News Releases from Region 01
Two New England Businesses and One Individual Recognized by EPA for Climate Leadership
BOSTON - EPA has recognized the leadership of one individual and two New England companies for their climate actions, such as investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and preparing for the impacts of climate change. In addition to Bridgeport, Conn. Mayor Bill Finch, the companies recognized by EPA in the fourth annual Climate Leadership Awards are The Hartford of Hartford, Conn., and EMC Corp. of Hopkinton, Mass.
The New England winners were part of an elite group of only 16 organizations and one individual recognized by EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership, in partnership with the Association of Climate Change Officers, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, and The Climate Registry for taking action consistent with the goals of President Obama's Climate Action Plan for addressing global climate change through policy, innovation and business solutions.
"I am proud to acknowledge the contributions made by The Hartford, EMC Corp. and by Mayor Finch, who are showing the positive difference we can make to reduce the greenhouse gases that are impacting our climate," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England office. "New Englanders have always been forward thinking about solving environmental issues, so I am confident their example will inspire other companies and communities to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to our environment."
City of Bridgeport, Conn. Mayor Bill Finch was recognized with an Individual Leadership Award for his demonstrated leadership in responding to climate change and through engaging with his community and other officials. Mayor Finch's priorities have included promoting energy initiatives, enhancing sustainability efforts and making Bridgeport one of the greenest cities in America. Currently, Mayor Finch is Co-Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Energy Independence and Climate Change Task Force.
"This is truly a great honor. In Bridgeport, our state's largest city, we're making smart investments in the future. This includes creating green jobs, investing in clean energy production, and creating transit oriented developments - all of which will ensure our kids and grandkids breathe cleaner air. We're now home to hundreds of green jobs with hundreds more coming soon. We're home to North America's largest fuel cell, which produces enough clean energy to power 15,000 homes annually. And, we're home to more than one-thousand apartments within walking distance to a train station. These efforts and more are helping us ensure that Bridgeport becomes a place where our kids and grandkids will choose to live, work, and raise their families, too," said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.
The Hartford received an "Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting)" award for setting an absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal of 20 percent between 2013 and 2018 for global operations. The Hartford plans to achieve this reduction through energy efficiency upgrades - to their HVAC system, technology for virtual participation and paperless meetings, more efficient office spaces, and green technology embedded in the elevators; re-evaluating their real estate footprint; converting 15 percent of vehicle fleet to hybrids; using cloud technology projected to reduce data center GHG emissions by more than 30 percent; and growing use of online meetings, thereby decreasing staff commuting and business travel. This is The Hartford's third generation GHG emissions reduction goal. The Hartford achieved its first goal to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent in 2010, seven years ahead of schedule. The Hartford exceeded its second goal to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent in 2012, five years ahead of schedule. The Hartford was recognized with a Climate Leadership Award for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management-Goal Achievement in 2014.
"The Hartford strives to be at the forefront of the topic of climate change," said Alan Kreczko, The Hartford's general counsel and chair of the company's environment committee. "Receiving an EPA recognition for two consecutive years shows The Hartford's continuing commitment to environmental stewardship and better understanding the implications of climate changes for our customers and our company."
EMC Corp., an Information Technology company based in Hopkinton, Mass., was recognized for "Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting)." Under the program, EMC set an absolute GHG reduction goal of 40 percent between 2010 and 2020 for global operations, and they plan to achieve this reduction goal through a highly-efficient infrastructure at company-owned and large leased facilities including labs, data centers, and manufacturing floors; employing its leading-edge technologies to use the entire IT infrastructure more efficiently; and obtaining 50 percent of its global electricity from renewable sources by 2040. Previously, EMC achieved its goals to reduce global Scopes 1 & 2 GHG emissions per unit revenue by 30 percent (2005 to 2012) and subsequently by 40 percent (2005 to 2015). EMC has also set long-term goals to reduce global absolute Scopes 1 & 2 emissions by 80 percent from 2000 to 2050.
"EMC is honored to be recognized by the EPA with a 2015 Climate Leadership Award in Greenhouse Gas Management, Goal Setting. Setting ambitious, science-based goals is a critical part of our commitment to reducing our greenhouse gases and minimizing the affects of climate change. We are proud to be headquartered in a state that has taken a leadership role in finding paths to a cleaner energy future," said Kathrin Winkler, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, EMC Corporation.
EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership establishes norms of climate leadership by encouraging organizations with emerging climate objectives to identify and achieve cost-effective GHG emission reductions, while helping more advanced organizations drive innovations in reducing their greenhouse gas impacts in their supply chains and beyond. The Center provides technical tools, guidance, educational resources, and opportunities for information sharing and peer exchange among organizations interested in reducing the environmental impacts associated with climate change.
More information:
- 2015 Climate Leadership Award winners: www.epa.gov/climateleadership/2015-climate-leadership-award-winners
- EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership www.epa.gov/climateleadership