Triple Pundit – Who Believes In ESG? The U.S. Department of Defense, That’s Who

A growing body of evidence has established that ESG (environmental, social, governance) principles are good for business. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is also applying similar principles to decarbonize its operations and plan for the impacts of climate change. A new solar project in Hawai‘i illustrates how ESG principles are being put to service for national defense.

The Department of Defense embarks on an energy transition
During the Obama administration, the Department of Defense embraced a high-profile position as a market-mover and advocate for climate action, including solar energy, biofuels, energy efficiency and other clean technologies. Despite the lack of support for climate action by former President Trump, the DoD continued to invest in decarbonization during the Trump administration as well.

The U.S. Air Force apparently could not wait for former President Trump to finish his term. Just a few weeks before Election Day 2020, the Air Force publicized a carbon-negative goal for itself and the entire DoD. The Army also announced a net-zero goal for itself last February.

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