Intel is Inside Corporate Responsibility

Executives and employees at Intel Corporation strive to not only be the leaders in computer chip manufacturing, but they also strive to be leaders in responsible business practices. Their recently published 2012 Corporate Responsibility Report shows commendable advances towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Intel has been one of the leading purchasers of green power in the United States and will purchase nearly 3.1 billion kilowatt hours of renewable electricity in 2013, which fulfills nearly 100% of their energy needs. Additionally, they have completed 18 solar installations on the Intel campuses, generating power equivalent to the yearly consumption of about 1,000 homes. As of April, Intel has also received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications on 29 of their buildings.

On top of their environmental successes, Intel has made a commitment towards social responsibility. They have recently achieved their goal of manufacturing a microprocessor that is verified conflict-free, and the Enough Project and the International Crisis Group named Intel as the leading electronics company for the use of conflict-free minerals.

Corporate responsibility and corporate profitability do not have to be mutually exclusive occurrences. In the past two years, Intel has actually increased their global revenues by 22%. Moreover, even though the US circuit manufacturing industry has contracted due to increased global competition, Intel has increased its market share from 8.4% to 12.1% over the last two years.

Furthermore, the market potential for corporate responsibility is expansive. According to a recent Cone Communications and Echo Research study, 91% of global consumers surveyed are likely to switch to a brand associated with a “good cause”. 85% percent of consumers are likely to consider the environmental and social responsibility of a brand before recommending it to others.

The days of optional corporate responsibility programs are in the past. Companies with aspirations for large growth will need to implement innovative ideas for environmental sustainability and social responsibility to stand out from the crowd. A sustainable and responsible brand identity will increase consumer awareness and eventually drive sales growth.