As a retail business, our operations have an impact on the lives of millions of people: our customers, our people, the communities in which we operate, those who work in our supply chain and their own communities. We also have a duty to ensure our activities do not harm the environment. Our aim is not just to minimise the impact we have but to try to have a positive effect on those whose lives we touch. We think Corporate Social Responsibility is about real, tangible actions. Our programmes affect every single area of our business from our Head Office to Stores, from energy efficiency and recycling to fuel efficient distribution, local community programmes and giving to charity. We have also started to select products that minimise ecological impact. Here’s just a few of the many initiatives we’re putting into action:

• Debenhams are currently driving a Store energy saving plan, reviewing timings for lights, escalators and air conditioning. Overnight shifts have been reduced with light focussed only in the areas it's needed. As a result of all these efforts we have achieved the Energy Efficiency Accreditation awarded by the Energy Institute
• All new Stores now have at least 50% of their energy from renewable sources. Compared to an average Debenhams, the energy saved by our recently opened Llandudno store over a year will be enough to comfortably heat and light 17 homes
• 100% recycled carrier bags are being phased into store now and at least the last five Mega Days have all had 100% recycled carrier bags
• For new Store openings, the new store management team works closely on a community focused project which is coordinated by Business In The Community. This is how the team build their effectiveness but also give something back to the people who live locally. Feedback from everyone involved in these projects is incredible
• By targeting and training our truck drivers we have increased our fuel efficiency by nearly 15%
• Our restaurants now stock only Douwe Egberts Good Origin Coffee. Every cup of Good Origin coffee can be traced back to the farm where it was grown and has been certified by Utz Kapeh, a global non-governmental organisation. This is ensuring we are helping farmers look after their workers, their families and the environment in which they live and work
• Nearly 1000 staff donate directly to charity from their salaries via Debenhams Give As You Earn scheme
• We have developed more eco-friendly packaging for bra collars on Lingerie, by using a new type of board we are able to maintain the print quality, whilst introducing 20% recycled content
• Following a successful trial in Finance and Systems, we are extending the trial of two new central combined printer/scanner/photocopying machines in Head Office. These have the potential to significantly reduce our use of energy and paper
• Head Office recycling centres - replacing most individual bins with recycling facilities for paper, and certain mixed waste like, newspapers, card, plastic bottles, etc. This will allow us to divert as much as possible from land fill.
• 30-degree wash care instructions wherever possible - being rolled out by Quality Assurance
• Getting fully behind the Breast Cancer campaign which runs in Store in October