Home Depot 2002 Annual Report Download - page 20

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Associates educate customers on how to face emergencies before,
during and after disaster strikes. Working with relief organizations,
we assist our communities in preparing for an emergency through
clinics and awareness programs. We respond with needed supplies
and volunteers in the wake of natural disasters and severe weather,
aiding the communities’ efforts to rebuild and return to daily life. We
know our communities aren’t made of only nails and boards; communi-
ties are our neighbors, our friends and our families. Our deeply-rooted
values, as well as our commitment to doing the right thing, building
strong relationships, taking care of our people and giving back, have
guided us in our efforts to make a difference in the lives of our com-
munities, especially in times of need.
ENSURING FORESTS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
In 1999, The Home Depot issued its wood purchasing policy to help
protect endangered forests and to ensure that there will be timber for
future generations. The Home Depot is committed to not purchasing
wood products sourced from the most vulnerable forest eco-regions
unless certified. In addition, we do not accept wood products made from
the 40 suspect tree species listed as potentially endangered species,
unless the supplier provides the export permit. Under our guidance,
our vendors are migrating to product lines certified by the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC), an independent, third-party certification
body that is recognized as the “global leader in responsible forestry.”
After years of research, we now know item by item – from broom
handles to paint brushes, cabinets to carpenter pencils, doors to mold-
ing, paneling to plywood – where our wood products are sourced.
SHARING VALUES
ENERGY STAR PRODUCTS
Through our e+ program, which includes signage, catalog pages,
clinics and merchandise displays, our customers learn how they can
reduce their bills by using less energy in their homes. Our web site
www.homedepot.com/energy contains over 200 tips and products to
dramatically reduce energy bills.
SAVING ENERGY AND CUTTING EXPENSES
To reduce one of our largest operating expenses – energy to power
our stores – and with an eye on preserving natural resources, we
retrofitted some stores with energy-efficient T-5 lighting. Looking to
the future, we developed a more energy-efficient prototype for new
stores, which includes:
•vestibules to all new store entrances and exits to reduce outside
air infiltration
•reduced store footprint standard to 102,000 square feet
•lower racking for better airflow
•energy-efficient T-5 lighting
•white TPO roofing to reduce heat load
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