Interface named most sustainable large corporate at International Green Awards

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21 Nov 2012

Lindsay Parnell, President and CEO of Interface EMEAI.

Global carpet tile manufacturer Interface has been named the ‘Most Sustainable Large Corporate’ at this year’s International Green Awards. Interface also took away the ‘Grand Prix’ prize at the glittering awards ceremony, held at Battersea Power Station in London, UK.

The International Green Awards, now in their 7th year, is the leading global sustainability platform for education, leadership and innovation. The awards recognise organisations that have exhibited these three areas in their sustainability approach.

Up against global brands such as Hitachi, Iberdrola, ITC Hotels and Pearson Plc, Interface won out due to its long-standing commitment to sustainability and the extent to which it is embedded within the organisation.

In 1994, Interface set itself the bold ambition to eliminate any negative impact it has on the environment by 2020 – a goal known as Mission Zero. Since then, the company has overhauled its entire business model, putting this goal at the heart of every design, manufacturing and business decision made.

Interface is now well over halfway towards reaching Mission Zero, having achieved commendable results in areas such as waste management, renewable energy use, carbon reduction and social impact.

Achievements include an 88 per cent reduction in waste sent to landfill, an 84 per cent reduction in water usage and a 32 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 31 per cent of energy used by Interface is from renewable sources and 44 per cent of the materials that it uses are recycled or bio-based.

Lindsey Parnell, President and CEO of Interface EMEAI said, “Winning an International Green Award is a real honour and a testament to the hard work of our employees. Interface has been on the road to sustainability since 1994 and our achievements prove that with dedication, perseverance and innovation at front of mind, a true difference can be made.

“We have seen how sustainability can deliver real business benefits. It has inspired some of our most innovative and best-selling products, motivated our workforce, enhanced our reputation and led to global savings of more than $438 million in avoided waste costs since 1995. I hope that our experience will inspire other corporates to accelerate their own sustainability journeys and reap the rewards.”