Dec. 19, 2007 Office-products retailer OfficeMax has released its first sustainability report detailing progress in the wake of new companywide policies on environmental and social responsibility. The report will serve as a benchmark for future sustainability efforts, according to OfficeMax CEO Sam Duncan.

"Over the past three years, OfficeMax has made positive strides in our business overall and in our efforts to ensure that our company operates in a socially and environmentally responsible manner," says Duncan. "As OfficeMax enhances programs already in place and launches new programs, we have a living document to record our progress."

OfficeMax released its official environmental policy in 2005. Sustainability programs to date include:

• Launching an independently verified audit program for overseas manufacturers of OfficeMax private-label products based on the Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) standard.


• Implementing a responsible paper-sourcing policy that gives purchasing preference to paper products from certified forests and encourages the purchase recycled-content paper for internal company use.


• Introducing new green products including 100% post-consumer copier paper as well as environmentally preferable inks and toners.


• Installing ink refill stations in 422 (about half) of OfficeMax stores, enabling customers to bring their empty cartridges and have them refilled for up to 50% less than the cost of purchasing a new cartridge.


• Optimizing truck delivery routes and stocking distribution centers based on geographic proximity to particular stores to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize the total number of miles driven. Drivers also have standard operating procedures regarding truck idling.
  


• Repurposing damaged or otherwise unsellable office paper for internal use.


• Implementing an energy management system that monitors and centralizes control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems at all OfficeMax stores.

The report is based on the Global Reporting Initiative's Sustainability Reporting Guidelines (GRI G3), an internationally recognized standard.

Download the full text here (PDF).