February 12, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and DEQ Director Steven E. Chester today announced that the Light Corporation in Grand Haven has been designated the 87th Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen. Founded in 1986, Light Corporation designs and manufactures energy-efficient task and ambient lighting systems for offices and homes.

“Light Corporation exemplifies the corporate image the Clean Corporate Citizen Program was based on,” said Governor Granholm. “Their demonstration of environmental stewardship in the design and manufacture of their products continues to demonstrate that environmental stewardship and economic success can co-exist.”

“We are fortunate to live and work in a beautiful part of the state, close to the shores of Lake Michigan,” said Bradley Davis, Light Corporation President and CEO. “The environment and creating sustainable products is a high priority for us, and I congratulate our entire team on this designation.”

The facility earned ISO 14001 certification in February 2001, meeting the voluntary international standard for environmental management systems. To promote energy efficiency, Light Corporation uses advanced fluorescent lamps, electronic ballasts, and occupancy sensors that turn out lights in unoccupied offices. It is their policy to consider product life cycle and recyclability when designing and manufacturing their lighting systems. The facility has set and achieved goals to reduce the disposal of hazardous material by 100 percent, reduce office energy consumption by 20 percent, and purchase 100 percent recycled content corrugated packaging for product shipping. “The associates at Light Corporation deserve this special recognition for weaving responsible environmental management into all of their programs and operations,” said Director Chester. “They demonstrate that focusing on the manufacture of environmentally-friendly products can benefit their customers, the Grand Haven community, and their bottom-line.”

To qualify for a Clean Corporate Citizen designation, candidates must adopt a facility-specific environmental management system, active pollution prevention initiatives, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements. The program is open to establishments regulated under any of Michigan’s environmental statutes. Designations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

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

Revised February 12, 2004 by Pat Watson