We approach sustainability using a center-led model within our Building a Better World program based on the following three pillars:
Our Products
We invest in products and materials that deliver eco-conscious and practical solutions for our businesses and stakeholders. We:
- Provide products and services that extend asset life and enable sustainable buildings
- Integrate sustainable procurement practices
- Prioritize product stewardship
Our People
We create a work environment where associates are supported and invested in their work and their communities. We:
- Provide a comprehensive healthcare plan and a retirement plan that includes a matched 401(k) and active defined benefit pension plan
- Expand diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives
- Provide continuing education and development opportunities
Our Processes
We are dedicated to doing the right things, the right way for the right reasons as we conduct business. We seek to:
- Reduce emissions and energy use
- Reduce waste and increase recycling
- Promote water reuse and conservation
Our Governance
Our corporate governance and ethical practices create long-term stakeholder value guided by reasonable oversight through all levels of our leadership. Our governance is built on the foundation of our core values—Transparency, Trust and Respect—as well as our Code of Conduct and Ethics - The Values & Expectations of 168.
To ensure we are working to fulfill our sustainability commitments most effectively, RPM uses a tool known as a Priority Assessment. The tool enables us to identify the topics that are most impactful to RPM and our stakeholders, helping us to determine risks, opportunities, strategies and priority actions.
Our most recent Priority Assessment was conducted in 2023, and the process consisted of four steps: Identification, Prioritization, Validation and Finalization.
Our sources included:
- RPM documents: 2021 Building a Better World Report, Employee Surveys, Supplier Surveys, Investor Reports, Internal Risk Assessments
- A review of our peers: PPG, Sika, Axalta, Carlisle Companies, Sherwin-Williams
- ESG frameworks: UN SDGs, GRI, SASB, TCFD, ISS, MSCI, CSRD, etc.
- RPM internal interviews: Planning & Global Systems, Construction Products Group, Operations, Consumer Group, Product Stewardship, Specialty Products Group, Finance/Audit/Governance, Performance Coatings Group
- Double materiality assessment internal interviews: Procurement; Investor Relations; Community Engagement; Environmental, Heath, and Safety; Legal; Operations; and Sales & Marketing representatives from all four segments
In 2024, we are conducting a Double Materiality Assessment. We will share the results of this assessment on our website when they are available.
