Cox Enterprises Releases 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, May 5th, 2017

Cox Enterprises released its 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which outlines the company's progress toward social impact goals as they relate to the environment, giving and people. Titled "Actions Speak," the report provides an overview of the operational and community engagement activities of the company and its major operating subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group).

As detailed in the report, Cox built upon existing programs and launched new initiatives in 2016 to achieve the following highlights:

Cox Conserves: The Cox Conserves national sustainability program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, aims to send zero waste to landfill by 2024 and become water and carbon neutral by 2044. In 2016, Cox offset 17,000 tons of carbon, saved 4.2 million gallons of water through conservation and diverted 36,000 tons of waste. Cox also launched the Golden Isles Conservation Center, an eco-friendly facility that removes tires from the waste stream and repurposes the materials for a second life.

Cox Giving: Together with Cox's philanthropic arm, the James M. Cox Foundation, Cox companies collectively gave more than $119 million in 2016 and $116 million in 2015, for a total of $235 million in community support through cash, in-kind and public service announcement donations. The report details signature programs at Cox's divisions that include community food banks, diversity partnerships, entrepreneurship initiatives, environmental cleanups, mentorships and technology adoption, among others.

Cox People: Embedded in Cox's core values is the belief that the company's employees are its most important resource. Cox is committed to promoting employee wellness as well as having a diverse and engaged workforce. Since 2005, The Cox Employee Relief Fund has assisted more than 2,500 employees and distributed a total of $7 million.

"Actions, not words, define our success," said Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy. "Cox's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility as a whole remains unwavering. We believe it is vital to be a positive contributor to society and that our collective impact serves as a powerful source of good to improve lives and protect the environment."