Knoll, Inc. (Knoll), a US-based manufacturer of office furniture products, textiles and fine leathers, has reached its 2010 goal of 10.4% with an additional 2% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions more than its Phase 1 results. The reduction in GHG emissions is part of its program with the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). In Phase 1 of the CCX program that was initiated in 2006, the company attained an 8.8% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over the 1998-2001 baseline.
The company has utilized its CCX partnership to guide its climate change program, educate its sales force and associates in its manufacturing facilities and set the standard its operations managers use to attain the company’s reduction of greenhouse gases. The company is an active member of CCX.
We are proud to announce these results, which stem from our close collaboration with the Chicago Climate Exchange and the strong involvement of all Knoll associates, stated Andrew Cogan, chief executive officer, Knoll. This strong effort to reduce our impact on the environment is part of our long-standing commitment to sustainability in our products and our operations.
Reaching 2010 reduction goal means that over the five year period, starting in 2003, the company avoided 10.4% of anticipated GHG emissions, as compared to the baseline emissions of 1998-2001. During this period the company considerably increased it sales and operating profits, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental responsibility can be attained simultaneously.
In November 2007, the company announced that it had completed Phase 1 of the CCX GHG reduction requirements, attaining an 8.8% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over the 1998-2001 baseline. This exceeded the required 4% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the Phase 1 period by 4.8%.
The company used many different tactics to decrease its environmental footprint in the short time frame that were augmented by employee education and engagement around these issues. Examples of environmental best practices used include: using clean technologies; retrofitting lighting in plants and warehouses; auditing compressed air systems to eliminate leaks; collecting material dust more efficiently; and using alternative/renewable energy sources.
Additionally to its legally binding commitment to decrease its GHG emissions under the CCX cap and trade scheme, the company publicly committed to these goals through the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in September 2006.
The company, with its long history of environmental stewardship, continues to lead the contract furniture industry in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, said Richard L. Sandor, chairman and chief executive officer, Chicago Climate Exchange. Their accomplishments, under the strict and legally binding compliance standards of CCX, place them on the leading edge of companies using the exchange to manage their greenhouse gas emissions.