Polaris - 'Geared For Good' Report
Polaris has published its 2023 'Geared For Good' report, detailing its "continued focus on operating in a responsible manner to support our employees, riders and communities where we operate and in the outdoors."
"As a part of Polaris' mission to deliver great experiences for everyone who works or plays outdoors, we believe in being good stewards and operating in a way that helps support positive outdoor experiences for years to come," said Mike Speetzen, Chief Executive Officer at Polaris.
"From promoting safe and responsible riding to reducing the environmental footprint of our operations to partnerships with The National Forest Foundation, or supporting our local communities, our THINK OUTSIDE mindset extends beyond our products. We are proud of the progress made in our four 'Geared For Good' efforts and our contributions to helping more people get outside."
Polaris' 'Geared For Good' framework rests on four foundational pillars: THINK PRODUCT, THINK PRODUCTION, THINK PLACES and THINK PEOPLE. Among the initiatives and progress shared in the report, key highlights include:
THINK PRODUCT: As part of its commitment to designing products and technologies with a focus on customer satisfaction, safety and environmental impact, Polaris introduced new products including the Polaris XPEDITION, RANGER XD 1500, Lock & Ride Max, 509 Delta V Commander helmet and more, all designed to help enhance how riders work or play outdoors. Rider safety is a priority, with quality and safety at the core - from how products are designed to sourcing materials, to manufacturing processes and shipment approach.
THINK PRODUCTION: Through its ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations, seven of Polaris' U.S. based locations achieved 50001 Readiness designation from the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, Polaris signed its first virtual power purchase agreement with Enel North America. Through this agreement, Polaris will purchase the electricity and associated renewable energy certificates generated by a 22 megawatt portion of Enel's Fence Post and solar storage project in Navarro County, Texas, offsetting approximately 40% of Polaris' U.S. electrical use.
THINK PLACES: Polaris takes action to positively impact land and water through stewardship and responsible riding. In 2023, Polaris developed a first-of-its-kind off-road EV charging network in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in partnership with a Mobility Public-Private Partnership and Programming grant from the State of Michigan. This network of four rural charging stations with 16 chargers across four charging stations extends the range for electric off-road products, such as the new RANGER XP Kinetic that is available for local riders to experience through Polaris Adventures Outfitter Hamilton's North Coast Adventures. Polaris also donated nearly $225,000 to support trail stewardship and rider education efforts across the United States and Canada through its TRAILS GRANTS program.
THINK PEOPLE: Polaris puts employees, customers, dealers and communities at the center of its business. In 2023, Polaris achieved its lowest Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) on record in company history - 0.46. The company also provided more than $5.5m to organizations and local communities, including investments in 4-H and the Progressive Agriculture Foundation Partnership to help advance safe riding practices among young riders.
Polaris says that it "continues to act as a steward for its employees, riders, communities and the outdoors."
