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Lidl US focuses on reducing food waste and emissions in 1st CSR Report
Discount grocer outlined key impact areas in the report, which covers the company’s environmental and social impact initiatives and progress over the last two years.
Diane Adam
December 4, 2023
2 Min Read
Lidl US, which operates over 170 stores in nine states and D.C., has released its first 1st Corporate Social Responsibility Report. / Photo by Russell Redman
Lidl US recently released its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report.
The Arlington, Virginia-based discount grocer said its CSR Report covers the company’s environmental and social impact initiatives and progress over the last two years.
“We’re pleased to share our first report that includes our ‘Lidl for a Better Tomorrow’ Sustainability/CSR strategy,” said Lidl US CEO Joel Rampoldt in a statement. “Our Lidl team members are focused on driving positive impact in both our operations and in the neighborhoods we serve. Our strategy includes working to provide solutions to environmental and social issues that matter most to our team members, communities, and other valued stakeholders—today, tomorrow, and in our future.”
In releasing its first Corporate Social Responsibility report, Lidl US spotlighted some of its key achievements and commitments. / Image courtesy of Lidl US
The three impact areas highlighted in the report are the following:
Good for Our Planet: Reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 63% as of year-end 2022 (compared to a 2019 baseline) in support of the company’s goal of a 70% reduction by 2030. Procured 100% renewable energy since 2022 for the company’s overall electricity use through the purchase of renewable energy certificates (excluding supply agreements over which the grocer has no control).
Good for People: Donated more than 3 million pounds of food to Feeding America via monthly donations from its stores and regional distribution centers across 2021 and 2022. Provided more than 1 million training hours to elevate and empower Lidl US team members since 2021.
Good for You: Identified 11 critical raw materials and committed to setting responsible sourcing targets for each group of items. Lidl set third-party certification requirements for all private-label palm oil, chocolate, and fish and shellfish items. All Lidl private-label chocolate, for example, is Fair Trade Certified. The grocer launched an annual CSR Purchasing Training requirement for its buying team to educate them on climate, raw materials and product packaging topics.
The report also highlights Lidl’s progress across six focus areas: Protecting Climate, Respecting Biodiversity, Conserving Resources, Acting Fairly, Promoting Health and Engaging in Dialogue.
Lidl, which opened its U.S. headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia, in 2015, now operates more than 170 stores across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and New York.
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