Sept. 26, 2008 - Hewlett-Packard has released emissions data associated with its largest suppliers, representing more than 80% of the company's costs for the materials, manufacturing, and assembly of its products.

HP reports that in 2007, the climate emissions associated with its first-tier manufacturing expenditures totaled about 3.5 million metric tons. The disclosure marks the first time a major technology company has released such data.

HP, which operates the largest supply chain in the technology industry, says it will use the emissions data to maximize energy efficiency among its largest suppliers. The company plans to eventually expand its emissions-reporting program to include all suppliers, according to HP.

The release of the supply-chain emissions data marks the delivery of a specific goal of its 2007 Global Citizen Report, in which HP named its top suppliers (another industry first). The company later released a new set of guidelines aimed at helping large corporations encourage their smaller-sized suppliers adopt greener practices.

HP says it is working to establish a standardization of tools and methodologies to facilitate consistent and reliable reporting among its suppliers. Other steps HP is implementing include:

• Working with the Electronics Industry Code of Conduct (EICC) to build a calculation tool to ensure consistency among suppliers’ self-reported emissions accounting;
• HP will participate in the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Supply Chain Initiative, which will develop a methodology for quantifying and reporting product life cycle and supply chain GHG emissions.