LG Signs 50% GHG Reduction Pledge with EPA

by | Dec 28, 2012

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 LG Electronics has signed a memorandum of understanding with the EPA to formalize its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions for its US operations 50 percent by 2020, compared with a 2007 baseline, and to pledge a series of other environmental initiatives. The MOU covers products, purchasing, infrastructure, transportation and education initiatives and is the first such agreement signed by a leading consumer electronics and appliances manufacturer, according to LG Electronics.

Under the agreement, LG will submit an annual status report to EPA. The federal agency will use the report to determine the environmental benefits associated with the company’s “green” activities and provide feedback on ways to further improve its environmental performance.

The agreement will see LG will expand its role in the EPA Green Power Partnership Program, join the agency’s WasteWise Program to improve waste prevention programs, recycling and sustainable purchasing at all US facilities and incorporate EPA WaterSense technologies in its facilities to conserve water.

LG is already a member of the agency’s GreenPower Partnership and plans to buy 100 percent green energy for its current headquarters in New Jersey. The company also plans to build and operate an 85,000-square-foot array of LG-owned PV solar, expected to generate 1,047 MWh per year, at its new headquarters facility.

LG also agreed to join the Energy Star commercial building program, implement landscaping practices to reduce waste, conserve water and cut energy use, adopt a clean construction program to reduce emissions from internal combustion engines used in facility construction and operations in the US, and achieve LEED certifications from the US Green Building Council.

LG’s planned North American headquarters, a 493,167-square-foot office building in New Jersey, will showcase the company’s sustainability and energy conservation efforts. The building was designed to achieve at least a LEED Gold certification.

The company also is reviewing more than 15 office buildings in its portfolio for operating and energy efficiency enhancements.

LG announced its 50 percent GHG reduction goal in November 2011. At that time it said it would focus on cutting its energy consumption through such means as expanding and enhancing energy management systems and technology, increasing efficiency in data centers, computers and HVAC equipment, and purchasing electricity from green power sources.

The company, along with Best Buy, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sprint and Staples, joined the EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge in September, committing to increase the amount of used electronics it collects, and send 100 percent to third-party certified refurbishers and recyclers.

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