Sterling Achieves Carbon Neutrality in 2021 Through Partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation
Sterling, a Vertical Supply Group brand, furthers its commitment to the environment in supporting reforestation in the Econfina Creek Watershed and joins the carbon offset project in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley
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BIDDEFORD, Maine (July 29th, 2021) – Sterling shows a steadfast commitment to sustainability by partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to support reforestation efforts and carbon offset initatives. Sterling also commits to becoming Climate Neutral Certified this fall.
Vertical Supply Group (VSG) manufactures high-quality work tools for professional arborists, climbers, fire and rescue workers and other work-at-height professionals. It is the parent company of trusted brands like Sterling Rope and Notch Equipment. Because it serves an audience working outdoors, Vertical Supply Group has a company mission of environmental stewardship. VSG has achieved carbon neutrality through offsetting 100% of carbon emissions in 2021 with the purchase of qualifying carbon credits. To further their mission, they have partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation in a multi-year relationship in dedication to becoming a more sustainable company both internally and externally.
“Choosing to focus on the future is what the Arbor Day Foundation does best,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We are excited to be working with companies who feel the same, like Vertical Supply Group. They too understand the importance that sustainable business practices will have on the environment and the future.”
VSG contributions will support the Foundation’s work in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley through the purchase of carbon credits. The ongoing restoration work that takes place in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley is vital for countless people and wildlife in the region. In addition to the carbon offsets, VSG has invested in planting 5,000 trees in Florida’s Econfina Creek watershed project. This reforestation project supports several cities, including Panama City. Natural disasters like Hurricane Michael devasted the land in 2018, and now the region is ready to be replanted again.
“After the development of our Environmental and Social Governance Plan for VSG and our audit of carbon emissions, we wanted to find the right partner for conservation and environmental sustainability. Considering our business connection to trees and forests, the Arbor Day Foundation was a natural fit by investing in carbon offsets through reforestation. With their help, we are excited to embark on this journey to help combat climate change and become a more sustainable company.” Tripp Wyckoff, CEO of Vertical Supply Group.
Sterling is also committed to becoming Climate Neutral Certified through Climate Neutral, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to working toward carbon neutrality by measuring and offsetting companies’ carbon emissions, while working to reduce their future carbon footprint. Certification includes a phase 1 through 3 audit of carbon emissions, a purchase of qualified carbon offsets and steps to reduce carbon use in the future. Sterling anticipates receiving certification this fall.
VSG is looking ahead at ways to reduce their carbon footprint at each of their locations. Through the development of an internal task force, the company has identified initiatives to help reduce carbon emissions in the future, which include some of the following:
- Reduction of electricity through more efficient manufacturing processes
- Reduction of plastic in packaging materials
- Explore the use of LED lighting in all facilities
- Establish, maintain and encourage recycling efforts in all facilities
- Evaluate installation of solar panels or purchase of renewable energy
- Promotion of rideshare or EV programs for employees
- Activation of circular supply chain
- Establish a monthly dashboard with initiatives, goals, and estimated carbon footprint reduction by program
For a complete list of Sterling’s many sustainability initiatives, please visit – https://sterlingrope.com/sustainability.
About Sterling
Sterling Rope Company, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of life-safety rope, cord, and hardware. Made in the USA, Sterling has worked hard to develop the best product for use in climbing, rope rescue, arbor, fire, industrial safety, work access and OEM markets. Sterling strives to be the front runner in innovation and work closely with companies, both large and small, to develop superior products for their needs. Sterling Rope Company is owned by Vertical Supply Group. For more information, visit sterlingrope.com and verticalsupplygroup.com.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and valued partners. Since 1972, more than 400 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.
As one of the world’s largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
