In Case You Missed It: Retailers Recognized For Their Commitment To Corporate Social Responsibility
Over 30 RILA Members Make Newsweek's 2010 Green Rankings List
Fifty six retailers, in addition to dozens of product manufacturers and service suppliers, were listed on this year's 2010 Newsweek Green Rankings list; demonstrating the ever-increasing commitment of retailers and their partners to achieve a higher level of corporate responsibility. Of those listed, 32 are members of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) including Nike, Johnson & Johnson and IBM who were ranked in the top ten.
"We are delighted to see so many retailers, product manufacturers and service suppliers recognized for their commitment to greening their operations and supply chains," said Adam Siegel, RILA vice president of sustainability and retail operations. "Their work has only just begun. Industry leaders recognize that they have the influence and resources to drive corporate social responsibility and they continue to make great strides toward their sustainability goals while positioning their businesses to succeed well into the future."
According to Newsweek , they worked with three leading environmental-research organizations to analyze the 500 biggest publicly traded companies in the U.S. to compare actual environmental footprints, policies, and reputations.
Newsweek acknowledged Nike for accomplishments in their supply chain with programs that evaluate and improve the environmental footprint of suppliers, through checks on chemical toxicity, water use, and carbon emissions. Nike is also progressing toward carbon neutrality and aims to achieve it for company-owned facilities and business travel by 2015.
Newsweek gave Johnson & Johnson a Green Policies score of 98.86, recognizing them for their clear climate-change policies, goals and deadlines for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Johnson & Johnson has already reduced nonhazardous waste by 32 percent and hazardous waste by 32 percent, well above their goal of 10 percent. And they have reached other similar objectives in paper, packaging, and energy efficiency.
Newsweek touted IBM for programs that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and offer products and consulting services to help clients make their businesses greener.
Accomplishments from other retail members who made the list include:
JC Penney and Sears Holdings Corporation, who were recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as 2010 Energy Star award winners for their long-term commitment to fighting climate change through greater energy efficiency.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has set broad environmental goals to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, to create zero waste and to sell products that sustain people and the environment. Wal-Mart has also launched a new global commitment to sustainable agriculture that will help small- and medium-sized farmers expand their businesses, get more income for their products, and reduce the environmental impact of farming.
Staples, who is a member of the Forest Legality Alliance of which RILA is a member, is focusing on four major cornerstones of corporate responsibility that include selling environmental products, recycling, energy and climate and environmental education.
"Leading retailers' commitment to environmental sustainability is strong and growing. The initiatives earning praise today will soon be surpassed in impact as innovation and industry-wide acceptance drive greater efficiencies, cost savings and lasting social change," Siegel concluded.
RILA has made a commitment to driving leadership in environmental sustainability. Through the Retail Sustainability Initiative (RSI), RILA has created a first-of-its-kind conference for the retail industry devoted to environmental issues, the Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Conference (ESCC). ESCC successfully brings together the top executives involved in establishing environmental programs and integrating green practices into operations at retailers and suppliers. ESCC 2011 will be held October 12-14 at the Peabody Orlando Hotel in Orlando, FL.
About Retail Industry Leaders Association
RILA is the trade association of the world's largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad.
SOURCE: Retail Industry Leaders Association