Sustainability: A priority in 2010
Sustainability is something you will hear more about this year. While sustainability may be new to other companies, it’s not new for GP. Because we use trees and other natural resources such as water to make most of our products, we’ve always had to think about efficient use of natural resources. Now more than ever, being a sustainable business also is important to our customers and communities.
In 2010, you will see more progress toward ensuring that we have sustainable visions in our businesses and raw material points of view, as well as a more coordinated effort on energy management and conservation. The continuing unpredictability of energy markets as well as potential carbon legislation and other environmental rules have made it even more critical to make every Btu of energy count. We recently have launched an effort to reduce energy use in our manufacturing operations, both through conservation and efficiency improvements. Just like safety and reliability, continuous improvement in energy efficiency is our goal.
Sustainability is complicated and isn’t one-dimensional. It’s not just about claims but about performance. We have developed a framework (see graphic) to help us make sure we are considering all the elements of sustainability in our business planning.
We are committed to meeting the needs of customers and society while using fewer resources. We all have a role in making that happen.
Thanks for all you do and stay safe.
Bill Frerking
Chief Sustainability Officer
Jim Hannan
CEO and President
Three Dimensions
At GP, sustainability has three dimensions – social, environmental and economic. In making business decisions, GP tries to find the right balance among these dimensions. In this issue of Growth, you can see examples of how we are working to incorporate sustainability into the way we do business every day.
Social Dimension
Helping make people’s lives better through products we make, support for the communities in which we live and work, maintaining quality work environments, and sourcing responsibly.
Environmental Dimension
Using resources wisely, complying with laws, minimizing the impact of our facilities by operating in a safe, responsible and efficient manner and reducing the adverse impact of our products in use.
Economic Dimension
It means profitability, the cost to customers and consumers to use our products. It also means making products that are preferred in the marketplace. Finally, it means our community impact through local purchases of goods and services, taxes and other community support.