The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) (formerly the Pew Center on Global Climate Change), and The Climate Registry (TCR) named International Paper (NYSE: IP) among the winners of the inaugural Climate Leadership Awards. International Paper was recognized for aggressively managing and reducing green house gas (GHG) emissions.
"This award reaffirms our commitment to continuous improvement and reductions in our environmental footprint. Efforts to improve the environment are most successful when stewardship and business results go hand-in-hand," said Teri Shanahan, International Paper vice president of Sustainability.
During the past decade, International Paper has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels by 40 percent and has committed to reducing another 20 percent by 2020. "We are also proud of the fact that close to 70 percent of our energy needs are being met with carbon- neutral biofuels," Shanahan added.
"International Paper and all of our Climate Leadership Award winners demonstrate that organizations who are taking action to mitigate climate change are also operating more efficiently, more innovatively, and more competitively," saidGina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation.
International Paper was one of 20 organizations, and the only forest products company, recognized for its leadership in addressing climate change and reducing carbon pollution.
"C2ES joins EPA and our partners in congratulating International Paper as an inaugural recipient of the Climate Leadership Awards," said C2ES President Eileen Claussen. "International Paper demonstrates every day that it's possible to manage your carbon footprint without compromising your bottom line. Corporate leadership is essential to meeting our climate and energy challenges. International Paper's accomplishments will inspire other companies to act and contribute to strong, sensible policies benefiting both our economy and our climate."
The awards were presented at the inaugural Climate Leadership Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The conference brought together leaders from business, government and academic institutions who are interested in exchanging best practices on how to address climate change while simultaneously running more competitive and sustainable operations.
More information about the Climate Leadership Awards and award winners can be found at http://epa.gov/climateleadership/awards/2012winners.html