Disney publishes 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report
The Walt Disney Company strives to inspire a better world through the power of stories. Today, Disney released its 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which details the company’s efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion through stories and storytellers who reflect the rich diversity of our world, support environmental sustainability by taking action to help protect our planet, and bring comfort, optimism, and joy to our communities through charitable giving. It also highlights Disney’s commitment to investing in employees and cast members, and to operating responsibly.
“Every company has a unique impact on the world. At Disney, creating stories and experiences that inspire and bring people together is ours. Our stories encourage children and adults to see the world in a positive light, to believe that anything is possible, and to take action to make their world a better place,” said Jennifer Cohen, executive vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company.
Here are some highlights from this year’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report:
Promoting Greater Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Last year, Disney launched a company-wide initiative, Reimagine Tomorrow, that taps the Company’s resources to advance opportunities for diverse communities, amplify underrepresented voices, and champion the importance of representation in media and entertainment. Disney continued to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace and beyond in several ways, including implementing new content inclusion standards, launching a new talent acquisition initiative at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and directing more than $150 million of the Company’s annual charitable giving to programs directly serving underrepresented communities. The Company’s intention is to direct more than 50% of its annual charitable giving to programs supporting underrepresented communities, and to spend at least $1 billion with diverse suppliers by 2024.
Protecting the Planet for Future Generations
Disney’s commitment to environmental stewardship dates back to their founding nearly 100 years ago. The Company is committed to doing their part to protect the planet and create a positive environmental legacy for future generations as they operate and build their businesses.
Despite the continued impacts of COVID-19, this past year Disney began making progress towards their ambitious 2030 Environmental Goals focused on reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste, building more sustainably, and reducing the environmental impact of their consumer products. Among notable accomplishments this past fiscal year, Disney announced they are teaming up with local utility providers to build two new solar facilities expected to come online near Walt Disney World in 2023, that—along with existing solar sources—will power up to 40% of the resort’s annual electricity needs. They also installed solar arrays at Castaway Cay and Hong Kong Disneyland, diverted 60% of operational waste from landfills, and launched plastic-free packaging for a line of classic princess dolls. And invested millions to support non-profit organizations working across 30 countries through the Disney Conservation Fund.
Supporting Communities
One of the things the Company is most proud of is the difference they make in our communities. Disney brings comfort, optimism, and joy to people of all ages and inspires hope, especially among children, through their longstanding support of children’s hospitals and wish granting organizations, and through the contributions of thousands of passionate Disney VoluntEARS around the world. Of note, in fiscal 2021 Disney delivered more than 400,000 toys, hospital gowns, and other items to over 500 children’s hospitals, and installed Disney-themed experiences in five children’s hospitals. They also supported local food banks worldwide through a combination of monetary and in-kind giving, including more than 320 tons of food to support communities impacted by COVID-19.