American Water Works Company, Inc., has been ranked No. 24 on Newsweek?s list of America?s Top Green Companies for 2015. ?
?Environmental leadership is a core value at American Water and we are honored to be included in this prestigious ranking of the top green companies in the country,? said Susan Story, President and Chief Executive Officer.
?As a water utility company serving 15 million people, American Water? sustainability practices are paramount to our core business which is providing clean, safe, reliable water and wastewater services for now and for future generations. We are proud of our efforts in operational efficiency, technology innovation, and environmental stewardship, which have earned us this tremendous honor.?
American Water has a robust corporate responsibility program that focuses on four key areas, including the environment.? Some of the recent accomplishments include:
- American Water ?right sized? its fleet and vehicles resulting in a reduction of CO2 emissions by 1,670 metric tons and an increase in fuel efficiency by 0.3 mpg.
- American Water made a public commitment to achieve a 16 percent reduction in GHG emissions by 2017 from 2007 levels. This goal surpassed the national agenda and led the water industry. The company?s total GHG emissions in 2014 (708,064 metric tons) were 17.1 percent lower than in 2007.
- Over the last four years, American Water has refurbished or replaced 140 water pumps. This is expected to yield energy savings of 12 million kilowatt-hours per year and a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions of 18 million pounds per year.
- In 2013, American Water initiated a company-wide review of its residuals management and set a target to reduce residuals sent to landfill in 2014 by 10 percent. Within its regulated operations, the company demonstrated a 12 percent reduction.
- American Water?s water quality record is industry-leading. The company has consistently achieved over 99 percent compliance with federal and state drinking water standards over the past several years, and has earned more awards from the EPA?s Partnership for Safe Water than any other water utility company.
- American Water?s research team has been awarded nearly 80 competitive research grants and received five U.S. patents based on its research. In both 2013 and 2014, American Water invested $4.2 million for research and development activities designed to enhance services, ensure water quality and environmental compliance, and shape a more sustainable future.
American Water issued its first bi-annual Corporate Responsibility Report in 2011, becoming the first large water services company to measure its performance against the Global Reporting Index. The company’s next report, covering 2013 and 2014 performance, will be issued in mid-summer 2015. More information can be found in the Corporate Responsibility section of the company?s website at:
http://www.amwater.com/corporate-responsibility/.
The Newsweek Green Rankings are one of the world?s most recognized assessments of corporate environmental performance. Based on research from Corporate Knights Capital, along with a ?Green Revenue? score powered by HIP (Human Impact + Profit)? Investor Inc., the 2015 iteration of the project features eight indicators that are used to assess and measure the environmental performance of the world?s largest publicly traded companies. The listing can be found at:
http://www.newsweek.com/green-2015/top-green-companies-u.s.-2015.
