Sustainability

Share this article

Disney's Sustainability Goals: Taking Better Care Of The World We Share

The Happiest Place on Earth has recently announced a magical new list of renewable energy and sustainability efforts aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of its theme parks and resorts around the world.

The Happiest Place on Earth has recently announced a magical new list of renewable energy and sustainability efforts aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of its theme parks and resorts around the world.

The Happiest Place on Earth is about to get a lot greener. 

Disney’s culture of conservation and environmental stewardship dates back to Walt Disney, who once said, “conservation isn’t just the business of a few people – it’s a matter that concerns all of us.”

From its earliest nature movies in the 1950s and setting aside nearly one-third of Walt Disney World Resort property as a dedicated wildlife conservation area in the 1970s, to the recent development of a 270-acre solar facility, Disney is committed to continuing this legacy of preserving nature around the world for generations to come.

Tell me more…

In a Disney blog post, written by Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks, he shared that the company met its 2020 environmental goals and has announced a new set of ambitious goals for 2030.

“From achieving net zero emissions for our direct operations to zero waste going to landfills from our wholly owned and operated parks and resorts, these goals signify our commitment to ongoing environmental stewardship.”

Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks

Right now, Disney-owned and operated sites are working to reduce single-use plastics and to harness the power of the sun, reducing tens of thousands of tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

The giant is also providing guests with hundreds of plant-based dining options and sustainable seafood choices as well as more sustainable products and packaging, looking for ways to improve the guest experience and make significant progress on its long-term goals.

Disney
New plastic free doll packaging. Image: Disney

The new set of goals for 2030 include:

  • Renewable Electricity
  • Conserving Fuel
  • Sustainable Design
  • Reducing Waste
  • Using Water Responsibly
  • Greening Production
  • Protecting Nature

The most sizeable goal Disney is working towards will be the addition of two separate solar plants, built in conjunction with local utility partners, at Walt Disney World in Florida. Both, shaped like Mickey Mouse – of course, are expected to open in the next two years. 

Collectively, the facilities will reportedly produce renewable energy equivalent to about 40% of the total power consumption across its four theme parks, resort hotels and water parks. 

Disney
Mickey Mouse solar plant. Image: Disney

“Disney has shown a strong commitment to the environment throughout its history and we’re excited to continue building on that legacy with new, ambitious environmental goals for 2030. These goals focus on key areas of our business where we believe we can have a significant, lasting impact and make a positive difference in protecting our planet.”

Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company

Disneyland Reopens

Disney

On Friday 30 April, Disney characters, cast members, and guests come together for the first time in over 400 days and celebrate (in a COVID-safe style) the reopening of Disneyland Resort in California.

Just prior to the gates of the park opening, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company Bob Chapek participated in the daily ceremony to raise the American flag and shared brief remarks of inspiration for the cast members who were preparing for the momentous day.

Chapek expressed his appreciation for the spirit, persistence, and patience cast members have shown over the past 412 days, and he noted that appreciation is shared by guests.

“We’re not just another place, we’re not just another theme park. We’re something special, and we’re something special because of all of you, because you bring magic to the world,” he said. “Our guests crave the Disneyland experience because of your special brand of care and attention.”