Members in the News: January 2003

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Lockheed Martin of Manassas, Virginia benefits from Virginia MOA with PT Lockheed Martin is but one example of how an MOA between EPA and an individual state can benefit Performance Track members operating in that particular state. Read this Virginia DEQ letter (PDF 236KB) to find out how Virginia is using its MOA with PT to streamline application and reporting requirements for members.

Performance Track Presents the First Outreach Awards to Seven Performance Track Members
Performance Track was proud to present Outreach Awards to seven members at the 2003 Members Event. These awards were given based on each member's contributions towards increasing membership in Performance Track and fostering improved environmental performance among their peers. For more details on the winners, please view EPA Recognizes an Ever-Growing Community of Environmental Leaders (PDF 633KB).

Our Members are Making Headlines!!!
Performance Track Members are gaining increased media attention and public recognition for their environmental excellence and innovative practices. The following is a representative list of articles featuring member accomplishments and achievements.

Members in the News Article - January 2003

Member Highlighted - USPS Vehicle Maintenance Facility
Interview with: Ron Robbins
(860) 285 7197
rrobbins@email.usps.gov

The United States Postal Service (USPS) Vehicle Maintenance facility in Hartford, Connecticut has been recognized as an environmental leader for a number of years and, as a member of Performance Track, continues to serve as a guide to other facilities with aspirations of achieving elevated environmental standards. The USPS Vehicle Maintenance facility started with the environmental compliance model in 1996, then joined the EPA Region #1 Star Track Program, and subsequently applied to and was accepted into Performance Track as a Charter Member in 2000. While EPA programs evolved and experienced leadership changes, USPS demonstrated consistency in its commitment to continuous improving, going above and beyond baseline environmental standards. Among its most impressive accomplishments is a 95% reduction in vehicle emissions generated.

This facility can also take pride in its extensive and highly effective recycling program. Some of the materials recycled through this program include processed mail, used car batteries and anti-freeze, paint products, washing solvents, and tires. Also dedicated to water conservation, the USPS Hartford facility has installed low flow toilets. In addition, the facility is replacing various chemical products with new environmentally benign substitutes that help to shrink its environmental footprint.

As a result of their long-term commitment to the environment and their involvement with Performance Track, the USPS Hartford facility reaps considerable benefits. By maintaining waste and other reduction targets over time, long-term results can begin to grow incrementally from year to year. The facility's environmental program also provides bottom-line business value by saving revenue from recyclable materials, rather than paying the high costs associated with landfill use. Another benefit from the facility's involvement with Performance Track is the corporate recognition, or "green effect" of marketing, as described by Ron Robbins. Due to their membership in Performance Track, the USPS facility has even greater credibility as an environmental steward and is viewed favorably by its customer base.

Community involvement has always been a high priority for the Hartford Vehicle Maintenance facility, and despite some challenges, the facility continues to strive for openness and meaningful dialogue with the public. Concerns stemming from the few and unfortunate anthrax incidents at U.S. postal facilities dating back to 2001 have temporarily interrupted public workshops and open houses, designed to educate the community about the various economic and environmental benefits of environmental programs. However, the facility is currently aiding members of their community by offering mentoring services and working closely with new Performance Track members seeking their assistance.

In summary, the USPS Hartford Vehicle Maintenance facility has demonstrated that more can be accomplished through being proactive and striving for continuous improvement than merely complying with regulations. Future goals include a primary focus on sustaining the environmental successes achieved to date. Even in the face of economic recession and bio-terrorism, this facility continues to look at new products and services that will be environmentally friendly and economically efficient for the facility and its customers alike. The USPS facility's strong history of environmental leadership sets a standard of achievement for "doing more with less," and it remains focused on making environmentally sound choices that are good for business and the community they serve.

To view past editions of "Members in the News" click on the links below:

December 2001
January/February 2002
March/April 2002
May/June 2002
July/August 2002
September/October 2002
November 2002
December 2002

Members in the News: January 2003

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