"Starbucks is deeply honored to be recognized as an environmental leader," said Jim Donald, President of Starbucks North America. "Starbucks strives not only to be a great, enduring brand, but to be a company that champions business practices that produce social, environmental and economic benefits globally."
Starbucks illustrates a leadership commitment to the environment and community building, balanced with proactive business strategies. That's a good business model that can be an example for other businesses in the region.
There are three high impact areas of business operations on which Starbucks focuses its environmental strategy:
- Sourcing of coffee, tea and paper. Starbucks has partnered with Conservation International in order to encourage the sustainable production of coffee. This year the company established Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices, a comprehensive set of coffee buying guidelines that promote equitable relationships with farmers and encourages sustainable farming practices that protect the environment. Sustainable production of tea and paper are also areas of focus.
- Transportation. Starbucks has established incentives to encourage its partners (employees) to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and parking demands.
- Store design and operations. Starbucks has undergone a number of improvements to reduce natural gas, electricity, water consumption, and wastes in its stores. The company is also partnering with the U.S. Green Building Council to establish a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) application guide for retail.
King County Executive Ron Sims presented Starbucks with the EnviroStars Recognized Leader distinction at the Profitable Sustainability conference held at the Seattle Westin Hotel on September 28, 2004 . The award ceremony was part of the Luncheon Plenary - "Business Leadership Roundtable: Is Sustainability Possible in a Profit Driven World?"
"Starbucks commitment has set a tremendous example of how to be both successful and sustainable for other businesses in our community," says Laurel Tomchick, EnviroStars program manager, Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County.
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