SUSTAINABILITY
AND DIVERSITY
AT TARGET
Reduce, reuse and recycle. That philosophy has made Target a leader in sustainability as well as a leader in diversity
and corporate social responsibility.
“Over the years, we have integrated
this approach into all areas of Target,
including store planning and design,
construction, merchandising and general operation,”
says Michael Alexin, vice president of product design
and development and the executive co-chair of Target’s
sustainability council. “This is important both from the
standpoint of being more efficient and of doing the right
thing as a good corporate citizen.”
Target, for instance, reuses its hangers and recycles
more than 90 percent of the cardboard that comes
into its stores into new shipping containers. Stores
are designed with energy efficiency in mind, including
low-energy lighting. Sustainability extends to the store
shelves, where Target offers its guests natural, organic
and eco-friendly products, including items made from
recycled materials and all-natural ingredients.
“Through our sustainability efforts, we are leveraging
and protecting the earth’s natural resources to generate corporate value,” says Alexin. “One without the
other doesn’t make sense.”
Sustainability, corporate social responsibility and diversity are key components of Target’s overall commitment to consistently delight its guests, provide a workplace that is preferred by diverse team members and to
invest in the communities where Target does business
to improve lives. Since 1946, Target has contributed 5
percent of its annual income to programs that serve its
communities; today, that translates into more than $3
million a week.
Target stores hire team members that reflect the
cares, concerns and makeup of the communities where
it does business, and it provides products that reflect
the tastes, culture and lifestyle of those communities.
Together, they deliver a strong reliable performance to
shareholders, with consistent growth and a long-term
plan to sustain business success.
What’s more, adds Alexin, they are part of Target’s
corporate DNA. “While many companies are talking
about sustainability today, this is who we are,” says Alexin. “It’s good for business and for our constituencies.”
childhood development and Head Start programs
in underserved communities to begin the process of
work-force development earlier.”
“Customers have told companies
that if a factory polluting the
environment or abusing its workers
is part of their supply chain,
they have a responsibility.”
—PEGGY CONNOLLY,
BOSTON COLLEGE
CENTER FOR CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
ENGAGING, EDUCATING TOP TALENT
CSR initiatives, besides being an effective recruitment
tool, can also help you retain employees by keeping them involved, motivated and productive. At the
same time, a social responsibility program educates
employees and helps them develop new skills, such
as networking and team-building.
“People who work for companies that are doing
great things feel an unbelievable sense of satisfaction,”
says Arena. “You can measure it. It manifests itself in
lower rates of turnover and higher retention rates.
When the average person is given a chance to do
something meaningful, there’s a purpose higher than
just going to work for money.”
Jim Lowry, a senior adviser at Boston Consulting
Group, concurs: “It’s one thing to get employees in
Corporate Responsibility: What Is Most
Important to Customers?
29%
Treats/pays employees well
15% Goes beyond law to protect environment
14% Responsive to customer needs
9% Contributes to community beyond taxes
8% Shares values
3% Gives to charitable causes
3% Ensures good profits for shareholders
0 5 10 15 20
Source: Fleishman-Hillard/National Consumers League
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