Armstrong World Industries releases sustainability report

Lancaster-based Armstrong World Industries, Inc. announced its release of its first sustainability report on Friday.

The report builds on the environmental and social aspirations the company previously announced and continues the company’s sustainability journey, the company said.

“We view sustainability as a critical enabler of our strategic initiatives, particularly our effort to innovate products that ensure Healthy Spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. While we have a long history of leadership in recycling and diverting waste, this report also illustrates our efforts to meet the demands for healthier, circular products, to preserve and protect our planet’s resources, and to support our employees and communities,” said Vic Grizzle, AWI president and chief executive officer. “We have embedded sustainability into our business strategies, set ambitious goals and committed to transparency around our performance. In doing so, we believe we strengthen the long-term growth potential of our company, our employees and our communities.”

According to the report, the company has identified a comprehensive set of science-based targets for 2030, including a 30 percent absolute reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, a shift to 100 percent renewable sourced electricity, and a 50 percent absolute reduction in waste from operations.

The company also committed in the report to transparency and accountability through reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the Task Force for Climate-Related Disclosure. The company said it has established an enterprise Sustainability Council and a clear governance structure to support its sustainability initiatives, as well as continuing its efforts toward an inclusive and diverse workforce.

“This report is an important milestone on our journey to building a more resilient and sustainable company for the benefit of all of our stakeholders,” said Mark Hershey, general counsel, chief compliance officer and senior vice president of Business Development and Sustainability. “The work we are doing internally, and in collaboration with organizations such as the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC), the International Living Futures Institute (ILFI), the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), the Future-Fit Foundation, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, reflects our position as an industry leader committed to sustainable built environments. It also advances our strategic priorities while playing an important role in supporting environmental and social priorities for our planet and people. We look forward to sharing our progress.”