Kohler’s Transformation from Sustainability to ESG

Guided by “Believing in Better,” Kohler has evolved and updated its sustainability efforts to an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.

Celebrating its 150 year anniversary, Wisconsin-based Kohler Co. is considered to be one of the oldest and most sustainable brands in the United States. Always striving for excellence, the company is a stellar corporate citizen with a strong sense of responsibility to the planet and its people.

Driven by a philosophy of “Believing in Better”, Kohler released its inaugural ESG report in 2022. Kohler’s ESG strategy focuses on reducing its environmental impact across the supply chain, producing products to help foster strong and resilient communities, and enacting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies to enrich the employees' experience at Kohler.

Kohler prides itself on being an early adopter of net-zero carbon and net-zero waste programs. By 2035, Kohler aims to eliminate scope 1 and 2 emissions. Additionally, by that same year, the company plans to divert 100% of its manufacturing waste from landfills by implementing circular policies such as increasing the amount of recycled content in its products.

Kohler isn’t just focused on reducing its own footprint.  The company is also dedicated to helping suppliers to enhance their own ESG capabilities and minimize their environmental impact. 

Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media, recently interviewed Kohler’s Chief Sustainability & DEI Officer Laura Kohler to gain insight into the company’s transition from sustainability to ESG. During the interview, Laura emphasizes the company’s philosophy of “Believing in Better” and how that impacts Kohler’s ESG strategy for decarbonization, zero waste, and DEI policies.

Check out the video for more information about Kohler’s ESG strategy.