FAIRLAWN, Ohio, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- OMNOVA Solutions has pledged to reduce its total energy consumption by 25% or more over 10 years as a participant in the U.S. Department of Energy's Save Energy Now LEADER program. This voluntary agreement calls for increased energy efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions from the Company's U.S.-based manufacturing locations.
Under requirements of the program, OMNOVA must establish energy baselines, develop an energy-management plan and designate an energy leader/manager. The Company must also report its progress to the Department of Energy on an annual basis.
"We are proud to be a participant of the Save Energy Now LEADER program in our Performance Chemicals and Decorative Products businesses," said Kevin McMullen, OMNOVA Chairman and CEO. "As a leader in our served markets and responsible neighbor in the communities in which we operate, it is important for us to champion sustainable processes and products. This collaborative endeavor with the Department of Energy will enhance our ongoing actions, while identifying additional opportunities for improvement."
As a benefit to participating in the program, the Department of Energy (DOE) will provide OMNOVA with a number of resources as the Company implements the necessary manufacturing changes. Through a DOE account manager, OMNOVA will receive technical assistance, gain the use of proven tools and training resources, and develop connections with state and utility organizations. The DOE will also promote available energy-efficient technologies and identify research and development that may still be needed.
OMNOVA is participating in the Save Energy Now LEADER program concurrently with its own Vision 2014 sustainability commitment, whereby the Company has established a more aggressive goal of reducing its energy consumption by 2014. The establishment of baseline metrics and integration of process improvements, which were already underway within the framework of the OMNOVA program, will be included as part of the Company's pledge to the Department of Energy.
OMNOVA Solutions is a Responsible Care® company, with a strong, long-standing commitment to the American Chemistry Council's environmental, health, safety and security initiative that covers nearly every aspect of chemical development, manufacturing, transportation and disposal.
OMNOVA Solutions is a technology-based company with 2009 sales of $696 million and a current workforce of 2,300 employees worldwide. OMNOVA is an innovator of emulsion polymers, specialty chemicals, and decorative and functional surfaces for a variety of commercial, industrial and residential end uses. Visit OMNOVA Solutions on the internet at http://www.omnova.com/.
RESPONSIBLE CARE is a service mark of the American Chemistry Council, Inc.
OMNOVA Solutions
CONTACT: Sandi Noah, Communications, +1-330-869-4292
Web Site: http://www.omnova.com/
