Our Commitment
A global leader in the building materials industry, Armstrong is committed to environmental sustainability. We fulfill this
commitment by systematically reducing the environmental footprint of our operations and by providing products and services
to our customers that enable them to reduce the environmental impact of the buildings they create.
Our Actions
Our Policy on the Environment articulates the operating fundamentals that support our commitment to sustainable growth. We have selected four Environmental
Priorities to reduce our environmental footprint: Energy, Greenhouse Gases, Water, and Responsible Forest Management.
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Statement from Michael D. Lockhart, Armstrong Chairman and CEO
Armstrong has a history of environmental stewardship. Our flooring business began by using cork waste to manufacture linoleum
flooring. More recently we introduced the Armstrong Ceiling Recycling Program that has recycled over 45 million pounds of
material that otherwise would have gone into landfills. Now we are broadening our environmental stewardship efforts in four
areas – energy, greenhouse gases, water and forest management. These are the areas in which our company has a significant
impact. We are the largest wood flooring company in the world. Our ceiling operations are water-intensive and use a significant
amount of energy. We are measuring our impact on the environment in the four focus areas. 2007 will become our baseline
year for measuring progress towards meeting our improvement goals.
Our Corporate Policy on the Environment
Armstrong recognizes the importance of protecting the environment and using resources responsibly. We are committed to environmental
stewardship in our dealings with customers, employees, the government and our community.
Key Requirements:
Our policy on the environment is:
- To exercise care in the selection and use of energy and raw materials.
- To provide for environmental safety in our work places and communities.
- To be prepared for emergencies and to act promptly and responsibly to protect people and the environment..
- To ensure all products conform to safety, environmental and quality standards.
- To reduce waste and embrace recycling in all our operations, and to dispose of waste materials in an environmentally responsible
manner.
Energy and Greenhouse Gases
Background and Strategy
Energy use has a significant impact on our costs and on the environment. Energy management impacts the environment because
generating energy from fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases. Armstrong’s Energy and Greenhouse Gas strategy defines policies
and procedures that will enable us to reduce energy consumption and our greenhouse gas footprint.
Armstrong’s Energy and Greenhouse Gas Policy Requires:
- Global energy management programs.
- An Energy Review for new products and capital investments.
- Measurement of energy and GHG according to the Global Reporting Initiative.
- Established goals for our carbon footprint.
- Transparency and external reporting of GHG inventory and progress on reduction.
Water
Background and Strategy
Water is crucial to Armstrong operations. Armstrong is committed to manage our use of water in a responsible and sustainable
manner. We will systematically reduce our consumption of this valuable natural resource.
Armstrong’s Water Policy Requires:
- Measurement systems at all facilities for usage, disposal and evaporation.
- Quality management procedures to monitor the effects of recycling water.
- Goals to optimize water quality and reduce fresh water usage.
- Reporting progress against our goals to external stakeholders.
Forest Management
Background and Strategy
As the world’s largest hardwood flooring company, Armstrong has a vested interest in protecting the forests where our raw
materials originate. Armstrong’s forest management strategy requires we protect the communities and environments where we
extract, process and manufacture wood and wood products.
Armstrong’s Responsible Forest Management Policy Requires:
- Efficient use of wood and wood products.
- Programs to support the company’s Exotic Wood Purchasing Policy.
- Verification that no species on the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
list are used in any product.
- Training and outreach programs on sustainable forest management practices.
- A transparent program subject to internal auditing and independent verification.
Exotic Wood Purchasing Policy
Background and Strategy:
It is Armstrong’s policy to ensure responsible management of wood from the forests where our raw materials are harvested.
Armstrong is committed to the development of environmentally responsible forest products and to properly manage the environmental
impact we have on our industry.
Armstrong’s Exotic Wood Purchasing Policy Requires:
- Working with suppliers to ensure that the wood we purchase is lawfully sourced and meets applicable requirements regarding
forest management, manufacturing and trade rules.
- Taking steps toward third-party verification that our vendors are sourcing their wood lawfully and using environmentally sustainable
forest management practices.
- Improvements in our manufacturing processes to enable us to produce wood flooring with less lumber.
