Shaw Recognized As US Department of Energy Save Energy Now Leader
12.04.2009
Washington DC – Shaw Industries was formally inducted as a member of the US Department of Energy (DoE) Save Energy Now LEADER initiative during a December 2nd signing ceremony at the US Capitol.
Shaw joined the initiative in 2008 during the DoE Energy Efficiency Summit at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. As an original charter member, Shaw joins more than 30 other corporations and organizations in pledging to reduce the company’s overall energy intensity by 25 percent over the next ten years. LEADER companies also serve as models and pacesetters for reducing overall energy consumption in the industrial sector.
In comments regarding the pledge signing ceremony, US Energy Secretary Steven Chu said each LEADER company’s commitment to energy efficiency will not only generate significant energy and carbon savings, but will demonstrate to the business community the profitable steps that can be taken to move us all toward a clean energy future.
DoE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Cathy Zoi also commented in her letter of invitation to Shaw that signing the Save Energy Now LEADER initiative pledge establishes Shaw among the vanguard of forward-thinking American companies and helps chart a promising course for others in the industry.
LEADER program companies must pledge to establish energy use and energy intensity baselines and to develop a strategic energy management plan. Shaw has completed these steps according to Shaw Vice President of Sustainability Rick Ramirez, who represented Shaw at the signing ceremony.
“Energy efficiency is a critical component of our sustainable business model and we have long worked towards reducing our overall energy intensity,” Ramirez stated. “We established a comprehensive energy efficiency strategy in 2007, including measurable reduction goals. The Save Energy Now LEADER initiative aligns very closely with the work we are already doing. It also constitutes a significant opportunity to pave the way for other organizations that share in our commitment to pioneering sustainability as profitable and successful business model.”
“In addition to reducing energy intensity, Shaw also has public, time-driven goals for waste and water reduction and for greenhouse gas reporting,” said Ramirez.
The company is committed to further reducing the company’s waste to landfill by 90 percent by 2011, and reducing water intensity by an additional 40 percent by 2016, he said. Further details can be found in the company’s annual sustainability report, available at www.shawgreenedge.com.
About the Save Energy Now LEADER Initiative
The Save Energy Now LEADER program is an initiative to drive a 25% reduction in industrial
energy intensity in ten years. It delivers technical resources to help all companies boost their
energy efficiency – whatever their current level of energy performance. Sponsored by the
Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) along with
the Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Program, the initiative also partners with
states, utilities, associations and others to help participating companies achieve their energy
goals.
About the Shaw Green Edge
Sustainability through InnovationTM That’s the Shaw Green Edge®. It’s our commitment to
create the most beautiful – and sustainable – flooring in the world. And to help create a better
planet for our customers, our people and our communities in the process.
Rooted in our drive to continuously improve every aspect of our business, the Shaw Green
Edge guides everything we do, every day – from maintaining the highest ethical standards to
safeguarding the health and well‐being of our people and our communities, to conserving
energy and water and recycling raw materials, to designing cradle to cradle products that can be
remanufactured over and over again.
Because setting the standard for environmental excellence, social responsibility and product
design is more than our responsibility. It’s also good business. And it’s our legacy.
About Shaw Industries
Shaw Industries Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., is the world’s largest
carpet manufacturer and a leading floor covering provider with more than $5 billion in annual
sales and approximately 26,000 associates at the end of 2008. Headquartered in Dalton, Ga.,
the company manufactures and distributes carpeting, rugs, hardwood, laminate and ceramic tile
for residential and commercial product applications worldwide. A recognized leader in
environmental stewardship, Shaw has implemented hundreds of sustainability initiatives and
cradle to cradle design solutions collectively termed the Shaw Green Edge. For more
information, visit www.shawgreenedge.com.
Shaw Vice President of Sustainability Rick Ramirez (left) with US Department of Energy Assistant
Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Cathy Zoi (center) at the US DoE Save Energy
Now LEADER initiative pledge signing ceremony Tuesday, December 2nd at the US Capitol.
