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Corporate Social Responsibility
News
4.22.2008 - 07:00am ET
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Interface Releases 2007 Ecometrics
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Down 82% from 1996 Baseline
(CSRwire) ATLANTA – April 22, 2008 — Interface, Inc., the world's largest
manufacturer of modular carpet, today released ecometrics for 2007,
reporting that net absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are down 82
percent from the 1996 baseline, while total energy intensity (use
per unit of output) is down 45 percent from 1996. In addition to
typical financial metrics like profit and loss, Interface began tracking
'ecometrics' in 1996, measuring energy and water intake, waste streams,
greenhouse gas emissions, and raw materials streams, to evaluate its
progress towards the goal of sustainability and doing business in ways
that minimize the impact on the environment.
"We are making the business case for sustainability by reducing our carbon
footprint through process and product efficiencies, while sales – and
therefore production – are on the rise," said Dan Hendrix, president and
CEO of Interface, Inc. (NASDAQ: IFSIA).
Highlights include:
QUEST (Quality Utilizing Employee Suggestions and Teamwork) waste
reduction efforts resulted in a 50 percent decrease of waste cost per
production unit since 1995.
Total energy intensity for carpet manufacturing is down 45
percent since 1996. In addition, 27 percent of total energy use is
either made renewable through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits
(RECs) or received directly from renewable sources.
The use of recycled and bio-based raw materials increased to 25
percent of total raw materials used in 2007. This percentage is
expected to increase as a result of InterfaceFLOR’s recently introduced
technology that allows the company to recycle some Nylon 6,6 carpet face
fiber.
Water intake per production unit in manufacturing facilities is
down 75 percent from 1996 levels, which is key in drought-stricken
communities in the U.S. where Interface manufactures, including Georgia
and California.
Total waste sent to landfills has decreased by 66 percent from
1996 levels. In a related metric, Interface has diverted 133 million
pounds (60 million kg) of used carpet from the landfills since 1996
through the company’s ReEntry(R) program, now efficiently recycling both
carpet backing and face fiber.
Interface "Cool" Programs Continue to Grow
Climate neutral products and employee engagement programs continue to grow
including:
Cool CarpetTM: In 2007, Interface sold a record 26 million square
yards (22 million square metres) of third party verified climate neutral
carpet. The carpet was made climate neutral through the purchase of
390,000 metric tonnes of verified emission reduction credits to offset the
entire life cycle of the products sold.
Cool CO2mmuteTM: Nearly 20 percent of Interface associates
participated in the company’s program to neutralize carbon emissions
from personal commuting, by planting over 7,000 trees through American
Forests, and over 500 trees through Tree Canada.
Cool FuelTM: Interface offset the impact of 334,000 gallons (1.3
million litres) of gasoline used in company vehicles by purchasing almost
4,000 metric tonnes of verified emission reduction credits.
Trees for TravelTM: Air travel by Interface associates was
neutralized by the planting of more than 12,000 trees to reduce the impact
of 19 million business-related air miles (31 million km) flown.
Interface, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of modular carpet,
which it markets under the InterfaceFLOR(R), FLORTM, Heuga(R) and Bentley
Prince Street(R) brands, and, through its Bentley Prince Street brand,
enjoys a leading position in the designer quality segment of the broadloom
carpet market. The Company is committed to the goal of sustainability and
doing business in ways that minimize the impact on the environment while
enhancing shareholder value.
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