Two Organizations Join EPAs Sustainable Partnership and Commit to Improving Environmental Performance

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's mid-Atlantic region welcomed two new members into its Sustainability Partnership Program in a signing ceremony held today.

EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin recognized the U.S. General Services Administration's mid-Atlantic region and eForce Compliance, a recycling company, during a ceremony held at eForce Compliance headquarters in the Grey's Ferry section of Philadelphia.

As Sustainability Partners, GSA and eForce Compliance will work with EPA to further "green" the operations of both organizations in an effort to reduce their environmental footprints.

The Sustainability Partnership is an innovative program developed by EPA's mid-Atlantic region to create a one-stop shopping approach for organizations that use large quantities of energy, water, and natural resources. For organizations that want to go green or reduce their environmental footprint, EPA staff will work with the partners on a comprehensive green plan that often saves money and makes good business sense. The overall goal of the Sustainability Partnership is to minimize the use of energy, resources and waste generation.

"EPA takes great pride in welcoming the General Services Administration and eForce Compliance as sustainable partners," Garvin said. "Both organizations are already involved in reducing waste, reusing resources and recycling but they want to do more. They are ready to take the next steps in improving their environmental performance and EPA is happy to help them achieve their goals."

GSA provides federal workplaces by constructing, managing, and preserving government buildings and by leasing and managing commercial real estate. GSA's mid-Atlantic region supports federal workers located in approximately 120 government-owned buildings and facilities and in more than 650 leased regional buildings. GSA currently recycles some materials through eForce Compliance.

"GSA has been a leader in identifying and deploying innovative sustainable and green practices. From solar panels and vegetative roofs on our Federal buildings, to sourcing green products through our Federal Acquisition Service, GSA is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. We are pleased to partner with EPA on this critical issue and I believe that today's ceremony represents our continued commitment to achieving sustainability across the Federal Government," said David H. Ehrenwerth, regional administrator, U.S. GSA's mid Atlantic region.

EForce Compliance is a unique environmental company that recycles just about everything commercial organizations generate, including batteries, lighting, electronics, office equipment, furniture, construction and demolition materials and more. The company has been serving the greater Philadelphia area for 28 years from their Grey's Ferry neighborhood location, long before recycling was popular. The PADEP permitted facility works to provide the highest level of reasonable reuse for all materials collected.

For more information on the Sustainability Partnership program go to: http://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/spp/index.html

For more information on where you and how to recycle go to: http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/recycle.htm or www.earth911.com