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Interface's Journey to Sustainability

An Effective Practice

Description

Interface is a resource-intensive company whose largest divisions are petroleum dependent. With sales in approximately 110 countries and manufacturing facilities at 28 sites on four continents, the company makes a significant impact on the planet's commerce and ecology. In 1994 the company's CEO decided to make a commitment to sustainability, and as a result Interface has charted a course to become a sustainable industrial enterprise that is constantly striving to reduce its eco-footprint.

Goal / Mission

Interface's sustainability goals involve reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, reducing non-renewable energy use, and increasing renewable energy use in their production process.

Results / Accomplishments

There have been over 400 sustainability initiatives undertaken so far. Energy efficiency drives have been implemented since 1996 throughout manufacturing plants and to 2005 these resulted in a 36% reduction in total energy usage per square metre of manufactured carpet. During the same time period, Interface also acheived a 52% absolute reduction in C02. 11% of the company's energy now comes from renewable sources, and four of its global facilities operate with 100% renewable electricity. A variety of emissions offsetting programs are also in place, including Cool Carpet, Trees for Travel, Cool Fuel, and Cool Co2mmute. Since 1996, costs avoided from waste elimination activities have totalled $299 million USD, and waste to landfill has been reduced by 65%.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Interface
Primary Contact
Interface, Inc.
Corporate Headquarters
2859 Paces Ferry Road
Suite 2000
Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 437-6800
http://www.interfaceinc.com/
Topics
Environmental Health / Energy & Sustainability
Environmental Health / Air
Environmental Health / Weather & Climate
Organization(s)
Interface
Date of publication
2005
Date of implementation
1994
Location
USA
For more details
Michigan Health Improvement Alliance