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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Becomes Recognized Environmental Star; Facility Receives EnviroStars Recognized Leader Distinction From EnviroStars Program

Posted on: Monday, 17 October 2005, 12:00 CDT

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is the 2005 recipient of an annual environmental leadership award from EnviroStars, a nationally recognized program that certifies businesses for their efforts to reduce and recycle hazardous waste.

EnviroStars presented the EnviroStars Recognized Leader distinction during the 2005 North American Hazardous Materials Management Association Conference in a ceremony held at the Glass Museum in Tacoma, Wash. Accepting the award on behalf of the Hutchinson Center was Scott Rusch, vice president of facilities and operations.

The EnviroStars Recognized Leader designation was established by EnviroStars to acknowledge a select group of highly successful businesses that are taking substantial steps toward reducing their environmental footprint in the Puget Sound region and beyond. This is the second time this award has been given to a local business. In 2004, the distinction was awarded to the Starbucks Coffee Company. The EnviroStars selection committee, made up of representatives from five counties and the previous winner, considered a number of business nominees prior to selecting the Hutchinson Center.

"We chose the Hutchinson Center because of their comprehensive focus on doing business in an environmentally responsible way," explained King County's EnviroStars program manager Laurel Tomchick. "And, we wanted to reinforce that this kind of effort pays off!"

According to Tomchick, the Hutchinson Center's commitment to the environment is integrated throughout the company's business practices, which incorporate sustainability as a business strategy for ongoing success and viability.

"Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center believes environmental responsibility is an essential part of business strategy," said Rusch. "We are honored to be recognized by EnviroStars and look forward to continuing our efforts to reduce our environmental footprint."

The following are a few of the reasons why the Hutchinson Center was selected by the EnviroStars program as the 2005 recipient:

-- "Green" design and construction. Many of their buildings have been built and retrofitted to maximize energy efficiency, and new construction projects all have energy conservation measures as a priority.

-- Safe hazardous waste disposal. A top-notch Hazardous Waste Program offers hazardous waste recycling, disposal, shipping assistance and spill response, and a chemical distribution service encourages labs to exchange chemicals rather than dispose of them. They also participate in the Medical Industry Roundtable where they share information about waste reduction and new technologies.

-- Transportation. Shuttles provide staff and patients with transportation to and from the Hutchinson Cancer, the University of Washington and Children's Hospital facilities, and an incentive grant program tripled employee participation in commute reduction programs.

-- Indoor air quality program. To ensure a positive link between indoor environment and occupancy health, occupied laboratories are required to have six complete air changes an hour.

EnviroStars plans to extend the EnviroStars Recognized Leader distinction to a select group of high-profile businesses in the Puget Sound region that have, like the Hutchinson Center, reduced their overall environmental footprint. "The goal is for these businesses to act as models, mentors, and catalysts for the spread of environmentally sustainable practices, including the reduction of hazardous waste," said Tomchick.

The EnviroStars program is a service of local county hazardous waste programs in King, Pierce, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Whatcom counties. The business certification program supports smaller businesses in the management and reduction of hazardous waste, and rates them with 2- to 5-stars according to their demonstrated commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Currently, there are approximately 600 businesses certified in the region.

For more information, please visit www.envirostars.org or call 877-220-STAR (7827).

Source: Business Wire

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