Operating Sustainably

Sustainability remains a core aspect of Ross’ culture. Respecting the environment is one important way we show support for our Customers, our Associates, and the communities we serve. As part of these efforts, we have spent decades diligently focusing on ways to eliminate waste and inefficiency from our operations, minimizing our operating costs as well as our environmental footprint.

As we look ahead, Ross is committed to advancing our sustainability goals even further, enhancing transparency, and contributing to a healthy, livable planet for all while continuing to deliver value to our Customers.

In 2024, we reaffirmed our continuing commitment to transparency by participating in the CDP 2024 Questionnaire, earning a B score on our Climate Change disclosure.*

We also made progress on our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction efforts, which include:**

• A near-term target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30 percent per total square foot by 2025 versus a 2017 baseline
• A science-aligned interim target to reduce our absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42 percent by 2030 against a 2021 baseline
• An ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 or sooner

Ross remains committed to exploring and pursuing practices that reduce emissions while also creating business value. We are proud to share our progress on GHG reduction and other environmental sustainability efforts through the CDP Questionnaire, future CSR Reports, and other public disclosures.

*CDP, formerly Carbon Disclosure Project, is a nonprofit that runs a global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states, and regions to manage their environmental impacts.
**We have organized our GHG emissions to align with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s scope definitions. Scope 1 emissions are from sources that are owned or controlled by Ross. Scope 2 emissions are from the generation of energy and electricity purchased by Ross. Scope 3 are our emissions from sources not owned or controlled by Ross.

Our Focus

Ross recognizes that the well-being of our business and the communities we serve is closely tied to our environment. While sustainability is a consideration for many businesses, we know from years of experience that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Ross’ operations are unique, and so are our sustainability strategies.

To guide our efforts, we conducted an assessment to determine the environmental sustainability issues that matter most to our business, Associates, other stakeholders, and broader communities. Through this process, we concluded that GHG emissions, energy consumption, and waste reduction are our top priorities. Water use, while not a significant impact area for Ross, is also important; we remain committed to responsible water usage wherever possible.

Program Oversight

We have established program governance to ensure that our environmental sustainability strategy aligns with our broader business strategy and receives adequate support and guidance to succeed.

Our Board of Directors exercises general oversight of our sustainability program and climate risks, and has delegated the primary oversight responsibility to the Audit Committee. This Committee receives regular reports on Ross’ environmental sustainability efforts.

Ross also convenes a cross-functional Environmental Sustainability Steering Committee (ESSC), which is comprised of senior leaders from across the Company, including the Store Operations, Supply Chain, Property Development, Finance, Indirect Procurement, and Legal teams. The ESSC is responsible for identifying and managing risks and opportunities associated with climate change, informing and endorsing GHG emissions and waste reduction strategies, and identifying and supporting projects in pursuit of achieving those strategies. Additionally, the ESSC advises our dedicated Sustainability team and ensures that Ross’ sustainability program aligns with our overall business strategy.

Leaders throughout the Company overseeing energy efficiency, energy management, and waste reduction efforts play essential roles in implementing our sustainability programs. Our management provides updates about these environmental initiatives to the Audit Committee.