SAM / SPG Sustainability Leadership Award
Winner of the First Award (2001)
Ray Anderson, CEO Interface Inc.
Conclusion
While Interface, the largest commercial carpet manufacturer in the world, is known worldwide for its commitment to high quality design and innovation, the company is fast gaining a reputation as a corporation carrying the banner for the environment. Inspired chiefly by Paul Hawken's book, The Ecology of Commerce, Ray has heightened the company's awareness and led changes in technology in an effort to become completely sustainable. Admittedly, Interface is not there yet; however, the company is investing in the processes and technologies to get it there. As an example, Interface is learning to harness solar energy and provide raw material needs by harvesting and recycling carpet and other petrochemical products, while eliminating waste and harmful emissions from its operations. Ray believes that if Interface can get it right, it will never need to take another drop of oil from the earth. According to Ray, it's not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing, too.
Self nominations will not be considered.
