State environmental officials today recognized Eaton, located in Arden, for its outstanding environmental performance.
Michael S. Regan, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, presented company officials with a plaque recognizing the facility as a 2019 Environmental Steward – one of only 31 facilities in North Carolina to earn the coveted designation for a commitment to superior environmental performance.
“Eaton joins an elite number of organizations in our state who recognize that it is possible to protect North Carolina’s natural resources while remaining globally competitive,” said Regan. “The commitment to environmental standards and going above and beyond what is required exemplifies Eaton’s role as an environmental leader that recognizes the economic benefits of stewardship.”
To become an environmental steward, organizations and businesses like Eaton Arden must demonstrate environmental leadership through a commitment to exemplary environmental performance beyond what is required by regulations. Stewards represent the highest of three levels of recognition for environmental performance in the state’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative.
Eaton Arden manufactures electrical equipment. The Arden facility was recommended for recognition because the site achieved zero-waste-to-landfill in December of 2017 and continues to maintain that status. Beginning in 2013, they also established a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions three percent each year. Between 2017 to 2018, the greenhouse gas reduction was 4.7 percent. Additionally, Eaton Arden uses 35 percent less water than the industrial average. The facility also works locally to provide environmental leadership and community support.
“We are truly honored to be recognized as “Environmental Steward” by North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality” said Ichaya Dhungel, Environment Health and Safety manager at Eaton Arden. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the active participation of our employees and the support of our leadership team. We are very proud of this achievement and will continue to embrace Eaton’s vision of improving the quality of life and environment. Congratulations to our entire workforce and we really appreciate North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for their partnership and support.”
Recommendations for stewards are provided to Secretary Regan following a rigorous review of environmental performance by DEQ staff and an external advisory board. This voluntary program was established in 2002 to stimulate the development and implementation of programs that use pollution prevention and innovative approaches to meet and exceed regulatory requirements.
For more information, visit the Environmental Stewardship Initiative’s website, www.ncesi.org, or contact Angela Barger, Environmental Stewardship Initiative manager, at 877-623-6748 or esi@ncdenr.gov.
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