Our Footprint Reduction

At Staples, we recognize that being a global corporation means having a global impact, and we're dedicated to making sure ours is for the better. From product sourcing to internal operations to the recycling services we offer our customers, here are just some of the ways we're using our capabilities and resources to operate our business in a more sustainable manner.

Reducing Our Operational Impact on Climate Change

The energy we consume and its impact on climate change is a top concern for many of our stakeholders, as well as everyone within our company. We remain committed to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through conservation and the use of energy-efficient technologies and renewable power. We're currently ranked #6 on the EPA's list of the largest Fortune 500 purchasers of green power.

Some of our major goals and initiatives have included the following:

  • Reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2020 from 2010 baseline.
  • Since 2007, we have reduced our overall electricity consumption per square foot by 12% through efforts such as retrofitting lighting in 675 U.S. stores, improving energy controls and upgrading equipment in our facilities, and many other conservation projects.
  • Committing to "green up" 50% of our electricity use in 2011 through the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) and direct green power purchases.
  • Globally, our carbon emissions (before offsets) decreased 6.7% from 2010 to 2011 (from 553,000 MtCO2e to 516,000 MtCO2e). After accounting for offsets, our emissions decreased 55.6% (from 412,000 MtCO2e in 2010 to 183,000 MtCO2e after offsets.
  • Investing in clean energy sources, such as fuel cells and solar power systems, for our fulfillment centers, sales offices and stores.
  • Installation of a 212 solar panel systems at one of our greater London Stores.
  • Reducing fuel use by our truck fleet, thereby helping to minimize the carbon impact of our deliveries.


See how we're doing

Our Paper Policy

Staples is committed to operating our business in a sustainable manner and to making it easy for our customers and associates to make a difference for the environment. We seek to work with suppliers that share our commitment to responsibly managing natural resources, supporting local communities, and producing sustainable products. Our Sustainable Paper Procurement Policy specifies our commitments for increasing the sustainability of the paper products we source.

See our full Paper Procurement Policy

Other Policies

Please see other policies connected to our environmental activities:
UK Environment Policy

Waste Battery Take Back Policy

Advantage WEEE Policy 2013