Sana Iseed
Olivia Guidera
Cole Kodack
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)
Aixa Ritz
Keep this story going! Share below!
Macy's has an important focus on responsible consumption. They have increased their overall recycling rate to 80%. They have increased their selling of sustainable textiles and clothing. They have also worked towards decreasing their energy consumption and using solar energy as a means of renewable energy.
Macy’s has created a business model that focuses on implementing sustainability as they carry out their daily business. There is a range of sustainability initiatives that range from reducing the amount of energy consumption and using solar energy to decreasing water consumption to using more sustainable textiles. These initiatives relate to the Sustainable Development Goal 12 which relates to the sustainability of consumption and production models.
In 2008 Macy’s began their journey into sustainability and has grown into becoming a more sustainable company. The innovation of increased sustainability focus emerged through the awareness of the environmental impact that the company had. The company’s sustainable stewardship goals began in 2018 and evolved in 2021. The goals highlight aspects such as waste, natural resources, fibers, and products. Gregory Luttman, the senior director and store manager of Macy’s in Herald Square, said “Goals are created corporately by listening and incorporating feedback from our colleagues, customers, vendor partners, communities, and governments.” Many people are involved in creating a well-rounded set of goals striving to become the most sustainable the company can be. Creating the sustainability initiative of Macy’s directly relates to the mission of the company. Luttman says, “These initiatives absolutely relate to our mission of responsible stewardship of our physical and social environments and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.”
There are also long-term effects when dealing with sustainability, Luttman says, “We believe sustainability has a long-term impact to our communities, business, and brand which will ensure a healthy future for the environment and the business.” This initiative encourages a benefit for the business, society, and the environment. Creating a more sustainable company possesses a vast reach.
Macy’s created the sustainable initiative which involves sustainable stewardship goals which have created opportunities for great impact. The impact on the business of this initiative involves the changes that were made to create a more sustainable company. This involved making changes in packaging, working with vendors, looking into the fibers in textiles and clothing to be more sustainable. Also, creating more renewable energy opportunities by using solar energy when possible.
There is also an impact on society relating to the customers and the company’s using safe labor practices and implementing diversity initiatives. According to Luttman, “We have expanded our sourcing to ensure we are utilizing safe labor practices and have begun to diversity initiatives for hiring to impact the social environment as well.” The predominant impact is related to the environment. The main focus of the goals and initiatives is to protect the environment. Through using renewable energy, sourcing sustainable fibers, and recycling. Macy’s releases a sustainability report with data that show the impact of changes made to the company such as changing its means of electricity. Using LED lighting and solar energy reduces their carbon impact depending on the amount of electricity being used. Luttman says, “We can see a direct effect on the environment most easily by looking at the data. We have seen reduced energy and water consumption. We have increased recycling in all physical environments significantly.”
Get stories of positive business innovations from around the world delivered right to your inbox.
Gregory Luttman, Senior Director
Macy’s is a department store that includes a variety of companies. Macy’s has created an initiative towards becoming a sustainable company that has been present for quite some time. More insight into the initiative was gained through an interview with the Senior Director and Store Manager at the Macy’s in Herald Square, New York City.