News Release

For immediate release
September 29, 2004

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PROGRAM REWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
Markham Company Pledges Emission Reductions As Part Of New Program

MARKHAM -- Steelcase Canada Ltd. is the first company to be accepted into the Province’s new Environmental Leaders Program, Environment Minister Leona Dombrowsky announced today.

The Environmental Leaders Program rewards companies that go beyond current regulatory standards by making a commitment to lower their emissions or discharges. Steelcase Canada, a leading designer and manufacturer of office furniture, pledged to eliminate its emissions of smog-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from its painting processes.

“We are raising the bar on environmental performance,” said Dombrowsky. “Governments will always have an important responsibility to establish the rules, but our interaction with companies goes far beyond enforcing those rules. We congratulate Steelcase for its commitment to reducing emissions.”

To be considered for the program, a facility must have an environmental management system, an emissions inventory, and must report publicly on its progress. In return, the ministry gives companies public recognition and an opportunity to forge a specialized relationship, while improving environmental results.

Steelcase Canada has committed to eliminating its VOCs from its painting processes from nine tonnes in 2003 to zero by 2008. The company will switch from solvent-based paints to powder coat paints. This generates no VOCs.

“Designing with the environment in mind is an integral part of our business,” said Mike Fenuta, manager of facilities and technical services at Steelcase. “We have been working to reduce our VOC emissions for the past several years. We take great pride in our ‘Design for Environment’ process, which involves analyzing the environmental impacts of materials and manufacturing processes before a new design is approved. We’re delighted to be the first member of the Environmental Leaders Program.”

Steelcase Canada has also pledged to reduce its electricity consumption by 10 per cent by 2008, resulting in an annual reduction of about 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide, as well as reductions in nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide.

Pollution Probe’s Executive Director, Ken Ogilvie, is a supporter of the program. “The Environmental Leaders Program is a new way to meet the challenge of superior environmental improvement and to recognize those companies that step up to it.”

Markham MPP Tony Wong calls Steelcase an important member of the community. “"Steelcase is an outstanding example of an environmentally responsible organization. I am very impressed with their 'Design for Environment' process and proud to have such a world class company in Markham."

The Minister of the Environment is challenging others with good environmental track records to demonstrate leadership and participate.

“We all share responsibility for the environment,” Dombrowsky said. “By working together, our chances for success are far greater, and we can deliver real, positive change to protect and maintain safe, clean, livable communities.”

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See also:

• Backgrounder: Ontario’s Environmental Leaders Program