Environmental Stewardship
Energy & Emissions
Signet’s operational energy use and carbon footprint covers more than 3,200 retail stores across all 50 US states and in six countries, as well as our corporate offices and Support Centers.
We purchase electricity from the grid, and our use is largely influenced by the number of lighting and climate control systems needed to provide our customers with a superior shopping experience. We balance these needs with opportunities to decrease energy use where possible.
Efficiency & ambience
Seeing our jewelry sparkle under the right light helps customers appreciate the beauty of a gemstone. When that light is also an energy-efficient option, then it’s a win-win for Signet and our customers.
Our store planning and design teams have been modernizing the lighting used in Signet’s stores in a way that improves store ambience, while also reducing overall energy use. LED lighting offers a solution with multiple benefits — a crisper, brighter view through bulbs that last longer and use less energy than halogen bulbs.
The project, which currently spans more than 2,700 stores in North America, is utilizing a data-driven road map to work toward 100% LED lighting over the next several years. Projects are prioritized and accelerated by factors such as the need for replacement of existing bulbs and stores receiving cosmetic updates, renovations or full remodels. The result is an agile and efficient process that results in more ambience and less energy use. Our progress in rolling out LED lighting in our North American stores is summarized below:
Keep Signet cool
LED Light Coverage as of end of 2018:
A PROCESS OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
| by geography | Percentage of stores with complete retrofits (led in ceiling and showcases) |
Percentage of stores with partial retrofit (LED in ceiling only) |
|---|---|---|
| Total US | 41% | 8% |
| By Banner | ||
| Jared | 19% | 30% |
| KAY (Includes Regionals) |
43% | 5% |
| Zales | 32% | 12% |
| Pagoda | 57% | n/a |
| Canada | 18% | n/a |
| James Allen | 100% | n/a |
Water
Though the jewelry retail business is not water-intensive relative to other industries, we are mindful of the need to conserve this limited resource. Wherever possible, we use water-saving fixtures, such as aerated faucets and low-flush toilets. Since our water withdrawal relates only to basic daily team member needs, rather than an industrial process, we do not conduct risk assessments related to water withdrawal or scarcity in the areas in which we operate. Signet has not received any notifications of non-compliance related to water use or discharge.
Water Reduction in Botswana
Our factory in Botswana was able to achieve nearly 2/3 reduction in water usage in 2018. This is especially important in the semi-arid country where water shortages are common. Here are some of the measures taken this past year to achieve these savings:
Adjusted the flush water level on all toilets so less water used to fill tank
As an extra water-saving precaution, the water into the building is turned off each night
Hazardous Waste
Rhodium plating provides jewelry with a surface that guards against scratches and increases shine, luster and durability. The plating process, however, results in hazardous chemical waste. To manage this common environmental risk, Signet contracts with a certified third-party, Clean Harbors, for regular safe disposal. In FY18, we also updated our Rhodium Bath Process Material Exchange policy and created a log to ensure the process is conducted in a timely manner. Our operations rarely generate other types of hazardous waste, but when they do, we follow all legal requirements and compliance procedures to dispose of it safely.