In our 2007 report, we stated our intent to measure and evaluate the impact of our carbon footprint, establish a clear baseline from which to track our progress at reducing emissions, and prioritize opportunities to reduce and manage the impact of our business operations.
In spring 2008, we commissioned MIT to establish a valid methodology for calculating our company’s emissions on an annual basis. We used 2007 data to set a baseline and calculate the company’s carbon footprint for the first time. We have since updated our carbon footprint with 2008 data (see graph). Both analyses were calculated in accordance with the specifications of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, published by the World Resources Institute, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
CVS Caremark Environmental Comittment
As a company dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve through innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services, we understand the need for a healthy environment, and are committed to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within our company and throughout our supply chain.
In all aspects of our business, we will strive to:
- Utilize natural resources as efficiently as possible.
- Minimize our carbon footprint throughout our supply chain and enterprise.
- Reduce our waste streams by leveraging opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle materials.
- Consider the lifecycle impacts of our products and work with our suppliers to do the same.
- Heighten consumer awareness of healthy and sustainable products.
- Engage our colleagues in efforts to minimize the company’s environmental footprint.
At CVS Caremark, we are committed to reducing our footprint in a manner that benefits our customers, our employees and the planet. We understand and acknowledge the impact our business has on the environment, and are focused on managing the energy and waste generated by our business operations.
Our green initiatives are governed by our Environmental Leadership Council, a crossfunctional team of senior leaders representing the entire enterprise – from store design and logistics to merchandising and our mail order pharmacy. Established in 2008, the Council is responsible for defining and implementing CVS Caremark’s environmental strategy, establishing short- and long-term priorities and recommending future actions to advance the company’s environmental commitment.
Our Impact
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The 2008 carbon footprint for CVS Caremark is approximately 1.56 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, 90.3 percent of which is generated by the consumption of electricity. The remaining emissions result from product deliveries (4.2%), natural gas usage in facilities (3.2%), and business travel (2.3%). When compared to 2007, 2008 emissions increased by 1.6 percent, our square footage increased by 6.3 percent and our emissions per square foot declined by 4.4 percent. |
What We Measure
The boundary set for our carbon footprint calculation was based on available data and industry standards, as defined by the WBCSD. We included energy used in all of our stores, distribution centers and offices as well as emissions from business travel and product deliveries controlled by CVS Caremark. However, the data does not include emissions resulting from waste disposal and use of refrigerants at CVS Caremark facilities. We will work to capture and integrate this data into future calculations.
Moving Forward
Even before we measured our carbon footprint, we were implementing green solutions to lessen our impact on the environment. With this new data, we will integrate initiatives into an even more focused and comprehensive approach. In 2009, we plan to:
- Continue to measure and report our carbon footprint.
- Work with other retailers to share best practices and identify additional opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Establish a long-term carbon reduction goal.
2008 CVS Caremark Corporate Social Responsibility Report
Download the 2008 CSR Report