May 12--Stamford-based Xerox Corp. has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its worldwide operations by 10 percent from 2002 to the end of 2012 in conjunction with a national corporate environmental initiative it joined two years ago.

The target aligns with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leaders program and The Business Roundtable's Climate RESOLVE program, which Xerox joined in 2003. RESOLVE stands for "responsible environmental steps, opportunities to lead by voluntary efforts."

The philosophy complements Xerox's environmental programs, which include products designed for energy efficiency, remanufacturing and recycling, according to Anne Mulcahy, Xerox chairwoman and chief executive officer. "While the absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will be a challenge, requiring a 30 percent or more improvement in energy efficiency compared with 2002 levels, it is the right thing for Xerox to do," Mulcahy said in a statement. "As energy and fuel costs rise, consciously working to further control Xerox's energy-related costs is environmentally responsible and financially smart."

Xerox's greenhouse gas emissions -- gaseous compounds in the atmosphere that are said to trigger global climate change -- result from use of fossil fuels for heat, vehicle and electric power.

The 10 percent-reduction goal requires Xerox to cut annual emissions below its 2002 baseline. By 2012, Xerox will have to reduce annual emissions by an estimated 100,000 metric tons, about 30 percent, to achieve its target. It will position Xerox to meet future greenhouse gas reduction mandates, including those in countries that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty on emission reductions, the company said. The Business Roundtable, which represents the 160 largest companies in the nation, was started 30 years ago as a way to involve business leaders in formulating public policy, said Roundtable spokeswoman Teeta Freeman.

"The CEOs believe this is the most effective way to improve the environment and continue a robust economy," Freeman said. Xerox has engineered environmentally friendly printers, copiers and other systems and developed practices to cut greenhouse gas production, said Patricia Calkins, Xerox vice president for environment, health and safety. Products Xerox introduced in 2003 used up to 50 percent less energy than similar 1992 products. It estimates that energy- efficient features in its 2003 copiers and printers enabled customers to avoid emitting 563,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases.

In 2003, 97 percent of Xerox-eligible product offerings qualified for the EPA's Energy Star label, a certification for product environmental performance.

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