This week, Golden State Foods published its annual report on the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. Available for download here, the latest report builds upon the momentum established by the company’s inaugural ESG Impact Report published last year and details GSF’s worldwide commitment to corporate responsibility practices, metrics, strategies, and performance for the 2022 fiscal year.
“We at GSF understand that sustainability is a journey, not a destination,” said PJ Newcomb, GSF’s Director of Sustainability. “We have made some ambitious commitments and have built a great foundation. With support from GSF’s leadership, the Sustainability Coordinator network, and all associates across our global businesses, we are confident we will do our part in creating a more sustainable, equitable, and profitable future.”
Key areas of progress reported include:
Reducing emissions. With climate change as a top priority for GSF, the report includes global operations emissions for the first time this year. Based on current data collection methodologies, GSF reduced its combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 absolute emissions by nearly nine percent from the baseline year of 2018 to 2022. This progress is paving the way toward GSF reaching its near-term climate target of reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 22 percent by 2030.
Automating data collection and reporting. In 2022, GSF advanced its sustainability data collection and reporting processes through automated utility data capture and reporting via third-party sustainability data management platforms. With 50 global locations, GSF strives to ensure efficient monitoring of energy, water, and waste by implementing innovative technologies.
Engaging local communities. The GSF Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary year, marking two decades of volunteers and supporters coming together to make a difference in the communities where GSF associates live and work. Since its inception, GSF associates have raised more than $60 million and volunteered nearly 300,000 hours to support children and families in need through more than 850 local charities and schools across the United States.
Bolstering GSF’s sustainability structure. In 2022, GSF continued to grow its sustainability program across business units with sustainability goals integrated into business goals. Throughout the company’s business units around the world, a team of 14 Sustainability Coordinators maintain responsibility for specific GSF locations. Together with GSF’s corporate sustainability leadership team, the coordinators report data, monitor progress, and implement programs to support overall sustainability objectives.
“Our company endeavors to maintain the highest standards of corporate social responsibility, including sustainability best practices,” said GSF President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Dick in his message within the report. “Together as one team in partnership with all GSF stakeholders, we intend to build upon the progress reported and to pursue an even greater ESG impact in the years ahead.”