Home Depot's Sustainable Growth, Impact in Mexico

The Home Depot (THD), the world’s largest home improvement retail corporation, recently released its tenth annual Sustainability Report in Mexico. The report was developed under the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), a universal standard for sustainability reporting designed by organizations and investors to measure business performance. According to the results, last year, the company’s actions resulted in significant environmental gains, extensive community support and employee development.

The retailer’s sustainability model, established in 2020, is based on three axes. The first one, environment, seeks to reduce THD’s carbon footprint through actions that improve the efficiency of its operations, such as the implementation of a circular economy strategy. As part of it, the company has carried out recycling programs for cardboard and plastic, along with an electronic waste collection initiative. In 2022, these efforts resulted in the recycling of 803,723 wooden pallets, 454,250kg of plastic, 2.8 million kg of cardboard and the proper disposal of 2t of electronic waste. 

THD has worked to make its energy consumption more efficient and minimize its carbon footprint. Half of the energy the company consumes in stores comes from renewable sources, while it saves on electricity through the installation of translucent domes and the use of LED technology. Moreover, measures such as the use of rainwater harvesting systems, the installation of dry urinals and the recovery of condensed water from climate control systems allows THD to save water within its facilities.

With the aim of supporting Mexican families in having more eco-friendly homes and promoting the sustainable growth of businesses, THD also offers an extensive catalog of energy-saving products. “We continue to improve our packaging and expand our Eco Options catalog and we are very close to reaching nearly 2,000 products,” expressed José A. Rodríguez, President, THD. In 2022 the company’s catalog grew 44% in comparison to the previous year. 

Community constitutes the second pillar of the company’s sustainability model. THD aims to promote the strengthening of the communities where it is present by driving programs related to housing improvement, space restoration and support in case of natural disasters. During 2022, the company conducted over 400 volunteer initiatives in social projects and donated over MX$52 million (US$3.01 million) worth of merchandise. Additionally, through The Home Depot Mexico Foundation, the retailer contributed with more than MX$1 million (US$57,906) to repair the damages caused by fires, hurricanes, floods and tropical storms in nine states of the country. 

Additionally, every year THD invites its business partners to make a financial donation in support of various social campaigns. Funds are then doubled by the company in order to assist communities in vulnerable situations. In 2022, this initiative raised over MX$9.1 million (US$526,953.3) for various social causes related to education, health and the restoration of public spaces.

Finally, the company's “associates” axis aims to provide its employees with a work environment centered on values of respect, equity and equality. THD offers preventive health programs, as well as scholarships and support for its employees to continue their studies and have better opportunities at the professional level. In 2022, over 1 million hours of training were provided to more than 17,000 workers to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities. 

THD is an American corporation with presence in the US, Canada and Mexico. It began its operations in Mexico in 2001 and currently has 133 stores throughout the country. For 2023, the company’s goal is to continue accelerating its growth in Mexico, by providing the best experience to customers in a sustainable manner and giving back to the community, according to Rodríguez.