Business News
Environmental Protection Agency Recognizes Xerox for Decades of Environmental Stewardship
Monday 26. May 2008 - Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX) today became the first technology company to be named a Performance Track Corporate Leader by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Xerox is one of only five companies named an EPA Corporate Leader.
The Corporate Leader appointment acknowledges Xerox for decades of environmental achievement, a sustained compliance record and excellent facilities management in all five of its U.S. manufacturing facilities, and a superior level of commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Xerox was also awarded the EPA’s Climate Protection Award for significantly reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Xerox is a true role model for the best in corporate sustainability practices and represents what our Corporate Leaders program is all about — leadership, accountability and action,” said Dan Fiorino, director of the Performance Track Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “We are looking for the select few who influence and improve our future through innovation and a continued commitment to the environment and sustainability.”
The EPA created the Performance Track Corporate Leader distinction to recognize companies that exhibit policies and behavior associated with environmental excellence in the management of facilities and throughout the company’s entire value chain including suppliers and/or customers.
“Long before it was popular to do so, Xerox ranked sustainability high on its list of priorities and led the industry in innovative ways to reduce waste and conserve energy. Our experience has shown us that when we act in ways that benefit the environment, we make sound business decisions that not only benefit Xerox, but also our customers and shareholders,” said Wim Appelo, president, Xerox Strategic Services.
To continue its commitment to environmental sustainability and the Corporate Leaders distinction, Xerox has pledged to further minimize its environmental footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2012 from a 2002 baseline; reducing solid waste and ultimately achieving waste-free manufacturing facilities; evaluating all strategic production suppliers according to the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) standards and helping suppliers with less than optimal performance reach higher compliance levels; and greening the paper supply chain by strengthening environmental requirements for suppliers that provide paper to Xerox for resale.
Climate Protection Award
The EPA also awarded Xerox a 2008 Climate Protection Award for its achievements in reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Xerox reduced its total global greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent from 2002 to 2006, surpassing several years early its original goal of a 10 percent reduction by 2012.
“Efforts to help fight climate change will benefit the planet for generations to come. We commend Xerox for its ongoing efforts to protect our environment,” said Bob Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator, EPA Office of Air and Radiation.
Xerox achieved its goal ahead of schedule by developing a clear framework for greenhouse gas management, involving the entire company by establishing clear roles and accountability, engaging the full value chain, integrating climate protection into core business strategies and practices, allocating appropriate funding, and rewarding success.
Xerox has a long-standing partnership with the U.S. EPA. In the early 1990s, Xerox was a charter partner for the international ENERGY STAR program and has invested in product designs and technologies that conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Xerox also participates in the EPA Climate Leaders, Waste Wise and the National Environmental Performance Track Programs.