Three years into its eight year corporate sustainability strategy, Woolworths has managed to mainstream sustainability into its business.
At its annual general meeting with shareholders, Michael Luscombe, Woolworths CEO, said the company is pleased with progress so far.
“During 2010 Woolworths has been working hard to mainstream sustainability into the business more than ever before and we have maintained our commitment to support our people and the communities we serve,” he said.
“We recognise the importance of making our business as transparent and accountable as possible and so we are pleased that our 2010 Corporate
Responsibility report achieved GRI A+ application level for the second year in a row.
“Our sustainability performance is reported annually based on the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) G3 guidelines. Our reports are independently assured in accordance with the AA1000 Assurance Standard.”
Woolworths is a signatory to Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and United Nations Global Compact.
It has commenced 46 new energy saving initiatives in-store and distribution centres including retrofitting 98 supermarkets with energy efficient technology. This long-term investment is worth over $13 million and is projected to reduce annual carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2015.
Additionally, the supermarket chain is aiming for zero food waste to landfill by 2015, as well as a 25 per cent carbon reduction per carton delivered by company-owned trucks by 2015.