HUDSON, Ohio, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Norandex Building Materials Distribution (www.norandex.com) and its parent company, Saint-Gobain, a 2009 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award winner (www.energystar.gov). Norandex was recognized for its invaluable dedication to energy efficiency, energy management, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and its overall commitment to the ENERGY STAR program. Award winners were selected from more than 12,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program. Norandex's accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 31, 2009. "We are extremely proud to accept this award," says Norandex President and CEO Brian Chambers. "Norandex is fully committed to providing energy-efficient, renewable/recyclable/sustainable products that are both environmentally friendly and provide our customers the opportunity to market Green products." Norandex offers a spectrum of products that carry the ENERGY STAR label, denoting the kind of energy efficiency that should help homeowners control their utility bills. In addition, the company qualifies every product it sells through an internal corporate stewardship process that targets fitness for use and minimal environmental impact. Norandex's commitment to the environment doesn't end with the products it stocks and sells, though. For example, the company's strategy also focuses on upgrading equipment specifications for both HVAC and lighting at its 150+ locations by negotiating these improvements into new lease agreements each year. Norandex is also developing general guidelines for building operation that its facilities can use to improve and sustain energy efficiency. Finally, Norandex expects its preferred suppliers to have an Environmental, Health & Safety Policy. "EPA is pleased to recognize Norandex for leadership in addressing global warming through greater energy efficiency," says Kathleen Hogan, EPA's Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division. "Because commercial and industrial facilities account for about half of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, Norandex's efforts are vital to protecting our global environment." As a leading building products distributor with a fleet of trucks and other company vehicles all across the country, Norandex's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint goes far beyond the walls of its facilities. For example, the company has modified its vehicle specifications to include more fuel-efficient features such as automatic transmissions, high-efficiency diesel engines, and low rolling resistance tires. Further, Norandex has invested in GPS systems to improve overall efficiency by reducing engine idle time and optimizing routing. "At Norandex, we believe that Green is good for the environment and good for business," says Chambers. "We are very excited and appreciative to be recognized as a 2009 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. The bar has been set, and we will do everything we can to raise it even further each and every year."
