Greener Goals for Hanesbrands
Hanesbrands, based in Winston-Salem, N.C., has big plans. Big green plans.
The company recently announced its goals to increase its usage of renewable energy to 30 percent of all energy used and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15 percent. Hanesbrands already has reduced water usage by 10 percent.
Hanesbrands strides in strategic energy management earned it an Energy Star 2010 Partner of the Year award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The company was selected from 17,000 organizations that participate in the program.
"Hanesbrands has quietly become a leader in energy management and aspires to be an international apparel industry leader in overall environmental responsibility and stewardship," said Richard A. Noll, Hanesbrands chairman and chief executive officer. "Working in partnership with Energy Star to manage our energy use is good business. Using sustainable practices and conserving natural resources to help mitigate our environmental footprint and to reduce costs are strategic ways we are creating business value."
Hanesbrands has been doing its part for the planet for a few years. It has been tracking its carbon footprint since 2007, the first year the company was independent, and has significantly reduced its carbon dioxide emissions. The company has set goals for reductions in energy use, carbon emissions and water use by 2012.
"Hanesbrands is leading the fight against climate change through greater energy efficiency," said Gina McCarthy, EPA assistant administrator for air and radiation. "Hanesbrands' robust energy management program is a model for others and affirms that energy efficiency is our most cost-effective climate strategy."
Some of the company's accomplishments include:
• Since 2007, the company's energy efficiency programs have reduced the amount of energy used to make products by 11 percent.
• In 2009, Hanesbrands reduced its carbon dioxide emissions from its transportation and logistics operations by 41 percent as a result of significant efforts to switch product shipping from truck to rail transportation where possible and an enhanced effort to minimize air freight.
• The company has three U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified facilities, including one of the largest certified warehouses in the world, the company's 1.3-million-sq.-ft. distribution center in Perris, Calif. The company is pursuing four additional certifications and is on track to have 20 percent of its total leased and owned space–4 million sq. ft. of manufacturing, assembly, distribution, office and retail space–certified in LEED practices.
• In 2010, Hanesbrands expects to save the equivalent of 2,600 barrels of oil and 380 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by shrinking package sizes and switching to a lighter-gauge film for several core high-volume products.
In addition, Hanesbrands launched its new corporate social responsibility at www.hanesbrands.com. The site details the company's programs and commitments in environmental and social responsibility.
The environmental portion of the website includes Hanesbrands' CEO statement on environmental responsibility, program details and key reporting metrics, including energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, water consumption and waste produced.
The social responsibility portion of the website details programs that cultivate a culture of integrity by providing safe and rewarding workplaces to employees, assuring product safety for consumers and supporting local communities around the world.
Noll said, "The significant majority of Hanesbrands products are made in company-owned plants, which gives us direct control over workplace conditions, environmental practices and community involvement. We are committed to continuing to make positive and sustainable social and environmental contributions in the years to come."
For more information, visit www.hanesbrands.com.
- People:
- Gina McCarthy
- Richard A. Noll
- Places:
- Winston-Salem, N.C.