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  • Overall approach
    2/16
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      0/6
      Deforestation commitment
      Commodity-specific commitment
      0/6
      Commodities (if applicable): Timber
      "Lowe’s commits to source wood that: comes from a known source;is legally harvested and traded;does not threaten high conservation value or high carbon stock forests;does not come from deforestation or other ecosystem conversion, which leads to biodiversity loss, including that of rare, threatened and endangered species;is not endangered;"
      Open source document
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      0/1
    • Awareness of the value of forests
      1/1
      Awareness
      Yes
      1/1
      "Forests are crucial to life on the planet, supporting plant and animal life; capturing and storing greenhouse gases; and providing food, water, fuel, medicine and livelihoods to billions of people around the world. Lowe’s is dedicated to protecting these critical resources, and we want to do our part to protect them by adopting responsible practices. To do so, Lowe’s implemented our first Wood Policy in 2000 and, since then, we have continued to work with employees and suppliers to safeguard valuable forest resources. Trees are a critical part of our business, so ensuring a long-term, sustainable source of wood is paramount. In addition, we want to hold ourselves and our suppliers to high standards."
      Open source document
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      0/1
      Business risk
      No
      0/1
      Does the company recognise the risk as financial, operational, competition, reputational, or other? Please detail.:
    • High-level management of deforestion
      1/1
      High-level management
      Yes
      1/1
      Which commodities does it apply to?: Timber
      "Our board of directors and its five standing committees, each of which is comprised solely of independent directors, are responsible for overseeing corporate strategy and risk management processes,[...] Our sustainability committee provides oversight on Lowe’s position on sustainability, environmental and related social corporate responsibility issues and impacts, and communicates associated risks to the board. [....] The Quality Assurance (QA) team monitors our Wood Sourcing and Conflict Minerals programs as outlined in our vendor code of conduct"
      Open source document
    • Executive compensation linked to deforestation
    • Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
      0/3
    • Reporting on emissions from land-use change
      0/3
    • Disclosure of conservation activity
    • Disclosure of reforestation activity
  • Commodity score
    23/84
    • Leather
      11/84
      • Commitment Strength
        0/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          0/17
          • Commitment details
            No commitment
            0/10.7
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            0/3
          • Target date
            0/2
          • Interim target date
            0/1
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/11
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/5.3
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            0/3
          • Target date
            0/2
          • Interim target date
            0/1
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          "Suppliers operating in or procuring from areas where we identify our most severe risks will be the key focus of this engagement. With this commitment, Lowe’s adopted this Human Rights Policy (“Policy”) and supports the fundamental principles of Human Rights, as defined by the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. In addition, Lowe’s aligns with the principles set forth in the United Nations Global Compact,[...] and the International Labor Organizations (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This Policy applies to all associates, vendors, suppliers, customers, subcontractors, and other partners who provide services and goods to Lowe’s." [...] Discrimination [...] Forced Labour [...] Child Labour [...] Freedom of association"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          "Non-Discrimination: Vendors shall follow all applicable laws and regulations and shall prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of [...] gender identity, gender"
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No commitment
          0/4
      • Reporting and Implementation
        6/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          0/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            0/3
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/3
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            0/2
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/2
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          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
          "Compliance with Laws and Lowe’s Policies: Vendors must fully comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and with Lowe’s policies published on its vendor portals, including but not limited to, the Human Rights Policy, Safer Chemicals Policy, Conflict Minerals Policy, and Wood Sourcing Policy. To the extent that Lowe’s policies impose a higher standard than what is required by any applicable law or regulation, Lowe’s policies shall prevail. [...] Monitoring and Enforcement: Lowe’s, whether acting by itself or through a third party, will take affirmative measures such as inspections and audits to ensure compliance with this Code. Vendors must maintain all documentation to demonstrate compliance with this Code and shall make such documentation available to Lowe’s or Lowe’s authorized third-party agent upon request."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of the mechanism: Social; Environmental

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: No

          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, focused on social issues, focused on environmental issues, etc.)?: phone, email, internet portal
          "Whistleblower Protection and Non-Retaliation: Vendors shall create programs to ensure the protection of worker whistleblower confidentiality, and to prohibit retaliation against workers who participate in such programs in good faith, or who refuse an order that violates the Code. Vendors shall provide an anonymous complaint mechanism for workers to report any workplace grievances or Code violations in accordance with any applicable laws and regulations. Violations of this Code can be reported confidentially and in a local language. Please contact Lowe’s through one of the following channels: ▪ Via the internet: www.ethicspoint.com ▪ Via e-mail: compliance@lowes.com ▪ Via telephone: (various numbers)"
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/4
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          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
      22/84
      • Commitment Strength
        10/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          6/12
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            Which certification schemes are used?: FSC
            "As a buyer of wood products, RONA wishes to do business with suppliers who comply with this policy. This policy applies to paper products used in our daily operations and those products sold in our network of stores. [...] When RONA buys paper, we look for the following qualities: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The standards supported by the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC), including: - Canadian Standards Association (CSA) - Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            What is the rationale for any exclusion?: Rona is a subsidiary of Lowes
            Rona is a subsidiary of Lowes
            Open source document
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/1.3
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.7
        • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
          4/8
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            4/4
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            4/4
            Type of commitment: Recycled content
            "RONA favours the procurement of paper containing post-consumer recycled fibre. RONA recognizes the importance of recovering wastepaper and recycling the fibre to make new products".
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            If no, what is excluded?: Subsidary
            "RONA [a subsidiary of Lowe's] favours the procurement of paper containing post-consumer recycled fibre. RONA recognizes the importance of recovering wastepaper and recycling the fibre to make new products".
            Open source document
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/1.3
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.7
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/8
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            0/2
          • Target date
            0/1.3
          • Interim target date
            0/0.7
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          "Suppliers operating in or procuring from areas where we identify our most severe risks will be the key focus of this engagement. With this commitment, Lowe’s adopted this Human Rights Policy (“Policy”) and supports the fundamental principles of Human Rights, as defined by the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. In addition, Lowe’s aligns with the principles set forth in the United Nations Global Compact,[...] and the International Labor Organizations (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This Policy applies to all associates, vendors, suppliers, customers, subcontractors, and other partners who provide services and goods to Lowe’s." [...] Discrimination [...] Forced Labour [...] Child Labour [...] Freedom of association"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          "Non-Discrimination: Vendors shall follow all applicable laws and regulations and shall prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of [...] gender identity, gender"
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No commitment
          0/4
      • Reporting and Implementation
        7/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          0/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/2
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            No
            0/2
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/2
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/1.3
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            No
            0/1.3
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/1.3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          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
          "Compliance with Laws and Lowe’s Policies: Vendors must fully comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and with Lowe’s policies published on its vendor portals, including but not limited to, the Human Rights Policy, Safer Chemicals Policy, Conflict Minerals Policy, and Wood Sourcing Policy. To the extent that Lowe’s policies impose a higher standard than what is required by any applicable law or regulation, Lowe’s policies shall prevail. [...] Monitoring and Enforcement: Lowe’s, whether acting by itself or through a third party, will take affirmative measures such as inspections and audits to ensure compliance with this Code. Vendors must maintain all documentation to demonstrate compliance with this Code and shall make such documentation available to Lowe’s or Lowe’s authorized third-party agent upon request."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, focused on social issues, focused on environmental issues, etc.)?: phone, email, internet portal

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: no

          Details of the mechanism: Social; Environmental
          "Whistleblower Protection and Non-Retaliation: Vendors shall create programs to ensure the protection of worker whistleblower confidentiality, and to prohibit retaliation against workers who participate in such programs in good faith, or who refuse an order that violates the Code. Vendors shall provide an anonymous complaint mechanism for workers to report any workplace grievances or Code violations in accordance with any applicable laws and regulations. Violations of this Code can be reported confidentially and in a local language. Please contact Lowe’s through one of the following channels: ▪ Via the internet: www.ethicspoint.com ▪ Via e-mail: compliance@lowes.com ▪ Via telephone: (various numbers)"
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/4
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not disclosed
          "As stated in the Responsible Procurement Policy (RPP), RONA will take the required action to monitor compliance with this policy."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
          "RONA expects that suppliers implement corrective measures to remedy all cases of non-compliance. If necessary, the business relationship with the supplier may be reconsidered."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Timber
      37/84
      • Commitment Strength
        17/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          17/17
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross conversion
            10.7/10.7
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross conversion
            10.7/10.7
            Which certification schemes are used?: FSC
            "By 2020, Lowe’s will achieve 100 percent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for all wood products sourced from identified regions at risk." "Lowe’s commits to source wood that [...] does not come from deforestation or other ecosystem conversion, which leads to biodiversity loss, including that of rare, threatened and endangered species".
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            3/3
            What is the rationale for any exclusion?: The regions excluded are not thought to be at risk.
            "By 2020, Lowe’s will achieve 100 percent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for all wood products sourced from identified regions at risk." This includes the Amazon basin, Atlantic Forest/Gran Chaco, Borneo, Cerrado Savanna, Choco-Darien moist forests, and Congo Basin. "Lowe’s commits to source wood that [...] does not come from deforestation or other ecosystem conversion, which leads to biodiversity loss, including that of rare, threatened and endangered species".
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            2/2
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            2/2
            "By 2020, Lowe’s will achieve 100 percent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for all wood products sourced from identified regions at risk." "Lowe’s commits to source wood that [...] does not come from deforestation or other ecosystem conversion, which leads to biodiversity loss, including that of rare, threatened and endangered species".
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            1/1
            Interim target date
            Yes
            1/1
            What date is given for the interim milestone(s)?: 2020
            "By 2020, Lowe’s will achieve 100 percent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for all wood products sourced from identified regions at risk." "Lowe’s commits to source wood that [...] does not come from deforestation or other ecosystem conversion, which leads to biodiversity loss, including that of rare, threatened and endangered species".
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/11
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/5.3
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            0/3
          • Target date
            0/2
          • Interim target date
            0/1
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          "Suppliers operating in or procuring from areas where we identify our most severe risks will be the key focus of this engagement. With this commitment, Lowe’s adopted this Human Rights Policy (“Policy”) and supports the fundamental principles of Human Rights, as defined by the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. In addition, Lowe’s aligns with the principles set forth in the United Nations Global Compact,[...] and the International Labor Organizations (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This Policy applies to all associates, vendors, suppliers, customers, subcontractors, and other partners who provide services and goods to Lowe’s." [...] Discrimination [...] Forced Labour [...] Child Labour [...] Freedom of association"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          "Non-Discrimination: Vendors shall follow all applicable laws and regulations and shall prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of [...] gender identity, gender"
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No commitment
          0/4
      • Reporting and Implementation
        16/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          3/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            3/3
            "In 2019, less than 1% (0.3%) of our total U.S. wood volume was sourced from regions at risk, with 27% identified as having FSC-certification".
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/3
        • Reporting is independently verified
          2/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            2/2
            Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: FSC
            "In 2019, less than 1% (0.3%) of our total U.S. wood volume was sourced from regions at risk, with 27% identified as having FSC-certification".
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/2
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          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
          "Compliance with Laws and Lowe’s Policies: Vendors must fully comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and with Lowe’s policies published on its vendor portals, including but not limited to, the Human Rights Policy, Safer Chemicals Policy, Conflict Minerals Policy, and Wood Sourcing Policy. To the extent that Lowe’s policies impose a higher standard than what is required by any applicable law or regulation, Lowe’s policies shall prevail. [...] Monitoring and Enforcement: Lowe’s, whether acting by itself or through a third party, will take affirmative measures such as inspections and audits to ensure compliance with this Code. Vendors must maintain all documentation to demonstrate compliance with this Code and shall make such documentation available to Lowe’s or Lowe’s authorized third-party agent upon request."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of the mechanism: Social; Environmental

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: no

          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, focused on social issues, focused on environmental issues, etc.)?: phone, email, internet portal
          "Whistleblower Protection and Non-Retaliation: Vendors shall create programs to ensure the protection of worker whistleblower confidentiality, and to prohibit retaliation against workers who participate in such programs in good faith, or who refuse an order that violates the Code. Vendors shall provide an anonymous complaint mechanism for workers to report any workplace grievances or Code violations in accordance with any applicable laws and regulations. Violations of this Code can be reported confidentially and in a local language. Please contact Lowe’s through one of the following channels: ▪ Via the internet: www.ethicspoint.com ▪ Via e-mail: compliance@lowes.com ▪ Via telephone: (various numbers)"
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          What is the certified volume?: 45.16 million ft3

          What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: 398.84 million ft3

          Which certification schemes are used?: FSC
          In their 2019 report, Lowes reported the Total lumber and building materials sourced as USA 392 million ft3, 9% was FSC Certified; Canada - 52 millions ft3, 19% was FSC certified
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          How frequently is compliance assessed?: not specified

          Details of monitoring: Using certification; Using internal monitoring and verification systems
          "Lowe’s gives preference to FSC-certified wood products when they are available and meet product performance and business requirements. In circumstances where wood product is not sourced from a certified forest, the supplier must prove that its product comes from a controlled source and demonstrate evidence of compliance with Lowe’s Wood Sourcing Policy."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
  • Commitment strength
    9/28
    Avg. score
  • Reporting and Implementation
    10/38
    Avg. score
  • Social considerations
    5/18
    Avg. score

Profile

Lowe’s Companies is a major home improvement company based in the US with operations in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Its products include building materials, appliances, furniture and flooring. Of its sales, the vast majority are in the US. It is one of the largest home improvement chains in the US and worldwide. Lowe's Companies Inc. is selected as a powerbroker for leather, timber and paper packaging.

Sector
Industry sector 
Furniture & flooring, Home improvement
Segments
Retailer
HQ
HQ 
United States
Company Type
Company type 
Public listed
Collective Commitments
Consumer Goods Forum member
New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Lowe's

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.

Full corporate sector performance data Forest 500 assessment methodology

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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.