Taking Action on Climate Change
Macy’s is committed to addressing the risks of climate change to our planet. We detail in our Sustainability Report our process for reducing our carbon emissions, as well as monitoring and mitigating the risks to our operations and facilities, using the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations.
Renewable Energy
We have more than 100 active solar sites nationwide and approximately 65 million kWh was produced in 2020, offsetting 46,000 metric tons of CO2e. We actively continue to evaluate future solar projects and renewable opportunities across the company.
Electric Vehicle Charging
To support our customers visiting our stores with a lower environmental impact, we have partnered with Volta Charging to offer free electric vehicle (EV) charging at 37 of our locations. In FY2020, our stations delivered 490 MWh of electricity, powering approximately 1,714,040 electric miles and avoiding 763,482 lbs of CO2.
Energy Use and GHG Emissions
We track our operational energy use and related Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Additionally, we calculate certain Scope 3 emissions, including from our Private Brand’s upstream product transportation and distribution. In 2022, Macy’s, Inc. will commit to develop GHG emissions reduction targets in accordance with the SBTi protocol.
| FY 2020 | Energy use (MWh) | Greenhouse gas emissions (mt CO2e) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct energy use (Scope 1) |
208,277 | 36,870 |
| Purchased electricity, heat and steam (Scope 2) |
1,044,130 | 367,601 |
| Private Brands upstream transportation and distribution (Scope 3) |
16,390 |
Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions
(metric ton CO <sub>2</sub> e)Energy Management
Energy efficiency is central to our strategy. We use both building automation systems and an enterprise-wide energy management information system to continually monitor our operating performance and to detect anomalies. We benchmark our energy management using the EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager online tool to measure and track our energy consumption to industry standards. Portfolio Manager enables us to compare each building’s performance against a yearly baseline, national medians or similar buildings in our portfolio.
LED Energy Savings
Energy efficiency is central to our strategy. We use both building automation systems and an enterprise-wide energy management information system to continually monitor our operating performance and to detect anomalies. We benchmark our energy management using the EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager online tool to measure and track our energy consumption to industry standards. Portfolio Manager enables us to compare each building’s performance against a yearly baseline, national medians or similar buildings in our portfolio.
| Year | Retail Spaces Retrofitted Annually | Energy Reduction (kilowatt-hours in millions) | Energy Reduction (percent) | Carbon Reduction (metric tons)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 95 | 19.9 | 1% | 13,400 |
| 2011 | 287 | 58 | 4% | 41,000 |
| 2012 | 307 | 39.5 | 3% | 27,000 |
| 2013 | 260 | 7 | 0.5% | 4,950 |
| 2014 | 100 | 4.7 | 0.4% | 3,300 |
| 2015 | 260 | 8.2 | 0.7% | 5,800 |
| 2016 | 450 | 20.1 | 1.7% | 14,200 |
| 2017 | 660 | 18 | 1.7% | 12,700 |
| 2018 | 50 | 12.3 | 1.3% | 8,700 |
| 2019 | 133 | 29.9 | 3% | 21,000 |
| 2020 | 40 | 5.6 | 0.7% | 3,969 |
*CO2e calculated using EPA emissions tool
Environmental Responsibility in Our Supply Chain
Responsible chemical management is integral to our product safety efforts, especially as customers increasingly seek information about product ingredients and purchase products that have been formulated without certain chemicals. Our chemical management oversight extends from product concept through customer use. The Product Integrity and Quality Assurance Group, an internal function, collaborates with product-development teams to provide guidance about potential issues related to materials or manufacturing, interfaces with offices and suppliers as needed and oversees quality and testing programs.
Product Packaging
Macy’s has adopted best practices to reduce product packaging, including standardizing the size of packing cartons and minimizing packaging materials. We also use autoboxer and auto-bagger machines that can build a package that perfectly fits odd or oversized items. This fit-to-size auto-boxing technology reduces box volume up to 50% by creating the smallest parcel needed at the lowest expense, which also helps reduce shipping costs.
Recycling in Our Facilities
In our stores, corporate offices and distribution centers, our policy is to recycle as much material as possible, including cardboard, plastic film, hangers, metal fixtures and wooden pallets. We also have an internal program to reuse, refurbish or recycle store fixtures and downstream or recycle electronics.
View Our 2020 Sustainability Report
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