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Fast Facts & Stats: Low Carbon Companies

It is argued that corporations are and will be the leaders of sustainablity. Taking this to heart are the companies listed below. The following information is taken from annual reports primarily. This list is just start, with more to come, and includes companies that, rather than simply greenwash, are seriously committed to the triple bottom line with measurable results.

Contents

Cascades

Interface

 

Cascades

Overview

  • Founded in Quebec in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products composed mainly of recycled fibres. The Company employs nearly 13,000 men and women, who work in more than 100 modern and flexible production units located in North America and Europe. Cascades’ management philosophy, its 45 years of experience in recycling and its ongoing research and development efforts are strengths that enable the Company to create increasingly environmentally friendly products. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/report-on-sustainable-development

  • Cascades is a participant in the Carbon Disclosure Project. Since 2006, the Company has been reporting its greenhouse gas emissions and stating what measures it is taking to address them. In 2008 Cascades is working to secure an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), in particular for its 100% recycled fine papers. This certification—the most stringent in place worldwide—is based on an analysis of a product’s life cycle. The EPD system serves as a basis for preparing standardized statements on a specific aspect of a product’s environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions. The Cascades Djupafors folding boxboard mill has already attained this milestone, and also received an award for its Climate Declaration when it was recognized by the Swedish Environmental Management Council as the Top Green Supplier for 2008. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/report-on-sustainable-development

  • The life cycle analysis (LCA) plays a growing role in Cascades’ operations, particularly through a partnership with CIRAIG (the Interuniversity Centre on the Life Cycle of Products, Processes and Services). An LCA has also been carried out on Cascades’ Enviro® 100% recycled paper towel. As a CIRAIG partner, Cascades has also joined the Life Cycle Initiative, associated with the United Nations Environment Program, which works to broaden and exchange knowledge about the “life cycle” methods. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/report-on-sustainable-development   

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Recycling and Efficiency

  • More than two-thirds of the raw materials used by Cascades' various sectors of activity come mainly from fibres that have been recovered from their own operations. Since 1964, we have become recognized experts in the recovery and re-use of discarded materials, packaging and printed matter. During 2008, Cascades used 2.2 million tons of recycled fibres, which saved the equivalent of 37 million trees. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment

  • The average water consumption of Cascades paper mills in 2008 was 10 m3/tonne, whereas the industry average in Canada was 60 m3/tonne. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/did-you-know-that---   Cascades Tissue Group is the only producer of tissue paper that meets the SSMI (Sustainable Manufacturing & Marketing Initiative) guidelines criteria and that has obtained PCF (processed chlorine free) certification. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/did-you-know-that---    

  • In North America, one metric ton of virgin paper produces, on average, a 4,245-kg CO2 equivalent, versus the 1,791 kg created from the same amount of 100% recycled paper. Cascades totally-recycled paper far surpasses this performance, generating only 270 kg. In other words, carbon emission volumes generated by Cascades’ paper are respectively 85% and 94% lower than the average of recycled and virgin uncoated fine papers in North America. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/report-on-sustainable-development

  • In 2008,Cascades achieved a 0.52% improvement in its energy efficiency, which translates to $1,855,439 in savings. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/report-on-sustainable-development

  • Since June 2008, the Norampac–Mississauga plant has been buying steam generated by the Peel municipality waste incinerator located near the plant, using it to dry the paper and for heating the facility in winter. With a 34% interest in Boralex, Cascades supports electricity generation and operation using renewable energy sources in North America and Europe. Boralex sets itself apart through its power development operations capabilities and its proficiency in carrying out community and environmentally-friendly energy projects. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/report-on-sustainable-development

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Transportation

  • The Transport Division has not been overlooked in the Cascades Group’s efforts to protect the environment. A major project—installing aerodynamic side skirts on almost 250 trailers—saw start-up last year. As a result of this change, fuel consumption in the truck tractors hauling these trailers dropped 6% on average, eliminating 664 tons in greenhouse gas emissions. New trucks purchased in 2008 feature a streamlined body, which serves to cut back on fuel consumption and pollution by reducing the rig’s resistance to air. These trucks are also equipped with standby heating and air conditioning systems that maintain an adequate temperature in the cab while the ignition is off, thereby reducing consumption of fuel. Cascades Transport has also implemented a system for tracking its drivers’ on-road habits, using the truck’s dashboard computer. This practice promotes eco-energetic driving by truckers. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/report-on-sustainable-development

  • The vehicle fleet used by Cascades Recovery sales representatives will now be comprised of hybrids. Moreover, Cascades’ car policy provides incentives that encourage its representatives and managers to use these types of cars. Any employee wishing to reserve a car from Cascades’ vehicle fleet for business travel will now be required to register with the carpooling system through the Company’s intranet. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/report-on-sustainable-development

Support for Employees

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Profitability

  • Many consumers, who are growing increasingly aware of and concerned about climate change, are looking for more green products made by socially responsible companies that are striving to reduce this phenomenon. For this reason, a number of them now prefer to buy recycled products manufactured by Cascades. Sales of Cascades brand 100% recycled tissue and fine papers grew by 111% and 50%, respectively, in 2008. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/report-on-sustainable-development

  • Canadian retail sales of Cascades tissue papers increased from $16.3 M in 2007 to $35.9 M in 2008, while Canadian Retail Market Shares of Cascades tissues papers brand increased from 2.9% to 5.0% during that same time period. http://www.cascades.com/client_file/upload/pdf/en-rapport-annu/Cascades_RA2008_EN.pdf Cascades has forged agreements with large companies and institutions wishing to “go green”. These include Desjardins, Gaz Métro, the University of Vermont and Whole Foods. http://www.cascades.com/sustainable-development/environment/report-on-sustainable-development    

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Interface  

  • Interface, Inc., began in 1973 when Ray C. Anderson, currently Chairman of the Board, recognized the need for flexible floor coverings for the modern office environment. In the mid-1990s, Anderson shifted the company’s strategy, aiming to redirect its industrial practices to include a focus on sustainability without sacrificing its business goals. http://www.interfaceglobal.com/Company/History.aspx

  • Interface Vision – “To be the first company that, by its deeds, shows the entire industrial world what sustainability is in all its dimensions: People, process, product, place and profits — by 2020 — and in doing so we will become restorative through the power of influence.” http://www.interfaceglobal.com/Company/Mission-Vision.aspx

Sustainability

  • Interface’s dedication to sustainability has evolved into the company’s Mission Zero™ commitment — its promise to eliminate any negative impact Interface has on the environment by 2020. Interface has identified 7 Fronts of Sustainability or 7 ways to achieve Mission Zero: Eliminate Waste, Benign Emissions, Renewable Energy, Closing the Loop, Resource-Efficient Transportation, Sensitizing Stakeholders, and Redesigning Commerce. Since the mid-1990s, the 7 Fronts have helped us come a long way toward our goal, and we've actually saved money through our efforts. We call this "doing well by doing good." http://www.interfaceglobal.com/Company/Speakers-Bureau/Topics/Our-Mission.aspx 

  • Interface developed and launched a new web-based data collection system for its environmental and social metrics which will help it track its progress toward its Mission Zero goals with greater accuracy and with real time snapshots. http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9NDQzMnxDaGlsZElEPS0xfFR5cGU9Mw==&t=1

  • Interface’s sustainability highlights include: $372 million in cumulative avoided waste cost from 1995 to 2007. Greenhouse gas emissions reductions by more than 30% through efficiency, process changes and purchasing renewable energy. Seven of Interface’s facilities operate with 100% renewable electricity. Reduction of the total energy intensity by 45% since 1996 through the implementation of energy efficiency projects and changes in manufacturing processes. Water intake per unit of production in manufacturing facilities is down 75% from 1996 levels. Over 25% of raw materials used in Interface carpet are recycled and biobased materials in 2007. Since 1997 Interface has planted almost 87 thousand trees to reduce the impact of 174 million business related air miles. And over 10 thousand trees for the Cool CO2mmute program. http://www.interfaceglobal.com/Sustainability/Progress-to-Zero.aspx

  • In Interface’s manufacturing processes, 27% of its total energy is from renewable resources, and 89% of its electricity comes from renewable resources. http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9NDQzMnxDaGlsZElEPS0xfFR5cGU9Mw==&t=1

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Business Success

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