Watco Releases First-Ever Sustainability Report

Last month, Watco released its first-ever sustainability report, “Delivering a Better Tomorrow.” The report, a compilation of the company’s 2021 sustainability initiatives, takes stock of Watco’s performance and impact in environmental, social, and governance matters, identifies areas for improvement, and serves as a foundation for tracking year-over-year progress.

“Watco is known for our culture and for the specific Foundation Principles that guide us: Value Our Customers, Value Our People and Safely Improve Every Day,” said Watco CEO Dan Smith. “Sustainability efforts are inherently part of our culture and those principles, but we have not formally documented those efforts until now. This report demonstrates accountability to our commitment by sharing where we are on our sustainability journey.”

The “Delivering a Better Tomorrow” report is available here: https://www.watco.com/2021-sustainability-report/

While sustainability always has been part of how Watco operates, the company is increasing its attention on sustainability, consistent with its Foundation Principles, because “we take seriously our responsibility to continuously improve our business practices and to lead within our industry,” Smith said. “An even safer, more well-governed, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious Watco benefits our customers, our team members, our company, and the communities we serve.”

In addition to releasing the report, Watco underscored its increased focus on sustainability by naming Laura McNichol as its first Chief Sustainability Officer in December 2021. The company also formed a companywide sustainability committee to guide continuous improvement.

Many aspects of Watco’s business have positive impacts on customers and the communities where the company operates. Watco railroads reduce the burden on roads and bridges and reduce the fuel consumption and resulting emissions associated with goods movement. Watco’s ports, terminals, and logistics teams give customers options to meet their supply chain needs at a time when those options have never been more valuable. The company generates economic development opportunities and provides good jobs, and Watco’s team members give back to the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The company’s continuing efforts to be an ever safer and more sustainable company only enhance the ways Watco benefits customers and communities across the country.