DALTON, GA - Shaw Industries, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announces a pledge to reduce the company's energy intensity by 25 percent in 10 years.
To set the tone for the nationwide energy reduction commitment, Shaw attended the Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit, on June 5 in Oak Ridge, TN. The summit was part of an initiative to ENERGIZE a southeast regional partnership with the goal of improving industrial energy efficiency and productivity throughout the region. The event was attended by industry leaders, government officials and utility executives. Senior officials from DOE and Oak Ridge National Laboratory also participated. Other attending companies included Alcoa, Lockheed Martin and Southern Company.
The invitation-only summit afforded industry leaders like Shaw the opportunity to capitalize on DOE resources to increase energy efficiency. Participation in the summit enables industry participants to guide energy policy and shape the direction of DOE activities.
Shaw had the opportunity to network with other companies throughout the region and to discuss energy efficiency best practices and other key topics such as what programs utility companies are offering manufacturers to reduce energy.
"Energy reduction is top of mind for the nation and, more specifically, for large manufacturers like Shaw. Shaw has already made great strides in energy efficiency, but we can do more. Saving energy not only makes better business sense, but it's the right thing to do for our environment and future," explains Rick Ramirez, Shaw's vice president of sustainability and environmental affairs. "Shaw Industries is excited to be an industry leader in the nationwide energy reduction commitment. The Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit allows us to share best practices and learn from other companies who are making positive differences."
In the course of Shaw's environmental journey, the Shaw Green Edge™ was developed as an environmental communication platform in November 2006 to include many of the company's environmental and social initiatives as reflected in Shaw's products, operations and people. In April, Shaw's executive team expanded the meaning and purpose of the Shaw Green Edge as defining the company's sustainability business platform to drive business performance, innovation, growth, and productivity. According to Shaw chief executive officer Vance Bell, sustainability fully defines Shaw's business model as the foundation necessary to continue positioning Shaw as the industry leader today and in the future.
About Shaw
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 31,000 associates. Headquartered in Dalton, GA, the company manufactures and distributes carpeting, rugs, hardwood, laminate, and ceramic tile for residential and commercial 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.shawfloors.com.
