REI Climate Impact Increases 3 Percent

May 24, 2012

National outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI saw a 3 percent increase in overall absolute climate impact, but less than its overall sales growth of 8.4 percent compared to 2010, according to its sixth annual stewardship report.

REI store #2 image The report covers metrics and actions for 2011 for its headquarters, 122 stores, two distribution centers and aspects of its supply chain manufacturing.

The following are highlights from the report. The retailer:

Decreased operational waste, led by recycling efforts in its distribution centers in Sumner, Wash. and Bedford, Pa.;
Added 12 new solar power generating installations, bringing REI’s continued investment to 23 stores and one distribution center;
Reports the lowest use of paper and virgin fiber since the company began reporting in 2007;
Participated in more than 540 REI-sponsored conservation projects, including 35,990 volunteers and 137,089 hours of “sweat equity” on trails, parks, and waterways; Trained 600 retail store management employees to sustain and expand REI’s respectful and inclusive workplace and shopping experience – the single largest investment ever made in retail training; and
Audited 21 percent of its branded supply chain to ensure its products are manufactured and sourced ethically under safe and fair working conditions.

“As part of REI’s core purpose, stewardship is present in individual employee actions, woven into our interactions with vendors, and used as a filter for our strategic and financial planning,” said Kevin Hagen, REI’s director of corporate social responsibility. “Our focus on the metrics of environmental and social performance helps us see opportunities we might have missed before. Using that lens results in both reduced impacts and better financial results.”

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