Embracing our responsibility

What does it mean to be a socially and environmentally responsible company?

We believe it means going beyond the basics of ethical business practices to embrace a broader, deeper responsibility to people and the planet.

Acting responsibly is a compass by which we run our business. It informs our decisions and focuses the daily efforts of thousands of people within Gap Inc. and beyond. We know from experience that it also brings sustained, collective value to our employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers and society by helping to ensure the long-term health and viability of our business and the communities in which we operate. Our work to promote social and environmental progress inspires our employees and supports retention and recruiting efforts. It promotes innovation and creativity, as we find new ways to use resources more wisely. And it motivates our customers in today’s socially and environmentally conscious marketplace. 

In the two years since our last report, many of our plans for creating change have come to fruition. In 2010, we completed the first phase of our environmental footprint assessment, which analyzed opportunities to improve our energy, water, and waste consumption in regions and in facilities where we control operations. 

In 2010, we developed a Human Rights Policy for Gap Inc. Our commitment applies globally within our wholly-owned operations, as well as within our apparel supply chain. Gap Inc. will also continue to look for ways to support the advancement of human rights within our sphere of influence.

And we continue to deepen our community investment.  More than 5,000 women in the developing world have now participated in Gap Inc.’s signature program, Personal Advancement Career Enhancement (P.A.C.E.), which helps female garment workers advance in the workplace. In 2010, The Gap Inc. P.A.C.E. program won the Financial Times/Justmeans Social Innovation Award.

These developments, along with other progress detailed in this report, reflect the degree to which social and environmental responsibility continues to be integrated throughout the company. As our understanding of issues and opportunities evolves, so does our work, as we continue to seek new and better ways to care for people and our natural resources.