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Taking action

Reducing emissions is a key part of our Climate Action Plan

by SHERI FLIES

Our world is warming from greenhouse gas emissions, and it’s clear we face dire consequences if we don’t reduce them. At Costco, our goals and plans to lower carbon dioxide emissions are stated in our Climate Action Plan.

This plan addresses Costco’s direct carbon footprint from our operations, as well as emissions from our network of suppliers. Climate action is part of our broader, holistic sustainability efforts, which I’ll explain here.

Measuring our impact

First, we have worked diligently to ascertain our total carbon footprint. For example, we have analyzed our emissions for everything from our warehouse operations around the world (refrigerants and electricity are major factors) to our delivery fleet. With a baseline of our total emissions footprint now established, we have begun to set annual reduction goals for our operations. Likewise, we are working with our suppliers to understand their emissions and reduction efforts.

Operations and sourcing

In our warehouses, our focus is on energy supply and efficiency, refrigeration, electrification, design and site selection, program oversight and employee education. Our STAR program—Sustainability Technical Assistance Review—lists smart procedures for warehouse staff to follow to operate responsibly, which reduces emissions.

In sourcing products for Costco, our buyers ask suppliers foundational questions about people, animals, the environment and packaging related to their goods. One other key question has been added: What are your emissions and your plans to reduce them?

We’re seeing results

Our total emissions directly related to our operations for the last reporting period decreased slightly from the baseline established in 2020. This comes even as we’ve added warehouses around the world. We feel that our efforts so far to operate efficiently are paying off. Based on these results, and further analysis, we have increased our reduction commitment for operations from 20% to 39% by 2030.

Climate action is critical for all of us. We are committed to doing our part and will provide updates on our progress in our Sustainability Commitment.