Two firms win N.H. pollution prevention honor

Fujifilm Dimatix Inc. in Lebanon and Wire Belt Company of America in Londonderry will be presented with the 2010 Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention at a State House Ceremony on Monday, Jan. 10. The awards — which recognize outstanding pollution prevention practices in businesses and organizations — will be presented by Gov. John Lynch and Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Tom Burack. Fujifilm Dimatix will be honored for its innovative process changes to eliminate hazardous wastes and reduce energy consumption. The company was able to eliminate over 2,100 gallons a year of hazardous waste and save over 1 million kilowatt hours of electricity, which is the equivalent of eliminating 792 tons of power plant emissions per year, according to the DES. Wire Belt is being honored for its energy-reduction projects, environmental management system and its work with the DES Aspiring Leadership Initiative. Through its efforts — which included installation of a 100 kilowatt solar photovoltaic array — it has saved over 800,000 kwh, which is equal to the elimination of 633 tons of power plant air emissions. Wire Belt also implemented a waste reduction program that resulted in an annual reduction of 191,000 pounds of solid waste and 237,000 pounds of raw material, DES said. Both companies have benefited financially from their efforts as well, realizing a combined savings of over $180,000 annually, according to DES. – JEFF FEINGOLD/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW