ASSA ABLOY, New Haven, Conn., announced that its manufacturing facility in its hometown headquarters received certification for Sustainable Manufacturing Practices from GreenCircle Certified, LLC.

ASSA ABLOY received the certification for achievements in waste diversion and reductions in carbon footprint, energy demand and water use. “Having our successes at the New Haven facility verified by a third party adds a level of accountability to our claims and demonstrates to our customers that we walk the talk,” said Aaron Smith, director of Sustainable Building Solutions, ASSA ABLOY. “We have made great progress at this plant and GreenCircle certification helps us tell that story while providing a benchmark for ongoing improvement.”

The New Haven facility has implemented several initiatives to improve operational efficiency and lower its impact on the planet. Substantial energy reduction was accomplished by retrofitting the building and parking lot with LED lighting, optimizing production schedules, improving the insulation in exterior walls, and increasing the plant’s cogeneration hours of operation.

Since 2011 ASSA ABLOY’s New Haven facility has achieved a reduction in carbon footprint (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) of 48 percent, lessened its energy consumption by 38 percent, and reduced water usage and total waste by 41 percent. Waste reduction efforts include a 67 percent reduction in hazardous waste. In addition, ASSA ABLOY’s waste diversion from landfill rate has improved to better than 92 percent.

 “Sustainability has a lot of different meanings among companies, and it’s refreshing to see a global organization like ASSA ABLOY take such a holistic approach,” said Annie Bevan, GreenCircle’s Certification and Operations Manager. “ASSA ABLOY’s sustainability program extends well beyond offering green products. The company, as a whole, is shifting the way things are done and conducting business more responsibly.”