Purolator has released its sixth annual Sustainability Report, “Going the Extra Mile,” highlighting its progress towards its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
The report outlines significant reductions in emissions, advancements in workplace safety, and contributions to community welfare in 2023.
Environmental achievements
Purolator reported an 11 per cent reduction in absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, using 2020 as a baseline, with a target of 42 per cent reduction by 2030.
The company transitioned over 500,000 litres of fuel from diesel to renewable diesel, significantly lowering the environmental impact of its operations. Additionally, Purolator reduced emissions from electricity use by 70 per cent through procuring renewable sources, aiming for 100 per cent by 2030.
Exceeding its 2030 landfill waste diversion goal, Purolator reached a 72 per cent diversion rate from landfills seven years ahead of schedule. The company also reported against the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) for the first time.
Workplace safety and inclusion
In 2023, Purolator achieved a 48 per cent reduction in lost-time injury frequency, surpassing its goal of 40 per cent reduction based on the 2019 baseline.
The company delivered 18,400 hours of mental health training for its employees and continued to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its business practices.
Efforts included developing a DEI governance framework, publishing an Accessibility Plan, enhancing training programs, and expanding employee resource groups.
As part of the Purolator Health program, the company prepared for the 2024 launch of on-site workplace health screenings to enhance access to preventative healthcare for frontline operations employees.
Community contributions
The Purolator Tackle Hunger program celebrated its 20th anniversary by raising 2.3 million pounds of food for Canadian food banks, exceeding its 2023 donation goal.
Additionally, the Purolator True North Small Business Grant contest awarded $100,000 in grant prizes to four small businesses across Canada.
“In 2023, Purolator delivered record safety performance, made unprecedented investments in the health and well-being of our employees, and continued to decarbonize our business,” said John Ferguson, President and CEO of Purolator. “With our focus on continuous improvement, we also optimized our network to further reduce our carbon emissions. These achievements are a testament to Purolator’s people-first, One Team culture and moved us forward on our path to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Purolator’s Sustainability Report aligns with international standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), it said.