Milliken Initiative Focuses on Energy Conservation

LaGrange, GA, August 24, 2007--Milliken & Company launched an energy conservation initiative today, focused on ­people, alternative sources, innovation and green building­ to reduce energy consumption along with emissions and related water use.

The Milliken Energy Conservation Initiative was unveiled during its Respect Our Earth Day at Milliken Floor Covering in LaGrange, where proclamations from local and state officials acknowledged Milliken’s sustainable practices.

Georgia Power gave a compact fluorescent light  to each employee making the Energy Star pledge to switch from traditional light bulbs and is working with the company as the challenge expands statewide. 

“Respect Our Earth is a philosophy championed by our Chairman Roger Milliken for more than 65 years," said Russell Grizzle, president, Global Floor Covering Division of Milliken & Company.  "He has inspired our company to make continual advances in reducing our impact on the planet.”

Georgia industries and businesses used about half as much energy to produce each dollar of gross state product in 2004 as in 1984. During that same period consumption statewide still grew 76% and individual Georgians used 16% more energy per person.

Milliken’s initiative encourages employees to change their practices at home and work, expanding alternative energy, using technology to lower consumption, and making its facilities adhere to U.S. Green Building Council green standards.

Milliken will have a complete energy audit at Milliken Floor Covering, which will reduce energy consumption and increase effiency.

The company registered its corporate headquarters in Spartanburg and the Milliken Design Center in LaGrange with U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Rating System for Existing Buildings and its showroom in the Chicago Merchandise Mart with LEED for Commercial Interiors earlier in the year.