|
In an APS office, copy machines are stocked with recycled paper. Inside a transformer shop, water-based paint replaces solvent-based paint. At a power plant, a purchase order is placed for a product with reduced non-recyclable packaging.
Day after day throughout APS, countless environmentally conscious business practices take place, ranging from small recycling operations to major purchasing decisions. These Environmentally Preferred Purchasing decisions reinforce our effort to reduce the environmental impact of our operations while becoming a more sustainable company.
We realize the importance of properly managing the materials and chemicals used in our daily operations, and we take steps to ensure all materials are tracked, properly disposed of and used in accordance with regulations.
We believe effective procurement management can result in environmental benefits, such as reduced wastes and toxicity, as well as financial benefits. We strive to develop and implement procurement procedures that help maximize these benefits. In addition, we have programs in place that allow us to reuse materials within the company.
We adhere to a specific and focused vision for recycling, resource reduction and conservation of natural resources, including:
- Reduced consumption of virgin materials through product or process redesign
- Water conservation
- Energy conservation
- Habitat conservation
- Risk reduction
- Procurement of goods with recycled content
- Recycling solid waste
- Recycling hazardous waste and toxic materials
Our employees strive to incorporate this thinking into every aspect of our operations; from making environmentally sensitive purchasing decisions to promoting reuse and recycling efforts. Our systems are being integrated to help manage purchasing, chemical use and reuse of company equipment. Our in-house chemical review team is responsible for examining and approving chemical purchases.
Our purchasing and inventory system, called Materials Logistics Information System (MLIS), allows us to better manage purchasing and inventory activities and increase employee awareness of purchasing practices. We also use our electronic Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) system in conjunction with the MLIS program to facilitate tracking and reporting the types and quantities of chemicals purchased and stored. These two systems allow us to create baselines to more effectively plan and set goals.
Investment Recovery
APS also has a very successful Investment Recovery department that manages surplus materials. The first objective is to re-deploy useful material within the company. For materials that can not be re-deployed, Investment Recovery may sell, recycle or donate materials. Disposal is the last option. In 2005, Investment Recovery recorded more than $2.5 million of total recovered dollars, and an additional $200,000 of avoided costs (e.g. avoided landfill costs on recycled materials). In 2005, more than 6.4 million pounds of materials were recycled through Investment Recovery’s programs.
Material Re-use
Our materials exchange computer program provides a “marketplace” for employees and managers to provide and/or find materials rather than purchasing them new. This program saves the company money while allowing employees to conserve resources. In 2005, over $63,000 of materials were redeployed/reused through this program.
Please use the below links to view information about other important materials management efforts at APS:
|
