Operations | Cox Enterprises

Cox Conserves Operations

When it comes to driving positive environmental change, we have an aggressive and methodical plan in place. In the past decade, the company and our affiliated foundations have invested more than $100 million in sustainability and conservation through operations projects and grants to environmental nonprofits.

We partner with national environmental organizations to help maximize our results, and have worked with American Rivers and Ocean Conservancy to remove more than 26 tons of trash from waterways and beaches since 2010. Through the Cox Conserves Heroes program, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, we have donated nearly $800,000 to environmental nonprofits and honored nearly 200 volunteers nationwide.

Cox Conserves Goals

Zero Waste to Landfill by 2024

Achieving this goal involves a holistic approach to waste management that includes three strategies: waste reduction, customer engagement and strategic partnerships for electronic waste.

Carbon and Water Neutral by 2044

From small starts like changing light bulbs and adding low-flow water aerators to bigger solutions like developing alternative energy projects and installing rainwater harvest systems, Cox continues to move closer to this goal.

How We Do It

The path to reaching these goals begins with the simple philosophy that actions, not words, define our success. Cox is committed to a more sustainable future and has put this commitment into action in various ways.

Zero Waste

Everyone at Cox plays a role in reducing waste. That’s why the company made it a priority to inspire and engage employees in our zero-waste strategy, which includes providing deskside recycling across the company. On a larger scale, this strategy led to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution becoming the first U.S. newspaper to receive gold-level certification from the U.S. Zero Waste Building Council for successfully diverting nearly 99 percent of its waste.

Carbon

We'll never stop exploring how to lessen our impact on the environment. We've set big goals and are working to achieve them. Our plan is to be carbon neutral by 2044. Through the use of alternative energy, energy conservation strategies and smart fleet operations, Cox Enterprises is making a difference.

Water Conservation

Conserving water engages multiple Cox core values. Healthy waterways help improve health and well-being in our communities. Conservation lessens our impact on the environment and returns high-quality, reusable water to the communities we serve. Using a variety of technologies, Cox has conserved 57 million gallons of water in the past 10 years.

Strategies include rainwater harvesting, a process that collects, stores and reuses water. At our company’s water conservation centers, we process water to improve its quality to better than its original state. Other programs include motion-sensor water fixtures and xeriscaping – landscaping that uses little or no irrigation.

Alternative Energy

Wherever possible, we harness solar energy and employ fuel cell technology. Since 2007, the company's nearly 40 alternative energy projects across the nation have offset more than 82,000 tons of carbon.

Cox's national employee solar program provides incentives for employees who choose to install solar panel systems on their homes. Employees who qualify and sign up for the program receive up to $1,000 in incentives. These programs are not only good for the environment – they're good for the bottom line.

LEED Gold Certification

Cox’s approach to environmental sustainability was essential during the construction of its headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. Using practical and measurable solutions, it achieved LEED Gold certification for these key areas:

Energy Conservation — through a parking deck solar canopy, high-efficiency HVAC system and efficient light fixtures.
Water Conservation — by recycling groundwater and rainwater for cooling towers, using water-efficient food service equipment and installing low-flow toilets and faucets.
Eco-Friendly Transportation — including a continuous shuttle service for employees and incentives for green transportation.
Waste Management — with recycling and composting vessels throughout the building, Cox has recycled more than 1,000 tons of materials since 2006.