Michael L. Tipsord Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | State Farm, IL
State Farm® has become the first property and casualty insurance company globally to achieve TRUE certifications for two of its facilities. This milestone underscores the company's dedication to operational efficiency, resource responsibility, and environmental sustainability.
The company's Multi-Regional Services Facilities (MRSFs) surpassed the 90% landfill diversion goal to earn TRUE certification in late 2023. The Central facility in Illinois achieved a 96% diversion rate, while the East facility in South Carolina attained a 96.3% diversion rate.
A cross-functional team of Zero-Waste Champions played a crucial role in this achievement by implementing 30 waste strategy improvements throughout 2023. These strategies included right-sizing waste bins, adjusting hauler schedules, and tracking pallet reuse.
David Gwarda, Corporate Executive at State Farm, stated, "State Farm is committed to reducing waste throughout our campuses, sending less waste to landfills, and recycling, reusing or refurbishing materials. It is one more way we are showing how being a good neighbor starts with us."
Practicing environmentally sustainable behaviors both in the workplace and within the community helps build a better future for everyone. More than that, it aligns with what one would expect from a good neighbor.
TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) is the first certification program dedicated to measuring, improving, and recognizing zero waste performance. The goal of a TRUE project is to divert all solid waste from landfills, incineration (waste-to-energy), and the environment. Facilities achieve certification by maintaining an average of 90% or greater overall waste diversion over 12 months and meeting minimum program requirements. Currently, there are 345 registered and certified TRUE projects across 27 countries, covering over 131 million square feet of space.
SOURCE: Green Business Certification Inc.