REI’s 2009 Stewardship Report Highlights Environmental Sustainability, Community Connections and Workplace Engagement
Co-op Reduces Overall Climate Impact by 10 Percent from 2008 Levels
(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) SEATTLE, WA - September 8, 2010 – Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national co-op providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, released its fourth annual stewardship report, which details the company’s progress to address its operational environmental impact, efforts to introduce people to nature and protect outdoor spaces, and performance in providing an inclusive and rewarding workplace.
REI’s 2009 annual stewardship report, which is available online at www.rei.com/stewardship, demonstrates how the co-op implements stewardship, which is an element of REI’s mission statement – to “inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship.” The report illustrates thoughtful actions across the company – REI’s headquarters, 112 stores and two distribution centers – to make business decisions through the lens of stewardship and identify opportunities that provide environmental benefits and cost savings. “REI reflects its deep commitment to stewardship in how we care for the world where we all play, work and live, and how we connect people to nature,” said Kevin Hagen, REI’s director of corporate social responsibility. “REI’s 2009 report delivers on our desire to be transparent and accountable to our employees, members, customers and other stakeholders.” REI’s 2009 stewardship report is divided into three sections: Community, Environment and People. The Community section highlights REI’s efforts to protect natural spaces by mobilizing volunteers through local programs, grants and nonprofit partnerships. Specific highlights include:-
107,000 volunteer hours committed through 485 REI-hosted conservation projects and REI’s support of nonprofits to help plant trees, restore trails, and clean parks and streams.
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$2 million in grants provided to more than 250 organizations with a focus on conservation and outdoor recreation.
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110,858 youth taught “Leave No Trace” ethics of outdoor recreation through the Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids (PEAK) program.
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24,000 children participated in REI’s Family Adventure program and experienced outdoor exploration, in many cases for the first time.
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A reduction of its absolute climate impact by 10 percent from 2008.
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18 percent of the co-op’s total electricity usage provided through green power purchases and rooftop solar systems.
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LEED® Gold Certification for REI’s Round Rock, Texas, Lincoln Park, Colo., and Boulder, Colo., stores.
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More than 300 REI-brand products received the ecoSensitive designation, which identifies gear and apparel made with a high percentage of recycled, rapidly renewable and/or organic fibers.
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REI’s annual survey results showed 87 percent of employees are positively engaged in the company’s work and mission, outperforming global high performing companies.
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REI ranked 14th overall in Fortune magazine’s 2010 “100 Best Companies to Work for” list.
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REI partnered in or sponsored more than 50 events in San Diego and Atlanta to help families and children from diverse communities make lasting connections with the outdoors.
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REI joined the Fair Factories Clearinghouse (FFC), a non-profit agency that uses collaborative technology to facilitate continuous improvement in social, environmental and security standards for workers at factories around the world. The co-op is using the system to better collaborate with vendors, reduce operating costs and improve efficiency.