February 8, 2010 — Columbia-based W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) has targeted reducing the energy intensity of its operations by 20 percent per pound of production by 2017 as part of its overall sustainability strategy. The company will report its progress annually.

"Sustainability is about maximizing our growth while minimizing our impact on the environment and enhancing lives," said Fred Festa, Grace's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer in a statement. "This new component of our sustainability strategy makes good business sense. As a company, we are constantly striving to be as productive as possible. Improved productivity helps keep our cost structure competitive while delivering improved products to our customers to help them enhance their competitiveness. Clearly, this is a stretch goal, but I am convinced the drive to achieve it will make us more innovative, more efficient and enhance our stewardship of the environment."

Grace will use 2007 as the base year against which it will measure progress. In that year, it produced nearly 2 million tons of products and had carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (a common measurement which converts all emissions into the equivalent of carbon dioxide based on their greenhouse gas intensity) of 1.1 million tons. To achieve its goal, Grace needs to have emissions at or below 2007 levels in 2017 while meeting business growth strategies.

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1854, Grace has operations in over 40 countries.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.