WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today announced the launch the NRF Center for Retail Sustainability, which will serve as the industry’s hub to support retailers’ efforts to generate economic value while creating net positive environmental, social and community benefits.

“The NRF Center for Retail Sustainability will augment industry sustainability efforts and resources across the retail sector, centralizing engagement across the full retail value chain,” said Matthew Shay, NRF’s president and chief executive officer. “Its work will highlight the many ways retailers are making their own operations more sustainable and making it easier for consumers to find high-quality, affordable and more sustainable products.”

The center’s initial areas of focus include leveraging consumer insights around sustainability products and practices, facilitating the emergence of the circular economy, sponsored by Deloitte, and improving supply chain traceability within the retail industry.

“We are excited to work with NRF to scale successful sustainability solutions across the retail sector,” said James Cascone, sustainability, climate and equity leader, and advisory partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP. “With deep experience in the retail sector, retail supply chains and sustainability, Deloitte can help drive positive outcomes in supporting our industry move forward, including the Center’s development of an initial circularity roadmap for the retail industry.”

Scot Case, NRF’s vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, will serve as executive director of the center, which will be governed by an external advisory board comprised of senior-level sustainability executives, industry partners, academics and other subject matter experts. Additionally, it will leverage existing activities from NRF’s Sustainability Council.

NRF also said it will host a Sustainable Retail workshop on January 16 in New York as part of NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show. The half-day conference will include a deep dive into important aspects of the circular economy.