Finch Paper Receives Sustainability Award

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) awarded Finch Paper with the 2010 Environmental & Energy Achievement Award, which recognizes leadership in sustainability, for using a new energy efficiency best practices systems that cut greenhouse gas emissions by 14 percent.

"Finch is honored to be recognized by American Forest and Paper, a distinguished association whose work is respected by the industry and its customers," said Roger Dziengeleski, Finch's vice president of continuous improvement and external operations. "Continuous improvement is a high priority at Finch, and it is very motivating for our team to enjoy the validation the award brings. We are changing behaviors and mindsets for the benefit of the community, our employees, customers and the world. It's wonderful."

The award is presented annually to AF&PA member companies that contribute significantly to advances in the practical application of new and improved environmental and energy technology.

Finch Paper's "Energy Efficiency Initiative" was implemented at the company's facility in Glens Falls, N.Y., as a mill-wide energy management system which engaged employees at all levels to transform how they thought and worked with regard to energy use. The project resulted in a 14 percent decrease in the mill's greenhouse gas emissions as well as cost-saving energy reductions without significant capital expense.

"Innovation and sustainable practices are the foundation of our industry," said AF&PA President & CEO Donna Harman. "Initiatives such as those put forth by Finch Paper show that market-driven approaches can deliver important environmental accomplishments."

Applications for the Environmental & Energy Achievement Award were reviewed by a panel of judges, which included representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Resources for the Future and retired industry executives. Entrants were judged on their project's ability to reduce energy use and improve environmental footprints.