The National Retail Federation (NRF) announced the launch of a new Center for Retail Sustainability, which will serve as the industry’s hub to support retailers’ efforts to generate economic value while creating net positive environmental, social and community benefits.
“The NRF Center for Retail Sustainability will augment industry sustainability efforts and resources across the retail sector, centralizing engagement across the full retail value chain,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Its work will highlight the many ways retailers are making their own operations more sustainable and making it easier for consumers to find high-quality, affordable, and more sustainable products.”
The Center’s initial areas of focus include leveraging consumer insights around sustainability products and practices, facilitating the emergence of the circular economy, sponsored by Deloitte, and improving supply chain traceability within the retail industry.
“We are excited to work with the NRF to scale successful sustainability solutions across the retail sector,” said James Cascone, sustainability, climate, and equity leader and advisory partner, Deloitte & Touche. “With deep experience in the retail sector, retail supply chains, and sustainability, Deloitte can help drive positive outcomes in supporting our industry to move forward, including the Center’s development of an initial circularity roadmap for the retail industry.”
Led by NRF Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Scot Case, who will serve as executive director, the Center for Retail Sustainability will be governed by an external advisory board comprised of senior-level sustainability executives, industry partners, academics, and other subject matter experts. Additionally, it will leverage existing activities from NRF’s Sustainability Council.
NRF will host an exclusive Sustainable Retail Workshop on Jan. 16 as part of NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show in New York City. The half-day program will include a deep dive into important aspects of the circular economy.
More information about the Center for Retail Sustainability is available here.