Dalton, Ga.—Shaw Industries released its second annual corporate sustainability report, “Where Sustainability Is Personal.” The report reviews the 
company’s sustainability commitment in 2009, focusing on the environmental and social responsibility of each Shaw associate, as well as its key metrics for environment and social responsibility.
“Companies that willingly seek out and adopt new protocols for sustainable business today stand to make a difference now, and for generations to come,” said Vance Bell, CEO. “Our 2009 report demonstrates our commitment to making sure our products and practices meet the highest standards for human and environmental health, safety and responsibility, as well as our desire to be as transparent as possible with our customers and our stakeholders about our organization, operations and impact.”
Shaw’s 2009 sustainability report includes more disclosures, more metrics and more data than the company’s inaugural 2008 report, according to Jeff West, director of sustainability and environmental affairs for Shaw’s commercial division. “Our annual sustainability reporting process has become a valuable tool for helping us evaluate our progress towards key goals and towards broader sustainability objectives,” West said. “As a result, we have been able to share more data this year than last – including expanded metrics for energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water, and waste.”
Key highlights of the report include:
- Re2E; a new energy facility using proprietary technology that will dramatically increase Shaw’s capacity for reclaiming post-consumer carpet and access to a sustainable source of alternative fuel
- ClearPath Recycling; a joint-venture with DAK Americas to build and operate the largest plastic bottle recycling facility in North America
- A new strategic business unit whose sole mission is to create innovative products from post-consumer carpet
- Shaw’s leadership goal as the world’s largest reclaimer of post-consumer carpet, including recycling of nearly 90 million pounds of carpet in 2009
- Further diversification of the company’s Eco products, including the introduction of Cradle to Cradle certified hardwood products
- New metrics and disclosures for both environmental and social responsibility at Shaw
- Progress towards key environmental goals for energy, greenhouse gas, waste and water reduction
- Conformance to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 Guidelines
Shaw also uses the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 Guidelines for sustainability reporting. According to David Wilkerson, director of sustainability and environmental affairs for Shaw’s residential division, the company formally adopted the GRI reporting process and framework for its second report, in order to ensure the metrics and content disclosed met globally recognized standards for corporate sustainability reporting.
“The Global Reporting Initiative and the G3 guidelines are recognized as the world standard for sustainability reporting,” Wilkerson said. “Adopting the GRI reporting protocol is another way we can help drive greater transparency for our customers and stakeholders – and for our own industry.”
Shaw’s 2009 corporate sustainability report is available online and in print. To view the report or order a print copy, visit shawgreenedge.com.