Interface Targets Zero Environmental Impact by 2020

by | Nov 10, 2010

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As part of its “Mission Zero” commitment to eliminate negative environmental impact by 2020, Interface pledges to obtain third-party environmental product declarations (EPDs) for all of its InterfaceFLOR products by 2012. The carpet manufacturer also has reduced its net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 94 percent and energy use by 43 percent since 1996.

Interface’s report,”2010 Mission Zero Milestones,” shows the company’s progress over the past 16 years and challenges it faces over the next decade.

Some key changes at Interface over the years include a transformational redesign of products and processes to “close the loop.” The company has diverted more than 100,000 tons of material from landfills through its ReEntry program.

Waste elimination programs have achieved a 42 percent reduction in waste costs since 1995, saving the company $433 million.

The company also is investing in renewable energy. Eight of nine Interface manufacturing facilities operate with 100 percent renewable electricity with solar PV arrays installed in the Netherlands, California and Georgia. The company’s Georgia plant also is using landfill gas to generate electricity.

Interface also has six facilities certified under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program, including the first LEED CI Platinum space. All of its global manufacturing facilities conform to ISO 14001.

Interface also launched InterfaceRAISE in 2006, a consulting group that works with clients to help make their businesses more sustainable.

The company also notes that it faces three key challenges over the next decade. These are sourcing recycled raw materials to make sustainable closed loop products, keeping employees connected to Mission Zero and feeling empowered to make changes, and achieving aggressive “zero” footprint goals on waste, energy use, and emissions.

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