The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) announced new guidelines and application updates for its annual ChemStewards Performance Improvement Awards program, which recognizes SOCMA member facilities demonstrating outstanding commitment to continuous improvement in environmental, health safety and security (EHS&S) standards.
Representatives from six SOCMA member companies who had previously served as judges or submitted Performance Improvement Award applications developed new guidelines to create a more efficient application and judging process. The group updated each question and developed a points system to decrease subjectivity.
Applicants are judged in five core areas, taking into account practices and principles that demonstrate continuous improvement above and beyond ChemStewards requirements. These include employee training and engagement, resource management and waste minimization, stakeholder communications, product stewardship and EHS&S in planning and operations.
In addition to the Gold, Silver and Bronze Performance Improvement Awards, the program also includes a Sustainability Award, acknowledging a member facility for its exemplary commitment to sustainability and green chemistry, and an Educational Outreach Award, which recognizes a facility’s efforts to work with local educational programs in the area of chemistry. The deadline to receive applications is September 5, 2014. Winners will be honored at SOCMA’s 93rd Annual Dinner, December 8, 2014, in New York.
For more information, visit: www.socma.com
