Norcross, GA – Unisource Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading distributors of paper, packaging and facility supplies in North America, is now asking its suppliers to complete a Sustainability Scorecard to ensure that environmental responsibility is being practiced and assessed according to standard industry procedures.  

Unisource's program is based on the Walmart Sustainability Scorecard, which was first announced in July 2009, and is now viewed as best practice in the area of corporate sustainability.  This environmental appraisal tool offers an in-depth look based on 15 questions Unisource is asking of its suppliers.  The scorecard serves as a comprehensive response for the information required to complete the sustainability assessment and explore in great detail the business case and potential benefits for companies to measure and manage their environmental impacts.  The questions are grouped into four categories: 1) Energy & Climate; 2) Material Efficiency; 3) Nature & Resources; and, 4) People & Community.

"We are striving to achieve our corporate sustainability goals with a shared commitment and partnership from our supplier base," said Unisource Vice President of Sustainability Nancy C. Geisler, in outlining the basis for the Unisource Sustainability Scorecard.  "By working closely together with them, we will both be assured that we are minimizing future business risk associated with environmental and social factors," she said. 

As a leader in corporate responsibility, Unisource recently hosted its' second Supplier Sustainability Symposium which focused on the accomplishments of the company's suppliers as well as the challenges of maintaining corporate sustainability initiatives for the future.  The symposium also featured guest speakers and leading authorities on environmental responsibility and sustainability.