Countdown releases first Corporate Responsibility Report

Countdown releases first Corporate Responsibility Report

Report shows 26% reduction in carbon emissions and 43% reduction in waste since 2006

11 January 2016: Countdown has today released its inaugural Corporate Responsibility Report, detailing its progress with charitable and environmental commitments over the past financial year.

The Countdown Corporate Responsibility Report for 30 June 2014 – 28 June 2015, illustrates the business’ support for local communities as well as its dedication to improving the environmental impact of its business.

As a snapshot, the report shows that in the last financial year:

• Countdown achieved the goal of holding Countdown’s carbon emissions to 2006 levels despite a 37% increase in selling space by 2015 – equating to a 26% reduction in carbon emissions per square metre of shop space.
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• Countdown’s landfill waste has reduced by 2%, and reduced by 43% in total since 2006.
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• Almost $7 million was donated in kind and in cash to those in need throughout New Zealand, thanks to contributions from Countdown and Countdown customers.
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• $3.5 million worth of food has been donated to families in need through Countdown’s food charity partners.
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• Countdown employs 18,000 New Zealanders, 6,500 are under 25 and paid $670 million in wages last year.
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• The business opened five new stores, which employ more than 400 people.

Countdown’s Acting Managing Director Pat McEntee says the report shows Countdown has delivered jobs and growth, including in regional New Zealand, but also supported those most in need and consciously managed the environmental impact.

“We’re really excited to be releasing our first Corporate Responsibility report as I know it will be motivating to our team to keep striving to improve. I’m particularly proud that Countdown has achieved a 43% reduction in waste and 26% reduction in carbon emissions, since 2006.

“With 183 stores, we are active in almost all communities around New Zealand and have some extremely strong partnerships which we value enormously. We aspire to make Kiwis’ lives a little better every day,” Mr McEntee says.

For the full report, visit: http://www.countdown.co.nz/in-the-community/corporate-responsibility-report

ENDS

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