5.01.10 ASX STATEMENT Woolworths Limited 2008-2009 Corporate Responsibility Report − Sustainability strategy now in third year − On track to meet sustainability targets Woolworths Limited’s (Woolworths) long term goal is to be recognised as the leader in sustainable retailing in the Australian retailing sector. We launched our ‘Doing the Right Thing: Sustainability Strategy 2007-2015’ in November 2007 at our Annual General Meeting. Since that time, we have been working on integrating the principles and the practice of sustainability in our business. We have made good progress but we know there’s more to do. Woolworths is a signatory to Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), United Nations Global Compact and Copenhagen Communiqué. In 2009, Woolworths was featured in the Global Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI). Our sustainability performance is reported annually based on the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) G3 guidelines. Our reports are independently assured in accordance with the AA1000 Assurance Standard. Our 2009 Corporate Responsibility report achieved GRI A+ application level. Below is a summary of some of our key commitments and the progress made to date: 40% reduction in carbon emissions on projected growth levels by 2015, bringing emissions back to 2006 levels. − This reduction is being achieved by behavioural change, retrofitting existing stores with low carbon technologies, building sustainable new stores, and harnessing renewable energy. - More Over - For personal use only - Page 2 of 4 - − We have identified many opportunities in our existing stores delivering more than $60 million reduction in CODB1 annually reducing CO2-e emissions by more than 450,000 tonnes per year. These measures have been integrated into our standard refurbishment plans and are being implemented into our existing stores progressively. − In 2009, for the first time we saw a reduction of 3% on the total emissions from facilities as a result of our investment in low carbon technologies. − 24 of our 28 new supermarkets opened in 2009 were designed and built based on our sustainable store design and most exceeded our target of 2 25% CO2 reduction per m . 25% reduction in carbon emissions per carton delivered by Woolworths-owned trucks by 2012. − In 2009, we achieved a 6.5% reduction in carbon emissions per carton through reductions in kilometres travelled by better planning and reverse logistics, driver behaviour, improved aerodynamics in trailer design, use of alternative fuels and more fuel efficient technology. - More Over - For personal use only 1 Cost of doing business. - Page 3 of 4 - Up to 30% reduction in carbon emissions from our company fleet by 2010 (from 2006 fleet emissions. − Our procurement tender in 2008 included stringent sustainability criteria which enabled us to change our corporate fleet of 3000 vehicles to smaller, more efficient diesel or hybrid cars we have been able to reduce fuel costs by almost $2.2 million and by the time we complete the fleet conversion we’ll achieve more than $3.4 million cost savings in our annual fuel bill as well as a reduction of 6,800 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually compared to the old fleet. − In 2009, we reduced our company fleet emissions by 13% having only converted 56% of our cars to the new fleet so far. 200 million litres reduction in annual water use by 2010. − To date, 812 stores have been retrofitted with water efficient fittings saving 172 million litres of water in 2009 and delivering approximately $2 million annual savings in CODB. − In 2009, we harvested more than 8.0 ML of rainwater. Invest in promoting sustainable agriculture. − We established the Woolworths Sustainable Farming Program in 2007 in partnership with Landcare Australia. In the past three years, we have invested $5.80 million to fund and promote sustainable agriculture practices. − The projects funded range from addressing climate change mitigation, climate adaptation, water efficiency, improving grazing and livestock management, crop management, soil conservation and many more across Australia. Double the number of reusable crates in our supply chain to 3.4 million to replace single-use waxed boxes. − We have doubled the number of reusable crates in our supply chain from 1.7 million in 2007 to 3.4 million in 2009 eliminating the need for 31.1 million polystyrene, cardboard and waxed cardboard boxes annually. - More Over - For personal use only - Page 4 of 4 - Zero food waste to landfill by 2015. − Reducing the amount of food waste being sent to landfill to zero by 2015 and dramatically increasing the rate of recycling. We have developed a ‘Food Rescue Program’ in partnership with a number of national and local charity providers. − In 2009, we provided more than 1,350 tonnes of food to our charity partners equivalent to an estimated 1.5 million meals. Develop and implement ethical and sustainable sourcing policies. − Woolworths developed its Ethical Sourcing Policy during 2008. The Policy is aimed at improving labour conditions in our supply chain particularly in developing countries and emerging markets. The Policy is underpinned by a monitoring framework which includes a factory audit program. The audit program commenced in early 2009 and will take 2 years to audit all our first tier suppliers. Community investment − In 2009, our community investment totalled $27.4 million, about 1% of our Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT). − Woolworths is currently reviewing its overall community investment strategy to better align its investment with business objectives and community expectation. The review is expected to be completed by June 2010. - Ends - For personal use only outside back cover 4.7 outside front cover CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT ABN 88 000 014 675 WOOL W ORTHS LIMITED CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY RESPONSIBILITY LIMITED CORPORATE ORTHS R EPORT 2009 EPORT For personal use only inside front cover 4.7 inside back cover CONTENTS ABOUT THIS REPORT CONTACT DETAILS 2 Chairman’s and Welcome to Woolworths Woolworths Limited Victorian Office Limited’s Corporate Principal registered office in Australia Ground Floor CEO’s Statement Responsibility Report 1 Woolworths Way 16–20 Claremont Street 4 Our approach 2008–09. Over the last year the unprecedented Bella Vista NSW 2153 South Yarra VIC 3141 to Corporate effects of the global Tel: (02) 8885 0000 Tel: (03) 9829 1000 Responsibility financial crisis have Web: www.woolworthslimited.com.au and Sustainability highlighted the Queensland Office importance of prudent 5 Issues of Public BIG W Level 1 financial management 152 Oxford Street Interest and stringent risk Web: www.bigw.com.au Bulimba QLD 4171 assessment to ensure National Supermarkets 8 Marketplace we remain a financially Web: www.woolworths.com.au Company Secretary 14 Stakeholder viable business. It has also given further resonance to Peter Horton Engagement our philosophy of ‘Doing Woolworths Petrol 19 Governance the right thing’, ensuring Tel: 1300 655 055 Share Registrar that even in challenging Web: www.woolworthspetrol.com.au Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited 30 Our People times, we continue to Level 3 positively contribute BWS 60 Carrington Street 44 Community to the economy, Web: www.beerwinespirits.com.au the communities in Sydney NSW 2000 48 Environment MICHAEL LUSCOMBE, which we operate Dan Murphy’s Tel: 1300 368 664 64 Independent MANAGING DIRECTOR and the environment. Fax: (02) 8234 5050 AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE 789 Heidelberg Road Assurance Web: www.computershare.com.au OFFICER AND JAMES Alphington VIC 3078 Statement STRONG, CHAIRMAN Tel: (03) 9497 3388 Auditor 68 Glossary Fax: (03) 9497 2782 Net Balance Management Group Pty Ltd Web: www.danmurphys.com.au Level 4, 460 Bourke Street Dick Smith/Tandy Melbourne Victoria 3000 2 Davidson Street Tel: +61 3 8641 6400 ScOPE OF THIS REPORT Chullora NSW 2190 Fax: +61 3 9600 1295 Tel: (02) 9642 9100 Web: www.netbalance.com Unless otherwise stated, Fax: (02) 9642 9111 For more information about this report contact: this report covers all our Web: www.dse.com.au operations in Australia and Group Manager, Corporate Responsibility New Zealand for the 2009 You can also Progressive Enterprises Limited Armineh Mardirossian, at financial year (1 July 2008 view this report [email protected] to 30 June 2009). 80 Favona Road Doing the right thing online Mangere Our environmental targets For media enquiries: [email protected] At Woolworths we are conscious Auckland are based on projected For general Customer enquiries: growth through additional of our responsibilities as a major retailer New Zealand 1300 767 969 new stores in our existing – serving millions of customers every Tel: +64 (9) 275 2788 [email protected] businesses as at the 2007 day in communities across Australia Fax: +64 (9) 275 3074 financial year. These Web: www.progressive.co.nz projections do not account and New Zealand. for the impact of future We need to understand and manage ALH Group Pty Ltd acquisitions. Should we our impacts, and take the opportunity to Registered Office acquire new businesses, help achieve lasting and beneficial change the baseline data would that extends beyond our operations. 1 Woolworths Way be adjusted accordingly. Our operations impact the way we Bella Vista NSW 2153 The environmental data in treat people, serve our customers, invest Tel: (02) 8885 0000 this report does not cover Croma, our consumer in local communities, provide returns to our shareholders, manage our supply chain electronicsFor personal use only joint venture with the TATA Group in and affect the environment. This report India, where we provide aims to give the reader an insight into wholesale services to how we are performing in all these areas. 22 retail stores. Nor are our global sourcing Simply put, we aim to make sure offices in Hong Kong and Woolworths remains a company people The text pages of the report are printed Shanghai included. These want to invest in, work for and do on ENVI paper which is PEFC certified, operations are small and business with, well into the future.