Ecolab Aims at New Sustainability Targets

May 1, 2013 6:30 PM ET
Campaign: CSR Blogs
Image credit: Ecolab

ANTONIO PASOLINI

Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies, has announced a new five-year plan make its operations more sustainable. Based on the company's 2012 metrics Ecolab will work to achieve a five percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a 10 percent reduction in water use and wastewater discharge, and a 10 percent reduction in solid waste. These targets are per million dollars in sales.

Since Ecolab merged with Nalco Company 2011, the combined company has strengthened its ecological footprint by combining their respective expertise and reach. Ecolab achieved a 19 percent reduction in U.S. GHG emissions from the 2006 baseline, attaining 95 percent of its stated goal within 83 percent of the time frame. The company also reduced waste by 20 percent between 2009 and 2012, against a target of 18 percent. In 2007, Nalco set a target of reducing its total energy use 10 percent globally by the end of 2012, and achieved 84 percent of its goal within 80 percent of the planned time frame.

"Sustainability is core to our purpose of making the world cleaner, safer and healthier," said Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab chairman and chief executive officer. "Through our total impact approach, we consider the economic, social and environmental impacts of our products and services to deliver sustainable results for our customers and improve our own operations."

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Antonio Pasolini is a Corporate Social Responsibility writer for Justmeans, Antonio Pasolini is a journalist based in Brazil who writes about alternative energy, green living and sustainability. He also edits Energyrefuge.com, a top web destination for news and comment on renewable energy and Elpis.org, a recycled paper bag/magazine distributed from health food stores in London, formerly his hometown for over a decade. He is also a happy herbivore.