3M seeks Green Tier status for Cumberland facility
News Release Published: November 5, 2009 by the Northern Region
Contact(s): Mark Harings, DNR Cooperative Environmental Assistance, (715) 831-3263
CUMBERLAND – The Department of Natural Resources wants to hear from you regarding an application from officials of the 3M Cumberland facility seeking to join a state program for businesses looking to reduce their effect on the local environment.
Known as Green Tier, the program encourages a collaborative approach to environmental performance between the DNR and Wisconsin businesses. As part of Green Tier, Wisconsin organizations voluntarily commit to superior environmental performance.
The local 3M facility, 1640 Western Ave., has expanded several times since 1950, diversifying from primarily a sandpaper conversion operation to additional productions in floor pads, lapping films, microfinishing films, superabrasives and the soft edge foam masking tape.
The corporation has a rich history and proven leadership in initiatives targeted to preserve the natural resources – often tapping employees for creative energy-savings ideas. One project alone, involving the use of compressed air, reduced energy consumption by $21,000 a year.
Following 3M corporate environmental targets (ET 10), the facility reduced energy consumption in 2008 by 398,771 kWh. As a Green Tier participant, 3M Cumberland’s environmental goals, established under ET 10, are to reduce waste by 20%, reduce volatile air emissions by 25%, and to improve energy efficiency by 20%. ET 10 initiatives are 5 year blocks with a baseline established in 2005. Reporting is based on environmental improvements as it relates to per 1000 pounds of product output.
The DNR will accept public comments on the company’s Green Tier application through Dec. 11, 2009. Specific information on this application and on the Green Tier program can be accessed on the Internet at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cea/environmental/comment/index.htm.
Comments may be directed to Mark Harings at: DNR, 1300 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI, 54702 or at Mark.Harings@Wisconsin.gov or by calling (715) 831-3263.
