Atlanta, GA, November 6, 2006--Interface, Inc. and Meridian IQ are joint recipients of an Environmental Excellence Award from the US EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership for their impressive achievements and leadership in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other air pollutants related to transportation activities. The award was announced at the National Association of Environmental Management Forum, held Oct. 25-27, in Savannah, GA.
This unique partnership between Interface, a leading global manufacturer of carpet and commercial fabrics, and Meridian IQ, a leading provider of global logistics services, is a prime example of the benefits of collaboration between SmartWay Partners.
Meridian IQ helped Interface take the highly successful Shipper Fleet Performance model and "dig a bit deeper" to create an even more comprehensive model for measuring Interface’s transportation footprint that goes well beyond the rail and truck transport parameters in the EPA model, to also include ocean and air impacts. Additionally Meridian IQ has also enabled Interface to break the data down by truckload — even partial truckload – to ensure the most accurate emission reduction results and to optimize Interface’s supply chain efficiency in keeping with its sustainability goals.
"As a company, we have committed to Mission Zero, our promise to eliminate any negative impact the company has on the environment by 2020," said Tim Riordan, vice president of supply chain, Interface, Inc. and the company’s liaison to the SmartWay Transport Partnership. "The tools that the EPA has provided through the Shipper Fleet Performance Model and the additional logistical tools and solutions from Meridian IQ have allowed us to advance considerably toward our target of reducing GHG emissions related to product transport by 50% by 2020."
"The work that Meridian IQ and Interface have done together is proof that smart companies can make environmentally sound business decisions that make a positive difference," said Jim Ritchie, president and CEO, Meridian IQ. "This recognition of our accomplishments and leadership in the SmartWay Transport Partnership means a great deal to the team that worked with Interface, and to all of us at Meridian IQ."
"EPA is pleased to recognize Interface, Meridian IQ and other partners with SmartWay Excellence Awards. The award winners are leading the way toward a cleaner, more efficient transportation future with strategies that reduce emissions and increase profits," said Margo Oge, director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality.
SmartWay Transport Partners include businesses and organizations of all sizes, from Fortune 500 companies to family-owned businesses, each working to improve their environmental performance.
