Ohio-based Standard Register (NYSE: SR), a recognized leader in management and execution of critical communications, knew it was a pretty "green" company, but didn’t know how green until it measured and reported its greenhouse gas emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) at the request of one of its biggest customers, one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S.

"Although Standard Register's green initiatives had been a part of our business model for some time, we had never measured and reported our carbon emissions in a rigorous, standardized way," said Steve McDonell, Standard Register's vice president of engineering.

To help navigate the process, the company engaged sustainability experts Delta Institute and Roadmap Green, both based in the Chicago area. Delta helped to catalog and calculate greenhouse gas emissions from 100 production, warehouse, distribution, and sales facilities nationwide. They also identified how the company's previous sustainability initiatives reduced greenhouse gas emissions and translated this information into terms that fit the CDP reporting framework.

The results surprised even McDonell: based on this comprehensive assessment, Standard Register scored 91 out of a possible 100 - nearly double the national average and in the top 5% of all participating companies. McDonell believes the finding validates the company's longstanding investment in sustainability.

"But, more importantly, the process helped the company identify opportunities and risks associated with carbon emissions across the company, aligning reduction efforts with the company's strategic business goals," said Delta Institute's Ryan Anderson.

Bank of America, Walmart, and other large companies recently began requiring that their suppliers participate in CDP reporting to remain preferred customers. According to The Carbon Disclosure Project 2011 Supply Chain Report, 50% of large businesses have seen cost savings as a result of carbon management activities and 86% have seen commercial benefits from working closely with suppliers to improve performance and mutual return on investment.

Further, the CDP projects that carbon management criteria will continue to rise as a part of supplier selection: up to 29% in five years from 17% last year and 11% the year before.

"It's not just the big multinationals but also all their customers - companies of all shapes and sizes - that have to figure out a carbon management strategy," Anderson said. "Not every business has the internal capacity to respond or make the most of the information it does have."

According to Standard Register's McDonell, the company plans to use the CDP reporting process as a baseline for measuring future progress. "The process was both painless and invaluable, and we're interested in seeing how this can continue to benefit our business," he said.

According to Roadmap Green's Michael Twedell, "What started as a compliance exercise revealed unsuspected strengths in the company's sustainability efforts. That's not unique to Standard Register; every company can grow their business by greening their operations."

For more information about the Delta Institute's carbon services, please visit www.deltainstitute.org or contact Ryan Anderson at randerson@delta-institute.org or (312) 554-0900 x14.

About the Delta Institute. Since 1998, the Delta Institute has successfully demonstrated that a healthy economy and a healthy environment can go hand in hand. Delta fills funding gaps and implements innovative programs that promote a healthy environment, a strong economy and thriving, vibrant communities - blazing a trail for the green economy so others can successfully follow. For more information, visit www.delta-institute.org or call (312) 554-0900.

About Roadmap Green. Roadmap Green is a full-service management organization focused on identifying and implementing energy efficiency and sustainability-related technologies for commercial and residential properties across the country. From new construction to remodeling to efficiency upgrades, its mission is to turn clients' good intentions into real green initiatives.

About Standard Register. Standard Register (NYSE:SR) is trusted by the world's leading companies to advance their reputations by aligning communications with corporate standards and priorities. Providing market-specific insights and a compelling portfolio of solutions to address the changing business landscape in healthcare, commercial and industrial markets, Standard Register is the recognized leader in the management and execution of mission-critical communications. More information is available at www.standardregister.com.

Delta Institute

Delta Institute

The Delta Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to leading the transformation to the green economy. Founded in 1998, Delta creates, funds and implements programs that integrate environmental, economic and community health issues to develop a green economy.

Delta provides technical assistance, research capacity and consulting services in a variety of green economy impact areas, including green buildings, carbon credits, brownfields, green purchasing, sustainable manufacturing, green collar jobs, urban food systems and solid waste.

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