2022 Kohler Believing in Better Report

Kohler Co. released its 2022 Believing in Better report with key metrics of the company’s Believing in Better philosophy outlining ambitions and progress across environmental sustainability; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and social impact initiatives.

In 2022, Kohler intensified the operationalization of its environmental practices around energy, water, and waste; continued to advance its diversity hiring; engaged more associates to give back to their communities; and expanded programs and partnerships that positively impact lives through arts, education, health, and wellbeing support. Highlights from the 2022 report include:

  • GHG, water, and waste intensity reductions: Achieved 16% reduction in GHG emissions, 10 percent reduction for water, and 23 percent reduction in waste, respectively
  • Global operational energy use intensity reduction: Saw a 41% reduction since 2008, an increase from 30 percent in 2021
  • Water savings and products: Contributed 88 billion gallons of water saved in 2022, and over 560 billion gallons saved since 2007, with Kohler WaterSense-labeled products
  • Diverse hiring: Exceeded 2022 goal for diverse hiring with 53 percent of new hires, permanent and exempt, in the US representing diverse backgrounds
  • Associate engagement: Hosted over 300 associate-led global community engagement activities, up from 80 in 2021, and increased the number of Business Resource Groups (BRGs) available to associates to 10 – including Bold Ability (creating a disability friendly workplace) and ARK (Asian Resources of Kohler)
  • Lives impacted: Positively impacted over 1 million lives in 2022 and more than 17.1 million since 1990 through Kohler Safe Water for All, educational, and arts and industries programs

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made to bring more innovative, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable solutions to more people, in addition to providing safe water and sanitation for communities that lack equitable access,” says Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainability and DEI Officer. “Our passionate associates and leadership are integrating our Believing in Better philosophy into business strategies and operations which generates ideas and actions for improvement across the organization.”

Content from this campaign

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Kohler’s 2022 Believing in Better Report: Activating All Associates for Impact
Innovation for Good® (IfG) is Kohler’s in-house start-up incubator for developing business opportunities to address pressing environmental and social issues. Our associates participate in IfG to demonstrate their passion for innovation and social impact.

Diversity & Inclusion

Shaping Diverse and Inclusive Teams at Kohler
Kohler is stronger and more innovative when we nurture what makes each of us unique, allowing everyone to bring their best self to work and achieve their highest potential.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Kohler’s 2022 Believing in Better Report: Enhancing Quality of Life at Kohler
A career at Kohler is more than a job. To support this, we look holistically at what helps our associates show up at their best to do their best. It’s more than creating career opportunities where they can learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Kohler's 2022 Believing in Better Report: Reducing Environmental Impacts Across Operations
In 2022 we began evaluating operations in our manufacturing sites using the Design for Environment (DfE) process, resulting in tangible ways to advance our net-zero 2035 goals—including moving toward renewable energy, reducing water consumption, and reusing waste materials

Sustainable Development Goals

Kohler’s 2022 Believing in Better Report: Becoming the Most Transparent, Accountable, and Environmentally Friendly Company in Our Industry
We are committed to establishing the Kohler brand as the most environmentally friendly brand in our industries by building awareness and driving action toward environmental issues in our company and with our customers, promoting the environmental benefits of our products.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Kohler’s 2022 Believing in Better Report: Delivering Safe Water and Sanitation
Water is at the heart of everything Kohler does, and conserving water and ensuring safe water and sanitation is critical to daily life—not only for drinking but also for sanitation, handwashing, and overall health.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Believing in Better: Kohler Cultivates Strong Communities
Kohler’s stewardship team oversees the assessment of community needs at the locations around the world where we have sizable operations. We work directly with key community partners and humanitarian organizations to mobilize volunteers and provide corporate grants.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Kohler’s 2022 Believing in Better Report: Harnessing Inspiration Through Art
Kohler’s mission of contributing to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services is the foundation of our advocacy and support of the arts and art organizations in our communities.

Research, Reports & Publications

Believing in Better: Turning Conversations Into Action at Kohler
The past year was a pivotal one for Kohler. We continued to build on our efforts in environmental sustainability; diversity, equity, and inclusion; social impact; and integrate our Believing in Better® framework into the business at every level.

Research, Reports & Publications

Kohler Co. Outlines Strategy, Ambitions, and Progress in 2022 Believing in Better Report
Kohler Co. released its 2022 Believing in Better Report with key metrics of the company’s Believing in Better philosophy outlining ambitions and progress across environmental sustainability; diversity, equity and inclusion; and social impact initiatives.

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