Xerox Corp. has become the fifth U.S. company to receive a federal designation in return for its commitment to meet environmental targets beyond minimum regulations.
The company on Wednesday joined four previously named “Performance Track Corporate Leaders” under a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program. It encourages and recognizes companies that take steps beyond minimum regulations to protect air and water quality, conserve energy and other measures.
The Norwalk-based maker of copies, printers and other imaging equipment promised to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities by 25 percent from 2002 levels by 2012. The company says it already reduced emissions by 18 percent between 2002 and 2006, placing it more than halfway toward its 2012 goal.
Xerox also wants to reduce waste at its facilities by recycling and reusing materials; strengthen environmental requirements for its paper suppliers and other companies with which it does business; and increase its offering of papers with recycled content.
It would not face sanctions if it misses the self-imposed goals, but could lose the Performance Track Corporate Leader designation.
Dan Fiorino, the EPA program’s director, said that while regulatory measures still comprise the bulk of the agency’s work, the program encourages companies to take their environmental protection efforts beyond the basics.
“We’re looking for companies that really show they have a comprehensive and innovative approach to managing their environmental responsibilities,” Fiorino said.
The designation does not carry bidding advantages for government contracts or other financially tangible benefits, but Xerox and other companies can tout their participation to boost their marketing and sales efforts.
“Yes, you’re getting recognized for what you’ve accomplished, but it also puts you on the hook publicly for what you plan to do in the future,” Fiorino said.
The other companies previously designated were Baxter Healthcare Corp. of Deerfield, Ill.; Johnson & Johnson of New Brunswick, N.J.; Rockwell Collins of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Xanterra Parks and Resorts of Greenwood Village, Colo.
EPA officials announced Xerox’s addition to the Performance Track Corporate Leaders program Wednesday, also giving the company with a climate protection award for cutting energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our long-term experience has shown us that when we act in ways that benefit the environment, we make sound business decisions that not only benefit Xerox but also our customers and shareholders,” Patricia Calkins, the company’s vice president for environment, health and safety said in a written statement.
Xerox was a charter partner for the international Energy Star program in the early 1990s and also participates in several other EPA climate and water protection programs, company officials said.
