Andersen Corporation announced today it has published its 2011 Corporate Sustainability Report (PDF), a first for the company. Available online and in print by request, this report – prepared with reference to the 2002 Global Reporting Initiative™ Guidelines – provides a comprehensive summary of Andersen’s approach to sustainable business practices from three facets: corporate citizenship, environmental stewardship and product development.

“The Corporate Sustainability Report is about transparency and accountability. It measures our progress as a company and challenges us to continue to do more each year,” said Jim Weglewski, director of corporate quality and sustainability at Andersen. “If you take a look at our company history, it’s clear that sustainability is not a fad for us; it’s in our DNA. Our company culture has taught us that success is a lot more than just selling great products; it’s about making a positive impact.”

Andersen’s legacy of corporate sustainability can be traced back to the company’s early days to minimize production waste, standardize window frames, and responsibly manage materials. Today, 99 percent of our Bayport manufacturing materials are beneficially used. Andersen was also one of the first window manufacturer partners accepted into the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Program. This year Andersen received the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award recognizing Andersen as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Product Manufacturer, Windows Category, for three consecutive years.

Achievements detailed in the report include:

•Reducing energy impact by 22 percent over the last 5 years; and, from 2007 to 2011, the corporation realized more than $3 million in energy savings due to energy reduction projects, behavioral changes and production volume.

•Receiving the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in 2012. This award recognizes Andersen as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Product Manufacturer, Windows Category, for three consecutive years.

•The Andersen Corporation Foundation has donated more than $50 million to nonprofit organizations in the communities where Andersen employees live and work.

“Our reputation is built on quality products manufactured responsibly,” said Weglewski. “And our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the energy efficient products we make. It also encompasses how we source our materials, our efforts to decrease the impact our operations have on the planet, and how we engage our employees in the process.”

Andersen’s Corporate Sustainability Report includes a summary of the company’s philanthropic efforts, such as its’ partnership with Habitat for Humanity, donating energy efficient windows, sponsoring homes, and encouraging employee volunteer support. And, recognizing the impact a healthy, engaged workforce can have in helping the company meet future sustainability goals, the report also features information on key employee programs that contribute to the company’s overall health.

“Our founder, Hans Andersen, believed in the philosophy of All Together,” explained Weglewski. “This report captures that spirit alive in everyone at our company as we work together to achieve our business goals in harmony with our values of Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Partnership, and Corporate Citizenship.”

Source: Andersen Corporation