NSF International, an independent organization committed to protecting public health and the environment, has earned a 2011 Green Ribbon Award from the American Water Works Association.
NSF received the award, which recognizes excellence in environmental leadership, for its wide array of sustainable service offerings and its internal commitment to sustainability.
NSF International employs sustainable practices throughout its organization:
-NSF undergoes regular water quality assessments to verify that no harmful pollutants are discharged into waterways.
-NSF's Drinking Water Treatment lab, which tests residential and commercial water treatment and filtration products, recycles more than two million gallons of water annually.
-NSF encourages its employees to participate in the company's sustainability initiatives. The NSF Sustainability Committee focuses on recycling, employee education programs and NSF's own organic garden, which has donated more than 650 pounds of fresh produce to area food kitchens.
-NSF practices regular recycling and waste reduction including employee education, purchasing recycled-content products and incorporating these practices into its policies.
-NSF recycles more than 5,100 pounds of metals (copper, brass and stainless steel) annually.
To help recognize these internal efforts, NSF International has earned Silver LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council for its laboratory addition. NSF also has earned Environmental Management System (ISO) 14001 certification, which demonstrates the organization's overall commitment to environmental stewardship.
In addition to employing sustainable practices, NSF International offers services to help other companies become more sustainable. These services include developing American National Standards for sustainable products (e.g. carpet, flooring and other commercial building materials) in addition to testing and certifying sustainable products (e.g. green chemicals and building products).
"NSF International practices sustainability by reducing our own environmental impact, and this award exemplifies that commitment," says NSF International President and CEO Kevan P. Lawlor. "Additionally, we are committed to helping other companies do the same by offering services in greenhouse gas verification, environmental management systems registration, environmental data analysis and sustainable product claims verification."