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Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has launched its Responsible Store Design Program to promote sustainable retail. ELC introduced the program, aligning with the commitment to corporate sustainability, in hopes of assessing and enhancing the sustainability of both new and existing retail locations, and the comprehensive program focuses on various areas, including waste reduction, water and energy conservation, and responsible material sourcing.
Embracing Sustainability in Store Design
Recognizing the significance of incorporating sustainability into store design and visual merchandising, ELC has been actively working with its brands and global retail design teams. In 2020, ELC established its internal Green Building Standards, serving as guidelines for integrating sustainable principles into new construction and major renovations. These standards encompass energy, water, waste, and indoor air quality practices, acting as a foundation for the Responsible Store Design program.
Developing the Responsible Store Design Program
To ensure the program’s credibility and accuracy, ELC collaborated with a sustainability consulting firm experienced in green building design. Additionally, the program underwent third-party review, further validating its reliability. By launching the Responsible Store Design program, ELC aims to showcase its commitment to sustainability to both employees and consumers, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the company.
ELC’s Responsible Store Design program sets specific prerequisites for brands interested in participating. These prerequisites vary based on the retail space and store type. New stores are evaluated using a scoring system that assesses sustainability efforts across retail design and operations. Existing stores and visual merchandising are evaluated based on a checklist of prerequisites to ensure compliance with core sustainability requirements.
The program encompasses various aspects of retail operations, including store build-out, energy and water management, responsible material sourcing, visual merchandising, store operations, and innovation. Notably, LED lighting, Energy Star-rated equipment, and low-emission materials are crucial for reducing energy usage and minimizing emissions. Efficient waste management practices and water-saving plumbing fixtures further contribute to the program’s overall sustainability objectives.
ELC’s Future Plans
ELC’s Responsible Store Design program has gained momentum, with six stores successfully aligning with its framework during the fiscal year 2023 pilot program. One standout example is the Origins store in Nanjing Deji Plaza, which opened in July 2022 and achieved an impressive score of 26 points, meeting all prerequisites. ELC plans to expand the program beyond the pilot phase, aiming to influence global retail operations with its branded retail sustainability initiatives.
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