TOLEDO, Ohio — Owens Corning published its sustainability report of initiatives and results from 2021. The data and stories detail the company’s progress toward its ambitious 2030 Sustainability Goals.
“Owens Corning continues to build a sustainable future through material innovation, with a clear view of the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said Chair and CEO Brian Chambers. “Our 20,000 employees around the world are inspired by our shared mission, and the impact we continue to have on our customers and communities where we work and live.”
The report is organized according to the 16 topics that reflect stakeholders’ priorities across different aspects of sustainability, from product innovation and environmental footprint reduction to community outreach, inclusion and diversity, and wellness and safety.
"The latest reports from the International Panel on Climate Change make clear the need to act decisively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Frank O’Brien-Bernini, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer. "Our commitment to a decarbonized future is evident throughout the report, as we share our progress toward doubling our product handprint and cutting in half our environmental footprint."
Highlights from the Report
The company’s guiding sustainability aspirations are to double the positive impact of its products; halve the negative impact of its operations; eliminate injuries and improve the quality of life for its employees and their families; advance inclusion and diversity; and have a positive impact in its communities. Selected highlights include:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Owens Corning has reduced absolute greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 60% since its peak year of 2007.
- Switching to renewable electricity: Approximately 51% of its electricity across its portfolio globally came from renewable sources, such as wind, hydro, solar, and geothermal.
- Recycling materials: The company consumed more than 1.4 billion pounds of recycled glass in 2021, which reduces energy use and lowers scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions (full value chain).
- Building an inclusive workplace: Almost 51% of U.S. hires were from underrepresented groups in 2021, up from 40% in 2018 (the base year for the company’s 2030 sustainability goals).
- Maintaining the focus on safety: The company’s recordable incident rate for 2021 was 81% below the industry average, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Serving the community: The company provided $5.3 million to support nonprofit organizations such as the Gary Sinise Foundation, World Vision, and Habitat for Humanity as well as other community initiatives.
Detailed information about the company’s progress against all 2030 goals is available in the report online at owenscorning.com/sustainability.
