Deloitte researched the sustainability activities of 65 leading companies in 10 industries, for its first 'Zero Impact Growth Monitor 2012'.

Only six companies, less than 10 per cent from the total sample, reached a level on which they are ready to take radical steps to transform their industries towards a 'green economy'.

The report highlighted that the majority of the companies are still vague about their strategic growth ambition.

Ricoh is identified as reaching the Ecosystem level of sustainable business, joined by Puma, Nike, Nestle, Unilever and Natura. This means it is recognised as one of the pioneering companies that have set measureable and ambitious mid to long-term targets beyond 2020. It has also embedded its sub-policies in a holistic strategic vision of its attempt to minimise its negative environmental and societal impacts.

New Zealand Managing Director Mike Pollok says Ricoh recognised some time ago that the environment the company operates in will continue to change at a rapid rate.

"Organisations like Ricoh that innovate and adapt to change will survive," says Mr Pollok. "I am confident we have the bedrock sustainability mindset to meet the challenges that come our way and thrive."

Businesses considered to be at the Ecosystem level are seen to be establishing sustainable business ecosystems and creating truly shared value by also involving their suppliers and other stakeholders in their actions.

Several years ago, Ricoh New Zealand set the sustainability standard for the office equipment and document solutions industry by achieving carbon neutrality through Landcare Research's carboNZero programme, voluntarily extending the measurement scope to offset not just their own emissions, but also those resulting from their customer's use of Ricoh print devices.

Ricoh has been focused on minimising its natural and societal impact for many years. It was Ricoh's founder who first acknowledged the importance of CSR for the company more than 70 years ago. He made a commitment to social sustainability in every aspect

of Ricoh's business activities to innovate on behalf of its customers and to pursue sustainable business practices.

Today Ricoh strives to be a company people are proud to work for, going beyond compliance to encourage responsible growth wherever possible. By linking its commitment to forward-thinking business strategies, it promotes development that is profitable and sustainable at customer sites as well as its own operations.

Ricoh has also set long-term reduction targets to 2050, whereby, the Ricoh Group is committed to reducing the total lifecycle CO₂ emissions from FY2000 level by 87.5 per cent.

In addition, Ricoh's ethos to go beyond simply meeting regulatory requirements is highlighted by its unique Eco-boards in London, New York and Sydney.

The objectives of these billboards are to communicate a message that prompts environmental awareness among the public and to encourage everyone to take a step towards a sustainable society. Each relies on natural energy to illuminate. If there is insufficient solar power, the sign may not light up which is an eventuality Ricoh readily accepts, in order to deliver its message.

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