Chicago, IL, May 2, 2006--Leading building materials manufacturer USG Corporation has joined the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments, a group of international companies that since 2003 has been working to educate the marketplace and top management on the benefits of reducing the overall impact facilities have on the natural environment and on building occupants.
The Alliance includes Johnson Controls, Milliken & Company, Forbo Flooring, Philips Lighting, JohnsonDiversey, Owens Corning and now USG. The Alliance invited USG to join based on the company’s commitment to green operations and product offerings, as well as its recognition of sustainability as a critical part of its business strategy. Participation allows USG to leverage critical partnerships within the marketplace.
“Our commitment to the sustainability movement is embodied in our product innovations, from the ingredients we choose to the processes we employ,” said William C. Foote, chairman and CEO, USG Corporation. “We use recycled and renewable raw materials, which reduces consumption of energy and resources and maintains superior product performance characteristics. By joining the Alliance, USG can work with like-minded companies to help other organizations understand and embrace the triple-bottom line benefits of ‘going green.’”
Alliance programming and activities include education and promotion of a number of environmental metrics, including the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programs, Energy Star, Climate Leaders and others. In February, the Alliance announced a collaborative agreement with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) to develop and deliver sustainability educational programs, and provide research and planning tools to more than 18,000 IFMA members who collectively manage more than 23 billion square feet of workspace.
“We are happy to have USG join the Alliance,” said Bill Gregory, director of sustainable strategies for Milliken & Company, and a spokesperson for the Alliance. “Their commitment to environmental stewardship and their forward thinking exemplify what it is that this group of companies is trying to do, and that’s to help the business community understand that sustainable development is not only the right thing to do, it’s at the core of profitable business strategies.”
USG Corporation is a Fortune 500 company with subsidiaries that are market leaders in their key product groups: gypsum wallboard, joint compound and related gypsum products; cement board; gypsum fiber panels; ceiling panels and grid; and building products distribution. For more information visit www.usg.com.
The Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments is a group of industry leaders who practice and are recognized for leadership in sustainability; that is economic, social and environmental responsibility. It is committed to delivering high performance sustainable solutions for the built environment. For Alliance information, visit www.greenerfacilities.org .
