Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- BD, a leading global medical technology company, announced today that for the first time it appears on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Fortune 500 list of green power purchasers. BD is purchasing green power in support of EPA’s Fortune 500 Green Power Challenge. EPA is challenging Fortune 500 corporations to collectively exceed 10 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) green power purchasing by year end 2009. BD’s purchase ranks 23rd among participating corporations.

Placement on the EPA's list is a result of BD's facility in Sandy, Utah purchasing 37 million kilowatt-hours of green power, which is enough to meet 100 percent of its purchased electricity use. The Sandy facility is buying a utility green power product from Rocky Mountain Power through its Blue Sky renewable energy program. This purchase demonstrates a proactive choice and a leading commitment to supporting cleaner renewable energy alternatives.

The EPA has updated each of its National Top Partner lists, highlighting some of America's largest green power purchasers. Each list highlights EPA Green Power Partners that have completed the largest annual voluntary purchases through January 6, 2009. EPA updates its Top Partner Lists quarterly at http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/.

"BD is committed to responsible environmental stewardship worldwide, and we are working more diligently than ever to expand on and develop stronger environmental performance programs," said Edward J. Ludwig, BD Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our Utah energy purchase is an example of our commitment to the long-term health of the environment and the communities in which we operate."

"It is an honor to be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for our commitment to renewable energy purchases," said Cal Alexander, Vice President of Operations for BD Medical - Infusion Therapy Systems. "Purchasing green power helps our organization become more sustainable, while also sending a message that supporting clean sources of electricity is a sound business decision and an important choice in reducing climate risk."

Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. These resources generate electricity with a net zero increase in carbon dioxide emissions, while offering a superior environmental profile compared to traditional power generation sources. Green power purchases also support the development of new renewable energy generation sources nationwide.

"America is shifting to a 'green culture', with more and more businesses taking important steps to combat climate change," said Kathleen Hogan, Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at the EPA. "EPA commends BD for making a long-term commitment to protecting the environment by purchasing green power."

The EPA's Green Power Partnership (www.epa.gov/greenpower) is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associates with purchased electricity use. According to the EPA, BD's green power purchase of 37 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of nearly 5,000 passenger vehicles per year, or the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power more than 3,000 average American homes annually.

BD recognizes that human health and a healthy environment are inseparable, and is committed to promoting environmental stewardship in its business conduct. To learn more about BD's environmental efforts and overall approach to sustainability, please view its 2008 Interim Sustainability report at www.bd.com/sustainability.

About BD
BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 28,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

BD - Becton, Dickinson and Company

BD - Becton, Dickinson and Company

BD, a leading global medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents, is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug therapy, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases, and advancing research and discovery of new drugs and vaccines. The Company's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 28,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the general public.

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