Bellcomb Goes Carbon Neutral
13 September 2007
Bellcomb Technologies Incorporated, one of the world's largest manufacturer of honeycomb panels for commercial and industrial applications, has taken a major step forward in reducing its carbon footprint through a new partnership with the Carbonfund.org Foundation, a leading provider of carbon offset programs.
As of June 1, all of Bellcomb's operations and facilities must now become carbon neutral through a combination of conservation efforts and the purchasing of carbon offsets through Carbonfund.org. The non-profit foundation verified the work Bellcomb's did to analyze their carbon footprint and recommended investments in carbon-reducing projects such as renewable energy, alternative energy and energy efficiency.
Bellcomb is the first composite panels manufacture to join Carbonfund.org's CarbonFree™ program. By doing this, Bellcomb is demonstrating how mid-sized manufacturers can minimize their carbon footprint. Bellcomb's annual footprint is 974 tons of carbon which, when offset, is equal to taking 180 passenger cars off the road for a year.
"I am very excited to announce our commitment to become a carbon neutral firm," said David Hartwell, President of Bellcomb. "Our company is taking responsibility for the effects of our carbon dioxide emissions while working hard to reduce them. This year we will offset the carbon emissions we are not able to eliminate by purchasing offset credits. We believe that all businesses, industries and communities should bear responsibility to minimize environmental effects and pollution."
Bellcomb recognizes the importance of addressing climate change on a person-by-person, business-by-business basis, which is why it has moved to immediately offset its greenhouse gas emissions. "Carbonfund.org applauds Bellcomb's leadership and commitment to solving the problem of climate change," said Carbonfund.org executive director Eric Carlson.
"Bellcomb's carbon reduction and offset program serves as an example for all composite manufacturing companies and is supporting our market transformation to a clean energy future," Carlson concluded.
An important part of that work was the creation of a multidisciplinary team of Bellcomb's management and engineers. Together they analyzed the company's existing greenhouse gas emissions, evaluated options for change and investigated investments in carbon offsets.
The next step is the development of a long-term plan, which will enable Bellcomb to meet the highest standards of energy efficiency, environmental performance and sustainability.
"We are currently in the process of setting clear targets to reduce the company's carbon footprint and improve environmental performance in our offices and operations," said Mr Hartwell. "Our strategic plan calls for continual progress in becoming a greener company and we are passionately committed to this goal. Bellcomb is leading by doing."
