Sustainability / Environment
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Overview
Sustainability at RILA includes efforts to address the retail industry’s environmental compliance obligations and broader impact areas and efforts to address those social impact areas related to responsible sourcing and supply chains. Other social-related topics like diversity & inclusion, labor & employment and health care can be found under our HR focus area.
The key environmental impact areas across RILA’s membership align around waste and energy, and the key responsible sourcing social impact areas focus on ethical working conditions in owned and contracted supplier facilities. These areas translate into action through our five committees: Sustainability (environmental), Responsible Sourcing, Environmental Compliance, Energy Management, and Zero Waste.
Why Sustainability/Environment Matters to Retail
Sustainability matters to retail because sustainability means protecting two of the most important assets to the industry’s success: environment and people. Sustainability is anchored in the important role that environmental and social issues play in ensuring the retail industry’s actions and values are aligned and well-informed. The retail industry is dependent on planet and people sustainability for long-term viability, whether it comes to efficiency and cost management, compliance, asset protection, brand reputation, or growth through innovation and new business models. By bridging the gap between compliance and sustainability, companies can benefit from lower compliance costs and a reduction in risk.
Our Priorities
Given the many retail categories within which RILA members operate, the Sustainability priorities most appropriate for us to focus on are those which are most universal and timely.
For environmental compliance, our priorities are to provide retailers with educational resources designed to help retailers implement compliance programs for various environmental media such as air, water and hazardous and nonhazardous waste. Other priority areas include hazardous materials transportation, product toxics and green chemistry, state bag policies, and identifying and implementing sustainability opportunities that can eliminate or reduce compliance burdens. We prioritize our advocacy efforts and engage the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Transportation and relevant state agencies for reform.
For environmental sustainability, our priorities are increasing efficiency and waste diversion and exploring circular economy innovations for waste – and increasing efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for energy.
For responsible sourcing, our priorities are working with suppliers to assure compliance with domestic and international regulations and continuous improvements to safeguard ethical working conditions for the global communities that support our supply chains.

Corporate Clean Energy Procurement Index 2020
Guide to determine states with favorable policy conditions and best practices to advance policies enabling renewables development.
Download ReportA Deeper Look into Sustainability / Environment

Retail Resources for Coronavirus
Leading Retailers are preparing their employees and customers for any potential impacts related to the coronavirus.
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Financial Management
RILA has created a suite of educational resources and advisory opportunities to reduce financing barriers for energy projects and achieve savings.
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Retail Compliance Center
Retail Compliance Center provides retailers with the information they need to remain compliant and improve environmental performance.
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Landlord Collaboration
Through the Landlord-Tenant Energy Partnership, RILA works with ICSC, IMT and PRSM to reduce leasing barriers for energy projects and reduce costs.
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Retail Sustainability
Resources focused on environmental sustainability issues primarily related to retail facilities and operations, such as air, water, waste and energy.
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The Value of Sustainability in Retail Merchandising
Identifies the role and value sustainability can play in retail merchandising.
Learn MoreSustainability / Environment Committees
Sustainability initiatives generate environmental, social, and financial value for leading retailers. RILA uses benchmark studies, partnerships, and research to help retailers collaborate and tailor their programs.
View All CommitteesUpcoming Meetings
Refrigerant Regulations: Update on State and Federal Rules Webinar
- Feb 25, 2021
- Webinar
Insights On-Demand Highlights

Textile Circularity: The Missing Links Webinar
Discussion with industry experts on what’s still needed to make meaningful progress towards textile circularity.
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Sustainable Protective Packaging Innovation Challenge
Open innovation challenge webinar for startups & entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations in protective packaging materials.
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Circular Innovations for an Evolving Retail World
Insights from Closed Loop Partners as part of a series on innovation concepts relevant to retail.
View InsightsTools and resources to help you advance your retail programs
RILA Retail Advisor for Energy
A free analytical platform that helps retailers optimize their energy management programs and benchmark with their peers.
Read MoreRILA Retail Advisor for Environmental Compliance
A free analytical platform that helps retailers optimize their environmental compliance program and benchmark with their peers.
Read MoreLINK2021: The Retail Supply Chain Conference
- Aug 17 - Aug 20, 2021
- Orlando, FL
RILA's Retail Supply Chain Conference is the only event of its kind - gathering top executives from leading retailers to network and learn.
Go to EventStrategic Initiatives that support performance, compliance and transform the industry
Latest Sustainability / Environment Insights

Retail Resources for Coronavirus

Retail Leaders Discuss Product Safety, Sustainability
- By [Erin Hiatt, Susan Kirsch]
- 12/04/2020
Onsite Renewable Energy: Opportunity and Recent Trends
- By [Jake Hoheim]
- 10/26/2020

Managing Chemicals in Products: Implications for Retailers
- By [Andrew Sousa]
- 08/27/2020
Latest Trends in the State Adoption of Aerosol Can Rule
- By [Kevin Gibney]
- 08/11/2020

Feeding America Works with Food Businesses to Address Hunger
- 07/16/2020
U.S. EPA Set to End Enforcement Discretion Policy
- By [Kaela Martins]
- 07/13/2020