Environmental sustainability

Our commitment

Improving our environmental impact is another way Nationwide® is more than a business. We’re committed to managing our resources in ways that protect and support the long-term interests of our associates, our members and the communities in which we live and work.

During the past 10 years, we’ve greatly reduced our carbon footprint, and we continue to focus our efforts on reducing carbon emissions, increasing landfill diversion and reducing waste and water usage. We execute sustainable investment strategies to promote a resilient economy that will benefit our members and communities.

By the numbers

Renewable energy

We’ve invested over $1 billion in renewable energy efforts via solar, wind and hydro power projects. Learn more about how we invest with purpose.

Looking ahead to 2026: Targets and progress

Target 1: Carbon footprint

By 2026, Nationwide has committed to reducing carbon emissions per thousand square feet by 26%. In 2020, we surpassed that goal. Since 2010, we’ve reduced our carbon footprint by 36.7%.

All of our locations include programs for centralized waste, battery recycling and water bottle diversion.

Target 2: Landfill diversion

By 2026, Nationwide’s landfill diversion rate is forecasted to increase to 60%. Since 2010, we’ve increased our landfill diversion rate to 39.6%.

100% reduction of our corporate electronics are either recycled or reused, and we compost food waste in our Central Ohio office locations.

Target 3: Waste reduction

By 2026, Nationwide’s landfill diversion rate is forecasted to increase to 60%. Since 2010, we’ve increased our landfill diversion rate to 39.6%.

More than 2.4 million water bottles were diverted from landfills and 68% fewer pages have been printed since 2012.

Target 4: Water use

By 2026, Nationwide will lessen the total water consumption per thousand square feet by 10%. In 2020, we reduced our water usage by 40,010,275 gallons.

7.7 million gallons of water were reduced in 2019 through actions that include installing low-flow bathroom fixtures, faucets and toilets at many Nationwide office locations.

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