The 2018 Cox Corporate Social Responsibility Report CEI_2018_CSR_Report | Page 69

How We Align With the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established to provide a road map to
create a more sustainable future for all — one that could be reached by 2030. From addressing climate
change and water scarcity to conserving global ecosystems to expanding access to quality education,
the SDGs offer a clear action plan to address our world’s most pressing challenges. Cox Enterprises’
Corporate Social Responsibility strategy is closely aligned with several SDGs.
Quality Education
The work of the James M. Cox Foundation supports innovative solutions and
teacher training to strengthen early childhood education, particularly among
underserved communities. Cox’s Connect2Compete program has provided
affordable internet access to more than 400,000 children and adults — access
that is vital to improved academic performance. Cox internet solutions power
some 10,000 schools, and we’ve invested more than $20 million in financial
contributions and technology to outfit 100 Technology Centers through a
partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Clean Water and Sanitation
Water scarcity impacts more than 40 percent of the world’s population, including
several of the communities we serve. Our goal is to become a water-neutral
company. To achieve this, we’ve deployed a wide array of water conservation
and reclamation projects across our facilities and joined partnerships to improve
threatened watersheds. Our new investment in sustainable agriculture makes it
possible to grow leafy green produce while using 90 percent less water than
conventional methods, and yield 10 times more per acre.
Affordable and Clean Energy
We’ve long deployed renewable on-site solar generation, investing in renewable
energy at Cox facilities in 17 states. Recently we’ve expanded that effort to
include investments in wind generation and utility-scale solar, including a new
$25 million solar farm project.
Climate Action
Our effort to reduce our carbon footprint and GHG emissions includes renewables,
but also extensive energy efficiency and conservation programs across our
vehicle fleets and facilities. We’re deploying lower- or zero-emission vehicles,
installing more efficient HVAC and energy management systems, and engaging
employees to encourage behaviors that reduce harmful emissions.
Life Below Water
Our longstanding partnership with Ocean Conservancy leverages philanthropic
support and the efforts of hundreds of Cox volunteers each year to clean up
beaches and waterways. We’ve added to those efforts by joining Ocean
Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas Alliance, which is devoted to eliminating marine
debris at the source.

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