Unum and Mohawk listed as ‘Climate Leaders’

Unum Corp. and Mohawk Industries are among the top U.S. companies that earned a place among America’s Climate Leaders presented by USA Today.

Unum, the world’s biggest disability insurer, and Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring manufacturer, were among 400 companies selected from among more than 2,000 of the largest companies in the country for the amount of carbon and other pollution reduction made by the companies.

Industry produces 23% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to USA Today.

“The business sector is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. That makes them a main point of potential improvement,” said Magali Delmas, a professor of management and faculty director of the Center for Impact at the University of California, Los Angeles.

In the inaugural list of America’s Climate Leaders developed for USA Today by market research firm Statista, Unum was credited with an 11.1% yearly reduction in its core emissions of global greenhouse gases, while Mohawk reduced its carbon output by 5.8%.

In its 2022 Environmental, Social and Government report released in April, Unum CEO Rick McKenney praised the company’s approach, which he said is designed to “positively impact the world around us. Through community outreach, we address wellbeing, education and environmental sustainability to advocate for positive change in the places our employees call home.”

Malisa Maynard, Mohawk’s vice president of sustainability, said in a statement Monday that the ranking “is a great honor and reflects the great work being accomplished by thousands of our associates” around the globe.

“We are continuing to identify new and innovative ways to lower greenhouse gas emissions while creating sustainable products that improve homes and public spaces,” she said.