Environment

ECOSYSTEMS

Healthy ecosystems provide many benefits to Disney and the communities in which we work and live. We are developing an ecosystem management strategy designed to deliver a net positive impact on ecosystems. As part of this strategy, ecosystem impacts are first identified during the design-review process of new building projects. Then, habitat and restoration solutions are developed to avoid, minimize or mitigate those impacts. Finally, a set of sustainable design solutions are evaluated for potential implementation.

Walt Disney Imagineering R&D is leading this effort through pioneering work in the area of ecosystem services. Our work is firmly grounded in academic research. We draw upon the expertise of key thought leaders in this field, in particular Stanford University and the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Ecosystem Services Research Partnership. This ongoing research emphasizes the balance between built and natural environments.

Our Ecosystems Integrated Approach will continue to develop and evolve as more scientific research becomes available. We expect to pilot this approach in upcoming design projects.

Wood Use Standard

Our Wood Use Standard provides a framework for responsible wood selection in construction projects throughout Disney. Internal teams worked with conservation organizations, including World Wildlife Fund's Global Forest & Trade Network and World Resources Institute, to develop the standard. One key component of the standard is a Wood Use Guide featuring usage and availability information, along with endangerment rankings for 60 different wood species and technologically modified woods. The standard requires that buyers obtain certification when sourcing endangered wood. If certified sources do not exist, wood must be of known, verified legal origin.

Nature Conservation

In addition to our operational and policy programs, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund contributes to nature conservation projects around the world. We also have a number of programs to inspire kids and families to celebrate, discover and conserve ecosystems we share with wildlife. To learn more, visit the Nature Conservation section of this report.