Beijing, China - June 17, 2009
Dow Chemical (China) Investment Company was recently recognized as a "Top 10 Energy Conservation and Emissions Reduction Corporation" at the Fourth China Summit on the Development of Circular Economy, part of the 2009 China Beijing International High-tech Industries Week. Dow received the Award amongst 100 leading international and domestic corporations, and ranked first in the chemical industry for its operational eco-efficiency and outstanding contributions to emissions reduction in China and world-wide.
The judging process include expert panel reviews and open online voting through Xinhua Net, one of China's largest news portals. The judging criteria include the application of green technology, the commitment to innovation, the efforts to reduce environmental footprint and the relationship with the community and other stakeholders.
"It is a tremendous honor for Dow to receive this recognition. This award is a resounding confirmation of our efforts in sustainable development in China." said Dennis Chung, Dow's Asia Pacific Director, Sustainability and EH&S. "As a world leading chemical company, sustainability drives Dow's every business decision. We are dedicated to providing eco-friendly and energy saving solutions that help to address China's most pressing development challenges."
"Energy conservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction are at the heart of Dow's 2015 Sustainability Goals - a public commitment to hold ourselves accountable in the pursuit of solutions to global challenges including energy, climate change, and water." said Neil Hawkins, Dow's vice president of Sustainability and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S). "Dow will continue to set the standard for sustainability by strengthening relationships with communities where we operate, improving our product stewardship and reducing our global footprint."
In China, Dow has applied stringent sustainability standards to all its plants and locations. Dow China's core manufacturing base in Zhangjiagang is recognized as "The State Environment-friendly Enterprise" by the Ministry of Environmental Protection due to excellence in safety and cleaner production. The newly established Shanghai Dow Center, Dow's business and innovation hub in Asia Pacific, was designed and constructed as a "Green Building," utilizing many of Dow's cutting edge sustainable technologies and products. It features DOWTHERM™ SR-1 heat transfer fluid in air-conditioning systems, and STYROFOAM™ insulation boards in both roof and exterior walls of the center.
Dow is an active and long-standing contributor to sustainable development in China. In 2008, Dow Water Solutions products helped the Beijing government achieve its "Green Olympics" commitment by contributing to a 50 percent wastewater reuse rate from the previous 15 percent. Dow Building Solutions products used in Beijing's No. 12 Huixinxijie energy conservation renovation demo project enabled the building to reach 65 percent of its energy efficiency requirements.
Through collaboration with China's Ministry of Environmental Protection, Dow launched a four-year program in 2005 to promote "Cleaner Production" and share sustainability best practices with local SMEs. The program has witnessed significant environmental and economic benefits through the reduction of energy consumption and waste water discharge.
Dow has also been an educator to China's next generation on the importance of sustainable development. Starting in 2008, Dow partnered with Junior Achievement in China to launch the "Our City" program, a 10-week long program for primary school students to learn about the role of sustainability in the urban economy. As part of the "Our City" program, most recently in June, Dow hosted the China Primary School Students Eco-Business Challenge at the newly-established Shanghai Dow Center. Student teams from 18 schools showcased products they designed and handmade with waste and renewable materials found in daily life, to an audience of 230 proud parents, educators, judges and volunteers.
About Dow
For Editorial Information:
Lisa Huang
The Dow Chemical Company
86-21-38512479
