Dick’s Sporting Goods introduced its 2020 Purpose Playbook, its third annual sustainability report. The report noted that the retailer signed the “We Are Still In” initiative in support of the Paris Climate Agreement, is phasing out single-use plastic bags in stores by 2025, and is committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030.
Dick’s also said it remains committed to equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race or ethnicity. Goals include growing BIPOC representation in leadership roles by 30 percent and increasing the overall representation of women in store leadership to 40 percent by 2025. To support inclusion and diversity in its stores, distribution centers and corporate office, Dick’s said it initiated 19 Impact Teams across it organization.
The report also emphasized that Dick’s support of youth sports continues to be a priority for the company. Since 2014, the chain has committed more than $189 million to support youth athletes through its Sports Matter initiative. It is tracked to meet its goal of providing one million young athletes with the opportunity to play sports by 2024.
In 2021, Dick’s doubled its Sports Matter Community Grant program to $6 million and invested $5 million in Every Kid Sports to cover registration fees to help families impacted by COVID-19 to get their kids back into the game. By the end of 2021, Dick’s Sports Matter Giving Truck will have provided sports equipment to more than 35,000 under-resourced kids.
“Now more than ever, people are looking to the business community for energy and action in solving some of the world’s most pressing issues,” Lauren Hobart, president and CEO, wrote in the report. “We will continue to expand our focus to include a greater emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. I am enthusiastic about what we can accomplish. None of it will be easy, but all of it is possible because of our teammates’ extraordinary efforts and passion.”
To read the report, go here.
Photo courtesy Dick’s Sporting Goods
