Article Number : 3819 |
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| Date | 11/3/2008 8:51:02 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3819 |
| Abstract | The need for truly sustainable options for 21st century life remains one of the most critical challenges facing the global community... |
| Article | The need for truly sustainable options for 21st century life remains one of the most critical challenges facing the global community. DuPont has the experience and expertise to put its research to work in ways that can design—at the early stages of product development— attributes that help protect or enhance human health, safety and the environment. Through its research, DuPont designs products and processes that pass rigorous criteria for the use of renewable resources, energy, water and materials. The company believes this is a direct route to a successful, profitable business that adds value to its customers, their customers, consumers and the planet. DuPont is among the world’s leaders in developing and commercializing renewable, renewably sourced materials; advanced biofuels; energy-efficient technologies; enhanced safety and protection products, and alternative energy products and technologies. These include high-performance products such as Bio-PDO, which is made using corn sugar as the raw material, as the key ingredient for Sorona polymer used in SmartStrand carpet. 2015 marketplace goals: Environment, energy and climate Environmentally smart market opportunities from R&D efforts: By 2015, DuPont will double its investment in R&D programs with direct, quantifiable environmental benefits for its customers and consumers along its value chains. Products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions: By 2015, DuPont will grow its annual revenues by at least $2 billion from products that create energy efficiency and/or significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions for its customers. The company estimates these products will contribute at least 40 million tons of additional CO2 equivalent reductions by its customers and consumers. Revenues from non-depletable resources: By 2015, DuPont will nearly double its revenues from non-depletable resources to at least $8 billion. 2015 sustainability goals: Reducing DuPont’s footprint While the company says it has made progress in reducing its environmental footprint, it recognizes it has more to do. At DuPont, “The Goal Is Zero.” Guided by its core values, reducing its footprint will always be a priority. Greenhouse gas emissions: Since 1990, DuPont has reduced its global greenhouse gas emissions measured as CO2 equivalents by 72%. By 2015, it plans to further reduce its greenhouse gas emissions at least 15% from a base year of 2004. Water conservation: DuPont commits to reducing water consumption by at least 30% over the next 10 years at its global sites located where the renewable freshwater supply is either scarce or stressed as determined by the United Nations analysis of river basins globally. For all other sites, DuPont will hold water consumption flat on an absolute basis through 2015, offsetting any increased demand from production volume growth through conservation, reuse and recycle practices. Fleet fuel efficiency: Effective immediately, DuPont will introduce fleet vehicles that represent the leading technologies for fuel efficiency and fossil fuel alternatives. By 2015, the company seeks to ensure that 100% of its off-site fleet of cars and light trucks meet these criteria. Air carcinogens: Since 1990, DuPont has reduced its global air carcinogen emissions by 92%, well beyond legal requirements. By 2015, the goal is to further reduce its air carcinogen emissions at least 50% from a base year of 2004. This would bring its total reductions since 1990 to 96%. Independent verification: By 2015, DuPont will ensure that 100% of its global manufacturing sites have successfully completed an independent third-party verification of the effectiveness of their environmental management goals and systems. It plans to make this information publicly available and communicate it to its local communities. DuPont is an ingredient supplier to many industries with significant environmental and safety challenges. As an ingredient supplier, it can have far-reaching impact on virtually every major industry in the world—from agriculture to construction to transportation to communications. Its goal is to put its technology to work that helps its customers and their customers grow their businesses while contributing to social and environmental progress worldwide. |