Toro releases annual Sustainability Impact Report

The Toro Company released its Sustainability Impact Report for fiscal year 2023, highlighting key achievements and progress made toward accelerating profitable growth, achieving operational excellence and empowering people. The report builds on the company’s commitment to helping customers enrich beauty, productivity and sustainability.

“For over a century, we have embraced the duty of being good stewards of the land for the customers, industries and communities we serve,” chairman and CEO Richard M. Olson said. “Inspired by the work we are doing today and eager to continue advancing our goals, we are excited to share our progress and provide the latest updates in our sustainability journey. By maintaining a positive relationship with the environment and those that inhabit it, not only can we be good stewards of resources, but we can also help preserve the landscapes we treasure for another 100 years and beyond.” 

The report provides progress and metrics related to previously identified company goals: 

• Increase battery and hybrid product sales to at least 20 percent of total adjusted net sales (motorized product sales) by fiscal 2025. 
• Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by at least 15 percent by fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2019. 
• Increase the number of women and racial and ethnic minorities in leadership positions by at least 20 percent by fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2021. 

To further its progress and efforts in corporate responsibility, Toro takes an integrated approach based on three key pillars: people, product and process. Through the work of each pillar, the company strives to strengthen its environmental and societal commitments to drive a future of sustainable innovation and growth. 

Valuing people 

Valuing and recognizing people has been a fundamental driver of Toro’s growth and success. To attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce, the company prioritizes safety, employee growth and development, and well-being. By fostering a safe, inclusive and engaging workplace, employees are supported at work and in communities. Notable achievements in fiscal 2023 include: 

• Partnered in launching the Minnesota Center for Electrification Opportunity with the University of Minnesota’s Technological Leadership Institute to lead workforce development training and increase economic competitiveness in electrification infrastructure. 
• Focused on expanding employee resource groups across the organization, Toro’s Women’s Initiative Network completed its first mentorship program in 2023 and saw membership increase by more than 30 percent since 2022. 
• Extended 25-year commitment with First Tee to empower youth golfers, support diversity efforts and ensure kids from all backgrounds have access to the game of golf. 
• Awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships to 166 students, investing in the next generation of leaders and promoting academic excellence for employees and their families. 

Product innovation 

Toro strives to innovate for efficiency, prioritizing exceptional quality and problem-solving products. From design and innovation throughout the entire product life cycle, the company delivers high-performance and efficient solutions, contributing to a more responsible future. Notable achievements in fiscal 2023 include: 

• Leveraged HammerHead’s Bluelight LED Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) technology to repair underground pipes, effectively tackling infrastructure and conservation challenges for customers while preserving landscapes. 
• Recognized for the ninth consecutive year by the EPA with a 2023 WaterSense Excellence Award for promoting water efficiency and conservation. 
• Advanced energy efficiency by providing customers, partners and communities with electric equipment to help reduce their carbon footprint. 
• Partnered with the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) and Univision to launch the ‘California CORE Project,’ a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment to encourage the adoption of zero-emission products. 
• With support from Trencor, provided trenching equipment to help construct a 5-mile-long underground wall in Everglades National Park. The goal was to separate water for wildlife, reduce runoff from homes and safeguard the natural habitats crucial for numerous animal species. 

Operational excellence 

Toro’s century-long tradition of delivering high-quality products is sustained through a commitment to continuous improvement. The longstanding success relies on exceeding the expectations of valued customers and partners, and embracing operational excellence and resource efficiency, while reducing the cost of operations to the planet. Notable achievements in fiscal 2023 include: 

• Expanded LED lighting across most facilities, resulting in cost savings and a notable reduction in carbon footprint. 
• Conducted energy practice assessments to develop a strategic roadmap for increased renewable incorporation into Toro’s global operations. 
• At the ISO9001:2015 registered facility in Iron Mountain, Michigan, a powder paint line system not only met rigorous quality standards but also included an innovative venting tunnel that allows for efficiently redirecting warm exhaust air back into the building, reducing heat costs. 
• Organized an Electronic Waste recycling event for employees in Tomah, Wisconsin, utilizing the organization's business eWaste processor to efficiently handle and recycle electronic waste.