The Great Spring Cleaning
Eupen, Belgium
Walloon Project
Every year since 2015, the Walloon government (French region of Belgium), in addition to its campaigns to increase awareness and responsibility through the "BeWapp" platform, sponsors cleanliness ambassadors (individuals or companies that regularly collect waste in an assigned and nearby area) and organizes a collective cleanup of our beautiful region. This initiative is called The Great Cleaning.
The 2022 edition mobilized more than 88,000 people. All participants collected a total of 256 tons of waste. “BeWapp” provides the necessary equipment and accessories. When the action is over, an inspiring photo is taken for the community. This event, and the resulting photos, is a great way to raise awareness and engagement for the community’s objective to have a cleaner and healthier planet.
After their participation in 2018 and in 2021, AstenJohnson Eupen associates, along with some family members, volunteered and helped other community volunteers collect litter from the surroundings once again. This year, our associates picked up two bags of waste in the fields and roads around the plant while respecting safety measures.
We are very happy to observe that every year our associates pick up less waste, meaning the area is kept cleaner during the year. The end goal is, of course, that we don’t need such actions anymore.
Join the movement for next year!
Even though I was already active in the Eco-Responsibility Scouts, I decided to become a clean ambassador for my street by taking great care to incorporate my daughter. The only way to succeed is to show the example for our children, who learn by imitation. We can show them that there is another way to consume, to behave towards nature and our environment, especially that our daily actions, no matter how small, count. Young people are our future and I think that we must seize every opportunity to show them a path, a spirituality, a philosophy of life towards sustainable development.
Laurent Buchmann Scheduling Specialist, Eupen
Bike Leasing Program
Eupen, Belgium
Since April 2021, AstenJohnson Eupen has offered a bicycle leasing program to associates. Associates can select different types of bikes, including electric bikes. In support of associates and this initiative, over the summer AstenJohnson Eupen improved their bike parking lot. The new lot offers better accommodations as well as charging stations for e-bikes. The charging stations are powered by solar panels on site. While many associates were already biking or walking to work, the lease program and the new parking lot encourages associates to practice soft mobility.
Benefits of soft mobility include:
- Traveling by bicycle avoids traffic congestion and reduces the risk of delays.
- For short distances, the bicycle is one of the fastest means of transportation, and an environmentally friendly one.
- The cost of using a bicycle is much lower than that of a car, which consumes fuel.
- Cycling increases fitness, reduces stress, and improves moods.
Earth Day Cleaning
Valleyfield, Quebec
On April 22nd, for Earth Day, an associate organized and coordinated a clean-up action at the Valleyfield site. The plant is located on the waterfront with a park along the bay. In the spring, this park attracts many visitors who inadvertently leave trash. The team cleaned the factory grounds, the waterfront, and the streets in the neighborhood. About 40 people participated and collected 18 kilos of garbage.
Chiller Replacement
Clinton, South Carolina
Clinton site leaders identified the chiller as a source of HCFC refrigerants, which is dangerous for the ozone layer. This chiller also has high repair costs.
Project Start: 2021
Goal:
Reduce HVAC costs & also convert to newer, eco-friendly HFC-134a refrigerant.
Progress:
Currently evaluating quotations for CER submission in 2021.
In the last century, humanity has depleted the Earth's resources so much that fossil fuel reserves will disappear completely over the next few centuries. It's not too late, but it's right time to think about how we will live in a few decades and start doing something.
Eva Popelkova Process Engineer Leader, Strakonice
Adopt a Highway Program
Appleton, Wisconsin
The program began in 2015 where AstenJohnson associates clean the mile in front of our plant 3 times a year. This is a volunteer effort. The number of volunteers varies but there is always time set aside to do it.
Zero Air Emissions
Clinton, South Carolina
Eliminate air emissions to become permit-free.
Project Start: 2016
Goal:
To have zero air emissions from our Clinton, SC plant and receive DHEC approval for no air permit required.
Project Completion:
2017 - Met goal
Composting
Valleyfield, Quebec
In 2021, the Valleyfield site started collecting food wastes at the plant, which was never done before on the site. The initiative began with a bin in the kitchen of the office area, one was added in the plant cafeteria as well. This action allows the site to divert approximatively 1000 lbs of food waste per year from landfills.
