Kohler Reduces Global Operational Water and GHG Emissions Intensity, Improves Diverse Hiring and Advances Product Development To Improve Access to Safe Water and Sanitation

KOHLER, Wis., June 23, 2022 /3BL Media/ - Today, Kohler Co., a global leader in the innovation and manufacture of plumbing products; tile, cabinetry and lighting; and engines, generators and clean energy solutions, released its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report highlighting goals and progress across environmental sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion and social impact. The report, which was prepared with reference to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), also outlines the actions we are taking to embed ESG in our business strategy and operations.

“As we step up integration of ESG across all parts of our business and supply chain, this first report reflects a commitment to transparency and always working to be better,” said David Kohler, President & CEO, Kohler Co. “Even as a private company, we are accountable for the promises we make.”

In 2021, Kohler continued to make progress against its 2035 Net Zero global operational goals, improved its diversity hiring, and advanced the development and manufacture of innovative products that serve a social purpose:

• 54% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) intensity across operations since 2008; 10% reduction in net GHG emissions intensity in 2021 from prior year across operations

• 52% reduction in water intake intensity since 2008; 7% reduction in water intake intensity in 2021 from prior year across operations

• 3% increase in the ratio of women hired compared to men globally

• 61% of permanent associate hires were women, Black or Latino/a/x

• Two new products under development through the company’s Innovation for Good incubator and one in the market to help communities access safe water and sanitation, plus a new Abstra tile collection by Kohler WasteLAB that is made from nearly 100% recycled waste materials

“As we continue innovating solutions and accelerating action, we know that any progress we make is the result of the passion and commitment of more than 40,000 Kohler associates around the world,” said Laura Kohler, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Stewardship and Sustainability. “We believe that when our associates are empowered to find purpose in their work, they truly improve the world and this first ESG report is a reflection of those efforts.”

Kohler Co.’s 2021 ESG report includes several other notable achievements:

Renewable energy: The company has been investing in solar since 2012 and has onsite solar generation at many of its facilities. In 2021, the company installed a 2.25-megawatt solar field at its headquarters in partnership with Alliant Energy that will provide enough clean energy to power 580 homes per year in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin.

Conserving water: Kohler has helped people save 437 billion gallons of water through its WaterSense® products in the US since 2007 and received its twelfth WaterSense® award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In 2021, the company introduced a line of whole-home water monitoring and leak detection devices, H2Wise™ and H2Wise™+, in partnership with Phyn, a leader in water-leak detection technology. The system monitors household water usage and provides data and feedback to help families conserve. The system alerts customers to water leaks that not only waste water, but also can lead to water damage. H2Wise™+ unit features remote shutoff functionality in the case of a catastrophic leak.

Advocating globally for clean water and safe sanitation: Since 1990, Kohler has positively impacted nearly 16 million lives through initiatives focused on improving access to clean water, safe sanitation, upgraded plumbing, health and well-being services, conservation efforts and more. A flagship initiative, Safe Water for All, leverages Kohler’s expertise to help underserved populations by improving water infrastructure, building water filtration kiosks and bathrooms and in some cases providing entire villages with access to safe water. In 2021, Kohler led eight water impact projects and four bathroom-improvement projects in India and China that impacted over 9,000 lives.

Expanding DEI support and commitments: Kohler diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are managed at a senior-management level through the Executive Leadership Diversity Board (ELDB), chaired by our CEO and composed of the Kohler Leadership Team and key senior leaders. In 2021, Kohler launched a diverse supplier program to gather data on spending with diverse suppliers including minority-owned, women-owned, disabled-owned, veteran-owned, and small businesses. Kohler also expanded support of educational programs to focus on equality of opportunity and access to education for students at each stage of their development, from K-12 through their transition to the workforce. Kohler partnered with 12 organizations last year, including Howard University, Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, College Possible, Boys & Girls Club and others.

The full report is available on www.KohlerBelievingInBetter.com.

About Kohler Co.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 40,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile and lighting; engines, generators, and clean energy solutions; and owner/operator of two five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin and St. Andrews, Scotland. Kohler’s Whistling Straits golf course recently hosted the 43rd Ryder Cup. The company also develops solutions to address pressing issues, such as clean water and sanitation, for underserved communities around the world to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. For more details, please visit kohlercompany.com.