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Leading Retailer Releases First Accountability Report
Leading Retailer Releases First Accountability Report
Published 10-17-06
Submitted by Mountain Equipment Co-op
"Marking Our Route establishes a new standard of transparency for the Co-op," said CEO Peter Robinson. "Beyond giving members and stakeholders a look inside the organization, preparing the report has proven valuable to helping us manage our impacts and identify opportunities for change."
The report provides a thorough assessment of MEC's 2005 performance in ten core areas--from product design and sourcing practices to member satisfaction and community involvement activities. Benchmarks of past performance and goals for future improvements are given for each of the ten areas.
"MEC's accountability report is a model," said Bob Willard, author of The Sustainability Advantage. "Its transparent, warts-and-all view shows MEC's sustainability beauty marks, its blemishes, and its genuine commitment to improve in partnership with stakeholders throughout its supply chain."
The report validates that MEC has been effective at 'greening' its operations. For example, greenhouse gas emissions from MEC facilities have been reduced by 52 per cent since 2003. Recycling rates (or material diverted from the waste stream) last year averaged 83 per cent across the organization.
Negative findings noted in the report include 218 violations of worker rights and health and safety standards in 27 contract factories that manufacture MEC-brand products. The infractions came to light through factory audits that MEC conducted in 2005 as part of its Ethical Sourcing Program. MEC will press the manufacturers to remediate the violations.
Other areas for improvement include product sustainability. For instance, based on a 'cradle to cradle' approach, MEC has committed to dramatically increasing the volume of recycled fibres in its outdoor apparel.
"The accountability report is essentially a tool," said Denise Taschereau, MEC Sustainability and Community Manager and the report's author. "The benchmarks and goals give us the direction, the route ahead, for how we make a sustainable business."
"MEC has re-set the content and process standard for sustainability reporting," said Willard. Mr. Willard was a member of the review panel MEC convened to comment on a draft of the report.
Marking Our Route is available as a downloadable pdf through MEC's website at http://www.mec.ca/accountability. A print copy (in either English or French) can also be requested by email or phone: info@mec.ca or 604-707-3332.
MEC is Canada's leading retailer of outdoor clothing and equipment, providing quality products and services for activities like hiking, climbing, cycling and skiing. Established in 1971, MEC has more than 2.4 million members throughout Canada and around the world. The Co-op is recognized for its commitment to community and sustainability.
