Kohl’s Department Stores has released its 2012 corporate social responsibility (CSR) report, providing updates on the company’s programs and accomplishments in sustainability, community relations and social compliance.
“In 2012, we continued to evolve and grow many of our programs, furthering the company’s commitment to our communities, business partners and environmental responsibility,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “From associate volunteer efforts to educating our supply chain partners about sustainable practices, Kohl’s and our associates are dedicated to making a positive difference. I am proud to share what we have accomplished and our plans for continued progress in the years ahead.”
Kohl’s 2012 CSR Highlights
Sustainability: Kohl’s Cares: Advancing Environmental Solutions: Kohl’s is committed to protecting and conserving the environment through solutions that promote long-term sustainability. Key strategies include supply chain collaboration, sustainable operations and stakeholder engagement.
In 2012, Kohl’s expanded its commitment to supply chain sustainability to include analysis of 50 private brand vendors, as well as the company’s top 325 national brand vendors – representing approximately 90 percent of the company’s merchandise spend. The company also surveyed 38 non-merchandise business partners in the areas of transportation and consumables. Kohl’s leverages these scores in key areas of sustainability to foster consistent dialogue and education and to help vendors establish their own programs and commitments.
As of the end of fiscal 2012, Kohl’s:
-Achieved 752 ENERGY STAR-certified locations, adding 75 stores in 2012 with a goal to reach 800 certified locations by 2015.
-Purchased more than 1.5 billion kWh of renewable energy credits, offsetting 100 percent of the company’s purchased electricity use and achieving net zero emissions for the third consecutive year.
-Operated 137 solar arrays at stores and corporate facilities, including 16 new locations added in 2012. The company also activated its largest solar location to date at its Edgewood, Md. e-commerce fulfillment center. Kohl’s aims to have 200 active solar arrays by 2015.
-Recycled more than 83 percent of all operating waste with a goal to recycle 85 percent by 2015.
-Rolled out electronic signs to all stores, saving nearly 35,000 sheets of paper per store each month. In addition, all stores are now able to provide e-receipts to Kohl's Charge customers.
-Achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for more than 300 locations.
-Operated electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 60 locations across 16 states for customers to charge their EVs for free while they shop.
Kohl’s is also a member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge and has set a goal to reduce energy use by 20 percent in more than 112 million square feet of occupied building space by 2020.
