Cintas Inc. was awarded today a 2011 Most Valuable Pollution Prevention (MVP2) for their work on pollution prevention and sustainability. Cintas Inc. is one of six projects to be honored by the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable at an annual ceremony in Washington, DC. James Wagoner received the award on behalf of Cintas Inc.
Cintas is a national industrial laundry service provider that is moving towards safer chemical alternatives. Cintas-Washington State implemented a program to eliminate 25,000 gallons of detergent that contained nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) in the laundry process. In addition to using safer chemicals, Cintas-Washington State facilities saved over 19 million gallons of water, resulting in a 33% water use reduction savings and $171,000 per year. The three facilities involved in this project together reduced energy use by 50% resulting in $60,000 in savings. In addition, water reuse technologies resulted in the reuse of 240,000 gallons of water.
Cintas along with the other MVP2 award winners demonstrated that reducing pollution and protecting the environment can also save on the pocketbook. Combined the winners cut greenhouse gas emissions by 800,000 tons, reduced air pollution by nearly 100,000 tons/year, conserved more than 6 billion kilowatts of energy, and reduced water consumption by over 45 million gallons a year, while cutting costs by over $10 million. Jeffrey Burke, Executive Director of NPPR, stated, “These organizations have clearly demonstrated that pollution prevention is beneficial to both the environment and the economy. They are being recognized for their leadership and commitment to promoting a sustainable future.”
The MVP2 awards are awarded during National Pollution Prevention Week, which is the third week of September, September 19th – 25th, 2011. Since Pollution Prevention Week became a national event in 1995, NPPR has been advancing pollution prevention awareness through its efforts to encourage and promote widespread participation during this week. By sharing information, National Pollution Prevention Week is a time when organizations can become more competitive, can realize cost savings, and enhance environmental quality.