/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - In celebration of Earth Day this week, Blue Shield of California reported its results on social responsibility initiatives and is launching a new "Green Pledge" for its employees. The not-for-profit health plan has measured its progress on a number of corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments in 2010 and the results can be viewed on the company's CSR Web site at: www.blueshieldca.com/socialresponsibility.

"We're committed to reporting tangible numbers that demonstrate the impact of our social responsibility work wherever possible," said Nancy Shaw, corporate social responsibility manager for Blue Shield of California. "By measuring our efforts, we're able to track our progress on initiatives that benefit the environment, the community, our members and our employees."

Highlights from Blue Shield's CSR efforts include:

• Commitment to greening company processes: In 2010, the company has reduced the amount of paper used in printed communications by 45% compared to 2009, saving more than 7 million pounds of greenhouse gases, 26 million gallons of wastewater and 2.2 million pounds of solid waste. In addition, three more Blue Shield offices received recognition for being environmentally friendly. Blue Shield's company-owned buildings in Lodi, El Dorado Hills and Redding earned LEED or Energy Star certification last year.


• Commitment to the community: Blue Shield employees have stepped up to help local communities during a tough economy, participating in more than 100 volunteer events for California nonprofits in 2010. Through community involvement programs, employee donations, with matching funds from the company, reached nearly $533,000 "“ a record-breaking year for the company. Coupled with corporate contributions, giving exceeded $850,000. Blue Shield also contributed $32 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation, which provided grants to more than 350 nonprofit organizations.


• Commitment to improve access to quality health care: Consistent with Blue Shield's long-standing support for universal coverage, the company continues to work diligently to implement the federal health reform law and keep healthcare affordable. All health reform provisions have been implemented on time or earlier than legally required. Blue Shield also collaborated with providers on three accountable care organizations (ACO) for CalPERS and San Francisco Health Service System, which uses a coordinated care model to improve quality and service, and reduce cost. In other policy activities in 2010, Blue Shield joined the board of San Francisco's Business Council on Climate Change and was the first health plan to join No on 23, a coalition to preserve California's climate change law.

In addition, Blue Shield is encouraging employees to take action this Earth Day with a new three-step "Green Employee Pledge" to reduce their environmental impact. Employees who pledge will commit to turning off computer monitors each night, distribute meeting materials electronically rather than in print, and use coffee mugs or refillable water bottles to reduce waste.

About Blue Shield

Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health plan with 3.3 million members, 4,800 employees, and one of the largest provider networks in California. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California offers a wide range of commercial and government products throughout the state. The company has contributed more than $125 million over the past four years to the Blue Shield of California Foundation-which was named one of BusinessWeek's 20 most generous corporate foundations. Contact your local agent or broker for more information about Blue Shield products and services, or visit the Blue Shield website at www.blueshieldca.com.

Blue Shield of California

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