Midland, MI, July 2--Dow Chemical Company's president and CEO, Bill Stavropoulos discussed the company's commitment to sustainable development and his views on the subject this morning.
According to Stavropoulos, sustainable development is not a choice for Dow or any global company -- it is mandatory. Dow has adopted a rigorous set of environment, health and safety performance requirements and goals for all of its approximately 50,000 employees world wide.
The company has also publicly committed to the values of sustainable development, including the triple bottom line of economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and corporate social responsibility.
Business and the Environment
Stavropoulos says business and
environmental protection can coexist. "Many people believe that environmental protection is a big expense for business, but our experience at Dow has proven the opposite," said Stavropoulos. "Our experience shows that conserving resources, reducing emissions and making the workplace safer for our people is very good for business."
He estimates that Dow has spent $95 million to implement programs tied to sustainable development and environment, health and safety, but the value the company has realized as a result is close to $130 million.
"Waste is inefficient," Stavropoulos told Sky Radio. "Eliminating it is an efficiency gain. Environment, health and safety and economic performance are not mutually exclusive, or even limiting. Being environmentally responsible makes good business sense," Stavropoulos said.
Full Accounting In The Dow Public Report For 2002
A full account of Dow's commitment to the values of sustainable development can be found in the Dow Public Report 2002. The 65-page report is available free of charge at www.dowpublicreport.com
Stavropoulos,views are the subject of an exclusive interview on Sky Radio available to travelers on American, Northwest, Delta, and U.S. Air. The interview will run in July and August on American Airlines and on Delta, U.S. Air, and Northwest during the month of September. The interview can be heard on the Sky Radio web site, at www.skyradionet.com
