GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 30, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:SCS), a global office environments manufacturer, announced today that it has been honored with an award from WasteWise, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program that helps U.S. organizations reduce municipal solid waste. Winners of the WasteWise awards are selected for accomplishments in waste prevention, recycling collection and buying or manufacturing recycled content products.
Steelcase has received a Gold Achievement Award for Product Stewardship for the third year in a row. This is the sixth consecutive year that Steelcase has been recognized by the EPA.
"At Steelcase, we are always seeking ways to prevent pollution and eliminate waste," said David Rinard, Director of Global Environmental Performance at Steelcase. "We are honored to once again be recognized by WasteWise and the EPA for our efforts."
Steelcase actively employs innovation to develop sustainable products and services. It has one of the most extensive programs for the assessment of materials used in its products, and analyzes products through their entire life cycle to ensure continuous improvement. Its operational activities include a strong focus on recycling, pollution prevention, and water and energy conservation. A key environmental goal for the company is a 25 percent reduction of its global footprint by 2012.
Highlights of Steelcase's environmental initiatives in 2006 that contributed to the WasteWise awards include:
-- Continuous product introductions and portfolio re-evaluation,
abiding by the stringent requirements of the Cradle to Cradle(CM)
Product Certification from MBDC and Indoor Air Quality
Certification.
-- 2006 brought the Cradle to Cradle Product Certification
to Answer(r), a fully powered workstation, the first of
its kind to receive the certification.
-- The Steelcase portfolio now features 23 products with
Cradle to Cradle product certification, more than any
other company.
-- The implementation of fabrics made from 100 percent recycled
beverage bottles and particleboard made with 100 percent recycled
wood fiber.
-- Ongoing environmental efforts at various Steelcase operations
including evaluating scrap yield on a daily basis, conversion
from solvent-based to water-based wood finishing technology at
the Steelcase wood furniture manufacturing facility; and the
reuse/donation of surplus materials through the modernization
of the Grand Rapids and Kentwood complexes.
-- Joined the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) trading platform for
CO2 credits. Steelcase has reduced its North American CO2
emissions by about 30% since 1989.
-- Styrofoam beverage cups have been replaced with 99% post-consumer
recycled paper cups which contain a minimum of 12% post-consumer
recycled content and are fully compostable. This involves an
average of 3,000 cups per week at our Steelcase University
Learning Center alone.
"Waste Wise partners have made remarkable progress cutting waste, reducing energy use, limiting green house gases and conserving natural resources. EPA is proud to recognize Steelcase Inc. for its commendable achievements, ongoing dedication and continued commitment to Waste Wise," said Susan Bodine, EPA's Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response.
WasteWise and the EPA recognized Steelcase at the 2007 WasteWise and NPEP Annual Conference in Washington, DC November 15. Steelcase is one of only 12 organizations to receive a Gold Achievement Awards at this year's event.
About WasteWise
WasteWise is a free, voluntary, EPA program helping U.S. organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste, benefiting the bottom line and the environment. Launched by the EPA in 1994, the program provides guidance and recognition to nearly 1,900 participating organizations that are working to find practical methods to reduce municipal solid waste and improve financial performance.
For more information about EPA's WasteWise program and details about the 2007 WasteWise and NPEP Annual Conference, please visit the WasteWise Web site at www.epa.gov/wastewise or contact the WasteWise Helpline at (800) EPA-WISE (372-9473).
About Steelcase Inc.
Steelcase, the global leader in the office furniture industry, helps people have a better work experience by providing products, services and insights into the ways people work. The company designs and manufactures architecture, furniture and technology products. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steelcase (NYSE:SCS) serves customers through approximately 13,000 employees and dealers at over 550 locations worldwide. Fiscal 2007 revenue was $3.1 billion. Learn more at www.steelcase.com.
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