Sustainability Brief: The Canadian Perspective, Part 2

The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Interface Elimination of Toxic Substances Accumulation of toxins on the surface of the earth harm the environment and the living systems, including humans. Furthermore, use of toxic materials impacts on the health of employees, costs on protective equipment, productivity, and extends to impact on customers and in landfills after use. To prevent this chain of events from happening, Interface Canada has eliminated use of, and stopped purchasing persistently toxic chemicals as listed in the National Pollutant Registry Inventory. A total of nine such components were discontinued over 3 years and resulted in savings, enhanced performance of product and improved quality. Energy Conservation Interface recognizes energy conservation as a key to cost savings and reducing environmental impact. Interface believes global warming is real, and encourages its employees to save energy at home and adopt sustainable driving practices. Our Canadian operation is a member of CIPEC (Canadian Industrial Program for Energy Conservation), and the NRCan Energy Innovators Voluntary Challenge Registry (VCR). Interface Canada was also recognized in May 1999 as one of three industry finalists for the 1998 National Energy Efficiency Awards, by the Office of Energy Efficiency. We have reduced our total energy consumption per unit product by over 70%. Part of the savings is used to pay the premium for purchasing 25% of our power requirements from certified green sources. Interface Canada is committed to a goal to use 100% green power by June 2002. Landfill Interface Canada reduced its landfill burden by over 90%. In 1993, our operation had 474 tons going to landfill, and in 2001 it was reduced to 29 tons. The major contribution to this reduction came from reduced waste through QUEST, and recycling alternatives. Water Before 1994 Interface Canada consumed an average 120,000 gallons of water every month. The processes were redesigned to eliminate water, and the average consumption of water per month today is 3000 gallons. There is no water entering the sewers from any process today, and the water usage is only in the washrooms, lawn maintenance, and makeup water for processes. · Climate Change An active program of voluntary initiatives resulted in the reduction of green house gases, both at the Plant, and in employee lifestyles. Employees take part in a home energy savings program and in alternative transport activities such as: car pooling, walking, biking, in-line skating, etc. The Director of Environment and Technology received a national award for extraordinary individual leadership in reducing green house gases from the Federal government agency, VCR Inc. Enviro-friendly Packaging We have a worldwide program of using packaging and paper in literature, sampling, and stationery that is both recycled and recyclable. Our product packaging is recyclable. Carpet Fiber More than 95% of our products are manufactured from solution dyed nylon which drastically reduces pollution of waterways, unlike other methods of dyeing. Product Longevity Our modular products have an extended life cycle and also have added benefits of flexibility to accommodate selected replacement of high traffic areas, ensuring lower consumption in the long term. Simplified Production Process We utilize a "less is more" integrated pattern tufting process which is more cost effective and produces less waste than alternative methods, such as two-pass processes like overprinting (applied patterns). Reduced VOCs Our products are tested for VOC emissions and are below all established guidelines. Our products also carry a third party endorsement for the Ontario Lung Association's CANDo label. Intersept®, an antimicrobial, is in all Interface products. Intersept® reduces odour and contributes to improved indoor air quality. The track record of environmental accomplishments has given Interface Canada products Ecologo certification from the Environment Canada Environmental choice program. · · 9 . 02.11.05 Version 2.0 - Paste 2 of 2

Powered by / Alimenté par VITA Toolkit
Privacy Policy