InterfaceFLOR urges biz to 'Change World in a Week'

InterfaceFLOR, a worldwide leader in the production of environmentally-responsible modular floor coverings and other textiles is urging businesses to use World Environment Day (5th June) as a catalyst to change the way they operate and reduce the impact they have on the environment.

The company, widely regarded as one of the most environmental responsible companies in the world with more than 36 environmental awards globally, has listed seven easy steps that business can take to become more environmentally responsible in just one week.

In the mid-1990s, company founder Ray Anderson realised the impact his business was having on the environment and decided to make it the company's goal to reduce and eliminate these effects. The company set targets to achieve a zero environmental footprint by the year 2020, a goal called "Mission Zero".

Lindsey Parnell, CEO of InterfaceFLOR says: "Sustainability is hard work and in many ways is like climbing a mountain. For many companies, the first and most difficult step is admitting that the mountain exists."

He continues: "We see the challenges ahead and are making good progress. We've laid out a path to sustainability on seven fronts, all of which will help us complete our journey."

InterfaceFLOR drives sustainability in the following seven areas:

Eliminate Waste - Reduce all forms of waste in every area of business

Benign Emissions - Eliminate toxic substances from products, vehicles and facilities

Renewable Energy - Operate facilities with renewable energy sources "� solar, wind, landfill gas, biomass, and low impact hydroelectric

Closing the Loop - Redesign processes and products to close the technical loop using recovered and bio-based materials

Resource-Efficient Transportation - Transport people and products efficiently to reduce waste and emissions

Sensitizing Stakeholders - Create a culture that integrates sustainability principles and improves people's lives and livelihoods.

Redesign Commerce - Create a new business model that demonstrates and supports the value of sustainability-based commerce

"We have been on this mission for over 13 years now and in many respects we're still learning and improving. Many businesses really don't know where to begin. We believe that there are some simple measures that can be put in place to help them get started," says Mr Parnell.

InterfaceFLOR recommends firms introduce the following small steps to help reduce a big environmental footprint in just one week:

Install energy efficient light bulbs - They use less energy and can lead to significant savings.

Make sure that all computers and electrical equipment are switched off overnight and NOT left on standby - Up to 70% of computers and related equipment are left on all the time. Equipment energy costs can be reduced by 20% just by turning off when not in use1.

Cut waste and where waste can't be prevented look to reuse or recycle - The average office worker uses 50 sheets of A4 every day, try printing on both sides of the paper. Producing recycled paper involves between 28-70% less energy and it is cheaper to buy2.

Reduce car usage for needless travel - Around 50% of car journeys are less than two miles. Introduce incentives for staff to cycle, use public transport or even lift-share to travel to and from work.

Where possible, use a renewable energy supplier - Renewable energy can save your business money and also reduces your impact on the environment. The five main types of renewable energy are: solar, wind power, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal.

Source from environmentally friendly suppliers -If every business challenged its suppliers to demonstrate their environmental credentials, this would have a knock-on effect at each stage of the supply chain, further helping the environment.

Preach what you practice - By communicating your environmental successes, this enthuses and engages employees. Further more, other companies are more likely to do business with a company that has strong environmental credentials.