Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/805542
16 Worcester Business Journal | April 3, 2017 | wbjournal.com F O C U S M A N U F A C T U R I N G SUSTAINABLE LIGHTING TO REDUCE COSTS Northeast Efficiency Supply (NES) 10 Dorrance St., STE 700 Providence, RI 02903 401.500.2812 SPECIALTY LIGHTING DISTRIBUTOR NES' executives have over 50 years of experience in the lighting industry and have retrofitted over 20 million square feet of space. With a deep understanding of utility efficiency programs, construction logistics, and manufacturing nuances, NES is the premier distributor for ESCOs and end-users alike. SERVICES INCLUDE: • LIGHTING AUDIT SERVICES • LIGHTING RETROFIT DESIGN Utility incentives provide LED lamps and fixtures to commercial accounts at little to no cost Partner distributor of • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • POLE TESTING WORLD CLASS. LOCAL TOUCH. Manufacturing relationships that are built to last! www.MMA-NE.com Marsh & McLennan Agency is a full-service insurance, retirement, and risk management firm specializing in: Employee Benefits, Property & Casualty, Retirement Services, Executive Benefits, Surety Bonding, and Personal Insurance Marsh & McLennan Agency 100 Front Street, Suite 800 Worcester, MA 01608 www.MMA-NE.com W Seaman Paper takes soft steps toward sustainability T aking "Soft Steps Forward" might sound like a philosophy that comes naturally in the satin tis- sue industry, but for Seaman Paper in Gardner, taking a soft approach is no simple matter. Its Soft Steps Forward Initiative hinges on making all deci- sions with respect to the environment while maintaining efficient operations. As the leading supplier of lightweight decorative tissue, Seaman Paper holds itself to the highest standards. "We envisioned our sustainability program being gentle on the environ- ment as well as having an element of constant improvement," Seaman President Ryan Lichwell said. "We named our program the Soft Steps Forward Initiative to represent these characteristics, as well as the program being a journey, opposed to a single investment or action." Ambitious goals Seaman's ongoing goals aim for the reduction of greenhouse gases, acid rain and smog. In addition, the company has increased the levels of recycled water used in the papermaking process. Seaman utilizes roughly 780,000 gallons of water per day from the Otter River. Following the papermaking process, the water undergoes primary and second- ary treatment in Seaman's private wastewater treatment facility. The installation of wood-fired boilers have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 91 percent since 2006. In addition, the wood-fired boiler has diminished oil consumption by over 97 percent. "Seaman burns 30,000 tons of bio- mass per year to displace oil use. They burn unusable palates and whole tree wood chips," said Jamie Dammann, treasurer at New Hampshire furnace servicer North County Procurement. Embracing double use Seaman is a master of double use, recycling everything from wrapping materials to bottom boiler ash; even the steam has two jobs: producing electrici- ty and subsequently drying the paper. "We are very proud of our team members who embrace these improve- ments as part of our culture and contin- uously evaluate our program looking for opportunities to leave a positive effect," Lichwell said. BY SARAH CONNELL Special to the Worcester Business Journal Green Manufacturing Award Seaman Paper Co. of Massachusetts, Inc. Location: Gardner Industry subsector: Production and converting of decorative tissue paper Top executive: CEO George D. Jones, III Full-time employees: 125 Founded: 1954 Signature product: Decorative tissue paper Seaman Paper Company was recognized as a leader in sustainability at the American Forest & Paper Association's 2015 annual meeting in Texas.