Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• People
• Nature
• Food

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced CO2 emissions from refrigerated containers by 90% (from 24.3 tons CO2e/unit/year in 2004 to 2.6 tons in 2018)
• 78% of Dole’s Tropical Fruits Division packing plants utilize water reuse systems.
• Reduced herbicide use on some tropical fruit farms by up to 60% compared to a 2007 baseline.
• Reduced post-harvest fungicides by about 80% compared to a 2000 baseline on tropical fruit plantations.
• Increased organic matter in soil by about 25% in Costa Rica pineapple farms through improved soil management practices.
• Installation of wind turbines at a salad plant expected to generate 5.4MW of low-carbon energy (68% of the facility’s energy needs).

Social Achievements

• Established the DALE Foundation in Ecuador and Peru, investing over $36 million in education, medical, and community development programs since 2005.
• Donated 52 million pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables to food banks, schools, and other organizations globally in 2018.
• Donated 247,380 cases of salads and vegetables to local community organizations in 2018 (equivalent to about five million servings).
• Implemented an affirmative action plan in the U.S. to promote equal opportunities.
• 90% of harvest crews on four Costa Rican pineapple plantations included female members as of early 2019.
• Implemented the Oxford University-developed Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to better understand the socio-economic conditions of workers in Costa Rica.

Governance Achievements

• Established a global harmonized system for recalls in 2017.
• Clarified water treatment standards required from leafy greens suppliers.
• All Dole suppliers are required to be certified by a program benchmarked against Global Food Safety Initiative requirements.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Climate change
• Spread of Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4) disease affecting banana crops
• Water scarcity in some regions
• Food waste
• Maintaining food safety across the global supply chain

Mitigation Strategies

• Investing in more efficient shipping and distribution, including fleet renewal and electric trucks.
• Implementing integrated pest management systems and developing TR4-resistant banana varieties.
• Optimizing water practices through water recycling systems and drip irrigation.
• Reducing food waste through improved processing techniques, “Best If Used By” dates, and collaboration with retailers.
• Strengthening food safety programs through risk-based approaches, global standards, and blockchain technology.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Dole Code of Conduct and Supplier Manual; requirements for Global GAP and GFSI certifications

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Extreme weather events

Transition Risks

• Regulatory changes

Opportunities

• Development of energy-efficient products and practices

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

Certifications: ISO 14001, SA 8000, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, Global GAP, GFSI

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
• SDG 13 (Climate Action)
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

Dole's initiatives contribute to these goals through various programs related to food security, health and well-being, water stewardship, sustainable agriculture, climate action, and partnerships.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• New varieties of grapes, cherries, and blueberries with higher yields; Bountiful Kits salads with plant-based ingredients.

Awards & Recognition

• U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica Environmental Sustainability Award to Recyplast (2019)

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Climate Action
• Water Stewardship
• Sustainable Farming Practices
• Biodiversity Protection
• Waste Management & Packaging Innovation
• Our People and Communities
• Be an Employer of Choice
• Healthy Nutrition
• Responsible Sourcing
• Transparency and Food Safety

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 12% compared to the 2020 baseline.
• Implemented regenerative farming practices such as minimum tillage, soil coverage, crop residue incorporation, and liquid organic fertilization across Dole-owned banana and pineapple farms.
• Completed a company-wide carbon footprint inventory across all three scopes.

Social Achievements

• Invested $13 million annually in social and community projects in banana and pineapple producing areas.
• Reached 1,422 households directly or indirectly through a poverty reduction program in Latin America.
• Donated more than 12,000 tons of fresh produce worldwide.

Governance Achievements

• Actively participating in industry dialogue and multi-stakeholder initiatives on food safety.
• Completed a country risk analysis on the supply chain.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Climate change risks including extreme weather events, drought, water scarcity, and changing climate regulations.
• Supply chain disruptions due to extreme weather events (e.g., Hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020).
• Data collection challenges for comprehensive ESG reporting.

Mitigation Strategies

• Implementing science-based targets (SBTs) aligned with a 1.5°C scenario.
• Developing a climate road map action plan to address main emission sources.
• Optimizing water management through good practices and certifications (AWS).
• Investing in infrastructure improvements and community relocation to minimize the impact of extreme weather events.
• Developing a digital sustainability risk management tool.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Amfori/BSCI social standards implemented by 90% of high-risk suppliers by 2025.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Extreme weather events
• Drought
• Water scarcity

Transition Risks

• Changing climate regulations
• Carbon pricing mechanisms (EU ETS)

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI, SBTi

Certifications: AWS, Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade

Third-party Assurance: Third-party verified to a reasonable level of assurance

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 1
• SDG 2
• SDG 3
• SDG 5
• SDG 6
• SDG 8
• SDG 12
• SDG 13
• SDG 15
• SDG 17

The report mentions alignment with several SDGs, but doesn't provide detailed explanations for each.

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Climate Change

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Climate change presents risks to the environment and livelihoods, making farming increasingly challenging.

Mitigation Strategies

• Implementing technological innovations and farming practices; partnering with growers and suppliers to reduce emissions; reducing food waste; investing in energy-efficient technologies; reducing packaging waste; implementing carbon sequestration programs; investing in research and development; advocating for policies that support climate action; ensuring compliance with regulations.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Partnering with growers and suppliers to reduce emissions; training business partners and creating solutions collaboratively

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: SBTi