REI releases fifth stewardship report
US outdoor footwear, apparel and equipment retailer REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc) has released its fifth annual stewardship report, detailing the company’s progress in calendar year 2010 to address its operational environmental impact, efforts to protect outdoor spaces, and performance in providing an inclusive and rewarding workplace.
The annual report provides performance metrics and milestones on REI’s efforts against its stated goals and how it incorporates the lens of stewardship into business decisions.
“REI is committed to pursuing environmental sustainability, operating in a socially responsible manner and reporting our progress to employees, members, customers and other stakeholders,” said Kevin Hagen, REI’s director of corporate social responsibility. “We’ve brought additional rigor around our metrics to monitor and report. This includes the addition of environmental metrics to our 2011 planning and budgeting process, which are currently being implemented to help us deliver on both environmental and financial performance.”
The company’s 2010 stewardship report, which outlines efforts across its headquarters, 114 stores and two distribution centres, is divided into three sections: Community, Sustainable Operations and Workplace.
The Community section highlights REI’s efforts to protect natural spaces by mobilizing volunteers through local programs, grants and nonprofit partnerships. Specific highlights include: 109,785 volunteer hours committed through 541 REI-hosted conservation projects to plant trees, restore trails, and clean parks and streams; $3.7 million in grants provided to more than 330 nonprofit partners with a focus on conservation and outdoor recreation; and 23,454 miles of trail maintained and 27,353 acres of land restored to provide future outdoor experiences via REI’s support of its nonprofit partners. The Sustainable Operations section highlights REI’s progress against five environmental strategies, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable paper usage, reducing waste and optimizing recycling, green building and product stewardship. Among the highlights are: REI’s net carbon impact of 7.3% was less than REI’s 2010 sales growth of 14%; 2.4% less energy used in REI’s facilities, despite adding four new stores and relocating two retail locations to larger spaces; and a CO2 reduction of 2.9% in REI’s direct fulfilment, while growth in REI’s direct sales channel grew by 22.9%. REI issued its first report in 2007, which discussed social and environments efforts made during the 2006 calendar year.
