By SkySite Property staff

Coffee giant Starbucks laid out long-term environmental goals recently in its Corporate Social Responsibility annual report. The report focuses on the company’s commitment to ethical coffee sourcing, environmental responsibility and community involvement.

“Even during this time of change for our company, one thing that will never change is our long-standing commitment to conducting business in a responsible and ethical manner,” Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said. “Going forward, we will only deepen our approach by continuing to integrate social and environmental responsibility into every aspect of our business.”

By 2010, the company aims to have 50 percent of store energy come from certified renewable sources, incorporate green building standards into all new construction and reestablish ceramic tableware as the standard for customers who consume their products in Starbucks stores.

Also included in the company’s goals:

• Work on new LEED certification system for retail.

• Build new office in Seattle and roasting plant in Columbia, S.C., under LEED Silver standard.

• Work with building landlords to create and maintain robust recycling programs.

• Increase recycling rate to 76 percent.

• Pilot front-of-house recycling bins in several metropolitan markets.

• Increase participation in Transportation Options Program to 38 percent in an effort to reduce solo commutes for employees.

• Increase use of reusable commuter mugs.

• Continue research and development on recyclable hot and cold cups.