EPA Names Mohawk to 'National Top 100 List' of Environmental Green Power Users
Having just celebrated Earth Day, Mohawk, Cohoes, N.Y., a manufacturer of papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Top 100 List of green power users for the 10th year in a row.
Mohawk ranks 75th in the nation for green power use (as of Jan. 6), and has been named to the EPA 100 Percent Green Power Users list for using wind power to meet 100 percent of the company's electricity use. Since 2007, 100 percent of electricity used in Mohawk's operations is matched with Green-e certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Mohawk ranks among other leading renewable energy purchasers including Microsoft, REI, Interface, NHL, Starbucks, Herman Miller and Apple.
The EPA National Top 100 list represents the largest green power users within the Green Power Partnership. The EPA Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to use green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional electricity use. Partners include a wide variety of leading organizations, such as Fortune 500 companies; small- and medium-sized businesses; local, state, and federal governments; and colleges and universities.
"As a paper manufacturer, we have always understood that our dependence on basic resources such as water, wood fiber and energy creates a unique responsibility for environmental stewardship," said Michelle Carpenter, vice president, environmental energy and stewardship for Mohawk. "We continue to examine each aspect of our business with the objective of minimizing our environmental footprint in every way practicable. Environmental responsibility is at the core of Mohawk's culture."
Mohawk has also qualified for the U.S. EPA SmartWay Partnership, a program of the U.S. EPA designed to reduce transportation-related emissions by creating incentives to improve supply chain efficiency.
Last fall, U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) presented Mohawk chairman and CEO Thomas D. O'Connor Jr., with Congressional recognition for Mohawk's longstanding environmental commitment and 20-year partnership with Green Seal. Green Seal certification is a process that ensures that a product meets rigorous performance, health and environmental criteria.
"Investing in green energy and a clean environment is critical to public health and a robust economy," said Tonko. "I applaud Mr. O'Connor, and his entire team at Mohawk Fine Papers for their commitment to sustainability, local jobs and economic development in the Capital Region."
Mohawk has numerous environmental partnerships and certifications, including longstanding alliances with:
- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Power Partnership
- EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership
- Center for Resource Solutions Green-e Marketplace
- Green Seal (celebrating a 21-year affiliation)
- The Rainforest Alliance
- The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Mohawk recognized Earth Day 2015 by encouraging employees to participate in the company's fifth annual Earth Day cleanup. Employees at all Mohawk locations (Cohoes, Waterford and Albany, N.Y., and Saybrook, Ohio) were encouraged to clean up parks, sidewalks and other community areas in the vicinity of their workplaces.
For more information about Mohawk's environmental and sustainable business practices, visit www.mohawkconnects.com/company/environment.