Kohl’s Department Stores released its 2011 corporate social responsibility (CSR) report, providing updates on the company’s programs and accomplishments in sustainability, community relations and social compliance. It is available for download on Kohl’s Investor Relations page under Corporate Governance and on KohlsGreenScene.com. While the company has for several years posted a Report to Shareholders on Social Responsibility on its Investor Relations page and last year released a corporate sustainability report, this marks the company’s first formal, comprehensive social responsibility report.
“Kohl’s has a longstanding commitment to social responsibility with the goal of making a positive impact on the customers and communities we serve and the environment we share,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “It is our hope that this report demonstrates this commitment and continues to serve as a resource each year on the advancement and integration of our CSR efforts – from our Kohl’s Cares programs to our social compliance efforts and ongoing collaboration with our suppliers.”
Kohl’s 2011 CSR Highlights
Sustainability – Kohl’s Cares®: Advancing Environmental Solutions: Kohl’s is committed to protecting and conserving the environment through innovative solutions that promote long-term sustainability.
- In 2011, Kohl’s revised its environmental strategies to reflect an enhanced focus on supply chain sustainability efforts and stakeholder engagement, with operational programs such as energy efficiency, building design and waste reduction continuing to serve as a key focus.
- As of the end of fiscal 2011, Kohl’s:
- operated 121 solar arrays at stores and corporate facilities.
- achieved ENERGY STAR labels for 677 locations.
- achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for more than 200 locations and earned Gold LEED pre-certification on its prototypes for new and existing stores.
- purchased more than 1.4 billion kWh of renewable energy credits, offsetting 100 percent of Kohl’s purchased electricity use.
- recycled 78 percent of all operating waste.
- surveyed the company’s top 300 vendors on their sustainability practices each quarter, with the average score improving seven points from 2010.
- executed 18,880 backhaul trips to its distribution centers from vendors on return trips to stores, eliminating more than 4.3 million empty miles.
- served as a participant in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Building’s Challenge, a founding circle member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and a participant in Business for Social Responsibility’s Energy Efficiency Pilot.