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The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has named the Herman Miller GreenHouse facility a Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen.
The company's Holland building manufactures all Herman Miller brand work chairs. The DEQ cited the GreenHouse as "a model of sincere dedication to environmental best practices."
The complete news release follows.
Herman Miller GreenHouse Facility Hailed for Environmental Leadership
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has named Herman Miller's GreenHouse manufacturing facility a Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen in a program recognizing environmental stewardship.
The GreenHouse becomes the 110th facility to earn the honor. The 293,000 square foot facility in Holland manufactures, tests, and assembles all Herman Miller brand work chairs.
"The DEQ is pleased to recognize The GreenHouse Seating Operation for their facility-wide commitment to environmental protection, recyclable products, and providing a safe and healthy manufacturing environment for all employees," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "As a Clean Corporate Citizen, The GreenHouse serves as a model of sincere dedication to environmental best practices."
The GreenHouse requires zero environmental permits due to its sustainable operation, building design, and commitment to environmental stewardship. The facility was the lead for Herman Miller's certification to the international ISO 14001 environmental management standard.
Environmental achievements at The GreenHouse include:- GreenHouse seating products have earned GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification, proven to have minimal impact on the indoor environment.
- The GreenHouse received the Pioneer Award from the U.S. Green Building Council, and served as the prototype for the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process.
- All of the building's lighting specifications meet or exceed the "Green Lights" and "Energy Star" guidelines for energy efficiency.
- The GreenHouse produces just 16 pounds of landfill waste per day, on average. Over 97 percent of its solid waste is recycled.
- Native plantings cover the majority of the GreenHouse property site, eliminating the need for fertilizer, herbicides, and lawn-mowing equipment. Vegetation is also used to filter storm water runoff from parking areas.
- Wood scraps from the GreenHouse are combined with wood wastes from other Herman Miller facilities to create steam and electricity for the company's main manufacturing site in Zeeland.
- Ten percent of the energy purchased to power the GreenHouse is derived from landfill methane and other alternative energy sources.
"Herman Miller is honored to receive the Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen distinction for our GreenHouse facility," said Environmental Affairs Manager Paul Murray. "We have a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship that encompasses our people, products, and places of work, and we appreciate the Department of Environmental Quality's acknowledgement for our efforts."
To qualify for a Clean Corporate Citizen designation, candidates must adopt a facility-specific environmental management system, active pollution prevention initiatives, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements. The program is open to establishments regulated under any of Michigan's environmental statutes. Designations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Herman Miller provides complete solutions that help create great places to work. Through research, design, manufacture, and distribution of innovative interior furnishings, complemented by furniture management and strategic consulting services, the company serves organizations and individuals around the world. During fiscal 2004, Herman Miller's award-winning products and services generated $1.34 billion in revenue. The company was also again named among Business Ethics magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" and was the recipient of the prestigious National Design Award for product design from the Smithsonian Institution's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. In 2004, Herman Miller was cited in Fortune magazine as the "Most Admired" company in its industry for the 16th time in the 18 years the industry has been included in the annual survey of industry executives, board members and independent analysts. Notably, for the key attribute of "innovation," the company was ranked 4th among all companies surveyed. Herman Miller trades on the NASDAQ stock market under the symbol MLHR. For additional information visit HermanMiller.com.
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