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New Trend Isn't a Fad But a Sea Change for Business

Release Date: 08/16/2006
Contact Information: Roxanne Smith, (202) 564-4355 / smith.roxanne@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - Aug. 16, 2006) Going above and beyond environmental regulatory requirements may not seem like a cost-saving measure, but 48 facilities in fact have seen real benefits in their bottom line. These organizations are continuing to go the extra mile by renewing their membership commitments through the Environmental Protection Agency's National Environmental Performance Track program.

"From Wall Street to Main Street, President Bush and EPA are changing the way individuals and organizations think about their role in protecting our shared environment," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By committing to conservation, America's leading companies are proving that doing what's good for the environment is also good for business."

The renewing Performance Track facilities must continue to meet all environmental regulatory requirements even while committing to additional ones. The companies have pledged a wide range of environmental improvements. For example, 38 renewing members have committed to reduce their waste generation over the next three years; 30 facilities plan to reduce energy use; 30 facilities pledge to reduce their water use; and 19 facilities have committed to reduce their air emissions. Additionally, 19 of 48 renewing members chose to implement EPA-defined regional and national environmental priorities (15 selected water use, three selected priority chemicals, and one chose to address greenhouse gases).

The Performance Track participants come from such diverse industries as manufacturers of paper, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals; healthcare organizations; resorts; and government agencies, among others.

The National Environmental Performance Track program recognizes facilities that work with their communities, set three-year goals for continuous improvements in environmental performance beyond regulatory compliance, and have internal systems in place to manage their environmental impacts. Since the program's inception in 2000, Performance Track membership has grown to 400 members in 46 states and Puerto Rico, and those members have made 1,500 commitments to the environment. To date, Performance Track members have collectively reduced their water use by 1.9 billion gallons, conserved nearly 9,000 acres of land and increased their use of recycled materials by nearly 120,000 tons all while saving money and helping to protect the environment.

Information on the National Environmental Performance Track program: www.epa.gov/performancetrack/

Information on renewing Performance Track members: www.epa.gov/performancetrack/events/renewing_facilities_aug06.html