Operational efficiencies are gained through the consolidation of space and sites. Savings prior to 1991 are not included. The objective is to achieve annual energy conservation savings equivalent to 4 percent of IBM's yearly electricity and fuel use. In 1996, the company's energy conservation efforts saved 210 million kilowatt hours of electricity, or 3.4 percent of its use. In its ISO 14001 effort, IBM has included energy as a significant aspect of its Environmental Management System.
Energy audits are also an important part of internal environmental controls.
Progress in meeting energy conservation targets is monitored quarterly for all IBM plants and labs. Savings prior to 1991 are not included. An important part of IBM's energy conservation objective is minimizing carbon dioxide emissions by burning less fuel and using less electricity generated off-site. Last year, IBM's worldwide efforts in this area resulted in avoided emissions of more than 140,000 tons of CO2 and other combustion-related gases. In 1996, IBM joined ClimateWise, a partnership program between the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. EPA, and industry to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.