May 11, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester awarded Steelcase Inc. with the Neighborhood Environmental Partners Gold Award during a meeting with company officials today.

The NEP Gold Awards Program was developed by the DEQ to recognize facilities and their community partners who have worked together to improve the environment locally by implementing ongoing environmental projects.

“I am happy to recognize Steelcase Inc. for its outstanding work within the Grand Rapids community,” said Director Chester. “Steelcase is proving that economic success and environmental stewardship go hand and hand.”

Director Chester highlighted Steelcase’s work with their community partners to support environmental education and sustainable business practices in Grand Rapids. Steelcase has implemented a community donation program for office furniture and manufacturing supplies that are reused by local schools and nonprofit organizations. They have partnered with the National Wildlife Federation to incorporate natural spaces around their facilities. Steelcase has also awarded an on-going grant to Aquinas College's Sustainable Business Degree Program, provided environmental awareness training to 5,000 employees and their families, and played an active role in the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.

Steelcase has been an active member of the DEQ’s Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership program for the last 8 years, having been one of the first companies to join. Over that time they have reported on numerous innovative projects that have resulted in elimination of wastes and conservation of material resources in their daily operations.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised May 11, 2006 by Pat Watson