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Profound discoveries start with one idea or one experiment at a time – but their success requires long-term determination, creativity and technical expertise. Those characteristics are embodied in Simon Lee, the first recipient of Dow's Sustainability Innovator Award. Lee was honored with this prestigious award for his contributions to developing a next generation foaming agent technology that produces STYROFOAM™ insulation with exceptional properties for consumers – eliminating the ozone depleting effects of previous blowing agents and making a significant improvement in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to being named the first recipient of this elite award, Lee has been recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a contributor to one of the most exalted awards in the world – the Nobel Peace Prize. He was a lead author of a chapter in the 2006 IPCC report entitled “Safeguarding the Ozone Layer and the Global Climate System.” In 2007, the IPCC and Al Gore shared the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in climate change. The IPCC has officially recognized Lee for his contributions to their award.
“Sharing in the IPCC's Nobel Peace Prize and now receiving Dow's Sustainability Innovator Award are overwhelming experiences,” said Lee. “I'm privileged to have the opportunity to work with teams and organizations that truly care about developing sustainable solutions to help our planet.”
Ahead of Regulations
Lee, a senior research leader in Dow Building Solutions, has been a leader in the development and implementation of the STYROFOAM™ R5 per inch insulation with zero ozone–depletion factor technology – taking it from basic research to the manufacturing level. This technology will also cut in half Dow's greenhouse gas emissions for production of STYROFOAM™ insulation in North America. The proprietary formulation replaces the hydrochlorofluorocarbon compound with a non-ozone-depleting compound that keeps us ahead of the competition in this strategic global growth market.
“This technology has revolutionized one of Dow's flagship products in a way that truly exemplifies the spirit of Dow's Sustainability Innovator Award,” said Dave Kepler, executive vice president, chief sustainability officer and chief information officer at Dow. “This alternative for STYROFOAM™ insulation maintains our ability to deliver energy efficient materials to building and home owners while reducing our global footprint.”
This technology puts Dow ahead of schedule for compliance with the Montreal Protocol, a 1987 treaty enacted to save the earth's ozone layer by requiring countries to reduce certain chemical emissions. The United States was one of 25 countries that agreed to establish a timetable for the phasing out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons by January 1, 2010. By developing this solution ahead of the compliance deadline, Dow not only helps the environment, but also ensures customers have an uninterrupted supply of STYROFOAM™ insulation.
“Sustainability has become the hallmark of how we do business – it is good for our communities, our environment and our bottom line,” said Neil Hawkins, vice president for sustainability at Dow. “This award is one way we recognize the exceptional creativity, innovation and passion that the Human Element devotes to solving some of the world's most pressing challenges, like clean drinking water, energy supplies, public health, renewable feedstocks and climate change.”
Supporting Sustainability at Dow
As a recipient of Dow's Sustainability Innovator Award, Lee represents the “best of the best” in sustainable innovation, perseverance, problem-solving, leadership and results on the world stage. The award honors employees or project teams for their outstanding innovations which support Dow's 2015 Sustainability Goals and help Dow set the standard for sustainability around the globe. Award winners are nominated by Dow's Sustainability Team and final winners are selected by Andrew Liveris, chairman and CEO at Dow.
“Being part of a company with a strong sustainability focus allows us to work on real life solutions that ultimately will make a difference to the world,” said Lee. “As a colleague once said to me, a surgeon can save one life at a time but if we are successful we can affect the lives of millions. You have to be proud of that.”
