![[L to R] Congressman Steve Knight, AVAQMD Board Chair Marvin Crist, Board Member Newton Chelette, Deluxe Corporation Site Manager Pat Espinosa, Deluxe Environmental Safety & Health Specialist Lynne Gentry; and Board Member Vern Lawson. [Contributed]](https://theavtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/AIRE2015_DELUXE-CORPORATION-2.jpg)
The AIRE award is bestowed annually to a local entity or individual that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to protecting air quality within the AVAQMD’s boundaries, which encompass the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale and unincorporated areas of North Los Angeles County.
The award was accepted by Deluxe Corporation Site Manager Pat Espinosa and Environmental Safety & Health Specialist Lynne Gentry during the local regulatory agency’s monthly Governing Board meeting in Lancaster.
Deluxe was recognized for proactively utilizing state-of-the-art digital print technologies to reduce the amount of chemicals and solvents used in the manufacturing process, and for working collaboratively with AVAQMD staff to meet and exceed the requirements of recently adopted amendments to the District’s Graphic Arts regulation. As a result, Deluxe has reduced the use of volatile organic compounds at their Lancaster facility by over 51 percent over the past three years.
Recycling is key to reducing Deluxe’s carbon footprint, and as such, the company only contracts with vendors that are the best in the industry when it comes to pollution prevention and waste minimization. In addition to yielding environmental benefits, these practices have also resulted in cost reductions associated with waste disposal and reporting, chemical tracking and emission reporting requirements.
Employee safety has also improved as a result of reduced risks of chemical spills and releases, which, in turn, have boosted Deluxe’s ability to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace, while maintaining product quality.
Deluxe also offsets 100 percent of the electricity used at its Lancaster facility through the purchase of alternative energy wind credits.
“The AVAQMD applauds Deluxe Corporation’s commitment to balancing its business operations with its environmental responsibilities,” stated AVAQMD Governing Board Chair Marvin Crist, adding, “We are proud to recognize Deluxe’s pivotal role in promoting pollution prevention, which is key to protecting the Antelope Valley’s legendary air quality.”
The Wm. J. “Pete” Knight Memorial AIRE Award is presented each year in conjunction with National Pollution Prevention Week, which is observed during the third week of September. In 2005, the AVAQMD’s Governing Board renamed the District’s highest honor after the late Senator Wm. “Pete” Knight, in recognition of his pivotal role in the creation of the AVAQMD as a separate, locally governed air agency.
Congressman Steve Knight (CA-25) – son of Senator Wm. “Pete” Knight – joined AVAQMD Board Chair Crist and Deputy Director Bret Banks in presenting the award that bears his father’s name to Deluxe Corporation.
[Information via news release from the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District.]
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Ryan Hunt says
Thank you Deluxe Corporation for being mindful of the need and implementation of technologies that reduce the carbon footprint, waste and energy consumption that would otherwise be more harmful to our natural environment. Thank you Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District and Congressman Steve Knight for acknowledging and bringing the attention to such corporations that are mindful of the need in protecting our natural environment so that others may be compelled to do the same.