The award recognizes the plant's "superior environmental performance, commitment to continue reducing its environmental impact and demonstrated commitment to exceed compliance," according to DENR.

 

“Companies like Keihin Carolina System Technology show that economic success and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand,” said John Skvarla, secretary of DENR, in a statement. “The demonstrated solid waste reduction, energy reduction, and community involvement show this plant’s commitment to continue to balance the needs of the environment with the demands of business.”

 

 An Environmental Steward must demonstrate leadership through its commitment to exemplary environmental performance beyond what is required by regulation. 

 

The advisory board made its recommendation, based on the plant’s:

 

·        Declaring Zero Waste to Landfill with a 97 percent plant-wide diversion rate. The remaining 3 percent is from the cafeteria, and the plant continues to work on reducing this waste stream;

 

·        Reducing energy use by 65 percent since 2010 on a kilowatt hour-per-unit basis;  

 

·        Community activity, including strong partnerships with the local high school and community college. The company also provides e-waste recycling drop off opportunities for the local community; and

 

·        The company’s leadership, including hosting Honda and other Honda suppliers for an environmental symposium on greenhouse gas reduction.