sherwin-williams sustainability question and answer...

Sustainability Question and Answer Sheet

Corporate responsibility and sustainable practices are important objectives of how Sherwin-Williams does business. Further information can be

found on our website www.sherwin-williams.com or by following the links throughout this Q&A Sheet.

Additional Information can be found about our brands and products at our website www.sherwin-williams.com and in our annual reports

investors.sherwin-williams.com/annual-reports/.

03/2011

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/


http://investors.sherwin-williams.com/annual-reports/

Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Question & Answer Sheet TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

caring in FULL COLOR

Governance, Commitments and Engagement

1. Where can I find more information about The Sherwin-Williams Company and its Governance, Operational structure, Brands and products, Locations, Markets Served, Organizational Scale, and Financial Results?

2. What are the Guiding Values of Sherwin-Williams?

3. What is the Company’s code of conduct?

4. Where does the Company have Operations?

5. Does upper management support the sustainability efforts?

6. What is the Company’s environmental and social vision?

7. Who is the Sustainability Contact Person?

Environmental Management

8. Does the Company have an environmental policy statement?

9. How does the Company manage its environmental efforts?

10. What Company facilities are certified to the ISO 14001:2004 Standard?

11. Does the Company provide environmental education?

12. Does the Company perform environmental accounting?

13. How are stakeholders involved?

Environmental Goals and Performance

14. What are Sherwin-Williams’ environmental improvement goals?

Greenhouse Gas / Energy15. What is Sherwin-Williams doing to reduce

Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Table of Contents

16. How much global greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions

does the Company produce?

Carbon Dioxide Performance Chart

17. What are the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions?

18. What are the methane (CH4) emissions?

19. What is the Company’s energy consumption?

20. Does the Company use renewable energy?

21. What is the Company’s electricity usage?

Electricity Performance Chart

Waste22. How is the Company increasing its recycling and

recovery amounts?

23. How much waste is generated / material recovered?

Non-Hazardous Liquid Waste per Production Unit Chart

Non-Hazardous Solid Waste per Production Unit Chart

Hazardous Waste per Production Unit Chart

Water24. What is the Company doing to conserve water?

25. How much water does the Company use?

Air Emissions26. How is the Company working to reduce Volatile Organic

Compounds (VOC) emissions?

27. What are its total Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions?

28. What are the ozone depleting substances emissions?

29. What are its total nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions?

30. What are its total sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions?

31. What are its total mercury (Hg) releases?

Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Question & Answer Sheet TABLE OF CONTENTS 3


Products

32. How does the Company promote product stewardship?

33. How does the Company promote product performance and safety?

34. What is included in the Company’s green purchasing efforts?

35. What is the Company doing to reduce air emissions from products?

36. What efforts are being made to produce more environmentally friendly products?

37. How does the Company use recycled materials for packaging?

38. Does the Company provide customer emergency support?

Community / Social Involvement

39. What is the Company’s social policy statement?

40. What impediments does the Company face in implementing its community commitments?

41. How is the Company engaged in the community?

42. How does the Company participate in community education?

43. How does the Company promote its employee volunteerism?

44. How does the Company invest in the social community?

45. How does the Company prepare for emergencies?

46. Does the Company screen suppliers based on social, environmental, or safety performance?

47. What efforts does the Company make for mitigation, remediation, or land reclamation?

Labor Practices & Decent Work

48. What is the Company’s workforce profile?

49. What are the Company’s anti-corruption practices?

50. Does the Company use corporal punishment?

51. What is the Company’s equal opportunity, elimination of discrimination, promotion of diversity, or non-discrimination policy?

52. Does the Company allow free association and collective bargaining of employees?

53. Does the Company fairly compensate its employees?

54. Does the Company use forced labor?

55. What is the Company’s working-hours policy?

56. Does the Company use illegal child labor?

57. Are employees satisfied with the Company?

58. Are the Company’s programs validated by third parties?

59. Does the Company employ individuals with disabilities?

60. How does the Company train and develop its employees?

61. How does the Company prevent bribery?

62. Is the Company involved in political contributions?

63. What is the Company’s turnover rate?

64. Does the Company promote the advancement of women?

65. How does the Company prevent sexual harassment?

Worker Health and Safety

66. How does the Company promote occupational health and safety protection?

67. What is the Company doing to control operational risk?

68. What is the Company’s “away from work” lost workday case rate?

69. Does the Company have an employee health surveillance program or industrial hygiene monitoring?

70. What is the Company’s Recordable Incidence Rate?

Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Question & Answer Sheet GOVERNANCE, COMMITMENTS AND ENGAGEMENT 4


1. Where can I find more information about The Sherwin-Williams Company and its governance, operational structure, brands and products, locations, markets served, organizational scale, and financial results?

Detailed information regarding The Sherwin-Williams Company can be found on its website www.sherwin-williams.com and in its Annual Reports, Articles of Incorporation, Company presentations, and press releases.

2. What are the Guiding Values of Sherwin-Williams?

Integrity, People, Service, Quality, Performance, Innovation, Growth

These seven values are not listed in any order of “priority,” but collectively. In fact, as with the process of color matching, without all seven values combined, the end result would not reflect the “true colors” of our culture.

Additional Information about our guiding values can be found at careers.sherwin-williams.com/careers/culture/values/

3. What is the Company’s code of conduct?

Sherwin-Williams code of conduct and business ethics are discussed extensively under Corporate Governance on our website.

4. Where does the Company have Operations?

As of December 31, 2010 Sherwin-Williams had operations in 109 countries. This total includes store operations as well as manufacturing facilities.

Sherwin-Williams had major manufacturing facilities located in the following countries at the end of 2010:

Company presentations and Annual reports provide additional information on our global presence.

Governance, Commitments and Engagement

•Argentina

•Belgium

•Brazil

•Canada

•Chile

•China

•Denmark

•Ecuador

•France

•Germany

•England

• India

• Ireland

• Italy

• Jamaica

•Malaysia

•Mexico

•Norway

•Peru

•Philippines

•Poland

•Portugal

•Singapore

•Sweden

•Spain

• UnitedStatesof America

•Uruguay

•Vietnam

continued on next page



http://investors.sherwin-williams.com/corporate-governance/articles-of-incorporation/index.jsp

http://investors.sherwin-williams.com/company-presentations/

http://investors.sherwin-williams.com/press/

http://careers.sherwin-williams.com/careers/culture/values/

http://investors.sherwin-williams.com/corporate-governance/

http://investors.sherwin-williams.com/company-presentations/




The number of stores we operate continues to grow:

Sherwin-Williams Stores

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

2000

2,713

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

2,799 2,880 2,943

3,2453,357

3,515

3,844 3,887 3,893 3,954

5. Does upper management support the sustainability efforts?

Yes. Sustainability is part of the culture of the entire company. A summary of our sustainability commitment and efforts is available in our Sustainability video.

http://careers.sherwin-williams.com/csr/sustainability_ad_video/index.jsp



6. What is the Company’s environmental and social vision?

In 2008, Sherwin-Williams formally kicked off a sustainability initiative called EcoVision™. The Company assembled a corporate-wide team to lead our efforts toward developing a culture of sustainability. Sherwin-Williams’ mission of EcoVision™ demonstrates our commitment to being a recognized leader in the development of sustainable processes, products and activities that preserve natural resources, protect the environment, and contribute to social improvement. The following key EcoVision™ principles make up the foundation of the corporate-wide sustainability plan:

• Weconsidertheenvironmentalimpactofouractionsandwepromotetheconservationof natural resources.

• Wedevelopnewproductsandprocessesthatareinnovativeandreducetheenvironmentalimpactthroughout the life cycle of their use.

• Wemeasureprogressandholdourselvesaccountableformakingcontinuousimprovement, reporting progress and making legitimate claims.

• Werespectthecustoms,culturesandsocialneedsinallthecommunitieswhereweconductbusiness.

• Weexpecteveryemployeetotakeresponsibilityforreducingourimpact on the environment.

Our Operations teams play a vital role in the implementation and execution of these principles. Sustainability goals currently being realized include reduced energy consumption, reduced carbon emissions, reduced/eliminated white wash-water disposal, reduced solid waste and by-products generated, increased recycling and increased re-use of wash solvents. To further drive improvement, Sherwin-Williams implemented, EcoMet, a sustainability metric database, in 2008.

While Sherwin-Williams’ sustainability effort was formally recognized with EcoVision™ and tracked with EcoMet in 2008, Sherwin-Williams has a long history of Green Initiatives. Sherwin-Williams’ commitment extends throughout our laboratories, manufacturing facilities and distribution systems. We are continually looking to develop new products and procedures within our organization to reduce the impact we have on the environment. We’ve pioneered the use of environmentally preferable solutions in our business practices and we are putting our green ideas to work.

7. Who is the Sustainability Contact Person?

Mike ConwayDirector, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations101 Prospect Avenue N. W. Cleveland, Ohio 44115Telephone: 216.515.4393Email: [email protected]

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/pro/green/ecovision/

mailto:mike.conway%40sherwin.com?subject=Sherwin-WIlliams%20Sustainability

Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Question & Answer Sheet ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 7


Environmental Management

8. Does the Company have an environmental policy statement?

Yes. The Sherwin-Williams Company is committed to protecting the environment and the safety and health of our employees, our customers and the public, and we will conduct our business operations in a manner that promotes obtainment of these objectives. This commitment is documented in our Global Environmental, Health and Safety Policy. The Policy makes it clear that environmental protection is an integral part of our business plan and the responsibility of all employees. Key components of the Policy include commitments to comply with regulations, prevent harm, minimize wastes and emissions, to continuously improve and promote sustainability. A copy of the Company’s Environmental, Health and Safety Policy is available on our website.

9. How does the Company manage its environmental efforts?

An environmental management system (EMS) is the cornerstone for an effective environmental program. The focus of the EMS is to have the proper systems in place to support the Environmental, Health and Safety Policy in the day-to-day operations and to adequately communicate the plans, procedures, standards, and guidelines (good management practices) and other related protocols appropriate to Sherwin-Williams management personnel and employees. The EMS includes identification of regulatory and other requirements, record keeping, facility audits, employee training programs, and waste minimization and pollution prevention programs.

Sherwin-Williams devotes significant resources to environmental staff functions. The environmental staff oversees the EMS, which applies to all Company locations, including Sherwin-Williams’ manufacturing plants, distribution service centers and warehouses, automotive branches, and commercial and retail stores. Environmental, Health & Regulatory Services (EHRS) is the corporate group with Company-wide responsibility for managing the environmental programs. There are over seventy staff members within the EHRS Department. In addition, there are personnel at each facility with environmental responsibilities. The EHRS and Safety departments ensure that the environmental aspects of Sherwin-Williams’ Environmental, Health, and Safety Policy are achieved and maintained on an on-going basis throughout the Company. Divisional and plant staff members are responsible for coordinating the management system within the divisions. Corporate environmental personnel provide direct assistance and support to the Company by conducting activities in the following environmental categories:

While Sherwin-Williams is confident that its current EMS is highly effective, the Company continues to strive for improvement. One area of improvement has been through the implementation of the ISO 14001 International Environmental Standard. Implementation began with individual site certifications and has continued to improve. In 2008, Sherwin-Williams began implementation of a multi-site corporate ISO 14001 program.

•Compliance reporting

• Legal and Other Requirements

•Training

•Permitting

•Regulatory monitoring

•Record keeping

•Air emission estimating

•Waste tracking

•Disposal site audits

• Location environmental profiles

• ISO 14001 Implementation

•Material transportation

• Internal audits

•Waste minimization

•Pollution prevention

• Continuous improvement

•Public communiqués

•Contracts

•Emergency planning

• Site assessments/due diligence

• Site investigation/remediation

•Site closure/demolition


http://careers.sherwin-williams.com/pdf/csr/SW_EHS_Policy.pdf

http://careers.sherwin-williams.com/pdf/csr/SW_EHS_Policy.pdf

Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Question & Answer Sheet ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 8


10. What Company facilities are certified to the ISO 14001:2004 Standard?

UnitedStates–CorporateHeadquarters,Cleveland,OH;Greensboro(HowardStreet),NC;Greensboro(StageCoachTrail),NC;Morrow,GA;Richmond,KY;Andover,KS;Arlington,TX;GroveCity,OH;Rockford,IL;Ontario,CA

Canada–Grimsby,ON

Brazil–Sumaré,TaboãodaSerra,Lazzuril

Uruguay–Montevideo

UnitedKingdom–Sheffield(Ronseal);Knottingley(Sayerlack)

Italy–Pianoro(Sayerlack)

China–Shanghai

Sweden–Marsta(BeckerAcroma);Belloe(BeckerAcroma)

Portugal–Setubal

Jamaca–Kingston

Vietnam–BinhDuong

Malaysia–JohorBahru

Sherwin-Williams Sites Certified to ISO 14001

0

5

10

15

20

25

3 3

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

57 7 7

1314

25

9



11. Does the Company provide environmental education?

Sherwin-Williams communicates and educates its employees regularly on environmental, health and safety issues through Company-wide training programs, interactive Intranet websites, memos and other internal communication.

Through the marketing of environmentally responsible products in over 3,900 stores and other retail outlets across the Globe we are able to begin the dialogue with our customers and the public. Further online information is available at Sherwin.com;SWGreenSure.com and GreenCert.com.

12. Does the Company perform environmental accounting?

Environmental activities and related financial cost estimates are described each year in the Company’s Annual Report. This report is available to the general public. In addition, the Company communicates applicable environmental health issues with the public through a Corporate Social Responsibility report, community relations programs, media articles, trade association participation, and specific guidance (written and/or verbal) in response to customer inquiries.

13. How are stakeholders involved?

Sherwin-Williams has many worldwide stakeholder groups affected by the company’s long-term sustainability. Our 30,000 employees are constantly in discussion with customers and suppliers to understand sustainability needs and opportunities. Our employees are encouraged through EcoVision™ initiatives to reach out and communicate on issues that are important to Company stakeholders. Our stakeholders have indicated concerns about global warming and “green” products. In response, Sherwin-Williams is actively involved in programs and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emission and to develop products that meet our exclusive GreenSure® and Greencert™ criteria.


http://www.sherwin-williams.com/greensure/

http://greencert.com/


Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Question & Answer Sheet ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND PERFORMANCE 10


Environmental Goals and Performance

14. What are Sherwin-Williams’ environmental improvement goals?

Sherwin-Williams has established goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electricity usage, non-hazardous liquid waste generated, non-hazardous solid waste generated, and hazardous waste generated per unit of production.

•Reducegreenhousegasemissionsby20%to25.4lb.per100lb.producedby2016.

•Reduceelectricityusageby25%to10.1kWhper100lb.producedby2016.

•Reducenon-hazardousliquidwastegeneratedby25%to0.64lb.per100lb.producedby2016.

•Reducenon-hazardoussolidwastegeneratedby25%to0.79lb.per100lb.producedby2016.

•Reducehazardouswastegeneratedby50%to0.59lb.per100lb.producedby2016.

All goals are set with a base-line year of 2007.

Greenhouse Gas / Energy15. What is Sherwin-Williams doing to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Sherwin-WilliamsisapartnerinU.S.EPA’sClimateLeadersprogram.Asapartner,wehavepledgedtoreduceourtotaldomesticgreenhousegasemissionsby4%fromabaseyearof2007through2012.Climate Leaders is a voluntary industry / government partnership that encourages greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and climate change awareness within the private sector. The program requires setting aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals and reporting our progress annually to the EPA.

Sherwin-Williams has also been voluntarily participating in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) since reporting year 2005. The CDP requests its participants report their global GHG inventories from their activities, based upon stated boundaries. Additionally, the CDP asks that respondents answer a questionnaire designed to provide transparent information about GHG-related risks and opportunities, corporate governance and climate change communications.

The Sherwin-Williams Company is committed to the effective and efficient use of energy throughout our operations.Usingenvironmentallyresponsiblepractices,theSherwin-WilliamsCompanywillpromoteenergy efficiency by evaluating new technology, optimizing current processes and implementing programs that will focus on improvements in Safety, Quality, People, Service, and Cost.

Some of our energy saving initiatives include:

• ParticipationinDepartmentofEnergy’sSave Energy Now Program

•Lightingreplacements

•Upgradingequipmentwithhigherefficiencyunits

•Streamlinednationaldistributionprocesses,

- Utilizingsophisticatedsoftwaretodeterminethemostefficientdistributionroutes

- ParticipatingasanU.S.EPASmartWaysm Transport Partner as a shipper/carrier




- Improved packaging to eliminate unnecessary weight and volume of material being shipped

•Boilerupgrades

•Eliminationofairleaks

•Equipmentidlescheduling

Links to the Global Carbon Disclosure Project and EPA Climate Leaders web pages provide more information about these specific programs:

U.S. EPA Climate Leaders

Carbon Disclosure Project

16. How much global greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions does the Company produce?

The 2009 Scope 1 emissions were 230,212 metric tons CO2e.

See previous Carbon Disclosure Project reports.


Electricity56%

Stationary Combustion16%

Mobile Sources27%

Refrigerant1%

Purchased Steam0%

Process/fugitive0%

http://www.epa.gov/climateleaders/

https://www.cdproject.net/en-US/Pages/HomePage.aspx




The Sherwin-Williams Company Carbon Dioxide Performance Chart

17. What are the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions?

The 2009 Scope 1 emissions were 223,613 metric tons CO2.

The 2009 Scope 2 emissions were 286,111 metric tons CO2.

18. What are the methane (CH4) emissions?

The 2009 Scope 1 emissions were 11 metric tons CH4.

The 2009 Scope 2 emissions were 5 metric tons CH4.

19. What is the Company’s energy consumption?

Sherwin-WilliamshasadatabasethattracksenergyconsumptionatallU.S.facilities(thisamountstoover 3,500 locations). In addition, the Company has developed a database called EcoMet that is used to track many sustainability metrics including energy, natural resources, waste generation, and recycling at large sites globally. These databases form the foundation for energy consumption and carbon emission reporting.

Energy consumption has been reported to the Global Carbon Disclosure Project.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Total-IndirectTotal-Direct

2007 2008 2009 2010

20 % Performance Reduction Goal

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

18.6

13.1

18.2

13.9

19.1

15.3

25.4

Lbs

of

CO

2e/1

00 l

bs

of

Pro

du

ctio

n

Year

Total CO2e Performance

Domestic and International




20. Does the Company use renewable energy?

Sherwin-Williams’ renewable energy consumption is what is available from our energy provider on the national grids and has not been quantified. The Company continues to investigate the viability of other potential renewable energy sources such as wind and geothermal resources.

21. What is the Company’s electricity usage?

The Sherwin-Williams Company Electricity Performance Chart

0

3

6

9

12

15

2007 2008 2009 2010*

25 % Performance Reduction Goal

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

6.8

1.3

4.8

0.6

6.9

5.0

7.6

5.3

10.1

kW

h/1

00

lb

s o

f Pro

du

ctio

n

Year

4.3

7.0

1.5

0.6 0.6

0.4

Admin/Lab (Domestic)Stores (Domestic & International)DSC (Domestic)Manufacturing (International & Domestic)

*2010 data is through August

1.31.3

Electrical PerformanceManufacturing/DSC/Admin/Labs in EcoMet



Waste22. How is the Company increasing its recycling and recovery amounts?

All the Sherwin-Williams plants have established recycling and/or rework programs and waste management programs as part of their environmental management system (EMS). These programs are designed to minimize waste generation from cleaning activities, including the reuse and recycling of cleaningsolvents;reworkingmistintedpaintintonewbatches;recyclingcardboard,paper,plastic,andmetal;andthehandlinganddisposalofwasteinaccordancewithregulations.

Continual improvement projects are leveraged across facilities to improve the recycling/rework program and to drive reduction and elimination of waste (both hazardous and non-hazardous) from manufacturing and distribution facilities. The EcoMet database is used to track recycling rates from all large facilities (plants, distribution, administration and laboratory) globally.

23. How much waste is generated / material recovered?

The following table shows the non-hazardous liquid waste, non-hazardous solid waste, and hazardous waste generated per 100 pounds of production. These charts also show the breakdown between recycled/recovered and disposed waste.

Additional data on hazardous chemical generation and disposal for specific facilities can be obtained from USEPA TRI database.

2007 2008 2009Non-hazardous liquid waste 0.85 Lb/100 lb. production 0.81 Lb/100 lb. production 0.81 Lb/100 lb. production

Non-hazardous solid waste 1.06 Lb/100 lb. production 1.02 Lb/100 lb. production 0.86 Lb/100 lb. production

Hazardous waste 1.19 Lb/100 lb. production 1.02 Lb/100 lb. production 0.86 Lb/100 lb. production

The Sherwin-Williams Company Non-Hazardous Liquid Waste per Production Unit Chart

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

RecoveryWaste

2007 2008 2009 2010

25 % Waste Reduction Goal

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

2.24

.85

2.33

.81

2.64

.81.64

Lbs/

100 l

bs

of

Pro

du

ctio

n

Year

35/53 sites*

39/57 sites*

54/58 sites*

*Indicates number of sites reporting out of all sites in EcoMet

Non-Hazardous Liquid Waste/Recovery PerformanceManufacturing/DSC in EcoMet

http://www.epa.gov/TRI/tridata/



The Sherwin-Williams Company Non-Hazardous Solid Waste per Production Unit Chart

The Sherwin-Williams Company Hazardous Waste per Production Unit Chart

Non-Hazardous Solid Waste/Recovery PerformanceManufacturing/DSC/Admin/Labs in EcoMet

Hazardous Waste/Recovery PerformanceManufacturing/DSC/Admin/Labs in EcoMet

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

RecoveryWaste

2007 2008 2009 2010


2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

.56

1.06

.87

1.02

.99

.80

.79

Lbs/

100 l

bs

of

Pro

du

ctio

n

Year

40/59 sites*

43/63 sites* 56/64

sites*


0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

RecoveryWaste

2007 2008 2009 2010

50% Waste Reduction Goal

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

1.22

1.19

1.15

1.02

1.07

.86.59

Lbs/

100 l

bs

of

Pro

du

ctio

n

Year

38/48 sites*

41/51 sites*

47/53 sites*


0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

RecoveryWaste

2007 2008 2009 2010


2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

2.24

.85

2.33

.81

2.64

.81.64

Lbs/

100 l

bs

of

Pro

du

ctio

n

Year

35/53 sites*

39/57 sites*

54/58 sites*




Water24. What is the Company doing to conserve water?

Sherwin-Williams strives to minimize wastewater generation by product grouping, recycling or re-use whenever possible. Wastewater that cannot be reused or recycled is properly treated and disposed either through treatment on-site or by sending it off-site to a treatment facility. Sherwin-Williams also has a comprehensive water-recycling program in place. Sherwin-Williams management has set a goal to eliminate all white wash-water disposals by 2016.

25. How much water does the Company use?

Sherwin-Williams’ manufacturing group has been tracking water usage for decades, and the primary use of water is as a raw material in products. The EcoMet database is used to track water consumption from all large facilities (plants, distribution, administration and laboratory) globally. Total water use will be reported in the future.

Air Emissions26. How is the Company working to reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions?

Sherwin-Williams is committed to complying with all applicable regulations. Corporate personnel assist plants in calculating air emissions, compliance reporting, and preparing permit applications. Plant personnel perform and monitor day-to-day operations related to air quality management. Corporate regulatory personnel review product labeling and formulations to ensure that Sherwin-Williams’ products meet all local, state, and federal requirements.

In 2006, Sherwin-Williams installed air pollution control equipment, thermal oxidizers, at its four highest hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emitting plants at a total cost of over $10,000,000. The pollution control equipmentwasdemonstratedtodestroyover90%ofcapturedVOCandHAPemissions.Asaresultofthese controls, the combined VOC and HAP emissions from all Sherwin-Williams manufacturing plants in theUnitedStateshavebeenreducedbymorethan25%.

27. What are its total Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions?

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

5.6

3.9

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

3.7 3.6

VOC EmissionsU.S. Manufacturing Plants Only | lb./10,000 lb coating produced



28. What are the ozone depleting substances emissions?

The 2009 Scope 1 emissions were 2,671 metric tons CO2e.

29. What are its total nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions?

The 2009 Scope 1 emissions were 3 metric tons N2O.

The 2009 Scope 2 emissions were 4 metric tons N2O.

30. What are its total sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions?

The 2008 Scope 1 emissions were 1.78 metric tons SOx.

31. What are its total mercury (Hg) releases?

Mercury is one of a group of metals subject to stringent control by the Sherwin-Williams Company. Raw material vendors are required to disclose even trace levels of metals in their supplied materials. No Sherwin-Williams facility has had reportable quantities of mercury emissions.

Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Question & Answer Sheet PRODUCTS 18


Products

32. How does the Company promote product stewardship?

Sherwin-Williams Product Stewardship recognizes the importance of protecting employee and consumer health and safety and the environment. The program includes work practices, product development, raw materials, packaging and support to employees, customers and the environment for the entire product life cycle. The Sherwin-Williams Product Stewardship program is an internally developed program consistent with, and in support of, guidelines and practices of Coatings Care®.

Sherwin-Williams also participates in national efforts to reduce the impact of our product on the environment. We are working in partnership with industry and government representatives to create a product stewardship infrastructure for paint products. Sherwin-Williams actively participates in supporting PaintCareinU.S.andCanadianprogramsincluding“ProductCare”withpainttakebackprogramsinBritish Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick.

33. How does the Company promote product performance and safety?

With Sherwin-Williams high quality paints and our expertise, you can be sure you’ll achieve beautiful results. All Sherwin-Williams stores are staffed with highly trained professionals who can answer questions, ensuring that the best possible safety and performance is achieved. Sherwin-Williams’ web site (www.sherwin-williams.com) offers a wealth of information including planning tools, preparation instructions and precautions, painting tips, and clean up methods.

In addition to general expertise provided through the stores and web, Sherwin-Williams also offers specialized training in product application, certification courses for contractors to meet EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting requirements and provides other business services such as Painters Advantage to help businesses succeed.

A state of the art product database system (www.paintdocs.com) is available for Product Data Sheets (PDS), Environmental Data Sheets (EDS), and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

In addition, Occupational Health and Safety professionals (CSPs, CIH’s, P.E.’s) regulatory specialists and technical experts are available to provide customers with technical, health and safety consultation and advice involving the safe use and handling of Company products worldwide.

Telephone Numbers and Websites

Product Information: www.sherwin-williams.com

Regulatory Information: (216) 566-2902, www.paintdocs.com

Medical Emergency: (216) 566-2917

Transportation Emergency*: (800) 424-9300 *for Chemical Emergency ONLY (spill, leak, fire, exposure, or accident)


http://www.paintdocs.com/msds/



34. What is included in the Company’s green purchasing efforts?

Sherwin-Williams has an active program to look for opportunities to purchase sustainable or recycled raw materials and packaging materials that reduce the impact on the environment. We have increased the use of sustainable raw materials like soy and sunflower oil in our paints. We have reduced the amount of solvent in our formulations, so atmospheric emissions are more environmentally friendly.

Sherwin-Williams has developed a colorant bottle made from 100 percent post consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is not only made from recycled material, it is recyclable, more durable, less expensive, one-third the weight of the old container and harbors less residual colorant. In addition, we can receive 10 times more bottles per truck, reducing freight, fuel costs and truck emissions. We have also begun to package paint in a post-consumer recycled content polypropylene one-gallon container. These containers continue to be worked into our one-gallon packaging.

Visit www.sherwin-williams.com/pro/green/index.jsp for additional information on environmentally friendly products.

35. What is the Company doing to reduce air emissions from products?

Sherwin-Williams has a large number of “green” products, including products with VOC emissions below 50 grams per liter. These products go well beyond the lowest VOC limits in the country and are available to the do-it-yourself consumer, as well as professional applicators. The Company assists customers in using the latest, “greenest” technologies. This assistance includes training sessions on the regulatory requirements faced by the professional, and specific product recommendations to meet the ever-changing, ever-more “green” challenges. In recent years, Sherwin-Williams has introduced lower VOC products with the performance of the traditional high VOC solvent-borne products. These include new technologies utilizing encapsulation to allow dramatic reductions in the solvent content of such products.

See our Green Solutions for more details.

36. What efforts are being made to produce more environmentally friendly products?

An important part of our corporate social responsibility is the products we produce and sell. We have challenged ourselves to offer the most comprehensive line of environmentally responsible coatings products in the world. And we have seen tremendous progress in recent years that builds on our history of innovation. We believe we have the most comprehensive line of environmentally responsible products.

We have hundreds of low-VOC products now and have a very aggressive program to introduce zero-VOC products. That’s a key part of our sustainability mission. Our technology team works aggressively from raw-material identification all the way through formulation and commercialization to be sure we have a whole pipeline of those products coming down the road. We’re continuously developing more products withenvironmentallyfriendlyrawmaterials–i.e.,thosenotdependentoncrudeoil.

GreenSure and Green Cert Designations Set a High Standard In 2008, to demonstrate to employees and customers alike our commitment to environmentally responsible products, we decided to brand all domestic products that met our green standards with the GreenSure (used on Sherwin-Williams branded products) or Green Cert designations (used on other Company brands). The reason we have opted for our own designation is to emphasize that these products not only meet regulatory requirements and reduce their environmentalimpact;theyalsoperformbetterthananyotherproducts.Eachproducthassomerequirement based on its industry for VOC limits, aromatic content and chemical composition. Beyond that we also add performance criteria (e.g., washability/stain removal, scrubbability/abrasionresistance;andhidingpower/opacity)toensuretheproductperformsbetterthanalternative products. Complete details of every product’s requirements are available on GreenSure.com or GreenCert.com.

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/pro/green/index.jsp


http://www.sherwin-williams.com/greensure/?redirect=greensure.com//

http://www.greencert.com/



Making a Difference Around the WorldDefinitions and requirements can vary from country to country, but our commitment to environmentally responsible products occurs around the world.

United Kingdom–Ronseal,awoodcarecompanybasedintheUK,introducedtheRonsealEcoproduct set in 2008. It capped 20 years of innovation in water-based stains and varnishes. Virtually 100%oftheproductsarewater-basedandover80%achieveVOCratingsofMinimal,VeryLow,LoworMediumwithinthestrictEUregulations.

Brazil–WiththeintroductionofMetalatex® Eco Enamel in 2004, our Metalatex® brand began a brand extension that grew to 10 products by 2008. In 2007, we created the green designation for any product meeting strict third-party requirements.

Argentina–Wehaveintroducedfourinteriorandexteriorlatexproductlinesthatmeetstrictthird-party standards. We have also introduced waterborne technology into our stains and varnishes.

Chile–TheChileansalmonindustry,thesecondlargestintheworld,discoveredanissuewith“fouling”— the accumulation of organic debris on the nets, which can clog and restrict water circulation, stressing the fish. To help improve the productivity of this growing industry and to become more environmentally friendly, Sherwin-Williams Chile launched BIOdeg, a new copper-free and biodegradable antifouling paint for salmon net cages.

Europe, North and South America–AWX®, our premiere water-based automotive product, was developedtoexceedthedemandingstandardsfoundinEuropeandtheU.S.AWX® decreases VOC emissionsby96%comparedtosolventbornecoatings.

United States–OurflagshipwoodcarebrandsMinwax® and Thompson’s® WaterSeal® provide a full range of environmentally responsible products that deliver beauty and protection, while meeting or even exceeding the most stringent environmental regulations. In addition, they are taking measures to minimize our environmental impact in manufacturing, distribution and even how products are used.

For a complete list of environmentally friendly products contact your Sherwin-Williams representative or visit:

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/green/index.jsp


An updated list of LEED, Green and Low VOC products can be found at:

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/pdf/specifications/SW_LEED_VOC_ReferenceGuide.pdf

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/green/index.jsp


http://www.sherwin-williams.com/pdf/specifications/SW_LEED_VOC_ReferenceGuide.pdf



37. How does the Company use recycled materials for packaging?

Sherwin-Williams recycles packaging material from its operations. This is being tracked in our EcoMet database.

The Company also uses post consumer recycle content in much of our packaging materials. We have introducedanewplasticcontainerinsomebrandsthatismadefrom100%postconsumerplastic.Inaddition, we piloted a program in Florida where empty 5-gallon containers were collected, shredded and sent back to our pail supplier to be recycled into new containers. The pilot was successful and is now being expanded to all large domestic markets. Finally, we have introduced a new PET colorant bottle that ismadefrom100%postconsumerplastic.Theseprogramsareintendedtodrivetheusepostconsumerplastic rate in our packaging materials up.

Below are typical post consumer recycling rates for some key packaging materials.

Steelcans,pails,andhandles–33%Plasticpails–10%Cardboardboxes–71%

38. Does the Company provide customer emergency support?

The Sherwin-Williams Company provides a 24-hour product emergency support line for questions related to product health and safety. This support line is answered by professionals trained in the health and safety of our products. For support, please call: 216-566-2917, 24 hours per day.

Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Question & Answer Sheet COMMUNITY/SOCIALINVOLVEMENT 22


Community / Social Involvement

39. What is the Company’s social policy statement?

The Sherwin-Williams Company is committed to conducting business in an ethical and legal manner throughout the world as described in its Business Ethics Policy.

40. How does the Company invest in the social community?

The philanthropic arm of our Company is The Sherwin-Williams Foundation. Its mission is to provide a strategy for our employees and shareholders that is aligned with our Culture of Excellence, business objectives, and supported by our guiding values. The Foundation is committed to children’s health and education that leads to economic independence.

The Foundation provides grants to nonprofits that are providing solutions in the areas of children’s health and education that leads to economic independence. Geographic areas eligible for Foundation grants include Cleveland, Ohio and locations in which the Company operates a manufacturing and/or distribution facility. Additionally, the Foundation awards one $50,000 signature grant, The Sherwin-Williams Grant, annually to an organization addressing community needs in innovative ways to systemic change.

See CSR report, pages 9-11.

Community Agency Needs

Employee Talents, Passion

SW Philanthropic Values, Priorities

http://investors.sherwin-williams.com/corporate-governance/business-ethics-policy/index.jsp

http://careers.sherwin-williams.com/pdf/csr/CorporateSustainability_English.pdf



41. How is the Company engaged in the community?

Community engagement comes in many forms at Sherwin-Williams. Dollars from the Foundation help to fund innovative solutions in the areas of children’s health and education that leads to economic independence. Many of the communities in which we do business run successful workplace campaigns tosupporttheirlocalUnitedWay–anagencywitharichhistoryofservinghealthandhumanserviceneeds. Volunteer programs support local food banks in an effort to eliminate hunger, a national partnership with Rebuilding Together helps to ensure that the most vulnerable of our neighbors has access to adequate housing, and teams have provided ongoing support to do their part for a treasured national park. And on any given weekend, employees around the world are running, walking, and bowlinginfundraisingsupportoforganizationslikeKomenfortheCure,JuniorAchievement,andthe American Cancer Society. While listed here are several of our biggest efforts, countless hours and commitment are poured into the local community by our employees every year.

Together, employees and the Company can provide a profound impact on our friends and neighbors in the communities in which we do business every day.


42. How does the Company participate in community education?

Sherwin-Williams and our employees have always been committed to giving back to our communities and supporting education, through formal corporate programs as well as localized efforts. Some examples include:

• Sherwin-WilliamsFoundationawardsanannualcashawardtoacharitycommittedtoeitherchildren’shealth or educational programs that lead to economic independence.

•TheSherwin-WilliamsFoundationfundsamatchinggiftprogramtoqualifyingeducationalinstitutions.

• Partnershipswithlocalschools,collegesanduniversitiesprovidingresearchfunding,curriculumdevelopment, trade skill training, and full and part-time internships

•Localizeddrivestocollectanddistributeschoolsupplies

•Volunteereffortsandmaterialdonationstopaintandrenovatelocaleducationalfacilities.






43. How does the Company promote its employee volunteerism?

The Sherwin-Williams Company is committed to being a good neighbor in the communities in which we live and work. We continue to be proud of the time and talents that The Company and our employees contribute to many worthy charitable causes around the world. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support organizations that reflect our Culture of Excellence and serve some of the most vulnerable of our neighbors.

With so many worthy charitable causes in need of support, it is our hope that by ensuring that projects align with our core values and business strategies, we can ensure a positive outcome for all involved. The Company supports employee volunteer efforts with

• GrantsforVolunteers:Employees(orretirees)whovolunteeratleast50hoursatanonprofitguaranteea contribution to that agency in the amount of $200. Employees can apply for grants for up to three agencies.

• MatchingGiftsforVolunteerLeaders:TheFoundationwillmatchgiftsfromemployeeswhoareservingon the governing body (Director or Trustee) at a nonprofit organization.

• TheCommunityEngagementteamregularlyprovidesplanningsupportforemployeeteamsinthefieldinterested in giving back to their communities.


44. What impediments does the Company face in implementing its community commitments?

S-W faces challenges in the diverse communities in which we do business, as well as the complex diversity in our business operations. While we do have overarching giving priorities, the reality is that those stated priorities may look very different in response to a particular community’s needs, or the capacity of S-W’s presence in that community.

45. How does the Company prepare for emergencies?

All manufacturing operations have Emergency Management Programs, which are on file with the Corporate Safety Group. All operations have trained emergency action teams and practice responding to various emergencies throughout the year. Facilities are equipped with emergency equipment including alarms and fire protection. Arrangements have been made with local emergency response authorities. Third party emergency response contractors are retained to respond to major emergencies (e.g., fire, spill or transportation incident).


46. Does the Company screen suppliers based on social, environmental, or safety performance?

To protect the community, the environment and our employees, Sherwin-Williams reviews all hazardous waste vendors for compliance and proper management procedures before approval for use by our facilities. Sherwin-Williams operations and business units also often consider contractor safety performance in the selection process.

47. What efforts does the Company make for mitigation, remediation, or land reclamation?

See Company’s Annual Report , pages 22-24.




Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Question & Answer Sheet LABOR PRACTICES & DECENT WORK 25


Labor Practices & Decent Work

48. What is the Company’s workforce profile?

Sherwin-Williams has shared our profiles through various sources, including Fortune / Great Places to Work. The following information was submitted for 2011 award:

AgeLessthan25: 22.42%26-34 26.13%35-44 19.80%45-54 18.42%55+ 13.23%

GenderCurrentdistribution–allemployees(U.S.Only)79%male;21%female

In2010womencomprised38.3%ofourPaintStoresmanagementtrainees.

Hiring rate

See CSR report, page 8.

Ethnicities/RaceSee CSR report, page 8.

49. What are the Company’s anti-corruption practices?

See Corporate Governance.

50. Does the Company use corporal punishment?

None of Sherwin-Williams operations employ corporal punishment.

51. What is the Company’s equal opportunity, elimination of discrimination, promotion of diversity, or non-discrimination policy?

See EEO policy.

52. Does the Company allow free association and collective bargaining of employees?

Sherwin-Williams has free association and collective bargaining for employees.

See EEO policy.



http://investors.sherwin-williams.com/corporate-governance/

http://careers.sherwin-williams.com/pdf/csr/SW_EEO.pdf




53. Does the Company fairly compensate its employees?

Sherwin-Williams has a fair compensation program and full benefits packages for all employees.

See EEO policy.

54. Does the Company use forced labor?

None of Sherwin-Williams operations employ forced labor.

55. What is the Company’s working-hours policy?

Sherwin-Williams complies with all employment laws regarding working hours.

56. Does the Company use illegal child labor?

None of Sherwin-Williams operations employ illegal child labor.

57. Are employees satisfied with the Company?

50%ofSherwin-Williams’U.S.employeeshavebeenwithSherwin-Williamsforgreaterthan5years,30%havebeenwithSherwin-Williamsforgreaterthan10years.

58. Are the Company’s programs validated by third parties?

OurU.S.manufacturingsitesparticipateinvariousthirdpartyvalidatedprogramsincludingOSHAVPP,OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001.

59. Does the Company employ individuals with disabilities?

Sherwin-Williams is an equal opportunity employer. As such, we will recruit, select and hire on the basis of individual qualifications. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

See EEO policy.





60. How does the Company train and develop its employees?

Sherwin-Williams operates four S-W training universities across the country. On average, full-time hourly employeesreceive72hoursoftrainingperyear.Ninety-threepercent(93%)appliestotheircurrentjob,whileseventeenpercent(17%)ofthecurriculumalsocanapplytotheirfuturedevelopmentandadvancement. Similar numbers apply for full-time salaried employees.

Onaverage,part-timehourlyemployeesreceive42hoursoftrainingperyear.Ninety-threepercent(93%)appliestotheircurrentjob,whileninepercent(9%)ofthecurriculumalsocanapplytotheirfuturedevelopment and advancement. Similar numbers apply for part-time salaried.

61. How does the Company prevent bribery?

See Business Ethics Policy.

62. Is the Company involved in political contributions?

Sherwin-Williams does not have a political action committee.

63. What is the Company’s turnover rate?

Sherwin-Williamsturnoverrateisthelowestintheindustry–with5%turnoveramong full-time employees.

64. Does the Company promote the advancement of women?

The Sherwin-Williams Company is an equal opportunity employer. As such, we will recruit, select and hire, on the basis of individual qualifications. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. See EEO policy.

Key business units/functions led by women include:

Board member, Division President Paint Stores, Corporate Treasurer, Controller Diversified Brands, Vice President of Technical Development, VP of Organizational Development, VP of Corporate HR to name a few.

65. How doest the Company prevent sexual harassment?

See Non-Harassment Policy.

http://investors.sherwin-williams.com/corporate-governance/business-ethics-policy/index.jsp


http://careers.sherwin-williams.com/pdf/csr/SW_EEO_2.pdf

Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Question & Answer Sheet WORKER HEALTH & SAFETY 28


Worker Health and Safety

66. How does the Company promote occupational health and safety protection?

Caring for the health and safety of our employees has been a priority since 1866. Our legacy of creating a safe environment for employees began with our founders, Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams. Early factories had automatic sprinkler systems, first aid kits and established protocols with local hospitals in case of emergency. Employee health and safety was the first order of business then and remains so today. Our management systems and practices assure consistent results worldwide and our Paint Stores Group uses extensive new-hire and on-going training to keep safety top-of-mind.

Manufacturing operations have designated safety health and environmental managers or coordinators and site employee-based safety teams who receive support from business unit managers and a network ofCertifiedSafetyProfessionalsandCertifiedIndustrialHygienists.TheUnitedStatesOccupationalSafetyand Health Administration (OSHA) looks out for the health and welfare of employees nationwide. Their Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) awards “Star” status to facilities that are deemed to have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Sherwin-Williams was the first paint company in theUnitedStatestoobtainStarstatuswithourChicagoplant,andwehavethegreatestnumberofVPPStar or Merit sites of any coatings company.

In addition, several of our plants are registered as OHSAS 18001 sites. Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18001 is the internationally recognized assessment specification for occupational health and safety management systems.


0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Sites with OHSAS 18001Sites with VPP

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

2

Year

2

5

7

7

22 3 34 7

11

1924

7

24

Sherwin-Williams Sites with VPP & OHSAS 18001



67. What is the Company doing to control operational risk?

Sherwin-Williams has a strong, global commitment to controlling operational risk. Process safety management is a core value where engineering, safety, management of change, risk analysis and incident analysis methods are continuously improved so as to minimize risk to employees, the community and the public.

68. What is the Company’s “away from work” lost workday case rate?

The Company’s “away from work” lost workday injury and illness case rate was 0.89 (2010) and 0.98 (2009)asofJanuary31,2011.

69. Does the Company have an employee health surveillance program or industrial hygiene monitoring?

All operations are supported by a corporate staff of Certified Industrial Hygienists and a Medical Director. Exposure Risk Assessment is performed routinely and the program has been identified as a best practice during OSHA VPP audits.

OSHA VPP Sites

Manufacturing Plants:Chicago,IL;Garland,TX;Flora,IL;Andover,KS;Holland,MI;Orlando,FL;Atlanta,GA;Morrow,GA;Memphis,TN;Crisfield,MD;Portland,OR;Greensboro(StagecoachTrail),NC;Greensboro(HowardStreet),NC;Lawrenceville,GA;Homewood,IL;Cincinnati,OH;Coffeyville,KS;Victorville, CA

Distribution Service Centers:Effingham,IL;Atlanta,GA;Fredericksburg,PA;Waco,TX;Sierra,NV;Winter Haven, FL

OHSAS 18001

Brazil–Sumare,TaboaodaSerra,Lazzuril

Canada–Grimsby

Ecuador–Quito

Malaysia–JohorBahru

UnitedStates–Richmond,KY



70. What is the Company’s Recordable Incidence Rate

Sherwin-Williams “recordable” injury and illness incidence rate was 2.78 (2010) and 2.67 (2009) at Jan.31,2011.2010performancerepresentsa58.6%reductionfrom2005(4.74).ComparativeBureauofLaborStatistics(BLS)data(2009)was2.8(paint&coatingsmanufacturing);2.6(paint&wallpaperstores), and 6.0 (general warehousing). Throughout the last 5 years (2006-2010), Sherwin-Williams’ reporting manufacturing and distribution operations have consistently performed below national averages.

The “recordable incidence rate” equals the number of work-related injuries and illnesses per 100 full time workers. This rate enables industry comparison regardless of facility or company size. The rate is calculated by the number of “recordable” (OSHA criteria) injuries and illnesses multiplied by 200,000 (annual base hours for 100 full time workers) divided by the number of hours worked.

0

1

2

3

4

5

4.74

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

3.48

3.18

2.76 2.672.78

Sherwin-Williams Recordable Case Rate

* Injury and Illness Incidence Rates as published in S-W Safety & Health Performance Report, as of 1/31/2011, for the respective reporting locations.

101 W. Prospect Avenue | 1180 Midland | Cleveland, OH 44115

www.Sherwin-Williams.com

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