Burlington Stores touts ‘tremendous progress’ on ESG initiatives

Off-price retailer Burlington Stores Inc. released its fourth annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report on Aug. 22, highlighting the progress it made across its environmental, social and governance initiatives during fiscal year 2021. 

CEO Michael O’Sullivan said the company “made tremendous progress” on its objectives. 

“We strengthened our ESG governance by forming an ESG/CSR Executive Steering Committee that is led by the most senior leaders of the Company who, along with the rest of our organization, took major steps forward on our ESG strategies and enhanced our CSR policies and disclosures,” O’Sullivan said in a statement.

The company listed its ESG highlights, including: 

• Set its first environmental targets: By 2030 it aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 60% per operating square foot, compared with 2016, and achieve 20% renewable energy consumption compared with its overall electricity consumption (the company noted it already achieved a 44% decrease in these emissions and 9% renewable energy consumption).
• Completed its first formal ESG materiality assessment to understand the issues most important to the business.
• Continued efforts to diversify its team: 74% of Burlington’s associates self-identify as female, and 77% as a person of color. It also provided enhanced disclosure on the diversity of its management team. 
• The company’s new senior vice president and chief DEI officer created a more comprehensive DEI strategic plan. This process included a $1 million donation commitment to organizations dedicated to advancing social justice and racial equality. 
• Launched the Burlington Stores Foundation to build upon its commitment to the community. 
• An independent third-party assessment showed 99.9% pay equity at Burlington. 
• Created the ESG/CSR executive steering committee, responsible for Burlington’s ESG strategy, as well as CSR policy and disclosure. 
• First time listed in the 100 Best Companies to Work For. 
• Raised nearly $7.3 million for non-profit organizations, as well as continued to help those in need through its annual Burlington Coat Drive. 

“We’re deeply committed to our CSR program, and we will continue to dedicate resources to support our ESG goals,” O’Sullivan said.