Northeast Indiana Goes 'Green'

With our renowned Hoosier Hospitality, we care about more than just Indiana citizens and visitors; we care about the environment.

Environmental concerns are motivating more individuals and businesses to look at their own practices and ask the question, "Am I helping or hurting?" Whether you agree with the global warming stance or not, it is not a question in anyone's mind that we have to take care of the earth better than we have in the past.

'Green' manufacturing has become a focus-point in the United States as we all search to become independent of foreign oil and energy efficient in every sector of the economy. Northeast Indiana has joined in this movement of searching for earth-friendly, business-friendly energy alternatives. This includes the creation of alternative-energy sources and 'green' businesses, as well as restructuring existing operations.

Four companies in northeast Indiana have succeeded in this restructuring endeavor at a level which proves their commitment to be environmentally conscious: BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing, Eaton Clutch Division, First Vehicle Services, and Karl Schmidt Unisia, Inc. These companies are only four of 39 Indiana businesses that have been awarded the status of Indiana Environmental Stewards.

According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Environmental Stewardship Program is a voluntary, performance based leadership program designed to recognize and reward Indiana regulated entities for going above and beyond current environmental regulations. In recognition of their efforts, the state grants several benefits to companies who reach this level of environmentally-aware practices.

Though they have not been honored as Environmental Stewards, several other northeast Indiana companies are doing their part to reduce waste and improve the environment.

Thermafiber recently announced a $5 million investment to upgrade equipment, reduce energy consumption and increase 'green' manufacturing capabilities. This investment will reduce energy consumption as well as their carbon footprint.

Triple Crown Services is already using environmentally-friendly practices but has recently begun an awareness campaing to encourage other transporters to follow their lead. The campaign calls attention to the environmental advantages of the hybrid RoadRailer trailer technology it uses and to the stamp of approval the technology recently received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“What we hope is that shippers will become much more aware of the option of this alternative solution to their transportation needs,” said Dan Federspiel, a spokesman for the company.

Northeast Indiana and its companies are accepting the challenge to not only provide for their communities, but to help take care of them as well. Follow this link to learn more about Indiana's Environmental Stewardship Program, who's eligible and how its members' efforts are benefiting their businesses and communities.