The Universal Lighting Technologies plant in Matamoros, Mexico, was recently recognized by PROFEPA, the Mexican equivalent of the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, as a 2013 Environmental Leader in the state of Tamaulipas.
Last year, the Mexican plant set several eco-efficiency projects in motion, which resulted in tangible water savings, energy savings and waste reduction, as well as championed support from numerous community-based companies and contractors for work on future projects.
This award from PROFEPA represents the second level of recognition for environmental proactive participation, behind the Industria Limpia Certification. Universal’s local plant Componentes Universales was one of two companies in the city of Matamoros to receive this honor.
“Universal is committed to not only providing some of the best high-efficiency lighting solutions on the market,” said Luis Buentello, executive vice president of human resources, EH&S for Universal, “but also to preserving the environment with sound sustainability practices. As a company, we’re thrilled that our efforts in Mexico, coupled with those of the entire Matamoros community, earned us this valuable recognition.”
Universal’s pledge to further eco-efficiency within the Mexican factory involved all plant departments and many of Universal’s associates. Areas like maintenance, quality and HR-EHS consistently worked on a daily basis to administer company and natural resources such as water, packaging, recyclable materials and scrap. Additionally, education was provided on the proper handling of chemicals and waste to avoid environmental impact and contamination in an effort to maintain the plant’s reputation as clean, safe and productive.