Companies in Georgia Save Big in Energy, Water Use

Summary: Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia Helps Businesses Improve Environmental Performance

ATLANTA (October 11, 2006) — A number of Georgia companies who are members of a state-sponsored voluntary environmental leadership initiative have reported substantial reductions in energy and water use, major cuts in solid waste and air emissions, and significant increases in the use of recycled materials in their facilities.

Since the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia began, top-tier members have reported reducing energy use by 100.6 billion BTUs, enough to power 2,680 U.S. households for a full year. Water use has fallen by 237.5 million gallons, enough to fill the Georgia Aquarium almost 30 times. Solid waste reductions have totaled 1,809 tons, almost 12 times the weight of the Statue of Liberty. The companies also reported reducing emissions of nitrous oxides (NOx) by 493 tons and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 30 tons. They also reduced hazardous waste generation by 51,465 pounds. At the same time, they increased by 16,487 tons the amount of recycled materials they used. The Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia is run by the Department of Natural Resources’ Pollution Prevention Assistance Division (P²AD).

“We are very proud of our Georgia companies for leading the way in environmental stewardship,” said Bob Donaghue, director of P²AD. “They are improving their processes and, at the same time, they are cutting costs — a win-win for both businesses and the environment. The Partnership Program provides the perfect vehicle for making this happen.”

When companies join the Partnership Program, they commit to making specific environmental improvements.

The Program currently has 92 Partners throughout the state. Members represent a cross-section of businesses and organizations, from a state university in Americus to a container nursery near Augusta to a resort in Young Harris. The majority of Partners are manufacturers, but the Program also includes many nongovernmental organizations, local government facilities, consulting firms and state agencies.

“As the Partnership Program grows, we expect to see our Partners make even greater strides toward meeting their environmental goals,” said Donaghue.

Established in 2004, the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia fosters environmental leadership and recognizes superior environmental performance. Free and open to any business or organization in Georgia, it includes four Partnership levels to fit the changing goals and environmental initiatives of the participants.

The Pollution Prevention Assistance Division is a non-regulatory division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Since 1993, P²AD has provided free, confidential environmental technical assistance in the areas of pollution prevention, resource conservation, waste reduction, by-product reuse and recycling. For more information about P²AD and the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia, visit www.p2ad.org.