- ESG Summary Table
- Stronger Communities
- Quality of Life
- Empowered Employees
- Respect for the Environment
- Our Promise to Indigenous People
Respect for the Environment
At A Glance
5,400 Tonnes
Lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 5,400 tonnes per year through investments in energy-efficient equipment in stores.
$3.1M Reinvested in Communities
Worked with partners in 52 communities to reduce the use of plastic bags via our Greener Tomorrow program. Since 2011, proceeds from the program have resulted in more than $3.1M reinvestment
in Greener Tomorrow communities.
85 Refillable Water Vending Machine Systems
85 refillable water vending machine systems in operation at our stores. These systems recycle water, reduce plastic bottle waste and provide a cost-effective source of drinking water for customers in remote communities.
8.8 Million kWh
Saved 8.8 Million kWh, the result of investments in new LED lamps, energy-efficient refrigeration equipment, and other energy-saving devices in our stores. These measures are part of an ongoing suite of energy conservation policies, program, and actions implemented in northern locations
using proven processes and technologies.

Overview
While the effects of a changing climate are felt by people and communities across the globe, we recognize climate change will have a disproportionate effect on many of the remote locations where we operate. With stores in northern Canada, Alaska, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands, North West’s retail operations are exposed to extreme conditions that range from blizzards and extreme cold to hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones.
The continuing impact of climate change was directly felt in communities we serve in northern Canada, as forest fires resulted in evacuations and eight temporary store closures. As a response to this crisis, our teams partnered with the Red Cross delivering same-day supplies and food hampers to evacuees temporarily staying in Winnipeg. This speaks volumes about how our teams continue to inspire us by taking to heart their role in each community.
In addition to emergency relief efforts, we are striving to make a longer term impact on climate change by incorporating eco-friendly practices across our business – from designing energy efficient buildings to limiting product packaging and waste.
Commitments, Goals, Performance, and Next Steps
COMMITMENT: Minimize our Environmental Footprint.
Goals | Action steps taken in 2021 |
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Promote energy saving initiatives in stores. |
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Cultivate partnerships that can provide alternative energy solutions for our operations, with a focus on regions where government support makes these interventions financially viable. |
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Provide ongoing environmental management and training. |
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Meet ROI investment requirements for our renewable energy program in North West store locations. |
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COMMITMENT: Provide sensible, eco-friendly energy and product options whenever possible to communities we serve.
Goals | Action steps taken in 2021 |
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Offer environmentally preferable solutions to single-use plastic bags. |
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Reduce waste throughout our operations and supply chain. |
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