Download data

Powerbroker for

Select an assessment year:

  • Overall approach
    3/10
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      0/4
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      0/1
    • Awareness of the value of forests
      1/1
      Awareness
      Yes
      1/1
      "Forests play a key role in the water cycle, soil conservation, carbon sequestration and habitat protection (including pollinators). Their sustainable management is crucial for sustainable agriculture and food security."
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      1/1
      Business risk
      Yes
      1/1
      What revenue comes from industries relevant to each forest risk commodity?: NA

      What type of risk is recognised?: Financial; Reputational

      What poportion of a company’s annual revenue depends on each forest risk commodity?: NA

      What proportion of revenue that comes from relevant industries is exposed to each forest risk commodity?: NA

      Type of risk if Other. Also add any relevant details: NA
      "As the world's largest home improvement retailer and an industry leader on sustainability issues, we have the ability to effect change by doing the right thing. To help protect endangered forests and to ensure that there will be timber for future generations, The Home Depot first issued its Wood Purchasing Policy in 1999. From 1999 through 2020 we have been very successful in leading our suppliers to understanding and practicing sustainable forestry throughout the world."
    • High-level management of deforestion
      1/1
      High-level management
      Yes
      1/1
      Which commodities does it apply to?: Timber

      How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?: Annually
      "The NCG Committee has primary responsibility for oversight of ESG matters generally. This oversight includes reviewing and making recommendations to the Board regarding our environmental, social and governance practices as well as corporate political activity and payments to trade associations. The NCG Committee receives regular reports on ESG engagements with shareholders and related investor feedback, as well as information on recent developments with respect to ESG matters. • Each year, the full Board receives a report on our sustainability strategy and activities, including a discussion of our ESG communications and our annual Responsibility Report"
    • Executive compensation linked to deforestation
      Executive compensation
      No
      0/0
      Does it disclose the percentage of pay at risk?: No
    • Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
      0/1
    • Reporting on emissions from land-use change
      0/1
    • Disclosure of conservation activity
    • Disclosure of reforestation activity
    • Target to reduce emissions in scope 1/2
      Reduce emissions
      Yes
      0/0
      Type of climate target: Other or unclear

      What is the target date for the company to achieve their climate target?: 2035

      Is this target aligned with/verified by SBTi?: No
      "Science-based target to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 40% 2030, 50% by 2035"
  • Commodity score
    12/90
    • Leather
      5/90
      • Commitment Strength
        0/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          0/9.5
          • Commitment details
            No commitment
            0/6
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
          • Target date
            Post 2050 or no target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/7.5
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
          • Target date
            Post 2050 or no target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        3/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: NA
          " All suppliers must be able to demonstrate compliance with these requirements at the request of The Home Depot - No Child Labor ; No Forced Labor ; Non Discrimination ; Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining Suppliers must recognize and respect the rights of workers to exercise lawful rights of free association"[...]"The Home Depot is committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights. We review and are informed by the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Bill of Human Rights, International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the UN Global Compact."
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          No commitment
          0/2
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/1
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/3
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          No
          0/3
      • Implementation and Reporting
        2/56
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          No
          0/3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Laws and Regulations Suppliers must operate in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate. Monitoring and Compliance The Home Depot will undertake affirmative measures, such as announced and unannounced on-site audits of production factories, to monitor compliance with these Social and Environmental Responsibility Standards. Suppliers must maintain on site all documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with the Social and Environmental Responsibility Standards, and Suppliers must allow representatives from The Home Depot full access to production facilities, worker records, production records and workers for confidential interviews in connection with monitoring visits."
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          No
          0/4
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          No reporting
          0/3
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          No
          0/5
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Pulp & Paper
      7/90
      • Commitment Strength
        1/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          1/9.5
          • Commitment details
            Sustainability commitment/other
            1/6
            Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
            Sustainability commitment/other
            1/6
            What paper/pulp product does their commitment apply to?: Packaging

            When was this commitment set?: NA

            Type of sustainability commitment: Reduce the volume of virgin wood fibre used in paper and packaging products through usage of recycled content; Use of alternative fibres that consider full life cycle, biodiversity, and food security impacts
            "Along with our suppliers and vendors we are developing our thinking and capabilities [...] to eliminate excess materials. Eliminate materials that are not readily reusable or recyclable [...] Cardboard recycling (tons) 2018 248,400 [...] 2020 261,500 [...] Our supplier Pratt Industries produces all Home Depot moving boxes. The boxes are made from 100% recycled material".
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            What subsidiaries are explicitly excluded?: NA

            What percentage of commodity production/sourcing is excluded?: 0 Unclear

            What subsidiaries are explicitly included?: NA

            If no, what is excluded?: Product line

            What is the rationale for any exclusions?: focus on cardboard
            "Along with our suppliers and vendors we are developing our thinking and capabilities [...] to eliminate excess materials. Eliminate materials that are not readily reusable or recyclable [...] Cardboard recycling (tons) 2018 248,400 [...] 2020 261,500 [...] Our supplier Pratt Industries produces all Home Depot moving boxes. The boxes are made from 100% recycled material".
          • Target date
            Post 2050 or no target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/7.5
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
          • Target date
            Post 2050 or no target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        3/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: NA
          " All suppliers must be able to demonstrate compliance with these requirements at the request of The Home Depot - No Child Labor ; No Forced Labor ; Non Discrimination ; Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining Suppliers must recognize and respect the rights of workers to exercise lawful rights of free association"[...]"The Home Depot is committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights. We review and are informed by the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Bill of Human Rights, International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the UN Global Compact."
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          No commitment
          0/2
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/1
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/3
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          No
          0/3
      • Implementation and Reporting
        3/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          No
          0/3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Laws and Regulations Suppliers must operate in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate. Monitoring and Compliance The Home Depot will undertake affirmative measures, such as announced and unannounced on-site audits of production factories, to monitor compliance with these Social and Environmental Responsibility Standards. Suppliers must maintain on site all documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with the Social and Environmental Responsibility Standards, and Suppliers must allow representatives from The Home Depot full access to production facilities, worker records, production records and workers for confidential interviews in connection with monitoring visits."
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          No
          0/4
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          No reporting
          0/3
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          No
          0/5
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Timber
      24/90
      • Commitment Strength
        13/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          6/9.5
          • Commitment details
            Protects priority forests (including High Conservation Value, High Carbon Stock, and peatlands)
            2/6
            Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
            Protects priority forests (including High Conservation Value, High Carbon Stock, and peatlands)
            2/6
            When was this commitment set?: 1999

            Does the company have a commitment to the protection of other specific named ecosystems?: HCS

            Which certification schemes are used?: FSC
            "In 1999 we established a Wood Purchasing Policy to help avoid wood products coming from forestland with a high conservation value....The Home Depot's Wood Purchasing Policy outlines our commitment to give preference to the purchase of wood and wood products originating from certified, well-managed forests wherever feasible. Eliminate the purchase of wood and wood products from forest regions identified as endangered. Not accept wood products from the Amazon or Congo Basin areas, Papua New Guinea or the Solomon Islands unless they're Forest Stewardship Council certified"
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "In 1999 we established a Wood Purchasing Policy to help avoid wood products coming from forestland with a high conservation value....The Home Depot's Wood Purchasing Policy outlines our commitment to give preference to the purchase of wood and wood products originating from certified, well-managed forests wherever feasible. Eliminate the purchase of wood and wood products from forest regions identified as endangered. Not accept wood products from the Amazon or Congo Basin areas, Papua New Guinea or the Solomon Islands unless they're Forest Stewardship Council certified"
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: FSC Certification ; avoid wood products from high risk regions
            "In 1999 we established a Wood Purchasing Policy to help avoid wood products coming from forestland with a high conservation value....The Home Depot's Wood Purchasing Policy outlines our commitment to give preference to the purchase of wood and wood products originating from certified, well-managed forests wherever feasible. Eliminate the purchase of wood and wood products from forest regions identified as endangered. Not accept wood products from the Amazon or Congo Basin areas, Papua New Guinea or the Solomon Islands unless they're Forest Stewardship Council certified"
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: NA
            "In 1999 we established a Wood Purchasing Policy to help avoid wood products coming from forestland with a high conservation value....The Home Depot's Wood Purchasing Policy outlines our commitment to give preference to the purchase of wood and wood products originating from certified, well-managed forests wherever feasible. Eliminate the purchase of wood and wood products from forest regions identified as endangered. Not accept wood products from the Amazon or Congo Basin areas, Papua New Guinea or the Solomon Islands unless they're Forest Stewardship Council certified"
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          8/7.5
          • Commitment details
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            When was this commitment set?: 2018
            "To fulfill the pledge, it was necessary to trace the origin of each and every wood product on our shelves. Afteryears of research, we now know item by item - from lumber to broom handles, doors to molding and paneling toplywood - where our wood products are harvested [...] We sell less than 1% of all the wood cut worldwide with 94% coming from North America."
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "To fulfill the pledge, it was necessary to trace the origin of each and every wood product on our shelves. Afteryears of research, we now know item by item - from lumber to broom handles, doors to molding and paneling toplywood - where our wood products are harvested [...] We sell less than 1% of all the wood cut worldwide with 94% coming from North America."
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: trace the origin of all wood they sell
            "To fulfill the pledge, it was necessary to trace the origin of each and every wood product on our shelves. Afteryears of research, we now know item by item - from lumber to broom handles, doors to molding and paneling toplywood - where our wood products are harvested [...] We sell less than 1% of all the wood cut worldwide with 94% coming from North America."
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: NA
            "To fulfill the pledge, it was necessary to trace the origin of each and every wood product on our shelves. Afteryears of research, we now know item by item - from lumber to broom handles, doors to molding and paneling toplywood - where our wood products are harvested [...] We sell less than 1% of all the wood cut worldwide with 94% coming from North America."
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        3/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: NA
          " All suppliers must be able to demonstrate compliance with these requirements at the request of The Home Depot - No Child Labor ; No Forced Labor ; Non Discrimination ; Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining Suppliers must recognize and respect the rights of workers to exercise lawful rights of free association"[...]"The Home Depot is committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights. We review and are informed by the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Bill of Human Rights, International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the UN Global Compact."
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          No commitment
          0/2
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/1
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/3
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          No
          0/3
      • Implementation and Reporting
        8/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
          Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
          "The Home Depot will give preference to the purchase of wood and wood products originating from certified well-managed forests wherever feasible. . The Home Depot does not accept wood from the Amazon or Congo Basin areas, Papua New Guinea or the Solomon Islands unless Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified (enforcement date September 2018)."
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          No
          0/3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for partial sourcing regions/operations
          1/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for partial sourcing regions/operations
          1/2
          What cut-off date is specified?: 2018
          "The Home Depot does not accept wood from the Amazon or Congo Basin areas, Papua New Guinea or the Solomon Islands unless Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified (enforcement date September 2018)."
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          What is the nature of that participation?: Attending & contributing to meetings

          What initiatives does the company participate in?: Yale Forest Forum, Southern Forest Carbon Project, FSC controlled wood working group
          "At Home Depot we have reached out to many stakeholders over the past 17 years to help us research and understand the world’s forestry issues. We have participated in many committees and studies in efforts to clarify the issues that affect our forests. Some of these include Yale Forest Forum, Southern Forest Carbon Project, FSC controlled wood working group and many others. We also invite many ENGOs to our corporate headquarters to meet with our senior leadership team members. Examples of some of the ENGOs that have met with our senior leadership are: Greenpeace, Natural Resources Defense Council, Rainforest Action Network, Forest Ethics, Dogwood Alliance, Rainforest Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, WWF and others."
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Laws and Regulations Suppliers must operate in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate. Monitoring and Compliance The Home Depot will undertake affirmative measures, such as announced and unannounced on-site audits of production factories, to monitor compliance with these Social and Environmental Responsibility Standards. Suppliers must maintain on site all documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with the Social and Environmental Responsibility Standards, and Suppliers must allow representatives from The Home Depot full access to production facilities, worker records, production records and workers for confidential interviews in connection with monitoring visits."
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          No
          0/4
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          No reporting
          0/3
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          No
          0/5
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          No
          0/4
          Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          No
          0/4
          Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: No
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
          Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No

          Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: No
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
          Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
          Does the company have a list of blacklisted or otherwise excluded suppliers or producers?: No
  • Commitment strength
    5/17
    Avg. score
  • Implementation and Reporting
    4/56
    Avg. score
  • Associated Human Rights Abuses
    3/17
    Avg. score

Profile

Home Depot is an American home improvement retailer. The company sells building materials, flooring, hardware, storage solutions, furniture, paint, and electrical appliances among other products. Home Depot have over 2000 stores spread over the US, Mexico, and Canada. With more than 1 million products, Home Depot claims to be the biggest home improvement retailer in the world. The company’s retail operations require large amounts of timber. Home Depot is selected as a powerbroker for leather, timber and paper packaging.

Sector
Industry sector 
Home Improvement Retail, Paper Packaging
Segments
Retailer
HQ
HQ 
United States
Company Type
Company type 
CO
Collective Commitments
Consumer Goods Forum member
New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Home depot

How we assess the Forest 500

To ensure deforestation free supply chains, companies need to adopt and implement timebound and measurable policies for forest risk commodities.

All assessments use policies published on company websites, some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Disclaimer

This assessment has been carried out following the methodology developed for the Forest 500 project, available here. Please see our disclaimer applicable to all information contained within this site and our terms and conditions for use of data presented on this site.

All assessments use policies published on company and financial institution websites, and while we endeavor to keep them updated some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Please contact us with any concerns or feedback about this or other assessments included in the Forest 500.