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The article reports that companies will have time to prepare for the worst before the next natural disaster strikes post September 2015, which was National Preparedness Month.

The article reports that the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has released sustainability standard for in-building information and communications technology (ICT) systems in joint effort with the Sustainable Technology Environments Program Foundation. According to the TIA, the new standard provides architects, building owners and manufacturers, guidelines for designing and installing more efficient ICT systems.

The article discusses challenges faced by small businesses due to climate change in the U.S. in context of a report by the Small Business Majority and American Sustainable Business Council. It informs that almost 25 percent of small businesses do not reopen after facing a major disaster. It suggests small businesses to develop risk management plan, partnership with local authorities, and to seek input from community. It mentions to handle mitigation and adaptation parallel.

The article offers information on the Center for Urban Waters, a facility situated in Puget Sound, Washington which water management solutions. It states that the Center for Urban Waters provide solutions for the restoration, protection and making availability of safer water in urban settings. It mentions Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater research program and chemical fingerprinting technique as the technological advances provided by the center.

The article presents information on Smithfield Food Inc. that has risen in rankings developed by the periodical Newsweek for the greenest company in 2012 in the U.S. As per Dennis Treacy, executive vice president of the company, it is very difficult to judge the parameter on which the company has raised in the rankings. It further informs that during the 1990s the company was known for its violation acts against the environment.

The article announces that Kyocera Communications Inc. has received the 2012 Environmental Excellence Award for reducing its environmental footprint.

The article reports on the plan of the Sustainable Technology Environments Program (STEP) Foundation to release its green technology certification program in 2013 in the U.S. Grant Seiffert, who serves on STEP's foundation board, says that STEP emerged because the electronics industry was not given an opportunity to provide input as part of the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) process.

The article evaluates the application software Envision rating system from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI).

The article offers information on the sustainable producer certifying body, Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2C). It says that C2C assesses product's environmental and human safety. It mentions that the five aspects being considered in C2C certification include materials used, recyclability, and energy use. C2C president Bridgett Luther considers that the company offers transformative approach towards sustainability.

The article informs that the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council organization recognizes businesses for their sustainability efforts. It has been informed that currently the program is limited to firms, but in the future, there could be programs specifically for other institutes like colleges and universities, hospitals, utilities and local governments.

The article reports on the plans of xpedx, a printing company in Cincinnati, Ohio, to expand globally its sustainable business in 2012. It is stated that xpedx met its sustainability goals in 2011 and its success reflects the company, customers and suppliers value. It is revealed that xpedx intends to expand recycling an additional 15 percent and implementation of its sustainability survey.

The article reports on the announcement by Deutsche Bank AG on January 28, 2012 on the completion of its 122.4 kilowatt photovoltaic array located at the bank's headquarters in New York City. It says that the system is being designed to annually reduce the emission of carbon by 100 metric tons by reducing the reliance of the bank to conventional electricity. It also discusses the completion of Deutsche's solar project in North America and the banks' Better Building Challenge.

The article reports that the data center BendBroadband Vault have earned its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Leonard Weitman, vice president for technical operations at BendBroadband, states that they are committed to the principles of sustainability. He adds that they consider every opportunity to make their facility sustainable.

The article offers information on the international oil spill cleanup technology competition sponsored by the X Prize Foundation to develop new oil cleanup technologies, and its 2011 winners. The Team Elastec/American Marine from Illinois won the competition for its grooved disc skimmer technology, and Norway's Team NOFI got the second place for its Current Buster 6 technology. The U.S. Department of Interior issued notices of alleged violations to BP PLC, Halliburton Co., and Transocean Ltd.

The article announces that Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), a natural gas and electric utility in California, was awarded with the Energy Star Sustained Excellence award by the Energy Star program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The article reports on the plan of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program to hold a second National Building Competition in the U.S. It outlines the success of the EPA's first competition in slashing energy consumption, which prompted several communities to host several similar program. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson explains that they are looking forward to initiate greater energy savings and energy innovations in 2011.

The article offers information on the Green Community Challenge launch by the Virginia Municipal League (VML). According to Martin Chavez, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) USA executive director, friendly competition can introduce the best among communities and they are excited to participate the initiative. Furthermore, it notes that the competitions will include activities that communities must consider including communitywide climate action planning group.

The article reports on the final rule of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that requires industrial waste landfills to monitor and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It states that industrial landfills must report their methane emissions as municipal solid waste landfills were required to do so under the GHG reporting rule promulgated in 2009. It notes that methane has 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, which is the reference gas to which GHG are measured.

Information on the 2009 Green Fleet Conference in Chicago, Illinois on October 19-20, 2009 is presented. Topics include fuel use management, driver training, and telematics as a tool for better driver performance. The conference featured several speakers including Tom Hartner, global fleet manager for Millipore Corp.; Jason Mathers, leader for the effort of managing greenhouse gas emissions by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF); and Charles Schott, fleet director for Pfizer Inc.

The article reports on the effectivity of WyndhamGreen program developed by Wyndham Worldwide Corp. in the U.S. According to the company's chairman Steve Holmes, the program was initiated due to their global commitment to corporate social responsibility and the environment. The article also emphasizes that the company was recognized by Con Edison Solutions as Green Pioneer through its green program.

The article reports on the launching of Green Phoenix, a 17-point plan, by Mayor Phil Gordon to utilize the stimulus funding to turn the city into carbon-neutral city in Phoenix, Arizona. Gordon states utilizing most of the fund could reengineer the environment and create jobs. In addition, he explains that they will measure and reduce current carbon dioxide emissions to protect the environment in the area.

The article reports that PepsiCo. Inc. has entered into a partnership with Carbon Trust on January 22, 2009 to certify the carbon footprint of beverage and food products in the U.S. It says that PepsiCo has certified the carbon footprint of the 64-ounce Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice together with Carbon Trust and found that the carbon footprint comes from agricultural processes. The reduction of carbon footprint is in line of PepsiCo's commitment to sustainability.

The article reports on the new guide on climate change issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for business enterprises in the U.S. The guide entitled "A Business Guide to U.S. EPA Climate Partnership Programs" will help business owners address their contribution on the global warming and climate change. According to EPA partnership program coordinator Stephan Sylvan, the scheme is due to the request of these businesses.

The article reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched the Campus Environmental Resource Center, a Web-based environmental compliance tool for colleges and universities. The site was developed by the National Association of College and University Business Officers. It aims to make it easier for school officials to access environmental regulatory requirements applicable to their activities.

The article reports that the township of Cherry Hill, New Jersey is launching an incentive-based recycling program called RecycleBank for township residents. The program will reward recycling households throughout the township with points that they can redeem at national retail chains and local merchants at the RecycleBank web site.

The article reports on the potential of green buildings to achieve climate change goals through energy conservation and greenhouse gas mitigation according to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). It stresses that green buildings can reduce carbon emission by 35%, energy use by 30% and water use by 30% to 50%. CEC notes that green buildings also create waste-related cost savings by 50% to 90%. It says that green buildings only consist 2% of non-residential buildings in the U.S.

The article deals with the move of office supply retailer Office Depot to construct its first green retail store in Austin, Texas. Based on the article, the design of the store is based on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard for commercial buildings established by the U.S. Green Building Council. Edward Costa, vice president of construction, said that Office Depot's membership in the council and its aim to build LEED-certified store are examples of the company's commitment to buy green, be green, and sell green.

This article offers information on the Industrial Footprint Project of the Washington Department of Ecology. The project is aimed at allowing facilities to measure the environmental and negative economic and social impact. A performance measurement tool will be designed for industrial facilities to reduce their environmental impact above and beyond their minimal regulatory requirements.

The article focuses on a performance measure developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The measure, which intends to gauge the effectiveness of the agency's programs in a timely manner, is the brainchild of EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock. It states that the measures have been produced since the second quarter of 2006. It is inferred that one of the benefits of the measure is the promotion of communication between officials who otherwise would not be in contact with each other.

The article examines how businesses and communities successfully comply with environmental standards. It focuses on Nubanusit Neighborhood & Farm, an eco-friendly residential development built by dairy farmer Shelley Goguen Hulbert and husband Robin Hulbert. The goal of the Nubanusit project is to reduce the carbon footprint of traditional development. The Hulberts eventually expect to produce their own electricity, but the state of technology makes that problematic at present.

The article provides information on "Cornell University Green Report 2006," a sustainability report from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. According to David J. Skorton, university president, the report presents some overall measures and high-level views of how the university affects that environment. The report was compiled by Cornell Sustainability Coordinator Dean Koyanagi.

The article focuses on an initiative of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to reduce the packaging of its suppliers by 5 percent. It is stated that the initiative would remove 213,000 trucks in the road and secure 323,800 tons of coal and 66.7 million gallons of diesel fuel from being burned. It is said that packaging has an effect on business efficiency and environmental stewardship.

The article features the PHH GreenFleet climate-neutral pilot program being offered by commercial fleet management firm PHH Arval for its fleet vehicle clients. Karen Healy, director of product management at Arval, claims that the program is the leading environmental program in the commercial fleet management industry. Some of the services being provided by Arval are leasing vehicles to providing fuel cards and coordinating maintenance and repair services.

The article reports on the participation of Rite Aid Corp. to the Call2Recycle program of Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. Rite Aid stores in California will held in the collection of used rechargeable batteries for recycling. Information on the Call2Recycle program is provided. The program is funded by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling's licensees and battery manufacturers.

Discusses the voluntary standard for recycled latex paints developed by Green Seal Inc., a Washington, D.C. nonprofit group that identified and promotes environmentally friendly products and services. Goal of developing the standard; Problems with waste latex paints; Issues addressed by the standard proposed by Green Seal.

Reports on the approval of a legislation that would enact the consumer electronics recycling bill by Washington Governor Christine Gregoire. Provisions of the legislation on recycling for electronic manufacturers; Factors that contributed to the enactment of the recycling law.

Reports on a set of revised environmental guidelines released by The Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) on January 20, 2006. Primary premise behind the guidelines according to Margaret Kuhlow, managing director for environmental and social assessments at MCC; Requirements needed to qualify for financial aid from MCC; Information on the MCC review process.

The article reports on the benefits associated with the environmental management system (EMS) installed in oil facilities. The installation of EMS in the oil facilities of DynMcDermott Petroleum Operations minimize the damage posed by the hurricane Katrina. The facilities were damaged but no discharged of oil occurred.

Discusses the response of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the 2005 hurricane season. Role of the Department of Homeland Security's National Response Plan in defining the duties of EPA in response to the hurricanes; Number of tropical storms and hurricanes in the 2005 season; Role of the EPA in assisting with national security threats, according to EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock.

The article reports that New Jersey-based Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe Co. decided to cut its mercury emissions. The company is installing a baghouse gas system at its facility to slash mercury emission to one-fifth of its current coutput by January 2006. After the state proclaimed its mercury emission standard, it also passed legislation requiring automotive dismantlers to remove the mercury switches from recycled automobiles. The company allocated a total of $9.3 million for its baghouse.

Reports on the comprehensive environmental policy of JP Morgan Chase & Co. that would govern its lending practices throughout the world. Details of the firm's environmental policy; Reason for expanding the application of the Equator Principles; Pressures from environmental activists that may have contributed to the firm's move.

Reports on the announcement made by Smithfield Foods Corp. that all of its facilities in the U.S. have implemented environmental management systems certified under ISO 14001. Information on the pork processing facilities of the company; Progress made by the company on the environmental front; Keys to the company's success.

Reports on the Rethink Initiative launched by the Internet company eBay in January 2005 to encourage the proper end-of-life treatment of old cellular telephones, computers, and other consumer electronic equipment. Objective of the initiative; Statement issued by Patrick Jabal, a director at the company, regarding the initiative; Information offered by the initiative to consumers.

Focuses on the importance of state-level support for environmental management system (EMS) implementation in the U.S. Views of John Cook, assistant manager for Commissioners of Public Works in Charleston, South Carolina, on the role of the Environmental Protection Agency in the implementation of the EMS; Implications of the EMS for states who support it.

Reports on the move of the Portland Cement Association (PCA) to adopt a goal of eventually implementing environmental management systems (EMS) at its member's cement plants throughout the U.S. Percentage of cement plants that the plans calls for to have an EMS operating by the end of 2006, 2010 and 2020; Goals that were already accomplished according to Tom Carter, PCA director of environment, health and safety; Components of the continuous improvement program of PCA which has evolved into a sustainable development program.

Focuses on the criticisms made by the Basel Action Network against the guidelines issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the management of end-of-life consumer electronics products through its Plug-In to eCycling initiative in May 2004. Claims of the group against the EPA and electronics manufacturers; Use of prison labor to recycle used electronics; Limitations in the authority of the Basel Convention, a United Nations environmental program, to address the trade of electronic waste.

Reports on the final modifications to ISO 14001, an environmental management systems standard, to be issued by the International Organization for Standardization, located in Geneva, Switzerland. Reasons behind the modification; Overview of the content of the modified standard; Number of months needed by companies to conform to the modified standard. INSET: Related Links.

Reports on a policy instituted by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on May 14, 2004 to encourage businesses in the state to implement environmental management systems. Function of the DEC Pollution Prevention Unit; Role of performance improvement tools.

Provides information on the goal of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding hazardous waste cleanups for the year 2020. Changes to be made to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act's corrective action program to achieve the goal; Example of an approach to corrective action.

Reports on the formation of Aspen Sustainability Associates (ASA), an environmental consulting firm, by Aspen Skiing Co. (ASC) to promote environmental sustainability. Services to be offered by ASA; Contribution of president and chief executive officer Pat O'Donnell to ASC; Information on the conversion of the company's fleet of snowcat vehicles to biodiesel fuel.