IP to Increase Energy Efficiency, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2020
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International Paper Co., Memphis, Tenn., USA, has committed to use 15% less energy and to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020. Using 2010 as a baseline, these goals are the first in a set of comprehensive sustainability goals IP says it will announce in the next six months. The company plans to achieve these reductions by increasing manufacturing efficiencies, exploring new technologies, and engaging employees to find innovative solutions in its operations.
"Our commitment to sustainability spans our 110-year history and these goals are a natural next step in demonstrating that we can make the products that matter to people in a way that matters," said David Kiser, VP, environment, health, safety, and sustainability. "The goals of improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions go hand-in-hand. Less energy means fewer emissions, and in the last five years we have been able to reduce our energy usage by 12%."
IP announced the goals in conjunction with recent recognition it received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Leaders program for achieving voluntary fossil fuel greenhouse gas emission reductions of more than 40% from 2000 to 2010.
EPA's Climate Leaders program is an industry-government partnership that works to develop comprehensive climate change strategies. Participating companies commit to reduce their impact on the global environment by completing a corporate-wide inventory of their greenhouse gas emissions based on a quality management system, setting aggressive reduction goals, and annually reporting their progress to EPA. Program participants are recognized by the EPA as corporate environmental leaders.
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