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Corporate Social Responsibility
News
9.28.2004 ET
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CSR News from:
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Starbucks Coffee Company Becomes First-Ever EnviroStars Recognized Leader
(CSRwire) SEATTLE, WA - Starbucks Coffee Company received the first-ever
EnviroStars Recognized Leader distinction. This new designation was
established by the EnviroStars business certification program, to
acknowledge a select group of highly successful businesses that are taking
substantial steps towards reducing their environmental footprint in the
Puget Sound region and beyond.
"Starbucks illustrates a leadership commitment to the environment and
community building balanced with proactive business strategies. We think
that's a good business model that can help set an example for other
businesses in the region," explains King County's EnviroStars program
manager Laurel Tomchick. "We want to acknowledge and celebrate their
accomplishments and their focus on profitable sustainability."
Starbucks environmental commitment was formally solidified in 1992 with
the creation of their environmental mission statement which is based on
the belief that environmental leadership is an essential component of the
way they do business. In order to ensure the company continues to improve
environmental performance, Starbucks management formed the Environmental
Footprint team - a cross-functional team working together to identify
systematic opportunities to minimize the company's footprint on the
planet- and the Green Team - a team of store managers from across North
America who work to improve Starbucks environmental performance by
improving retail operations and increasing awareness of environmental
issues.
There are three high impact areas of business operations that Starbucks
focuses its environmental strategy:
Sourcing of coffee, tea and paper. Starbucks has partnered with
Conservation International in order to encourage the sustainable
production of coffee. This year the company established Coffee and Farmer
Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices that are a comprehensive set of coffee buying
guidelines that promote equitable relationships with farmers and
encourages sustainable farming practices that protect the environment.
They are also focused on sustainable production of tea and paper.
Transportation. Starbucks has established incentives to encourage
their partners (employees) to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and
parking demands.
Store design and operations. Starbucks has undergone a number of
improvements to reduce natural gas, electricity and water consumption in
its stores. The company is also partnering with the U.S. Green Building
Council to establish a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) application guide for retail.
"Starbucks is deeply honored to be recognized as an environmental leader,"
said Jim Donald, President of Starbucks North America. "Starbucks strives
not only to be a great, enduring brand, but to be a company that champions
business practices that produce social, environmental and economic benefits
globally."
King County Executive Ron Sims presented Starbucks with the EnviroStars
Recognized Leader distinction at the Profitable Sustainability conference
held at the Seattle Westin Hotel on September 28, 2004. The award ceremony
was part of the Luncheon Plenary - "Business Leadership Roundtable: Is
Sustainability Possible in a Profit Driven World?"
"Starbucks commitment has set a tremendous example of how to be both
successful and sustainable for other businesses in our community," says
Tomchick.
EnviroStars plans to extend the EnviroStars Recognized Leader
distinction to a select group of high-profile businesses in the Puget
Sound region that have, like Starbucks, reduced their overall
environmental footprint. The goal is for these businesses to act as
models, mentors, and catalysts for the spread of environmentally
sustainable practices, including the reduction of hazardous waste.
The EnviroStars program is a service of the Local Hazardous Waste
Management Program in King County. The business certification program
supports businesses in the management and reduction of hazardous waste,
and rates them with 2- to 5-stars according to their demonstrated
commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Currently, there are
approximately 600 businesses certified in the region. The EnviroStars
program is also available in Pierce, Kitsap, Jefferson and Whatcom
counties.
For more information, please visit www.envirostars.org or call
1-877-220-STAR (7827).
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