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Quick Links
Apple, Inc.
Protecting the environment is critical to the conservation of precious natural resources and the continued health of our planet. Apple recognizes its responsibility as a global citizen and continually strives to reduce the environmental impact of the work we do and the products we create.
Coldwater Creek
A letter from Dennis Pence, Founder and Chairman Coldwater Creek
In the summer of 2004, our Board of Directors approved the formation of the Coldwater Creek Social Responsibility Committee - an innovative group of employees which remains very active today. I'm happy to report that many of the things we discussed doing at that time are either in place or well on their way to being so. Of course, we still have a long list of items that need to be tackled.
At our first meeting, I asked the committee to join me in "thinking big thoughts" in relation to potential social and ethical concerns associated with our plans to begin direct importing on a global level. Quickly, our conceptual scope broadened to embrace areas that went beyond global apparel sourcing, including issues related to our employees and their families, the local communities affected by our presence as an employer, our customers and investors, and our impact on the environment.
Playing our part in protecting the environment has been a very high priority for us from the time Ann Pence and I founded the company in 1984. With that in mind, some of our key accomplishments so far in the area of social responsibility have been in this arena. For instance, we recently converted to company-wide use of wind energy to power our headquarters, distribution and customer contact centers, and growing base of retail stores, as detailed in the "Protecting our Resources" section.
Beyond that, we have installed energy and water saving technology in our operational facilities and retail stores, with more installations to come, and we are making real strides in our efforts to recycle an ever-increasing amount of cardboard, packing materials and office paper.
We're also proud to join other major national apparel brands as a member of the Apparel Water Quality Working Group, facilitated by Business for Social Responsibility. As a group, we are committed to developing a single set of standards - and ensuring that they are closely monitored and enforced - in order to improve water quality in the countries that manufacture our merchandise.
And because we understand that the move to directly importing our apparel comes with a heightened level of responsibility, we have implemented strict social compliance requirements and a code of vendor conduct, as outlined in the "Affirming our Ethics" section.
These are just the first steps in what we realize will always be a work in progress. As a company, you have our commitment that we will continue along this path as we find new ways to improve our performance in the areas of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Sincerely,
Dennis Pence
Founder and Chairman
Coldwater Creek
FedEx
FedEx is committed to providing global connections while minimizing our environmental impact. We have integrated responsible environmental practices into our daily operations, and we continuously set goals that challenge us to increase efficiencies and reduce waste.
Gap, Inc.
GREEN
Virtually everything we do has an impact on the planet - from the materials we use in our clothes to the way we ship them to more than 1,000 stores.
Our parent company, Gap Inc., assesses the environmental footprint of all its brands and looks for ways to minimize environmental impact across the company. We participate in many company-wide environmental initiatives, including the Denim Clean Water Program. We require all denim laundries to participate in this program, based on BSR's strict guidelines. This means that the water used in washing our jeans has been specially treated to ensure that it's safe and clean for local communities when it leaves the denim laundry.
In addition to these company-wide efforts, Gap brand employees are continually finding new ways to ensure that our business operations tread lightly on the environment. Sustainability has become a part of our culture. Across the company, Gap's employees have developed innovative programs and groups that are focused on integrating sustainability into the work we do every day.
In 2008, we began to transition our packaging to recycled paper. Among many other initiatives, we also developed gift cards made of 88 percent recycled content, and we significantly reduced the amount of cardboard boxes used to ship our product.
This year, we launched a campaign to help employees learn waste-reducing disposal behaviors at our headquarters buildings. In the first four months alone, we increased our recycling efforts by 61 percent and reduced our overall waste pick up by 50 percent. We also developed a game to help employees rethink how they approach trash.
Since the day we were founded 40 years ago, Gap has remained committed to doing the right thing: for our business, for local communities and for the planet. Today this passion is still intrinsic to our company culture and guides and inspires our employees in the work they do every day.
JCPenney's Commitment to Social Responsibility
Built on the legacy of founder James Cash Penney, who believed in doing what is "right and just," JCPenney is committed to being a good corporate citizen through the support of environmental, social and ethical initiatives.
To bring sharper focus to our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, we have identified five areas of emphasis under the banner of "JCPenney CARES:" Community, Associates, Responsible Sourcing, the Environment and Sustainable Products. Our vision for CSR is: JCPenney CARES for our Associates, customers, communities and the environment in everything we do.
JCPenney is a retail pioneer in its support of initiatives that reduce environmental impact by saving energy and recycling. Recently, our Company received the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award for our ongoing efforts in Energy Management.
We also have been recognized as one of the Top 50 Organizations for multicultural business opportunities by DiversityBusiness.com and as one of the Top 25 Noteworthy Companies by Diversity Inc. for our inclusion and diversity efforts.
Central to our corporate social responsibility efforts is our focus on Associate involvement. From our logistics center Green Teams to our active Inclusion and Diversity t=Teams to our many Associate volunteers, our 150,000 Associates are key to our program.
Community
JCPenney cares about improving the quality of life in the places where we live and work.
Associates
Our Associates are our greatest strength, and we embrace the diverse perspectives they contribute to our business.
Responsible Sourcing
JCPenney makes it a priority to do business with suppliers that operate with high ethical standards.
Environment
JCPenney is developing initiatives to promote environmental responsibility across all aspects of business - from operations to products and services.
Sustainable Products
JCPenney offers customers innovative products that help the environment.
Johnson Controls
A more comfortable, safe and sustainable world.
Kohl's Environmental Mission
To be the leading environmentally responsible retailer through focused resource stewardship by our associates, vendors and business partners.
Lennox
Commitment to Energy Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility
Lennox is dedicated to environmental stewardship. In our commercial divisions, that extends to creating products and programs that help businesses around the world protect the earth and our natural resources.
Limited Brands
As a values-led organization, Limited Brands is increasingly integrating the protection and preservation of global resources into our everyday business practices. It's part of doing what is right and means that we are committed to sustainable, responsible and thoughtful environmental behavior. We realize that we have a long way to go, but we're pleased with our initial steps to reduce our impact on the environment. Going forward, our commitment is to consistently improve upon and expand our environmental stewardship efforts, while continuing to collaborate with other advocates who share our values.
We strive to manage the natural resources entrusted to us through:
• thoughtful procurement of supplies, equipment and merchandise; and
• our daily business operations.
Interwoven through every step is our commitment to:
• minimize waste generation and maximize recycling;
• partner with not-for-profit organizations to promote reuse;
• conserve energy and preserve natural resources;
• promote the increased use of recycled content paper;
• partner with environmentally responsible suppliers;
• build relationships with environmental agencies and non-governmental organizations; and
• hold ourselves accountable for our environmental stewardship efforts.
Nike
Considered Design & The Environment
In a future where global trends include water shortages, rising energy consumption, and severe impacts of climate change, Nike is using innovation and design to help create a better world by minimizing our global environmental footprint, supporting positive climate change action and legislation and creating sustainable product innovation.
Through Considered Design, Nike is combining sustainability principles and innovative design to produce performance products for athletes. At its core, it's about reducing or eliminating toxics and waste, increasing the use of environmentally preferred materials and using Nike's innovation to create a future with more sustainable products.
We think this is the future state. We think this is worth aiming for.
Osram Sylvania
Our commitment to environmental sustainability extends well beyond the bulb. Environmental stewardship is a fundamental part of our business ethic. We increasingly use fewer natural resources, save energy in our manufacturing, reduce power plant emissions, and recycle lamps and other materials to ultimately avoid adding millions of pounds of waste each year to landfills.
At OSRAM SYLVANIA, protecting our environment and caring for our communities aren't just the right things to do; they're the only things to do.
REI
REI's Stewardship Aspiration
Years ago, many of our stewardship efforts started organically among our employees. They asked challenging questions of the co-op and took personal accountability. Today, we operate the company by considering the social and environmental impacts of business decisions.
By being thoughtful in our operations, we can reduce our impacts on the planet. But we have a higher aspiration - use the power of innovation and collaboration with our industry peers to create positive change that is beneficial not only to REI but manufacturers and other consumer outdoor brands and retailers.
Strategic Focus
We've identified five environmental priorities that have the most impact on our operations and in which we wish to inspire broader change: greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, green building, paper sourcing, reducing waste and recycling, and responsible product stewardship.
Growth through a Stewardship Lens
Our products and services help our members and customers experience the outdoors.
However, we recognize that our business impacts the planet.
The co-op's continued success and resulting growth allows us to invest in creative solutions, such as stores that incorporate smart design and innovative technology and product offerings made with alternatives to conventional materials.
Green building
Green buildings emphasize water conservation, energy efficiency and indoor air quality. When done well, resulting buildings are more comfortable and healthier to be in, have lower impacts on the environment and can have reduced operating costs.
In the construction of new REI buildings, we consider the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) point system as a measure in meeting our green building goals, when possible. Through our store prototype initiative, we are testing design and green building concepts to help us make decisions in the future. Our first prototype store is located in Boulder, Colo., and our second such store will be located in Round Rock, Texas.
ecoSensitiveTM Gear and Apparel
How green is green? Product environmental claims are a complex and significant issue. In 2007, we introduced our ecoSensitiveTM label to help identify branded products made from a high percentage of recycled, rapidly renewable and/or organic fibers. We clearly communicate the pros and cons of these fabric choices to our customers. With other outdoor brands and supply chain partners, we are also collaborating in an industry-wide initiative to establish clear and consistent information about "eco-friendly" and "green" products.
Target Corporation
Target strives to be a responsible steward of the environment. We go far beyond simply complying with environmental regulations - we seek to understand our impact on the planet and continuously improve our business practices so that we:
• Use resources responsibly
• Eliminate waste
• Minimize our carbon footprint
• Offer a selection of natural, organic and eco-friendly products
• Develop facilities that align environmental, community and business needs
• Influence our vendors and suppliers to embrace sustainable practices
Our research shows that being a responsible steward of the environment is one of the most important issues that defines Target's corporate reputation.
Target continually looks both inward and outward for opportunities to be a force for positive change. When we encourage systematic solutions, caring about the environment becomes an essential part of every business decision - and making eco-conscious choices becomes second nature.
Tennant Company
Sustainability at Tennant Company
We aspire to be stewards of people, products, places, and profits today and tomorrow.
USM
We do what's right.
As providers of facility maintenance and management services to key industries throughout North America, sustainability lies at the heart of our business. We are Partners for Change; long-term partners, committed to improving the sustainability of our clients' businesses and their business practices and the efficiency, effectiveness and longevity of their assets. For us, sustainability means constantly working towards becoming a better service provider, a better employer and a better neighbor. Sustainability is part of our corporate DNA because it's about doing what's right. Our core values govern the way we do business: we lead the way, we do what's right, we take responsibility, and we care for each other.
Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless works every day to protect our environment and give our customers opportunities to do the same. Below are a few examples of the earth-friendly initiatives and programs Verizon Wireless is proud to offer and support.
Check back occasionally, as we'll continue to add new initiatives to show how Verizon Wireless is "going green."
Environmental stewardship is ingrained in Verizon's heritage, and the company prides itself on having a positive influence on the environment in which it operates. Learn more about Verizon's company-wide green initiatives or download a fact sheet about Verizon Wireless' green initiatives.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Sustainability
At Wal-Mart, we see sustainability as one of the most important opportunities for both the future of our business and the future of our world.
Our opportunity is to become a better company by looking at every facet of our business-from the products we offer to the energy we use-through the lens of sustainability.
Sustainability 2.0 - Goals
Wal-Mart is working to be supplied by 100 percent renewable energy, create zero waste and sell sustainable products.
Waste Management
Social Responsibility
We make it our business to Think Green® every day. When we Think Green, we think of a world...
...where there are so many clean, alternative ways to produce power that the threat of exhausting our natural resources is forever put to rest. ...where "reduce, reuse, and recycle" become the watchwords of every family and company in North America.
...where companies take a leadership position by investing in cleaner technologies so that air pollution becomes a thing of the past.
...where the environment is respected and every action is aimed at recovery and restoration.
...where Waste Management partners with its customers to use our knowledge and experience to their benefit and the benefit of the planet, leading them to new, sustainable solutions and working with every link in the supply chain to address the entire life cycle of a product.
...where Waste Management's commitment to excellence and leadership has positioned us to deliver lasting solutions to the environmental challenges our planet will face in the 21st century.
Waste Management has committed to periodically reporting its status on sustainability.
Wiedenbach-Brown
Wiedenbach-Brown has an environmental philosophy: To challenge ourselves to 'think greener' by improving our operations and encourage everyone in our company to adopt a more sustainable way of life to protect the world we live in.
The success of our 'think greener' campaign highlights the positive impact we have on the environment while challenging other companies to make a difference too.
We can do more. We will do more.
We challenge other companies to do the same.
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