When we launched Dell’s Powering the Possible platform last year, we knew it would blossom into something special. Our commitment to put technology and expertise to work where it can do the most good for people and the planet, the platform has paved the way for us to positively influence our environment, our communities, and our team members. Behind the scenes, our team has continuously worked to ensure that we’re not just donating funds and technology, but that we’re also leveraging our time, effort, and expertise in order to make an impactful difference in communities around the world.
As our team prepared for today’s launch of our FY13 Corporate Responsibility Summary Report, it was impossible not to reflect on the great work that we’ve achieved over the past year.
- Environment: Dell reached its long-term recycling goal of collecting 1 billion pounds of end-of-life computer equipment a full year ahead of schedule while also meeting its strict packaging reduction commitments. We also became one of the first in the industry to introduce EPEAT- registered printers. Our great sustainability work helped us to secure a spot on Interbrand’s Top 10 Global Green Brands list for the third consecutive year.
- Communities: As part of our Children’s Cancer Care initiatives, we worked closely with partner Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) to deliver a high-performance computing solution for genomic research, compressing the time it takes to analyze a patient’s molecular data from days to hours. We also furthered innovative disaster relief efforts with the launch of the Red Cross Digital Operations Center (DigiDOC), the world’s first social media command center for humanitarian aid. DigiDOC helped track 2 million social posts during Hurricane Sandy to influence relief efforts, and was also activated during several other natural disasters during 2012.
- People: We expanded our Connected Workplace program, now being offered in 37 locations across 26 countries. Additionally, we announced a $1 million, multi-year commitment to create the Catalyst Research Center for Career Pathways, which tracks previously unstudied trends and demographics related to women’s careers in order to uncover why gender and achievement gaps exist and how they differ from country to country.
Powering the Possible is not just our platform, it is our inspiration. And I am inspired each day by the work that we do, the achievements that we’ve made, and our plans for the future. We know that with the help of technology, we can accomplish a world of good and it is up to us to ensure that we’re leveraging the proper tools, resources, and solutions to make a difference. Whether it’s reducing waste, helping a child receive life-saving cancer treatment faster, or decreasing gender achievement gaps, we will never stop striving to inspire change and we will never stop working towards powering the possible.
Later this year, we will publish a more comprehensive, forward-looking report where we will launch a framework of 2020 goals across our corporate responsibility focus areas. Stay tuned!
