In conjunction with the publication of the 2019 CRR, Rockwell Automation today launched a new corporate responsibility content hub. The hub is dedicated to the company’s ongoing efforts in this space and the Rockwell’s evolution to more robust alignment and storytelling strategy on the topics of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
Helping the industry to be more sustainable has been a priority since our founding over a century ago, and I’m especially proud of the progress highlighted in our 2019 Corporate Responsibility Report,” said Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO Blake Moret. “As we navigate a world forever changed by COVID-19, our dedication to the health and safety of our people, our customers, and our communities is top of mind for us – and we remain steadfast in our commitment to expand human possibility both inside and outside of the company.
Rockwell Automation’s 2019 CRR showcases powerful stories of the company’s impact across the three pillars of its corporate responsibility and sustainability strategy. Highlights include:
- Sustainable Customers: In 2019, Rockwell Automation assisted a nonprofit organization combatting malnutrition around the world, by creating state-of-the-art automated processes that helped the organization feed significantly more people. In 2019 alone, the organization saw a 20% increase in manufacturing capacity. In Asia-Pacific, Rockwell Automation worked with a renewable energy company off the coast of mainland Australia, to help the region break its dependence on expensive and polluting diesel fuel for electricity generation. Rockwell Automation did so by installing a new "Hydro Energy Hub" that switches to 100 percent renewable solar and wind energy when conditions allow.
- Sustainable Company: In 2019, Rockwell Automation recycled or reused 8,500 tons of its 9,900 tons of waste generated. Additionally, the organization achieved a worker safety rate of 0.37 cases per 100 employees, exceeding its goal of 0.40 for the year. Rockwell Automation earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and was recognized as one of the Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies. The company’s external reputation for ethics and integrity was validated by its 2019 internal Annual Ethics Survey results, which demonstrated that 87% of employees believe if they raise a concern about unethical behavior, the company will fully investigate it.
- Sustainable Communities: Rockwell Automation’s total giving for 2019 totaled almost $9M, with a focus on STEM education, talent and equity, and disaster relief and recovery programs. In addition to in-kind support, Rockwell Automation employees mentored 221 global teams through the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology (FIRST) program, an initiative aimed inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders. In North America, Rockwell Automation’s U.S.-based Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM) offers technical education to upskill military veterans for successful careers after the military.
Rockwell Automation’s approach to corporate responsibility is not static, but rather is constantly adapting to meet the evolving challenges we face, enabling us to make a meaningful, lasting difference in the world,” said Rockwell Automation Director of Environment, Health & Safety Majo Thurman. “As part of our evolving approach, we are analyzing and setting new environmental goals, refreshing and refining our corporate responsibility priorities, and engaging with our key stakeholders to understand where and how we can make the biggest difference.
Rockwell Automation’s corporate responsibility content hub will feature new stories and updates on its corporate responsibility progress throughout the year. The organization saw many successes during 2019 and is focused on continuing to cultivate a culture where all employees can and want to do their best work, innovate for and empower customers to be more sustainable, and position communities across the world for long-term success, in 2020 and beyond.
