Manufacturing Companies Receive Outstanding Achievement in
Environmental Stewardship Awards

The Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Stewardship Awards for 2010 went to manufacturing companies in Auglaize and Lake counties, Ohio EPA announced Dec. 7.

"These award winners employ forward-thinking individuals and have developed innovative concepts for waste reduction and prevention that can serve as examples for other manufacturing facilities,” said Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski. He added, “They have shown a commitment to being good environmental stewards, protecting Ohio's environment and natural resources, increasing company efficiency and improving the quality of life and the environment in local communities."

Award winners were selected based on a sound track record of environmental compliance and a commitment to go above and beyond regulations to improve environmental performance; a mature Environmental Management System that has been integrated into core business functions; aggressive environmental performance goals; and a process for communicating with the local community about program activities and progress on performance goals. After nominations were rated, Ohio EPA reviewers conducted site visits to select the honorees.

Recipients of this year's awards are:
Crown Equipment in Auglaize County manufactures electric lift trucks used in transporting materials and goods in warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing environments. The company employs 90 workers in New Knoxville and 8,300 worldwide. The most notable accomplishment at the facility is zero landfill waste output, attributed to effective recycling, reuse and waste reduction throughout the facility. In addition, the facility is certified for the exceptional use of environmental management systems under the International Organization for Standardization.

The company uses ecodesign software that incorporates lifecycle analysis design into product concepts. The company has reduced plant energy usage by 6 percent, uses 30 percent recycled-content paper, exclusively uses environmentally friendly cleaners, and supports the Crown Equipment Renewed Motor Program, which is a take-back program for spent motors that the company offers to customers. Once the expired motors are re-manufactured and repaired, they are offered for resale at a lower cost. The company says it is committed to sustain the environment through practices that minimize waste, manage energy and maximize (product) lifespan.

Lubrizol, Wickliffe in Lake County is the world headquarters of Lubrizol Corporation and Lubrizol Additives. It covers almost 90 acres and contains large research, development and testing facilities, employing more than 1,200 people. The company has continued its commitment to environmental stewardship after it was first recognized in 1998 when the facility received the Governor’s Pollution Prevention Award. Building on this accomplishment, the company promoted The American Chemistry Council’s “Responsible Care,” chemical assessment program designed to minimize the use of toxic chemicals, reduce waste, perform product life cycle assessments and implement an environmental management information system. That system uses a software program to improve compliance with air monitoring, record-keeping and other requirements. Lubrizol added a second computer information management tool that documents waste streams, waste characterizations, container movement, tank levels and waste shipments.

The company recycled an average of 57 percent of the solid waste generated at the facility. Packaging reduction included cardboard boxes, wooden pallets, styrofoam sheets, peanuts, bubble wrap and newspaper. Lubrizol demonstrated a net energy savings of 55,171 million BTUs, and by adding energy efficient lighting, company energy usage was reduced by 50 percent. Lubrizol donated more than 8 tons of furniture, printers and office equipment to schools and charitable organizations. Through shipping off-site, the company re-refined more than 100,000 gallons of oil, more than 25,000 gallons of reusable solvent, and reused nearly 80 tons of unused gasoline. The purchasing department focused on products containing post-consumer content. The company also installed two oil/water separators for the storm water sewer system. The separators capture runoff from most of the facility’s vast property to prevent spills from migrating off-site.