Isra-Mart srl : Trash company reduced its carbon footprint

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Harrison Industries has taken steps to measure its carbon footprint and to help client cities meet anticipated future regulations.

Harrison, a private trashhauling company, has received Climate Registered status. The designation is awarded to members of the Climate Registry that measure their greenhouse gas emissions according to the nonprofit registry’s voluntary reporting program.

“Becoming Climate Registered isn’t easy,” said former executive director Diane Wittenberg of the Climate Registry. “These organizations have measured their GHG footprints with accuracy and transparency.”

Harrison provides service to more than 80,000 customers with residential, commercial and industrial service in Ventura County, Carpinteria and the Channel Islands Beach Communities. All customers are given the opportunity to recycle more than 17 materials.

By understanding what emissions are being generated by operations at Harrison and its business partner, Gold Coast Recycling and Transfer Station, the company can see where emissions can be reduced. Harrison has reported that its fleet and facilities emitted the equivalent of about 11,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2009.

Harrison also separates materials for recycling, and provides feedstock for composting and biomass energy generation. Recycling reduces the demand for raw materials. Re-manufacturing with recycled materials generally reduces overall energy use.

These recycling activities provided a community benefit by facilitating the avoidance of more than 222,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, according to a model created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.