Home Depot Decreases Energy Use in Stores 26% Compared to 2010

Credit: Home Depot

The Home Depot has issued its 2019 Responsibility Report, which details the company's 2018 progress on its commitment to its three pillars — Operate Sustainably, Focus on People and Strengthen Our Communities, including a commitment to reducing carbon emissions 50% by 2035.

Highlights from the report include:

• In 2018, the world's largest home improvement retailer set science-based targets to achieve a 40% reduction in its carbon emissions by 2030 and a 50% reduction by 2035
• US store energy use decreased 26% compared to 2010, ahead of the company's stated goal for a 20% reduction in consumption by 2020
• Supply chain efficiencies implemented by The Home Depot reduced carbon dioxide intensity by 6% per dollar sold
• Under the company's responsible sourcing policy, The Home Depot conducted 1,362 factory audits and 1,649 follow-up visits in 2018

New to the report this year is the inclusion of 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that align with The Home Depot's sphere of influence. The report also includes additional charts on materiality touchpoints, progress on stated goals and an environmental, social and governance (ESG) transparency chart that highlights The Home Depot's key ESG metrics from 2016 through 2018.

In addition to these improvements, the report includes detailed information about the company's efforts to reduce environmental impact through the products it sells.