GREEN QUEST- Green Diagnostics

                 GreenQuest

     A well-known company named "Quest Diagnostics" embarked on a project named, GreenQuest in 2008. They have found new ways to reduce our environmental footprints, recycle or reuse materials and conserve energy. Their quest to be an environmentally conscious company is an inspirational effort to help all of us positively affect the biodiversity of our ecosystems. They care for the environment as well as the health and well-being of all human beings.

Teams

They established groups of employee volunteers called GreenTeams. These teams work together to brainstorm positive human interventions on our environment and identify specific green projects. Some participated in projects to recycle batteries, ink and toner cartridges, and even sneakers, often donating proceeds to local charities. Others took on projects that improved the efficiency of our facilities, such as replacing inefficient light bulbs and eliminating wasteful water consumption. Whether their initiatives are big or small, the GreenTeams continue to think of new ways to make Earth a more environmentally friendly place for all of us to live in.

Conservation

In 2008, Quest Diagnostics tackled on a system wide conservation effort to reduce energy and water consumption. They also took steps to cut down on the amount of waste generated by various facilities.

From 2007 to 2008, their facilities reduced:

·        electricity consumption by 4%

·        water consumption by 7%

·        garbage generation by 17%

·        bio hazardous waste generation by 14%

Efforts

One enterprise wide effort was to convert paper pay stubs to an electronic self-serve format, forever eliminating the consumption of hundreds of pounds of printing paper and ink, and the resources needed to transport that mail across the country. Another project being widely replicated is the introduction of reusable waste containers. This eliminates the needless manufacturing and disposal of tens of thousands of pounds of plastic materials. Even the simple idea of replacing manual paper towel dispensers in our bathrooms with electronic models yielded significant savings and reduced waste by 4400 lbs. of paper a year. That's equivalent to 37 trees not being harvested.

Car-Pooling Program

In order to improve our environmental footprint, they not only look at how we work, but how we commute to work. In 2009, they launched an interactive application to their GreenQuest employee website. This new feature allows employees of Quest Diagnostics to connect with other employees in their community and coordinate ride-share opportunities. By simply sharing a ride with one other person their employees can save up to 50% in car maintenance, repair, tolls and parking costs. What’s more, for every gallon of gas they save, 20 pounds of carbon dioxide are prevented from reaching the atmosphere.

REFERENCES

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/brand/company/questcares/environment/greenquest.html

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/brand/company/b_comp_index.html

http://newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/index.php?s=54

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/brand/company/questcares/corporate_responsibility.html

HYPERLINKS

http://vanezzabioblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/unit-2-bio-blog.html#comment-form

http://adorablogs.blogspot.com/2010/09/whats-your-knowledge-on-coral-reefs.html?