Meet Michigan’s Clean Corporate Citizens
2005
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm Director Steven E. Chester
This report offers highlights on a number of Clean Corporate Citizen facilities. For complete information on the Clean Corporate Citizen criteria and application process, please contact: The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Environmental Science and Services Division 800-662-9278 P.O. Box 30457 Lansing, Michigan 48909 www.michigan.gov/deq
AUTHORITY: PA 451 OF 1994
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MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) will not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, marital status, disability, or political beliefs. Questions or concerns should be directed to the MDEQ Office of Human Resources, PO Box 30473, Lansing, MI 48909.
To The Citizens of Michigan:
Welcome to the 2005 edition of “Meet Michigan’s Clean Corporate Citizens,” introducing seven new partners into the growing family of top environmental performers in Michigan. I am pleased to showcase the achievements of these establishments in this report and applaud their efforts in becoming valued members of our Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) Program. We not only continued to recruit new members to C3 this past year, but also took time to recognize those members who have successfully renewed their C3 designation for the past five years. At our November 3, 2005 C3 Mini-Conference held in Lansing, we presented twenty C3 facilities with a 100 percent recycled green glass longevity award chosen to acknowledge the C3 commitment to waste reduction and recycling. (See the complete list of these C3s on page 1.) In our ongoing efforts to evaluate and improve the C3 Program and further enhance the value of membership for our new and existing establishments, Department of Environmental Quality staff have embarked on an ambitious program to revise the current C3 administrative rules. Staff have been working with the C3 Stakeholders Group that was formed and have proposed some changes that will add clarity and strengthen the criteria necessary to receive and retain C3 designation. Our goal is to have the revised C3 rules in effect by the end of 2006. Our Neighborhood Environmental Partners Program (NEP) was expanded this year to allow for participation by some of our other successful Pollution Prevention Partnerships, in addition to our C3 members. As such, we were able to increase the recognition opportunities for other progressive establishments who make it a part of doing business to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods and communities. Six C3s received Gold Level NEP 2005 Awards: Cascade Engineering - Grand Rapids, Consumers Energy - J.R. Whiting Plant in Erie, Dow Corning Midland Plant, General Motors Powertrain - Warren Transmission Plant, Smurfit Stone Container Corporation - Ontonagon Mill, and Weyerhaeuser Company - Grayling OSB. We are continuing our Environmental Management Systems (EMS) outreach efforts working with local units of government, federal defense installations, hospitals, and the agriculture community. These efforts are paying off not only in spreading the good news of improving environmental performance through EMS, but also have resulted in pending C3 applications from these new sectors. I congratulate this latest group of C3 designees and encourage others to become environmental leaders in their community.
Steven E. Chester, Director
Why We Joined...
The C3 program continues to be the leader in our existing environmental programs. It clearly supersedes compliance and creates an ownership mindset on these issues. C3 has certainly created additional opportunities for our companys involvement within the community. - T.E.S. Filer City Station
To be recognized as a Clean Corporate Citizen by the State of Michigan and the Department of Environmental Quality is an honor for our company and our employees. - Dearborn Mid-West Conveyor
(We have) established a robust EMS, which enables us to continuously improve our environmental performance and minimize our impact on the environment as responsible business people in our community. Receiving the Michigan C3 designation is evidence of the commitment and dedication of our employees to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. - Ford Motor Company, EMDO Facility
Table of Contents
Clean Corporate Citizen Longevity Award Winners.........................................................................1 Clean Corporate Citizens Map.........................................................................................................2 Clean Corporate Citizens................................................................................................................. 3 An Innovative Concept - Environmental Benefits for Commitment and Achievement....................5 A Closer Look at Clean Corporate Citizens 2005 ...........................................................................7 Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc........................................................................................................9 Automatic Spring Products, Corp..........................................................................................11 Cadillac Products Automotive Company................................................................................13 Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc....................................................................................................15 Lear Corporation - Corporate Campus..................................................................................17 Nicholas Plastics, Inc.............................................................................................................19 Oetiker, Inc............................................................................................................................21 Appendix........................................................................................................................................23
Clean Corporate Citizen Longevity Award Winners
All of the Clean Corporate Citizen Longevity Award winners listed below have been active partners in the program since the year 2000.
AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS HOLDINGS, LLC - Chesterfield Plant Chesterfield (formerly VISTEON CORPORATION) DEMMER CORPORATION - Delta Plant Lansing DETROIT EDISON - Fermi 2 Power Plant Newport DEWITT BARRELS, INC. Marne GENERAL MOTORS POWERTRAIN - Warren Transmission Plant,Warren
GREAT LAKES GAS TRANSMISSION COMPANY Eleven Facilities Statewide MARCH COATINGS, INC. - Plant 1 Brighton MARCH COATINGS, INC. - Plant 2 Brighton MARK IV AUTOMOTIVE Big Rapids MULTI-COLOR CORPORATION, INC. Norway
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Michigan’s Clean Corporate Citizens
3 or more C3’s in the area 2 C3’s in the area 1 C3 in the area
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Michigan’s 2005 Clean Corporate Citizens
Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc., Pontiac Automatic Spring Products Corporation, Grand Haven Cadillac Products Automotive Company, Rogers City Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc., Ann Arbor
Lear Corporation - Corporate Campus, Southfield Nicholas Plastics, Inc., Allendale Oetiker, Inc., Marlette
Michigan’s Continuing Clean Corporate Citizens
ADAC Automotive Trim - 36th Street Plant, Grand Rapids ADAC Automotive Trim - Saranac Plant, Saranac ADAC Door Components - 32nd Street Plant, Grand Rapids ADAC Door Components - Keating Avenue Plant, Muskegon ADAC Door Components - Port City Plant, Muskegon Aleris International - Saginaw Facility, Saginaw American Axle & Manufacturing - Detroit Gear & Axle Plant, Detroit ARVCO Container Corporation, Kalamazoo Asahi Kasei North America, Inc. - Fowlerville Center, Fowlerville Atlas Technologies, Inc., Fenton Automotive Components Holdings, LLC - Sheldon Road Plant, Plymouth Automotive Components Holdings, LLC - Ypsilanti Plant, Ypsilanti Cascade Engineering Automotive Solutions Group, Grand Rapids Cascade Engineering Industrial Solution’s Group, Grand Rapids Consumers Energy - J.R. Whiting Plant, Erie Consumers Energy - Parnall Road Office Complex, Jackson Cyltec, L.L.C., Tecumseh DaimlerChrysler Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights Dapco Industries, Dexter Dearborn Mid-West Conveyor, Taylor Demmer Corporation - Delta Plant, Lansing DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc., Battle Creek Detroit Edison - Fermi 2 Power Plant, Newport Detroit Edison - St. Clair Power Plant, St. Clair DeWitt Barrels, Inc., Marne Diversified Manufacturing, Howell Dow Corning Midland Site, Midland DURA Automotive Systems, Inc., Mancelona Eaton Corporation - Saginaw Plant, Saginaw Elm Plating Company, Jackson Ford Motor Company - Automatic Transmission New Product Center, Livonia Ford Motor Company - Engine Manufacturing Development Operations, Allen Park Ford Motor Company - Livonia Transmission Plant, Livonia Ford Motor Company - Romeo Engine Plant, Romeo Ford Motor Company - Van Dyke Plant, Sterling Heights General Motors - Lansing Regional Stamping Plant, Lansing General Motors - Orion Assembly Center, Lake Orion General Motors Pontiac Centerpoint Campus (PCC) Validation Center, Pontiac General Motors Powertrain - Livonia Engine Plant, Livonia
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Michigan’s Continuing Clean Corporate Citizens
General Motors Powertrain - Romulus Engine Plant, Romulus General Motors Powertrain - Warren Transmission Plant, Warren Grayling Generating Station, Grayling Great Lakes Gas Transmission Company (11 Locations Statewide) Boyne Falls, Brevort, Crystal Falls, Frederic, Lake, Naubinway, Otisville, Rapid River, St. Clair, Sault Ste. Marie, Wakefield Haworth, Inc. - Allegan Seating, Allegan Haworth, Inc. - Douglas Operations, Douglas Haworth, Inc. - Ludington Components, Ludington Herman Miller, Inc. - GreenHouse Seating Operation, Holland I & W Industries, L.L.C., Traverse City Inalfa/SSI Roof Systems, L.L.C., Warren Kay Automotive Graphics, Lake Orion Keykert USA, Inc. - Webberville Plant, Webberville Keykert USA, Inc. - Wixom Plant, Wixom Knoll, Inc. - Grand Rapids Facility, Grand Rapids Light Corporation, Grand Haven MAC Valves, Inc., Wixom Machine Tool & Gear, Corunna Magna Donnelly - Holland Windows Division, Holland Mark IV Automotive - Big Rapids Plant, Big Rapids
Modern Plastics Corporation, Benton Harbor Multi-Color Corporation, Norway NSK Corporation, Ann Arbor Nyloncraft, Inc., Jonesville Palmer Engineering, Inc., Lansing Pfizer Global Research and Development - Ann Arbor Laboratories, Ann Arbor Plastech Engineered Products, Inc. - Clarkston Facility, Clarkston Plastech Engineered Products, Inc. - Croswell Facility, Croswell Plastech Engineered Products - Port Huron, Port Huron Pratt & Whitney AutoAir, Inc., Lansing Quality Metalcraft, Inc., Livonia Skilled Manufacturing, Inc., Traverse City Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation - Ontonagon Mill, Ontonagon Spartan Steel Coating, Monroe TAC Manufacturing, Inc., Jackson Tenneco Automotive, Litchfield T.E.S. Filer City Station, Filer City TRW Automotive, Fowlerville Unified Industries, Inc., Howell Weyerhaeuser Company - Grayling OSB, Grayling
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An Innovative Concept
Environmental Benefits for Commitment and Achievement
The Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) Program is built on the concept that Michigan establishments that consistently demonstrate environmental stewardship and pollution prevention can be relied upon to carry out their environmental protection responsibilities with less department oversight. These establishments have earned the benefit of greater regulatory flexibility and public recognition for their efforts.
A Clean Corporate Citizen Demonstrates:
Responsible Environmental Management
A C3 must have a strong and effective Environmental Management System (EMS) in place, based on the nature and scale of their operations. Establishments certified to ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems, also meet the EMS criteria for C3 designation. Some of the required EMS elements include (see the Appendix for more information on EMS): Comprehensive identification of operations, activities, and processes that may potentially affect (negative or positive) the environment; Self-initiated environmental and system audits; Procedures for emergency response and follow-up, including a system to identify, correct, and avoid future incidents; A system for communicating environmental information to both employees and the public; An environmental policy that clearly states an establishment’s commitment to environmental excellence and continual improvement; and Environmental training for employees.
Pollution Prevention
A C3 meets the criteria by: Adopting a pollution prevention (P2) policy and having an active establishment-wide P2 program; Regularly assessing operations to identify opportunities for waste reduction, reuse of materials, and responsible recycling; Setting P2 goals and working toward achievement of those goals; Sharing accomplishments and strategies; and Participating in information and technical exchange programs to share P2 success stories and encourage other establishments to chart P2 directions. 5
An establishment can also satisfy the P2 criteria by joining and being a member in good standing in one of DEQ’s recognized P2 voluntary partnerships. Department of Defense/State of Michigan Pollution Prevention Alliance Metal Finishers Pollution Prevention Initiative Michigan Agricultural Pollution Prevention Program Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership Michigan Great Printers Project Michigan Pulp, Paper, and Products Pollution Prevention Program Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program Small Chemical Manufacturers Pollution Prevention Initiative
Environmental Compliance
A C3 demonstrates consistent compliance with applicable permits and regulations, and has no outstanding unresolved environmental violations. A complete list of, licenses, and binding agreements is required at the time of application. The C3’s must renew their designation annually and DEQ staff perform a verification of compliance with each renewal.
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A Closer Look at Several Clean Corporate Citizens
Welcome to the section of this report that holds the most important information of all: details about Michigan’s 2005 Clean Corporate Citizens, including information about their specific operations, policies, and achievements.
Some Key Terms:
C3: Clean Corporate Citizen Environmental Management System (EMS): the part of an overall management system that addresses environmental concerns through the allocation of resources, assignment of responsibilities, and ongoing evaluation of practices, procedures, and processes to achieve sound environmental performance. (See Appendix for more information on EMS.) ISO 14001: a standard adopted by the international organization for standardization to prescribe uniform requirements for the purpose of certification or registration of an environmental management system. The most current version is titled ISO 14001:2004. Pollution prevention (P2): eliminating or minimizing the initial generation of waste at the source or utilizing environmentally sound on-site and off-site reuse or recycling. Waste treatment, release, or disposal is not considered pollution prevention in the C3 Program.
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AKZO NOBEL COATINGS, INC.
As the worlds largest supplier of paint and coatings, Akzo Nobel insists that environmental stewardship is integrated into all of our production planning and operations, says John Lindemann, Manufacturing and Operations Director for the Pontiac site. We are known throughout the world for providing the highest quality products. Protecting our environment is just part of living up to that reputation.
Vital Statistics Clean Corporate Citizen since June 20, 2005 Operation: Automotive Paints & Coatings
Address:
Akzo Nobel Coatings is a leading manufacturer of coating products for the automotive aftermarket, also referred to as the collision repair market. The facility has been operating in Pontiac since 1989 and employs 280 associates. The Pontiac facility participates in “Corporate Social Responsibility” (CSR), a company-wide commitment to the environment and the communities in which Akzo Nobel does business. The CSR initiative is the cornerstone of the company’s decision-making process. The CSR policy challenges all employees to drive towards zero waste, act according to commonly accepted norms and standards by producing reusable, durable, and safer products, and create environmentally-friendly and eco-efficient processes.
120 Franklin Pontiac, Michigan 48341 Oakland County
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AKZO NOBEL COATINGS, INC., continued:
Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc. has set and achieved environmental goals for continual environmental improvement: All facility cardboard is sold to a recycler and processed into writing pads. All shrink wrap is sold to a recycler and processed into synthetic building materials. All metal containers 5 gallons or less are sold to a recycler and reprocessed into new steel. Last year, over 140,000 gallons of cleaning solvents were recycled on-site. Remainders from solvent recycling are used off-site as supplemental fuel for cement production. Batteries, lamps, aerosol cans, and toner cartridges are all recycled. New long-term pollution prevention project will reuse solids from solvent recovery as functional pigments in paint manufacturing. Have formed a cross-functional pollution prevention team representing all areas of the company. The facility has earned International Standards Organization 14001 certification, meeting the voluntary international standard for Environmental Management Systems, and also has voluntarily joined the DEQ as a partner in the Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership.
For more information go to http://www.akzonobel.com
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AUTOMATIC SPRING PRODUCTS, CORP.
Vital Statistics Clean Corporate Citizen since August 2, 2005 Operation: Specialty Springs and Coils Address: 803 Taylor Avenue Grand Haven, Michigan 49417 Ottawa County
Established in 1950, Automatic Spring Products has always had a strong sense of pride in the community and values being a good citizen. The commitment to the environment was formalized in 2002 with its certification to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standard. That same year, the company became a Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partner and it was announced in 2005 that Automatic Spring had been recognized as a Clean Corporate Citizen. Automatic Spring Products is a technology-focused, people-oriented, high-volume manufacturer of custom designed springs, wire forms, flat springs, precision stampings, washers, and assemblies. The entire manufacturing process is controlled from engineering concept and prototyping to in-house tooling, manufacturing, heat-treating, and finishing. Maintaining this degree of total process control results in superior quality performance, delivery reliability, and cost optimization for the global customer base.
When asked why Automatic Spring Products chose to participate in pollution prevention partnerships, Steve Moreland, company President said, “We believe in continuous improvement in all that we do. Whether it’s our quality, delivery, service, safety or environmental efforts, we believe we can always be better tomorrow. Our motivated and creativeminded people continuously generate ideas and work together to get them implemented. It’s more than just compliance. For us at Automatic Spring, it is all about doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.”
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AUTOMATIC SPRING PRODUCTS, CORP., continued:
That attitude has paid dividends in a number of significant ways. In 2005, the company saw improvements in the categories of energy consumption, water consumption, solid waste disposal to landfill, and liquid waste reduction. One key customer publicly recognized Automatic Spring with an award for its safety and environmental leadership and has since awarded additional business opportunities. The bar is raised each year and 2006 is no exception. Plans are in the works for investigating zinc reclamation from solid waste and to filter and re-use additional process water from the tumbling operation. Employees are constantly thinking of ways to make less of a negative impact on the environment both at home and at work.
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CADILLAC PRODUCTS AUTOMOTIVE COMPANY
Vital Statistics Clean Corporate Citizen since May 5, 2005 Operation: Automotive Supplier
The Rogers City plant started operations in 1968, and is one of three manufacturing plants owned by Cadillac Products Automotive, Inc. Their current automotive market products include seat and carpet protectors, and door watershields. Their manufacturing processes include blown film extrusion, die cutting, thermoforming, adhesive printing, and robotic application of adhesives. In the past, the facility has also produced plastic sheeting for the agricultural industry, bags for the cotton industry, and government MRE ration containers. Their goals and achievements for pollution prevention and solid waste reduction include:
Address: 4858 Williams Road Rogers City, Michigan 49779
Upgrading equipment and changing meters to reduce electrical energy consumption. Presque Isle County Changing manufacturing processes to further reduce adhesive waste by 15%. Setting goals to recycle and reduce cardboard and pallets going to landfill by 700 pounds per month. Improving systems to reduce waste from drum purges. Expanding use of returnable pallets. Completing a comprehensive facility investigation to identify additional energy savings. Policy commitment to integrate environmental management into all business and decision-making processes.
Cadillac Products Automotive also earned International Standards Organization 14001 certification in February 2003, meeting the voluntary international standard for Environmental Management Systems.
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Why We Joined...
Great Lakes is pleased to join the program and is proud to be recognized as a C3. The goals and philosophy of the program are in keeping with Great Lakes own corporate environmental policy and practices. -Great Lakes Gas Transmission Co.
We are extremely pleased to obtain the Clean Corporate Citizen designation for our facility and to be recognized by the Governors office and the DEQ. Receiving this honor will only serve to strengthen our resolve towards pollution prevention and overall environmental quality. -American Axle & Manufacturing/Detroit Gear & Axle
its an honor to be the first production plant in GM to be given this C3 designation. Without the workers participation, diligence, and true concern for this community and the environment, this could not have been achievable. -UAW Local 5960/GM Orion Assembly Center
Doing whats right to sustain the environment has been embedded in our culture since our founding. Its a wonderful honor to be recognized by the state not just once, but twice, as a leader in such an important aspect of our business. -Haworth, Inc.
KAISER OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
Kaiser Optical Systems and Rockwell Collins are committed to environmental stewardship said David Schiller, Facilities Manager at Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc. This recognition as a Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen reflects the level of excellence at which our employees manage our operations, day in and day out. Their dedication and focus have allowed us to achieve this significant honor for Kaiser Optical Systems and we are proud to be a part of this program.
Vital Statistics Clean Corporate Citizen since April 20, 2005 Operation: Optical Filters & Systems
Address:
The Kaiser Optical Systems facility develops, tests, and manufactures holographic optical equipment for use in military aircraft (“heads-up” display for fighter jets) and laser protection eyewear, spectrographic equipment for the pharmaceutical industry, and filters for the telecommunications industry. The facility also offers related software: HoloGRAMS for calibration and system qualification, HoloMap for chemical imaging, and HoloReact for real-time chemical monitoring. The facility has been operating in Ann Arbor since 1987 and employs approximately 70 associates.
371 Parkland Plaza Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 Washtenaw County
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KAISER OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC., continued:
Kaiser Optical Systems has set and achieved environmental goals that include: A new scrap glass recycling project that saved approximately 900 pounds a month from being landfilled. Active participation in the Washtenaw County “Waste Reduction Partner” program since 2002. Recognition as a “Community Partner for Clean Streams” since 2003. Award from the National Wildlife Federation in 2004 for establishing a “Backyard Wildlife Habitat.” Comprehensive recycling program in place since 1999. A 21% reduction in total air emissions for 2004. A 2005 goal for 5% reductions in electrical use and water consumption. A shift over to shop towels containing 100% recycled materials. The facility has also voluntarily joined the DEQ as a partner in the Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership.
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LEAR CORPORATION CORPORATE CAMPUS
We are proud of our Environmental Team on campus, said Rebecca Spearot, Lears Director of Environmental Management. They enable our employees to understand and practice the fundamentals of environmental management and emergency preparedness.
Vital Statistics Clean Corporate Citizen since August 2, 2005 Operation: Corporate Headquarters
The Lear Corporate Campus houses design, engineering, testing, prototyping, and administrative support for Lear’s automotive facilities worldwide. Lear has been at this location in Southfield since 1969: the current headquarters building was completed in 1999 and test lab facilities completed in 2000. The facility has set and achieved environmental goals that include:
Address: 21557 Telegraph Road Southfield, Michigan 48034 Oakland County
In 2004, recycled over 50% of total plant wastes. Their committed goal is to increase the recycling percentage by 5% year over year. In 2004, reduced the use of electricity by 14%, natural gas by 12%, and water by 13%.· Recycling employee batteries, cell phones, printer cartridges, and electronic equipment Plastic bottles and cans are recycled by a local Boy Scout Troop. Reducing overall energy consumption by 5% year over year. Has mentored others by offering the Lear Corporation Environmental Management System Tool Kit free of charge to over 450 suppliers, encouraging and assisting them in obtaining ISO 14001 certification. The Lear Corporate Campus has undertaken a brownfield redevelopment project by removing several old industrial and commercial buildings and returning the area to productive use by constructing a new headquarters and creating greenspace areas that will contain over 400 new trees. The redevelopment will also address storm water runoff to the Rouge River watershed with installation of below-grade retention and infiltration
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LEAR CORPORATION CORPORATE CAMPUS, continued:
galleries, together with an innovative Rain Garden system to filter and clean the storm water. The project will be completed in 2006 when 11 acres will be added to the existing 25-acre site. Lear Corporation was a founding member of the Suppliers Partnership (SP) for the Environment. This is an innovative partnership between automobile original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Lear Corporation is also a member of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association Environmental, Health, and Safety Council; a charter member in the Southeast Michigan Sustainability Forum; participates in the DEQ Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership; and has been certified to the international ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Standard since December 2001.
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NICHOLAS PLASTICS, INC.
We are very pleased to be recognized as a Clean Corporate Citizen by the State of Michigan, said Terry Nicholas, President and Chief Executive Officer. Throughout our nearly three decades of operation, we have made a strong commitment to managing our business through environmentally sound programs and practices. As we continue to grow, we will look for ways to protect and enhance the environment.
Vital Statistics Clean Corporate Citizen since April 8, 2005 Operation: Automotive Supplier-Extruded Plastics
Address:
Nicholas Plastics, Inc. has been operating at the Allendale facility since 1993, producing extruded and molded plastic components and assemblies for the automotive and office furniture markets. Their products include automotive side and “T” moldings, window glass channels, cowl and grille seals, surface treatments, and Mylar inserts. The representative union at the Allendale facility is UNITED!/HERE (Union of Needle Trades, Industrial, and Textile Employees), whose members are actively involved in the identification and implementation of pollution prevention projects and opportunities. The facility has set goals and targets for pollution prevention and solid waste reduction including: An environmental involvement program that provides notification to vendors of their responsibility to adhere to Nicholas Plastics’ environmental policy. Printing Nicholas Plastics’ environmental policy on every purchase order issued by the facility. Environmental programs for scrap reduction, recycling, electric and water use reduction, and optimizing the use of regrind scrap. Their goal is to reduce pounds of scrap dumped by nearly 30%. Recycling of aluminum and ferrous metals, and copper wire and pipes. Recycling used oils, paper, cardboard, and batteries. Plans to use drawn well water multiple times, to reduce water consumption.
11700 48 Avenue Allendale, Michigan 49401
th
Ottawa County
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NICHOLAS PLASTICS, INC., continued:
Dial-down systems for plant heat and boilers to conserve natural gas. Reducing electrical use through motion and light sensors to control plant and parking lot lighting, replacing refrigerators with lower energy units, purchasing more efficient air compressors, and minimizing warm-up time for equipment. Tying environmental reduction/recycling goals to production, to ensure that waste reduction efforts remain consistent with product output. Nicholas Plastics also earned International Standards Organization 14001 certification in June 2002, meeting the voluntary international standard for Environmental Management Systems.
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OETIKER, INC.
Kurt Matthes announced, The Clean Corporate Citizen designation was established as a goal of ours over a year ago. We always felt that, based on our environmental practices, we could achieve the positive recognition that accompanies this important designation.
Vital Statistics Clean Corporate Citizen since July 15, 2005 Operation: Clamp, Fastener & Hose Production
Oetiker was founded in Switzerland in 1943; the OETIKER Group is today a multinational company and is networked to provide a full complement of customer service, design, and engineering support. Oetiker is a leading manufacturer of hose clamps and couplings throughout the world. Corporate Headquarters are located in Switzerland with locations in Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom, and the U.S.A. Oetiker USA is the largest geothermal manufacturing plant in Michigan. We received the Clean Corporate Citizen award on July 15, 2005. Five environmental committees were established in 2000 with the objective of minimizing solid waste, liquid waste, energy usage, and air and noise emissions.
Address: 3305 Wilson Street Marlette, Michigan 48453 Sanilac County
Each team is involved in a two-year program with a target goal of 5-10% reductions in their respective areas. We had a 50% reduction in solid waste from 2002-2003 to 2004-2005. The Liquid Waste Team showed a 23% reduction over the previous 2002-2003 program. Our Energy Team reached their target of 5% but also showed a tremendous savings because we switched to an alternative energy company in 2005. Our energy savings in 2006 could reach as high as $50,900. The Air Emissions Team reduced the number of aerosol emissions and our noise was reduced by 14db or 16.7%. We would like to thank the DEQ for awarding us a Clean Corporate Citizen designation and the employees at Oetiker for their hard work and dedication in obtaining this award.
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EMS Close-Up
Appendix
What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
An EMS is a voluntary system for identifying, controlling, and monitoring the regulated and nonregulated activities at a facility that could impact the environment. The EMS concept was developed by industry as a proactive way to: Improve environmental performance beyond that required by regulation; Create a more level “playing field” in environmental control in the world market; Provide a competitive advantage; and Give credibility to environmental programs.
What does an EMS look like?
There is not one single type of EMS but there are standards or formats to follow in developing a system. The most well-known and widely used EMS standard in the United States and the world is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard, ISO 14001. The C3 rules on EMS content were based on ISO 14001. Some of the elements of an EMS are: Operational control through work instructions and procedures; Employee environmental training; Emergency response planning; and Environmental recordkeeping and reporting. Most likely, a facility already has programs and documents that satisfy most of the common elements. The facility might only need to formalize its procedures and documents so the programs can be managed in a logical and accessible manner.
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What are the benefits of an EMS?
A facility can reap numerous business benefits from EMS development in addition to those provided by C3 designation. These benefits include: Reduced costs - Facilities that have implemented an EMS report improved operating efficiency through the focus on important issues, the development of standard procedures, and increased employee training. Competitive advantage - Consumers and manufacturers are giving preference to products from environmentally responsible suppliers. Improved image - The local community, environmental regulators, and environmental groups see EMS development as an indication of a facility’s willingness to be a responsible citizen and to go beyond compliance. They will be willing to recognize and reward those efforts. Enhanced regulatory compliance - The adoption of procedures and work instructions and the additional related training will add consistency and stability to the environmental programs and reduce a facility’s potential for liability. Improved environmental performance - The systematic identification of potential environmental impacts - and the on-going setting and achievement of goals to control those impacts - will ultimately lead to improved performance and a cleaner environment.
For further information on how to develop an Environmental Management System specific to your facility, the Environmental Science and Services Division has an Environmental Management System Guidance Manual available. The manual is designed in workbook format to take you step-by-step through the process of developing an EMS. Medium and large establishments can use it as a resource to learn more about the necessary elements of an EMS and its value. Contact the Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278 to order a copy, or access the manual on-line at www.michigan.gov/deqC3 and click on ”related links”.
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2005