NOVI, MI –BrassCraft Manufacturing Company has been awarded Platinum membership from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the commission’s highest level of recognition. This is the second ‘Clean Texas’ honor bestowed on BrassCraft’s Lancaster, Texas facility, which was recognized in 2010 with a Bronze membership. “The elevation from Bronze to Platinum in one year is a significant achievement,” said Michael Hansen, BrassCraft-Lancaster Director of Operations. “The Commission’s Platinum-level standards are far more rigorous. That we can implement our Environmental Management System so successfully, and deliver real, sustainable reductions in energy, waste and water usage, is testament to how critical the environmental initiative is at BrassCraft.”
The BrassCraft Environmental Management System is a comprehensive series of internal policies for improving resource utilization, optimizing recycling throughout the facility, and maintaining strict compliance and reporting standards with all environmental regulations. To achieve Platinum status, a company must commit to at least four measurable environmental goals that go beyond regulatory requirements, or in areas that are not regulated. BrassCraft’s achievements include:
Reduced electricity usage. Steps included using more efficient compressors, the removal of unneeded column fans, retrofitting with more efficient lighting, and eliminating air leaks for better HVAC efficiency.
Reduced water usage. Timers were added to water lines and plans are in development for waste water reuse, with the potential of saving millions of gallons of water.
Hazardous waste reduction. New parts washers that utilize recyclable filters have been installed, reducing hazardous waste to date by 14,586 pounds.
Non-hazardous waste reduction. The Lancaster facility has lowered non-hazardous waste by more than 50%, with new compactors and a more comprehensive recycling process.
In addition, the Platinum award recognizes BrassCraft’s environmental efforts outside the company. BrassCraft-Lancaster maintains an open dialogue with the community regarding environmental concerns, and has a continuing process for communicating BrassCraft’s environmental performance. Working with the Lancaster School District’s ‘Partners In Education’ program, BrassCraft presented students and faculty with information and materials regarding the company’s lead-free compliance initiative.
BrassCraft is also a member of the Adopt-a-Spot program in Lancaster, where a company team cleans and maintains a mile-long stretch of road every quarter. “Platinum recognition is the result of each individual’s effort at Lancaster,” says Peter Kattula, Vice President, Operations and Supply Chain. “BrassCraft’s environmental policy follows two paths simultaneously: using fewer resources, and making meaningful contributions to the environment. By doing that, everyone benefits: our customers, our company, and the rest of world.” For more information, visit www.brasscraft.com.
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