate Pledge, over 549 organizations have pledged to take action on climate change, fostering collaboration and collective action in various industries.
- In addition to its ongoing efforts in the tech sector, Amazon has also pledged US$2.2 billion to build or maintain over 21,000 affordable homes in the US, furthering its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
- The energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with Amazon's data centers operating at a power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.15, better than the industry average, demonstrating their energy efficiency.
- Amazon also reported matching 100% of the electricity used by all active Echo, Fire TV, and Ring devices worldwide with operational wind and solar capacity.
- Amazon’s approach to sustainability showcases a promising direction for businesses, emphasizing environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and collaborative efforts to combat climate change.
