SAS expands corporate social innovation programs and broadens sustainability commitment with environmental goals

SAS’ commitment to corporate social innovation and sustainability has long been core to the company’s business approach. As a sustainability innovator recently recognized by the Business Roundtable, the analytics leader strives to use its technology to protect the planet and improve the lives of its employees and the larger global community while giving back through education initiatives. In addition to unveiling targeted environmental goals that build on past sustainability efforts, SAS expanded its Data for Good program through additional projects, ranging from fighting the opioid epidemic to helping nonprofits work smarter.

SAS’ corporate social innovation initiative supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to make the world a better place. The company’s sustainability initiatives promote the goals of clean energy, climate action, and sustainable cities and communities. To accomplish these objectives, SAS is committed to achieving the following environmental goals:

• By 2025, SAS will reduce global greenhouse emissions by 25% (2011 base year).
• By 2025, office buildings at SAS headquarters will improve energy efficiency by 40% (per square foot) and emissions efficiency by 50% (per square foot).
• All new building construction projects will earn LEED^® Gold level certification.
• SAS will add 50% more charging stations at our headquarters by 2020 and continue to explore ways to support electric vehicle infrastructure.
• SAS will continue to use analytics to improve operational efficiencies and invest in the highest-efficiency smart technologies, renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure and environmentally friendly practices across its operations.
• SAS will develop goals and report progress against science-based targets in support of the Paris Climate Agreement.

“Caring for our people, our communities and our planet is simply the right thing to do,” said SAS CEO Jim Goodnight. “Our commitment to social responsibility continues to evolve and expand as we witness the power of connecting analytics and advocacy. By applying our time, technology and expertise toward a social purpose, we’re creating a more sustainable future.”

Environmental leadership

To foster a sustainable workplace and encourage employee creativity, SAS prioritizes creating environmentally friendly workplaces. From energy conservation and solar projects to “green” buildings, waste reduction and recycling, the company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. Recent achievements include increasing solar production to more than 4 million kilowatt hours annually, using solar to power nearly half its newest building, harvesting the first honey crop from its headquarters beehives and adding more than 90 free on-site charging stations for electric vehicles.

Making a difference in the world

SAS has always been motivated by challenges to use its technology to create a brighter future for all. As part of SAS’ efforts to support the UN SDGs, the company is helping to bring these global issues into the classroom with the free GatherIQ™ app. Educators and parents can download the app to help students learn more about the goals, unlock donations for nonprofits working toward the goals and explore global issues through interactive data visualizations, quizzes and other multimedia activities.

As the global leader in analytics dedicated to helping the greater good, SAS also continues investing in Data for Good projects by applying cutting-edge technology and expertise to help solve some of society’s biggest challenges, such as poverty, health, human rights, education and the environment.

SAS is committed to empowering the next generation of innovators through its continued philanthropic focus on education. SAS provides free digital tools, resources and apps to nearly 4.5 million teachers and students. For higher education and adult learners, downloads and registrations of SAS University Edition and SAS OnDemand for Academics grew more than 30% in 2018 to approximately 1.7 million. More than 300,000 people registered for free e-learning courses in statistics and programming.

Visit the SAS Corporate Social Responsibility site and learn what makes SAS a corporate sustainability leader.