Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2018-09-01 to 2018-08-31)
Reporting Period: 2018-09-01 to 2018-08-31
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:2,129,000 tCO2e/year
Scope 1 Emissions:370,000 tCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:1,639,000 tCO2e/year
Scope 3 Emissions:120,000 tCO2e/year
Total Energy Consumption:4,498 GWh/year
Waste Generated:670,000 tons/year
ESG Focus Areas
- Community
- Environment
- Marketplace
- Workplace
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced total Company CO2e emissions by 9.6% from fiscal 2017 to 2,129,000 metric tonnes; 15.3% reduction since baseline year 2016.
- Improved recycling rate to 54%, up 1 percentage point from fiscal 2016.
- 93% of waste diverted from landfill at Walgreens U.S. distribution facilities.
Social Achievements
- Helped patients secure over $187 million in copay assistance for almost 633,000 prescriptions.
- Raised over $25 million for Red Nose Day; over $71 million since 2015.
- Boots UK raised approximately £1.6 million for BBC Children in Need, bringing the cumulative total to £11.5 million.
Governance Achievements
- Conducted a CSR materiality assessment engaging with numerous stakeholders.
- Implemented a chemicals management program assessing and restricting certain chemicals in products.
- Established a new partnership with a third-party endpoint security firm for breach response services.
Climate Goals & Targets
Medium-term Goals:
- Phase down high Global Warming Potential gases in refrigeration by 2025 (CGF commitment)
Short-term Goals:
- Reduce energy use 20% by 2020 (Walgreens U.S. commitment)
Environmental Challenges
- Rising drug prices in the U.S.
- Opioid abuse epidemic in the U.S.
- Impact of natural disasters (Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria) on operations and communities.
- Global warming and climate change.
Mitigation Strategies
- Partnered with organizations to make medications more affordable and accessible.
- Expanded medication disposal program, launched #ItEndsWithUs campaign, collaborated with government bodies.
- Prepared stores and communities for hurricanes, provided emergency prescriptions and support.
- Invested in energy efficiency programs, reduced energy consumption and emissions.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: More than 1,200 ethical compliance assessments conducted in fiscal 2018.
Responsible Procurement
- Ethical Trading Standards Policy
- Supplier assessments including planned and unannounced audits
- Chemical Policy Statement
- Sustainability requirements for palm oil, wood pulp and paper
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Natural disasters
Opportunities
- Energy efficiency investments
- Renewable energy sourcing
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards: Core option
Third-party Assurance: Deloitte & Touche LLP
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Reformulated products to eliminate plastic microbeads
- How2Recycle labels on products
- Sustainable beauty displays
Awards & Recognition
- DOE’s Advanced Rooftop Unit Campaign participant award
- Boots Ireland CSR Awards for Excellence in the Workplace
- U.S. Veterans Magazine Top Veteran-Friendly Company and Diverse Supplier Partner