Interface Receives Top Environmental Accolade

Interface has received a top green accolade at the Sustainable Business Awards Singapore 2014 in the category of Climate Change Policy. The award was presented recently by Global Initiatives at the Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development in Singapore. The winners in other categories included Unilever Asia, DHL, City Development Limited and Sing Tel.

The Sustainable Business Awards (SBA) is produced by Global Initiatives and co-developed with sustainability adviser Price Waterhouse Coopers. The awards aim to recognise sustainable business practices that benefit the environment and all stakeholders, with an emphasis on integrating these goals into a long term strategy of business. The awards are also designed to build a global knowledge network of best practices, which will allow businesses to benchmark themselves against peer groups and improve their performance.

Tony Gourlay, Chief Executive Officer of Global Initiatives, commented "The awards both validate the companies which are leading the way in sustainable business whilst also aiming to inspire all businesses, large and small, to make sustainability the foundation of their corporate mission and brand."

Interface was recognised for its climate change initiatives, which include reducing the company's manufacturing greenhouse gas emission by 71 percent for every unit of its product (kilograms of CO2e per square meter) from 1996 to 2014. Addressing its greenhouse gas emissions is a key component of Interface's Mission Zero® commitment, as the company strives to become a carbon neutral company by measuring, reducing and in some cases offsetting its carbon emissions. Additionally, Interface has implemented employee programs to help address the emissions associated with their personal and work-related travel, as well as customer facing initiatives like its pioneering recycling program ReEntry™, a carpet take-back and recycling program unique in Asia.

Interface calculates its global greenhouse gas emissions using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard, which enables the company to analyse and report its emissions reductions. In addition Interface uses life cycle assessment to measure the footprint of its products for the Cool Carpetâ„¢ program, a greenhouse gas emission offset program that was one of the first of its kind. The inventory and progress is disclosed by Interface annually at www.interfaceglobal.com and through the Climate Disclosure Project.

Clark Harris, Head of Marketing Asia, Interface, who received the award, said, "We are extremely proud of this recognition and the role that our people have played in helping us to achieve this prestigious award. We started our journey to sustainability over 20 years ago and we have made significant progress in reducing our waste emission, energy and water use over those years. Our achievements prove that with dedication, perseverance and innovation, a true difference can be made."

He added, "We have seen how sustainability can deliver real business benefits. It has inspired some of our most innovative and best-selling products, motivated our workforce, enhanced our reputation and led to global savings. I hope that our experience will inspire other organisations to accelerate their own sustainability journeys and reap the rewards."

Source : Equity Bulls

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