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Print ArticleRicoh Americas Corporation has announced that the Ricoh Technology Portal in San Francisco and Ricoh sales offices in Santa Clara and Contra Costa Counties received green certification through the Bay Area Green Business Program. The program, which recognizes organizations for their efforts to operate in an environmentally responsible manner, evaluates businesses based on compliance with all federal, state and local environmental regulations, as well as sustainability efforts and a commitment to ongoing green efforts.
Receiving a Green Business seal means city and county auditors have verified that Ricoh complies with strict environmental standards to reduce waste, prevent pollution and conserve resources. To be recognized by the Bay Area Green Business Program, Ricoh's offices had to meet strict environmental standards. Each county has its own green checklist and evaluates local offices based on the relevant county criteria. For example, San Francisco County requires composting, so Ricoh's Technology Portal implemented a composting program.
"The counties of San Francisco, Santa Clara and Contra Costa are already our customers, so in an effort to be better partners, we wanted to be part of their green programs," said John Schweizer, marketplace general manager, Northern California, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "We recognize the long term benefits of being green, and we are proud to receive these certifications for our offices in the Bay Area."
In 2009, five Ricoh sales, service and training facilities achieved ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Certification, and the Ricoh Technology Portal in San Francisco and Ricoh sales offices in Santa Clara and Contra Costa Counties are scheduled to complete the certification process by April 2010. ISO 14001 outlines the steps for an organization to develop its own EMS, with special focus placed on energy consumption, use of natural resources, paper handling and treatment of waste. Ricoh has achieved ISO 14001 certification at every manufacturing plant worldwide and is now in the process of certifying its non-manufacturing facilities. The Ricoh Americas Corporation headquarters building in West Caldwell, NJ, also meets the certification.
Ricoh is assertive in its efforts to maximize resource productivity while minimizing the production of waste. In 2001, Ricoh's US manufacturing facilities were the first in the country to achieve zero waste-to-landfill status.
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