Kohl’s is proud to have been recognized with the following awards for significant progress implementing its environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives:
DJSI North America
Kohl’s has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the third consecutive year (2018, 2019, 2020). Acknowledging the company’s sustainability performance and environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. The DJSI evaluates a company’s impact on people, communities and the planet for socially-conscious investors.
Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies
Kohl's was named to Barron's list of the Top 100 Sustainable Companies in 2020 and 2019. Kohl’s was recognized for our strong commitment to environmental, social and corporate governance practices. Image reprinted with permission of Barron’s.
CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project)
Kohl’s achieved a Leadership Level, A- grade on the 2020 Climate Change disclosure for our climate management strategies and carbon emission reduction. We are proud to report four consecutive years of a downward trend in emissions from our operations as we continue to emphasize using energy efficiently and sourcing renewable energy. By lowering our greenhouse gas emissions and monitoring our environmental footprint, Kohl’s demonstrates our commitment to healthy families and a healthy future.
EPA ENERGY STAR Partner & Sustained Excellence Award
Our cooperating partnership with the EPA ENERGY STAR program has remained consistent since 1998. Kohl’s was selected as a 2020 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year winner for Sustained Excellence, an honor reserved for ENERGY STAR partners demonstrating outstanding leadership, year over year.
Green Power Partner & Top 30 Retailer
Kohl’s has been an active member of EPA’s Green Power Partnership since 2006, and has been named on EPA’s Green Power Top 30 Retail list since 2014, previously holding the number one spot for four consecutive years.
U.S. Department of Energy's Better Building Challenge Achiever
As a participant in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Building Challenge, Kohl’s reached our goal of 20% energy reduction by achieving a total of 24% reduction based on a 2008 baseline. We’ve now set our sights higher with the new goal to cut an additional 10% on top of the 20% already realized.
SmartWay Shipper Partner & Excellence Award
Kohl’s is a shipper partner of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Transport Program. Kohl’s fleet is managed by vendor partners who are held to high standards through vetting their sustainable practices. SmartWay membership for vendors is both sought after and encouraged.
Kohl’s was recognized with the SmartWay® 2020 Excellence Award as an industry leader in freight supply chain, environmental performance and energy efficiency. Kohl’s was one of just 17 shipper and logistics companies to receive the distinction this year, in recognition of the company’s sustainability efforts and exceptional performance moving goods in the cleanest and most energy-efficient way possible, leading to cleaner and healthier communities.
EPA WasteWise Partner & Award
In 2019, Kohl’s was honored with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WasteWise Regional award for excellence in waste management, leading large businesses in its practices of preventing waste and recycling in order to achieve both environmental and economic benefits. Kohl’s has been a voluntary partner and active participant of the EPA’s WasteWise program since 2006.
U.S. Green Building Council Member
Kohl’s is a member of the USGBC and we use the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design™ (LEED®) green building program rating systems to guide the design, construction and operation of our stores. We continue to emphasize LEED® where appropriate and our portfolio stands as a testament to the steps we have taken to reduce our environmental impact and provide customers with a positive and healthy shopping environment.
Sustainable Apparel Coalition
Kohl’s is one of the founding members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and maintains an active membership. The SAC is a group of apparel manufacturers, retailers, brands and non-government organizations working together to standardize sustainability measures in the apparel and footwear supply chain.
Higg Index
The Higg index is an indicator-based tool that enables companies like ours to evaluate materials, products and facilities based on key environmental impacts and ratings. We use the Higg Index to benchmark ourselves against our peer companies and make more sustainable choices when it comes to supply chain and facility performance.
Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council
Kohl’s actively serves on the advisory board of the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council (WSBC). For the tenth consecutive year, Kohl’s has been awarded the Green Masters Award in 2020 for its performance across multiple initiatives. The WSBC awards the Green Masters Award to businesses performing in the top 20% of applicants in the Green Masters Program, a comprehensive environmental, social and governance (ESG) assessment program.
Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
Kohl’s regularly participates in Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Environmental Compliance and Sustainability meetings to share expertise and discuss industry trends in sustainability efforts.
How2Recycle®
Kohl’s is an active member of the How2Recycle® label program since 2019. How2Recycle® is a standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. It involves a coalition of forward thinking brands who want their packaging to be recycled and are empowering consumers through smart packaging labels.
Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
Kohl’s has been an active member of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) since 2019. BCI is the largest cotton sustainability program in the world and aims to transform cotton production worldwide.