By: Alexandra Kueller
Last week we introduced SSC’s latest peer benchmarking analysis, and this week we will take an in-depth look at each dimension. For a better understanding of how we score and each dimension, please read:
A company that is environmentally responsible is the key to any sustainability plan. During SSC’s peer benchmarking process we look for companies that use the earth’s resources efficiently, seek out renewable materials and energy options, incorporate life-cycle-based thinking, and evaluate performance to allow for continuous improvement.
Overview of the Environment Dimension
Points
- Nike – 20
- Adidas – 14
- Puma – 19
- Lululemon – 10
- Under Armour – 4
Between the five companies in the environment dimension, energy & climate change and water are the leading categories with all five companies receiving points in both. For the companies that addressed waste & recycling, they reported strong, well-rounded plans that focused on policies, programs, and performance. Land use & biodiversity was the weakest category, with only two companies briefly addressing the issue.
Energy & Climate Change
Energy & climate change was the strongest category in the Environment dimension, with three companies scoring maximum points (Nike, Adidas, and Puma). This indicates that these companies have very strong policies, programs that support the policies, and that they provide plenty of performance metrics. Lululemon and Under Armour briefly mention a policy regarding energy and climate change on their website, with Lululemon providing performance data and Under Armour supplying examples from their programs.
Waste & Recycling
Four out of the five companies mentioned waste and/or recycling on their website and in their reports at least once (Under Armour was the only company not to do so). Nike and Puma achieved maximum points for the Waste & Recycling category, while Adidas and Lululemon provided strong policies and supporting programs for waste and recycling.
Water
The water category is strong amongst all of the companies as all five provide at least one water policy. As with the previous categories, Nike and Puma received maximum points for having excellent policies, programs, and performance metrics, and Lululemon and Adidas were not far behind. However, Lululemon and Adidas did not provide as many metrics or programs as Nike or Puma. Under Armour has the weakest score with only a brief policy mentioned on their website.
Land Use & Biodiversity
The only companies to discuss either land use OR biodiversity were Nike and Puma. Nike only had a brief land use and biodiversity policy and respective programs mentioned in their report. Puma had one performance metric. The three other companies – Adidas, Lululemon, and Under Armour – had no mention of either land use or biodiversity.
Miss our first dimension analysis earlier this week? Catch right up here!