Merchants Fleet is helping commercial fleet operations put a dent in their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

The accomplishments noted in the fleet management company's 2023 Impact Report outlining sustainability efforts include:

• Growing clients’ electric vehicle fleets by 65%

• Achieving 117% annual growth in the number of EV charging ports managed

• Diversifying the supply chain; $43 million was spent with diverse suppliers in 2023, representing a 15% year-over-year growth in diversity spending

• Launching its philanthropy program, Give with Merchants, which resulted in over $100,000 in charitable donations within the first two weeks of its launch

"Over the past year, we've made significant strides in our ESG efforts, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished at Merchants," Merchants Fleet Director of Sustainability Ted Lague said. "Our progress has not only strengthened our company but also empowered our clients to make impactful, sustainable differences in their operations. It's truly inspiring to see the positive changes we are facilitating together in the industry."    

Environmental Efforts

In addition to the efforts noted above, Merchants Fleet also has a dedicated grant professional working to help fleets identify and obtain grants, rebates, and incentives to help support their EV deployments and charging infrastructure investments. In 2023, Merchants secured $1.4 million in pre-approved incentives.

Of the EVs among its clients' fleets, Merchants noted that 85% of the vehicles are BEV and 15% are PHEV. During 2023, 69% of the company's incoming request for proposals include sustainability topics — a 25% year-over-year increase.

Internally, 100% of Merchants’ executive fleet are EVs, and 100% of EV charging stations at Merchants’ campuses were powered by solar, through local Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).

In 2022, Merchants started a tree-planting program. During 2023 alone, the company contributed to over 10,000 trees planted across 11 countries, an annual increase of 100% resulting in 15,000 trees planted since the program began.

People and Community Efforts

In 2023, 97% of employees engaged in one or more company-sponsored programs. A total of 6,800 hours were invested in employee development, and three new Employee Resource Groups were launched.

As part of its Give With Merchants program, 100% of company employees received $150 to donate to a charity of their choice. 

“When you give people a voice, the sky is the limit both in terms of a company's financial success and the positive impact it has on the world. I'm thrilled to announce, by way of incredible cross-functional dedication, 97% of our employees engaged in one or more of our entirely optional initiatives in 2023,” said Lague. “Not only has this measure of action been good for our planet, people and communities, as illustrated throughout this report, but it has also helped our business succeed. This financial success has been revealed repeatedly in our metrics, such as higher employee performance and significantly reduced turnover, both of which accelerate our long-term profitability and the value we provide to our clients.” 

In 2022, Merchants created a Corporate Vendor Database, which enables employees to identify vetted vendors that are local small businesses, diversely owned, and/or promote socially responsible business practices. The company has spent more than $100 million on diverse suppliers since 2019.