Gap Releases Social Responsibility Report

Gap Inc. has released a social responsibility report (PDF of highlights, PDF entire report) covering fiscal years 2005-2006 and detailing the company’s progress and goals for initiatives involving its supply chain, community investment, employees and the environment.

The report introduces the company’s new environmental strategy – summarized by the acronym “ECO” – which focuses Gap Inc.’s efforts on three key areas: Energy conservation; Cotton/sustainable design; and Output/waste reduction.

Between 2003 and 2006, the company says it decreased energy use in U.S. stores by 8.7 percent and increased its paper and cardboard recycling in North American stores, distribution centers and headquarters by more than 90 percent. And this year, Gap brand introduced new products in its stores in the U.S., U.K., Canada and France made from 100 percent organic cotton.