RE100 member Sony has brought forward its target year for reaching 100% renewable electricity in the US to 2030.

Sony joined RE100 in September with a goal of going 100% renewable globally by 2040. By setting an earlier target for its US operations, the tech giant is demonstrating it is possible for businesses to go further and faster.

Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group, welcomed the news: “We congratulate Sony for seizing the opportunity to make a faster transition to 100% renewable electricity in a well-developed market.”

Sony’s decision to accelerate its US transition to renewable power comes in the wake of a new report released by the IPCC showing that limiting global warming to 1.5°C will require rapid and profound transitions in energy systems across the globe.

Commenting further, Sam Kimmins said: “In a week when scientists are telling us we need to do more to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius, you couldn’t have a more powerful message than one of the world’s largest electronics and entertainment companies stepping up the pace on climate action. This shows the business community what can be done, and we encourage all major companies to follow suit.”

Mark Khalil, Executive Vice President, Sony Corporation of America, stated “While the Sony Group continues to work on the energy efficiency of our operations and products, we are increasing our efforts toward renewable electricity usage. Our commitment to achieve 100% renewable electricity usage in the North American region by 2030 is a step toward our global goal. By joining RE100 and establishing global and regional targets, we hope to accelerate the usage of renewable electricity at Sony and inspire other companies to do the same.”