2013 Corporate Responsibility Report

Using alternative sources of energy
While Staples’ energy reduction efforts are contributing substantially
to reducing the company’s carbon footprint, we’re shrinking that
footprint even further by producing our own solar power, using fuel cell
technology and participating in the EPA’s Green Power Partnership.
• Today, Staples has 34 facilities hosting a total of 37 solar arrays in the U.S.
To date, 14.5 MW of solar installations have generated more than 75 million
kWh of clean energy for Staples facilities since the start of the program.
• Staples continues to expand our commitment to purchasing
green power. In 2013, Staples U.S. increased our green power
purchases to cover 100% of our U.S. electricity needs.
• As an early adopter of fuel cell technology, we continue to operate fuel
cells at our distribution centers in Ontario, CA, and Rialto, CA, — in both
cases, the fuel cells are complemented by solar power installations.
• Staples is ranked as a top U.S. company in the “Solar Means Business”
2013 report, including being ranked #6 in the retail sector.
Improving our fleet’s environmental performance
Staples is speeding ahead to
improve our sustainable delivery
practices. We electronically limit the
Staples is a Shipper Partner of
the EPA’s SmartWay program.
top speed of our U.S. delivery trucks to 60 miles per hour and use idle management
technologies to shut off engines after three minutes of idle time. Staples also has
53 electric trucks making deliveries to our customers in several markets. Electric
trucks produce zero on-road emissions and significantly fewer total emissions
when compared to diesel trucks. In addition, we continue to test new alternative
truck technologies, like hybrids, CNG and advanced idle reduction. These and
other initiatives have allowed us to improve our long-term fuel economy trend.
Reducing our energy consumption and carbon
emissions
In 2013, Staples received the
Pinnacle Award for Excellence
in Commuter Options.
Through our proven energy efficiency
programs and renewable energy
commitments, we are demonstrating
tangible progress against our goals
to improve our energy efficiency and reduce our carbon emissions.
From 2010 to 2013, Staples reduced our U.S. and global electrical intensity
by 3.2% as a result of energy efficiency improvements. Our goal is to reduce
the electrical intensity of our global operations by 25% by 2020 from a 2010
baseline. Although we are making good progress, this goal will remain a challenge
given that we are using more technology within our stores (increasing energy
consumption) while also shrinking store size (decreasing square footage).
Our investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy have helped
us reduce our global carbon emissions footprint. In 2013, we were able to
offset all of our emissions related to U.S. electricity through a commitment
to purchase renewable energy certificates. As a result, our global carbon
emissions have decreased by approximately 60% since 2010. See
our Performance Summary for specific emissions information.
We recognize that we have achieved our goal as originally stated,
and will consider updating the goal in the future if we continue to
demonstrate these same consistently high emissions reductions.
Electrical Intensity
globally (kWh/ft2)
Carbon Emissions
globally (metric tons CO2-e)
Staples 2013 Corporate Responsibility Report
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