U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)
New Trend Isn't a Fad But a Sea Change for Business
Contact: Roxanne Smith, (202) 564-4355 / smith.roxanne@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. – August 16, 2006) Going above and beyond environmental
regulatory requirements may not seem like a cost-saving measure, but 48
facilities in fact have seen real benefits in their bottom line. These
organizations are continuing to go the extra mile by renewing their membership
commitments through the Environmental Protection Agency's National Environmental
Performance Track program.
"From Wall Street to Main Street, President Bush and EPA are changing the way
individuals and organizations think about their role in protecting our shared
environment," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By committing to
conservation, America's leading companies are proving that doing what's good for
the environment is also good for business."
The renewing Performance Track facilities must continue to meet all
environmental regulatory requirements even while committing to additional ones.
The companies have pledged a wide range of environmental improvements. For
example, 38 renewing members have committed to reduce their waste generation
over the next three years; 30 facilities plan to reduce energy use; 30
facilities pledge to reduce their water use; and 19 facilities have committed to
reduce their air emissions. Additionally, 19 of 48 renewing members chose to
implement EPA-defined regional and national environmental priorities (15
selected water use, three selected priority chemicals, and one chose to address
greenhouse gases).
The Performance Track participants come from such diverse industries as
manufacturers of paper, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals; healthcare
organizations; resorts; and government agencies, among others.
The National Environmental Performance Track program recognizes facilities that
work with their communities, set three-year goals for continuous improvements in
environmental performance beyond regulatory compliance, and have internal
systems in place to manage their environmental impacts. Since the program's
inception in 2000, Performance Track membership has grown to 400 members in 46
states and Puerto Rico, and those members have made 1,500 commitments to the
environment. To date, Performance Track members have collectively reduced their
water use by 1.9 billion gallons, conserved nearly 9,000 acres of land and
increased their use of recycled materials by nearly 120,000 tons all while
saving money and helping to protect the environment.
Information on the National Environmental Performance Track program:
www.epa.gov/performancetrack/
Information on renewing Performance Track members: www.epa.gov/performancetrack/events/renewing_facilities_aug06.html
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