Chairman and CEO Mike Splinter's challenge to employees in April 2007 was to reduce the company’s carbon footprint by designing and enabling environmentally friendly products, improving energy efficiency and reducing the impact of its operations on the environment. "I'm asking you to join me in establishing a new goal for the sustainable operation of our global business," Mike said in his employee web cast. "It will take all of us working together — and that means each and every one of you."

Employees were obviously listening. Since 2006, the company has reduced its carbon footprint by 9,251 metric tons of carbon equivalents (MTCE) through conservation, green power purchases and on-site solar power generation. This represents a decrease of more than 4 percent in the company’s 2006 footprint and shows Applied is well on its way to its goal of 50,000 MTCE by 2012.

Other impressive statistics include a companywide paper recycling/diversion rate of 88 percent, reduction in total paper usage by 47 percent, reduction in water consumption by 22 percent and a 4.7 percent reduction in electricity use.

"In addition to our technology, our operations and our community efforts, we are having a positive impact on the environment, while saving money and creating strong business opportunities for Applied," Mike said. "We are aware of the inherent business and social impacts of global climate change, and are fully committed to achieving sustainability and improving our environmental stewardship."

The company also increased its efforts and investments in environmental programs and projects that raise awareness about environmental sustainability. The goal to donate 15 percent of all of Applied's philanthropic dollars to directly support environmental causes includes the following accomplishments:

• Bright Future card game – The first step in making a difference is often through education. In 2008, nearly 5,000 decks of Bright Future were distributed to educators, providing a creative tool for fostering an environmental awareness that will enable today's children to become good stewards of the Earth's resources. Children gain awareness and learn about sustainability through this interactive, engaging card game.
• Roots n Shoots in China – In China, more than 3 billion plastic bags are used every day. Through the Jane Goodall Institute in Shanghai, Applied sponsors this awareness program that reaches approximately 30,000 elementary students in low-income schools. Participants receive canvas bags that they decorate with environmental themes and take home, which are intended to help families be more eco-friendly.
• Silicon Valley Climate Prosperity Greenprint – Applied awarded a $300,000 grant over two years to create the staff leadership at Joint Venture Silicon Valley to launch local climate protection programs and partner with other organizations to support the growth of the Valley's clean and green tech sectors. Silicon Valley is one of seven regions in the U.S. to have such a council to drive clean and green tech economic development and sustainability measures.
• Solar Decathlon Teams – Applied has sponsored solar decathlon teams from both the University of Texas at Austin and Santa Clara University as part of the United States Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon. Schools from around the world compete to design, build and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered homes. With Applied's continued support, Santa Clara's team will compete in the 2009 competition to be held at the National Mall in Washington, DC in October.
• Singapore-Environmental Education Excellence Hub at Marsiling Secondary School – Applied South East Asia's $100,000 contribution has enabled the creation of a hands-on, interactive science center at the school. Curriculum in grades 7 through 10 has been developed for all aspects of environmental issues including recycling, renewable energy, water use and conservation. The hub will also welcome students from neighboring schools to participate in the hands-on learning experience.

Applied's Environmental Stewardship
Applied's global environmental stewardship is demonstrated by our employees, whose actions — both in the workplace and the community — encourage materials reuse, energy and water preservation, and emissions and waste reduction. Last year, the company implemented its EarthWorks program, an annual campaign to raise awareness of Earth Day and sustainability.