Environmental Sustainability – Products

Energy efficient products, the more sustainable choice

Best Buy is committed to helping our customers use less energy at home to reduce the environmental impact of the products we sell.  
As the largest electronics retailer in the U.S., the energy required to use our products is our largest source of emissions, also known as Scope 3 – emissions from Use of Sold Products. We recognize the importance of offering energy efficient tech and appliances so our customers have the option to choose the most efficient model available.
In 2019, we set a goal to reduce carbon emissions from the energy usage from products in ENERGY STAR® categories sold to our customers by 20% by 2030 (over the 2017 baseline), which we estimate will save our customers $5 billion in energy costs over the lifetime of those products. This is the Scope 3 component of our science-based carbon reduction goal. 
To accelerate progress toward this goal, we partner with our manufacturers to offer a variety of energy-efficient products while also promoting these products through our external channels.
When it comes to tech and appliances, ENERGY STAR is the best mark to identify products that use less energy and less water. ENERGY STAR certified products meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.
According to the EPA, the ENERGY STAR mark is recognized by 90% of American households. Nearly 840 utilities, state and local governments, and nonprofits leverage ENERGY STAR in their efficiency programs, reaching roughly 95% of households in all 50 states.

Sustainable packaging

Best Buy is committed to making our packaging more sustainable in our private-label products and in the fulfillment of customer purchases.

We focus on the following principles when considering the impacts of packaging:

  • Material efficiency and effectiveness – right sizing and optimizing our packaging while protecting products from damage.
  • Responsible sourcing – responsibly sourcing packaging materials to minimize single-use plastics.
  • Design for recovery – procuring packaging materials that are recyclable, compostable, or reusable to reduce environmental impacts and improve the end-of-life management.
  • Recycled content – including more packaging materials made from recycled content.
  • Packaging messaging – using clearer and more accessible messaging on our product packaging so our customers know how to recycle or dispose of it.
  • Circular value chain – sourcing materials that help contribute to a closed-loop end of life cycle for packaging.

Extending the life of tech and keeping it out of landfills

Best Buy is committed to working together with our customers to keep tech out of landfills which benefits the environment and human health.

E-waste recycling. To address the global issue of electronic waste, we established our recycling program in 2009. We continue to operate the most comprehensive consumer electronics and appliances takeback program in the U.S.

Outlets. Best Buy outlet stores offer a wide assortment of discounted products that help to reduce waste by extending the life of these products. Outlet stores also provide an opportunity for customers to find energy-efficient products at a more affordable price.

Trade-in. Through the Best Buy Trade-in program, we offer a way for customers to get value for products that are in good working condition, which helps promote the “reuse” phase of the product life cycle. These products are typically resold in secondary markets, bringing a useful second life to products that might otherwise end up in a landfill.

Repair. Best Buy’s repair operations are a critical asset in our circular economy strategy of keeping products in the “in use” phase, extending the life of the product.

Customers can also utilize our nationwide service to recycle tech by mail for products like tablets, cords, keyboards and more.