Published 04-27-00
Submitted by Bell Atlantic Corporation
A team of Bell Atlantic employees charged with pinpointing energy waste throughout the company and reducing it earns the company's fifth annual John S. Balaguer Environmental Excellence Award in the Employee-Bell Atlantic Activities category.
The award, which honors significant environmental achievements of Bell Atlantic suppliers and employees, will be presented at a celebration at Bell Atlantic's headquarters, 1095 Avenue of the Americas, in New York City, at 10 a.m., May 4. (Members of the media are invited.)
Adnan Amin, director, of the United Nations Environment Programme, New York Office, will speak at the celebration. Amin, a Kenyan national, plays a key role in facilitating the development of international environmental policy with a particular interest in sustainable development-highlighting the links between the environment, the economy and society.
The Team Energy website is designed to address employees' concerns and collect their energy-saving suggestions. The site also serves as a resource for essential energy usage data, energy reduction initiatives and articles on energy consumption at home and work.
"I am very proud of this team," said Bell Atlantic Executive Director-Safety, Health & Environment Stephen Henry. "As a responsible corporate citizen, Bell Atlantic is committed to doing its part to preserve the environment we all share and Team Energy responded to a tough challenge with enthusiasm and innovation."
"In addition to upgrading our energy management systems and renegotiating the rates we pay for electricity, the team took an important extra step to raise the awareness of all employees about the benefits of thoughtful energy consumption."
In 1999, Team Energy hired professional energy firms to identify energy waste throughout the business and propose solutions. More than 200 company locations were audited and some 6,000 recommendations were proposed. This year, the team is striving to implement those recommendations, such as installing energy-efficient motors and fans in heating and cooling systems.
Team Energy members are:
In separate announcements, Bell Atlantic named Robert Carter, a Bell Atlantic central office technician, winner in the Community Activities category for his work in establishing the Heizer/Manila Watershed Organization, Inc. And, in the Bell Atlantic Supplier category, the company named and TransAction Associates, Inc., of Waltham, Mass., for developing an innovative commuter service program for the company in Mass. and Rhode Island.
Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and information industry. With more than 44 million telephone access lines and more than 20 million wireless customers worldwide, Bell Atlantic companies are premier providers of advanced wireline voice and data services, market leaders in wireless services and the world's largest publishers of directory information. Bell Atlantic companies are also among the world's largest investors in high-growth global communications markets, with operations and investments in 23 countries.