SKF has received the corporate 2010 Supplier Leadership Award for “Sustainability” from Johnson Controls. The award was presented at a first-ever “Excellence in Execution & Leadership” event hosted by Johnson Controls and coinciding with the company’s 125th anniversary. SKF was one of only 13 key global suppliers from a field of more than 6,000 worldwide to be honored for excellence and leadership in various categories. “SKF is proud of our ongoing record of sustainability-related achievements, and we highly value this outstanding recognition from Johnson Controls,” says Tom Johnstone, president and CEO of SKF. “Sustainability is one of the most important core values throughout our entire global organization.”
In accepting the award in Milwaukee on behalf of SKF Group, Poul Jeppesen, president and CEO of SKF USA Inc., said, “As a supplier for Johnson Controls, we are delighted to receive this recognition of our ongoing dedication and commitment to sustainability. We value our partnership with Johnson Controls and look forward to further develop our cooperation.”
The selection process for the award was rigorous. A detailed questionnaire was developed by Johnson Controls to cover suppliers’ ethics policies, labor conditions, carbon footprint, waste management, and overall environmental impact. Based on the questionnaire, Johnson Controls then created a “sustainability rating” to quantitatively measure results. SKF ultimately was ranked “outstanding” and scored 81 points out of a possible 85. Suppliers for the award also must have participated in the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) and were expected to conduct their business in a “safe, sustainable manner, consistent with all laws and regulations, and focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of their activities,” according to Johnson Controls.
In a concluding summary of findings, Johnson Controls noted that in addition to providing thorough and detailed responses to its questionnaire, SKF has successfully implemented a Life Cycle Assessment program; aggressively targeted reduction of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by 5 percent absolute per year. Since 2006 SKF has reduced GHGs by 27 percent; taken proactive steps to reduce GHGs internally; reported GHGs by country and; developed a supplier CO2 and energy reduction initiative. SKF supplies rolling bearings and diagnostic services to Johnson Controls at facilities around the world and was nominated to participate in the awards competition by its Building Efficiency division.
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader, serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company’s 130,000 employees provide quality products, services, and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems and services, which include technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting, and training. Go online to [www.skf.com].
